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Stephen tries something new at our SIlk & Gourmet Retreat with Rene Shoemaker.

https://www.reneshoemaker.com/

#chateaulife #retreat #silk #silkpainting

Manor & Maker theme music by Jamie Christopherson and Jeff MacDonald for Louder Productions.

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Sara, an IT professional & Stephen a graphic designer and artist are world-traveling Canadians who dreamt of moving to Europe, and France in particular. In 2020 they were working from home when Stephen turned to Sara and popped the question she was longing to hear, “What would have to be true for us to buy a chateau in France?” They searched online for months viewing hundreds of properties. They narrowed their search and toured some properties when they happened upon the one that captured our hearts, Château de Saint-Germain-des-Prés. A year later they made the move to France to start their new adventure in our beautiful Château. They created “Manor and Maker” to reflect the two sides of their adventure. One, to live as chateau owners with all the ups and downs and two, to pursue their passions as makers, creating art in all its forms. They will invite others to come together, united by their passions, to share in this adventure. We invite you to join us too, as we bring our dreams to life. Welcome to Manor & Maker.

42 Comments

  1. A brilliant gathering of artists, culinary and painterly. Love the party in the kitchen. The camaraderie and joy were infectious. Thank you!

  2. So fun. I saw on Haidee-Jo’s page that she was just there. Her workshops are great and she’s super sweet. Look forward to seeing that one.

  3. You have really developed something special with these retreats. Having been one of the founders of an art center in the Hudson River Valley in New York, I watch your adventures with a practiced eye. Your mixture of art, culture, history and cuisine is a success, which is proven by the joy and enthusiasm exhibited by your guests. Bravo! My favorite moment was watching your great cooks deal with the cheesecake gala. Especially their comment afterwards, “We survived it.” Double bravo to them.

  4. OH what a fun project to create the silk images – job well done everyone! I love yours Steven because I am totally into anything Japanese and it is the type of design I love as a typical Japanese image I am drawn to.

  5. Bonjour Sara and Steve, I love the silk painting, I remember Renee from last year's retreat, (I believe) everybody's painting came out so good, Steve yours was really beautiful. The market looked like so much fun, you have amazing chefs for your retreats, dinner looked so delicious. Thanks for sharing your retreat with us. Love from N.Y.

  6. Hi Sara & Stephen, The silk screen retreat with Rene looks like a great fun, and exciting experience. Of course nothing like a good fresh food French market, (say that three times fast.) Fromage is always a favorite of mine, bread and a glass of wine…Mark & Scott

  7. Your retreats always look like such a lovely time. It seems to be everything you dreamed when you started this adventure. ♥️

  8. Minnesota here!!!. I've been going to the same huge farmers market in downtown St. Paul, since I was a young girl in the 70's. Everything is grown in MN and the same local farmers have had stalls for decades and know their client's names. Thousands of people shop there every weekend from late spring to fall. it's absolutely fabulous.

  9. I love how you treat your guests with craft projects and a trip to the market.. you make such wonderful content.. I wish there was a better place for your washer and dryer though

  10. Beautiful retreat. I love the silk dye painting. Steve, you did an awesome job on yours. That meal looked Devine. It was great that you all had a wonderful retreat. New long friendships, I am sure.❤

  11. Sarah and Steve, what a wonderful art retreat lots of fun and laughter and food thank you for sharing every art piece are fabulous take care and see you both next time 💕🌼🤗

  12. I would have LOVED to have been a part of the kitchen party 🎉 It thrills me to see everyone having so much fun 🤩 I hope I can come over for a gourmet retreat myself. Cooking is definitely my creative outlet. You guys are doing such a wonderful job – very inspirational!! 💗

  13. What an amazing retreat ❤❤❤❤❤Really love the silk painting and the food looked delicious and fresh 😋😋😋😋😋I hope to go to one of these someday. Thanks for sharing with us 😍😘

  14. You two must be wiped out! But what fun! Those shenanigans in the kitchen, as the wine flowed and flowed 🙂 That experience looked just like what everyone hopes a retreat in a chateau would be like!

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