How I Bought a HISTORIC FARMHOUSE in France at 32 on an ARTIST INCOME

Hi I'm Cara, I'm a professional circus acrobat.
I always dreamt of having a beautiful home where I could practice my art and I found it at Everdeen house a historic 200 year old farmhouse in the center of France come join me as I renovate this gorgeous property, preparing it as a future Circus training venue and restoring its unique character.
My friends and family will join me along the way as I find new skills, uncover hidden treasures and make the Escape to Everdeen.
Everdeen on Instagram:
/ everdeen.french.farmhouse
Chateau,
French farmhouse,
French farmhouse diaries,
Farmhouse diaries,
FRENCH FARM,
ESCAPE TO THE CHATEAU,
HISTORIC CHATEAU,
Home renovation before and after,
Chateau renovation in France,
Chateau lifestyle,
Chateau journey,
French lifestyle vlog,
Farmhouse vlog,
Castle lifestyle,
Manor House renovation,
Chateau tour France,
Home tour France,
Home tour France 2023,
French real estate,
Moving to France vlog,
Country home france,
Chateau life,
Living in a French Chateau,
DIY,
Aerial retreat,
Countrylife,
Historic Architecture,
Victorian lifestyle,
Regency home,

[@dorothylavell3038]

You and Everdeen are growing together. I'm sure your Grandma is watching and enjoying the little changes you make each day. The chair looks amazing. I love the paint colours on the wall and door and the decor is beautiful. Good luck with going for your driving test 😊

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Aw thank you very much!

[@jinnymay3371]

Firstly, I love your yellow dress! Your Gramma would be so proud of you, and her heart so full, not only because of your accomplishments thus far, but because you are following your dreams and planning and working hard to get there. I think she knew you would use her gracious gift wisely. I recently became a grandmother, it is such a wonderful place to be in life. You have the same love you had as a mother, yet the life experience and slower pace to really appreciate the gift of children and all the possibility new life holds. Thank you so much for sharing your journey, I will certainly watch more!

[@diananunn1594]

Just came across your channel and I adore it. Love watching people be able take such beautiful old properties and turn them back into a beautiful home. I would be interested in hearing how you came to live in France, if you are willing to share one day.

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Aw thank you! I think i will do a video with my whole story at some point :)

[@nancymiller7294]

You are so appreciative of what you have accomplished and thankful that you had a wonderful Grandmother. I have noticed you are always bubbly and smiling. I am an only child that worked hard my entire life. I have had abusive marriages except my last one. We would have been married 27 years today. I started saving money every way I could and have provided a roof over many family members heads through the years. I can see a huge resemblance to your Grandma in you, she taught you well and you were a good student. Good luck and stay happy !!

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Aw thank you so much! It sounds like you have a really amazing story yourself!

[@VintageLPs]

This vlog really enhances all that you have shown us since your purchase and shows what hard work accomplishes. You picked a beautiful village in which to make a home and I look forward to each video.

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Oh thank you so much I'm really glad you are enjoying my videos and the channel:-)

[@murialpack5350]

Your channel is gonna grow beyond your imagination because you deserve it!!! You are so fun to watch with your honesty, positivity and sense of humor 😁😁😁 Oh…and thank you for sharing!

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thank you very much! And thanks for watching!

[@sylviawright5181]

Thank you grandma ,you made this one happy lady ,👍🌻

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

❤️❤️❤️ very true

[@dchapman6742]

Love the look of the blue room walls with the trim added

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thank you! I'm very happy with how it turned out

[@anitawoods7174]

Nice to hear about how you where able to purchase your beautiful house. Yoú r doing a great job renovating it.

[@tiffanyobrien280]

Go Cara Go! Your grandma AND Auntie Mame would be so proud and I am too!

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Hahaha excellent Mame reference!!

[@pamb.1699]

I really enjoy watching the different things that you are doing in the house. You are really doing a great job and your grandmother would be so very proud of you.

