Youmna and Anthony Rakotondrazaka, a couple with a passion for hospitality, found themselves drawn to an unconventional property in the Côtes d’Armor region. Instead of leaving their classroom days behind, they embraced the opportunity to bring a former school back to life.
After working in the hotel industry for years, Youmna and Anthony decided to venture into entrepreneurship. They wanted a better work-life balance for themselves and their two young children. The idea of running a guest house appealed to them, but the high costs in Bordeaux led them to explore other regions.
In 2019, the couple came across a former school in the picturesque village of Châtelaudren in Brittany. Although they visited multiple properties, this one stood out. While Anthony fell in love with it immediately, Youmna approached the decision with caution. However, once they visited the school, they knew it was the one.
Originally built in 1892, École Sainte-Anne had served various functions throughout its history. It had been a school, a military hospital during World War One, and even a sewing school for older girls. After years of being empty, the building had been transformed into a traditional chambres d’hôtes, or guest house. However, the initial owner’s unexpected passing left the property vacant once again.
In 2020, Youmna and Anthony seized the opportunity to take over the school and turn it into their own version of a guest house. They spent time personalizing each room, infusing color, and incorporating elements that paid homage to the building’s educational past. With 600m² of space, including an expansive attic yet to be developed, the couple had ample room for creativity.
The former school now comprises a breakfast room, a spacious guest lounge, two apartments, and five guest bedrooms spread across three floors. The original architectural features, such as higher-placed windows to deter daydreaming, are complemented by charming touches like oversized blackboards, vintage games, and period teaching maps.
Youmna and Anthony’s children, Maëwenn and Théo, have adjusted well to their unique home. Although they may not fully grasp its history, they occasionally make use of the maps and blackboards, adding their own touches to the walls.
As the couple continues to run their guest house, they have successfully combined their passion for hospitality with the preservation of a piece of local heritage. The transformation of a former school into a warm and welcoming abode exemplifies the power of creativity and imagination.
FAQ:
1. Why did Youmna and Anthony Rakotondrazaka decide to turn a former school into a guest house?
Youmna and Anthony were looking for a better work-life balance and wanted to venture into entrepreneurship. They decided to run a guest house, but the high costs in Bordeaux led them to explore other regions. They found a former school in the village of Châtelaudren in Brittany and saw it as an opportunity to bring it back to life.
2. What was the history of the building before Youmna and Anthony took it over?
The building, École Sainte-Anne, was originally built in 1892 and had served various functions throughout its history. It had been a school, a military hospital during World War One, and even a sewing school for older girls. It had also been transformed into a traditional chambres d’hôtes, or guest house, but it became vacant after the initial owner’s passing.
3. How did Youmna and Anthony personalize the former school?
Youmna and Anthony spent time personalizing each room, infusing color, and incorporating elements that paid homage to the building’s educational past. They preserved the original architectural features and added charming touches like oversized blackboards, vintage games, and period teaching maps.
4. What are the different areas within the transformed school?
The former school now comprises a breakfast room, a spacious guest lounge, two apartments, and five guest bedrooms spread across three floors. There is also an expansive attic that has yet to be developed.
5. How have Youmna and Anthony’s children adjusted to the unique home?
Youmna and Anthony’s children, Maëwenn and Théo, have adjusted well to their unique home. Although they may not fully grasp its history, they occasionally make use of the maps and blackboards, adding their own touches to the walls.
Definitions:
1. Chambres d’hôtes: A French term referring to a type of accommodation similar to a bed and breakfast where guests stay in the host’s home.
2. Entrepreneurship: The activity of setting up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit.
3. Heritage: Refers to the tangible and intangible aspects inherited from past generations, including buildings, traditions, customs, and cultural practices.
Suggested Related Links:
1. chambresdhotes.fr (Chambres d’hôtes website): Provides information and listings for chambres d’hôtes (guest houses) across France.
2. brittanytourism.com (Brittany Tourism website): Offers information about the region of Brittany, including attractions, accommodations, and travel tips.
3. entrepreneur.com (Entrepreneur website): Provides resources and articles related to entrepreneurship, starting and managing a business, and other related topics.
4. nationaltrust.org.uk (National Trust website): Offers information about heritage preservation, conservation, and the importance of preserving historical buildings and sites.
