We bought a crumbling Chateau - and that's how it looks now.
2024 ж. 15 Мам.
1 917 965 Рет қаралды
Join us on a tour of our Chateau ! We introduce ourselves and tell the story about how and why we fell in love with a (rather) crumbling building. Discover how the move to the French country side changed the life of our family and how far we managed to go with our restoration ad DIY projects.
To support our channel and our renovation project, please visit: / howtorenovateachateau
or buy us a coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/htrac
Instagram: / le_fleur_honfleur
Facebook: / lefleur.guesthouse
Website: lefleur.fr/
If you like the classical music in our videos, please check out Audax Records, the label of our incredible talented friend and musician Johannes Pramsohler.
Deezer: www.deezer.com/en/artist/5236431
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/3vrMR...
what in the bridgerton downton abbey pride and prejudice is this masterpiece
hahahahaha
lol
Bridgerton was cultural appropriation
@@Miquelalalaa not sure what that has to do with this building being big and grand and beautiful like the ones in the movies and tv shows I listed but go off I guess
@@sisi1086 ola1
Me:can't afford milk and can't even hold a hammer Also me :hmm yes how to renovate a chateau interesting
Same
hahahahaha me too
I was thinking the same thing. Like. Yeah if I have a million quid in my pocket…
You just never know, maybe one day.....
🤣🤣🤣🤣… same… Can you even imagine living like this? I can barely afford gas… lol… But I’m not hating… Good for these people 👍🙏 They did a beautiful job! ❤️
Just a thought: you may want to have the old paint that you uncovered tested for lead content. Based on findings, repainting may be warranted
And arsenic... Wallpapers and paints etc often contained arsenic as a colorant, especially greens and yellows
Very true! Arsenic and led paint were silent killers in the Victorian era.
Was gonna add an arsenic comment, but saw it was already here 🤗
@@erinpernikoff8744 the bright greens especially...but they are easily distinguished
Those tests are part of the mandatory inspection report that is required prior to purchase in France.
You guys should show the "before" photos/videos of each of the rooms along the tour so we can see the amazing transformation that this chateau has gone through. What you've done is absolutely incredible! You should receive a medal from Macron for rescuing part of France's heritage. I can't believe the previous owner still had the gall to do such hard negotiation when he left such a beautiful chateau with so much history to such a dispicable state of disrepair.
When buying a castle in France, the price depends almost entirely on the size of the land, except for very large and luxurious castles. There are thousands of beautiful houses (mansions, mansions, bourgeois houses, old farms, etc.) which are in poor condition in France, they have not been inhabited for a long time because they are too isolated, I would like to buy one but they are often in very isolated places and if the roof is damaged then the restoration costs are so high that it is preferable to build a new house. I know a beautiful bourgeois house 100 km from my home, it is on sale for 30,000 €, the restoration work is reasonable but it is lost in an area where there are only very small villages in a forest area and in addition it is in a mountainous region.
@@desalpagesgator4988 That's how the really rich aristocrats and rich people lived in the old times as lord/lady of the manor and as the governor of the town or the head of the village with a huge house over a vast amount of land and surrounded by small villages occupied by farmers who most likely rented land from the lord/land of the manor to farm just like what's depicted in Downton Abbey. Nobody lived in the downtown area of cities like London or Paris. Many of the areas were slums. So if you watch shows like Downton Abbey, look how far they would have to drive in order just to get to the local market to get buy food. They had a vast amount of staff back then so yeah it's a little different for today's society where we are not used to having a large amount of staff to wait on us.
@@desalpagesgator4988 sounds wonderful, i love hiding away. i love self sufficiency like part of dick and angels plans
@@dttra566 i also think they traveled and visited other places. is it only england where they went to london for ''coming out''. if in shape i suppose they had big balls or parties. and guest come to stay for them.??
@@desalpagesgator4988 Bjr, pouvez-vous m'indiquer l'adresse. merci d'avance
Living in this chateau is like living in a dream. It looks like it came straight out of Jane Austen's stories.
Renovating and sustaining a chateau is a nightmare
I also think of Bridgeton
@@royzevisionneur2045 Pas grave la vie est pleine de cauchemars.
