Escape to the Chateau’s Dick Strawbridge reveals why he had to leave wife Angel behind to pursue dream

ESCAPE to the Chateau couple Angel Adoree and Dick Strawbridge have worked tirelessly since leaving the UK for a new life restoring a crumbling French chateau.

Fans of the popular Channel 4 show have loved every minute of their family’s adventure, transforming the chateau into not only a stunning home but also a thriving events business. 

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But it wasn’t always an easy ride, especially at the beginning. Dick recently opened up about the challenges they had to contend with after nabbing Chateau de la Motte Husson for the bargain price of £280,000 in 2015.

He and Angel had to face the stark realities of a vast property - which boasts 45 rooms, 12 acres and a moat - that had remained uninhabited for four decades. 

The drafty pad had no electricity, heating or running water, so it was hardly what Phil and Kirsty of Location Location Location fame would describe as ‘turnkey’. 

First talking about the time before the purchase, Dick explained: “I’ve dreamt for years about living a simple life with good food and wine, fresh air and two-hour lunches every day. 

“So, when my partner Angela and I decided to start our French adventure, I could almost smell the roses”. 

“Our search took some years, four to be precise – and once we realised what we could get for our money, the size of what we were after grew and grew and grew,” he added. 

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However, going on to talk about the post-purchase period, the engineer admitted that the early days were difficult - mainly in terms of cash - and the couple had to think creatively to fund the renovation.   

Dick was forced to take a job that took him overseas for long stretches at a time, which was tough on Angel, left with the kids. 

The Channel 4 star said: “After the purchase and move, we were left with £20,000. We always knew this was not going to be enough to see us through to the wedding. 

“So, I ended up taking a job with National Geographic to provide a much-needed cash injection. The flip side was that I was away for most of March until July”. 

He added: “It was very hard on Angela, but necessary, and as the old saying goes, ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’. She may disagree”. 

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