In a shocking turn of events that has left fans devastated, Escape to the Chateau stars Dick and Angel Strawbridge have been forced to make the heartbreaking decision to abandon their beloved French castle. The couple, who became national treasures through their Channel 4 renovation series, can no longer sustain the enormous financial burden of maintaining the 19th-century Château-de-la-Motte Husson.
The stunning 45-room property in Pays de la Loire, which the Strawbridge family transformed from a derelict building into their dream home over nine years, has become financially unsustainable despite the show's massive success. The couple revealed their difficult decision in their new book, acknowledging that rising costs and the sheer scale of the property have made continuing impossible.
The Financial Reality Behind the Fairy Tale
While millions of viewers watched the charming renovation unfold on television, the behind-the-scenes financial strain remained largely hidden. The maintenance costs for the massive chateau, combined with recent financial pressures affecting many homeowners, ultimately forced the family's hand.
"It's been an incredible journey," the couple expressed, "but the reality of maintaining such a vast historical property has become overwhelming. We've poured our hearts and savings into this place, but sometimes dreams must adapt to reality."
What's Next for the Beloved TV Family?
The Strawbridges are now focusing on new ventures, including their recently launched pantry product range and continued writing projects. Their departure marks the end of an era for Escape to the Chateau fans who followed every step of their remarkable journey.
The news has sparked an outpouring of support from devoted viewers, with many expressing sadness while understanding the practical challenges of maintaining such an extensive property in today's economic climate.
