Preye & Renee
Childhood besties full of DIY hacks think they’ve got what it takes to tackle a chateau and turn it into their dream business.
About Preye and Renee
The best friends describe themselves as the female version of Ant & Dec! They have known each other since primary school and have been inseparable ever since.
Both Preye and Renee are very active people, health-conscious and share hobbies such as running, hiking and swimming. On a working level, they are fully in sync and have a telepathic connection—they both say they are more like siblings than friends.
Renee went through the biggest challenge of her life last year, when she was in hospital with kidney failure. She has since made a full recovery and has said that, despite it being her lowest point, it has given her a completely new lease of life and motivation to succeed.
Renee works as an engagement officer in college, helping children and vulnerable students. Her mum is a foster carer, so the interest in helping others and those more vulnerable runs in the family.
Preye grew up in a large family with 6 sisters, so is naturally competitive but also knows how to work well in a team.
Their DIY journey
Renee came across the DIY “influencing” world by accident, as she filmed herself renovating her mum’s bathroom for TikTok and got 2 million views! Her hobby and passion snowballed from there, and she now gives advice to her viewers, creating content such as how to renovate on a budget, top tips and affordable interior designs.
Most recently, Renee learned how to use a circular saw and built a media unit. She is young but already has several bedroom and bathroom renovations under her belt, but is always keen and hungry to learn more.
Preye’s skills stem from growing up in the hotel business, and she now helps run her independent, family hotel in Staffordshire. Together with her dad and sister, they took on a guest house with 14 rooms and have done all the renovations themselves, including adding more rooms, converting outbuildings, upscaling the hallway, and most recently converting a room into a bridal suite.
Renee is obsessed with the interior design style, “Japandi” and loves creating spaces with a cosy feel, incorporating nature and natural tones.
The Dream
The ultimate goal for the chateau is to turn it into a B&B, or “home away from home” for guests to stay. With Preye’s hospitality background, this feels like a no-brainer for the pair and a challenge they would absolutely thrive in.
Winning a chateau in France would be an absolute dream for them. As “Generation Z” living in London, owning a property feels completely out of reach.