Transforming A French Chateau in Normandy: laying 200-year-old Cobblestone (traditional way)
Discover the stunning transformation of our French chateau in Normandy! 🏰✨ Join us as we reveal the exciting progress we've made with the latest renovation project.
In this episode, we dive into the challenges and triumphs of restoring the chateau's entrance, using reclaimed stones to maintain its historic charm.
It is so satisfying to watch the stone masons complete their work on the Chateau Gates using age old techniques.
🔑 Key Highlights:
▪️ Mystery Delivery Unveiled: What arrived in the dead of night? Find out as we reveal the surprise and its impact on our renovation.
▪️ Historic Stones: Learn about the reclaimed stones from an old military building and their significance in our project.
▪️ Design and Planting Plans: Get a glimpse of our future landscaping ideas and share your thoughts on the perfect planting scheme.
🌿 Engage with Us: We need your help! What colors and plants do you think would best complement our chateau's entrance? Share your ideas in the comments below and be part of our journey to create a breathtaking French chateau garden.
📢 Subscribe and Follow: If you love seeing historic renovations and dream of owning a French chateau in Normandy, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to stay updated with our latest videos. For exclusive behind-the-scenes content, check out our Patreon page.
Thank you for watching and supporting our chateau renovation adventure! 🛠️❤️
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For plants, keep low so any vehicle coming out of the property can see over them. Bring in greens that mimic the evergreen shrubs you’ve got in the circle which you can see from the street. Plant plenty of bulbs and go for four season interest, so something beautiful to look at all year round. Consider what you’d like for holiday decorations too, if any.
I was going to pretty much say the same thing. Avoid putting in trees because thier root will lift up your nice drive way, possibly sift the pillars and that nice brick wall.
They should really research native plants and redo the grounds with those. These evergreens are not native to most areas.
Agree. As we live in a neighborhood where the people who live next to the main road do not adhere to this. You can't see cars coming. And they can't see you. It's dangerous. Keep the plants very low. I would do a low xeriscape groundcover and plant low native bushes that don't need much water closer to the brick wall. You don't want to need to water out there often. And really, I wouldn't completely block the wall and columns with plant material. They frame the entrance to the chateau nicely.
Agree with not planting anything high at the corner close to the street. It's very dangerous.
@@shainazion4073 thank you for bringing up native plants. They are so underrated. I would definitely narrow down the list of bushes and perennials based on the country, or at least continent, of origin and then pick from those that way it helps local insects and birds.
Fabulous! And very peculiar how Ziggy turned into an Aristocrat all of a sudden. Notice his air of superiority? Who knew cobblestone would have an empowering effect on the master of the manor as it did? I say...🐶
I love Ziggy. He has become quite the canine aristocrat!
@@spiritofanu3112 🐾💖Yeap for me, just one look is all it took. From the moment they surprised the girls with a puppy, I have been all in.
He really did transform into this haughty creature quite suddenly. Like this is what he'd been waiting for all along. No one messes with Ziggy now. This is his gate. His castle. His lowly humans.
@@nanou7314 🤣😉
A selection of low growing rhodos would be lovely but also something like the red twig willow for fall.
Lavender would look beautiful, is native to France, would greet everyone with a beautiful scent, is great for bees, and deters mosquitoes. Plus you could use it in the chateau for vases and in wardrobes and drawers
Lavender is the best.
My favourite. But it always dies! How do I keep it alive?
Buy the right type; prune it at the right time; plant in a border of them (they seem to be ‘herd’ plants); if all else fails - replace because they are worth it xxxx
Lavender would be perfects! Yes!
@@dees3179 that’s my problem also and end up buying new each year 😮
As a professional landscaper, I am a bit concerned about the soil depth in the two beds by the entrance. Unless you can dig a bit deeper, I would advise you to choose drought tolerant plants with shallow root systems. With that shallow a depth of top soil/and a lot of sand it will in my experience be hard to maintain moisture even with a watering system. My advice would be to go for using drought tolerant herbaceous perennials and bulbs. Colour wise I think green and white would really complement the view of the house. Edit: As someone else suggested lavender could also work as they prefer well draining soil.