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

❤️thanks for that, I certainly hope she would be

[@veronicastanesco6368]

It's refreshing to hear your story of starting off with something small like an apartment, then with a lot of hard work and patience finding a great property in regional France. You have a lot of courage and a great plan. Congratulations and thanks for sharing your wonderful and inspiring story.❤

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thank you so much!

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thank you so much!

[@irvanairvana4055]

Just wow! What a well grounded person you are even though you are “in the air.” Will enjoy catching up on your reno. ❤

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Hahaha nice aerial pun there 😁 thanks

[@sandicoppins]

Hello Cara, thank you for sharing these personal accounts of your life. I'd love to learn more about your past. You seem to be a very fascinating person. I love what you are working towards. You're very brave and I admire your strength 😊😊😊

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Aw you're so sweet, thank you! I will do a video soon with a bit more of my story :)

[@janetkellerdye8131]

Hi Cara! Congratulations on your gorgeous property!!! I would LOVE for you to do a video on the why, how, and experiences on moving and buying in France. We are now both retired and moving to Europe is our goal. Thank you and best of luck with everything!!

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thanks! :-) and yeah I will definitely do a video about my experience moving to Europe when I find sometime to sit down and film it

[@elizabethstreeter2145]

Lovely story your grandmother would be proud by the sound of it.keep up the good work and look after yourself people don’t understand what pain you go through for your art theses bruises don’t look good

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thanks :) (and the bruises look worse than they are)

[@ericmcmaster1451]

HI Cara. What a wonderful legacy your Grandma has given you. An apartment in Paris and now this beautiful farm house. Ho wonderful is that. I'm sure she would be so pleased to see what you have accomplished with her gift. I can't wait to see what your next project is going to be.. Bravo! Cheers from Toronto

[@KarenHowatt]

you look like your granny, so kind of her to gift you her home x

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Aw thanks, I like to think we look à bit alike :)

[@flyinghaggertys9362]

Love these videos, every single one! I would SO enjoy hearing about your move to France, why how, all the complications! Yes please❤🙌☀️

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Will do! 😁adding it to the list

[@kathyhoffman5480]

You are such a positive and vibrant person! It is such a blessing to see the process of your journey. You are truly a role model to many. Can't wait to see the transitions in the future!! (I can hardly wait for each episode). Such sweet parents!! God bless you sweetheart! Kathy Happy 4th of July from the USA!🎉🗽🎇🎆🎊🌼🌞🌋🌠🌤🎆✨💥🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Aw you are very sweet, Thank you so much! Happy 4th to you too!

[@delmacarranco8100]

Thank you for sharing your story, anyone who works as hard as you do to make your dreams come true is amazing in my book, I wish you the best in life and many more dreams to come true God bless❤

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

That's very sweet, thank you :)

[@myspanishcountryhome]

Congratulations! It's always inspiring to hear when someone goes for their dream, espcially when that person is blessed with gratitude.

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Aww thank you😊😊

[@bobolpatrick3789]

Bonjour c'était passionnant de vous écouter ,j'aime votre positivité ,et votre sensibilité .Bon courage pour la suite

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Merci beaucoup :)

[@Alison-re2gn]

I love your videos and this one about your grandmother was so touching I would love to know more about you and how you came to live in France ❤

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

I'm putting a video about how I came to France on my to-do list :)

[@katemoore6249]

You are a very bright young woman. Keep your eye on your goals. God bless you!

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thank you so much! That's very kind of you :)

[@leslietarboxjr4287]

That was a very beautiful and heart felt overview on how you came to own this very old mansion on the hill. I love that you are doing your best to restore this amazing place for future generations.

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thank you :)

[@caronich]

Congratulations for all of your amazing accomplishments and purchase of your home. I look forward to following along as you continue to follow your dreams!!🎉

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thank you so much!

[@dottiebaker6623]

You may already know about this, but there is something that helps a lot with bruises, called Arnica. It comes in a cream as well as little tiny lozenges. And it's made in France!

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Oh yeah, arnica and I are good friends ;)

[@bfox5767]

I enjoyed your video so thank you for telling the story. I look forward to hearing the story of how you came to live in France.

