In 2018, I had the extraordinary opportunity to photograph a wedding at the iconic Château de la Motte Husson, famously featured in the beloved TV series Escape to the Chateau. Nestled in the serene Mayenne countryside, this stunning French chateau has become a symbol of charm, creativity, and family life under the care of Dick and Angela Strawbridge.

Many of you, dear readers, have discovered my blog through the wedding post I shared in 2018. That post included only a few images of the château, but today, I’m excited to share more intimate photos from that magical weekend. They offer a look back at a time when this French chateau lifestyle was still taking shape, when history, creativity, and family came together in a way only Dick and Angel could achieve.

This wedding was for an English couple, one of the first to marry at the château since the Strawbridges began their stewardship. The weekend was a family-focused celebration, filled with love, laughter, and memories that still linger in my mind.

A Glimpse into History

The Château de la Motte-Husson has a fascinating history that spans centuries. Its origins date back to the 12th century when it served as a fortified stronghold. By 1406, the Husson family, for whom the château is named, had taken ownership.

In 1600, the estate passed to the Baglion de la Dufferie family, descendants of Perugian princes. The current château, with its iconic pepper-pot towers and reflective moat, was constructed between 1868 and 1874, showcasing the Neo-Renaissance style that defines its fairy-tale presence today.

The Original Architectural Design Illustration

This rare sepia-toned drawing offers a precious glimpse into the château’s history. It captures the vision of its 19th-century architect in exquisite detail. Every element, from steeply pitched roofs and ornate gables to towering spires, reflects the grandeur of the Neo-Renaissance style.

The delicate wear and foxing of the paper enhance its nostalgic charm. More than a design, it serves as a window into the past. Paired with modern photographs, it beautifully illustrates the château’s transformation from blueprint to timeless masterpiece.

The Strawbridge Era

In 2015, Dick and Angel Strawbridge purchased the château, then a neglected shell of its former self. With passion and creativity, they embarked on an ambitious restoration journey. Their efforts, chronicled in the Channel 4 series Escape to the Chateau, have transformed it into a vibrant family home and one of the most recognisable French chateaux in the world.

The series, which aired for nine seasons from 2016 to 2022, captured the imaginations of viewers worldwide. Through their innovative designs and hands-on approach, the Strawbridges showcased not only the château’s architectural beauty but also their family’s unique charm and determination.

Angel Strawbridge’s Playful Elevator Murals at Château de la Motte-Husson

The elevator murals at Château de la Motte-Husson showcase Angel Strawbridge’s creativity and artistry. Hand-painted by Angel, these vibrant, whimsical designs reflect her and Dick Strawbridge’s personalities in a storytelling style.

Every detail, from elaborate costumes to imaginative elements, blends historical charm with humor. Textured, interactive features bring the murals to life, delighting visitors. More than decoration, they capture the château’s spirit of creativity and individuality.

My Experience at Château de la Motte-Husson

When I arrived in 2018 to photograph the wedding, I was struck by the château’s magical ambiance. Though still early in its restoration under the Strawbridges, many of its now-famous interiors were already complete. Angela’s creative touch was evident everywhere, from the vintage-inspired décor to the whimsical accents that made each room feel alive with personality.

It was a thrill, to see in real life, so many of the decorative details I had seen Angela create in the show and also to see the renovated spaces brought to life in the show from Dick’s creative and engineering mind. From the pneumatic vacuum elevator within one of the château’s turrets, which I took a ride in! – to the Vin de Van mobile bar! I cannot lie, I was and have remained a massive fan of the show, so I was a kid in a candy shop!

I had briefly met Angela years earlier in London’s vintage scene, of which we both ran business, but seeing her here with Dick in their element was something special. Despite their fame, they were gracious and welcoming, giving me full access to the château for photography.

The Château’s Iconic Facade

The facade of Château de la Motte-Husson embodies romantic, fairy-tale charm. Its Neo-Renaissance architecture is striking, with soft sandy stone, symmetrical design, and signature pepper-pot towers crowned by conical roofs. These features add a medieval flair to the ornate windows and gables.

One view frames the château with a meadow of wildflowers, while another captures its reflection in the tranquil moat, enhancing its otherworldly beauty. The grand entrance, with a double staircase leading to the main doors, hints at its magical role as a wedding venue, where love stories come to life.

Capturing the Escape to the Château’s Iconic Interior

The Grand Entrance Hall

The entrance hall of Château de la Motte-Husson was nothing short of magnificent. As you stepped inside, a stunning staircase immediately commanded attention, framed by elegant carved wooden doors with intricate stained-glass panels. The arches above the doors featured ornate stone carvings, showcasing the château’s Neo-Renaissance grandeur.

