Château De Pican

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Rory

Rory is originally from Stockton-on-Tees in the North East of England. With a passion for acting from a young age, he always knew the path he wanted to follow. However, after years in the industry, he unexpectedly became a qualified plumbing and heating engineer—because something has to pay the bills!

In his 20s, Rory trained as an actor and spent many summers performing at the Cambridge Shakespeare Festival. After nearly a decade in London, he purchased a house near Cambridge with his then-fiancée. When the relationship ended, he found himself staying on friends’ sofas—and even in a tent for a short time. It was during this period that he met Jane. Seven years later, he went from living in a tent to owning a château!

While Rory and Jane share many interests, one thing Jane has never joined him in is his passion for skydiving, leaping from planes at 13,000 feet.

Jane

Jane spent her early childhood in Belgium, where she attended a French-speaking primary school. At the age of six, she moved back to the UK, settling in Cheshire. She later attended Durham University, studying chemistry, before completing a PhD in theoretical chemistry at Clare College, Cambridge.

In her early twenties, Jane married and started a family before finishing her thesis. She went on to have a 25-year career in BT’s research department, specialising in the commercialisation of intellectual property, particularly patents. With her then-husband, she bought a 16th-century thatched cottage in a rural Suffolk hamlet, where she was able to fulfill her dream of owning horses, along with dogs, cats, and a large garden.

Their Journey to the Château

Rory and Jane met in 2017 on Match.com after Jane’s previous marriage ended. Their shared love of nature, animals, theatre, language, and humour brought them together, and they haven’t looked back since.

Although Jane has no desire to skydive, she loves skiing—and, to her surprise, Rory turned out to be a natural on the slopes. Their first ski trip to France sparked a shared love for the country.

During lockdown, they became captivated by Escape to the Château at the same time Rory was considering purchasing an investment property in a French ski region. Though they aren’t entirely sure when the decision was made to move, they spent months obsessively searching for château listings, dreaming of what might be possible.

Spare time is a rare commodity, but when they can, they enjoy skiing in winter, riding horses, and swimming in nearby lakes during the warmer months.

Their move to France was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism from family and friends, with plenty of well-meaning warnings. However, since making the leap, the support and encouragement they’ve received have been overwhelming—often accompanied by the inevitable question: “Have you built a swimming pool yet?”

Life at the Château

Rory’s top DIY advice is simple: just have a go. He believes that bravery is half the battle and that nearly everything can be repaired or replaced. His biggest tip for prospective château buyers? Think with both head and heart—not just the heart. A château that’s too large or too costly could become overwhelming, so it’s essential to plan realistically.

For those considering a move to France, Jane emphasizes the importance of speaking French. Post-Brexit, visa renewals require proof of language proficiency, financial stability, and a viable business plan. The immigration process can be complex, but with the right preparation, the dream is achievable.

Their château, a perfect blend of grandeur and comfort, feels like the ideal fit—structurally sound, with just enough work to keep them busy for at least a decade! With sweeping views, rolling hills, and a mild climate, they believe they truly landed on their feet.

The Renovation

While the château wasn’t a complete wreck, it required significant updates. Early work focused on improving the toilets and bathrooms, which had outdated plumbing and drainage issues. A leaking bath tap led to unexpected structural repairs, including fixing a rotting staircase.

They have tackled nearly all the renovation work themselves, with only one paid project—the repair of a barn roof. Their next major task is converting the château’s east wing into a self-contained gîte for guests. One of their favorite features so far is the “secret” bathroom hidden behind a wardrobe, which has become a labor of love.

In total, the château currently has 23 rooms, but as renovations continue, additional spaces will be created. The ambitious goal for the year ahead is building a swimming pool, entirely as a DIY project. They also envision hosting future events such as weddings, yoga retreats, or artist workshops.

The property is home to their beloved dogs, cats, and horses, making it a haven for animal lovers. Children will also be welcomed, and the grounds will gradually be tamed and cultivated into a stunning landscape.

Becoming Part of Château DIY

Rory and Jane credit Château DIY as the catalyst for their move. They are thrilled to be part of the community and look forward to seeing their château featured on the show. The filming process has been exciting—aside from the occasional mishap, like when a piece of coving fell on Jane’s head!

Having initially appeared as château shoppers, they are eager to see how their journey unfolds on-screen. As post-Brexit buyers, they hope to offer guidance to others navigating the French immigration process.

The Beauty of the Gers Region

Nestled in an unspoiled landscape of rolling hills, golden light, and breathtaking views of the Pyrenees, their region offers a true escape. From swimming in glacial lakes to cycling through quiet countryside, the area is a paradise for nature lovers. Nearby, historic cities like Lourdes, Pau, and Auch offer culture and charm, while vineyards provide the opportunity to sample local wines and Armagnac. The Gers region, known as “France’s Tuscany,” is a place where life slows down, you can smile at the sunflowers and worries melt away.

For Rory and Jane, the château is more than just a home—it’s the adventure of a lifetime.