In 2010 two people fell in love… their names… Dick and Angel… what ensued for them is a worldwide following of almost cult-like status.
If you have never heard of Dick and Angel Strawbridge, then let me tell you about them. Both are from the UK; Dick is a retired Lieutenant Colonel, engineer and chef, his wife Angel loves all things vintage and ran a vintage inspired hospitality event company.
After they got together, they decided to buy a house in France to utilise their skills for hosting events, cooking, renovation and interior design.
In 2015 they found a derelict 150-year-old chateau in the South of France with 45 rooms, a moat, 12 acres of land and outbuildings, devoid of electricity, sewage or running water and they bought it.
Their adventures to restore the chateau were recorded across nine seasons on the television show Escape to the Chateau which aired around the world quietly amassing a huge following along with a fan club on social media, books, merchandise and a Youtube channel.
What was unique about their show was it didn’t follow the usual reality television format with huge drama – it followed a family who demonstrated a ‘can do’ attitude, love, patience and fun.
Dick said that the television system often encourages lots of jeopardy and they never had that.
“This is not about drama; this is about living and having a good pass at life,” said Dick.
And the viewers loved it.
“As a family we knew we were going to do this and love it – any problem can be fixed, we are in the 21st century and we were never scared – we knew we could do it.
Angel said she and Dick have a mutual passion – his for sustainability and hers for vintage. When you merge the two together it combined completely.
“As soon as we found the chateau, we just knew our family had found our forever home – it was always a really positive thing,” said Dick
“Family is the core of what we have done,” says Angel.
I asked them how they cope with their legion of fans. Angel and Dick laughed and said it wasn’t about coping.
“We love receiving emails from people – it’s wonderful, that we have touched people in different ways – we have messages from people saying it has given them the confidence to get back into crafting or cooking – it is just so lovely.
“When something is important you just get on and do it and we get a lot from the contact as well,” said Angel.
In 2023 they came to Australia on a live tour sharing with audiences the renovations which took place over the nine seasons, with a few guest spots from their children Arthur and Dorothy and Angel’s parents.
This year they are returning to Australia bringing their Forever Home Tour which will see the couple, with Arthur and Dorothy, visit Perth in July.
“It’s a different show from the last one you saw – we want to make sure people who haven’t heard the story still learn about the chateau in the first half relatively quickly.
“We talk about all the television years and we talk about the things that have happened and the changes that have taken place. The children are there for some parts and want to be involved,” said Dick.
“In the second part we address the issues where people have said ‘well its ok for you two because you’re an engineer and you are a designer.’
“We have had to have a go at everything for different reasons and we really believe it’s about mindset,” said Angel.
To prove this they are presenting a new concept called Jack of All Trades, where the children join Dick and Angel on stage along with audience members who get to compete against each other doing a task – it could be icing a cake or plumbing.
“It’s a real interactive vibe and basically we have four contestants on stage, and it is really a lot of fun,” said Angel.
“We finish off the show where we answer questions about anything – it’s lovely to see what people want to know. It’s also about us and our relationship and we don’t shy away from anything,” Dick said.
I asked the couple what all their fans want to know – Is there ever going to be another television show?
“There will be an update… we finished the Escape to the Chateau because the kids were transitioning and needed some time off from the cameras.
“What’s been really nice is the kids are embracing their lives,” said Dick and Angel.
Updates for fans… Pappy Steve and Mum Jenny are ticking off their bucket list travels in good form and good health. Builder Steve is still helping part time at the Chateau and is also enjoying some travelling and Quentin is still on staff. Arthur has produced a preserves range which will be available at the shows along with other Chateau merchandise.
And from August all their merchandise, including the wallpaper and bedding, will be available direct in Australia without customers having to go through the shipping process from Europe.
Dick and Angel’s enthusiasm for their family, their home and the life they have created is infectious.
Dick and Angel’s Australian Forever Home 2025 Tour kicks off in Perth in July.
Tickets are available for the second show on Thursday evening July 10.
Tickets through Ticketek.
