‘There’s no need to lock anything here. You’ll soon adjust to a more relaxed way of living. We’re a little too far out to encounter people on foot and you can usually hear a car coming even before it turns into the courtyard.’

Directly in front of the rather commanding château is an old, cobbled forecourt bordered by enormous planters containing neatly clipped evergreen shrubs. I can feel the history as I look around and try to imagine the people who have stood here before me. And the excitement of the owners, when visitors arrived after a long and tiring journey, bringing news from further afield.

I assumed we’d head towards the château, but instead we walk off in the opposite direction, across the courtyard. This much larger area is bounded by property on three sides only. The main house dominates one elevation, with a low wall enclosing the old forecourt. Facing it is an elongated L-shaped, single-storey building, on the other side of which is a standalone cottage. The fourth side looks out across extensive gardens and an orchard that goes on as far as the eye can see. Against the distant backdrop of rising hills covered in dense forest, this plateau feels protected and it’s very picturesque.

It’s obvious a lot of time has been spent renovating these beautiful stone buildings and their appearance is similar to a terraced row of old cottages. However, the proportions are that of a commercial property, the bonus, I assume, of converting what were probably old farm buildings, maybe even stables. I count six doors in the long run on one side and a further two on the dog-leg.

‘It’s an interesting arrangement of buildings,’ I comment, increasing my pace to keep up with Dee-Dee.

‘Yes. Originally it was a hamlet, but several of the old buildings were beyond repair and have been levelled. They had everything here, including a bakery, a blacksmiths and a store for fruits and vegetables. Of course, now they’ve been turned into individual studios. The internal layouts vary. Over there, beyond the fruit trees,’ she points to the far corner of the square, ‘is the forge. Our blacksmith, Bastien, isn’t a talkative man, you’ll come to discover, but don’t let that put you off. He’s a good listener and very reliable. Anyway, let’s introduce you to the team first of all and then, after dinner, we can settle you in.’

This environment is going to be more of a shock to my system than I thought it would be. I don’t know what I was expecting, but now I’m here it’s all rather surreal. I think longingly of home and the daily routine I thought would never change. A lump fills my throat and I cough to clear it.