I have only just recovered from the paroxysms of laughter caused by SJ managing to shoehorn an itty-bitty, historically unimportant, architecturally of no consequence decrepit heap in the rural backwaters of rural France into references to Blenheim and Longleat. I'm surprised she didn't throw in Downton Abbey for good measure.
i really can't be bothered to air other thoughts vis-a-vis the Financial Confessional Of Inheritance Bled Dry & How My Patreon/YouTube Good Fortune Will Be Spent For The Restoration, Preservation And Conservation Of My Magic Kingdom.
Other than to say 2 things re the B&B:
- From what I've read about an Association Loi 1905, one of the things that stood out was the requirement that those you donate/support the entity must not receive anything in return, either a tangible "thing" or a benefit in kind. I'm not sure how that rides with the discounted B&B stays at Chateau Jarvis. Payment for the stay would go into the B&B business account but the reduced rate offered is purely because of supporting de La Lande/de Lalande/whatever it's called this week. I'm probably barking up a soon to be felled tree that threatens the chapel, but it sounded a klaxon.
- the very jolly (?) B&B long weekends are clearly aimed to make patrons feel special and valued. And exclusive. She made it sound as if dining with the chateau family (give me strength) would be such a treat, all sitting around the same table, blah-di-blah. The criteria within which a chambre d'hote may operate is maximum of five letting bedrooms (no problem there) with the provision of breakfast. It doesn't actually mention full board but the rules say that if an evening meal is offered for an additional charge there are guidelines to be adhered to: no choice (a menu would be deemed to be a restaurant), sale of alcohol is prohibited (not a licensed premises) although wine/drinks may be offered at no extra cost and that the guests should eat with the host/s and household. Stephanie is making it sound as if staying for a long weekend all inclusive package, using.ones Patreon ticket, will be an exclusive experience. When what she's proposing is simply following the rules,
On a side note, I realise it's an emotive subject but there is world of difference between tax evasion and tax avoidance. The former is illegal, the latter is not. It might be seen as deeply dodgy and morally reprehensible, and of course tax planning could be open to financial improperliiy, but a reputable tax planning specialist would advise their client on ways way to minimise tax liability. Having successfully registered the AL1905, it will be subject to audit and scrutimy, both by the tax inspectorate and the government department responsible for overseeing these associations and whether they are fulfilling their brief.
How restoration of Ch de la Lande qualifies for Ai 1905 is a quite different matter! It can be rescinded.