- 5 days ago
Chateau DIY - Season 11 Episode 27
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00:00Across France, thousands of magnificent chateaux, often neglected and run down.
00:08This is the bit I was worried about.
00:10Are now being brought back to life by intrepid new owners.
00:15Saving the planet, one strip of insulation at a time.
00:19They're taking up the huge challenge.
00:22His arms must be killing him.
00:24Of saving these long forgotten treasures.
00:27Oh, look at that, that's not bad.
00:30Restoring spectacular homes.
00:32You don't own a chateau without wanting to have a bit of fun with it.
00:35Creating unforgettable memories.
00:37Something that will stay with them forever.
00:41There'll be huge highs.
00:43Wow, it looks really good.
00:46As well as lows.
00:48Oh, it's going the wrong way.
00:51But with monumental effort.
00:54Wow, goodness me.
00:56Comes incredible reward.
00:58And it gives us the impetus to keep going.
01:01Oh, yeah.
01:03Oh, look at that.
01:04As they realise their dream.
01:06Cheers.
01:07Of living like kings and queens of their very own castle.
01:16Today.
01:17One, two, three.
01:19No, no, no, no.
01:20One couple take on a dicey demolition job.
01:24If this falls the wrong way, it could either hit one of us, or indeed it could end up going
01:27through the floor.
01:28A big charity event threatens to be a washout.
01:32We've had the most biblical storm overnight, so we're going to pray for some sunshine.
01:36And these Chatelains take on a hugely ambitious project.
01:41There's part of me that does wonder whether it would have been easier to get a flat pack.
01:45I gave him such a big grief for that.
01:47I pushed him a little bit too far out.
01:56In the Dordogne in southwest France lies the 14th century Chateau des Vieilles Vignes.
02:05This abandoned former limestone monastery comprises 35 rooms and comes with a medieval tower.
02:17Since 2021, it's been owned by wellness company owners Nick and Nicole, who live here with their son Noah.
02:28It's fun to see the progression of the Chateau alongside the progression of our skills.
02:34Now, things are getting easier, and you're starting to see what life is going to be like in a few
02:39years.
02:40There's just so much to look forward to, and that feels amazing.
02:47Located 60 miles east of Bordeaux, Nick and Nicole bought the Chateau for just £195,000.
02:57And last year, they transformed the first floor into a spacious family living area.
03:07They're also planning to create an exclusive health retreat.
03:12John, blocks need to go here.
03:14And when we last saw them, they'd started work on a mammoth grand entrance with Nick's stepfather, John, and friend,
03:24Brian.
03:26Already starting to get a sense of the scale of it.
03:30So far, they've constructed a huge terrace and begun to create a giant staircase.
03:39I don't even want to think about the ratio between Brian and my block laying.
03:42It's probably a ratio of 10 to 1.
03:45Optimistic.
03:48Six weeks on, and their vision is gradually beginning to take shape.
03:54This side is looking phenomenal.
03:55All the stones are in.
03:56We were able to repurpose the stones that were originally forming the main staircase here.
04:01Once it's all sandblasted, it should look as if it's always been here, totally in keeping with everything else.
04:07The new entrance is just a small step towards a much bigger picture.
04:14As they're also planning to change the rest of the facade, including adding a new roof and an extra turret
04:22tower.
04:24The dream is becoming a reality, slowly, slowly.
04:28It's going to transform the way we experience the Chateau.
04:30For us, the next big thing is that arch, you know, the four-metre-high arch for the entrance.
04:35Massive, massive, four-metre-high glazed window going in as well.
04:39It's going to be, I mean, spectacular once it's done.
04:43It's another epic project.
04:46But before they can start creating the archway, there's lots of work to do inside.
04:54So this is going to be our main entrance hall.
04:55It doesn't quite look like that.
04:57It looks like a massive mess at the moment.
04:59But the idea is this little door is going to transform into something much more substantial.
05:03We need to put a beam up here, ready for that to be where the arch will go and obviously
05:08hold the whole structure up.
05:09This beam, which is four metres long, weighs a quarter of a tonne.
05:13We haven't quite figured out how we're going to get it up into that hole yet.
05:15With the old beam in the way, the first job is to remove it with help from builder friends Brian
05:23and Kurt.
05:26They're just about to take down the next section that we had here.
05:29It's quite threatening to kick out if they don't put something to stabilise it.
