Patchings post-Marlborough

Since leaving Marlborough College in 2006 after 17 and 26 years in Elmhurst Boarding House, the Patchings – Ann (CR 1990-2006) & Mitch (CR 1980-2006) – moved to Samoens in the French Alps to renovate La vieille Ferme then to create LvF Alps.

They wrote in to tell us how they’re getting on.

“Son Dan went to Exeter Uni, became a teacher, taught in Dubai for 5 years, married Michela, returned to Cardiff where he set up his own coffee shop, spent 5 years there and in 2015 became Head of Boarding at Sherborne Prep. They are married with 3 kids.

Daughter Bethan trained to be a teacher as well, met her professional chef husband Lukasz whilst he was running a Fine Dining restaurant in the UK, is married with one daughter & wanted a change of lifestyle and they are now here with us in the French Alps.

She & Lukasz are taking over the running of our business. They have helped us expand from a “maison secondaire” with occasional guests to a year round venue for skiing, weddings, corporate events, school courses & alpine holidays.

We have successfully maintained contact with school kids by running French + French Culture courses , attracting students from Marlborough, Cheltenham Ladies, St.Mary’s Calne, Dulwich College, Sherborne Boys & Girls plus others.

Over the last 3 years we have built more accommodation & facilities which has allowed us to attract larger corporate groups.

We would love for you to look at our website to see where we are and what we offer, with a hope that we might see you here in the near future.

In particular we are offering a week course for Mums & Daughters Sept. 20th – 27th, something we have done successfully before. Please follow the link to our website & under the heading “Activities” you will find details of the Mums & Daughters course.

Please do contact me for further information about this course or any other aspect of what we offer.

Best wishes to all.

Mitch, Ann, Dan & Bethan”