Karine Ferri: raising her 3 children in the peace and quiet of her forest home in Brittany with Yoann Gourcuff

In Bretagnethe couple formed by Karine Ferri and Yoann Gourcuff are heading in a calmer direction. Their house in the forest embodies a simple ideal of clean air and slow time. In this way, the home settles into the children’s rhythm, away from the hustle and bustle.

A Breton base for a media family

According to an article in Cosmopolitan, the choice was not made by chance. It reflects a desire for stability and discretion. What’s more, the region offers a familiar setting for the footballer, and reassurance for the mother.

Professional activities continue, but in a different way. Television keeps its place, without overpowering the rest. As a result, the couple give priority to family time, then adjust their travel arrangements.

The home is close to paths and trees. This proximity to the edge of the forest nurtures a gentle routine. In this way, every outing from the house into the forest becomes a shared breath of fresh air.

“Away from the noise, you refocus on what’s essential and breathe easier.

What nature changes every day

Noise levels drop, and attention rises. Children concentrate more quickly, because the cues are clear. And their senses are awakened by the wind, the smells and the silence.

Media withdrawal avoids constant pressure. Confidentiality is reassuring, especially when you’re well known. The house in the woods, on the other hand, requires precise organization for travel.

• Prioritize school and schedules before TV planning.
• Map healthcare, shops and transport within 30 minutes.
• Structuring the weeks: shooting, rest, family, unforeseen events.
• Set yourself screen-free zones, morning and night.
• Define a clear privacy and image policy.

The local fabric also plays an important role. Clubs, neighbors and markets provide solid points of reference. In this way, day-to-day life becomes simpler, even when the agenda remains hectic.

Work, school, travel: a carefully thought-out balance

Everything is based on clear schedules. Shoots are planned well in advance, so as to leave enough time for relays. From now on, anticipation protects the quality of evenings and weekends.

Children need fixed points of reference. Dinnertimes, homework times and sleeping times remain stable. As a result, meetings and journeys revolve around these markers.

The telephone becomes a tool, not a boss. Disconnection comes in small, concrete steps. For example, we close the door of the house in the forest at mealtimes.

The unexpected happens, of course, sometimes all at once. But having clear priorities makes it easier to make quick choices. What’s more, family support in Brittany helps when it’s time to take over.

Why this model appeals to other families

Since 2020, many people have been dreaming of more air and greenery. Telecommuting has opened up more flexible avenues. As a result, couples are arbitrating differently between career and lifestyle.

The cost of housing is another factor. In a dense city, space is at a premium, and fatigue is on the rise. So settling close to trees makes life more breathable.

Social networks normalize these choices. They give ideas, but don’t tell the whole story. In short, a house in the woods is a project that takes time to prepare.

Practical advice for a similar project

Start with the essentials: school, health, work. List concrete needs, then visit several places. This way, the decision is based on criteria, not a vague dream.

Choose a location with easy access, even if it’s quiet. A convenient train station or nearby main road makes all the difference. What’s more, a house in the woods benefits from being within easy reach of services.

Test life on site for several days. Rent, then return in other seasons, to validate. Also, talking to neighbors sheds light on what a plan doesn’t show.

Protect your privacy from the outset. Set a framework for images and visits, especially with children. In short, a house in the woods thrives when the rules are clear.

• house in the forest