A Sunshine Coast family has swapped their suburban home for a 22-bedroom centuries-old chateau in rural France, launching a renovation project across three generations.
Amelia Bradley, her husband Matt, their two daughters and Matt’s parents have relocated from Nambour to take on the restoration of Chateau de la Rey, a sprawling property believed to be about 250 years old.
Ms Bradley said the move had been years in the making, driven by a mix of lifestyle ambitions and practical considerations.
“There is no single definitive reason why we decided to move to France; it was something that came about quite organically and over time,” she said.
The family had discussed living abroad for more than a decade, but it was not until they launched a gem trading and jewellery business in 2021 and gained European clients that the idea became achievable.
Ms Bradley said rising living costs in Australia ultimately pushed them to act.
“I think the final deciding factor though was the cost of living after the pandemic. Life stopped being fun,” she said.
“We just got fed up with it all and decided we wanted more for us and the girls.”
The family of six, along with their dog and two cats, made the move after a two-year process of researching destinations and securing visas, eventually choosing France for its lifestyle, affordability and proximity to clients.
The property, which spans about 1800sqm with additional outbuildings, was purchased outright using proceeds from selling their Nambour home and Matt’s parents’ property in Rockhampton.
Ms Bradley said the decision was influenced by the relative affordability of French property.
“We bought the chateau for the same price as what our home in Nambour sold for,” she said.
The chateau dates back to the 18th century, with foundations believed to originate in the 15th century, and retains historical features including the original family crest.
While structurally sound, the property requires extensive restoration.
“The chateau is in pretty bad shape as it’s been neglected for many years and nature has reclaimed much of grounds,” Ms Bradley said.
Since arriving, the family has faced a steady stream of tests, from language barriers to unexpected maintenance issues.
“The challenges are endless. Every day brings something new to deal with,” she said.
Want more free local news? Follow Sunshine Coast News on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and sign up for our FREE daily news email.
The chateau itself has added to the adventure, with no central heating and even a surprise snowfall shortly after their arrival.
“We actually had snow a few days after we moved in, which was obviously cold but also an unexpected delight as the girls and I had never seen snow before,” she said.
Their daughters Ava, 14, and Piper, 9, have adjusted well since arriving six weeks ago, despite initial hesitation.
Ms Bradley said both Ava and Piper had received a warm welcome at their new schools.
“The effort they made for Piper was extraordinary, even before we left Australia they sent her welcome cards handmade by the students,” she said.
“She’s treated like a celebrity and has already been invited to friends’ houses and a birthday party.”
Matt’s parents, Max and Helen, who are both nearing 80, also made the move, despite having rarely travelled overseas.
“It’s a huge deal for them, but they’re incredibly practical people and just get on with it,” Ms Bradley said.
Despite the hurdles, the family said the local community had embraced them.
“We’ve had many offers of help from total strangers just reaching out to ask if there’s anything we need,” Ms Bradley said.
Looking ahead, the family plans to create a self-sufficient lifestyle, including solar power, gardens and livestock, while documenting the renovation journey online.
“We just want to do everything we can do look after the people we love and create a great life for our kids and a home they’ll always have to fall back on,” Ms Bradley said.
They are also set to feature in an upcoming television series, Chateau DIY Australia, expected to air on the Nine Network later this year.
“It’s been an absolutely crazy journey already, and we’re only just getting started,” Ms Bradley said.