05:34Do you want me up there to just hold it a bit or are you OK?
05:37Made from solid oak, they have to take it down piece by piece.
05:44Yeah, I've got it, but do you want to bring this side down a bit as well so we don't
05:47want a completely uneven queue?
05:49So we're going to take this one out and put it in under here.
05:52Oh, right.
05:52Go right there, Nick.
05:54Yeah.
05:56That's OK.
05:57That's all right.
05:58I think we're OK, actually.
06:00I think you're over thinking this.
06:02Yeah, I'm all right.
06:03All right.
06:04Yep.
06:13Yeah, it's all right, it's all right.
06:17Keep coming, good.
06:28We were really worried about this one because it's quite a big beam.
06:31They do have some effects on holding the building together as well.
06:34So we were a bit worried about, ooh, are we leaving enough beams in for it to hold?
06:38But nothing's budged.
06:40You would have seen kind of stones coming down and things had it been an issue.
06:43So it looks all right.
06:45It's a case of so far, so good.
06:49But with the rest of the beam still to tackle and a huge new one to install,
06:55Nick's heavy workload is just getting started.
07:06Close to the breathtaking Normandy coast in northern France
07:11is the delightful 19th century Chateau Trois-Cloches.
07:17Set in several acres, this beautiful property has 20 rooms,
07:25a unique bell tower and a stunning Orangerie.
07:31It's home to celebrity assistant Chris and husband Julian, a civil servant,
07:39who have been renovating it ever since they moved in.
07:43Yeah, it's not until you kind of stop and sit down and you realise how much we've actually done.
07:48We've done a lot.
07:48We've got to the stage now where we can get groups of guests coming, which has been amazing.
07:54It's very important for the business because it means we can finally start to get some money coming in,
07:57which is very much needed to pay for the renovations.
08:05Located near the town of Honfleur, Chris and Julian bought the Chateau in 2022 for £520,000
08:14and run it as an events venue.
08:20When we last saw them, they'd begun transforming their final two guest rooms into a luxurious family suite.
08:28We have a wall again.
08:30Yay!
08:31So far, they've plasterboarded the master bedroom...
08:36Watch your fingers.
08:37Ah, I think it's on.
08:39..and created a secret bookcase to the children's room next door.
08:45Perfect.
08:46Well done.
08:46You should be proud.
08:47Yeah, I am.
08:48The skill's paying off.
08:49Yeah, it's getting there.
08:51With the family suite booked out in a couple of months, the pressure is building.
08:57So today, they're eager to start decorating.
09:01We're going to be putting up the wallpaper, which is quite exciting.
09:05We've got this beautiful blue toile, which is like kind of a French scenery.
09:10It's stunning.
09:11It's very nice.
09:11It's really beautiful.
09:12I can't wait to see it on the wall en masse.
09:17First we first paste the wall.
09:19The lavish paper cost them almost £1,000, so there is no margin for error.
09:26I remember the first time we started wallpapering, I ended up cutting the paper too short,
09:32so I'm hoping I've learnt from my mistakes.
09:36OK, here I do.
09:37Yeah.
09:39It looks like we've got the piece of paper cut to the right length, which is good.
09:46So like that.
09:48It's more steel, I think.
09:50Fair.
09:53Yeah, that looks good.
09:54It's beautiful paper, but the pattern is quite difficult to match up.
09:59Lots of lines in it.
10:01Yeah, that looks good.
10:03So when we knocked down one of the walls by the window, we found this really lovely old wallpaper behind
10:09there.
10:09I've no idea how old it is, so it's really nice that it's kind of got the same theme it
10:13would have had maybe 50 or even 100 years ago.
10:16It's looking really good, isn't it?
10:18So I'm like totally in love with it.
10:21The trickier challenge is to navigate the corners as all the walls are wonky.
10:28Right, you ready?
10:30Yeah.
10:30Is that right?
10:32Yeah.
10:33A bit higher though.
10:36Yeah, that's...
10:36How's it looking at the top, Chris?
10:38I've actually got a bit of a gap.
10:41You're going in the corner?
10:42Yeah.
10:43I do worry slightly that the corner's not square.
10:46Yeah.
10:48We're going to need a line here that needs to be straight, so we might have to have it pulled
10:55away from the wall a little bit.
10:56This is why I hate doing corners, because it slows you right down.
