Meet the Jamiesons'

People often ask us the same question...

"How on earth did you end up buying a château in southwest France?"

The truth is, we weren't actually looking for a château.

For years we'd dreamed of finding a family home in France; somewhere that could bring everyone together under one roof. We wanted a house with generous indoor spaces where family and friends could gather around a long table for hours over good food and conversation, but equally somewhere with beautiful gardens where life naturally spills outside during the long summer months.

There was one other ingredient we knew we wanted—a project.

We've always loved restoring old buildings and the satisfaction that comes from bringing something neglected back to life. Rather than buying a house that was already finished, we wanted somewhere we could gradually transform with our own ideas, respecting its history while creating a home for the future.

Then, almost by chance, we discovered Château de Seguenville.

The moment we drove through the gates we knew we'd found something extraordinary. It certainly wasn't the easiest option—we could see years of work ahead—but beyond the peeling paint, tired rooms and endless list of jobs was a property with incredible character and a history that deserved to be preserved.

We took a deep breath... and jumped in.

Like many renovation projects, what looked straightforward on paper quickly became something much bigger. Every completed room revealed another challenge waiting behind it, but that's also what has made the journey so rewarding. We've learnt new skills, met wonderful local craftspeople and discovered just how resilient two people can be when they're determined enough.

Our adventure eventually caught the attention of Channel 4's Château DIY, and suddenly our family project became something thousands of people were following from their own living rooms. It was a privilege to share both the successes and the setbacks, because anyone who's restored an old property knows that there are plenty of both.

One of the projects closest to our hearts has been creating the gîte.

Rather than simply renovating it, we wanted to create somewhere we'd genuinely choose to stay ourselves. Somewhere elegant without feeling formal, full of character but with every modern comfort. A place where you can wake to birdsong, spend long afternoons exploring the villages of Gascony, return for dinner under the stars and feel completely at home.

The château is still evolving. In many ways, that's part of its charm. Every year we complete another project, uncover another piece of its history and continue writing the next chapter of its story.

When you come to stay with us, you're not just booking a holiday cottage. You're becoming part of that story too, and we look forward to welcoming you to a place that has already given our family so many wonderful memories.

We hope it will do the same for yours.

Mark & Becky