- 9 hours ago
Chateau DIY S11E13
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00:00Across France are thousands of breathtaking chateaux.
00:06Many fallen into rack and ruin.
00:09Oh my goodness.
00:12Now being brought back to life by plucky new owners.
00:17Careful!
00:18He doesn't have any idea of danger.
00:21They're taking on the challenge.
00:24These floorboards are gone.
00:25The only thing they're good for is the fire.
00:27To transform these once unloved buildings.
00:31Hands down recommend a cherry picker to anyone.
00:34Back into incredible homes.
00:37Holy chandelier!
00:39This is just phenomenal.
00:42And businesses.
00:43Thank you so much. You're welcome.
00:46There'll be successes.
00:47I'm a bit giddy.
00:49Giddy? Giddy?
00:51And setbacks.
00:52Oh my God, what's that? It's a bat.
00:54But however hard the going gets.
00:58Oh my poor patio.
00:59These intrepid DIYers.
01:02No, not on the...
01:04I know, I know.
01:05Get to live the dream.
01:08As kings and queens of their very own castle.
01:15Today, an ambitious suite renovation reveals hidden horrors.
01:22If you can see daylight, it's not a good omen.
01:25Back-to-back weddings push these chateau owners to their limits.
01:30I don't need slowing down.
01:32I need speeding up.
01:34And a pair of novice DIYers plumb new depths.
01:39I've photographed the royals and presidents of the United States.
01:43And now I've found myself removing a toilet.
01:51In the rural corner of the idyllic Vienne département of Western France lies the fairy tale Chateau de la Boutiniere.
02:02Set in 52 acres.
02:06With 12 outbuildings and boasting 47 rooms over five floors.
02:12It had lain abandoned for five years before builder Zion and interior designer Alison began bringing it back to life.
02:23Morning ladies.
02:26I think we are a very good team.
02:29Alison give orders and I do them.
02:31As an interior designer, to have somebody as capable as Zion, as a builder, it takes my designs way beyond
02:39the box.
02:42Dream machine.
02:48Located under an hour's drive from Poitiers, Alison and Zion snapped up the place for £580,000 in 2021 and
03:00set their hearts on running a luxury wedding business.
03:04We are so happy to have you in our place.
03:07Last time we saw them.
03:09Oh, yuck. 40-year-old cobwebs.
03:11They transformed their chapel from dumping ground to stunning sanctuary.
03:21And hosted a very special 60th wedding vow renewal service.
03:28What joy and peace must fill your hearts this day as you stand before Christ after 60 years together.
03:36It feels like, you know, this is what it's all about.
03:38Now, with the wedding season fast approaching, they're on to their next project.
03:46We're doing a bedroom suite on our second floor.
03:50This one has to be magnificent. It's the biggest room up there.
03:53We're knocking all the walls down and making this glorious bedroom and an ensuite bathroom.
03:58We don't have a lift. So when people get up to that second floor, it's got to be worth arriving.
04:06So we're going to start on this one.
04:08The plan is to knock three small rooms into one epic bedroom suite.
04:15It's not going to hit anything.
04:18Oh, you're getting that.
04:22In under 15 minutes, the first wall is down.
04:32When you hit, you can damage the beam.
04:35So let's take this with the cheese, gently.
04:37In their new suite, Alison and Zion hope to strip back to the structural bones.
04:44Looks like it's a new beam.
04:46It's amazing how it's been kept all these years.
04:52Meanwhile, Alison's on a treasure hunt of her own.
04:57That's really old.
04:58That's even underneath the old shelf that was in there.
05:01We don't have any records of the Chateau in terms of its history.
05:06We're rebuilding its history whilst we're uncovering its history at the same time.
05:10So that, for me, is really exciting.
05:12But not all their discoveries are quite so positive.
05:17You can see the outside.
05:20Really?
05:21Oh, God.
05:23If you can see daylight, it's not a good omen.
05:28Obviously, if there is daylight, you need to stop it.
05:31That means it's going to be wind, cold.
05:34So all have to be insulated.
05:36No rest for the wicked in this place.
05:39You must be very wicked.
05:41The job seems to be growing by the minute.
05:44And with the walls to insulate and the design and decor still to plan,
05:49Alison and Zion just need to hope there are no more nasty surprises in store.
06:02Tucked away in the Liffy-Pay de Loire in Western France stands the majestic Chateau de la Verne.