On the walls, whimsical unicorn heads added a playful, magical touch to the space, perfectly reflecting Angel Strawbridge’s signature style. Overhead, a chandelier crowned with a golden pineapple cast a warm glow, symbolising hospitality and setting the tone for the creative charm that unfolded throughout the château.

The Wedding Celebration Display

A special corner of the château featured a framed board announcing David and Jade’s Wedding Celebration. Decorated with intricate floral designs, it stood near a hand-painted map of the château grounds highlighting locations like the walled garden and cinema. Surrounding the display were delicate glass baubles, porcelain figurines, and vintage keepsakes that showcased Angel’s storytelling talent through décor.

The Wedding Celebration Display

A special corner of the château entrance featured a framed board with vintage architectural drawings, announcing David and Jade’s Wedding Celebration. Decorated with intricate floral designs, it stood near a hand-painted map of the château grounds highlighting locations like the walled garden and cinema. Surrounding the display were delicate glass baubles, a taxidermy mink and companion taxidermy heron, porcelain figurines, and vintage keepsakes that showcased Angela’s storytelling talent through décor.

The Tale of the Wolf: A Taxidermy Legend at Château de la Motte-Husson

Among the château’s most intriguing details is the story of its taxidermy wolf, a nod to regional folklore. Legend says the last wolf in the area was shot from the château’s window. For years, a taxidermied wolf stood at the top of the staircase as a reminder of this tale.

Before the château’s sale in 2014, the original wolf disappeared, adding to the estate’s mysteries. When Dick and Angela Strawbridge became owners, Angel honoured the legend by commissioning a replica as a wedding gift for Dick.

Today, the wolf proudly stands on the staircase landing, blending history, sentiment, and Angela’s creativity. It symbolises the château’s layered past and the personal touch the Strawbridges have added to its story.

For those who visit or admire the château from afar, the wolf is more than a decorative feature, it’s a nod to the past and a testament to how Dick and Angela have woven their own love story into the fabric of Château de la Motte-Husson.

Quirky Vintage Sign

This playful vintage sign, painted in soft pink and red hues, captured Angela’s love for vintage typography and humour. Its hand-drawn style was reminiscent of a bygone era and added a cheeky, lighthearted touch to the château’s personality.

A Blend of Real and Faux Taxidermy

The château’s taxidermy collection is a delightful mix of authenticity and artistry. Faux creations, including a whimsical giraffe and unicorn heads, are sourced from Broken Hare, a company renowned for handcrafted faux taxidermy. These playful additions perfectly complement the château’s historical elements, blending tradition with imaginative design to create an enchanting and unique atmosphere.

The Salon at Château de la Motte-Husson

The salon at Château de la Motte-Husson is a captivating blend of elegance and whimsy, perfectly embodying Angela Strawbridge’s artistic vision. Vintage treasures sourced from local flea markets, brocantes, and Emmaus charity stores mingle seamlessly with handcrafted pieces, each telling a story of Angela’s creativity and resourcefulness.

At its heart, the grand sitting area exudes cozy sophistication. A deep red velvet sofa adorned with palm-leaf-patterned cushions anchors the space, surrounded by mismatched armchairs upholstered in lively floral and geometric prints. Muted pastel walls provide a soft backdrop for framed art with bold red tones, their gilded frames adding a regal touch. A marble fireplace crowned by a gilded mirror enhances the room’s grandeur, while greenery and dried florals lend natural warmth.

Decorative details elevate the salon’s charm. On the mantelpiece, starfish and nautilus shells under a glass cloche, lovingly made by Angela of course, pair beautifully with muted dried hydrangeas, connecting the space to the world beyond the château.

The salon is brimming with delightful discoveries: vintage wallpaper rolls in a wooden box, crystal decanters labeled for port and whisky, and a music book titled A Score of Romantic Fragments resting on an ornate stand. A boldly painted “Pride Touring” sign adds theatrical flair, a nod to Angela’s love for the unexpected.

Every detail in the salon feels alive with stories. From carefully curated flea market finds to Angela’s own handcrafted creations, the space is a living museum of past and present, artfully brought to life with her signature charm.

The Kitchen

The kitchen at Château de la Motte Husson combined vintage charm with rustic practicality. Antique copper pots lined the walls, their patina telling stories of shared meals. Against soft cream walls, the display felt curated yet inviting. A ceramic pig ornament sat beside tiles with the Château’s crest. The Union Jack and French flag reflected its Anglo-French heritage, adding to the kitchen’s warm character.

The Gardens and Grounds of Château de la Motte-Husson

The gardens and grounds of Château de la Motte-Husson are a serene retreat, blending the natural beauty of the French countryside with enchanting, storybook charm. The meadows, scattered with wildflowers and soft grasses, create an unspoiled landscape, with daisies swaying in the breeze and narrow paths inviting peaceful strolls.

