STARS of Escape to the Chateau, Dick and Angel Strawbridge, are embarking on their first even theatre tour in 2020 – Dare To Do It.

After receiving emails from viewers who wanted to visit the Chateau, Dick and Angel decided that they should bring their love story to them instead.

Angel said: “We always say that you can’t write the script that puts a crusty old Colonel and a city girl in a castle in France with two beautiful children.

“Our story is a love story that has been shaped by us dreaming about our life together and then doing it. Hopefully, this is a strong message and may encourage others to ‘dare to do it’.”

Deciding that a simple life and long lunches in France were for them, Dick and Angel moved to France to bring their fairy-tale castle to life.

The pair are now stars of Escape to the Chateu – which follows their journey as they buy, renovate and restore the 19th-century Château de la Motte-Husson in Martigné-sur-Mayenne, France.

Angel added: “This is a real-life fairy tale and we’ve shown it is actually possible to make your dreams come true.

“It does involve working together as a team and working very long hours, but the message definitely is that pursuing your dreams is the right thing to do.”

Somerset County Gazette:

Angel has a love of design – as you can see from the show – but her design is most influenced by William Morris, Etré and Georges Lepape.

She said: “Over the past five years, there have been lots of design decisions about the look and feel of our Chateau. The Chateau, in some instances, led the design.

“For example, finding a wardrobe in the attic full of original wallpaper used at the Chateau led to the Wallpaper Museum.

“Dick’s love for the walled garden (the potagerie) and the incredible view to the south, inspired the Potagerie Suite design.

“From the emails we receive, there are lots of people who want to buy the designs, so we launched The Chateau by Angel Strawbridge range of wallpaper and soft furnishings as well as personalised items available on our website.”

There are lots of independent shops across the UK that are stocking The Chateau by Angel Strawbridge, and it is available at Sainsburys, Next and Argos.

Whereas Dick always seems to be in charge of the cooking, something he has a real passion for. He is mainly self-taught but did a cookery course as part of his resettlement when he left the army and also competed on Masterchef.

Dick said: “I’ve made cookery programmes with my son James and I’ve run restaurants to gain more experience. Interestingly, Arthur is a chip off the old block and is never happier than when he is in the kitchen too. Must be in the genes.”

As well as the chateau and the design, both Dick and Angel have also been inspired throughout their lives by their family.

Angel said: “Mum and Dad have always had an incredible work ethic. I am what I am because of them. On my mum’s side of the family (apart from all the ladies always being so glamorous) they were all natural hostesses.

“From the second you walked into my Grandma’s or Aunt’s house, you had a drink in your hand. It is not until you are older than you realise how your family shape you.”

Dick added: “My parents were always role models. My father was both a family man and provider. My mother was the heart of the family. It’s no surprise I think families are the most important thing in life.

“Together we give each other the support to do what needs to be done. Of course, having complementary skill sets really helps but they would mean nothing without the drive and determination that comes from what we are trying to build; a future for our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and for many generations to come.”

Dick & Angel - Dare to Do It will be at Westlands in Yeovil on March 7 2020. To find out more visit chateaudelamottehusson.com