This past week I took the train 30 minutes northeast of Paris to visit my friend, photographer Catherine O’Hara, who lives in a château. Yes, you read that correctly. Home is a castle dating back to the 17th century. Ready to join me for a visit of this extraordinary property?

After driving along an impressive tree-lined driveway we entered the gate leading to the château. It was love at first sight. Imagine living at such a stately residence! Catherine and her two adorable dogs do just that.

Catherine, along with Percy and Nora, the royal dogs, took me on a grand tour of the gated 40-acre property.

From the orchards where cherries were ripe for the picking to the gardens where residents are growing their own herbs and vegetables, to the vast woods where logs awaited the winter season.

The inviting swimming pool glistened in the sun, while the tennis court made me wish I had brought my racket.

As we strolled the grounds and the dogs frolicked in utter bliss, Catherine recounted the history of the château. Built around 1630 in the reign of Louis XIII by Sebastian le Hardy, it was Louis XIV’s visit around 1651 from which the name Château de la Trousse most likely originates. He is said to have commented that the chateau was “bien troussé” (“well fitted-out”). The estate fell into disrepair following the French Revolution, and in 1865 the current château was constructed and the gardens were redone. Read more about the history, here.

It wasn’t until 1998 that a Dutch owner acquired the property, renovated the château and gardens and created a number of private apartments. By a stroke of luck, Catherine discovered this castle and made it her home.

I felt such peace and tranquility walking the grounds, imagining the rich and varied tales of lives that once occupied the castle, and the privileged lives of those that moved here more recently.

Catherine took me into the château’s kitchen where time stood still, now only used for residents’ festivities.

She described the enchanting sunsets viewed from the back terrace. I only wish I could have stayed long enough to experience one myself.

The common lounge was reminiscent of centuries past, so regal and ornate. We even had a peek into the chapel where many a mass and celebration took place.

It being tea time, we headed up to Catherine’s royal chambers on the top floor of the château, led by her dogs.

Needless to say, her one-bedroom apartment, outfitted with stunning antiques, was indeed fit for a queen.

We toasted to a life well lived (in a castle no less) as I admired the picture perfect views from her window.

For anyone dreaming of life in a château, good news! Catherine is selling her furnished apartment to move to another space on the property where her dogs can roam more freely. View more photos here and contact her at catherineoharaireland@gmail.com for information or to plan a visit.