July 21st 2024.
Just like many people dream of doing, Esther Fresco and her husband, Marcel, took a leap of faith and left behind the hustle and bustle of the rat race. They decided to purchase a fixer-upper in the beautiful South of France and turn it into a charming bed and breakfast. But how did their journey begin?
Esther, a former high-flyer in the fashion industry, had always believed that there is not just one career path for everyone. After years of working in a field that she felt was contributing to pollution and unsustainable practices, she decided to make a change. "There's a challenge for the fashion world to become more sustainable, but I wanted to channel my creativity elsewhere," she explained. And so, two years ago, Esther turned to her husband and proposed a new adventure. "We've had one career, why don't we have another one?" she asked. "Why don't we leave our home in Holland and go somewhere warm, renovate a property, and become B&B owners? A slower life, a nicer climate... what do you think?"
Marcel was immediately on board with the idea, and the couple began their search for the perfect property in the South of France. Esther, with her eye for design and love for the region's colorful buildings, was drawn to the area's signature style. After looking for a long time, they stumbled upon a house nestled on a hill of lavender fields, just a short walk from the village of Montcuq. "This could be the one," they thought.
The 1803 Quercy-stoned house, which they named Domaine Lapèze, needed a lot of work to transform it into a desirable vacation spot. But Esther, armed with her extensive knowledge of fabrics, colors, and shapes, was up for the challenge. "We wanted to buy a big home with land," she shared. "And after looking for a long time, we pulled up to a house which was up on a hill of lavender fields, 20 minutes walk from the village of Montcuq, and we thought...'this could be the one'."
The couple poured all of their time and energy into the renovation, only hiring specialists for the most complex tasks. And slowly but surely, Domaine Lapèze began to take shape. The charming B&B now boasts three chic rooms, each with a unique wine-inspired name and stunning views. But Esther and Marcel didn't stop there. They also created a gite named Le Cabernet, complete with its own private terrace and cozy wood stove. And they have plans to build a new studio apartment and outdoor swimming pool in the near future.
One of the aspects of their property that the couple is most proud of is their five hectares of land. They have a vegetable garden, a vineyard, and a variety of flowers and fruit trees. "We grow pumpkins, cucumbers, and tomatoes, which I give to our guests to cook with," shared Esther. "We have flowers blossoming from early spring to winter, and we have lavender, oleander, rosemary, basil, coriander, and then a whole orchard of figs, walnuts, apples, pears, and plums."
Adjusting to life in the South of France has been made easier by the couple's kind and helpful neighbors. And Esther's mother often visits from Holland to help out in the garden. "I am also now able to speak conversational French, I am learning every day," said Esther. Domaine Lapèze has become a popular destination for couples and groups of friends, who come to enjoy the peacefulness of the countryside and the liveliness of the nearby village of Montcuq. "We feel we're not somewhere out in the countryside half an hour drive from the nearest bakery," said Esther. "No, we're on a beautiful, quiet hill but we can walk to the lively village of Montcuq in 20 minutes, or drive there in three. It's known in the region as a good place for some nice restaurants, a small pub, a pizzeria, and a really great market."
Esther's keen eye for design is evident in every corner of Domaine Lapèze. The rooms are spacious and inviting, with relaxing neutral tones and calming details. French doors open up to breathtaking views of the Lot river, and guests can enjoy a breakfast made with fresh, local produce from the gardens or nearby markets. "The food is really great around here, which is partly why Marcel and I like it so much," shared Esther.
As for the future, Esther and Marcel have no plans of slowing down. They are constantly finding ways to improve and expand Domaine Lapèze, all while living their dream of a slower, more fulfilling life in the beautiful South of France.
Esther Fresco and her husband Marcel had always dreamed of escaping the rat race and starting a new life in the South of France. It was a daring move, but they knew it was what they wanted. After years of working in the fast-paced fashion industry, Esther was ready for a change. She felt that the industry was contributing to the pollution of the world, and she wanted to use her creativity for something more meaningful. Marcel, who worked in IT, was also ready for a new adventure. So, one morning, Esther turned to him and said, "We've had one career, why don't we have another? Let's leave our home in Holland and go somewhere warm, renovate a property, and become B&B owners. A slower life, a nicer climate...what do you think?"
Esther's love for the colors and tones of the buildings in the South of France played a big role in their decision. She could already see how her design aesthetic would fit in perfectly with the local architecture. The couple began their search for the perfect property and finally came across a beautiful house situated on a hill surrounded by lavender fields, just a short walk from the village of Montcuq. "This could be the one," they thought.
The house, named Domaine Lapèze, was built in 1803 and needed a lot of work in order to turn it into a successful B&B. But Esther and Marcel were up for the challenge. They wanted to use their knowledge of fabrics, colors, and shapes to create a stylish and welcoming space for their guests. And they did just that. Today, Domaine Lapèze boasts three chic B&B rooms, each with its own unique name inspired by the local wines.
One of the things that sets Domaine Lapèze apart is the attention to detail. Esther and Marcel did most of the work themselves, with the exception of some specialized jobs. They even have their own vineyard on the property and hope to one day produce their own local wine. The couple is also proud of the five hectares of land surrounding the house, which they have transformed into a beautiful garden. They grow their own fruits and vegetables, which they use in the delicious breakfast they serve to their guests.
Adjusting to their new life in the South of France was made easier by their kind and helpful neighbors, as well as Esther's mother who often travels to help out in the garden. Esther has also been learning French and can now hold a conversation with the locals. The couple loves the balance of peace and quiet on their hilltop property, while still being close enough to the lively village of Montcuq, just a short walk or drive away.
The majority of guests at Domaine Lapèze are couples or groups of friends looking for a relaxing and peaceful getaway. Children under 16 are not allowed, making it a perfect retreat for adults. The couple takes great pride in creating a calm and comfortable atmosphere for their guests. Esther's keen eye for design can be seen throughout the property, from the open-plan living area in the gite to the French windows that offer a spectacular view of the Lot river.
One of the highlights for guests at Domaine Lapèze is the delicious breakfast made with locally grown produce. Esther and Marcel's vegetable garden provides fresh ingredients for their meals, and they also frequent the nearby markets for the best local products. The couple has truly embraced the French way of life and enjoys sharing it with their guests.
As they sit on their terrace, sipping coffee and taking in the breathtaking views, Esther and Marcel know they made the right decision in leaving their old lives behind and starting a new adventure in the South of France. They have found a sense of peace and fulfillment in their new home, and they love sharing it with others. Domaine Lapèze is not just a B&B, it's a reflection of Esther and Marcel's passion for life and their commitment to creating a beautiful and welcoming space for their guests.
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