How one family brought a 17th-century French château back to life

After a meticulous renovation, Chateau Labarthe, now on the market, showcases the best of countryside living in the heart of France’s Gers region

Ellie Pryor

15 October 2026

3 mins read

How one family brought a 17th-century French château back to life

When Laura-Ann Yuille first visited Chateau Labarthe, it was love at first sight. She and her husband had long been drawn to the Gers region of southwest France, returning year after year and developing a deep connection to the area. Their affection for the region was such that they chose to marry at another château nearby in 2012.

Six years later, they took the plunge and purchased their own slice of the French countryside. Chateau Labarthe was the first, and ultimately the only, property they viewed. "At the time we were living in Dubai, and it was the perfect antidote to our fast-paced lives in the Middle East," she says.

"Life here is more intentional. It's somewhere I genuinely switch off. The community is incredibly welcoming, the local produce is outstanding, and you can spend hours wandering markets such as the antiques market in Lectoure. It's an amazing place to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends and, whenever it's time to lock the gates and leave, I never want to go."

Labarthe, Gers, Midi-Pyrénées

Chateau, 4.94 acres

A sensitively renovated boutique 17th Century chateau in an enchanting position in the Gascon countryside

Asking Price €1.995.000

View Property

Renovating a château in France

As life now takes the family in a new direction, Chateau Labarthe has come to market in search of its next custodian. Under Yuille's ownership, the 17th-century château and its grounds have undergone an extensive renovation, transforming the property into the elegant home it is today. The project carefully balanced the preservation of its historic character with contemporary comfort and practical modern living.

As with any major transformation of a historic property, the journey was not without challenges. Working alongside a heritage architect, Yuille began the project shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic. For much of the following two years, she found herself managing the renovation remotely from Dubai while caring for a young baby, travelling to France whenever circumstances allowed. "It was truly a labour of love," she says.

Despite its grandeur, the château is not classified as a monument historique, giving owners greater flexibility than many historic French properties. "The château has beautiful proportions, with high ceilings, generous rooms and large windows, but I also wanted it to feel warm and welcoming," says Yuille.

"We designed it as a practical family home. One side can serve as the main living area, so during the winter months you can close off part of the château and avoid heating the entire building, creating a cosy and intimate atmosphere."

In summer, the property's larger entertaining spaces come into their own. Alongside the main kitchen, which Yuille describes as "the heart of the home", a secondary kitchen supports larger gatherings, weddings and events.

"I was passionate about preserving the original features, including the fireplaces and the restored parquet flooring on the ground floor," she says. "At the same time, we've introduced contemporary touches and a high-specification finish, from the bespoke deVOL kitchen to the House of Hackney wallpapers."

The sleeping accommodation has also been reconfigured to create seven en suite bedrooms. "I particularly love the principal suite," she adds. "My children's bedrooms are just across the corridor, so when we're here as a family of four they always feel close by." The top floor offers four additional guest bedrooms, positioned on either side of the château's turrets, creating privacy for visiting friends and family.

Running a French château as a business

Alongside serving as a treasured family home, Chateau Labarthe has also been successfully operated as a business, welcoming holiday guests, hosting weddings and accommodating wellness retreats.

Set amid the rolling Gascon countryside, the estate combines rural seclusion with convenient access to Toulouse. The surrounding area appeals to outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, paddleboarding on nearby lakes and exploring the foothills of the Pyrenees.

Swimming pool at Chateau Labarthe, France

The château itself sits within five acres of RHS-designed wildflower gardens, complete with terraces and a large swimming pool. The grounds have previously supported fruit and vegetable cultivation. "We had a couple who grew produce here for local restaurants," recalls Yuille. "We let them use the land free of charge in exchange for fresh vegetables."

The estate also includes an architecturally designed two-to-three-bedroom apartment, where Yuille stayed during parts of the renovation, as well as a substantial collection of outbuildings that offer further potential, subject to the necessary permissions.

"The Gascon countryside is the epitome of a hidden gem with its secrecy fiercely defended by those in the know. Throughout the rolling countryside you'll find gorgeous medieval towns and villages, vantage points with views to the snowcapped Pyrenees, and a gastronomic scene that is well worth exploring," adds Jack Harris, Partner in Knight Frank's International Residential team. "For a future owner, it is the perfect base to relax with your family, have the most amazing fun with plenty of friends, or an exciting venture for someone looking to host weddings, parties and other events."

As she prepares to say goodbye, Yuille's greatest hope is that the next owners experience the same sense of joy and connection she has found there. "I get real pleasure from seeing guests fall in love with the house as much as I have," she says. "It's a very special place, and I want other people to experience that too."