Publisher: 26th October 2021 by Hachette Australia
Pages: 318 pages
How I Read It: ARC book
Genre: autobiography
My Rating: 4 cups
Synopsis:
Dick and Angel Strawbridge share more charming stories from their life at the Chateau-de-la-Motte Husson. The follow-up to the massive Sunday Times bestseller, A Year at the Chateau. The follow-up to the massive Sunday Times bestseller, A Year at the Chateau.
In January 2015 Dick and Angel Strawbridge embarked on the journey of a lifetime when they swapped their cosy two-bedroom flat in East London for a derelict chateau in the Loire Valley.
Where Sunday Times bestseller A Year at the Chateau told the entertaining and heart-warming beginning of the family's French adventure, Living the Chateau Dream is about the years of hard graft that followed as Dick and Angel leapt into action transforming Chateau-de-la-Motte Husson into both a thriving family home and a sustainable business.
From throwing open the shutters to new suites, to exploring the walled garden, launching their wedding business and hosting guests, no stone was left unturned. With enormous tasks, like installing a lift, plus the beginnings of lifelong traditions, this much-anticipated follow-up includes many firsts for the Strawbridge family. As Dick and Angel recount stories of the next two years at the chateau, we start to understand the true extent of the work and skill that it has taken to make this incredible house into a much-loved home.
With never-before-told stories of remarkable discoveries, amazing transformations and once-in-a-lifetime celebrations, this book is sure to delight and inspire in equal measure!
My Thoughts
‘We are, however, realists - optimistic definitely, but we are grounded. There was so much more to do and we understood that we had only actually set the foundations for our dream life.’
Following on from the success of A Year at The Chateau and their TV show, Living the Château Dream sees Dick and Angel sharing the next part of the journey from their 19th-century French chateau. Who would not want a window into life in a 45 room chateau with a walled gardens and your very own moat! This new book regales stories covering their amazing efforts to transform the chateau - both inside and out - into a successful place to both live and work.
‘The château was becoming more and more comfortable week by week and it was working as our home and our place of work. It seems a bit silly to say it but the château has a nice intimate feeling. It has never felt big and we definitely don’t rattle around in it. However, no matter how you look at it, there are a lot of stairs. To get up to our guest bedroom suites is four flights of stairs and it can be testing even for the young.’
For those of you unfamiliar with Dick and Angel, they left their London residence for the journey of a lifetime to renovate a derelict chateau in the Loire Valley. This second book continues their story detailing all their hard work and efforts to restore and renovate this dream residence. A place that would be not only their home but also host a sustainable business.
Here you will read of the launch of their business venture - hosting weddings, Food Lovers Weekends and much more. Their truthful and honest approach helps readers to understand the mammoth undertaking and incredible skill set required to succeed - and succeed they have! This is a book that will both entertain and inspire you.
‘There are times in life when you are completely in a moment and are overcome with happiness. That was one of those very special times. We were creating a magical place for our family and for a business and that was always our masterplan. Everything was looking stunning and we were ready to welcome our guests.’
Living the Château Dream is a wonderful read providing bonus content for those who have been following their TV show. If you liked the first book you will undoubtedly be thrilled with this gorgeous illustrated edition. I loved to hear the voices of both Dick and Angel as their love of both people and place pours off the pages. Slip away to a French Chateau and learn of their heartwarming tale.
‘Moments like this made me realise that even though we were busy and hadn’t yet managed to achieve the two-hour French-style lunches, we were living our dream.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
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