ABOUT US

Merveille is a place where you can embrace a sustainable way of living,
reconnect with nature, yourself, and sense the warm and safe
connection of community.

Merville | France

With an eye for potential, Lia and Jeff transform people and places instantly, infusing them with their signature warmth and vision. Whether in the lives of those they meet or in the spaces they touch, their impact is noticed. Over almost 20 years of marriage, they renovated 10 homes and left a defining mark on countless souls. Today, they both have landed and grown newfound roots in Merveille. “This is it,” they confirm. Lia’s 26-year international career as a psychotherapist, rooted in her studies at the Barbara Brennan School of Healing, the works of Hellinger, and many other significant teachers such as Alexander Lowen, Peter A. Levin, and Dr. John Pierrakos, while embracing the shamanic way of healing, led her to blend deep psychological insight with holistic practices. From pioneering a Belgian healing center to facilitating deep transformative retreats for 20 years, her dedication to transformation and healing runs deep.

Jeff, her steadfast partner, brings balance, structure and groundedness. From managing finances and serving as an alderman to overseeing hospitality, he is the unwavering presence that holds space for the many people they’ve welcomed over the past two decades.

Loubas is a big teddy bear in the flesh, rescued from a shelter in Spain. But beware — this charming trickster can empty your plate in the blink of an eye! So, watch your croissant or sausage. He might put on an innocent act, but don’t be fooled, he doesn’t regret a thing.

While Loubas ventures out for his daily scavenger hunts, Filou remains convinced she’s royalty — having been pampered all her life. She simply doesn’t understand why people don’t spend their days scratching her ears, carressing her back, or tossing tennis balls endlessly. Oh, and don’t be surprised when jealousy flares up if Loubas receives even a bit of attention.

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FEEL AT HOME IN MERVEILLE

Together, Lia and Jeff create an environment where “potential” flourishes and people feel truly at home.

Home is Merveille, in the Catharic region of France, where they created heaven on earth and are ready to share their space with like-minded people.

Care to live or spend some time with us? 

Get in touch

As told by our guests

Alexandra

project coordinator

Where to begin? When I first arrived in April 2023, Merveille’s grounding energy made an immediate impact. I came for a week, journeyed deeply during the Merveille retreat, and returned in 2024 to stay a month in June and November. Each time,I left feeling renewed with a profound sense of growth and alignment. With a love for nature, I tended to Merveille’s garden during both months, feeling the energy Lia and Jeff have nurtured here — a true haven for conscious souls seeking to expand, rest, cocreate, and build a brighter future.

Louise

chef

Lia, Jeff

What you have built, created, and done here is UNIQUE. What an energy, what a magic! I feel honored to be here.

Lia, thank you for opening my eyes, and for giving me the nudge I needed to find balance and step into my power. Jeff, thank you for your care, and for being a steady presence and guardian angel.

THANK YOU!

Elise

sales director

Dear Lia and Jeff,

I don’t have the words to express how grateful I am. I counted down the days — weeks, even — without knowing what I was counting down to, or why. Every cell in my body wanted to be here.

Actually, I should thank every organism and amoeba in Merveille. Never before have I felt so connected to myself, and I will never lose that feeling again. All the tiny mercury beads from this broken thermometer are slowly rolling back together.

I wish you both all the best — that you may stay healthy, find time for each other and your loved ones, and continue to grow this beautiful place.

Veerle

interior designer

It may sound pretentious, but I cannot put it any other way: Merveille feels like coming Home — from the very first moment.

This place lives up to its name. Merveille is an island of calm, peace, beauty, ...and authentic Being. Both Lia and Jeff, each in their own way, provide that indescribable feeling of security. Jeff (and the woofies) are the gatekeepers and guardians of the outside world. Lia lets us dive deep into an open-hearted embrace and encourages us to dive into our inner safe "nest". She knows how to create the ultimate safety that you can only surrender to....and enjoy feeling what it is to ‘Live like God in France’!

Anouk

doctor — general practitioner

Dearest Jeff, Lia, Filou, Loubas,

My time with you at Merveille will become one of my favorite stories to tell, sitting in my rocking chair, to my grandchildren. I’ll tell them about the beautiful stone house with turquoise shutters by the crystal-clear lake. About the white canopy beds, the delicious meals, the sunny aperitifs, the peace, and the swaying trees. About Lia, who guided me past my obstacles. About Jeff, who gave me warmth and strength. About Loubas and Filou, who watched over us with their presence and love. About "matryoshka dolls" and a lifetime of curiosity. About feeling with your whole heart.

That’s what I’ll tell them. Thank you for everything!

    THE GROUNDS AND FACILITIES

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