The Visionaries Behind Les Manibelles
Meet Carl & David & Poppy
A Dream Takes Root
In 2019, Carl and David visited the enchanting Tarn region of Southern France on what was meant to be a simple holiday. Instead, something profound stirred within them—a recognition that this landscape, with its medieval villages crowning limestone cliffs and ancient vineyards whispering stories of unhurried seasons, held a magic they'd been searching for without knowing it.
"We felt a strong connection to The Tarn" David reflects. "For the first time in years, we weren't thinking about the next task, the next deadline, the next obligation. We were simply present."
A dream quietly took root: to one day return for a truly special celebration.
Expertise with a Heart
With decades of combined experience in private service—spanning estate management, chief of staff roles, fine jewelry curation, and luxury interior design—Carl and David bring an unparalleled understanding of what it means to anticipate needs before they're spoken and create experiences that linger in memory long after the moment has passed.
But expertise alone doesn't create transformation. What makes Les Manibelles extraordinary is the love story that brought it to life.
Finding Home
In autumn 2023, Carl and David discovered the 18th-century manor that is Les Manibelles, and it was love at first sight. The property seemed to have been waiting for them—its historic bones yearning for restoration, its authentic spaces perfect for intimate gatherings, its serene gardens practically designed for transformation.
"We didn't just buy a property," David explains. "We found our home, our purpose, and our life's work all in one magical place."
Since then, they've poured their decades of hospitality expertise into every detail, from the careful restoration of original architectural elements to the cultivation of relationships with local artisans, vintners, and cultural guardians who've become their extended family.
Welcome to Our Home
At Les Manibelles, Carl and David aren't your hosts—they're your companions in rediscovery. They've opened their home because they believe everyone deserves to experience the profound peace they found in the Tarn, the same transformation that changed their lives and the lives of everyone who joined them for that magical week in 2022.
Every experience they curate, every connection they facilitate, every moment they orchestrate flows from their deep love for this place and their genuine desire to share its transformative power with those who need it most.
"This isn't business for us," Carl concludes. "It's our life's passion. And we can't wait to share this special place with you."
Your Personal Guides to Southern France
Today, Carl and David are your personal guides to a side of Southern France that guidebooks can't capture and Google can't find. Through five years of building deep local relationships, they've gained access to private venues, exclusive experiences, and authentic connections that money alone cannot buy.
Whether it's arranging a private tasting at a family vineyard that's never opened to tourists, securing a spot in a potter's workshop where techniques pass from generation to generation, or simply knowing which café serves the perfect Sunday lunch, Carl and David have become the bridge between authentic French culture and discerning travelers seeking meaningful experiences.
"We're not tour guides," David clarifies with a smile. "We're friends who happen to know some of the regions secrets”.
The Art of Transformative Hospitality
Carl and David's approach to hospitality goes far beyond luxury amenities or impeccable service—though both meticulous hosts.Their true gift lies in their ability to see what guests need before they know it themselves and to orchestrate experiences that restore natural rhythms and reconnect people with life's simple, profound pleasures.
"We've learned that true luxury isn't about thread counts or marble surfaces," Carl notes. "It's about having time to breathe. It's about genuine connections. It's about moments that remind you why life is beautiful."
Their philosophy is simple: every guest should leave not just rested, but renewed. Not just relaxed, but transformed.
