Who We Are at Cayssalie: A Story of Serendipity and Shared Dreams.
This is us on a rainy day exploring Edinburgh
Every special place has a story behind it, and Cayssalie begins with an unlikely coincidence and a shared vision between two people from different worlds.
Meet Lisa and Laurent
I'm Lisa, half Scottish and half English, while my husband Laurent is French and has ancestral ties to Scotland. One of the most remarkable discoveries in our journey together was learning that our great-great-grandmothers once lived just one street apart in Glasgow! This cosmic connection seems to have echoed through generations, bringing us together despite the odds.
We met six years ago and quickly discovered we shared the same dreams. Laurent's words to me early in our relationship still resonate: "I want us to work together in perpetual motion." That philosophy has guided our partnership and our vision for Cayssalie.
Finding Our Sanctuary
When I spotted the property online, Laurent didn't hesitate about jumping in the car for the adventure. It was actually his detective work that pinpointed the location on the map—no small feat considering there weren't even street names (or "rues" as they're known here) in the listing!
Laurent was the first to step into the back garden, and the moment he noticed the profound silence, we knew this place was special. After discussing our plans, we made the decision together: come hell or high water, we wanted this place. The owner mentioned it hadn't been viewed for two years, making our enthusiasm all the more welcome when we arranged the deal.
Making It Home
Our house sits behind the two barns that now form our gites. We were fortunate to move in almost immediately after signing, as the main house was livable with good "bones," despite being decorated in what I can only describe as diarrhoea brown and had zero insulation. The wind would whip through the house, but we were content sitting in front of a roaring fire.
We celebrated in the then-tiny kitchen with its brown doors and bizarre fake brick fireplace. Our celebration was humble but meaningful—a bottle of wine chilled in a pan filled with store-bought ice. When I attempted to cook on the four-ring electric hob, it promptly blew up! Laurent managed to get the oven working, and I quickly adapted my culinary skills to cooking everything with oven heat.
First Steps to Transformation
My father helped us begin the transformation by knocking down the tiny kitchen that was blocking space and light. I then set about creating a fireplace surround giving it a rococo countryside look, which has become central to our kitchen and dining area. This feature, which I'll share photos of soon, isn't just decorative—the fireplace heats our entire house through an air fan system that circulates through built-in pipes in the walls.
Why Our Story Matters to Our Guests
What makes Cayssalie special for visitors is that it was born from:
Intuitive decision-making that led us to this hidden gem
A genuine partnership where two different cultures blend harmoniously
Personal investment in creating every aspect of the experience
Authentic problem-solving that respects the property's character
A deep appreciation for silence that we're passionate about sharing
For writers seeking inspiration, women looking for a safe retreat space, or anyone needing peaceful solitude, Cayssalie offers more than just accommodation—it provides a glimpse into what happens when you follow your intuition and create a life and space with intention.
We feel incredibly fortunate to have found not just a property, but a true calling that allows us to share this special corner of France with others who appreciate its unique magic.