On the broadcast of Ik Departure on Saturday November 19, 2022, we see how Jolandi and Barbara radically change their familiar lives to embrace life more. In Mancin, France, they want to turn a stately building into an artists’ haven. Did their dream come true?

Jolande and Barbara update

Every day we are still working on our creative plans and to be honest we are very proud and grateful for what is already out there. Our goal was not only to create a beautiful home for ourselves but also a creative and inspiring residence for art lovers and artists. We invest the proceeds from the Chamber of Commerce in offering an Artist-in-Residence workplace.

Twice a year we invite selected artists to live and work at the Manoir. An exhibition or publication that follows a period of work. Guests who stay with us are spoiled in a delicious and culinary way. We were completely immersed in the design and design of the Chambre d’ARTe room, it is full of unique art objects and designs. We therefore consider it a great compliment for our guests to indicate that they immediately feel at home and can immerse themselves in the peace and charm of lively French life.

with the French battle

We had to adjust the biggest plans we had about renovating the Manoir due to the Corona period. No matter what we tried, we couldn’t get a pro! So we had to do it ourselves. We make a really good team together and really complement each other. We laughed a lot, and at times sighed deeply, even stomping our feet, but we worked day and night contentedly at the Manoir.

All electricity in our building was renewed, but we had to wait half a year for the electricians. Since it turns out that using electricity is dangerous, we had to walk around in the dark with a flashlight, no internet, no washing machine, just back to basics. Hilarious in retrospect, but we couldn’t laugh about it at the time.
After many quotes and emergency repairs, our roof is finally fixed after over a year of waiting! The entire building was covered in scaffolding for three weeks and a large team worked hard on it. The damage, of course, turned out to be worse than expected. Fortunately, the entire house is now dry. The attic is empty and clean thanks to a renewed effort by the White Suit Brigade.

We have not yet been able to realize the plans for the stylish, modern extension to the Manoir. Instead of exhibition at home, we now have cooperation with cultural hotspot to carry out exhibitions. A major technical event is planned for 2023, which we are now preparing. In addition, the Poetry Agenda is once again filling up for performances, and our exhibition art installations are once again touring the world.

Not in Mansion

Homesickness played a huge part in the past year as the grieving process surrounding the loss of Jolandi’s mother and not just moving on to family or friends turned out to be much heavier than expected! When our best friend unexpectedly fell seriously ill, we had no choice but to quickly fly to Holland to support her. We have now cycled up and down several times to support each other with family and friends.
These plans and processes are messed up, but the most important thing for us is to be there for the people we love. We thought it was very special and nice that Jolande’s father and brother came to do odd jobs at the Manoir with his family. Barbara’s parents and our friends also came to enjoy the beautiful French life.

Our dog, Novaz, and his cat, Ashra, are enjoying our beautiful garden to the fullest. Mancini is a small but very lively village with very warm and nice people. We are really lucky with our neighbors and people who are kind when we are not there. In the summer, the local restaurant is “alive” with weekly dances on the beach, and in addition to water sports activities, there is now a golf course. The Loire region is beautiful and not without reason a world heritage. There are many castles, historical villages and churches.

We also easily looked for modern city life, with Paris, Le Mans and Tours an hour away. We still enjoy each other and life every day! We still have many creative plans and big dreams. Follow…
Toot Amour Yolanda and Barbara