Peeking through the trees, the château’s towers rise gracefully above the verdant foliage, framed by mature pines and vibrant greenery. Expansive lawns stretch out beneath towering trees, creating the feel of a private park, while the reflective stillness of the moat adds a tranquil touch. Surrounded by lush greenery, the moat mirrors the skies and trees above, evoking quiet moments and a connection to the château’s storied past.

Adding a pastoral charm is the delightful henhouse, nestled near the château’s rustic stone walls. Bustling with chickens in vibrant plumage, it brings a playful rural element to the grandeur of the grounds, embodying the Strawbridge family’s commitment to sustainability.

From the colourful wildflowers to the towering trees, the gardens create a living canvas of texture and colour. Every view, whether across the meadows, over the still waters of the moat, or towards the château itself, feels like stepping into a fairy tale. These grounds are more than a backdrop—they are a vital part of the château’s magic, offering moments of tranquility, wonder, and connection to nature.

Food and Hospitality with Dick’s DIY BBQ Griller

The Château’s spirit of hospitality came to life as Dick Strawbridge crafted a mouthwatering BBQ feast for guests, showcasing his custom-made BBQ smoker. This engineering marvel, both practical and inventive, embodied Dick’s creativity and passion for food.

Set against the Château’s grandeur, the feast blended rustic charm with French elegance. The slow-roasted pig, with golden-crisp skin, became the centerpiece of a hearty meal. Nearby, a table set for dining featured blue-and-white linens, fresh baguettes spilling from flour sacks, and platters of pulled pork, salads, and cheeses, inviting a sense of communal indulgence.

This celebration of food and camaraderie captured the essence of Château de la Motte-Husson—a harmonious blend of creativity, culture, and cuisine.

Weekend Welcome Garden Party at Château de la Motte-Husson

The weekend welcome celebrations got the guests into full swing at Château de la Motte-Husson, with relaxation and conviviality intertwined effortlessly. Guests delighted in the château’s timeless charm, gathering beneath the linden trees to enjoy lively conversation and refreshing drinks. The expansive grounds invited exploration and leisure, with classic lawn games like croquet and pétanque encouraging friendly competition in the golden sunlight.

Circus Circus and Crescent Moon

One of my favourite discoveries was the Circus themed part space featuring many photography backdrop curios. Including a Crescent Moon photography backdrop, which I had a connection with! It is an exquisite piece created by a theatrical painter and it had been a wedding gift to one of my previous brides. Dick and Angela had acquired after I connect them to said bride, and it now stood proudly in the château, blending history and artistry in a way that felt so perfectly fitting.

The Château’s Enchanting Orangerie and Wedding Party Space

The Orangerie at Château de la Motte-Husson served as the heart of the celebration, a perfect blend of rustic charm and whimsical elegance. Once a historic greenhouse, the space had been thoughtfully repurposed to host wedding receptions and lively festivities.

Inside, long communal tables were adorned with mismatched vintage china, glimmering glassware, and embroidered napkins, creating an intimate and inviting dining experience. Twinkling fairy lights crisscrossed overhead, casting a soft glow against the whitewashed walls, while colorful paper lanterns added a playful touch. Fresh flowers and foliage spilled from every corner, lending the space an organic beauty that seamlessly connected it to the surrounding gardens.

The Orangerie’s timeless architecture, with its brick-and-glass façade draped in wisteria, framed views of the lush grounds beyond. Guests enjoyed leisurely meals paired with local wines, savoring the conviviality of shared stories and laughter. As the day turned to evening, the Orangerie transformed into a lively party space where music, dancing, and merriment filled the air, embodying the joyous spirit of the château’s celebrations.

Looking back – Revisiting Escape to the Chateau

Now, years later, revisiting these memories feels like uncovering a hidden treasure. The château of 2018 was a work in progress, a beautiful blend of historical restoration and creative innovation. Walking through its walled gardens and admiring the pepper-pot towers, I could see both the legacy of its past and the promise of its future.

Although the château is no longer continuing with the television show, the legacy of Dick and Angel’s journey lives on in the countless lives they’ve inspired, including my own. Capturing moments at Château de la Motte-Husson remains one of the highlights of living in France, and I’m delighted to share these cherished memories with you.

Discover More About My Life in France

If you’ve enjoyed this journey into the iconic Château de la Motte-Husson, explore my other posts about French chateaux and the charm of life in the South of France. Want to stay connected? Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive updates, and follow me on Instagram @clairemacintyrexoxo for daily inspiration from Provence and beyond.

Bisous! Claire M xoxo