The production quality on these videos is outstanding and the high quality makes sense now we know your backgrounds. You have wonderful taste, the rooms you've shown us so far are truly stunning. I really love the how you've not wandered too far from the historical authenticity whilst fully avoiding it feeling stuffy, thanks so much for sharing your journey with us- I can't wait to watch it unfold further. So much to get inspired by!
Thank you very much for your encouragement!
As Philipp is a professional filmmaker, we're really treated with great quality videos. Read more of Anna and Philipp's story in theavidpen.com/inside-le-fleur-guest-house-in-normandy-with-anna-mayrhofer/
Crazy how there is so much history. I love the idea of imagining the soldiers that occupied the chateau or the people that were entertained there centuries ago. It's incredible.
I am a german restorer myself specialized in wood and I am fascinated by your ability to keep the personality of the château by still giving a feeling of fresh and modern living. I just literally fell in love with your work! If I ever can help you with questions around the restoration and conservation of anything concerning wood, do not hesitate to ask ;) Keep up your great work! Greeting from Cologne
Herzlichen Dank für diesen Kommentar und das Angebot, auf das wir gerne zurückkommen! Liebe Grüße nach Köln
Lovely man.
@@militzamadrid462 ....woman, I think
yeah, help the rich people, great contribution
your blood obviously comes far east from the rhineland if you think this cold colorless bore suitable as presenting someone only as "clean" and not warm, inviting and worldly as a tourism spot guest location should suggest. I'd rather stare at a field. They painted over some opulence.. should have let it decay now they will be cursed forever. What's next painting baroque pieces off white and pastel and furnishings from ikea? awful.
You definitely should focus on renovating the outbuildings first, as they're small and usually easy to renovate because they don't require the same attention the main house does. Turn stables into modern accomodation, coach houses into cafe, generate income from said structures and use the fund to renovate the main house into a historically accurate state, because the only reasons people stayed in these chateaus and country houses are to study about the history of the place, to be immersed in the authenticity of the place, to stepped into the life of bygone era. Make the main house a kind of "Museum" filled with history, antiques, paintings, and stories from the previous owner, but still functioning as a living space and make guest believe that you and they are living in history. Make events that attract visitor, maybe Annual Autumn Banquet or Music Weekends.
It sounds like you know what you are talking about, do you run a B&B or similar business?
That takes the whole feel out of it just for money
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Whatever you do, do not get rid of any historic documents or old books. Even things in out buildings.
EXACTLY. I would have them framed or placed in special paper (can't think of name of that paper) that protects them against the elements and light. That kind of history is so important. In Paris there is an Archive Building they could also go to for translation. We stayed near the building and walked through there several times, it's amazing.
Don't know what the algorithm was thinking when recommending this video after an apartment search with the prices ranked from lowest to highest. But hey, I'm glad I got here 💫
Whoa - people with skill, determination, patience and ambition to bring a crumbling building back to life - their hard work and commitment are so impressive!
And money...and money....
Also, Creativity. I'm always amused by how Anna can be so creative when deciding colors, creative new stuff with Old designs. It's amazing.
I love how minimalistic and effective your interior design is. You have gorgeous taste and style.
Thank you so much!
@@HowToRenovateAChateau You forgot to add "and how we bankrupted ourselves!" - You know the Bank will get your Château after the Great Reset, don't you?
@@suewarman9287 Nothing in the future is definite. You should let people enjoy things instead of shoving your own insecurities on to them
I agree! Impecable taste!
@@Aemigh555 Thank you, Alex :)
I absolutely love how you have provided 21st century ensuite bathrooms to your guest bedroom but so tastefully hidden behind beautiful panelling so that you don't spoil the look of the original bedrooms. Love it!
What prospective chateau owners want to avoid is ones that are "monument historique", a designation that imposes lots of restrictions on what renovations are allowed. Similar size building form the 19th century called "maison de maitre" are often a better choice for a remake for this reason. This couple has done a good job of it.
You guys won the lotto. Thank God for people like you guys. You're doing a beautiful job. It's a blessing to be able to raise your sweet little family and such a wonderful home. Such a good mommy and daddy. I'm a Francophile myself so I'm thrilled to death for you guys. Thanks for sharing y'alls progress with this. A Texas Fan
thank you very much Martin, we feel very lucky ourselves!