11:00Luckily, Jodian loves these kind of fiddly jobs, though.
11:03It takes twice as long if you rush it. You can just make more work for yourself further down the
11:07line.
11:36How's that feel?
11:37When they're going to finish and the children's secret bedroom to tackle, their new family suite is still a long
11:44way off.
11:50Coming up, tensions start to rise for Nick.
11:54Once this thing starts to move, it's not going to take any prisoners.
11:57And Jodian's challenges just get tougher.
12:02I think it's going to take a little bit longer than expected.
12:04Always account for double the time, if not quadruple.
12:14In the beautiful Dordogne region of southwest France stands the charming 14th century Chateau Domaine de la Barde.
12:25This former hotel sits in 10 acres, boasts 18 elegant rooms, several outbuildings, and even has its own formal gardens.
12:41Since 2020, it's been owned by Tim and Chris, who live here with sons Owen, Oli, and dog Joey.
12:51We love our life here. This is our home, and I do hope this is our forever home.
12:56It's everything we were looking for on our adventure in France.
13:01But we also have the benefit of being right on the edge of a really, really, really, really friendly community.
13:10Located 90 miles from Bordeaux, the Chateau lay abandoned for more than a decade until Tim and Chris opened it
13:20up as a B&B and holiday let's business.
13:25And last summer, they transformed the garden, where they've created a stunning swimming pool area.
13:34Why? Happy with that.
13:35And with Chris's green fingers, they ensure that every part of the Chateau is looking its pristine best.
13:43I do want everything to be perfect. Perfect is the goal.
13:49This year, they want to give back to their local community and have received an unusual request.
13:56I have been fortunate enough to meet some representatives of a local animal charity who are in the area, and
14:04they showed a lot of interest in having a dog show here.
14:10And I agreed that it could be a wonderful thing. And we're going to go and have a walk through
14:15the gardens and get a feel for what could happen.
14:18I've never done anything like this before, so I'm just enthusiastically behind it, but I'm going in blind.
14:25With dog charity workers Sophie and Tiff already here, Tim is hoping they will take the lead.
14:33Thank you for having us. It's our pleasure, and a beautiful day for it. Shall we go and see the
14:40garden?
14:41Yes, thank you.
14:42On you va.
14:46The sun basically comes up here at 11 o'clock, and 7 o'clock it's over there.
14:51So between those times, we're in full sun, but we've got a lot of trees, there's lots of areas.
14:56Lots of trees, lots of shade everywhere.
14:59So there'll be a stall for cakes and savoury bakes.
15:01Yep.
15:02And somebody making fresh hot dogs.
15:04Yeah.
15:04Anything else you want to do, by all means do.
15:07OK.
15:08Come on. Come on, Finn. Come on, good boy.
15:10I'm thinking stalls here because it's just so pretty.
15:13Other stands here and any other stalls, it's shady, it's cool, it's lovely.
15:18Show ring will be over here.
15:20Mm-hmm.
15:20It's a nice gap in the middle then for people to walk up and down.
15:22Yeah.
15:22Lots of places for tables to go.
15:24Yeah, yeah, OK.
15:25Does that sound good to you?
15:26That's fine.
15:27Actually, we would love for you to be a judge.
15:29Oh, yeah?
15:30Yeah.
15:30What would I be judging?
15:32Hmm.
15:32It's a waggiest tail?
15:34Waggiest tail.
15:35That is me down to a T, that is.
15:37Put me down.
15:38Put me down.
15:39Honoured.
15:40I'm honoured.
15:40That's marvellous.
15:42That would be nice.
15:43Lovely.
15:45This is enough, isn't it?
15:47I imagine it's going to be organised chaos.
15:49But, you know, it's a charity event.
15:52It's a community event.
15:53We get to be involved.
15:55We get to share our beautiful home.
15:57This is lovely for us.
15:58Really, really lovely.
16:00And I just hope it all goes well.
16:03It's exciting times for Tim and Chris, provided they've not bitten off more than they can chew.
16:19In Normandy, at Chateau Trois-Cloches, Chris and Jolyon's new family suite is moving in the right direction.
16:28The master bedroom has been fully decorated.
16:33And today, they have an ambitious plan for the secret bookcase, which leads to the children's room next door.
16:42We're going to try and make this book, I've got, into a door handle.
16:46It sounds easy, but I think it's actually going to be quite a big job.
