Could you briefly introduce yourselves and share the names of your accommodations?

We are Karl O’Hanlon (52) and Anita Forte (50), founders of Domaine & Demeure, which manages Château Les Carrasses, Château St Pierre de Serjac, and Château Capitoul, all in the Languedoc region of the South of France. We’ve lived here since 2006, in a village called Colombiers, perfectly located between our three estates, allowing us to easily spend time at each one.

Could you tell us more about yourselves? For example, your interests, free time activities, work, family, and holidays?

We grew up just a mile apart but met in France in 1992 while visiting mutual friends. In 2006, we moved to France permanently to give our kids a rural, outdoor lifestyle. We founded Domaine & Demeure in 2008 to combine our professional lives with our passions for architecture, design, food, wine, hospitality, and nature. Anita has a particular love for plants and gardens. We opened Château Les Carrasses in 2011, Château St Pierre de Serjac in 2016, and Château Capitoul in 2021.

We have three children: Cara (23), who works in fashion in Paris; Daisy (20), who is finishing drama school, also in Paris; and Tonio (17), who will soon join them for university. Now that our kids are grown, we take our holidays in January when the estates are quieter. This year, we spent time in the Cape Winelands and along the Cape coast, hiking and exploring wineries. Last year, we traveled to India, which was equally inspiring, giving us many ideas to bring home.

When and how did Château Capitoul come into your life, and what motivated you to make it part of your journey?

We first became aware of Château Capitoul in 2009 when it came up for sale. We knew it would be a fantastic project, but it was beyond our price range, and the size of the wine estate was more than we could manage. In 2011, the Bonfils family bought the estate, and we met shortly after. As our partnership with them grew, it became inevitable that we would tackle Capitoul together.

Can you tell us more about the process of renovating and furnishing the property?

Capitoul was a major project, with a winery, hotel, two restaurants, a spa, and villas. We started in 2015 and opened just after COVID in 2021. We worked with the same team that helped create Les Carrasses and St Pierre de Serjac, so they understood our style and goals. COVID presented huge challenges, especially in sourcing materials and furnishings, but we managed to overcome them.

On a personal level, what makes Château Capitoul special to you? Any standout memories or moments?

We always say that the châteaux are like our children – unique but sharing the same DNA, and we love them equally. At Capitoul, we are especially proud of the gardens. Water scarcity is a major issue in the Mediterranean, and hotel gardens use a lot of water. Working with Olivier Filippi, a botanist, and James Basson, a garden designer, we created a sustainable, water-free garden design that saves millions of liters annually without sacrificing beauty. It’s a benchmark for sustainable tourism.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of Château Capitoul?

We aim for authentic character with contemporary luxury. Capitoul is both modern and rustic, elegant yet relaxed. Guests feel well taken care of, but without the formality sometimes found in luxury hotels. We want them to feel at home, comfortable, and at ease. For us, making people feel relaxed is the essence of hospitality.

Which part of Château Capitoul do you love the most, and why?

I never get tired of the view from the main terrace. It’s breathtaking, with the vines in the foreground, the lagoon behind them, and the Pyrenees in the distance. On a clear day, it feels like you can see forever.

What makes the location of Château Capitoul unique and special?

Perched on a hillside in the national park, Capitoul feels very much like a rural estate. The surrounding area offers an incredible range of outdoor activities, from beaches to hills. Guests could stay for a month and still not experience everything. Despite its isolation, Capitoul is close to both Narbonne and Gruissan, offering different aspects of the Languedoc. Gruissan is a bohemian fishing village, while Narbonne is a lively Roman city with a beautiful promenade along the Canal de la Robine.

Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly practices at Château Capitoul that you are proud of?

Sustainability is at the heart of all our estates. Capitoul’s gardens are the most visible example, but we’ve implemented many other eco-friendly practices: air conditioning and heating via heat exchangers, organic cleaning products, locally sourced produce, electric vehicle chargers, and no single-use plastics. We aim to preserve the natural environment while enhancing the guest experience.

Can you describe the overall experience a guest can expect when staying at Château Capitoul?

Imagine waking up in a super comfortable bed with soft pillows and crisp white linen. You open the window to take in the morning sunlight and a view of the vines, the lagoon, and the distant Pyrenees. The air smells of pine and a hint of the Mediterranean. After breakfast, maybe a swim, followed by a bike ride to Gruissan. There, you explore the galleries, stroll through the fish market, and enjoy a local rosé. Back at Capitoul, it’s time to relax by the pool as the kids make new friends. The day ends with cocktails at Asado, watching the sunset over the estate before a peaceful dinner.

What makes Château Capitoul stand out from other properties? What unique features create a one-of-a-kind guest experience?

Capitoul blends the best elements of a luxury hotel with the charm of a country winery and the relaxed service of a private club. It offers both hotel rooms and spacious self-catering accommodation, giving guests flexibility and choice. But most of all, our guests tell us they return for the warm atmosphere and the attentive staff, which really sets Capitoul apart.

Can you share the best compliment you’ve received from a guest?

The greatest compliment is when guests come back year after year. We’ve seen families grow up, couples meet and get married. When that happens at your estate, it’s pretty special.

Do you have any recommendations for guests to fully enjoy their holiday at Château Capitoul?

Talk to us! Before your visit, reach out to Nadine and her team, who can tell you all about the activities available on and off the estate. Once you’re here, meet with our concierges early in your stay. They know the region inside out and can tailor your experience to your preferences. They can also help with reservations, transport, babysitting, or even arranging French lessons – whatever you need to make your stay unforgettable.