Best of both worlds S


ome years ago, at college in America, far from his German home, Axel Boesch and his


future wife Carole enjoyed the campus experience, being able to spend time with friends from 16 different countries while also having their own space in their rooms. It’s a concept that has stayed with them and in part led to their latest project, in France. Working as a business lawyer, a case landed on Axel’s desk helping the owners of a château in Dordogne avoid insolvency. “I solved it by buying it!” he says. Aged 60, he was ready for


retirement so decided to “put my energy into the château” instead of work. “We had the time, the money, there was no rush, we could do it as we wanted,” he says. He and Carole have a country


home in the Lot, where they often host friends and family.


At Château de Monboucher they wanted to create a space where like-minded owners could share time and interests but have the privacy of their own apartment – “the best of both worlds, calm and peace, and company if you want it”. The result is 14 apartments ,


ranging from 50-275m2


within a beautifully renovated château with all mod cons. In the lovely 50m2


kitchen,


you can cook if you want to or bring in a private chef. The same goes for the gardens – you can simply enjoy the views or create a garden of your own within the 23 hectares. There’s also a communal wine cellar, lounge and pool. “We’re selling a slice of


French lifestyle on a silver platter,” says Axel. “It’s a no-problem product. It’s 100% renovated and everything is taken care of.” However, this isn’t one of those semi-hotel


18 FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: July/August 2023


developments you may have seen. Axel wanted to keep the running costs down for owners. “There’s a concierge who takes care of the pool, grass and buildings, but you can have more if you want it, airport pick-ups, cleaning, a full fridge on arrival…” Owners also benefit from an annual membership to the spa at Château des Vigiers, which is just 15 minutes away. Axel’s intention is to create


a club of château co-owners who share a passion for French art de vivre, and if they share his interests, even better. One of which is classic cars – the château has a parking pavilion, workshop and small bar, as well as an annual car show. Axel and his wife will keep one of the apartments for themselves, and Carole will have her own upholstery atelier on-site. The idea is to provide co-owners with a flexible environment,


French


property dreams


At this château surrounded by Bergerac vineyards, you can enjoy peace and quiet, and company when you want it, writes Karen Tait


“you can be creative and work if you want – or not”. They also want to have


artists in residence and will keep one or two apartments free for them to stay in, as well as for owners to rent for friends and family to stay in. That way they don’t need a big place with room for guests. Rentals or Airbnb won’t be allowed and owners will be responsible for the behaviour of their guests. The château is surrounded


by beautiful countryside and vineyards, with restaurants and markets on the doorstep. It’s close to Bergerac airport and just a 1.5-hour drive from the city of Bordeaux. If you share Axel’s dream


of a historic and luxurious French home “where you can be alone but not always alone”, the apartments are for sale from €250,000. ■


chateaudemonboucher.com


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