Normandy · Orne, France

Château de Lalacelle

Abandoned for forty years near Alençon until a family from north-east England bought it in 2020 and set about waking it — the Escape To The Dream channel chronicles the work, and the château now welcomes its first guests. Twenty-one acres, a cottage, and a second life.

At a glance

Built: 18th–19th centuries (estate origins older)
Style: Normandy country château
Commissioned by: Local seigneurial families
Signature feature: A four-decade sleeping beauty mid-awakening
The purchase: Bought 2020 by Terry Short, Ash Waters and family
Estate: c. 21 acres with château, cottage and outbuildings
See also: Follow the restoration on our Château Channels page
Visiting: Private restoration; guest stays available