06:10This 19th century Chateau boasts 14 rooms, a private chapel and five acres of parkland.
06:25It's home to married couple Claire and Lionel, both former photographers who swapped life in London for a French Chateau
06:36adventure in 2022.
06:39I have to say it wasn't my dream to have a Chateau.
06:44A large house would have been nice.
06:47I'm afraid it was me. I've always wanted a Chateau.
06:50My DIY experience is somewhat limited.
06:53I like to call myself the reluctant DIYer.
06:57Quite good at ordering people around.
07:00That's not really DIY though, is it?
07:03That's do you why.
07:07I'm a bit more adventurous with the DIY.
07:10I will definitely have a go at anything.
07:11I am really hoping that Lionel will discover a love for DIY and will get really stuck in and help
07:18me with all the difficult jobs.
07:19I think it might happen sometimes.
07:23No, no, I don't think so.
07:34Located just half an hour's drive from New York.
07:38Lionel and Claire bought the Chateau for 820,000 pounds, with grand plans to renovate it into a spectacular family
07:48home.
07:49But so far, have only completed the salon.
07:54Today, they're taking on a new guest suite.
07:59This room has traditionally been the room that's dedicated to Claire's parents.
08:06I want to make it really nice for them.
08:08At the moment, it's got this tired old wallpaper, because we just haven't done anything in here yet.
08:13So, I want it to be a bit of a surprise for everybody, and make it really posh, really lovely
08:17for them to come and stay.
08:19It's going to be posh.
08:19Yeah, it's going to be posh. Yeah, I think so.
08:22Before they can start work, the space needs to be cleared.
08:28Oh, you're so helpful, Margot.
08:32Do you want a hand? That's going to be heavy.
08:35Hey!
08:36There we go.
08:38Are you all right?
08:39Where are we going with this?
08:41Just lean it against here.
08:45We're going to need a stepladder here, darling.
08:47Well, you might need a stepladder.
08:49Oh!
08:51You're such a wit.
08:54OK, ready?
08:55Go.
08:57Oh!
08:59Ready as a short person will ever be.
09:04I don't need a stepladder.
09:07All right.
09:09Good morning.
09:13There.
09:14Get off it.
09:15OK.
09:18Beautiful.
09:19Well done.
09:20That little diplomatic effort.
09:22Well done.
09:22With the room now clear, Lionel and Claire can set about stripping off the old dated wallpaper.
09:29And it's a first for reluctant DIYer, Lionel.
09:36Honestly, you're like one of those people who unwraps their Christmas presents really carefully to save the paper.
09:42I'm trying to get as much off the wall.
09:48You know, like, so if I go like that, right?
09:50Yeah.
09:50The bit that's still stuck properly will remain on the wall.
09:53If I go gently, gently, gently like that, then I'll get more off, won't I?
09:57It's quite easy.
10:00Right, so what you're doing there, right, is what I'm trying to avoid, right?
10:05So you're leaving all of that.
10:07No, no, no, I'm not being funny.
10:09I'm being serious.
10:11So are you not?
10:13Forget it.
10:14You're suddenly the expert, aren't you?
10:16So it's basically just like, throw caution to the wind.
10:22And just have fun, right?
10:25Like this.
10:30Come on, you can do it.
10:32Oh, you see?
10:35That's exactly what I've done with this.
10:42Hey, that's a good bit.
10:43Oh, that was a good one.
10:45There is an extraordinary amount of satisfaction in doing this.
10:53I'll remember you said that for the next room and then you can come and help me with it.
10:56I can't tell you how enjoyable it was to remove wallpaper.
11:00Up until now, it's been Claire's job and now I love it.
11:06Who are you?
11:08What have you done with my husband?
11:09You're not my husband.
11:12It's been a successful start, but with some serious demolition next on the to-do list,
11:19will Lionel's journey of DIY discovery continue?
11:28Coming up, the pressure's on to deliver two dream weddings.
11:34So we just need to make sure that the chefs are providing the perfect food,
11:39Sasha does a fantastic job on the flowers.
11:41Yeah, and to transform the courtyard to the beautiful wedding day setting.
11:46And Alison and Zion hit a stumbling block.
11:49I don't think it's going to work.
11:50Back to the drawing board.
11:59In the wine-growing countryside of the Languedoc in southern France,
12:04stands the magnificent 19th century Chateau du Puy-et-Prin.
12:13It comes with seven acres and boasts 39 sumptuous rooms.
