Escape to the Chateau’s Dick and Angel’s project secrets
Ever wondered what it takes to up sticks and buy a chateau in France? Dick and Angel Strawbridge from Channel 4’s Escape to the Chateau answer your burning questions…
How did you find the chateau?
‘Hours upon hours of internet searching, family trips around France and many 1 day viewings to find the one.’
What hurdles did you face?
‘Many! Estate agents being very secretive about location and causing wasted trips, farmers having ‘sitting tenant rights’ to use land ‘included’ in your purchase.. and many many big properties having had part of the estate already sold off… It took years of looking to find the one.’
Photo: Channel 4 Picture Publicity
Talk us through how you set up your business…
‘We already had a business in the UK for events, so finally having found our fairy-tale location it meant we could expand. We wanted to provide exclusive getaways and weddings that we would like to attend!’
What key factors should couples consider before taking on this sort of project?
‘Firstly, you need to ensure you are capable of prioritising tasks and doing essential things before the things you want to do! If you are doing this as a couple you must have the same objective and work ethic, things are not always easy in France.’
Dick Strawbridge and Angel Adoree from Channel 4’s Escape to the Chateau outside their chateau in France, Channel 4 Picture Publicity
Did you have a vision of what you wanted before taking the plunge?
‘Yes! We knew we wanted it to be a business and we wanted the lifestyle and space!’
Finally, after doing it yourself, would you do it again? What would you do differently, if anything.
‘We absolute made the right decision, it’s great but no way we would it again – one Chateau is enough for anyone! It’s our forever home…’