Sedum would be good and heather.
How would hydrogens work they could be kept low enough but the soil concerns me
Lavender would be pretty and low maintenance.
Aren’t they located in Normandy? So lots of rain. Like a lot
@Agda Even with a lot of rain, with that depth of top soil and rocky foundational soil it will likely drain away fast. It all depends on exactly what the substrate consists of. Even with a lot of rain, the plants in those beds will also have to withstand 30+ degrees celsius in the summer months.
If you guys ever want some easy content, you could do a video of a day going through town, running errands, whatever, all in French, subtitled or not. As an American who is trying to learn French, I love to hear the language spoken naturally and colloquially. I’m sure there is other people who would love a video like this as well for the same or different reasons.
I second this! More French lessons too, please 😅❤
I agree all I. French video would be amazing
I would love that as well!
I would like as well ... because it all happens in France and because i think a big part of the followers are french ... And it is allways a sooo strange feeling to see so many people talking english in France. (When i'm in France i never meet english people. For me personally it's ok like it is because i'm here for the chateau, for Anna and Philipp AND to learn english ! This channel is my english lesson (i didn't have any english class at school). So a mix would be the best.
@@joannasmith4793 But not only ! I'm french and i'm here to learn english. =) But for sure, when i'm watching videos about a french place, it is a little bit strange to hear english. (Well ok, i'm a french woman in Germany and know many french people here as well, and i talk with them, it's the same, in can understand it)
A double hedge of lavender along the driveway would be lovely! They are in bloom for so long, they attract pollinators, and they stay low and wouldn't block sight lines. You trim them almost to the ground in late winter each year to keep them in shape.
That does sound nice. Also, it's said to be good luck to plant lavender near your door or entry. ;)
The reclaimed cobble-stones are so beautiful. I hope the stonemasons are proud and pleased.
Quality masonry fascinates me. Equal parts art and engineering. I think they're underappreciated by most people.
I'm sure Jean-Paul and his people had not been able to complete the job so fast and well as they did, without Ziggy's supervison. He is SO cool.
So satisfying! And so heartening to know that there are still stonemasons and metal workers who know the old techniques!
Magnificent!! As a retired architect it makes me so happy to see the diligence and love that you expend on the restoration of the Chateau and it's landscaping. Wonderful!!
Such craftsmanship in the laying of the stones. I am in awe.
Those cobble stones look AMAZING! If I could afford reclaimed French cobble stones for my backyard I would be the happiest person! The character they give is perfect.
Definitely green and white plants, low closer to the paving gradually getting taller further away, so that it emphasises the paving and the entrance to the chateau. Lots of repetition of plants. Am loving it!
Seconded
I agree. Although I might add two or three pencil pines at the back on the curves.
The stone entrance is fantastic! ❤
I loved that the color of the stones complement realy well the color of the roof! It's beautiful
Those cobbles are wonderful! It's always a joy to see master craftsmen doing their job 😍
Ziggy looks regal in front of the Château entrance! 😊 It’s a good thing Phillip never throws away any thing. 😂 Thank you Phillip, and Anna
White hydrangeas would suit the entrance area really well, and their shape would also go nicely with the more organically shaped cobblestones. Love the repurposing of old materials!
There is only one opportunity for a great first impression, and the new entrance achieves that. Such mastery of design and workmanship deserves to be showcased to the world through KZhead. Congratulations to you and the wonderfully skilled and dedicated company of masons.
I’m not crying, you’re crying…just so perfect…I am just beyond thrilled for you!
Beautiful entry!! My vote for landscape - short boxwood hedge (or another type of evergreen - maybe dwarf yew) with either hydrangeas and/or some type of small spring flowering tree as main structure plants. Fill remaining space with perennials. Everything looks wonderful - still love how you all are trying to stay true as possible with historical elements. Great job!