12:20It's home to Tim, a photographer, and Sasha, a former fashion designer,
12:26who bought the place for £390,000 in 2003.
12:34Their thriving wedding business, built up over two decades,
12:38is now being run by daughter Lily and son-in-law Luke.
12:44We're so proud, proud of this wonderful place we're living in.
12:48Now Lily and Luke are looking after the guests more
12:51and running the business side.
12:53It's given us the freedom to just make sure the visual aspect of everywhere,
13:00gardens, courtyard, has a unique visibility and quality about it.
13:09Located close to the Mediterranean coast,
13:12their mission during the winter months has been to restore the Chateau Courtyard.
13:18Starting with the ingenious transformation of a hidden bricked-up window
13:25into a magical arched vision, bearing Sasha's glowing artwork.
13:31The courtyard is what Sasha and I fell in love with when we first came to see the property.
13:36It's got a magic of its own.
13:38We've just tried to amplify that feeling, that ambience that we felt 24 years ago.
13:50Last time we saw them, they removed the old cracked tiles from a raised patio terrace
13:57on one side of the courtyard
14:01and relayed it with pristine stone.
14:06Then, the courtyard slabs were cleaned, painted and have now been resealed with protective resin,
14:15ready for wedding season.
14:18It's been a long winter, it's now spring, the sun's shining
14:21and we've done numerous projects in the courtyard that are looking good,
14:26we're proud of and we're looking forward to the guests enjoying them.
14:32With one spring betrothal already under their belts,
14:36they're facing a busy few days with back-to-back weddings scheduled.
14:42Then you've got the choice of orange or red?
14:44No, that's it, those go round the back.
14:46The first is for American couple, Tiara and Luke.
14:51And in her workshop, Sasha is getting to grips with their tricky floral colour scheme.
14:57I think it's because we have blue shutters.
15:01Blue is always so popular and it's so difficult to come by.
15:08But anyway, it's fine. This has got to be the best job in the world.
15:13Meanwhile in the new courtyard, Lily is welcoming the bride and groom.
15:19Hi!
15:20Hi! How are you guys? Nice to meet you!
15:23And bride Tiara cannot wait to check out Sasha's efforts.
15:29Perfect.
15:31Hi!
15:33Hi!
15:34Nice to meet you!
15:35Nice to meet you!
15:36Welcome, welcome to the flower heaven!
15:39It smells so good, isn't it?
15:43So, we've got...
15:45This is going to be your wedding arch.
15:47OK.
15:48Look at these beautiful delphiniums.
15:51They're so pretty.
15:53I think the lilac and the blue is just really beautiful.
15:57And it does, it makes it pop.
16:00While Sasha cracks on, Lily and Luke take the couple through a rehearsal,
16:06against a backdrop of the chateau's very own vineyard.
16:11The more natural you are, the best photos you're going to get.
16:14So, don't try and force anything.
16:16We are very excited for tomorrow.
16:20So, we just need to make sure that the chefs are providing the perfect food.
16:26Sasha does a fantastic job on the flowers.
16:27Yeah.
16:28And to transform the courtyard to the beautiful wedding day setting.
16:33The revamped courtyard is looking its best after all of its pre-season pampering.
16:39But can the family pull off the perfect alfresco event?
16:51350 miles north, Alison and Zion's second-floor guest suite renovation is underway.
17:01Ta-da!
17:02With all the demolition done, the couple are turning their attention to the en-suite bathroom.
17:10Basin.
17:12And then shower.
17:13Shower.
17:15Alison and Zion have bought a marble-topped unit at a brocante,
17:20but now need to test it out in the space.
17:24I can't remember how much we paid for it, but it wouldn't have been more than about 30 euros.
17:29That's quite a large piece of furniture.
17:33And the other thing is, I'm not sure it's going to look right with the tap like that.
17:38Because that's going to have to come through here.
17:41Which is a shame.
17:54I don't think it's going to work.
17:58Back to the drawing board.
18:00Back to the drawing board.
18:03Designers, eh?
18:04Yeah.
18:04While Zion tackles the plasterboarding...
18:09..
18:11..downstairs, Alison is concentrating on the finer details.
18:19In a bedroom of the style that we're trying to achieve, we need something really grand,
18:23and these chandeliers are going to be just the biscuit.
18:30You'll be so careful with it.
18:33Look at that. It's beautiful, isn't it?
18:36The two cut glass chandeliers are currently in pieces, and before they can be reassembled, decades of dust need to
18:46be removed.
