Dreaming of opening your coliving but not sure where to start? Introducing
We get it. You’ve stayed in coliving spaces, scrolled through dreamy Instagram feeds, and maybe even drafted some business plans… But something’s holding you back. Is this really for you? How do you even get started? How to avoid crucial beginner mistakes? What is it actually like to run a coliving space?
Well, instead of just wondering, why not try it out?
This December, we’re inviting a handpicked small group of coliving-curious people to live, learn, and experience the behind-the-scenes of Chateau Coliving – one of the highest-rated community-driven coliving spaces in Europe.
Welcome to Coliving for a Living, a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience where you’ll step inside the daily reality of running a top-tier coliving space. Over three weeks, you’ll get a front-row seat—without sugarcoating, the risks, the overwhelming “where do I even begin” phase, or the endless Googling.
A day in the life: Coliving for a Living
🌅 Your day begins in a comfy private room, ready to tackle a day full of learning opportunities and community magic. The morning light streams through windows as you join other aspiring coliving creators in the shared kitchen, where conversations already flow around coffee.
☕️ While sipping it, you take a look at the weekly calendar. Between potlucks and exploration, it features hands-on learning sessions with Katia and Jeanne, alternating between workshops, real-world scenarios, and masterminds. Reading between the lines, you can see endless opportunities to learn by doing.
🤝 In the morning, you catch up on client work or maybe take some time to update your business plan. Lunchtime arrives quickly. You catch up with colivers and before you know it, you’re planning the weekend activities, chatting about pricing strategies, and learning new community-building techniques.
📝 In the afternoon, during a role-playing session, you learn how to handle conflicts and build a culture that aligns with your values. You ask all your questions and spot mistakes you would have probably made otherwise. Every challenge is a learning opportunity, every solution a step toward your future coliving space.
🌟 As evening approaches, you join an intimate group discussion around the fireplace, sharing insights and dreams with fellow future coliving creators. The castle’s magical atmosphere sparks ideas and connections. You feel inspired, supported, and more excited than ever about your project.
Why Coliving for a Living is Perfect for you
1️⃣ Learn by doing, not just listening. Experience real coliving operations firsthand by participating in daily activities, from guest welcome to community events. You’ll gain practical skills through hands-on involvement rather than theoretical learning.
2️⃣ Get behind-the-scenes access to real operations. Shadow our team as we manage one of Europe’s top-rated coliving spaces, seeing exactly how we handle everything from bookings to financial management, marketing and community building. Get exclusive access to our systems and workflows that keep Château running smoothly.
3️⃣ Connect with future collaborators and friends. Join a handpicked group of aspiring coliving creators who share your passion for community. These connections could become your future collaborators, mentors, or support network in the coliving industry.
4️⃣ Transform your coliving dreams into actionable plans. Spend time with Katia and Jeanne to turn your coliving vision into a concrete roadmap. You’ll leave with a clearer vision and realistic expectations.
5️⃣ Skip the overwhelming “where do I start” phase. Bypass months of research and costly mistakes by learning from our success story. Get immediate answers to your essential questions about finances, community building, and operations.
What to expect during Coliving for a Living
🏰 Live the full coliving experience—not just as a guest, but as someone seeing behind the scenes.
💡 Mastermind sessions & open discussions—brainstorm your ideas, get clarity, and connect with others on the same path
🎯 Spend precious group and 1:1 time with Katia – the founder of Chateau Coliving and Jeanne – the powerhouse behind the Chateau business. They will be your hosts and guides on this exciting journey. More about Katia & Jeanne below.
🎭 Role-playing games & real-life scenarios—so you get a taste of the unexpected (because trust us, things will get unexpected).
🔓 Clarity on whether this journey is suitable for you and what kind of support you’d need to make it a success.
📚 Hands-on experience in community building—without the first-timer pressure.
🛠 Behind-the-scenes access —without the boring business seminar vibe. We’re keeping it real, fun, and interactive.
📖 Exclusive content including a starter pack bundle with useful templates and resources to help you get started and our list of recommended products, softwares, tools and external suppliers that you might need for your future dream project.
🌍 Meet your future co-founders, collaborators & friends—because the best coliving projects are born through great connections.
This is for you if:
✅ You’re excited about creating a coliving space, but need guidance
✅ You want to enter the coliving industry but feel overwhelmed by where to start
✅ You’re seeking practical knowledge and real-world insights
✅ You value learning through experience and community
This is not for you if:
❌ You’ve been operating a coliving space for over a year
❌ You’re only interested in accessing sensitive business data
❌ You’re looking for a coliving stay in December without interest in operations
❌ You’re a service provider seeking coliving clients
This isn’t a conference or a retreat—it’s a coliving experience designed for those who are still in the dreaming, questioning, and figuring-it-out phase. You’ll live, work, and hang out with like-minded people, all while getting an insider’s perspective on what it actually takes to start a coliving business or work in the industry.
The adventure kicks off for three weeks Dec 1st to Dec 21st, right before the End of the Year—because what better way to start 2026 than by finally taking that first step toward your dream?