I think the idea of planting a boxwood hedge with hydrangeas would be gorgeous. Minimal maintenance and there would be winter interest with the boxwoods!
omg boxwood with hydrangeas was also my thought! would be beautiful. i love the white panicle hydrangeas
TFS I’m so happy you want to take us along on your grand journey. It’s so much fun watching each and every one of your projects. Many blessings and much love from California 💕
Great to see the beautiful vintage cobbles going in to such amazing effect. The final entrance will be beautiful and tasteful, like all your other projects.
Many gardens have had to replace boxwood in the last decades and even surviving hedges suffer from blight making them unsightly. Sadly I think it's best to stay away from boxwood, it's a lot of work or sorrow when they have to be replaced.
Beautiful! Can’t wait until you add the gates!
Deep green and white flowers. It is becoming beautifully together, very good taste the two of you. Thanks for all the watch pleasure every week. Adore your dog!
Such craftsmanship on those cobbles. Zingy is the best supervisor/project manager ever!
The entrance is looking magnificent so far. Looking forward to seeing it completed.
Ziggy just makes me smile ,love him, he’s such a good 🐶 dog❤ And of course the whole family too😊
These guys are true artisans. Their work is brilliant.
Itt's really great that so many of the chateau's of France have been bought and are in the process of reconstruction/renovation.....
Master gardener here, zone 5B. 35 miles north of Chicago (once considered the countryside with horse farms) not sure what direction you face or how much sun you get. These plants are all part sun. Keep it symetrical: simple & lower. Use multi stem fringe trees in the middle of of each bed (considered small trees or bushes), 3 nine bark bushes surrounding fringe trees and 3 globe arborvite on each side to have green all year and fill in the beds. Plant lots of daffodil or tulip bulbs to welcome spring. If you have room fill in with flowering purple or white alliums or dwarf fountain grass (both are gorgeous).
Thank you for a well thought garden plan. Visually appealing throughout all seasons. Transplant Chicagoan living in Zone 11B, Sunrise FL; 23 years continuing to learn plant native.
Absolutely love the entrance! Perhaps in the future when budget allows, you can carry on the cobblestone on the other side of the gates to meet up to the gravel. That would be wonderful.
Landscape architect from Canada here. Nice work on the gate posts and cobblestone paving. Really looking forward to seeing the gate (I love metalwork design). Keep the planting between driveway, road and walls simple and low - ground cover and shrubs lower than 1 meter. Low maintenance/drought tolerant (I agree with Pernickety Pern's post about soil depth). Colours: Soft, I think, in peaches and lavender blues, with hits of russet and maybe a punch of stronger blue. Greens of course. This picks up on your favourite colours inside the house and complements the brick and cream of the building face. Enjoying your channel. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Love your post on your addiction to plants Phillip, share the struggle and wish you the best in keeping it under control.
What a elegant statement the new cobblestone driveway makes. Ziggy looked as though he was taking his job seriously as the Lord of the Manor.
Watching you two and the craftsmen you hire bring this chateau back to life week over week is pure joy. All of your ideas and plans are fascinating. 👏👏👏💕💕💕
Absolutely incredible workmanship. They should sign one of the cobbles:) Kudos to Jean-Paul and his team. It looks beautiful. I'd keep the front planting sober and elegant. Boxwood balls, or Cotoneaster 'Lowfast'. Also, do you have the Olea europaea 'Montra' there? Beautiful, low-growing olive shrubs, not trees. Can't wait to see what you do. You both have great style.
We are pleased to view the proprietor in strong glee for his continued rehabilitation of his stronghold. Congratulations on such accomplishments. The chateau is very handsome now.
The old Cobblestone is just beautiful.
The driveway looks fantastic. For plants, I like the classic look for easy maintanence, grass and boxwoods. Ziggy is such a great project manager - he's so interested in what everyone is doing. Due to the lime/cement dust, you may want to wash his feed, so he doesn't lick them and get sick.
Looks fantastic guys. The chateau looks so different from just two years ago! Bravo!
