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Living the Château Dream
THE FOLLOW-UP TO THE MASSIVE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER, A YEAR AT THE CHATEAU!
In January 2015 Dick and Angel Strawbridge embarked on the journey of a lifetime when they swapped their cosy two-bedroom flat in East London for a derelict château in the Loire Valley.
Where Sunday Times bestseller A Year at the Château told the entertaining and heart-warming beginning of the family's French adventure, Living the Château Dream is about the years of hard graft that followed as Dick and Angel leapt into action transforming Château-de-la-Motte Husson into both a thriving family home and a sustainable business.
From throwing open the shutters to new suites, to exploring the walled garden, launching their wedding business and hosting guests, no stone was left unturned. With enormous tasks, like installing a lift, plus the beginnings of lifelong traditions, this much-anticipated follow-up includes many firsts for the Strawbridge family. As Dick and Angel recount stories of the next two years at the château, we start to understand the true extent of the work and skill that it has taken to make this incredible house into a much-loved home.
With never-before-told stories of remarkable discoveries, amazing transformations and once-in-a-lifetime celebrations, this book is sure to delight and inspire in equal measure!
In January 2015 Dick and Angel Strawbridge embarked on the journey of a lifetime when they swapped their cosy two-bedroom flat in East London for a derelict château in the Loire Valley.
Where Sunday Times bestseller A Year at the Château told the entertaining and heart-warming beginning of the family's French adventure, Living the Château Dream is about the years of hard graft that followed as Dick and Angel leapt into action transforming Château-de-la-Motte Husson into both a thriving family home and a sustainable business.
From throwing open the shutters to new suites, to exploring the walled garden, launching their wedding business and hosting guests, no stone was left unturned. With enormous tasks, like installing a lift, plus the beginnings of lifelong traditions, this much-anticipated follow-up includes many firsts for the Strawbridge family. As Dick and Angel recount stories of the next two years at the château, we start to understand the true extent of the work and skill that it has taken to make this incredible house into a much-loved home.
With never-before-told stories of remarkable discoveries, amazing transformations and once-in-a-lifetime celebrations, this book is sure to delight and inspire in equal measure!
336 pages, Hardcover
Published February 6, 2024
52 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 18, 2021
‘We are, however, realists - optimistic definitely, but we are grounded. There was so much more to do and we understood that we had only actually set the foundations for our dream life.’
Following on from the success of A Year at The Chateau and their TV show, Living the Château Dream sees Dick and Angel sharing the next part of the journey from their 19th-century French chateau. Who would not want a window into life in a 45 room chateau with a walled gardens and your very own moat! This new book regales stories covering their amazing efforts to transform the chateau - both inside and out - into a successful place to both live and work.
‘The château was becoming more and more comfortable week by week and it was working as our home and our place of work. It seems a bit silly to say it but the château has a nice intimate feeling. It has never felt big and we definitely don’t rattle around in it. However, no matter how you look at it, there are a lot of stairs. To get up to our guest bedroom suites is four flights of stairs and it can be testing even for the young.’
For those of you unfamiliar with Dick and Angel, they left their London residence for the journey of a lifetime to renovate a derelict chateau in the Loire Valley. This second book continues their story detailing all their hard work and efforts to restore and renovate this dream residence. A place that would be not only their home but also host a sustainable business.
Here you will read of the launch of their business venture - hosting weddings, Food Lovers Weekends and much more. Their truthful and honest approach helps readers to understand the mammoth undertaking and incredible skill set required to succeed - and succeed they have! This is a book that will both entertain and inspire you.
‘There are times in life when you are completely in a moment and are overcome with happiness. That was one of those very special times. We were creating a magical place for our family and for a business and that was always our masterplan. Everything was looking stunning and we were ready to welcome our guests.’
Living the Château Dream is a wonderful read providing bonus content for those who have been following their TV show. If you liked the first book you will undoubtedly be thrilled with this gorgeous illustrated edition. I loved to hear the voices of both Dick and Angel as their love of both people and place pours off the pages. Slip away to a French Chateau and learn of their heartwarming tale.