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thank you! Will do!

[@chriswashburn9039]

So glad I found your channel….I’m living through your journey.

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

I'm so glad!

[@michelle_cen]

Noticed your videos for years and you are inspiring me to keep practicing for Lyra despite the pain. Now you inspire me to have a home I can practice in too. Congratulations and thank you for every video ❤ You are a magical inspiring person!

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Awww thanks you so much, that's great to hear! I'm so glad you're enjoying both channels :)

[@DebbieKnapp-xf6rd]

Amazing story! I admire you making your dreams come true ( working soo hard!) You will have a beautiful home and work space!

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thank you so much!

[@willowdowns6782]

Love your vlogs, your story about your Grandmother really touched my heart. As a Grandmother (Nonnie) myself who adores my 4 grandchildren can relate to your bond. Love your story of the house and your artistic pursuits. Wow you are a trooper with some of those jobs! Enjoying from Rockingham in Western Australia.🌹❤️

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thank you so much! 😁 it sounds like your grandkids have a great grandma also :)

[@swede716]

In the door I would put bronze colored metal mesh for ventilation. It would be form and function! The walls look great blue can be tricky it can look purple gray but your looks calming..Good job👍🏻

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Oh that's a very interesting idea, I'm a bit more worried about heating and the winter, though, than having air flow in the summer since the house naturally stays fairly cool but can be difficult to heat

[@aerial_silks_hoop]

Wow! I can't believe how cheap that enormous home cost, especially with the bonus furniture. I would love to hear about your personal story and background as well. I'd also love to hear about your boyfriend! I'm nosy 😆

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thank you so much for that!! that is very kind and generous of you, and much appreciated! :-) I definitely am putting a video about my story on my to-do list for filming and don't worry, my boyfriend will be making an appearance very soon on the channel (I'm very excited for that) :)

[@onedandylion]

What a lovely, uplifting story... I am looking forward to following along.

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thank you so much!

[@sherylbehrman3146]

Your grandma sounds amazing !

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

She really was ❤️

[@JaCaraKM]

What a great story! Thank you for sharing. I have also bought a property this year in France but in the Languedoc Occitaine region. It only took 3 months for me to buy my apartment so it isn’t always 6 months to close on a property. Maybe I was just lucky that it only took 3 months. I got my property for an insanely low price too because it had not been live in for over 15 years and needed so much fixing up. I understand the frustration of not having the time to work on your property and make it a home. As a US citizen I can only spend a limited amount of time in France and generally I run out of time to get all the things I want to do done when I am there. However, I just take that time away to dream of all the renovations, save for the renovations and plan the life I want to have when I finally get my visa.

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Wow congratulations! It sounds like you are having a very exciting journey, too!

[@moniquegin8444]

Im going to be doing what your doing soon

[@PWLGOZ]

Thanks for this! Dorothy was very interested. I'm sure she'd love a video on the VISA stuff as well! She's started aerial a few months ago and your vids are very helpful! Congratulations! This is so exciting!

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Hi, nice to hear from you! I'm definitely adding a how I moved to France video to my list of things to film:-)

[@chattykathie7129]

Thank you for sharing your personal story.

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

I'm happy to, thanks for watching!

[@KK-Grew]

I love what you are accomplishing!! I can’t wait to see other spaces brought to life 😊

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thank you!! 😊

[@mariarobles9116]

You get a great Xmas present: your beautiful house!!! 😍

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

😁 very true

[@thechurneys]

You are lovely. Thanks for sharing your story with us all.

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thanks for watching :)

[@SandraRamirez-fl7tm]

Love watching this channel. She has inspire me to go for my dream.

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Aww that's great!

[@KeithWiggins-xc1sf]

Well u only live once and u are living your dream . Well done . 😊

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thank you so much 😀

[@sharonmaddox3390]

Love the beautiful house and you are making it a home. Well done. i would love to do as much for my grandchildren but having 12 and not having much they must be content with just my love. ❤ i have so much admiration for you and other u tubers i watch who are doing the same. All the best hoping your arms are not to sore.

