Welcome to an exclusive look into the story of Rupert Springfield and Franck van der Hooft, proud owners of Le Mas & Le Mazet in the Dordogne. In this interview, they share their journey from Amsterdam to rural France, their passion for creating serene guest experiences, and how they’ve transformed their historic property into a haven of comfort and beauty.
Le Mas & Le Mazet.
We are Rupert Springfield, 49, and Franck van der Hooft, 58. We're married and live at our property in the Dordogne. We met in Amsterdam and made the move to France in 2015.
Franck was a theatre producer, and I was an antiques dealer. Now, when we're not immersed in life here in the Dordogne, we love visiting London for theatre, ballet, and art exhibitions. Even after 9 years in France, we still feel like we're on holiday here—there’s so much to explore in this region!
We were ready to leave behind the busy city life in Amsterdam and embrace the peacefulness of the countryside. After viewing 70 properties, we found Le Mas—perfectly perched on a hill with incredible views. It felt like a home, and we worked hard to make it not just our home but a welcoming space for guests too.
The buildings themselves were sound, but the interiors were dark and in need of a fresh touch. We added more windows and used a French grey color palette. While we kept the historic stone features, we brought in modern touches like a concrete kitchen and en-suite bathrooms in each bedroom. One of our favorite renovations is the summer kitchen with stunning views of the rolling countryside.
It’s the property’s warmth and the way it welcomes both us and our guests. We've had proposals, weddings, and even guests return because the place feels like a home away from home. One guest told me that the view over the countryside was almost spiritual, and that it completely recharged him.
The style is very much rooted in Perigordian architecture, with ancient stone walls and large beams. The interiors are modern with comfortable hotel-quality beds and lots of space. Whether it's Le Mas or the smaller Le Mazet, there’s a sense of ease, privacy, and intimacy.
I adore the drive leading up to the property. It's incredibly private, with a forest archway and fields before you arrive at the house. The peacefulness and privacy of the place make it feel like you’re entering a completely different world.
The tranquility of the area is unmatched. There are no close neighbors or busy roads, just nature and historic villages. We’re near hidden gems like Montferrand with its beautiful frescoes, yet we’re only a short drive from bustling bastide towns like Monpazier and Beaumont.
Moving to the countryside meant we had to open our home to guests, but this wasn’t just a side project for us—it’s a passion. We love sharing our space and making it a place where guests can relax, unwind, and create their own memories.
It’s all about privacy and tranquility. Imagine a stress-free holiday where everyone has their own space and bathroom. You can relax by the pool, explore the countryside, or have a private chef prepare meals for you. And if you feel like exploring, there are plenty of nearby attractions like vineyards and historic sites.
Le Mas & Le Mazet is unique because it combines historical charm with modern comfort. We offer a concierge service, helping guests discover hidden gems in the Dordogne, and we even arrange wine tastings or guided tours. It’s a home away from home, offering the comfort and convenience guests are looking for.
One guest said, ‘You’ve thought of everything for us. We’ll be back next year.’ It’s the highest compliment when guests feel so cared for that they want to return.
We want them to remember the simplicity and beauty of the surroundings—the vast sky, the scent of lavender, the tranquility. We want them to leave feeling relaxed, recharged, and ready to take on the world again.
We send our guests a personalized guide with recommendations for everything from hiking to local markets. It’s about tailoring the experience to each guest, ensuring they can make the most of their time here.