18:49So every single one of these needs to be cleaned.
18:52But these are going to shine like the sun when they're finished.
18:56This chandelier, or these chandeliers, this is one of two, have a bit of history.
19:00And what's really nice is family history, because the gentleman who gave them to us was a very old family
19:07friend.
19:08And he said, erm, I think I might have something that would suit your chateau.
19:13And he told us a story about this beautiful old house that he and his wife had done up.
19:17He had some idea of what it is, the challenges we're facing here at the chateau, and sent Zion up
19:23in the attic.
19:23And we came down with these amazing chandeliers.
19:27It just makes it really personal, makes the chateau feel like a home rather than a business.
19:32And that's special, because it is our home.
19:34And all the things we do here, we do with love, which matters, matters a lot.
19:40Alison and Zion are pouring heart and soul into the bedroom suite renovation,
19:45but it's a painstaking task, and there is still a long way to go.
19:57Just 100 miles away, in their new guest bedroom suite, Lionel and Claire are stepping up their DIY skills.
20:06I am dreading this.
20:08This is making a hole in the wall, in order to get through to the loo that's on the other
20:13side.
20:14But this is a bit bigger than what we've done before, so...
20:16This is a doorway hole.
20:18This is a doorway hole.
20:19And I'm going to do it, and one hopes that I'm not going to lose any limbs.
20:22Please don't.
20:24Well, I'll try not to.
20:25That would really slow us down.
20:26The plan is to create a new en suite by connecting the toilet next door to the bedroom.
20:35Not my chosen colour.
20:49It's a bit difficult because I can't actually see the laser line as I'm cutting it.
20:53So there's a lot of guessing going on.
20:58For a man who doesn't like DIY, he's doing very, very well.
21:05Next, Lionel needs to drill marking holes all the way through.
21:14You're going, oh my goodness, it actually looks like it might be in the right spot.
21:17Oh, it's a miracle.
21:19Getting to grips with the angle grinder, Lionel is leaning into his new DIY skills.
21:31When I'm chopping trees, Claire goes all wobbly on me.
21:36Because she, you know, she likes a good lumberjack.
21:39Is that right, darling?
21:42No, come on.
21:43Get back to work.
21:48But unfortunately, it's not long before the enclosed, dust-filled space proves too much.
21:56I can't breathe, I can't see, I can't hear.
22:00It's crazy.
22:01People do this for fun.
22:03I feel butch though.
22:07Time to see if all Lionel's hard work has paid off.
22:13Get all you got.
22:18Oh, yeah.
22:19Oh, yeah, yeah.
22:22Shall I go round the other side and do the Channel Tunnel handshake?
22:29Yes!
22:30Yes!
22:34Victory!
22:38After a long day's DIYing, the couple decide to finish on a high.
22:44We've made a breakthrough.
22:45We've got through the wall.
22:46I thought we might get more done today, but at least we've got a bit through.
22:49We can see that it is possible.
22:54It's definitely possible.
22:56And once the wall is down, Lionel and Claire will need to brace themselves for a first foray into plumbing.
23:11Still to come, Alison and Zion tackle an elaborate ceiling design.
23:17It's like a series of boxes and where does the coving fit in relation to that.
23:23And Lionel and Claire have toilet trouble.
23:27Oh!
23:27Oh!
23:36Back in Western France, Alison and Zion have made huge progress with their second floor guest suite.
23:4486 steps later.
23:46The walls are now fully insulated and today's task is to start on their grand plans for the ceiling.
23:54We don't want to have just coving.
23:58We don't want to have just coving.
23:59And because we're going to have this coffered ceiling and we want to combine the two together.
24:05We're taking the language of the chateau from the dining room downstairs, which is a very grand room and we're
24:10trying to bring it up here because we love that old, very old chateau sort of ceiling style.
24:17Coffered ceilings are a classic architectural detail consisting of a series of rectangular square or octagonal 3D grids.
24:27It's like a series of boxes that we're putting on the ceiling of the bedroom.
24:33And to get the boxes against the wall, you have to plan to have a, like this is the box,
24:39if you like, and then this has to fit underneath it to finish off the decoration of the wall.
24:44That's what we're deciding to do now. How do we adjust the depth of the boxes and where does the
24:50coving fit in relation to that?
24:52So it's quite a challenge to get it right.
24:56How far do you want it there?
24:58Yeah.
25:01Helped by their two on-site labourers, Zion gets to work.
25:07Cut it to one meter sixty.
25:16It's too good to be true.
25:20Meanwhile, Alison has her own beautifying challenge.
25:25These are the original roof structure.
25:29This is working really well.
25:32It's a very weak acid of some sort.
25:36And it just takes off the white colouring.
25:41Look at the colour of that wood. Isn't that gorgeous?
25:44Goldy.
25:45Yeah.
25:47It's really lovely. I mean, this is a structure that's 1872 this was put in. Can you believe it?
25:55With all the boxing in place, the decorative details can be added.
26:02Now we have to cut the coving. And this is the challenge.
26:07Zion has made the plaster coving himself, and it's a fragile, nerve-wracking process.
26:14If you get this wrong, you just have to work harder when it's up there.
26:24It's exactly what I wanted.
26:27Let's see if that's what she wanted.
26:31That looks very nice, doesn't it?
26:34I got what I wanted. The approval.
26:41It's taken a lot of hard work, but at last their dream of a decadent bedroom suite is properly on
26:50the horizon.
26:51And now it's like, you know, you put your direction on the sat-nav and it's go.
26:57That's the direction is there, the sat-nav is working, reception is good, put your foot down.
27:04Now we've just got to get there. Now we've got to arrive.
27:08And with a complicated fireplace to install, bespoke ceiling panelling to create and all the decorating to do,
27:17it's a long and winding road ahead.
27:25Under two and a half hours drive away, Lionel and Claire are pushing their DIY skills to the limit,
27:32creating a new guest bedroom suite.
27:36So far we've cut a hole for the new door into the bathroom loo, I suppose it is, isn't it?
27:45And we are going to reposition the loo.
27:51This is going to be our first attempt at plumbing, we've never done any plumbing before.
27:59Ah!
28:06Don't ever say I don't give you anything.
28:08Thank you so much. Enjoy your system.
28:10Still full of water, I'll go get rid of that.
28:17Yeah, that was fairly straightforward, wasn't it?
28:22Goodbye!
28:24Is that working?
28:24Oh, you know what I've got to do, I've got to hold it under the rim.
28:29Fuck!
28:31Oh!
28:38I win!
28:46I've photographed the royals and presidents of the United States.
28:50I now find myself removing a toilet.
28:53Toilet's out. What next?
28:55Floor.
28:56Try and get rid of this floor.
28:58Just rip it up, I hope. I hope it's not too stuck.
29:02Ooh!
29:02Thankfully, there's a nice wooden floor under there.
29:05Under some lino, but it doesn't seem like it's too badly stuck down,
29:09so we might be in luck.
29:15Muscles!
29:17Muscles!
29:25The covering has come up reasonably easy,
29:27but it seems to be stuck to an old lino floor covering,
29:33which we're hoping is not glued,
29:35so we might be okay to reveal the wooden floor underneath.
29:44I don't think it is lino,
29:46I think it's sort of like a self-leveling type stuff
29:49because it's seeped between the floorboards and hardened.
29:53So it's a lot more difficult to get off than lino,
29:57but it is get-off-able.
29:59It's in really good condition.
30:01Yeah, look at that. Beautiful.
30:02What we're uncovering is the continuation of the floor in the bedroom.
30:08What's always lovely is to discover something original
30:15and that is in good condition,
30:18and the fact that I suppose that you've managed to do it yourself,
30:22which is lovely,
30:23and sort of reinstating the original fabric,
30:28part of the original fabric of this building,
30:30which is always really a lovely experience.
30:32The joys of Chateau restoration are being laid bare for Lionel and Clare,
30:38but with more plumbing still to tackle,
30:41will their luck run out?
30:49In the Longuedoc, at Tim and Sasha's,
30:53they're preparing for the first of two back-to-back weddings.
30:59One has to remember to make each detail perfect,
31:03and that's the way I approach every single wedding that we do.
31:08Yeah, every wedding is individual.
31:10In the newly renovated courtyard,
31:13daughter Lily is sticking to the same mantra.
31:16So, right now, we're getting all the tablecloths down,
31:19we're going to get the steamer out.
31:21The atmosphere is nice and relaxed, which is exactly what we need.
31:26So, yeah, it's all looking good.
31:29I started at seven.
31:31I've almost finished the wedding arch.
31:33I've done the champagne reception.
31:36Wedding days for us are not what they used to be.
31:38No more late nights.
31:40As soon as we've finished the floristry
31:42and everything that Sasha needs to do,
31:45we knock off.
31:46Let the kids run the show.
31:48That's it.
31:51With the groom already mingling out in the courtyard...
31:56I haven't a clue what stress is until it all falls down.
32:00Last-minute flourishes are added to the ceremony arch.
32:09Good.
32:12Before the guests take their seats
32:14and bridegroom Luke awaits the love of his life.
32:22After a hug with her grandpa,
32:28he's got a little bit of a hug.
32:28Tiara and Luke are ready to make their vows.
32:32All of us have come here to share in the commitment they will make today.
32:36We are especially thankful for the presence of Papi,
32:40who has been a source of strength and love for Tiara.
32:47Behind the scenes, however, it's all hands on deck,
32:51as a sudden drop in temperature means the wedding dinner is now taking place in the wine barn.
32:58You may kiss your bride.
33:13And while the refurbished courtyard isn't warm enough for dinner,
33:18it is the perfect spot for the newlyweds to have their first dance.
33:33Literally any little girl's dream come true.
33:36I feel like a princess. I have my Prince Charming.
33:38It's been amazing. I think it has surpassed our expectations.
33:43Everything went according to plan. It's been perfect.
33:48Work's done today, yeah? Successful.
33:51Another wedding in two days' time.
33:53But this has been great.
33:57The first of their back-to-back weddings has been a glorious success.
34:03Tomorrow, a new wedding party will arrive
34:06and the family will have to pull out all the stops to deliver yet another dream day.
34:18Coming up...
34:18Now is the time to get my hands dirty.
34:21Lionel lays waste to the soil pipe.
34:24It's raining.
34:26And wedding plans are in chaos.
34:30What are we going to do?
34:36Back in Western France,
34:39Claire is battling to remove an old floor covering
34:42and expose the original wooden boards in the guest ensuite.
34:47The edges of the floor were coming off really easily,
34:50so I thought this was going to be quite straightforward.
34:51But the middle bit is really thick and really tough
34:55and now it's taking forever.
34:58Meanwhile, Lionel is down in the bowels of the chateau
35:01on an important mission.
35:04We're now in the corridor which is outside the chapel,
35:07which is directly beneath the bathroom upstairs,
35:10where the soil pipe runs.
35:13You can hear the banging upstairs and that's Claire banging away.
35:18I need to cut the soil pipe because we're going to move where the toilet is.
35:27I might cut that down there, actually.
35:35Once the surrounding insulation has been removed...
35:43Lionel has to bite the bullet.
35:45Thankfully I haven't been wearing gloves,
35:47but now is the time to get my hands dirty.
35:53CHIRPING
36:01CHIRPING
36:02Oh, victory approaches!
36:06I was a little bit concerned that something might pop out.
36:14CHIRPING
36:21Ah, yes! Look!
36:24Oh, hello!
36:26Hello.
36:27Hello, darling.
36:29Well done, very impressive.
36:30The vistas of our relationship never cease to expand.
36:33Amazing, isn't it?
36:39I think I've got about just over like a square metre, one and a half left to do.
36:43But it's just going slower and slower.
36:48Meanwhile, Lionel's next challenge is to remove all the old skirting
36:52and architrave around the doorways in the bedroom,
36:56keeping them intact so they can be reused.
37:02Ooh, that's nice and easy.
37:06Came off in one piece, no damage, and really quite easy, actually, which is great.
37:14Lionel just has to hope the architrave goes as smoothly.
37:18These are quite chunky, so these would be very, very expensive to replace if they get really badly damaged.
37:37Oh!
37:39Oh, that was satisfying.
37:41One down.
37:44Probably about ten more, ten, twelve to go.
37:50I'm getting there. I'm not going to let it defeat me.
37:53We got a lot done today.
37:56My favourite job was the removal of the architraves, because it was just so satisfying.
38:03It was wonderful.
38:08Doing that floor has absolutely tested my patience and done me in, and everything hurts now.
38:13But it's going to be worth it, because it's going to look beautiful in there.
38:18However, their dream of an elegant, luxurious guest suite is still a long way off.
38:31Back in the south of France, it's turnaround day for Tim and Sasha.
38:37The second of two back-to-back weddings is due to take place in the Chateau Gardens tomorrow.
38:44But things aren't quite going to plan.
38:48I'm a little bit worried because my flower delivery hasn't come first thing in the morning.
