The Sanctuary.

This is the greenhouse. I shudder to think of where I would be without it. Probably spray painting chipmunks, and cataloguing their sexual habits for the “Definitive Guide To Chipmunk Mating” field guide that I would sell to other crazy people.

Thankfully, this most holy of places keeps me sane. If you head south from the château, you’ll encounter the rose rotunda. Turn left past the sunken garden, and from there, the landscape opens up into a breathtaking scene – a grove of lemon trees that meanders on forever. It’s bathed in the most beautiful light, and during the first stroll through this property, I knew it would be where I would have my greenhouse.

Because it’s not heated in the winter months, Pepito built a wood-burning stove, which fills the space with the sound of crackling timber. Sometimes I come here in the evenings, light a fire and just sit and enjoy the stillness. You can almost feel the plants growing.

I hung a pendant chandelier to make it feel even more magical. It really is an enchanted space. I will take you here someday.