16:49I've already installed a sort of a pulley mechanism with a catch on the back.
16:53So, I just need to attach it to the book and then pull the book and the door will pop
16:59open.
17:00We want this room to be quite magical.
17:02You kind of want it to be one of those fun rooms where you go in and it's a bit
17:05of a, it's a bit of an adventure.
17:07Right, so it needs to go here.
17:09Push it right up against the door.
17:12So, what I'm toying with is, basically, you would cut out an L shape in there and then the wire
17:18will be attached to this bit here.
17:26So, we're going to clamp it.
17:31Is it big enough?
17:33Can you reach the wood?
17:35Yep.
17:36Can we go?
17:37So, we've got our book clamped up and I've got this jigsaw and we're going to try and cut loads
17:42of pages all in one go.
17:44I'm sceptical it's not going to work, but Julian's positive it is.
17:48I can imagine it's like paper going, shh.
17:52There's only one way to know for sure.
17:55I'm so nervous about this.
18:03It's going halfway through.
18:05Have you got a longer blade?
18:07It's not long enough to get through the thicker book.
18:11It's a little bit longer.
18:13Really?
18:14Yep.
18:24Oh, my God.
18:26This actually works.
18:28Of course it does.
18:29Oh, God.
18:30Yeah.
18:34Having worked a treat.
18:36And I just need to glue it in and then it's ready.
18:40Jolyon just needs to connect it up to the secret bookcase door.
18:44Oh, let's whack it in.
18:49We'll attach this wire to the little bits of wood that we've got in there and then you'll be able
18:53to pull the book and it'll pull the catch, which will open the door.
18:58It should look really good when it's done.
19:01Their secret vision is starting to come together.
19:06But with the door to paint, the room to decorate and the master suite to dress, they're far from guest
19:16ready.
19:28Nick and Nicole's new archway entrance is slowly progressing, but they've hit a problem.
19:40We've still got this bit in the wall, which needs to come out and we've got nothing to attach it
19:44to to bring it down safely.
19:46So we put the best next thing, which is a mattress, in the hope that it lands nicely on it.
19:52If this falls the wrong way, it could either hit one of us, we'll stand as clear as we can,
19:56or indeed it could end up going through the floor.
19:59Their plan is a simple one.
20:02Prize the beam out of the wall and hope it lands safely.
20:06This is an incredibly scary job and I'm just worried about all the things that can go wrong because they
20:11don't have the right equipment to do this.
20:13It's all a bit, I don't know, wild west in my opinion.
20:16I have said so, but I trust them to get on with it.
20:19They're, you know, three very clever guys.
20:21I'm sure they can figure it out.
20:23I just really hope that nobody gets, well, hurt.
20:27One, two, three.
20:30No, no, no, no.
20:31You need it to fall against the wall.
20:33I don't, can you get up?
20:36Seriously, I'm being very serious about that.
20:38I don't want it to go that way.
20:39Fall it against the wall if you can.
20:40What else can we do to hold it?
20:44We need to do it the other side.
20:45That's going a bit sideways.
20:46Brian, can you get it from the other side of it?
20:48Just so we get it going a bit flatter.
20:51Leave it over.
20:52Yeah, leave it, yeah, that's it.
20:54That's good.
20:54Do you want me to go on to the other side just to hold it?
21:06That actually worked.
21:08It went a lot better than I was expecting,
21:10because I generally thought we might actually put a hole through the floor,
21:12and one of us might have got crushed.
21:15So, thankfully, it's okay.
21:18The old bean may finally be out,
21:21but they still need to install the steel one into a loftier position.
21:28And with it weighing a quarter of a tonne,
21:31they have to weld on an anchor point so they can attach it to their chain pulley.
21:39To say I'm a little bit nervous is a bit of an understatement.
21:42We've got to literally lift it up vertically,
21:44about two and a half metres to three metres in the air.
21:47This is a scary one, isn't it?
21:49It could be.
21:50It could get squashed.
21:51It could go that easy.
21:52It's all right.
21:5450-50?
21:56No.
21:56I think if we think about it, it'll be fine.
21:58We need a bit of luck on our side, don't we?
22:01The first bit is we have to get it in position
22:03so we can lock it onto the endless chain.
22:05The idea is to lift it up.
22:07You don't want to be taking any shortcuts with this one.
22:09Every measurement we take is crucial,
22:12because, you know, once this thing starts to move,
22:15it's not going to take any prisoners.
22:19They can't afford to put a foot wrong,
22:22and with just the three of them to do the heavy lifting...
22:26Ooh!
22:26Ooh!
22:27Brian's got your back.
22:28Yeah, we definitely need to go that way.
22:29This task is not for the faint-hearted.
22:39Still to come, Tim tackles a delicate DIY job.
22:43I'm measuring it quite precise.
22:46There is a risk that they don't fit on...
22:48..and Nick's problems continue to mount.
22:52This is where it gets tricky.
23:02In Normandy, in northern France,
23:06Chris and Jolyon's family suite is inching ever closer.
23:10The secret door to the children's bedroom has been fully painted.
23:15And today, Jolyon has been tasked with making bespoke bunk beds.
23:22There's part of me that does wonder whether it would have been easier to get a flat pack,
23:26but Chris had quite a specific brief that this had to look absolutely classy and built-in.
23:33Lots of panelling, lots of, like, thick, solid oak.
23:38I don't think it's going to be quite meeting his expectations just yet.
23:45While Jolyon continues on the bed structure...
23:49..next door in the master bedroom, Chris is adding some final flourishes.
23:56We've got a month till this room needs to be ready.
23:58It sounds like a long time, but both of us have full-time day jobs in the week,
24:02so we only really have weekends to work on it.
24:05I'm not feeling the pressure in this room.
24:07I'm confident about this room, but I'm feeling the pressure in the smaller room.
24:11More for Joly, because I gave him such a big brief for that bunk bed.
24:15I feel like I've pushed him a little bit too far, perhaps,
24:18but I'm confident he can do it.
24:25I've just cut a piece here,
24:28which is, like, meant to be the depth of one of the steps.
24:30I'm worried you're going to have really steep, high steps.
24:35And going up, it's going to be like climbing Mount Everest.
24:40Chris!
24:42Step gate.
24:43Really steep.
24:45So these are the old planks that we took from the cupboard.
24:50I don't know how I can rest that until it's cut down,
24:53but you get the gist.
24:56It's quite high, isn't it?
24:57It's quite high, and also if you're a child, you're in that.
25:03But then you need the height, because you've got the pitch as well, haven't you?
25:06Yeah.
25:09Shall I try and squeeze an extra step in somehow, then?
25:12Yeah.
25:13I'll do what I can.
25:14I'm just worried there might be quite a lot, so...
25:17Keep it as simple as you can.
25:19It's looking good, though, really good.
25:20Yeah, the rest of it's taking shape, isn't it?
25:24Having to create more steps
25:27means Jolyon's workload has just got bigger.
25:36All right.
25:38Here goes.
25:39All he can hope is that he's got his measurements right.
25:43Oh, perfect fit.
25:45First time, look at that.
25:51So we're going to have, basically, a spiral of stairs.
25:55So there'll be another one there, then another one here,
25:59and it's going to kind of work its way round all the way down to there.
26:03Like most DIY projects,
26:06I think it's going to take a little bit longer than expected,
26:08but I'm starting to get used to that
26:10and always account for double the time, if not quadruple.
26:15Jolyon has made a promising start.
26:17Ooh!
26:19But with the bunk beds to finish,
26:22walls to spruce up,
26:24and the master bedroom to furnish,
26:26they don't have much time to make things shine.
26:36In the Dordogne at Chateau Domaine de la Barde,
26:41there's just 24 hours
26:42until Tim and Chris host their charity dog show,
26:47and they're planning to create their own stalls.
26:52I've got a bar to make.
26:54I've got barrels, I've got planks,
26:56I've got a nail gun and some screws.
26:58We've got an ice-cream shop to set up,
27:01and Chris is tasked with making that
27:04into something quite beautiful.
27:07Tim hopes that making the bar will be a simple task.
27:12The first job is to bolt the wooden planks together.
27:28I'll cut out three holes,
27:31and then hopefully that then slots over the top of my barrels.
27:39I'm measuring it quite precise.
27:41There is a risk that they don't fit on particularly well.
27:45So I'm going to do something really, really clever.
27:47I'm going to make my own compass.
27:50So I'll fix this exactly where I want it,
27:52I'll put the pencil in,
27:53and then I can draw the perfect circle.
27:56This is my plan.
27:57In theory, it will all work perfectly.
28:10And there is my circle.
28:28Having cut the holes,
28:30Tim needs it to fit seamlessly over the barrels.
28:34The plan is, in one solid fluid motion,
28:37this is just going to glide on, drop down perfectly into place.
28:41Right.
28:54You can see what I'm going for there.
28:56I think that that will be quite sweet.
29:01With the bar complete,
29:03Tim moves on to decorating the garden.
29:07While Chris gives the ice-cream cart a new topping.
29:12I think I'm going to lift all this wood
29:14and then replace it with a really vibrant,
29:18summery exterior material.
29:22I'm very excited about the dog show.
29:24It's our very first charity event.
29:27Kids are really excited as well,
29:29because they love dogs, and there will be lots of dogs.
29:33That's why this is such a good thing to do for us.
29:42I'm just going to hold it in place.
29:46I like the vibrancy of this material.
29:49It's very summery.
29:52You can't miss it.
29:53It's shouting.
29:55Toppings!
29:56Ice-cream toppings!
29:58Toppings!
30:01All right, one last staple, and then we're done.
30:07That's it.
30:10I'm done!
30:12That looks really, really, really sweet, doesn't it?
30:14It's beautiful.
30:15It absolutely looks the part, doesn't it?
30:18Yep.
30:18High five, well done.
30:20We're looking really on track to have quite a special day tomorrow.
30:23The weather is the one thing out of our control, but...
30:26Yeah.
30:26We don't know how that's going to go.
30:29With storms forecast,
30:31Tim and Chris are praying it doesn't rain cats and dogs.
30:45In the Dordogne, in south-west France,
30:49it's all systems go on Nick and Nicole's new archway entrance.
30:55Back out a little bit, a little bit.
30:57No, no, no.
30:58Tip it inwards.
30:58Good.
30:59A bit more.
31:00With builder mates Brian and Kurt at the helm,
31:03they're ready to hoist the quarter-tonne supporting beam
31:08four metres up and into the wall.
31:11OK.
31:12Ready?
31:12Yep.
31:13They just have to hope their pulley is sturdy enough to do the job.
31:20It's pulling forwards.
31:22Just pull this way every bit.
31:23We'll go that way.
31:24Just down.
31:28A bit more?
31:30A wee bit.
31:30OK.
31:31OK.
31:47Well, this side is still a decent way off where it needs to go,
31:50and obviously this side is completely off where it needs to go.
31:54Yeah, we'd all had kind of slightly different ideas of how to do this.
31:57It's not easy.
31:59In a bid to help speed things up,
32:03Nick has the novel idea of using an electric winch.
32:08Just need to make sure it's fully secure,
32:10because it needs to lift up, well, not the whole thing, obviously,
32:12because that's partly been taken up by that,
32:14but we're probably looking at about at least 150 kilos.
32:16That's a play, isn't it?
32:19That'll be fine, though, as long as it's not jiggling around.
32:26With it securely in place,
32:29they're praying this idea will prove more straightforward.
32:41I just need to keep a real close eye on that.
32:47This is where it gets tricky.
32:50Whoa, it's lifting the upright, whoa.
32:54Yeah, I just need to push it.
32:56Go, go, go.
32:59Not quite.
33:00We're just trying to get the beam in a place
33:02where we can A, get through the front door,
33:04and B, it's safe.
33:07Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
33:09That's what I want to do.
33:10No, that just moved.
33:11Yours did?
33:12Yeah.
33:13Let me just wind this up.
33:13Yeah, wind that up.
33:17Just gently does it, though.
33:19I mean, that's attached on anyway,
33:20so that's not going to go anywhere.
33:20This is attached on.
33:21And in theory, it's getting it straight,
33:23which is what we were hoping for.
33:26Nice.
33:27They've at least made a start.
33:30But their epic task is still far from over.
33:35I mean, we've been at it for a couple of hours already.
33:37We've got it over halfway,
33:39but we're not actually even at the trickiest bit yet
33:41because we've still got to get over these beams.
33:43With light fading and I think people getting a bit tired,
33:46I'd rather people have a really clear head doing this
33:49because the last thing you want
33:50is to have people making silly mistakes
33:52because they're too tired.
33:54It's been a valiant effort.
33:57And a couple of days later,
33:59the hefty new supporting beam is finally in place.
34:07It's been a massive job
34:09and brings them one step closer
34:11to creating their new giant archway.
34:15It's going to be spectacular.
34:16It's going to be spectacular.
34:17I think one big glass...
34:19..glass-fronted arch is going to be...
34:21Yeah, yeah, wonderful.
34:23Oh, can't wait.
34:26They're slowly moving forward,
34:29but with a huge arch still to create,
34:32terrace to complete
34:34and staircase to finish,
34:37Nick and Nicole's grand entrance
34:39is still in its infancy.
34:50Coming up, it's competition time for Tim.
34:54You are the judge of this.
34:56I, I...
34:57And I don't envy you.
34:58And it's a race against time
35:01for Chris and Julian.
35:03This is like a stress position.
35:05I'm literally sweating.
35:07I'm sweating.
35:14In the Dardogne in south-west France,
35:18they've gone barking mad
35:20as Tim and Chris's dog show
35:23is about to get underway.
35:25We've had the most biblical storm overnight
35:28and the rain has stopped,
35:30so we're going to pray for some sunshine
35:32and we're going to have loads of fun.
35:34The wet weather doesn't seem
35:36to have put off the locals
35:37and with more people and dogs arriving,
35:41it's showtime.
35:44Can I announce the opening
35:46of Demand de Libard's first-ever dog show?
35:49Thank you all for coming.
35:51Have a really, really lovely day.
35:52The bar's open, the hot dogs are going.
35:54It's going to be great fun.
35:56Good luck, everyone!
35:57Woo!
36:04While Tim looks after the thirsty customers...
36:08Cheers!
36:10..and hungry children...
36:12One vanilla ice cream.
36:15..outside, Chris and two-year-old Ollie
36:18are already making friends.
36:21Oh, look at this!
36:22Look at this!
36:23Belly rubs!
36:25They're so cute!
36:27Oh, my God, I want to take them home!
36:29Well, we are at home.
36:30I want to keep them home.
36:34With everyone in good spirits...
36:37Sit, doggy!
36:38Sit!
36:39Good!
36:40..older son Owen enters their dog, Joey,
36:43into the veteran class category.
36:46Go for it, Owen.
36:47Not Joey!
36:48Ring one, please!
36:50How old is this dog?
36:5111 years old.
36:5211 years old?
36:54You're going to walk over there
36:55and up the other side?
36:58Come on, Joey!
37:01Come on!
37:02Joey!
37:02We want to win this!
37:04Quick, quick!
37:07But has Joey done enough to take the star prize?
37:12Best veteran and best child handler.
37:16Best dog!
37:17Hasn't he done brilliantly?
37:19First place!
37:20Wow!
37:21He's done really well.
37:26It's waggy's tail time now.
37:28This is the big one.
37:29This is one they've all come for.
37:30This is one everyone wants.
37:31I've got to be impartial,
37:32but let's go see some of my tails wagging.
37:35Yes, can we have you all lined up, please?
37:40Nice and easy.
37:41I mean, there's waggy tails and there's waggy tails.
37:43I mean, that dog's begging but not wagging its tail.
37:47This is wonderful, but this isn't what we asked for.
37:49Who's this?
37:50Jupie.
37:51Jupie.
37:52Jupie's lovely.
37:53Very waggy tail.
37:55Very waggy tail.
37:56What's your lovely dog called?
37:58Fen.
37:58Fen.
37:59Incredibly waggy tail.
38:02They're all worthy winners.
38:05You are the judge of this.
38:07I don't envy you.
38:12Could we please see number five?
38:16Hello, puppy.
38:19We would like you to be first place.
38:21Thank you very much.
38:22Thank you very much.
38:23Thank you very much.
38:24Beautiful dog.
38:28Thank you, everybody.
38:29That was absolutely magnificent.
38:32With happy dogs and happy owners and the cash rolling in, it's been a huge success.
38:40It's been a great day.
38:41We won a couple of rosettes, so we're happy.
38:44I think it's been a really nice, really nice event.
38:47So I really appreciate the effort Tim's gone to.
38:49It's been great.
38:50It was a fabulous day.
38:52The chateau lends itself to be hosting big events like this, so we're very happy to offer our property.
38:58Really good turnout.
39:00Lots of money raised.
39:01Any time that we can put a little back is a blessing in disguise.
39:05It was a treat.
39:07Tim and Chris have done their local community proud, and with the fun set to continue,
39:12it's well on its way to becoming a fixture on the canine calendar.
