Frankly, I never thought I’d end up living in France but – you see, I met a man. On a ski trip – Alps – chalet – fireplace – well, it’s been twenty years. Mostly in Paris, but now more and more out here in the Loire Valley. I can’t give you the complete insider’s guide to this fabulous region yet (I believe that takes minimally three generations) but I can give you an ex-New Yorker’s guide to our adoptive Valley of the Kings.
We now split our time between Paris and this enchanted spot – we have fallen in love the region, it has so much to offer! Castles, vineyards, hiking, canoeing, bicycle riding – I never get tired of the walk from the Songbird Sanctuary to that magical view behind the castle at Chenonceau.
We just fell in love with this property as soon as we saw it. We had looked at a number of perfectly nice properties – mostly ‘longere’, which are typical of the region – a long rectangle on a flat lawn. They are often lovely but… for me, lacking in a certain spark of individuality. This was completely different. Set up on three levels, with the potential for all kinds of interesting living spaces, passages, connections and privacy. Kids love our “secret passage” between the two houses, when you take both of them together!
We have recently bought another property right near Amboise, which I am happily renovating even as we speak (well, even as I write). It is also a glorious maze of possibilities. As an architect, I love creating these unique and beautiful gîtes – especially the majestic spaces and challenges of renovating the caves! And as an ex-pat, I love meeting the people who come to enjoy their vacations here. I do hope to get to meet you soon!
