About Us
Having had the good fortune to travel the world, both for business and pleasure, Mark and Frederique put down roots in the glorious Dordogne region of France in 2021 and set about creating their home-from-home holiday rental concept.
After nearly two years of searching for their dream property, they finally discovered the Domaine de Pragelier, the impressive manor in the Pragelier hamlet, commissioned and built by Louis IX for his loyal lieutenants, the Souffron brothers, around 1710.
Frédérique, born in Paris, lived in Montreal, Canada, for 25 years, where she created a children's clothing line, leading to the opening of seven conceptual stores in Canada and the United States. She returned to the French Riviera in 2000 and continued to nurture her passion for high-end interior design. "With this incredible property as an inspiring backdrop and my love for all things vintage, it has been a lifelong privilege to develop and prepare the property for our guests".
For Mark, an aviation finance executive originally from England who has been living in France for many years, the bucolic lifestyle couldn't be a more welcome contrast to the hustle and bustle of corporate life. "Discovering and immersing myself in the true French countryside life has been an absolute revelation and a pleasure – all those mornings spent exploring 'vide-greniers' and 'brocantes' to find that special piece of furniture were truly worth it."
With custom country-style decor in the cottages and guest rooms, all set in the most charming surroundings, Mark and Frédérique are eager to share the love that Domaine de Pragelier exudes with their guests.
With a history dating back over 300 years, "we recognize that we are actually temporary custodians of this magnificent property," says Frédérique. "If these walls could talk... we've breathed new life into the house and its surrounding buildings, what were once stables for animals are now upscale rental properties, the barns have become versatile rental spaces, and our on-site vintage boutique concept offers all sorts of fun and interesting items, allowing our guests to take home a memento of their countryside vacation in France."