‘Moments like this made me realise that even though we were busy and hadn’t yet managed to achieve the two-hour French-style lunches, we were living our dream.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
Following on from the success of A Year at The Chateau and their TV show, Living the Château Dream sees Dick and Angel sharing the next part of the journey from their 19th-century French chateau. Who would not want a window into life in a 45 room chateau with a walled gardens and your very own moat! This new book regales stories covering their amazing efforts to transform the chateau - both inside and out - into a successful place to both live and work.
‘The château was becoming more and more comfortable week by week and it was working as our home and our place of work. It seems a bit silly to say it but the château has a nice intimate feeling. It has never felt big and we definitely don’t rattle around in it. However, no matter how you look at it, there are a lot of stairs. To get up to our guest bedroom suites is four flights of stairs and it can be testing even for the young.’
For those of you unfamiliar with Dick and Angel, they left their London residence for the journey of a lifetime to renovate a derelict chateau in the Loire Valley. This second book continues their story detailing all their hard work and efforts to restore and renovate this dream residence. A place that would be not only their home but also host a sustainable business.
Here you will read of the launch of their business venture - hosting weddings, Food Lovers Weekends and much more. Their truthful and honest approach helps readers to understand the mammoth undertaking and incredible skill set required to succeed - and succeed they have! This is a book that will both entertain and inspire you.
‘There are times in life when you are completely in a moment and are overcome with happiness. That was one of those very special times. We were creating a magical place for our family and for a business and that was always our masterplan. Everything was looking stunning and we were ready to welcome our guests.’
Living the Château Dream is a wonderful read providing bonus content for those who have been following their TV show. If you liked the first book you will undoubtedly be thrilled with this gorgeous illustrated edition. I loved to hear the voices of both Dick and Angel as their love of both people and place pours off the pages. Slip away to a French Chateau and learn of their heartwarming tale.
‘Moments like this made me realise that even though we were busy and hadn’t yet managed to achieve the two-hour French-style lunches, we were living our dream.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
September 13, 2022
I thoroughly enjoy reading, watching and chatting to friends about the Strawbridges. This book is another delightful instalment of life at the Chateau.
This book encompasses the first year after they moved in.
The forward planning for the Chateau rejuvenation, the business planning and all the directions they entertain and ultimately follow through with. The designing building and nurturing of the walled garden.
All this along with hearing of all the special moments life is with two young children to raise.
I have watched all the shows Escape to the Chateau have produced, but this book gives you an insight into what you don’t see on the show. You explore that little bit more into the behind the scenes conversations, battles, humour and self discoveries for both Dick and Angel as they build their life & business in the chateau and forever striving for that work life family balance.
This book also includes many a recipe.. some I would possibly attempt, others I cannot even imagine trying due to skill, and some that I don’t think I could even stomach… but that is the Strawbridges, they love their food, trying new things and festivities steeped in family traditions that have been around for generations… and will continue to be with the nurturing of Arthur & Dorothy.
What I do love is the story as seen by each of them highlighted in the text. You will chuckle at times when you read the differing view points, the denials and the confessions of both Dick & Angel. They both have a lovely style of writing and their voices echo in your head as you read. I love that about their books.
This book encompasses the first year after they moved in.
The forward planning for the Chateau rejuvenation, the business planning and all the directions they entertain and ultimately follow through with. The designing building and nurturing of the walled garden.
All this along with hearing of all the special moments life is with two young children to raise.
I have watched all the shows Escape to the Chateau have produced, but this book gives you an insight into what you don’t see on the show. You explore that little bit more into the behind the scenes conversations, battles, humour and self discoveries for both Dick and Angel as they build their life & business in the chateau and forever striving for that work life family balance.