39:23In Normandy, in northern France, Chris and Jolyon's family suite is finally coming together.
39:31The children's bunk beds have been fitted and painted, and the wallpaper is almost up.
39:38We've got Jolyon's family friends coming, so it's quite a lot of pressure to finish the rooms and time.
39:42for them to see.
39:44With only a couple of hours left before they arrive, they don't have long.
39:50This is like a stress position.
39:54Are you lined up your...
39:56Not really, no.
39:59We're doing the last piece of wallpaper.
40:02Literally, the paste is still wet.
40:03All our skills are being tested right now.
40:05It's always the way at the last minute.
40:09Right, last bit.
40:11Get some glue.
40:14We are finished.
40:18Yeah.
40:19Well done, us.
40:21So, we've got a lot to do.
40:22I don't think we've got time to admire it.
40:24Yeah.
40:27With the walls fully decorated, it's one last push to get everything in the suite looking picture-perfect.
40:39I'm literally sweating.
40:48I think we're basically done.
40:50Yeah, it's lovely.
40:51It looks brilliant.
40:55Three months ago, the last of their two guest bedrooms were nothing more than a dumping ground filled with junk.
41:06Now, it's been transformed into a chic and stylish family guest suite.
41:14The master bedroom with its classic blue wallpaper, matching curtains, and tasteful furnishings give it that real sense of sophistication.
41:27While next door, an enchanting children's room is cleverly concealed behind a magical handmade bookcase door.
41:39And lavish bespoke bunk beds, complete with a grand oak staircase, help ensure the whole suite retains the charm and
41:50character of the chateau.
41:54And with their guests here...
41:56Oh, hello, Jeanette. Lovely to see you.
41:58Lovely to see you, Jeanette.
42:01It's time to see if their hard work has paid off.
42:05So, here we go.
42:06How beautiful.
42:08This is gorgeous.
42:09I love the wallpaper.
42:12Absolutely stunning.
42:13Yep.
42:14I love the colours.
42:16Everything is just so beautiful.
42:18And such a beautiful view.
42:20Yeah, I love the view of the garden.
42:21Absolutely.
42:22Very, very nice indeed.
42:24And you've done a great job.
42:26Oh, thank you.
42:27There's one more room we need to show you.
42:29If you've pulled this book, Chateau Trois-Cloche...
42:34Oh, my goodness.
42:36Oh, wow.
42:38Oh, what a surprise.
42:41Oh.
42:41Oh, I say.
42:44Children will love this.
42:46Yeah.
42:47Adults would even love this.
42:49Yeah, I know. I love it.
42:50Isn't that beautiful?
42:51And you made this yourself?
42:53Yeah.
42:54Yeah, yeah.
42:54Yeah, yeah.
42:55Literally, he's just finished.
42:56And I love the steps to go up.
42:58Spectacular.
42:59Mmm.
42:59I love it.
43:01Absolutely love it.
43:04I love the whole thing.
43:05The decoration is done to a very, very high standard.
43:09And that's what makes it so special.
43:12The small bedroom for children is an absolute marvel, with the secret door and the amazing bunk bed.
43:20It's remarkable.
43:22It was so nice seeing their reactions.
43:25It just kind of makes you realise what you've achieved.
43:27We finished the last two bedrooms, which is just, yeah, it's quite a milestone, really, isn't it?
43:32It's huge.
43:33It was three years ago.
43:34I was like, are we ever going to get around all eight bedrooms?
43:36But we've done it.
43:37Yeah.
43:37It means we can have more bookings and we can put all of that money into more renovations and more
43:42work.
43:43It's just like...
43:44Maybe a holiday.
43:45What's a holiday?
43:47No, true.
43:47Yeah, we do deserve a holiday.
43:49We've done a lot.
43:49I think we should be very proud.
43:51Chris and Jolyon have done an exceptional job.
43:55And with all their guest rooms now completed, they can look forward to a very busy summer.
44:11Next time, danger in paradise for this pair.
44:16Oh, no, he's going the wrong way.
44:19It may live to regret this.
44:22Others are desperate to reignite the past.
44:26It's going to get worse before it gets better.
44:30And a balcony build hangs in the balance.
44:34Do you want a stick of dynamite?
44:35That would help.
44:56To be continued...
44:58Do you want a stick of dynamite?
45:09You