Princetonians Photo: Restoring a Castle in France

Photo: Dmitry Kostyukov

CASTLE CULTURE: Inezita Gay-Eckel ’78 and her husband, Christopher, purchased the Chateau de Cherveux, a medieval French castle, last year after it was for sale for about 20 years. Built in 1470, the castle is classified as a historical monument. “We love stone walls, and feeling surrounded by history,” Gay-Eckel says of their love of French culture and history. “We want to protect, restore, and pass on this passion that drives us.” Major renovations lay ahead for the couple, including electrical work, creating a traditional French-style kitchen, and rehabilitating the dungeon. Their goal is to preserve as much of the building as possible.