This book also includes many a recipe.. some I would possibly attempt, others I cannot even imagine trying due to skill, and some that I don’t think I could even stomach… but that is the Strawbridges, they love their food, trying new things and festivities steeped in family traditions that have been around for generations… and will continue to be with the nurturing of Arthur & Dorothy.
What I do love is the story as seen by each of them highlighted in the text. You will chuckle at times when you read the differing view points, the denials and the confessions of both Dick & Angel. They both have a lovely style of writing and their voices echo in your head as you read. I love that about their books.
January 22, 2022
I loved the series associated with this book, hence the reason I got this. Would highly reccomend it to almost anyone. It's a real insight into owning and running a business around a big house or chateau. I love the Strawbridges, and I own a lot of Dicks other books about cooking. I was suprised about the amount of cooking stuff in this book, but it actually added to it. Plus it gave me some insight into other traditions and activities I didn't know about France, and things that obviously didnt make the cut for the TV show. Great read!
January 16, 2022
This is the follow-up book to the Strawbridge’s first book - A Year At the Chateau which I read last year. I loved this one almost as much as the first. I’m just in awe of the things this enterprising couple can accomplish. I’m not a cook, so the recipes are lost on me, but I enjoy reading about their culinary adventures and the way they’ve worked up their Chateau-based business. I love their dream of a family-centric lifestyle with her parents as part of the deal. It’s all just lovely.
March 4, 2022
Really good book - made me feel a bit inadequate!!!
February 7, 2022
We are very lucky to be let into the Strawbriges lives. A great read. Hoping for more tv episodes very soon.
September 21, 2022
Reading this with Fiona was a delight. I love getting a behind the scenes look at events from the show and spending more time with the family from Escape from the Chateau.
April 14, 2022
Whilst most of what is in the book I have already seen on TV, it was nice to get a deeper insight into Chateau life. A lovely easy read, can't wait until the next series
November 24, 2022
5 stars for the whole chateau story but 3 stars for the actual book. I am a great fan of the TV series and the whole British-buying-and-renovating-French-chateau-on-YouTube genre which they started, but this book didn't add enough that was new. It covered everything we had already seen on TV. It did provide a better sense of how much planning and organising has gone into the whole business, and there were some numbers mentioned, but overall, not enough on the key numbers. Dick does most of the writing, and Angel adds shorter supporting or confirming paragraphs. They are a great team.
It was certainly very idyllic about the whole family spending time together "living the dream", particularly from Angel who writes in a more "gushing" or maternal style than is apparent on TV. I just hope they both look after their physical health, because that is the biggest risk to their dream.
It was certainly very idyllic about the whole family spending time together "living the dream", particularly from Angel who writes in a more "gushing" or maternal style than is apparent on TV. I just hope they both look after their physical health, because that is the biggest risk to their dream.
January 7, 2022
Ive watched the Chanel 4 series off and on and been fascinated by their joie de vivre and sheer get up and go. The book reflects their personalities and work ethic so brilliantly and I like that Dick includes some fabulous recipes. It becomes abundantly clear how they manage to be so successful because it is built on all their previous experience and skills as well as their work ethic. An easy and very enjoyable read.
January 10, 2022
Somehow this felt a bit of a perfunctory retelling of the stories we have seen on the television, perhaps a little rushed to print, maybe a few too many recipes. Not perfect, but then for what it is, it doesn’t need to be.
April 17, 2022
I have seen their shows over and over and over again but I was nice reading about things that weren’t aired and more insight and background behind what did air.
January 7, 2023
As with the previous book (A Year at the Chateau, the obvious question is whether it's worth buying the book if you have already seen the events in question shown on the relevant television programme, and on the whole the answer is Yes. I felt that there wasn't actually all that much overlap: things that occupied a lot of screen time (like the 'glamping' domes on the moat) generally get a pretty brief mention in the book, while here we learn about some of the nitty-gritty that the TV series left me wondering about, like the usefulness of that lift (on screen I don't think we ever saw it again!) and how the finances work out. It's almost certainly not of interest if you haven't seen the TV programme, but then that isn't the target audience!