The wallpaper you designed looks perfect in the green room.
I wish I could buy the wallpapers like this! It's stunning! Agree?
@@svtlanasaint-paul1333 They are for sale, handmade by Antoinette Poisson from Paris. She provided some stunning period wallpapers for Chateau de Gudanes, a 95-room building being restored by an Australian couple in the Pyrenees. They have their own IG page and YT channel.
Yeah. Because just when I thought they RIDICULOUSLY talented enough renovating an entire Château themselves, she decides to say, "I designed the wallpaper!!" Fab stuff 👍🏼👍🏼
People out there renovating an entire Chateau and I can’t even finish painting my small apartment!! Looks amazing by the way!!
I stumbled on this series of videos, and I can't quit watching. I have never seen two people work so hard, and do such a perfect job - and do it all with great humor. So far, there is NOTHING you two can't do. Your chateau and grounds are exquisite. Your taste is impeccable. Your family is utterly charming! Now I want to visit Normandy and your chateau. Maybe some day.
Continually marveling at this beautiful family!
I can't believe she handprinted all those wallpaper pieces
I love how the minimal decor really showcases the true architectural beauty. Architecture nerds everywhere cheer!
People forget how architecture is so beautiful and mess it up with 'trendy' decorations.
When i own my chateau I will not be opening it up to guests. Instead Ill spend all day artfully posed in my chaise lounge chair like some Golden Age Princess , decked out in my vintage Dior ball gowns with a long strand of pearls around my neck, while a gramophone plays edif piaf in the background, sipping champagne from my heirloom teacups gazing at my artfully manicured gardens as my exotic white peacocks lazily meander back and forth across the grounds. I swear to God thats what people who own chateaus do.
Nice fantasy but you will end up wearing hip boots, 5 layers of clothing and carrying around a toilet plunger looking for the source of water puddled on a floor.
@@costrow3100 oh cheryl. How kind of you to assume I'll be buying some broken down old thing. Or marrying some broke young thing in order to achieve my chateau dreams. Lots of Wealthy men need love too. And lots of chateaux in france are already renovated and for sale.
🤣🤣🤣
@@champagne7530 Haha, love it! Hilarious!!
Get your documents out of a cardboard boxes and get Acid Free storage boxes and acid free tissue paper. That will make them last longer😉
Oh my goodness, I just wrote that on someone else's comment but couldn't remember the name of the product! Thanks for the information.
Would be really cool if you frame & hang all those designs, the postcards and documents etc
Your taste in decoration is exactly mine too... The chateau is such a good size not massive and unmanageable... It's exquisite!!!! I'm enjoying watching your journey immensely.... Happy new year and keep up your excellent work!!
we are glad to hear that, thank you very much!
Indeed, the human-scale size of the château and its park is perfect !
It also helps a lot that the chateau has big windows. The rooms are light filled, this in contrast to other chateaus with small windows and gloomy dark claustrophobic rooms, not to mention defensive fortress castles with hardly any windows at all. This chateau is because of its base layout definitely one of the easier ones to restore. I like by the way that Germans were stationed there during the war. That people act very squeamish about that is a bit oversensitive in my opinion...
LOVE the hand printed wallpaper, this restoration is so tasteful. It’s going to be absolutely beautiful when it’s finished.
thankyou youtube for reccomending this channel
It's amazing how much you did in 20 months. So many châteaux are tacky or gaudy. This is so beautifully done. Congrats on your hard work, and for keeping so much of the original features.
I love your mix of contemporary with period. I think that keeps it from being too museum-like and more relaxing for your guests--you don't have to worry about where to sit.
Amazing Quality episode lovely people. I think you just raised the bar for Chateau Vlogs.
oh, thank you!
We've done something along the same lines. Saved a decrepit vineyard in our late 20's. Flipped houses to get here. Ran a B&B on property for 10 years. Now in our late 40's and never looked back. I look forward to following along. Cheers to following you dreams. xx from Canada.
I’ve been looking for a chateau renovation tutorial forever so I can finally know how to renovate my chateau that I really do totally have.
Glad you found us! ;)
Beautifully done. Do remember to turn the heating on when it's extremely cold to prevent the pipes from freezing and bursting!