👉 Ready to test the waters? Fill in the application form below
FAQs
What if I'm not sure about starting a coliving space yet?
That’s perfectly fine! This program is specifically designed for the exploration phase – it’s your chance to experience the reality before making any big decisions.
Do I need any prior experience?
No prior coliving management experience is required – What matters most is your genuine interest in community building and hospitality. The ideal participant is curious, community-minded, and eager to learn about creating spaces where remote workers can thrive and connect. If you’ve stayed in coliving spaces before, that’s a plus, but it’s not mandatory.
How many people will be in the program?
Up to 14 participants. We’re keeping the group intentionally small to ensure quality mentoring and hands-on experience. Spots are limited to maintain an intimate learning environment.
Can I still do my regular work during the program?
Yes! The experience is designed to allow for work time. You’ll have access to our coworking spaces and high-speed internet throughout your stay. We’re expecting everyone to have an occupation during.
Of course, it would be ideal if you tried to take a bit less responsibilities than usually during that month, in order to allow yourself time to join most of the sessions and activities, but keep in mind that none of those are mandatory, so you can fit in what your schedule allows.
Could I attend for just a few days, or a week?
For any logistical questions such as facilities, travel, and meals, please visit our General FAQ section here.
Are you ready to take a step towards your coliving dream?
BOOKING PROCESS
We’re so excited to welcome you to our space! To ensure a value-packed experience, there’s a selection process. Please fill out the application form and we’ll get back to you in 48h.
Once approved, a deposit payment of 50% will be required to confirm your reservation, and final payment will be charged on the day of arrival. Extras and costs accumulated during the stay will be paid at the end of the experience.
Questions? Email us at welcome(@)chateaucoliving.com.
When booking you automatically agree to our terms & conditions.
Minimum number of 10 participants is required. If we are not able to reach this minimum 45 days prior to the starting date, the participants who have paid the deposit will be fully refunded or credited for a non-curated stay at Chateau coliving during the same dates in order to avoid loss of transportation tickets.
THE TEAM
Hi, I’m Katia — founder of Chateau Coliving, lifelong traveler, and someone who believes that business can be both profitable and human.
Before starting Chateau, I spent nearly a decade working in advertising and marketing across Europe, then ran my own remote branding agency while living in eight different countries. In 2019, I discovered coliving, and something just made sense. A year and a half later, I took the biggest leap of my life: restoring a 12th-century castle in rural France and turning it into a home for remote workers from around the world.
Since opening in 2021, Chateau Coliving has welcomed hundreds of people and grown into one of the leading coliving destinations in Europe. But what most people don’t see is how much work it really takes. Many assume that because they’ve visited colivings or enjoy socializing, they’re ready to open one. But the reality is very different.
Running a coliving space isn’t just about hosting events and creating a cozy vibe. It’s about juggling finances, maintenance, legal issues, operations, guest dynamics, marketing, tech, and sometimes even fixing plumbing — all at once. It’s a full-time business that demands resilience, patience, and a willingness to learn every single day.
That’s why we created Coliving for a Living — a themed month that lifts the curtain on what it actually takes to run a coliving space. If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own, or wonder what happens behind the scenes, this is for you. We’ll share the good, the hard, the mistakes, and the lessons we wish we’d known earlier.
Because while it can be one of the most rewarding jobs in the world, it’s not an easy one — and it’s definitely not for everyone.
But if you feel the call, we’re here to share what we’ve learned and support you on your journey.
Hi, I’m Jeanne — a slowmad leading community, marketing, and events at Château Coliving.
My background is in hospitality and large-scale event production. For over five years, I worked with agencies to design and produce corporate events across Europe — experiences where every detail mattered and where I learned how to create environments that people remember. I also led trips for travel agencies, gaining hands-on experience in group dynamics, logistics, and building connection between strangers.
Since 2022, I’ve been part of the Château team, where my role goes far beyond hosting. As community lead, I build and protect the culture of the space — from onboarding and setting expectations, to creating rituals, resolving tensions, and helping people feel at home. I also oversee our marketing and communication, translating what we do into stories that resonate with the right people.
Coliving might look simple from the outside — shared dinners, good vibes, beautiful spaces — but behind the scenes, it takes daily work to ensure it runs smoothly. A strong community doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intention, emotional labor, structure, and consistency. The role of community lead is still often underestimated in this industry, yet it is often the key factor that determines whether people leave feeling transformed or simply accommodated.
That’s why I’m excited to be part of Coliving for a Living — to show what really goes into creating a space where colivers feel at home and supported, and why thoughtful community design isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s the core of your business.
We understand that committing to 3 weeks can be a challenge. However, based on our experience with similar events, we know that connecting with others and creating community is a crucial part of making the trip worthwhile.
If there’s anything we can do to make the month’s commitment more possible for you, let us know. We often have colivers joining us who work across timezones, for example, or who bring their pets, partners, or children.
Of course, if travel arrangements require you to arrive a day later or leave a day earlier, that’s totally fine.