After returning from Berlin, where I spent Christmas with my family, this episode marks a quiet and conscious step forward into a new chapter of life in France.
This return wasn’t about reinventing everything already.
It was about slowing down, creating stability, and beginning the real work after a year of intense change.
In this episode, I share where I am right now and what it means to learn how to let go after separation — gently, without bitterness, and with intention.
You’ll also see a tour of Maison des Ifs, and the warm and cozy French countryside cottage where I’m currently staying, thanks to my friends Tim and Jason, as well as glimpses of a nice New Year’s celebration here, that marked a fresh start.
This episode includes the first official reveal of my future rebranded channel name. Find out more in this episode.
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Alert! 🔔
If you want to stay here at „Maison des Ifs“
Tim and Jason offer you a 10% discount, if you mention my name in your email request. How nice! 🤍
EMAIL:
https://www.maisondesifs.com
Follow their Instagram for more inspiration as well:
https://www.instagram.com/maison_des_ifs?igsh=MWpudDRrZzgzOWFxZA==
Welcome to my next chapter. 💛
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📲 Instagram
@denise_pinot
#chateaudiaries #escapetoruralfrance #myfrenchmanortales #denisepinot #frenchlife #housetour #frenchmanor
35 Comments
Wonderful way to start 2026 – Happy New Year – great new name for the channel. Thank you for sharing from Australia.
What a gorgeous place Denise.
Wishing you the best year ahead with so much happiness & new beginnings.
All the best for settling into your new home, which will be delightful. x 🏰 x
Happy New Year 🍾🥂
Their properties are lovely.
Hello Denise, Greetings from Brittany, France all the way from Hoppers Crossing Victoria. I have followed you from your very first vlog. Happy New Year and a fabulous 2026. I would drop the after the chateau as well. I really loved what the guys have done and how they presented their home, its beautiful and I watched the vlog twice because its just fabulous eye candy.
Glad that you have your dear pup with you as a wonderful companion. I returned from Melbourne late November with my beloved fur babies Sam and Cleo but I also brought back with me my beloved Galah's Georgie Cooper and Lulu and i'm in the last 5 days of French Government mandated quarantine which will finish on Saturday. Can't wait to be free , as we all had to spend Christmas and New year alone. Best wishes for 2026, Great joy and happiness and finding your new fabulous normal, Cheers from Brittany. ❤😸😄🐦
As you said, the mix of old and new really works well. Noted some ideas 😂
All the very best for your new year. GOD BLESS xx
I love your new banner! 2026 will be an exciting year! 🥂🍾💘
Happy new year 🎊
Happy New Year! 🎉
I love the fact that you have a new canine companion . Xx
Stunning property!
Hello Denise you are staying in a beautiful place right now but I’m sure you’re still itching to get into your new home and make it beautiful ❤ with all your wonderful ideas. Best of luck and yeah to the new name 😊
We keep all Christmas decor up until the Epiphany. January 6th.
Did you not have 2 dogs at the chateau? Or am I missing something
Wow your friends place is so nice ! Very inspired!!
Great video x
I love the new name!
Love the pale green paint, in lower bedroom, can you find out the paint color for us? Beautiful
I hyped your channel ..
Lovely banner and good luck with your new journey, Denise. Enjoy every step❤
You deserve a better man. I always felt he was too rough around the edges for someone as refined as you.
Love the new name!
Beautiful place to stay and recharge. The party looked so festive and fun! Happy New Year!! Love the name and banner!!
Very nice!
What a lovely house! The choice of paint colours is so beautiful! 🥰🙅♀️
The new banner for the new name is clean, sophisticated, and inspiring, just like you are Denise 🎉
I love the Chinese room.
Elegant and classy B&B. I've been subbed since you began the vlog yet I did not receive this vlog in my notifications.
The cottage is adorable! Good luck you got this! Happy New Year
Denise, you RADIATE beauty, warmth & elegance with how you look and the Genuine Quality that you Always have… Your videography, and attention to detail with all that you create and express brings everything and everyone Back to Life! Love your new personalized name for your Very Exciting channel !❤from Montreal
Simply beautiful; like your soul Denise. Nice banner. I think the font on the banner should have more movement like cursive. Please consider not including the mention of previous because you are moving forward.
Love that you added “ My”… keep it! My French Manor Tales – Denise Pinot. Thank you for the tour! Jason and Tim hit a home run on the gorgeous renovation. That bathroom was really something!!! Love your channel Denise—you’re so inspirational. Seeing all of those beautiful mirrors in the stairway gave me some ideas for my living space. 🎉❤ Happy New Year Denise. I’m keeping you in my prayers—you’re such a lovely and warm person. 🙏
I love how your friends have decorated Maison des Ifs, they have exceptional taste. So do you Denise ❤ I guess this has been asked before… What is happening with the chateau? Is Brett keeping it as a restoration project and guest house? Will it be sold? Although, there is a new beginning for you and this channel, after following the goings on at the chateau, I'd love to know what's happening with it.
Kisses for both doggies who are also figuring out their new beginning xo
Love the new name and banner great way to start newyears may all the stars align for your future be as bright and happy as you
Chère Denise belle année 2026 qui sera j’en suis sûre pleine de joie de bonheur et surtout de travaux et d’aménagement pour cette nouvelle maison ❤❤❤❤
Hi Happy Beautiful New Year! Just wondering if the chateau is being sold??