It's the same format as the other book: alternate passages of narrative from Dick and Angel (sometimes giving alternative views on the same events, sometimes taking up and continuing the story), interspersed with recipes and, weirdly, menus of meals they ate. I can see why you might want to list the details of the unexpected meal you cooked for your garden helpers, but transcribing the menu of the four-course birthday meal you ordered at a London restaurant feels pretty irrelevant to the reader. The recipes felt more 'practical' this time round; I haven't actually made any of them, but they felt more like the sort of thing I might consider making. Except the pressed duckling in blood sauce, a strictly local delicacy! (NB it occurs to me that a recipe index might be a good idea...)
As the title suggests, the book covers a lot less of 'how we restored the building' (although it still wasn't all that restored in places) and a good deal more of 'how we went about making it into a viable business', although as Dick points out, constructing things like the luxury glamping site constitutes a level of expenditure so high that the facilities won't turn a profit for many years. What I hadn't grasped from the TV coverage was that the main virtue of that plan was to provide self-service, self-contained accommodation that didn't require the full attention of a staffed chateau to organise and could even be inhabited during the family's absence, if necessary - that was the sort of thing that I found the most interesting: all the details of how the place is actually meant to run.
There's a lot of chatty biography, including details that definitely didn't make it on screen, like the oversexed cockerel who ended up providing two days' worth of meals for the whole family, and the story of how Angel sneaked out of hospital for a quick curry while she was in labour with her first child - "she still had her blue hospital gown on, but it was January and no one noticed that she never took her coat off and was grimacing at regular intervals"!
The main surprise for me was that this book doesn't cover anything like the period I was somehow expecting it to: the first book was explicitly just the first year, but this one doesn't bring the story up to the present. I think it covers two years at most, and certainly stops well short of recent developments (even the acknowledgements talk about a new series being commissioned, whereas Dick and Angel have subsequently announced that they won't be doing any further TV programmes; it's the right choice, I feel, but it's clearly out of sync with the date of publication). I'd have been curious as to the discussion behind that decision, and as to how they navigated the pandemic financially - and how they got from the fairly tight financial situation described in this book to the longed-for position of finally being able to fund complete roof and window replacements - but presumably further chronicles will be forthcoming. After all, it's another income stream that has proven to be a success, and they still have about six more years of material to cover! It's just confusing because the front cover clearly shows the present-day Strawbridge family, whereas the actual narrative talks about the children at a far younger age.
I enjoyed the book a lot. It's very readable, with Dick and Angela's personalities coming through in their alternate passages, and their enthusiasms being conveyed. And while I did remember a lot of the events being mentioned, it was years since I'd seen the TV broadcasts in question and in any case there was plenty of new behind the scenes material - it just helped to have that mental image! (There are in fact three sections of photos included in the book as well, but those tend to be more of the family snap variety as opposed to TV stills.)
One for the fans, but rewarding for the fans.
It's the same format as the other book: alternate passages of narrative from Dick and Angel (sometimes giving alternative views on the same events, sometimes taking up and continuing the story), interspersed with recipes and, weirdly, menus of meals they ate. I can see why you might want to list the details of the unexpected meal you cooked for your garden helpers, but transcribing the menu of the four-course birthday meal you ordered at a London restaurant feels pretty irrelevant to the reader. The recipes felt more 'practical' this time round; I haven't actually made any of them, but they felt more like the sort of thing I might consider making. Except the pressed duckling in blood sauce, a strictly local delicacy! (NB it occurs to me that a recipe index might be a good idea...)
As the title suggests, the book covers a lot less of 'how we restored the building' (although it still wasn't all that restored in places) and a good deal more of 'how we went about making it into a viable business', although as Dick points out, constructing things like the luxury glamping site constitutes a level of expenditure so high that the facilities won't turn a profit for many years. What I hadn't grasped from the TV coverage was that the main virtue of that plan was to provide self-service, self-contained accommodation that didn't require the full attention of a staffed chateau to organise and could even be inhabited during the family's absence, if necessary - that was the sort of thing that I found the most interesting: all the details of how the place is actually meant to run.
