New life is breathed into the interior after renovations. (Courtesy of Château de la Grifferaie) A bathroom after restoration. (Courtesy of Château de la Grifferaie) A dining and kitchen area in the château. (Courtesy of Château de la Grifferaie)The château is the Hildebrands’ home. It’s also a study abroad program where 20 to 25 college students stay for months on end, explained Mr. Hildebrand, adding that it’s been “an amazing journey full of joy and growth.”

Each student pays $4,000 to $5,000 and stays 6 to 8 weeks, during which they will gain 9 to 12 credits.The Hildebrands do not take a salary or rental income from the château, “partly because we are on a ‘visitor’ visa, but also because we’re not doing it for money,” he said.