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Oh wow 12 grandkids! That's great! Thanks for the support and your kind words :)

[@elisabetharzberger2456]

from what one could see on this episode the blue bedroom is gorgeous❣️

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thank you! I'm very happy with how it's going :) it had been a LOT of work

[@LexieFreya]

that's awesome!!!!! this is the dream can't wait to see your progress on the house

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thank you! Process is happening slowly but surely

[@jomcd2073]

I hope all goes well and you have many happy years running your classes and retreats:)

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thank you so much!

[@alentrevor]

and Mrs T Loved this video thank you for sharing your story

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Glad you enjoyed it :) thanks for watching!

[@constance4105]

Well done, thanks! Very interesting story. Good Luck!

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thanks very much :)

[@christinemills2050]

Just watched this video loved it ,you are such an inspiration to everyone. It’s a lovely place and looking forward to other videos xx

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Aw thanks very much!

[@Tanya_CatLady]

I came across your vlogs and saw that you are an aerial acrobat, there is another channel I watch called "Lady of the Chateau" which one of the ladies that live there also does aerial acrobat. Looking forward to continuing to seeing your renovations all the way from Albuquerque New Mexico USA!

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Oh yeah, I've seen à little of Lady of the Chateau, they have a great channel :)

[@maisonjournals6007]

Just found your channel, thanks for sharing, really enjoyed and your parents are so so lovely , look forward to the updates x

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@CatcachuToo]

Hi Cara, I’m loving your channel, your lovely house and the restoration process! I found you yesterday and have watched all your videos! I’m so impressed by your hard work. I’d love to hear your story about getting to France. I’m from the South and thought I heard that drawl in your daddy’s voice! Maybe you could start a Patreon account to help with the cost of restoring your home! Wishing you all the best from Alabama and excited to follow your adventures! ❤

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Oh what part of Alabama are you in? my dad is originally from Mississippi so well spotted there:-) I think eventually I will start a patreon because it would be very helpful and people that have been so kind with this channel

[@CatcachuToo]

@@EscapetoEverdeen I’m in Phenix City, I also have ken in Mississippi near Corinth.

[@joubertcronje35]

Thanks for telling the viewers your story. Well done! Why didn't you bought the chateau?😄Hope all your dreams come true at Everdene. Shall like to see when you completed the full kitchen. I like to hear such good stories from France. My ancestors came from France in 1688. So I have a very special place for the country.

[@thechurneys]

You are blessed and I love hearing about your love for your Grandma. ❤️

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thank you so much!

[@cathyhatfield5340]

Great story and a wonderful grandmother ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thanks so much!

[@sue7190]

Would love to hear how you came to live in France. Great story on your journey to buying your home

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

:) I'm adding that to my video list 👍

[@JJ-ol5wz]

you really are amazing. I am enjoying your videos very much. Have you shown the barn yet?

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Not yet! Waiting till I have someone to help film for that one, should be coming soon

[@katharinedavis4947]

Yes I'd like to hear your " back story " . K

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

I'm adding it to my video list :)

[@monicalucius2029]

Hey Clara thanks 4 sharing your story on the purchase of your beautiful estate. I love love love the property. And I truly believe it will pay 4 its self. Family and friends will enjoy it 4 years to come. Peace and blessings to you. 😊shalom

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thank you! I think you are right :)

[@stevedavis9742]

You will meet your goals...Liz

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thank you 😁 I hope so

[@summertyme9046]

Really sweet!

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thanks!

[@mynaturalperfume828]

Very beautiful story , thank you ❤ Greetings from Indre, close to Creuse

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Hello back to you! I hear Creuse is lovely!

[@mynaturalperfume828]

@@EscapetoEverdeen OH yes, it s very natural. Impressionism in painting was "invented" there ❤️🎨

[@OmegaOutoto]

❤❤❤

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

😁

[@cococrazyoilstm4476]

Love your channels. Thanks for sharing your world with us! ❤

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Glad you like it, thanks for watching!

