Martin

My search for a wonderful pile of stones to restore in the South West region of France led me to Château de Gueyze, yet little did I know what lay in store after buying her in 2013. I have always had a fascination for architecture and uncovering the history and charm these buildings can give one, but often with many unforeseen problems as one peels back centuries of neglect to reveal the structure and heart of the Château. 

Nearly a decade later we are now fortunate to live in a fully restored house with parts dating back to the 11th Century. I still think about what life must have been like back then every time I walk up the worn stone stairs that are over one thousand years old. Whilst I have spent many years wielding a sledge hammer, or the latest power tool, it’s Joice who has really transformed a house into a warm and relaxing home.

We moved here permanently, from London, at the beginning of 2020 as the world went into lockdown. As we enter this new chapter of our lives we know that the Château will always remain beneath, within and around us, with foundations as strong as enjoyment for life.

Joice

I first discovered yoga in my early twenties when living in my home country, Brazil. I loved the practice, but never felt confident or that I was good enough. The lack of confidence consequently led to a lack of discipline, and for the next 15 years I practiced on and off.

One day I came across a video of Kino McGregor practicing the Ashtanga Primary Series, and when I saw her capacity to control her body, I knew that I had found what I was missing and in 2016 I joined my first Ashtanga class at TriYoga Soho, London. I found the initial large class experience very intimidating as the majority of students seemed so accomplished in all asanas, whilst I could barely touch my toes. Then, in 2019 I discovered that Sharath Jois would be teaching to a big audience in London and, in the same week, Philippa Asher would be leading a workshop at TriYoga. I thought that this was an opportunity that I could not miss.

But it was only in 2020, when we came to France to escape the early lockdown, I found myself searching for new meaning and purpose in life and was grateful for an unexpected reconnection with Philippa, as teachers moved to online platforms. With her guidance and support, my love and confidence in my practice grew and I was finally able to establish a deeper commitment in my Yoga path.

Combined with all the hard work and effort Martin and I have put into the Château, I am looking forward to greeting yoga practitioners and teachers to our home and new Shala.