NaNoWriMo
at a Private Château
Get away from everything, and just write your stories
at a private Château in France.
November is National Novel Writing Month - also known as NaNoWriMo.
Every story matters.
Let's start writing yours.
Just Write.
We'll take care of everything else.
Three meals a day prepared for you & maximum five other writers. We'll bring your coffee or tea (and maybe a little pastry, too) right to your desk in your private room, if you'd like.
Come and wander the French countryside to let the ideas percolate. Chat to other writers, relax in front of the fire over aperos in the evening, or keep on writing.
Ditch the distractions, leave the daily details to us.
Just write.
If you’re seeking time and space to yourself to explore your creative writing, consider this your invitation!
How often do you get to stay at a private Château in quintessential France, and explore your dreams?
You deserve some space for yourself, to escape the daily distractions (let alone the stress of the daily news cycle). Your job, your family, the housework consume a lot of your day - maybe it's time for just you and your writing.
Live your French experience, find new inspiration, connect with your writing community, and tell your stories.
Your Private Château
The Château de Saint-Germain-des-Prés is our year-round home. We're not open to the public, or as a B&B.
The tower, containing a stone spiral staircase, and parts of the Château date to the 16th century. The 'blazon' or crest of a noble family is carved over the tower door.
Enjoy the Château common rooms, your spacious private bedroom with seating area and writing desk, and 15 ha of private grounds during your stay. Wander the quaint little town of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or the surrounding quiet roads.
Share meals prepared by your hosts, celebrating all that French cuisine offers, including delicacies from our Périgord region - truffles, walnuts, local cheeses, and other specialties.
Start Your Writing Residency Today!
One Week Residency
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November 10th - 16th 2024
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6 nights & 7 days
Cost: €950
November 3-9th is SOLD OUT
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No available spots for 2 wk residency
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En-suite or shared shower room; shared w.c.
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All on-site meals, snacks
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House wines (locally sourced & selected by wine expert)
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Non-alcoholic beverages
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Other premium wines available for purchase from our cave
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Transportation not included
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Travel cancellation insurance recommended
We strive for precise inventory management; however, due to technical limitations, the room offered for your stay may differ from your initial selection upon deposit. We will always keep you informed.
About Your Hosts
We are Sara & Stephen Cole, Canadians who dreamt of moving to Europe, and France in particular.
We created “Manor and Maker” to reflect the two sides of our adventure. One, to live as Château owners with all the ups and downs and two, to pursue our passions as makers, creating art in all its forms. We invite others to come together, united by their passions, to share in this adventure. We invite you to join us too, as we bring our dreams to life.
Welcome to Manor & Maker.
Testimonials
"I had a wonderful experience at Chateau de Saint-Germain-des-Prés, aka Manor & Maker. What Sara and Steve are doing is so very special. I felt so at ease there, so welcomed, and so supported, and it turned out, that was absolutely essential. Honestly, stress and starvation aren't the keys to artistic freedom -- encouragement, safety, and good food are. I needed time and space to let my creativity return and regrow and that's precisely what I found there. I'll be back as soon as I can!" -- Ella G.
"I couldn’t have asked for a better week—great company, great conversation, great food! Sara and Steve were so kind, providing a beautiful room where I could work on my writing. And one of their little dogs, Dexter, would check up on me. If he deemed it a productive day, he would then take me on a walk. The French countryside is beautiful, and the people are warm and friendly. A week well spent!." -- T. C.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still Have Questions?
Drop us a line. We'll do our best to get back to you in 48 hours.