Château de la Grillère

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Early Retirement & New Beginnings

After successful careers in the UK, Tim and Sharon made the bold decision to retire early and embark on a new adventure in France. Encouraged (and occasionally challenged!) by their three grown sons, they embraced château life with enthusiasm. Sharon, formerly a Community Sister with the NHS, left her role in healthcare, while Tim stepped away from his career as a project manager in construction, following more than 30 years as a heating and plumbing engineer and business owner.

Interests & Passions

Tim is an avid golfer who enjoys taking advantage of the excellent courses in the region. A dedicated rugby and athletics fan, he follows the sports both on television and in person. Sharon, meanwhile, enjoys her weekly yoga classes in a nearby village, conducted in both French and English—a perfect way to stay active while improving her language skills. She also has a keen interest in fashion, art, and interior design.

A Love for Travel

Both Tim and Sharon have a deep appreciation for travel, exploring different cultures and histories across the globe. India holds a special place for Sharon, having spent time there training second-year nursing students at the Florence Nightingale Hospital in Tiruvannamalai. Their love for adventure runs in the family, with their three sons now living in the USA, Finland, and Sweden.

The Château Dream

Sharon was inspired by countless episodes of Escape to the Château, fueling a dream of owning and restoring a historic property. While Tim initially had reservations, after 18 months of persistence, Sharon convinced him to take the leap—and the journey of transforming Château de la Grillère began.

The Reality of Château Life

Renovating a château comes with challenges, and Tim and Sharon quickly discovered that “spare time” was more myth than reality! While Tim occasionally finds time to play golf, Sharon enjoys her weekly yoga sessions as a moment of calm amid the work. Their decision was met with a mix of encouragement and disbelief from family and friends, with responses ranging from “go for it!” to “are you insane?”

The Château & Its Restoration

Built 130 years ago, Château de la Grillère may be younger than some French estates, but it carries a rich history. Notably, famed author and philosopher Simone de Beauvoir spent summers here in her youth. Her connection to the château, along with visits from Jean-Paul Sartre, adds an intriguing literary legacy to the property.

Tim and Sharon have embraced the château’s original furnishings while incorporating their own design vision. They focus on maintaining the estate’s charm while making it a warm and inviting family home. Their renovation approach combines Tim’s precise craftsmanship—”measure three times, cut once!”—with Sharon’s efficiency-driven mindset—”what’s the quickest way to achieve maximum results?”

Their most successful projects so far include the complete restoration of three bathrooms, with one particularly challenging transformation in the château’s tower. While they have yet to encounter any renovation disasters, they remain cautiously optimistic!

Life in France & Future Plans

Buying a château in France—especially post-Brexit—came with its share of hurdles. The biggest challenge? The language barrier. Despite completing 200 hours of compulsory French lessons and passing four language tests, navigating real-life conversations and French bureaucracy remains a work in progress.

Tim and Sharon are determined to see the renovation through to completion. They Chateau is open for holiday rentals this Summer, allowing guests to experience its beauty firsthand.

Advice for Aspiring Château Owners

For those considering purchasing a château, Tim and Sharon offer a word of caution: It’s much more work than you can ever imagine! However, for those with a long-held dream, they encourage taking the leap—after all, the worst that can happen is realizing it wasn’t the right fit. Better to try than to wonder, what if?

The Château Experience

Facilities & Offerings

Rooms: The château features 22 rooms, including a kitchen, utility room, salon, dining room, six bedrooms (three with ensuite bathrooms), and an additional bathroom.

Pool: Yes, the château includes a heated swimming pool.

Guest Rentals: The entire château will be available for holiday rentals.

Family & Pet-Friendly: Children are welcome, and the château’s pet policy depends on the type of animal.

Local Attractions & Activities

Château de la Grillère is located in a region rich with history, culture, and natural beauty. Guests can explore:

Limoges: Famous for its historic cathedral, charming old town, and bustling markets.

Uzerche: A medieval village with well-preserved castles and historic buildings.

Oradour-sur-Glane: A poignant WWII memorial site.

Scenic Landmarks: The picturesque villages of Collonges-la-Rouge and Rocamadour, the wine region of Bergerac, and the vibrant coastal city of La Rochelle.

The TV Experience

Tim and Sharon’s château journey caught the attention of television producers, and they are set to appear on an upcoming program. While they are excited (and slightly nervous!) to see themselves on screen, they remain focused on their restoration work. Unlike other château owners who meticulously plan their shoots, they prefer a one-take approach—keeping things as authentic as possible.

As they await their television debut, they continue their work with dedication, humor, and a touch of British resilience.