I have news of an amazing giveaway for you! I recently sat down to talk to Jane Webster. The plan was for me to drive to her château, which is less than an hour from here. But because of COVID, we each stayed safe at home, and our chat took place via an Instagram video (you can listen to our conversation on the podcast link below!):
Jane has a wonderful story to tell. Born and bred in Melbourne, Australia, she and her husband harboured a dream of one day owning their own French château. They bought the Château de Bosgouet nearly 20 years ago and completely renovated it, bringing it back to its 19th-century charm and grandeur.
I loved chatting with Jane; she is very down to earth and happy to share the ups and downs of buying a huge property on the other side of the world, then hauling a young family to a country where none of them spoke the language.
Jane is a powerhouse. As well as renovating, furnishing, decorating and running this huge (28 bedroom!) château, she also hosts a book club, writes books, runs tours and runs her website and social media… single-handed!
Jane and her husband agree that a château of this size needs to be full of people. To that end, they have invented their “Château Life Residency.” A delightful concoction that lands somewhere in between a B&B and the best house party ever. Guests have their own room and bathroom, and the Residency includes breakfast and afternoon tea plus so much more. Jane arranges for classes, trips to the local markets, visits to local producers and cooking and wine tastings. Each guest can get as involved as they wish, or simply use the château as their base, and do their own thing.
Most generously, Jane is offering a one-month Residency to one of our MFCH readers! The prize can be redeemed in 2021 (or even 2022, depending on travel restrictions). It is very easy to take part – simply be sure to follow Jane on Instagram @janewebsterthefrenchtable and also follow our magazine Instagram @mfchmagazine, then click HERE to enter the giveaway (note there are several options for multiple entries). The winner will be announced on the 30th of November.
Good luck! I am very excited to see who wins this amazing prize.
To listen to my conversation with Jane and hear more about her French life and her Château Residency, just click below.
26 comments
Gorgeous escapism for me, you ladies are so lucky.
No doubt your confidence and sheer drive have realised your dreams.
Hi! I’ve just entered for my month vacation of a lifetime! It would be a dream to win! My Ancestors were from the South of France! ( Nouvelle -Aquitaine).
So interesting, such a brave thing to do. Youth and the need for adventure provide us with that. I’m totally envious.
Excited to enter the contest.
Lovely and beyond words.
Lovely talk and wonderful to listen to. I so miss France. My ancestors are from Languedoc. The Gibert Family.
Would be a Dream to go stay in Jane’s home for a month!!!!
Merci for yet another enjoyable podcast. The music at the beginning and end of each is as inviting as the guests! Jane Webster’s energy level puts mine to shame and I shall look forward to reading her books and allowing myself to dream about life in my beloved France…my happy place.
How wonderful it would be a month in a truely beautiful Chateau.
What a surprise to find MFCH is on IG. Why did I not know this before? Duh… The photos are superb! So happy to follow both you and Jane Webster. Ultimate escapism.
A one month Residency would be the thrill of a lifetime for this septuagenarian. Would love to meet someone who has made a dream come true. And what a dream!
Blessings
Wonderful chat. I would love to stay there!!!!!
Been following Jane since saw article of her beautiful home plus recipes in Vogue Living Australia many years ago. Thank you Sharon.
What an exciting opportunity to win a one month residency! I’ll keep my fingers crossed
Loving your podcasts Sharon. I loved watching your live insty feed with Jane and equally listening to you both chat again here now.
I hum’d and ho’d about the subscription as the postage is ‘quite substantial’ to Aus. But what the heck, a Life in Residence opportunity was the catalyst that tipped out the postage. Now I have 2 amazing thrills on the horizon. And the magazine will keep on giving throughout the year. Now…. fingers crossed to win the chateau trip xx
What an amazing opportunity for someone. I’ll imagine what a stay there would be like, with my watercolor paints, paper and brushes in tow…
This would be splendid !
Chance of spending fun quality time in a wonderful space !
Reading this post, I realize how grateful I am there are people willing and able to take on such a grand restoration. Those great homes, chateaus are important to our human history, and the day dream pool reality that enriches our lives.
First of all to Sharon I have loved your blogs for so long, and just today I found a picture of a room on them, with the exact color of grey green, that I can’t wait to put on my Living room walls. Also I listened to your Table Talk with Jane Webster, and her life at her Chateau sounds amazing! I now live in Carmel, California, which has been my dream since my family began vacationing here when I was five. My style is English Country, with all things french, here and there. You have inspired me to be a landscaper, and my new endeavor is Dahlias! Thank you for your gift to your followers, I love it all! Liz
A wonderful birthday present to win, if lucky enough! At present, reading and enjoying so much My French Country Home book from our library. Wonderful recipes included.
We were in France for a month seven years ago and I promised to go back! I would love that opportunity- and to be enveloped in it in such a way – would be a dream come true! Have been trying to learn more French language just in case!
Such a relaxing conversation between you two ladies. Wish I could have seen you not just audio. Entered in contest. What an amazing contest you are offering to us all. An opportunity of an life time for some lucky person. Thank you again. Stay well ladies.
So exited! Always wanted to see France and all I will probably say is wow n take pics 🙂
I lived in Vernon for 5 years (Eure) and drove by this beautiful castle soooo many times in our Normandy treks. Was
it ever owned by one of the Forbes family? Or am I confusing it with another ? This home is so distinctive, I remember
it well. How lovely to hear the story of the last 20 years of its history! THank you for sharing.
Abbie
What a magnificent dream this would be! Splendid conversation, Jane & Sharon – thank you!
Hello, from Australia. Instagram has opened a whole new experience of all French places and things. I dream of travel to France daily. Thanks to you Sharon, I may get to experience all things French
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Love this interview. Doing a life residency in Sept. 2023. Your pod cast convinced me I have made a good decision. I also enjoy my subscription to My French Country Home. Great tool for planning a trip to France.
Rebecca