Escape to the Chateau DIY star honoured as family release heartbreaking tribute after Channel 4 star dies ‘suddenly’
Karen, a beloved figure from Channel 4’s Escape to the Chateau DIY, has died suddenly, her devastated family have confirmed.
The popular television personality featured on the programme alongside her IT consultant husband Clive and their daughter Abbie, with cameras following the family as they renovated Château du Doux in Normandy.
The spin-off series, which stems from the original show fronted by Dick and Angel Strawbridge, first documented the family’s journey in 2018 as they pursued their long-held ambition of making a life in France.
Karen and Clive had initially stayed at the Normandy property in 2008 before purchasing it the following year, when Abbie was just ten years old.
The spin-off series, which stems from the original show fronted by Dick and Angel Strawbridge, first documented the family’s journey in 2018
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INSTAGRAM – CHATEAU DU DOUX
Their daughter, who was studying at university during filming, now resides at the château full-time, helping to operate its bed and breakfast and wedding venue.
Husband Clive and daughter Abbie broke the news in a deeply emotional Instagram post.
“It is with broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our beautiful Mum has suddenly passed away,” they wrote. “There are simply no words to describe the loss we feel.”
The family described Karen as the driving force behind everything the château had become.
“Mum wasn’t just part of Château du Doux—she was its heart and soul,” they said.
“She poured so much love into this place, into our family, and into every couple and guest who walked through our doors.”
They spoke of her extraordinary ability to make visitors feel at home, adding that “her kindness and selfless personality touched so many lives.”
The family asked for patience as they navigate their grief together.
Karen’s family shared a heartbreaking social media tribute
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INSTAGRAM – CHATEAU DU DOUX
Clive and Abbie moved to reassure couples and guests that all forthcoming weddings and events at the château would proceed as planned.
They expressed gratitude for the dedicated team surrounding them, whose support has been invaluable during this period.
“We know Mum would have wanted Château du Doux to remain full of love and celebration, and together we will ensure every event is as special as she would have wished,” they wrote.
The family confirmed their intention to carry on Karen’s work with the same warmth and devotion she had always shown. “Everything it is today is because of her,” they said.
A celebration of Karen’s life was held on Tuesday, August 11 at the family’s cherished French home
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INSTAGRAM – CHATEAU DU DOUX
A celebration of Karen’s life was held on Tuesday, August 11 at the family’s cherished French home, with the family welcoming all who wished to attend.
The official Château DIY Instagram account also paid tribute, describing Karen as someone who had shared “her life, stories and infectious warmth” with viewers worldwide since joining the programme’s family in 2018.
“It was a privilege to know and work with her,” the statement read. “Karen brought so much joy to the series and was hugely loved by our viewers.”
The message extended condolences to Clive, Abbie, Ross, Alex and all of Karen’s loved ones on behalf of Château DIY, Spark Media and Channel 4.
Fans and former guests flooded the comments with fond memories. One visitor recalled sharing champagne with Karen and Abbie on the terrace, describing her as “so warm and welcoming.” Another wrote that Karen “was too young to leave your world.”
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