In this interview, Manon shares her life as the owner of Domaine Serault and Maison Bourgaget, alongside her husband Jos and their children. Their passion for renovation led to the purchase and restoration of these special homes in Haute Garonne. Manon speaks about her love for nature and the French landscape. She reveals what makes these accommodations unique and offers tips for an unforgettable vacation in this tranquil region.
Hi, I'm Manon. Together with my husband Jos and our children, we are the owners of Domaine Serault and Maison Bourgaget.
Our main activities revolve around maintaining the properties, ensuring everything is in top condition for ourselves and our guests. My hobbies include my horses and our dog Julius. During the months that Domaine Serault isn’t rented out, I love walking in our private forest and chopping wood for winter. I also enjoy hiking in the Pyrenees or spending a day in Toulouse. Every day here feels special, especially since we’ve been enjoying this beautiful place in Haute Garonne for 18 years.
Domaine Serault and Maison Bourgaget came into our lives during our drives around the area. Jos always saw potential in unfinished houses, which made them ideal for renovation. Renovating these homes has become one of our biggest hobbies.
Jos is the expert in renovations and always knows exactly what needs to be done. Afterward, I step in with my part: painting, selecting tiles, and furnishing. I often find fun decorations online and regularly visit second-hand shops to upcycle old treasures.
What makes the accommodations special is that we built them from scratch to what they are now. The winter months, when we gather with our children and grandchildren, are especially dear to us.
For both accommodations, I’d say: naturally chic.
My favorite part is sitting in the garden under the large oak tree at the big table, with the beautiful forest as the backdrop and the house in sight. It’s also special to see deer, badgers, wild boars, and other wildlife roaming the lawn or forest.
It’s an area of France where tourism hasn’t yet fully taken off, which means nature and tranquility are still truly special here.
We started renting out Maison La Bohème about 8 years ago. It’s wonderful to see guests leaving with a big smile on their faces after staying in our homes. The interaction with some guests is often meaningful and fun, and we enjoy meeting new people and providing them with a wonderful time.
Guests can expect a sense of peace and space, being together with family and friends, and enjoying the lovely outdoor kitchen and natural design of both houses. At Domaine Serault, you don’t even need to leave the property—it’s just blissful!
Both accommodations are child-friendly, with quality baby and children’s beds, chairs, lots of toys, and great outdoor activities like games and swimming.
At Maison Bourgaget, we’ve had several guests who, after staying in our home, wanted to move to the area to find a similar house.
Definitely go hiking in the Pyrenees, but most of all, enjoy the space in and around Domaine Serault. Even for 14 people, the indoor and outdoor space is vast. At Maison Bourgaget, you can enjoy the stunning views, the local bakery, and the beautiful nearby walks.