There's a lot of chatty biography, including details that definitely didn't make it on screen, like the oversexed cockerel who ended up providing two days' worth of meals for the whole family, and the story of how Angel sneaked out of hospital for a quick curry while she was in labour with her first child - "she still had her blue hospital gown on, but it was January and no one noticed that she never took her coat off and was grimacing at regular intervals"!
The main surprise for me was that this book doesn't cover anything like the period I was somehow expecting it to: the first book was explicitly just the first year, but this one doesn't bring the story up to the present. I think it covers two years at most, and certainly stops well short of recent developments (even the acknowledgements talk about a new series being commissioned, whereas Dick and Angel have subsequently announced that they won't be doing any further TV programmes; it's the right choice, I feel, but it's clearly out of sync with the date of publication). I'd have been curious as to the discussion behind that decision, and as to how they navigated the pandemic financially - and how they got from the fairly tight financial situation described in this book to the longed-for position of finally being able to fund complete roof and window replacements - but presumably further chronicles will be forthcoming. After all, it's another income stream that has proven to be a success, and they still have about six more years of material to cover! It's just confusing because the front cover clearly shows the present-day Strawbridge family, whereas the actual narrative talks about the children at a far younger age.
I enjoyed the book a lot. It's very readable, with Dick and Angela's personalities coming through in their alternate passages, and their enthusiasms being conveyed. And while I did remember a lot of the events being mentioned, it was years since I'd seen the TV broadcasts in question and in any case there was plenty of new behind the scenes material - it just helped to have that mental image! (There are in fact three sections of photos included in the book as well, but those tend to be more of the family snap variety as opposed to TV stills.)
One for the fans, but rewarding for the fans.
April 8, 2022
I have to reveal that I am a BIG fan of Escape to the Chateau. It is the only reality show I watch and not only do I watch every episode, I am also rewatching reruns. Love Angel's innovative way of decorating on a shoestring and Dick's engineering genius. What an amazing couple they make. Plus they are affectionate to each other and very loving parents. So, the book.
The book surprised me. Both Angel and Dick have written it, Angel's comments are in bold, Dick's comments are normal type. And this makes fascinating reading as you see the challenges from both their points of view. There are things revealed here which are not in the show. And the book is sprinkled with Dick's recipes and Angels instructions on how to create or recover things.
This book is a gem. I loved it.
The book surprised me. Both Angel and Dick have written it, Angel's comments are in bold, Dick's comments are normal type. And this makes fascinating reading as you see the challenges from both their points of view. There are things revealed here which are not in the show. And the book is sprinkled with Dick's recipes and Angels instructions on how to create or recover things.
This book is a gem. I loved it.
June 8, 2022
As a fan of the show, I was curious about the book. It didn’t disappoint, but more pictures would have been nice. I am equal parts enchanted and horrified by the amount of work they have had to do to make the chateau livable, but I also understand it’s all a labor of love. I will also admit that the recounting of some of their meals made me shudder. I shared some of those details with my son and he stated that they even made the asparagus gross! Lol! Ah well, to each their own I guess. It is unlikely I will ever do a food lover’s weekend (I think A & D would be hard pressed to design something for us. But then again, maybe not!) At any rate, I envy their idyllic life, but get to enjoy it thru their show.
October 20, 2023
It's taken me a long time to read this book for some reason, as these ones I collect! I have read it now in preparation for the new one out next week.
Another great instalment from Dick and Angel. A lot of the content in this book is covered in the series but I don't mind that as it just springs up memories and obviously you get a better insight by reading more. I absolutely loved the series and am sad that it's now finished. I just think they are both such a great team and the work they have done to their Chateau is just phenomenal.
Lovely homely read, perfect for fans of the Chateau!
