2020
It's decided, we're changing our lives.
The resuscitation of castles has become our life goal. Big ambitions, big means: Minh-Son leaves his post at Sotheby 's Int. Realty to resume studies while Romane, based in Brussels, is considering changing her Architecture practice
2 years
additional studies
specialization in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage and Real Estate are necessary to put on paper a project that will change our lives .
After two years of work and academic battles, Minh-Son published a specialization thesis entitled:
“Life in castles in the 21st century - Conservation and restoration of private historic residences. Towards innovative and sustainable management”
Successfully presented to a jury of heritage experts and technicians, the defended thesis seeks to respond to a problem that is too little addressed in the building trades: What viable model for the preservation of heritage buildings?
2022
starting signal
we leave Brussels and restore a caravan for a grand tour of the castles
50+
Castles and monuments
opened their doors to us.
For more than 6 months, we were able to visit, question, study and discuss with many owners. Thus, we were able to develop our expertise and our network
We left Brussels. Before returning the apartment, we bought a caravan to renovate with one goal in mind:
experience real castle life.
Meet, question, observe, and if possible help the monument watchers, owners or managers, who strive to accomplish their work and make their homes important living spaces for our society.
You followed us on the networks and discovered many castles and their owners with us.
This personal and professional experience was intense. It allowed us to strengthen our knowledge, open up our range of possibilities and validate our initial concepts.
Through this trip, we truly trained as architects in the management of historic monuments.
Sainte-Sévère-sur-Indre
in the heart of its village, this castle awaited us.
When we arrived in Sainte-Sévère, nothing predicted our recovery .
Since 2017, this pretty castle located in the heart of the Berrichon village has been labeled “small town of character”, located on one of the first reliefs of the Creuse and awaiting a buyer to liven up its welcoming lounges and its park.
From the first visit, we truly fell in love with this old building and above all, this charming village of 800 inhabitants having served as a setting for the works of George Sand and Jacques Tati.
The Mayor of Sainte-Sévère, having heard about our visit and being interested in our approach, rushed to meet us to make us a proposal : If we wished, the municipality would help us settle in the castle. In return, we will have to carry out activities beneficial to village life.
A few months later, we are the owners of the Château de Sainte-Sévère-sur-Indre.
The Château Route club
Our partners and patrons
Whether they are owners, entrepreneurs, or simply castle enthusiasts, we would like to thank all those who have been able to contribute in one way or another to enrich and make this project possible. Thanks to: Aurore & Emmanuel, Gilles, Alexandre & Natacha, Willy & Julie, Alexandre, Beulah & Ziggy, Edouard, Lancelot, Jessica, Veronique, Guillaume, Nicolas, Laure & Bertrand, Marguerite, Olivier, Eric, Séverine & Cédric, Audrey & David, our parents, our friends, our colleagues, and many others for your technical, intellectual, material, and financial support.
We look forward to sharing the next steps with you, continuing the collaboration, and most importantly, being able to invite you to our place!