You’re doing an incredible job, it looks stunning and very sophisticated and your daughters are adorable 🥰 love the beginning when they’re both painting and having a little dance, so cute 😊
Thank you so much 🤗
I can't wait to take my wife here. She would absolutely love all of your work, not to mention staying in such gorgeous accomodation!
Please do! :)
When you have a suite of rooms with doorways in line with each other (that you can see through to each room) it's called an enfilade
This was amazing! I loved that you went into such great detail, it’s not often that someone does that when touring their home/chateau! So thank you dearly for that. Absolutely can not wait for the next part to the tour!!
Heating tip: used floor heating when possible (it can be done under tiles floor but also under wood flooring). When your feet are warm you don’t need to heat too much.
Floor heating is the worst thing as far as heating is concerned.
Underfloor heating is useless for old buildings. The slow heat build-up leaks through the numerous gaps that old buildings need to control moisture.
I am mesmerized by your chateau and the beautiful restoration you are completing. To revive such a gem is certainly the honor of a lifetime, and such a unique and memorable childhood for your children. I hope that you will be able to discover and document the full history of this lovely property, and continue to add to the historical story line. I hope one day to be a guest and be wrapped in the warmth and beauty of this enchanting place!
This is such a refreshing change from the trend of people living in shipping containers or vans👍🏻
i love your style. So glad you kept the originality of the chateau bedroom but didn't overfill it with stuffy furniture and pelmets. Every room we've seen is lovely. Excited to see the next video.
This is really lovely to see! especially the carton full of documents. I hope you will also add to them; any renovations you do so that the future generations will have a full history of the place.
Perhaps to store them in a way that protects them more as some of them seem to be deteriorating a little but their friends, no doubt, will advise accordingly.
I have looked into minimalism as a lifestyle, but this type of lifestyle is also so essential, the joy and rewards of saving these old homes is so important for future generations,
The original green paint in the dining room is so gorgeous - it would make such a nice romantic dining room. I can imagine it pairing well with brass fixtures - the mill work would be so pretty in a cool grayish green.
I love the new intro, it’s the perfect amount of information to lead us into wanting to join and learn more. Keep up the great work!
Awesome! Thank you!
This is my favorite chateaux show, love the humor and your unique style
You guys for sure deserve a reality tv show for this project. Only 5 minutes into my first watch and I'm hooked.
Thanks 😊
You are the right custodians of the Chateau. You both have have exquisite taste and determination
Very impressed with the work you have done especially the entry hall. Not many people have the eye to do a 18thc tile floor like that - it looks very authentic - well done!
That dining room is so pretty with all the light coming in. I like seeing the before pictures. It is an amazing lot of hard work you did in this chateau.
This is as engaging as Chateau Diaries.
I enjoy the humor between this couple. Also the love they show for each other and the children. It’s amazing the amount of work they have done. They are one of many channels on renovating a French chateau. I’m surprised at the hostility aimed at them❤ in some of the comments. I don’t own a chateau but enjoy watching the chateau channels.
Your entrance hall is stunning. thanks for the tour you’re doing an incredible job 😍
Incredible restoration! The color palettes are so inviting and peaceful and fit the chateau like a glove. Thank you for sharing and I look forward to future vlogs.
This is a "reality show" definitely worth watching!!
This is like watching a Disney movie. Amazed by the resilience of you both.
BRILLIANT, What fantastic renovation, Well done.
LOVE your renovation vlogs! You deserve more subscribers!!!! ♥️
That guest room is absolutely gorgeous 😍 those doors, the colors, your wallpaper LOVE it ❤️ we live in a 1878 house / apartment in Germany with beautiful stuck but my dream would be a big old house to renovate it like you guys love it 😍
Congrats on finishing so much of this beautiful chateau! I know there was so much hard work and dedication. Sending lots of Love from Boston MA.
loved the tour, cannot wait for the next one. The green bedroom is amazing.
I would like to know the name and make of the green paint? Is that at all possible?
Love how this couple is so passionate about renovating, decorating, and preservation. Such a charming Chateau and they have great taste (and resilience). Hope to visit Normandy soon.
Love the soothing pastel shades in the foyer and staircase . Love the colour of the bedroom too and the handmade wall paper is superb. It is incredible the amount of work you have done!
