There’s a certain magic in the Loire Valley - a landscape dotted with grand châteaux, where history and imagination blur into one. At Château de la Carrière, that magic takes shape daily under the care of hosts Sophie Thé and Suzie Jackson, who welcome guests into a world that exists somewhere between reality and fantasy.

Sophie, a French-Australian stylist, honed her eye for design and hospitality working across Australia, including for Merivale - the country’s benchmark for atmosphere-driven dining and experience. Suzie, originally from Melbourne, ran a successful financial planning practice before deciding to follow her long-held dream of creating moments around food, wine, and conviviality. Their paths crossed on Instagram, and what began as a two-week stay quickly became a shared adventure in breathing new life into a new unique chateau stay experience.

Together, they embody the spirit of modern hosting: equal parts French elegance and Australian warmth, where every table is set with intention, every meal tells a story, and every guest feels as though they’ve stepped into their own novel.

Renovating a château in France is a dream that we read about in books. What were you both doing prior to the château; how did you both meet & how long have you been on this fabulous adventure?

Sophie: “I was working as a stylist in Sydney and all over Australia, including for Merivale, which gave me incredible exposure to hospitality and design. I’ve always loved creating atmosphere and experiences that bring people together. But I wanted to
return to France and be closer to my family.”

Suzie: “Before the château, I was running a private financial planning practice in Australia. I loved supporting women with financial advice, but I always dreamed of doing something creative around food and hospitality.”

Together: “We met through Instagram, of all places. What started as a two-week stay quickly turned into something much bigger - our shared vision for this magical place brought us together on this adventure.”

What’s your favourite part of working together & hosting at the château in Spring/Summer? Do you each
have your own domain?

Sophie: “What I love most about working together is that we never think small - every event is an opportunity to create something immersive, whether it’s dinner in the orchard, under the linden trees, or in the chapel. My role is to create the atmosphere and setting that elevate Suzie’s food, so the experience feels dramatic and memorable.”

Suzie: “And I love creating those menus - cooking with what’s in season from the garden and designing food that feels deeply connected to the place. We inspire each other to go bigger.”

Together: “That’s the best part of working together: our strengths balance and overlap. Suzie leads with food, Sophie with styling - but it all blends into one shared performance of hosting.”

Are there traditions or events you look forward to each year?

The seasons set the rhythm. In spring, we open the gardens to the public for Rendez-vous aux Jardins - it’s full of energy and connection. Summer brings weddings and celebrations, Chateau guests and retreats each week unfolding in new ways. Autumn slows down, with golden light and a quieter beauty. Winter is our time to pause, reflect, and dream up what’s next.

Do you incorporate elements of both French and Australian culture into your hosting style? How do those two come together?

Yes, always. There’s an Australian sense of warmth and openness in the way we welcome people - relaxed, informal, everyone feels part of the family. And then there’s French elegance and tradition: the art of the table, the importance of wine, the beauty of the garden setting. The château carries both energies - refinement and generosity


Quick Five – each of your favourites:

Sophie:

Perfume: Shalimar de Guerlain / La pivoine de Sourches / Damas Héritage Berbère sometimes mixed sometimes solo depending on the day

Book: mostly personal development in English audiobooks and French contemporary novels like Virginie Grimaldi and Melissa da costa 

Podcast: Fashion Neurosis with Bella Freud right now 

Instagram Account: @jacquemus for the genius ads

Hobby: drawing and photography 

Suzie:

Perfume: Giorgio Armani always 

Book: my own diary

Podcast: None

Instagram Account: No particular favourite

Hobby: Cooking and entertaining

What’s always on your playlist, menu, wine list, table settings?

French music sets the mood, Champagne is a must, and menus always reflect the season - usually with ingredients from our garden. And without fail, the tables are filled with flowers from the château grounds.

Like choosing a favourite child (we know you probably can’t), but what is your favourite type of group to host?

Groups of family and friends staying for several days are our favourite. It gives us time to create a rhythm — shared breakfasts, long lunches, dinners under the stars. Watching people celebrate milestones and sink into château life is incredibly rewarding.



Outside of the château, what do you both do for your Spring/Summer holidays?

Sophie: “I need a change of energy, so I love escaping to the beach or a city for inspiration. Exploring keeps me creatively alive.”

Suzie: “My holidays are usually in winter since summer is our busiest season. I love slowing down with walks in nature and quiet time with friends.”

What are your go-to sources for vintage finds, fabrics, or tableware in France? Any hidden gems you’re willing to share?

The Sunday markets are our treasure troves. We find vintage linens, ceramics, and tableware with character - many of which end up in our attic shop. If you join us, on one of our tours, we’ll happily share a few hidden gems.

What’s upcoming on the château calendar we need to keep our eyes out for?

We have new events and workshops in the works, launch of our YouTube channel, and even a cook book in the making. And in May 2026, we’re honoured to welcome celebrated landscape designer Paul Bangay for the French garden tour. At its heart, the château is about allowing guests to step into a world that exists between reality and fantasy.

@ourfrenchcountrychateau

www.ourfrenchcountrychateau.com