Château Chomet
Debbie and Dave
Debbi and Dave are a married couple from Darlington in the north of England, who have been together since they met at 18 through their local church youth group.
Married for over 27 years, their shared passion for creativity led them to found Debbi Moore Designs, a business they’ve successfully run for over 15 years. Through their website, debbiemooredesigns.com, and TV channels such as HobbyMaker and Sewing Street, they sell arts and crafts products to a global audience.
Planning a trip to France?
A Leap of Faith: From Darlington to France
Following a difficult few years during the pandemic, which included the loss of close family members and business struggles, Dave and Debbi decided to stop waiting for the “perfect time” and pursue their dream of living and working in France. They purchased Château Chomet—a charming but neglected French château—and began a brand new adventure.
Though they still run their craft business full-time, they now spend their days balancing work with language lessons and DIY renovations. Even after only a year, the château already feels like home.
The Vision for Château Chomet
Their dream is to transform Château Chomet into a creative retreat destination, offering art and craft workshops, as well as a space for small events. The property had been empty for nearly a decade before their arrival, so there’s a long list of renovations ahead—from fixing water damage and restoring rooms, to clearing out decades’ worth of belongings. Despite the challenges, they’re full of enthusiasm and are loving the process of bringing new life to the building.
Design Meets Restoration
Dave and Debbi are passionate about vintage style, particularly from the 1800s and early 1900s, and aim to reflect that historical charm in the décor of the château—while also adding their own creative flair. Although they have limited DIY experience, they’re learning as they go, and are supported by generous friends who have lent a hand in the early stages of the restoration.
Château Life: What’s to Come
Rooms: Initially, the château will open with three guest rooms and dedicated workshop spaces.
Rentals: Future plans include gîtes for hire and workshop facilities for creative getaways.
Events: Their first art and craft retreat is scheduled for August 2025.
Facilities: The château is currently not child- or pet-friendly due to ongoing renovations, and it does not yet have a pool.
Behind the Scenes with Château DIY
Dave and Debbi recently joined the cast of Château DIY, the popular TV series following Brits restoring French properties. While filming has added new deadlines and responsibilities, they’ve loved becoming part of the château restoration community and have found valuable support from fellow owners.
Discovering France
Château Chomet is located near the picturesque towns of Limoges and Aubusson—both known for their culture, history, and local charm. While the château came with little historical documentation, Dave and Debbi hope to uncover more of its past as they sort through the rooms—especially the library.
Advice for Future Château Owners
Their biggest piece of advice? Double your budget and your timeline. Renovating a château is anything but straightforward, but for Dave and Debbi, it’s already been a rewarding journey. Their story proves that with a little courage and a lot of heart, it’s possible to turn a dream into reality.
Château Chomet Services
Arts Workshops, Gite Stays
Booking Enquiries
Find out more or to book a stay – contact the owners here