The Visionaries Behind Les Manibelles

Two smiling middle-aged men looking out of an open window, with greenery in front.

Meet Carl, David & Poppy

Two men walking across a grassy yard in front of a stone house with purple shutters and potted plants.

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.

"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.

When Dreams Become Reality

That dream materialized in 2022 when Carl and David gathered 45 of their closest loved ones in the Tarn to celebrate milestone birthdays and over 20 years of love. Surrounded by the timeless beauty of the land that had captured their hearts, they exchanged vows and were married in an unforgettable week that deepened their connection to this magical corner of France.

"That week changed everything," Carl remembers. "Watching our dearest friends experience the same transformation we'd felt, seeing stressed faces soften, hearing laughter return, witnessing people rediscover joy in simple moments, we knew we had to find a way to share this gift with others."

The seed of Les Manibelles was planted in that moment of pure recognition.

Small dog wearing a striped shirt sitting on a concrete floor in front of a white wooden door.

Expertise with a Heart

With decades of combined experience in private service, spanning estate management, chief of staff roles, fine jewelry curation, and luxury home decor, 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.

Expertise alone doesn't create transformation. What makes Les Manibelles extraordinary is the love story that brought it to life.

Two men smiling and talking outdoors at a market or fair, one wearing a hat and sunglasses, the other with a scarf and glasses, both in light-colored shirts.
Two men in light-colored clothing standing in front of a closed door with a rabbit-shaped door knocker, smiling and engaging in conversation.
Two men sitting inside a cafe, smiling and talking while holding teacups, seen through the window with reflections of trees outside.

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, yearning for restoration, its authentic spaces perfect for intimate gatherings, its serene gardens practically designed for transformation.

"We didn't just buy a property," Carl 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 have become their extended family.

Two smiling men walking together down a narrow, historic alleyway with stone walls, having a conversation, dressed in casual summer clothing.
Two men walking and talking in a narrow, sunlit European street, dressed in casual white clothing and one wearing a straw hat, carrying a woven basket.

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 organise, 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," David concludes. "It's our life's passion. And we can't wait to share this special place with you."

Two men at an outdoor market, one feeding the other a snack, with marketplace stalls and umbrellas in the background, black and white photo.
Two elderly men walking and laughing on a narrow street in a European village with stone and stucco buildings, one carrying a woven bag with bread and wearing a hat and sunglasses.
Two people walking down a narrow, stone-paved alleyway in a historic European city, with old stone buildings on either side, in black and white.

Your Personal Guides to Southern France

Today, Carl and David share their deep local knowledge as your personal hosts. Through building relationships with artisans, vignerons, and neighbors, they've discovered the authentic Southern France that locals love and they're delighted to introduce you to their favorite people and places.

Whether it's arranging a private tasting or 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," Carl clarifies with a smile. "We're friends who love to share some of the regions secrets”.

A rustic stone house with multiple windows adorned with light purple shutters, surrounded by greenery and outdoor seating, including a bench with pillows and potted plants.

The Art of Transformative Hospitality

Carl and David's approach to hospitality goes far beyond luxury amenities or impeccable service, though both are 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," David 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.