Another great instalment from Dick and Angel. A lot of the content in this book is covered in the series but I don't mind that as it just springs up memories and obviously you get a better insight by reading more. I absolutely loved the series and am sad that it's now finished. I just think they are both such a great team and the work they have done to their Chateau is just phenomenal.
Lovely homely read, perfect for fans of the Chateau!
May 25, 2024
While already being a fan of the series, it was interesting to hear the story about life behind ‘Escape to the. Chateau’, written from the two different perspectives, and It gave a little more insight into the people behind the TV screen and their families.
I loved how Dick and Angel’s writing were separated and, while often overlapping, the differing viewpoints clearly came across. It gave it something of a compare and contrast element, a little bit like being in a personal conversation with the two of them. Their personalities shone through the page and it was easy to get caught up in the drive and passion that they have for all they do.
February 13, 2022
Thoroughly enjoy the TV show and the spinoffs DIY and Make do..
The book reads like you are having a conversation with Dick and Angel and their love of all that surrounds them is obvious with every word. My only quibble is that it didn't give you much more insight than the TV show and as such felt a little superficial at times. I admit I skimmed some sections as they mirrored what I had seen on TV quite closely
The book reads like you are having a conversation with Dick and Angel and their love of all that surrounds them is obvious with every word. My only quibble is that it didn't give you much more insight than the TV show and as such felt a little superficial at times. I admit I skimmed some sections as they mirrored what I had seen on TV quite closely
February 5, 2022
The Strawbridges certainly know how to suck the marrow out of the bones of life... A great read. Inspiring. Uplighting. And humorous too. And if that wasn't enough... Recipes included. Loved this book from the very start and to the very last sentence. Thoroughly recommended.
April 25, 2022
I knew I would enjoy Living the Chateau Dream before I started reading it. It was just as good as the first and although there was a lot of repetition with what had been aired on the tv show, it was nice to get both Angel and Dicks personal opinions on various anecdotes.
May 26, 2022
Having loved the tv series I wanted to read the book. Really enjoyed reading this & could envision everything talked about. I like that they included recipes & how to’s for each dish/drink/craft project that was discussed ~ I’ve taken a note of a few and can’t wait to try them myself!
June 12, 2022
I could just watch this family all the time. They live a life that I would never understand really. They eat food I have never even heard of. They work themselves to the bone and love every minute of it. They are just a joy to learn about.
October 16, 2022
I really enjoyed reading ‘Living the Chateau Dream’. It offered an insight into the behind the scenes planning of ideas Dick and Angel came up with. I really liked the change in font so you know if it’s Dick or Angel talking. Anyone who is a fan of The Chateau will enjoy reading this book.
April 8, 2024
Brilliant
My husband and I have loved watching ETTC. Duck and Angel are so very talented, and an inspiration. I love that they can recycle anything in to something beautiful or useful.
The book is easy to read and lots of fun.
My husband and I have loved watching ETTC. Duck and Angel are so very talented, and an inspiration. I love that they can recycle anything in to something beautiful or useful.
The book is easy to read and lots of fun.
March 31, 2025
Great book! What an inspirational read! I really liked the back-and-forth of his/her perspective. Most of all I appreciated their relationship with one another, with their children, with extended family, and friends.
November 23, 2021
If you liked their first book about their life in the chateau, you will love this one. Good illustrations interesting to hear views of both Angel and Dick on same subject matter.
December 12, 2021
Dick and Angel
I love hearing the stories behind the tv program. Their descriptions of their meals are fantastic and it is wonderful that they give so many of their recipes.
I love hearing the stories behind the tv program. Their descriptions of their meals are fantastic and it is wonderful that they give so many of their recipes.
December 28, 2021
Really enjoyed reading this book. Nice to read the two perspectives and gain a slightly deeper understanding of chateau life. Lots of various information such as recipes and craft ideas 😊
January 7, 2022
Love reading these books alongside watching all the programmes, nice to read the words from both Dick and Angel on their views about their projects
January 9, 2022
Very enjoyable read, waiting for next book :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews