- 4 hours ago
Chateau DIY S11E22
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00:00Across France are thousands of breathtaking chateaux.
00:06Many fallen into ruin...
00:08Oh, wow. Oh, gosh.
00:10There will be a stretch of eye. Do I have what it's killed?
00:14..are being restored by brave new owners.
00:18We've started now, so we can't stop.
00:21They're taking on the challenge...
00:25..of saving these forgotten buildings.
00:28It's just the trickiest room to work in.
00:33..creating incredible homes.
00:35Oh, wow. It works, doesn't it? It does.
00:39..and businesses.
00:42There'll be successes.
00:44That looks superb.
00:46High five.
00:47..and setbacks.
00:49I'll just watch as the giant hole opens up in our barn.
00:52But with great challenge...
00:54It's just peeling off.
00:56And I've never had this happen before.
00:58..comes great reward.
01:00It was a complete shell, and now it's becoming a home.
01:05Whoo-hoo-hoo-hoo!
01:06As they get to live the dream...
01:08Cheers!
01:09..chears!
01:09..as kings and queens of their very own castle.
01:16Today...
01:19..sparks fly on an epic bedroom makeover.
01:23I'm losing my mind.
01:24I caught you in the act!
01:24I'm just standing by it!
01:26I just caught you in the act!
01:27I'm not catching on the marble!
01:29..with a rising tide, it's sink or swim for this renovation.
01:35The water level's so high, I can't physically get outside just to finish the external face of this wall.
01:42And two eager home hunters...
01:44Very, very cute.
01:46Oh, wow.
01:46..get more than they bargained for.
01:49Whoa, look at the pink!
01:50LAUGHTER
02:00Located in the fertile region of the Loire Valley is the stately 19th-century Château de la Croix-Boisier.
02:10With seven acres, it comprises 12 elegant rooms and an indoor pool and spa area.
02:21In 2019, it was bought by American artist Vivian...
02:27Hello!
02:28Wow, these look amazing!
02:30..and her British husband, Simon...
02:32You're so clever!
02:34..who have downsized from their first château and brought new ideas here.
02:40We definitely have a good team going.
02:42Yeah, we complement each other really well.
02:44What Vivian is really good at is painting the vision, creating the look of the room,
02:50and then giving it the artistic touches it needs to get that style.
02:54What I'm really good at is taking instructions, doing what I'm told,
03:00and then working out how to deliver on that vision if it's not clear to me.
03:07Prince Charming! Prince Charming!
03:13Just an hour's drive south of Le Mans,
03:17the history-loving couple bought the property for £716,000.
03:26And when we last saw them...
03:28Got it?
03:29Yeah, I got it, sweetie.
03:30They had taken the first steps to create an opulent, empire-inspired guest bedroom.
03:37Oh, wow, you gilded it. That looks really cool.
03:40And so far, they've upcycled a four-poster bed,
03:45built a new curtain pelmet,
03:48and created a magnificent mirror.
03:51And all of a sudden, look how old that looks.
03:54But they need to crack on and get the room finished,
03:58so they can showcase it at their Regency costume party in just three weeks.
04:05OK, today is a really, really exciting day,
04:08because all of the pieces for the Empire Room are going into place.
04:12We've been busy building, we've been busy gilding,
04:15and today it's all going to come together,
04:16so we're very, very thrilled.
04:20First on their list is to add some vital supports
04:25for Simon's curtain pelmet.
04:29And lending a hand is daughter, Isabella.
04:33So, who should go up the ladder first?
04:35If you can go first.
04:37Right. Like that.
04:40OK, that's as high as it needs to go.
04:42Vivian, what do you think?
04:47Ah, the block is visible from back here.
04:50I think you should step back and look at what I'm looking at, please.
04:54OK, so come here.
04:56Yeah.
04:56See? So two things are going on.
04:58You can see the block,
04:59and the other thing that's happening
05:00is you can see the top of the moulding of the window.
05:02OK.
05:04See, really, ideally, all of that would be concealed with the pelmet.
05:10Well, you're going to have curtain.
05:12Yes.
05:12I think you're forgetting that the curtain's going to be in there.
05:15Yes, but unfortunately, what you've done
05:17is you've left this much of a gap
05:19with the ball and the side.
05:21What's going to happen is the curtains are going to open up,
05:23and there's going to be this much gap on either side.
05:26How much further down does it need to go, then?
05:28About two centimetres.
05:34All right, so we'll just take it off
05:36and drop it down a couple of centimetres.
05:40All right.
05:48I need to take over the holding of that for you.
05:51You can step away, honey,
05:52because I think at this point you might be in the way.
05:55OK.
05:56What's happening here?
05:57We're changing around ladder positions.
06:00I'm sorry, you're going to what now?
06:02I don't know.
06:03I'm going to take the pelmet from you.
06:05OK.
06:06And you're going to...
06:07I almost started sweating really intensely.
06:09OK, off you go.
06:10Down you go.
06:10I'm so nervous.
06:10OK.
06:11And you push your ladder across the other side.
06:14Oh, my God.
06:15Really?
06:15No, no, you can't do that.
06:17No.
06:18This is going to end badly for everybody,
06:20because we're standing down here.
06:21Hold the ladder if you want to.
06:22I'm going to stand back here, though.
06:24So there are no accidents.
06:29Good, that's in.
06:34Well, there you go.
06:36So that's it.
06:38Looks great.
06:39Well done, sweetheart.
06:41But I'm not sure it looks massively different
06:44from where I had it, but anyway.
06:45It doesn't look massively different.
06:47It just looks...
06:48Just the details that matter, isn't that right?
06:50They do matter.
06:51They matter a lot.
06:53They've averted a crisis.
06:56But with a chateau-sized mirror to put up
06:58and a grand soirée to prepare,
07:01there are more challenges ahead.
07:11Over two hours away in Brittany
07:15lies the once-abandoned 19th-century watermill
07:19Moulin du Cuenon.
07:22This once-proud building
07:25stands on its own island
07:27between two medieval bridges
07:29and comes with five floors,
07:32enormous concrete silos
07:34and a small stone jeet.
07:38Today, it's the latest project for Donna,
07:41a former property developer,
07:43and Paul, a retired construction manager.
07:47It's a lot for, you know,
07:49a couple of keen DIYers.
07:50I mean, we could do with a squad of 40 people,
07:52but, you know, the plan is to do as much as we can ourself,
07:56and that's what we enjoy doing.
07:57So, you know, so it may take a bit longer to do,
08:00but that's not a problem, you know.
08:02It's a nice place to be.
08:07Located just south-east of Saint-Malo,
08:10the couple bought the property in early 2024
08:14for less than £100,000.
08:18The French are extremely friendly and everybody knows the mill.
08:22So, even going into the shops when you're shopping,
08:25they kind of go,
08:26ah, you were the crazy Anglais who were doing the mill.
08:29It's like, yes, that's us.
08:31Since they moved in,
08:32they've replaced the roof
08:34and created a roof terrace.
08:38Inside, they've installed joists,
08:42added 18 aluminium windows,
08:45and above the turbine,
08:47they've recently completed work...
08:50Told you it would go in.
08:52..on a derelict shell,
08:54which they've remodelled into a stunning utility room.
08:59..but that's just the beginning of its transformation
09:02from top to bottom.
09:06Today, we're going to be working in the basement,
09:08which in France is the sous-sol.
09:09We're going to be working on the windows.
09:11There's some old metal windows that are damaged and broken,
09:15and we've actually boarded them up.
09:16So we need to remove the temporary boards first.
09:19We need to then cut out the old metal frame windows.
09:22And then we need to effectively build some block work
09:24to reduce the existing size of the window
09:26to suit the new windows that we have.
09:29Donna and Paul plan to convert the basement
09:32into a swimming pool and gymnasium.
09:38God, they are heavy.
09:39First, though, they need to fix the infrastructure.
09:48Look at that view!
09:51Yeah, we haven't seen this view, have we,
09:53cos the windows have been dirty and...
09:55I know.
09:56It's a fabulous view.
10:01We're obviously going to have windows all around,
10:04and the pool will be in this area.
10:06But we're actually not overlooked at all,
10:10because there's literally a river over three sides.
10:13So it's very private.
10:15Yeah, I can kind of see myself sat in this pool,
10:18just looking out down the river.
10:21Yeah, very nice.
10:28This room was pre-graffiti.
10:30There's only one small bit I added,
10:31which is that little love part.
10:33When Donna and I viewed the property,
10:35in fact, before we'd even purchased it,
10:38we made a little scribble on the wall,
10:39just in case the sale didn't go through,
10:42so we could always be remembered
10:44until somebody renovated this property
10:45and painted over it.
10:48But that's now going to be us.
10:53But there's a long way to go
10:55before Paul and Donna
10:57will be decorating over their love heart.
11:01We've got a 1.2 window,
11:02so we need to block up left-hand and right-hand side.
11:05It's also about 1.3 high,
11:06so we'll probably need to cut a section out of the sale
11:08just so we can get the full height of the window in.
11:12Can you see that down there?
11:14Yeah.
11:14From a purely aesthetic point of view...
11:17You go to central.
11:18Donna and Paul want the new basement window
11:21in line with the ones above,
11:24even if it means altering the framework.
11:42We've managed to remove the old window in the glass.
11:44Hopefully get block work done tomorrow
11:46and then get that window fitted.
11:49It's going to look pretty stunning, isn't it?
11:51Yeah.
11:53Let's hope that Paul's got his measurements right.
12:02Coming up...
12:03OK, let's go.
12:04Will this couple find their new forever home?
12:07Squacky little rooms, aren't they, everyone?
12:09Yeah.
12:09Just makes it a bit more challenging
12:11to make the most out of it.
12:13Watch the mirror, honey.
12:14And could this be the fall of Vivian's empire creation?
12:18No.
12:19Dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun.
12:21Oh!
12:28With thousands of available chateaux scattered across France,
12:34there's something for everyone.
12:39For France-based jewellery maker Eleanor from Hull and French hubby Ben,
12:44an IT director and part-time fireman...
12:48One euro's bargain.
12:49Mm-hmm.
12:51The hunt for their very own Goldilocks castle is about to begin.
12:57Living in a chateau, for me, is like, yeah, keeping history alive.
13:02And it's just that extra charm, isn't it, of things that are not made anymore.
13:06Big, thick walls.
13:07Fireplaces.
13:08Stairs, fireplaces.
13:10Chandeliers.
13:11I like chandeliers.
13:13Beautiful windows-shaped doors.
13:15And then riding the ride-on lawnmower.
13:17Yeah.
13:18You have to have that.
13:21Their dream chateau must accommodate them, their daughter Delilah,
13:27as well as Eleanor's retired parents and paying guests.
13:32The plan over here is to get a jeet up and running,
13:36and then I was also a jeweller back in the UK,
13:38so I did make my own jewellery and sell it,
13:40and I want to get that up back and running.
13:43Oh, so, well, come here.
13:44Yeah, can I have a look at that, man?
13:45A potential jewellery studio isn't the only thing on their tick list.
13:50So the must-have is a tower.
13:52At least one.
13:53At least one.
13:54Two, preferably.
13:57With a budget of £600,000 plus £200,000 for renovations,
14:05the couple will visit Four Chateaux in the region of Occitanie,
14:10in the southwest of France.
14:14Their first stop is near the town of Eurs,
14:18in the foothills of the Pyrenean peaks.
14:22Very, very cute.
14:23Oh, wow.
14:24Really cute.
14:27And there's two towers.
14:28You wanted two towers.
14:31This charming five-bedroom property
14:34is on the market for £484,000,
14:38leaving them over £300,000 for renovations.
14:43Okay, let's go.
14:45Waiting to meet them is agent Axel.
14:48Hello.
14:49Hi.
14:50Hello, Ben.
14:51Hello, Elena.
14:52Hi, nice to meet you.
14:52Nice to meet you.
14:53I'm Axel.
14:54Ravie de faire votre connaissance
14:56et surtout de vous faire découvrir ce très beau château historique.
15:05Alors, nous voici dans le hall d'entrée.
15:09Superbe.
15:12So, je vous conduis dans la belle pièce de vie du château, le grand salon.
15:18That's the main room, this?
15:20Oui, exactement.
15:22Yeah, it's a nice size.
15:24Et nous allons passer par la cuisine cette fois.
15:29It's quite nice.
15:30It's spacious enough.
15:31Yeah.
15:32It's quacky little rooms, isn't it, everywhere?
15:34Yeah.
15:34Just in the size of the wall.
15:36Oh, gosh, yeah.
15:39I like all these little nooks and crannies.
15:41It just makes it a bit more challenging to make the most out of it.
15:44Or find you when I'm shouting your teas with it.
15:50Outside are nearly 3,000 square metres of château grounds.
15:55Oh, that's nice.
15:56Oh, that's pretty, isn't it?
15:57Oh, yeah.
15:58A little rose bush.
15:58You can see the smell of the roses.
16:01Yeah, it's fairly sizable, isn't it?
16:03You don't realise.
16:04It's a good size, but it's not too big.
16:06Too big, yeah.
16:06It's not too overwhelming.
16:07Exactly.
16:09The garden's beautiful.
16:11It's really nice.
16:14And there's even a space that could be converted into Eleanor's jewellery workshop.
16:20Donc là , vous avez, je pense, la partie la plus ancienne du château.
16:24OK.
16:28It's a strong start.
16:30From the exterior, I would say the wow factor is 9 out of 10.
16:35Yeah, it's beautiful.
16:36It's kind of like that picture-perfect.
16:38Just like this one that you have in your imagination that you want a château to be.
16:42It's very cute.
16:44Very cute.
16:45The château needs to house them, Eleanor's extended family, as well as jeet guests.
16:52And so far, this one's looking positive.
17:02Eight hours north in the Loire Valley.
17:06Take it on its end, on its side.
17:08Like, OK.
17:09Simon and daughter Isabella have been challenged.
17:12We ready?
17:13Yep.
17:14Got to go soon.
17:15With bringing Vivian's upcycled mirror up to the empire-themed bedroom.
17:21Oh, it's really heavy.
17:23Wait, I think I can get my right hand under it.
17:25OK.
17:28How's that?
17:29That's better, yeah.
17:29Got it now?
17:30Yeah, that's stronger.
17:31Well done.
17:32As mum has a sore back, Isabella has drawn the short straw.
17:38Bring it around.
17:38Back up.
17:41Oh.
17:42Watch the mirror, honey.
17:44Yeah.
17:44Oh.
17:45Up.
17:46That was you.
17:48OK, now...
17:49It's just fun watching you guys do all the work.
17:50I know.
17:55It's OK, now.
17:58What we need you for is to ensure that we're central.
18:01OK.
18:03So, let's see...
18:04Do you need my help?
18:06Get this up.
18:07OK, have you got it, Isabella?
18:09Righty.
18:09No, no.
18:10Well, no, I haven't got it.
18:11I haven't got it.
18:12OK, well, I guess I do.
18:14That's it.
18:15OK.
18:15Up we go.
18:18Here we go.
18:22Up we go.
18:25Here we go.
18:26Oh!
18:26Oh!
18:27Up we go.
18:29Hold on.
18:29Watch my finger.
18:30Oh, my gosh.
18:32Your hand's under there.
18:34OK.
18:35OK.
18:35Don't, don't, don't, don't, don't, don't, don't, ah!
18:39That actually looks pretty good.
18:41I am very happy.
18:43Oh, don't look at that, Papa.
18:43I'm going to jump up on the ladder.
18:49If you want it central on the mantelpiece, push it this way a little bit more.
18:53So, away from me?
18:54Yep.
18:54Away from you.
18:55There.
18:55There.
18:57Well, that looks better on the top.
18:58It's pretty good.
18:59In keeping with the Empire style, Vivian has even sourced some antique urns to attach
19:07on top.
19:11Can I just stop you right there, please?
19:13Mm-hmm.
19:14Why on earth are you using the marble fireplace as your cutting station?
19:20I'm slightly...
19:21It's not my cutting station.
19:22I'm losing my mind right...
19:23I just want...
19:23I caught you in the act!
19:24I'm just standing by it.
19:25I just caught you in the act!
19:26I'm not cutting...
19:27I'm not cutting on the marble.
19:28Oh, my goodness!
19:29The whole thing could have broken!
19:31I love that you were more concerned about the fireplace.
19:35Your husband had little sparks flying towards his body.
19:39Sparks are always flying around your father.
19:42Oh, that's so corny!
19:51Well done.
19:53That's beautiful.
19:54Does that look all right?
19:55So cool!
19:58Well, it's totally Empire.
20:00Yeah.
20:01Isn't it?
20:01Yes.
20:02That's totally Empire.
20:02That's exactly what we're shooting for.
20:04I was shooting for neoclassical.
20:05Yeah.
20:06And I think we got it.
20:08Mirror secured, they can now give the rest of the room a little chateau bling.
20:17This is the big unveiling.
20:20Oh, there we go.
20:22So we're nearly done.
20:23I am incredibly proud of Simon.
20:26He's such a good sport.
20:28When I come up with all these crazy ideas, he goes for it.
20:32Okay.
20:32Do you want to go turn it on, sweetie?
20:33See if that's...
20:34Sure.
20:35We've got a bulb missing here, but we'll do that later.
20:39Wow.
20:40Look at that.
20:41So there's still quite a lot to do.
20:44We've really, I think, cracked it a bit today.
20:48We kind of can see the vision and we know what's happening.
20:51But with just weeks to get the room blinged up for the grande soirée, the clock is ticking.
21:05Further north-west in Brittany, Donna and Paul are busy installing a new window in their old basement.
21:16We now have running water inside, so I no longer have to go to either the rainwater boat or a
21:24bucket down into the river.
21:25So, we're getting there.
21:37As they want the window to align with the ones above, Paul's rebuilding the frame.
21:45But he's soon distracted.
21:48Catching sight of a coipu or a ragandale just outside on the tree trunk.
21:54Brought over from South America in the 19th century, coipu can be found in virtually every region of France.
22:03I think the level of the river's risen this morning, so I think it's taking refuge in one of the
22:09taller branches out there.
22:10Yeah.
22:11Unless he's getting anything out the mud at the bottom and...
22:14He's getting his belongings out of his flooded house.
22:17Yeah, he's rescuing his home.
22:20Yeah.
22:20There aren't very many people that you look out your window and there's the river.
22:24I know, yeah.
22:25Only thankful at the moment we're not standing in the river.
22:27Yeah.
22:29Just got another two corsets.
22:31I may have to cut the top one just because of the height of the block.
22:35So, we'll get these two done and then we'll start on this one.
22:46Working on an old building, though, has its drawbacks.
22:53My block works reasonably level, but I think the walls are off.
22:56I think that column's slightly squint and the lintel's not exactly square.
23:00So, typical of buildings of this age.
23:06As well as creating a new window, Paul's blocking up an old one to the side.
23:12But today, it's a battle with nature.
23:15The water level's so high at this elevation that I can't...
23:18I can't physically get outside just to finish the external face of this wall.
23:22So, I'll do what I can from the inside and as in when the water drops,
23:26I'll go and just finish the outside.
23:37OK, OK.
23:39Would it fit?
23:41Yeah, well, it's a thickish mortar bed
23:44and then I need to try and get the mortar in over the top, so...
23:46Yeah.
23:48250, full block, and then a cut.
23:52Oh!
24:10It's been a productive day.
24:14Well, that looks high to you, doesn't it?
24:16You don't want the window back in here now.
24:19But there's still a large gap to fill
24:22before the basement is weather-tight again.
24:29Still to come, Simon is feeling hemmed in.
24:34Can't you just take it up on the seam and pull it in
24:36and then sew the seam again?
24:37That's how I would do it.
24:39I...
24:41Stop it!
24:42Straight back.
24:43And Donna tests her mettle.
24:47Are you struggling now?
24:48Your face is going red.
24:50It's bloomin' heavy.
24:58In the Loire Valley,
25:01Vivian and Simon's empire-themed bedroom is coming along.
25:07And the couple are preparing to play host and hostess.
25:12It's going to be a busy day
25:13because our friends are arriving tonight.
25:16And we're going to have an Empire Regency soiree.
25:20We've invited them to come in costume.
25:22We're making costumes for ourselves.
25:25And that's a lot to do today,
25:27as well as finishing their bedroom
25:28and getting it clean and getting it ready.
25:31Leaving the bedroom finessing to Simon,
25:35Vivian is turning her artistic talent
25:38to creating a Regency gown for daughter Isabella.
25:42You know, there was a little bit of madness involved
25:45with the plans for today.
25:48I think this whole thing germinated
25:50because Simon found a great hat
25:52and then he really, really wanted to wear his hat.
25:55So, all of a sudden, he said,
25:57well, we need to have an empire soiree
25:59and invite our friends.
26:01And somehow that got tied up with renovating the bedroom
26:04at the same time that we're throwing this party.
26:10So, when we bought the chateau,
26:13one of the things we always hoped that we would do here
26:16are, you know, to have these period evenings
26:19and to have dress-up costume-based evenings
26:23with our friends.
26:26It's wonderful bringing these antiques out
26:28and getting ready
26:29and then doing these evenings with friends.
26:31That's fantastic fun.
26:33We all need costumes, too.
26:34And we don't like to do things by halves, either.
26:38But I do love to sew.
26:39So, I'm very, very happy to be doing this project.
26:43I think everybody's going to look beautiful tonight.
26:45There we go.
26:48I'm pleased with that.
26:51OK, come on, have a look.
26:54The empire bedroom is nearly there.
26:57I haven't lost any weight.
26:58You're getting skinny on me.
27:00I don't think so.
27:00But Simon's costume for this evening
27:02needs a little je ne sais quoi.
27:05Are you tight?
27:06Yeah.
27:07Are we tight in there?
27:08First thing we need is,
27:09I need to puncture you somehow.
27:12This doesn't sound good.
27:13You see, there we go.
27:15Let's pop that in like that.
27:18Now, sweetheart.
27:20OK, good.
27:21I think I have the right figure for the Regency.
27:22I think you do.
27:25Just fill it at the front here.
27:29There's a lot of volume.
27:31We need it to be more like that.
27:32You see?
27:33Show off those fine calves of yours.
27:35Can't you just take it up on the seam
27:37and pull it in
27:37and then sew the seam again?
27:38That's how I would do it.
27:42Stop it!
27:44I will take this in a little bit.
27:47OK.
27:47To give you a nice form.
27:49A shapely turn of the leg,
27:51as they say.
27:51Shapely turn of the leg.
27:52And, um...
27:53I say, sir,
27:54you have a shapely turn of the leg.
27:56Yes.
27:57Easy.
28:00Here, turn around.
28:01OK.
28:01And let me look.
28:02Does that give a good...
28:03It's better.
28:04I think that's nice.
28:06Yeah.
28:06I think that if you do the other one like that...
28:08I'll try.
28:09I think you've got it covered.
28:10Thanks.
28:12With this super seamstress on the case,
28:15Prince Charming shall go to the ball.
28:18But there's one or two chores still to be done.
28:29Meanwhile, near the Pyrenees,
28:32Chateau shoppers Ben and Eleanor
28:34are searching for an impressive new home.
28:38Does that need some work?
28:39Where there's enough room
28:40for Eleanor's extended family.
28:43So far, this chateau,
28:52with its bright, spacious master suite,
28:55has caught their attention.
28:57That's nice, isn't it?
28:58Yeah.
29:01It's like a secret passage.
29:02Yeah.
29:04And there are two further bedrooms on this floor.
29:07Oh, this is nice, isn't it?
29:09Alors, nous allons dans la troisième chambre du chateau.
29:13Oh, that's massive as well.
29:16There doesn't seem to be much work to be done,
29:18does there?
29:18No.
29:18Here, actually.
29:19You can just move in, really.
29:20Yeah.
29:21Yeah, you can definitely, like, move straight in.
29:22There's, like, a few little bits here and there.
29:25Up on the second floor.
29:28Voilà .
29:29Really nice.
29:30I love the mirror and the fireplace and everything.
29:32There's the final two bedrooms.
29:36And a touch of luxury.
29:39Cette chambre profite d'une salle de bain magnifique.
29:43Oh, yeah, that's so pretty, isn't it?
29:44Wow.
29:45I think I actually like the bedrooms downstairs.
29:47Yeah.
29:48But then to have the master bathroom,
29:50well, you can have the on-suite bathroom appearance.
29:52Upstairs.
29:52Yeah, it's a bit strange, indeed.
29:56I think the only problem I could see is
29:59because we want your mum and dad to be with us.
30:01Yeah, yeah.
30:02Really, we need to be able to split the property, almost,
30:05so we can have the two families living separately.
30:07Yeah.
30:08Because as much as, like, I love my mum and my dad
30:10and we all get on,
30:11we kind of don't want to be in each other's footsteps
30:14on top of each other.
30:15We both need our kind of, like, chill-time privacy,
30:18but enough so that we're still together as a family.
30:21Yeah.
30:24It's given them food for thought.
30:26Thank you very much.
30:27Avec plaisir.
30:29Goodbye, Elena.
30:30Goodbye, Ben.
30:31Thank you so much.
30:34But there are still three chateaux to see,
30:39including this next one in Marinac.
30:43An hour and a half's drive from Toulouse,
30:47it comprises eight bedrooms,
30:51an enormous orangery,
30:54and Ellen has longed for fairy-tale turrets.
31:00This is pretty, actually.
31:02Over budget at £620,000,
31:06it leaves them with just £180,000 for renovations.
31:11But would that be enough for this property?
31:15Agent Frederick is waiting to show them around.
31:18Hi, bonjour.
31:20Hi.
31:21Hey, Derek, nice to meet you.
31:23Bonjour.
31:24Bonjour.
31:25Eh bien, on va aller voir l'intérieur?
31:27Oui, oui.
31:27OK.
31:28Merci.
31:28Oui, oui.
31:28All right.
31:32Wow, look at the ceiling.
31:33Wow.
31:34Wow.
31:35Oh, my gosh, it's beautiful.
31:37The original 18th-century chateau was entirely rebuilt in the early 20th century,
31:44but still boasts many period features.
31:48Oh, my gosh, that's amazing.
31:50The view you can see here is from the outside.
31:54Oh, OK.
31:54Yeah.
31:55They've taken the view from the outside and I painted it.
31:58Without the big dogs.
32:02Oh, I really like this chateau.
32:04This, yeah.
32:05This is kind of like the chateau that you have in your head.
32:10That's the chateau when you walk in and it's, yeah.
32:13Big ground inside and there's a lot of room.
32:15Everything seems quite perfect.
32:17Yeah, yeah.
32:18About this one, actually.
32:20But will the bedrooms, the outbuildings and the orangery prove just as perfect?
32:32Back in Brittany, at Donner and Paul's, with the heavy block work done, there's a 220-kilogramme window to install.
32:42They are heavy, so they're going to be awkward to try and get in place.
32:45And before, I did have assistance, this is Donner's second window install, so I need to think about Donner's.
32:52It's when you've got to get it from there to there.
32:55I need to think about your lifting capacity.
32:59Right, so take that side.
33:01There's an easy carry handle on it.
33:04These ones don't open, so they're not as heavy.
33:07Yeah, well, you'd think they'd have put wheels on it, wouldn't you?
33:10Well, it's a window, not a car.
33:12Wheels would have been nice.
33:13Really?
33:14Tell me when.
33:14Straight back.
33:19It's easy, we can lift it in, no problem.
33:23Don't drop it.
33:25Are you struggling there?
33:26Your face is going red.
33:27It's blooming heavy.
33:29Which is front?
33:31Walk around.
33:32Yep.
33:35Right, I'll get the brackets on.
33:49So we've just bent these top brackets in, just so when we offer the window up, it doesn't actually fall
33:54out.
33:55Into the water.
33:56Yeah.
34:02All right, let's get it on the block.
34:04Tell me when you're ready.
34:05Okay.
34:10Higher.
34:11Higher.
34:14One, two, three.
34:20Ian, push that corner.
34:26It's catching on the top.
34:28Right.
34:29Come down, hold the window, let's see.
34:36It's a nice tight fit.
34:38Wow, look at that.
34:41That wasn't too bad, with the help of all my blocks.
34:46Let's get some airbags under it.
34:48We have a window.
34:50These air wedges are great.
34:53Basically, you slide them into the grooves there, and you pump them up just to kind of level your window
35:01or door, to allow you to then fix it.
35:04So we use them all the time.
35:06Pump it up.
35:12Spot on?
35:14Spot on.
35:15I like spot on.
35:23Bit of foam, and then I sell on the outside, and, er, done.
35:28The difference it's made, every window we put in, we're just, the light coming in, it's just a proper room
35:35now, isn't it?
35:36Yeah, and every window you put in, you're opening up views that have never existed before, so.
35:40I think this was just mountains and mountains of grain.
35:43Yeah.
35:44Yeah.
35:46Not anymore.
35:47Not anymore, no.
35:50Happy with their window, Donna and Paul are in for an even bigger challenge next, with a doorway to put
35:57in, and a watertight wall to build.
36:05Coming up, will Ben and Eleanor's chateau expectations fall short?
36:10As you can see, there is a lot of work to do.
36:14And it's party time.
36:16And our guests of honour.
36:17But will the Empire Bedroom get the Royal Seal of Approval?
36:21So excited.
36:30Near the Spanish border, in Marinac, Eleanor and Ben are exploring an impressive property.
36:40How many floors are there, in all, in all, there are four floors.
36:48That's the biggest one.
36:49Okay.
36:50Okay.
36:52I quite like the marble skirting parts, though.
36:54It's a bit different.
36:56Encore un meubles.
36:58Yeah, we're not sure.
37:00C'est une histoire de goût, hein?
37:02I really like the fireplace in here.
37:03It's nice.
37:05Next door, there are more divisive design choices.
37:10Oh, look at the pink.
37:13Ça, c'est pour le plaisir des yeux.
37:15C'est pour le plaisir de madame.
37:16C'est ma couleur faveurie.
37:18So, so, you can go.
37:20Come, come.
37:24Okay.
37:25It's a cute little bedroom.
37:26Yeah, simple room.
37:28But with eight bedrooms in total, there is plenty of room for them and Eleanor's family.
37:36And the views, at least, are to everyone's taste.
37:40Oh, that's amazing.
37:42Oh, that's so cool.
37:46The château is accompanied by several outbuildings, full of untapped potential, including an enormous orangery.
37:58So, as you can see, there is a lot of work to do.
38:02Something has been done yet.
38:04That's being refurbished by the current owner.
38:07Come, come, come.
38:10So, to just begin the work.
38:12Look, that could be the kitchen.
38:14Wow.
38:15And the cherry on top.
38:19The mini castle.
38:22Oh, it's very cute.
38:26This quirky building has three bedrooms, a living room and a kitchen, ideal for guest accommodation.
38:37Ah, the grande cuisine.
38:39Ooh.
38:40Cute, isn't it?
38:41Yeah, no, that's great.
38:42Yeah, it's perfect.
38:43You just need to put the units there.
38:45Yeah, yeah, it's just ideal for a little jeep.
38:47Yeah, for a jeep.
38:47Yeah, yeah, it's all you kind of need, isn't it?
38:49Yeah, that's good.
38:51That's really cool, isn't it?
38:52This chateau has certainly piqued their interest, with ample space for their extended family, stunning original features, and huge grounds.
39:04It's just over budget, at 620,000 pounds.
39:10We like this chateau, don't we?
39:11Yeah, I like this chateau.
39:12Well, actually, this one has tipped a lot of boxes, hasn't it?
39:15There are enough rooms to be unmanageable, because you can buy a chateau with 35 bedrooms, but then it becomes
39:21unmanageable.
39:22Things like the original features, we can add to it, and kind of, like, quite excited to sort of, like,
39:29finish those bits off, actually, and bring them bits back to life.
39:32So, yeah, there is enough room to put your own.
39:34And definitely want to remove the pink wallpaper on the ceiling.
39:37Yeah, definitely the ceiling part, anyway.
39:42They'll need to put the DIY plans on hold, as there are two more chateaux still to explore.
39:55Back in the Loire Valley, with the costumes completed for this evening's Regency party, Simon is adding the final flourish
40:06to the Empire-themed bedroom.
40:10If anything, tattoos are going well.
40:11I think we're going to be on schedule.
40:14I've just got a couple more things to do, really.
40:16Fluffing up the bed a little bit, and that's it.
40:24How's it going?
40:26Well, come and have a look.
40:27I think we're there.
40:28What do you think?
40:30Aw.
40:31Brilliant, isn't it?
40:32It looks incredible.
40:35Two months ago, Vivian and Simon's guest bedroom was a worn-down, bland, empty space.
40:46Now, it's a resplendent boudoir, inspired by ancient Egyptian and Roman style, with opulent golds, dark wood, and accents of
41:02black.
41:03Taking centre stage is the couple's upcycled bed, with Vivian's neoclassical-style mirror, sumptuous fabrics, and Simon's pelmet, completing the
41:20dazzling finished look.
41:27I love it.
41:29Are we ready for the guests?
41:30Well done.
41:31I think we're ready for our guests.
41:32All right, let's go.
41:32OK.
41:34And with the room finally completed, it's time to get the party started.
41:42Tonight, close friends have been invited to a chic soirée, in true Regency fashion.
41:49Thank you for coming.
41:51I'm so happy you made it.
41:53Aw, you look beautiful, darling.
41:56It worked.
41:58It looks spectacular.
41:59For us, oh, Sally, welcome from across the pond.
42:04And our guests of honour, we're so delighted.
42:08Before the party begins, guests Steve and Sarah can't wait to get a preview of their room for the night.
42:17I'm so excited.
42:24Oh, my word.
42:29Wow.
42:29Oh, this is spectacular.
42:31Welcome to your empire suite.
42:37This is gorgeous.
42:38Well done, guys.
42:39Really, you really have outdone yourself.
42:41My word, this is gorgeous.
42:43Oh, everything.
42:43The details are just spectacular.
42:46The black and the gold everywhere is just, that armoire is just something else.
42:52And this is the same bed that was here when you were here before as well.
42:57So the pelmet, is that new?
42:59Yes, I made that.
43:01Wow.
43:02To Vivian's design.
43:03It's just beautiful.
43:04Well done, guys.
43:06You nailed the empire style.
43:07Yeah.
43:07There was a concern that there might be too much bling.
43:11But you can't really go overboard in a chateau.
43:13No, you really can't.
43:15This is amazing.
43:16It's very well done.
43:17Congratulations.
43:18Cheers to you, too.
43:19Cheers.
43:19Congratulations.
43:20An achievement.
43:21Well done.
43:22Toast you as well.
43:23Indeed.
43:23Let's do it.
43:24Thank you very much.
43:29Downstairs, Isabella has some classical entertainment for the guests.
43:41So I think, you know, if you own a chateau and you enter into it in the spirit in which
43:46you can, you can have a tremendous life living in a chateau.
43:50It's hard work, but it's great fun, too.
43:52Yes.
43:54I'm really delighted.
43:56And I'm so glad our friends are delighted.
43:59Cheers to you.
43:59Cheers.
43:59Here's to you.
44:00Here's to you.
44:12Next time, one owner goes above and beyond to get the chateau wedding ready.
44:18Oh, no.
44:20Everything's getting wet.
44:22It's the big squeeze for another couple.
44:25This room's too small.
44:27I can't even know how old he felt.
44:30Bonjour.
44:30Bonjour.
44:31And Ben and Eleanor continue to search for their dream chateau.
44:36There will be a stretch of eye to eye what his skills.
44:53Oh, no.
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