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In the heart of the French countryside, tucked between rolling hills and lush greenery, stood a quiet, unassuming house—a place that would soon become home.
Chris and Craig came from different backgrounds but shared a common dream: a slower, more fulfilling way of life. Chris, with years of experience in the UK’s marine leisure industry, understood hospitality inside and out. Craig, a Royal Navy veteran, brought discipline, leadership, and a love for adventure.
By 2024, the pull of change had become impossible to ignore. City life had lost its appeal, replaced by a longing for open space, fresh air, and a deeper connection to nature. So, with a mix of excitement and uncertainty, they set sail—quite literally—across the English Channel in search of something new.
Their journey led them, almost by chance, to a property exhibition in London, where they discovered what would become their future home. Its rustic charm and peaceful surroundings were impossible to resist. Without hesitation, they made the leap, determined to turn it into a welcoming retreat, not just for themselves but for others seeking the same sense of escape.
Born in Norfolk, he grew up around the Norfolk Broads, spending his childhood on classic boats with his family. Winters were dedicated to maintaining and restoring their 1928 and 1939 yachts, which they later sailed in regattas. He was actively involved in the Royal Navy Sea Scouts from a young age, eventually overseeing the national Royal Navy camp for 200 scouts.
Spending so much of his life on the water, teaching water sports like dinghy sailing, kayaking, power boating, and windsurfing was a natural progression after completing college in Falmouth, Cornwall. He then ventured into the marine industry, working for Premier Marinas for 14 years. During his tenure, he operated 42-ton dry stack forklifts, served as assistant marina manager at the second largest marina in the UK, and at Hamble Marinas. He also completed the IOSH Managing Safely course, enhancing his expertise in health and safety management. His experience led him to manage a new team during the acquisition of a major marina and later to lead the learning and development team for the entire group of marinas.
He has lived on and sailed the English Channel on a 50ft ocean-going yacht, he fully rebuilt a 1939 wooden gaffer with Craig, restoring it to its former glory. After taking early retirement in the UK, he completed a 5-week intensive building skills course to reinforce the skills needed for restoring Moulin De Prémartin.
Born in Scotland, Craig began his professional journey embarking on a career as an estate agent. This early role involved navigating the complexities of the property market, dealing with clients, and honing his skills in negotiation and customer service. However, at the age of 19, driven by a profound sense of duty and a desire for adventure, he made the life-changing decision to join the Royal Navy.
This marked the beginning of an illustrious 21-year career, where he served as a Commissioned Logistics Officer, dedicating his talents and commitment to the service of Queen, King, and Country.
Throughout his distinguished tenure in the Royal Navy, Craig's responsibilities were as varied as they were crucial. As a Logistics Officer, he was entrusted with the complex task of coordinating and managing supplies, resources, and personnel—a role that was vital to ensuring the operational efficiency and readiness of naval missions. His work required meticulous planning, a strategic mindset, and the ability to adapt swiftly to the ever-changing demands of military operations.
Craig’s career took him to the far corners of the world, offering him a front-row seat to some of the most awe-inspiring and diverse environments on the planet, from the icy expanses of Antarctica to the vibrant and bustling regions of the Far East, where he immersed himself in a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and customs.
His love for hands-on activities is evident in his enthusiasm for DIY projects, where he finds great satisfaction in the process of creating, building, and fixing things with his own hands.
Traveling remains a significant part of Craig's life and he approaches each journey with the same sense of wonder and adventure that has always defined his life.