About

Meet Ayla

Born and raised in the Netherlands, I’ve always had the idea that my future would be abroad. In fact, when I was younger, I always vowed to marry an English Lord and live in a castle.

The English Lord became a Dutch man, and the castle actually stands in France. But my younger self did predict some things very well!

In the summer of 2021 we moved into Château de Pazayac, a charming castle in the Dordogne, Southwest France. Absolute chaos ensued, since château-life isn’t the easiest life.

Renovating while we live here, having a baby while we renovate. The castle throwing us curve balls now and then, while we adjust to living in France, learning the language, making new friends.

And even though life can be pretty intense, I’m also the happiest I’ve ever been. The French life suits me, being a mom of two little girls is the best, my husband is my rock, and I live in castle that I can renovate and decorate to my heart’s desire.

Plans for the future

The reason I started this blog, is that I want to share this insane, but awesome, project with you.

We’ll be renovating, designing and decorating for the coming decade, so there’s loads of cool projects coming.

Because next to the château, we’re also renovating and opening three holiday homes on our land.