From covid scroll to château life: la family trades malibu for french fairytale
A late-night internet rabbit hole during the darkest days of lockdown led Michael and Dana Lewis to a radical decision: abandon their Malibu life and embrace a 14th-century château in rural France. Now, just three years later, their once-distant dream has become their reality, a testament to a surprising romance and a Family’s unexpected pivot.
A fairy-tale rescue
What began as a desperate search for ‘something different’ amidst the pandemic’s uncertainty has blossomed into a permanent relocation. The Lewis Family – Michael, a media and technology investor, and Dana, along with their young children – found themselves captivated by the Château Mont D’Onel, a sprawling estate overlooking the Dordogne region. The property, previously a bed-and-breakfast, needed significant restoration but offered a unique opportunity to create a truly bespoke Family home.
Design as a response
Interior designer Brandon Quattrone and art advisor Isadora Lim stepped in to transform the château’s raw bones into a warm, intimate sanctuary. They consciously built upon the structure's existing character, preserving original beams and arches while injecting a contemporary lightness through a carefully curated palette of ocean blues, rich fabrics, and antique treasures. “We really wanted this house to reflect us and be our Family home,” Dana Lewis explained, “We wanted it to be warm, cozy, and intimate.”
Preserving history, embracing the unexpected
The renovation wasn't without its challenges. The devastating Palisades and Eaton fires in 2026 forced the Family to reconsider their priorities, solidifying the château’s role as their primary residence. Quattrone and Lim skillfully integrated modern amenities while respecting the building’s legacy, preserving elements like the 1350-year-old kitchen and the château’s diamond-tiled entry floor—a nod to its medieval origins. The incorporation of enfilade’s, connecting rooms with hallways, ensured ample light and air circulation, a deliberate design choice to combat the château’s initial sense of ‘heaviness,’ as Quattrone noted.
More than just a home
Beyond the aesthetic transformation, the château has become a vital community hub. The Lewis family is surrounded by local artisans and businesses, fostering a sense of belonging that transcends geographical boundaries. “Everyone is like extended family,” Dana Lewis remarked. “There is a big community of people who work with us and know us.” The staged Christmas roast of chestnuts for 25 guests vividly illustrates this newfound connection.
A legacy of transformation
What began as a whim born from a restless night has evolved into a powerful narrative of resilience and reinvention. As Quattrone aptly put it, “There is beauty in the tragedy that allowed Michael and Dana to embrace this home.” The château, once merely a vacation dream, now stands as a testament to the enduring power of human connection and the transformative potential of a truly unexpected adventure.