38:55And we're looking at the afternoon sometime before I can start.
39:00So, it's putting me under enormous pressure.
39:04I don't know why this has happened.
39:07Ah!
39:08I think your flowers have just arrived.
39:09The flowers have arrived.
39:11Right this second.
39:11Those are your flowers.
39:15And that's not the only arrival, as the wedding couple, Emily and Gemma, and most of their guests are here.
39:25Hiya.
39:26Hiya.
39:26How are you?
39:27Yeah, yeah.
39:28Hiya.
39:29Hiya.
39:29Lovely to meet you in France.
39:30How are you?
39:33Meanwhile, Sasha's floral struggles aren't over.
39:38It's bad enough with the flower delivery coming at 2 o'clock or 3 o'clock in the afternoon,
39:45when I need it first thing in the morning.
39:48But, oh, gosh.
39:50Then you're faced with this.
39:54Where six out of ten flowers are damaged.
40:02I'll use them in smaller decorations.
40:04It's just annoying because it slows me down.
40:10And, at the moment, I don't need slowing down.
40:14I need speeding up.
40:18Over in the barn, Luke and Lily are preparing for the evening ahead.
40:24First, Tim hosts a wine tasting for brides Emily and Gemma and their guests.
40:32Good evening, everybody.
40:33Welcome to the south of France.
40:35Bonsoir.
40:35Oh, yeah.
40:36I've forgotten that.
40:37Lived here for 23 years and my French is rubbish.
40:41And then, karaoke and dancing as they party the night away.
40:54The next morning, it's wedding day, and Sasha has been at it since the crack of dawn.
41:01I seem to have everything to do in the last couple of hours, but I'm used to it.
41:08It'll all come together.
41:09And with Tim and Laurence running around, I'll make it.
41:14I think.
41:15I hope.
41:18Tim and handyman Laurence are busy setting up the ceremony on the lawn, but it looks like there's a storm
41:26brewing.
41:27It's raining.
41:33It's not looking good for an outside ceremony.
41:38It's now an hour before the ceremony.
41:40What are we going to do?
41:42Move into the wine barn?
41:44If we have to.
41:46I think, yeah.
41:46If we have to.
41:47I wait until the last minute.
41:48Yeah.
41:53Thankfully, the waiting game pays off.
41:57It's hot now.
41:58This is crazy.
42:04That looks good.
42:06Right.
42:06I think that's it.
42:07And the guests can at last take their seats for a gloriously sunny garden wedding at the Chateau.
42:23I'm honoured to have been asked to be here today to officiate the marriage between Emily and Gemma.
42:28As I love them both very much.
42:34Soon, vows are exchanged and the ceremony is complete.
42:40Through no power whatsoever vested in me.
42:45I am happy to announce that Emily and Gemma are married.
42:48You may now kiss the bride.
42:53Please be standing for your bride and show Gemma some love.
43:02As the newlyweds skip into married life, the revamped courtyard is all set to host an al fresco wedding dinner.
43:14We're so happy we came to the Chateau.
43:16It's been absolutely amazing.
43:18Everything has been perfect.
43:20Nothing has felt stressful.
43:23Exactly.
43:23Just been so free here.
43:25Yeah.
43:26Yeah.
43:26It's been incredible.
43:27It's been a hectic few days, but Emily and Gemma aren't the only ones counting their blessings.
43:35This Chateau has been able to give us a life that's inventive, creative and exciting, as well as being our
43:49own home.
43:50And we're very proud of what we've achieved.
43:54Luke and Lily have taken the whole business a step forward.
44:00And the old Chateau is looking after all of us, which is quite wonderful, really.
44:07The family effort to revamp the courtyard has paid off.
44:13And the wedding season has been suitably launched in stunning style.
44:26Next time.
44:27Can I throw you this tape?
44:29One project is in deep water.
44:35Oh, you are kidding me.
44:38There's a spooky surprise.
44:41Oh, my God.
44:41What's that?
44:42It's a bat.
44:44And this owner fights a decor war.
44:47Amazing.
44:48It's exactly what I want.
44:51I'm a bit giddy.
44:53Giddy?
44:53Giddy?
45:17Giddy?
45:18Giddy?
45:21Giddy?
45:23Giddy?
45:24Giddy?
45:25Giddy?
45:26Here's what you need.
45:26The next is a bit.
45:26The first is he's in the caffeination system.
45:26The next is Joe.
45:26It's Joe.
45:26It's Will.
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