Couple turned a French chateau into a bed and breakfast
For years, San Francisco, California native Malana Moberg, 59 and 64 -year -old Roland Salvato was ready for a change after living.
Salvato worked as a project manager for about 30 years and worked as a Moberg Marketing Advisor. After their own company ruled the Roma Group, they decided the rural area to start a bed and breakfast.
“We lived in San Francisco, and we experienced everything that the wonderful city offers and wanted to change Moberg. “We like to travel and entertain, so we thought it could be an interesting second career for us.”
The foundation of Chateau dates back to the 12th century and other parts of the property were built in the 14th and 15th centuries.
Sylvain elfassy
The idea of starting a bed and breakfast did not desire to make money. Instead, Salvato and Moberg were looking for a challenge to undertake in their next parts.
Salvato, “Obviously we made good money, but this was not the purpose of our lives.” Says. “Experience is much more important than financially. Any investment in our curiosity about life is valuable.”
The couple began to search for a new house looking for a property, not only for plenty of guests, but also for animals.
“I always knew I wanted to move to the country. I didn’t know which country, Sal Salvato says.
They looked at Spain, Portugal and North Africa, but France and the rich history continued to look for them. He also helped Salvato to speak French.
Chateau was not raised within 50 years before the couple moved.
Roland Salvato
They finally entered a town called Druelle Balsac, looking for a perfect place. Here, they found a castle that made you feel perfect. The property of 6,458 square meters was listed for 736,000 euros (approximately 835,000 USD) and contained three bedrooms and three and a half bathroom and a main castle with two bathrooms with two bathrooms.
The foundation of Chateau dates back to the 12th century and other parts of the property were built in the 14th and 15th centuries.
In 2017, Moberg and Salvato sold the San Francisco apartment for $ 1.45 million and used this money to buy Chateau in cash. They put the rest of the money at the renewal and living expenses. Chateau had not been renovated or did not make any upgrade in 50 years.
“First we decided to be great for us, because we have to live here, we must be comfortable.”
He stays in Chateau, one night starts at $ 187.
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Renovations started in 2018 and still continues. Two guesses they have spent about $ 332,000 so far, including the dining room, living room and kitchen.
However, the property earns some income for them. They were able to open the guesthouse to visitors for $ 238 at a night, and there were three rooms in Chateau for $ 187 at $ 187.
‘A very expensive French lesson’
From Château de balsac– Double, yoga, cooking, book arts, drawing and painting weekly, all -inclusive workshops offer.
The couple renewed the kitchen in 2020.
Roland Salvato
Workshops usually help to stay in bed and breakfast, which makes reservations outside the summer, which is the most intense season. According to the documents examined by CNBC, last year, Chateau 60 guests hosted and earned $ 22,000 revenue. The estimated monthly expenses of the couple are about $ 2,212 for public services, insurance and Wi-Fi. Last year, real estate taxes paid about $ 2,000.
The business is not yet profitable, but it helps them to earn income.
“This small amount of money does not come too much, but it really helps us to cover the costs of Chateau, what we really want to do.” Says.
The couple started renovations in 2018 and has spent over $ 300,000 so far.
Sylvain elfassy for CNBC
Bed and breakfast uses double savings to cover living expenses until you get snow.
“I think you can say that this is a very expensive French lesson, Sal Salvato says.
And even though the couple like to live and entertain guests in Chateau, they are proud to be able to breathe a new life into the property.
Salvato, “We are only the caregivers of this piece of history and this legacy for the next generation.” Says.
The main castle has three bedrooms and a guest house with two bathrooms with three and a half bathroom and four bedrooms.
Sylvain elfassy for CNBC
Transformations to USD were made on 2 June 2025 using 1 euro with 1.13 USD and using Oanda conversion rates. All amounts are rounded to the nearest dollar.
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