'Journees-du-Patrimoine' part II...The couple behind Château de Purnon’s remarkable revival.

When most people imagine a life-changing adventure, they think of travel or a career shift, not buying a 105-room château on the verge of collapse. But for Felicity Selkirk and Tim Holding, taking on the restoration of the majestic Château de Purnon in western France was exactly the kind of challenge they were looking for.

Originally from Australia, Felicity and Tim aren’t your typical château owners. Their backgrounds are rooted in public service, international study and a shared passion for history, architecture and culture. After years of working overseas, the couple felt drawn to a project that would allow them to create something meaningful, something lasting.

 In 2020, they discovered Purnon the château was a sleeping beauty, elegant but desperately in need of saving. With vision, courage, and no shortage of determination, they took the leap. Since then, they’ve poured their hearts (and hands) into bringing the estate back to life.

From urgently restoring the château’s crumbling roof to researching its historical details, Felicity and Tim are not simply renovating, they’re caretaking a piece of french history. their approach is as meticulous as it is passionate, driven by a deep respect for the past and an eye toward a sustainable future for the property.

Their journey is far from over, but one thing is clear: the story of Château de Purnon’s revival is inseparable from the story of this extraordinary couple. 

Through their grit, grace and global perspective, Felicity and Tim are proving that even the most daunting dreams can be achieve.

Check out their story here.