[@chantalcooper8473]

You are a very good young lady I love the house and I’m glad you save money thanks to your grandma keep on working

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

😊😊 thank you !

[@amalali9304]

Bravo...

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

:)

[@connieperkins5135]

Great video

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thanks!

[@Neroli-Daydreaming-of-France]

Thanks for this, I really enjoyed it, I was curious but didn’t want to be rude😂. Yes, I’d love to know more of your story if you’re ok with sharing. We bought a small, cute cottage in Pays de La Loire from New Zealand while in lockdown. Quite a process, although it was straight forward and everyone was so helpful. We couldn’t have bought from afar if it hadn’t been for lockdowns, but at the same time it was a year after the house was ours that we first saw it, in 2022. And yes, we’d bought it sight unseen! Happily it worked out and we love it. Also helped by my husband’s grandmother, bless her. Circumstances mean we can’t get back there until next year, so it’s a treat for me to see your place in the meantime x p.s i love the blue walls

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Oh wow that sounds like a crazy adventure! And I definitely can sympathise with not having enough time at your house! So frustrating!

[@SHYsArt]

Thanks!

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Oh my goodness, thank you so much! Very much appreciated!!

[@tularegirl]

Thank you for sharing your story❤ Love seeing your adventure. Keep strong.

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thank you so much!

[@yvonneberoud2604]

Congratulations to you!!! I so enjoy your channel 😊 love your beautiful home and the journey of renovation it thank you for sharing ❤

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

I'm glad you're enjoying it :) thanks for watching!

[@bayoubabe6698]

Congratulations! What a beautiful home. Can I come be your housekeeper??🥰

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Hahaha how do you feel about a full time spider removal job?

[@bayoubabe6698]

@@EscapetoEverdeen, LOL, I might not be the right candidate for that Part of the position!! Yikes 😩😳

[@tularegirl]

Also, you might want to link this channel with your aerial channel to get those subscribers watching this channel too. 🎉

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

You're right, I need to figure out how to do that but I have been procrastinating because I'm so bad with technology

[@UCLALJR]

Thanks for the vlog. I do wonder how your house got its name. Was it already called Everdeen, are there wild boar in the area, or are you a fan of HG?

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Actually I called it Everdeen after the main character in Far from the Madding Crowd, she is a woman who inherits à farm and makes it run well again :)

[@candyv4921]

Hello, so good to come across your channel, as a theatre artist. Could you give links or explain how the system in France makes it easier to buy? I'm struggling to buy and rent here in Lisbon.

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

I'll do a video soon with a bit more about how I came to France and I'll talk about it then :) good luck in Portugal!

[@Alison-re2gn]

What is the name of your other u tube would love to have a look at that too if its as good as this one😊

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Aw thanks - it's Cara Chapman Aerial Pole

[@patriziadelorenzis378]

Hope you fixed your exhaust pipes!😌

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Thanks, we are working on it :)

[@jchp1734]

When does the “coming soons” start…

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

Now haha

[@wowyummyyy]

LIKE 👍👍 👍👍 👍👍🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩💯💯💯

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

:)

[@katharinedavis4947]

Do you think your house has been in 2 flats for some time ? I think you are on the top floor and that is self contained and similarly the floor below is self contained, I think ? Kay

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

It's really like the top 2 floors are one living space and the apartment is seperate... what's strange is that there is or toilet or bathroom in the apartment

[@katharinedavis4947]

@@EscapetoEverdeenThank-you for your reply . I thought there were two kitchens as well as two bathrooms upstairs. I'll have to rewatch the earlier videos. I think the servant would have used an outside loo , or the indoor one when working indoors. Kay

[@Squizzmeister]

This is so amazing, I’m really looking forward to you opening this place up for workshops! 🥹🥰

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

😊😊I'm hoping to start next year

[@MarianaBencekova]

❤❤❤

[@EscapetoEverdeen]

:)