Hello — and happy 2026 from the Lady of the Château family and team.
After a long and unexpected pause, we’re back.
In this episode, we reflect on a year that was both deeply challenging and deeply rewarding — a year where life at Château de Puy Vidal in France began to feel less like survival, and more like integration.
Nearly four years into our move to France, we’re learning what it means to live inside change while building something that lasts. We share how our family continues to evolve as a multi-generational household caring for an 800-year-old château, while also running creative retreats, workshops, and a growing hospitality business.
This past season brought real momentum — one of our strongest retreat and workshop years yet — alongside major milestones at the château: the long-delayed pool finally completed, refurbished pavilion rooms, a new attic ensuite, finished central-wing bathrooms, a reimagined art studio, and a significant electrical upgrade to support life at Puy Vidal.
After years of planning, we also committed to our most ambitious interior project so far — the full renovation of the West Wing kitchen and service areas — alongside a major septic system upgrade, marking a new chapter in how we host and care for guests.
But this year wasn’t only about buildings.
It reshaped relationships, clarified boundaries, and asked us to grow as leaders, partners, and family.
We also share lessons learned through our retreats — deepening our fantasy photoshoot retreats and refining future offerings through thoughtful iteration, structure, and integration.
At its heart, this episode is about learning to live through change — and discovering that integration, not momentum alone, is what gives change meaning.
If you’re returning to our story, thank you for being here.
A new season at the Lady of the Château is unfolding.
🌿 Learn more about our retreats & upcoming workshops
Visit our website: https://ladyofthechateau.com
Explore creative retreats, photography workshops, and immersive experiences at Château de Puy Vidal, France.
🎶 Music licensed via Artlist
Diamonds and Ice – Just Say It
Strong Roots – Matt Stewart
Trembling Light – Marco Martini
September Story – Romeo
Glensevain Plateau – Idokay
Touche – Idokay
21 Comments
Loved the update. So much has happened this year. I enjoy seeing each of you. Exciting future.
Wow! You have accomplished so much thus far and in 2025. The added rooms, remodels, refreshes, along with the design and execution of workshops. I love that you are constantly seeking work-life balance and articulate the wins and challenges so well. It’s an honor and pleasure to watch your life through these videos. Can’t wait to see the new kitchen and service area. Happy New Year and all the best in 2026. 🎉🥂
wohaaooo, c'est super d'avoir des nouvelles, que de changement, vous bossez super bien, bravo les filles ! and happy new year
You made my day!
No matter what you've been through in France, I'm hopeful that it isn't as bad as the reality that we face everyday in the US. You are so lucky!!!
How exciting.
Can’t wait to see the chateau kitchen.
Bisous de Santa Monica.
Thank you for creating this video and giving all of us loyal fans the chance to glimpse the latest chapter in your truly magnificent journey. Keep inspiring us—you're a gift! ♥
Welcome back and happy new year 🎆🎉🎊So many renovations and now the kitchen. Can’t wait to see it completed. Hope you give us updates 😍😘
Very exciting to move forward with the plans for the new kitchen! That is a very big investment in the chateau. Hope you will have a wonderful and profitable 2026! 🥂
Did u say you were quoted $800,000 for the kitchen renovation by the first architect? Good thing you fired them. It was the correct thing to do. The pool area and the bedrooms looks great! Please keep posting.
I am so happy you are back. The most beautiful chateau of them all, great and professional business..living my dream life ❤
Great recap video of 2025 and your plans for the new kitchen. We love your show and would like to see more. However we understand the time and effort required to host a great retreat. Best of luck in 2026!
Absolutely stunning rooms and the kitchen is going to be magnificent 🤗🤗
So good to see you again and all of the excitement that is planned for 2026. Happy New Year! ❤
This is the first time I’ve watched this , and at first I was like , it’s just the same renovation as all the others, white everywhere and barely any color, but then there was color good for you ❤
Thank you for another video! Your kitchen renovation looks wonderful- I can’t wait to see the completion. I’ve missed your videos and am glad to see you’re doing well.
WOW! Beautiful….wonderful! Your courage is palpable/admirable! What about a spiritual something? I am sure you have thought about it….Thank You!
Oh my goodness! THE WORK, THE STRESS, THE DUST, THE DECISIONS, THE COMPROMISES TOBE MADE. THE EMOTIONAL EXHAUSTION, AND THE SADNESS OF HARD CHANGES. BUT THE LOVE THAT BINDS YOU ALL TOGETHER IS WHAT COUNTS.
GIVING YOU FORTITUDE TO MAKE THIS EXCITING TRANSFORMATION IN YOUR LIVES BUSINESS, HOME, AND LOVING FAMIKY BOUNDS.
YOU WILL BE MARVELOUS ONCE YOU’VE WALKED THROUGH THIS FIRE OF CHANGE.
YOU ARE GROUNDED IN WHAT TRULY MATTERS IN LIFE, YOUR RELATIONSHIPS.
BEST WISHES, PRAYERS ANS BY ALL MEANS STAMINA.
I missed your episodes so much!! You all give that mystical feeling that I can’t wait til the next episode!! I can’t wait to see the new kitchen when done. Love you all. Lots of love from Tennessee ❤❤❤
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There's definitely an angry moody vibe in this video. Many sad faces. I can't help but think the workshop attendees noticed this change. I hope the new kitchen and sewer improve the family dynamics. They seemed super poorly in this video. Loved seeing all the improvements. Beautiful! Hang in there.