How lovely! I admire you both for taking on such a huge challenge!! I can't imagine what an adventure it must be for your children to live in a real old castle!!!!
I love how you incorporated some modern touch to the history of the chateau! I am looking forward to seeing more videos from you!
Absolutely stunning ! Thank you so much for the tour!! LOVING your channel.... ❤️ from 🇨🇦
Beautiful chateau! I love that you inherited all those amazing documents - how wonderful!
Absolutely amazing guys!! Such a vision, dedication and hard work 💗
It’s amazing. I love the historical thing about these chateaux. It looks like it would be added another part on the right, like the one added in 19th century. 😍🥰 Thanks for sharing your renovations with us.
Yes we probably could, but on the other hand, we have already more rooms than we can restore right now :)
The stash of documents is such a wonderful treasure
My wife and I were living in Bordeaux and had to return to the USA when covid hit. After seeing your videos I now have a new destination when we get back to France. See you in a few months you have the most beautiful home
I just found you through Stephanie Jarvis! I’m really excited to go back and watch all of your previous videos. Beautiful work on your chateau!
Thank you for the tour! I can't wait to see the rest of your beautiful home. The before and afters are so inspiring! Your hidden doors are called "jib doors". The chinoiserie fire plate is magnificent!
Thank you so much!
KZhead algorithm decided I need a study motivation by showing me how to renovate a chateau. Thank you
I am in complete shock and awe of this home and what youve accomplished. Outstanding.
So beautiful! I am so grateful you saved this gorgeous piece of history!
Beautiful renovation so far, really looking forward to following you with the rest of the chateau and outbuildings renovations
Beautiful. Just beautiful. I'm so glad I clicked on this when I saw it in my recommendations. It's so lovely to see the passion you both have for this exquisite home. The decor is so fitting and pretty. And what a treat to have those original documents! I don't understand why you don't have more subscribers? Looking forward to your future videos! 😊
The lines of the wooden salon chairs are so beautiful.
My hat's of to you both for doing this incredible renovation to old Chateau. I wish you both tons of luck.
You guys are super talented and have worked so hard to make the impressive changes. The wallpaper design in the greem room is amazing. Keep going and 20k subs isnt far away
A fascinating place ! you've done so great job, the entrance hall is so beautiful . Good luck with the remaining renovation!
I love your entrance hall tiles, you have obviously worked so hard to get such a top quality standard of decor, I’m looking forward to following you on your future projects xx
Thank you for giving us a tour and history of your beautiful chateau!! Lovely guest room!! Love from Vermont
The wallpaper you designed for the green room is so so beautiful!!!
Congratulations, guys! This place is beautiful and so classy, can't wait to see more
Living vicariously in your lives (without the hard work).Love your videos! Love the chateau.
What a marvelous life project. Your home is an inspiration and I wish you success with your business.
It is a beautiful labor of love. I truly enjoy seeing and hearing your story of the Chateau...Interesting that it was occupied by the Germans during WWII....Tons of history there...
Enjoyed your introduction - your history (how you came to be in France) and how u came to be a family in a French Chateau. Just finished watching Stephanie's 1st vlog of their weekend there. Philip is an impressive chef and food presenter! Lovely home.
I can't believe you guys did the restoration, the motivation, dedication and will to complete such task...Amazing!!!
Your hard work has shown, it looks beautiful and will only keep getting more beautiful!
How beautiful and serene! I could very easily live there! Elegance personified!
loved the tour, you have an amazing taste which can be seen from the rooms you've restored already.
This is a delight! To see a families adventure into such a beautiful historical space. I’m inspired as a student of art history, a mom of two and collector of decor from all periods. Love all of you color choices and marble fireplace and your vases!!!! So excited to see more. Thank you for sharing this journey. Such a dream.
So glad I discovered this it's beautiful, I love Honfleur
Well done such a lot of work. I love your wallpaper, the room is very elegant without going over the top. Look forward to seeing more in the future. 👍
Love your home, you have done a ton of work in 20months! Well done. Thank you for sharing ! It’s gorgeous!
OMG! This birth taking! Especially the view through the window and the huge door when you opened it!
This would be such a beautiful space for a wedding or reception, so much light inside!
Totally!