The transition from the roadway to your drive is beautiful and along with the hand forged gates it’s going to really make a statement upon entering the property.
I'm sure the plant addict will get the right plants sorted out, if not, he will have to go back to plant shop so it's a win-win for Phillip. Let's hope Ziggy approves them too! Absolutely beautiful!
Thank you both for sharing your wonderful Chateau restoration, I love your empathy with the place, Ziggy being such a star and both your humours! Please keep the videos coming!
It’s such a delight to see your attention to detail and in the spirit of the date of the chateau. These quality restorations are going to last for so many more decades which is an absolutely wonderful thought, isn’t it!? Well done to all involved in a project which I’m sure the village is watching and feeling happy they have you as caring neighbours. Thank you for sharing it with us and for giving Ziggy a gateway to guard with such aristocratic pride 😊
Gorgeous cobblestones, and Ziggy looks like he’s the supervisor lol
There is such a difference in qualitative terms of how you are finishing your Chateau compared to most of the other projects going on in France and shown in KZhead. In most, either they cut corners, or the finishes just detract from the period and the quality of the build. Your work would make proud the original owners. It's beautiful and authentic, and the result is stunning.
I think for your planting the front entry a pair of dogwood trees behind the brick stepover walls would look very elegant. In front of the stepover walls a mix of limelight hydrangeas and arctic fire dogwoods and some boxwood spheres or pyramids would give you all year round interest. When planting you should, I think, plan first for winter interest because there are the fewest choices there(arctic fire dogwood, boxwoods) and then the spring-fall interest because most plants fall in that category. A few bonica roses would be nice tucked in there, bonicas are repeat blooming hardy disease resistant roses that bloom light pink. Underplant with a creeping wintergreen that would be green year round and add bunches of daffodil bulbs and some snowdrops for early spring beauty.
Yes dogwoods hold their blossoms well and have nice summer foliage. I would prefer hydrangea macrophylla in pink and pale blue tones and love the idea of bonica roses. Maybe add some dark toned violets. Nothing like that sweet smell in late winter early spring
Wow, you are visionaries! What a beautiful juxtaposition with the chateau, it really is striking and makes much more of a difference than I could have guessed.
This is a beautiful chateau and Anna and Phillip’s decorating skills are to be commended. The new drive and pillars are just perfectly complimentary. To see another beautiful chateau visit Chateau de la Grifferiae.
The cobbles are fantastic! Now you need a beautiful old chateau sign to welcome folks in!
I’m taking away a few things, from this video. Firstly, Anna looks so stylish in everything she wears, especially her boots. Love her looks. Secondly, the entrance looks fantastic! Will you have electric gates or keep, as is? Finally, Ziggy is such a wonderful dog. He’s so well behaved. Does he ever try to run away? Great work. Lots of love, Cori
Wondering if you considered extending the cobbles another 7 meters to line up with the edge of the oval? Perhaps you stopped at the gate because that is the local custom? Anyway, they are gorgeous. Well done! Your eye for color and design reliably soothes my brain and makes me feel happy. ❤
I was wondering the same thing and thought I heard they were going to bring in the same gravel as in the circle where the colors change between the cobbles and the circle now.
Ppl don't need to know every detail of your lives? But you all are loved! We need to see your video's. 🥰
Ich finde es so großartig, wie Ihr Euch über jeden Stein, der gepflastert wird, so freuen könnt. Ich kenne das Gefühl, wir haben 3 "normale" Häuser gebaut und jeder Haken, der perfekt sitzt, löste eine unbändige Freude aus und machte so stolz. Bewahrt Euch das Gefühl und macht weiter mit dieser Leidenschaft.
Absolutely beautiful job. Now that’s an entrance way. You should put flowers that are perennials that will come up each year.
I agree. It would be a shame to block the beautiful walls with taller shrubs. Choosing perennials that bloom with each season and give you winter interest would look lovely. The driveway looks spectacular!
The beautiful entrance of cobblestone, to a MAGNIFICENT château. Just so well done you guys❣️👏🏻
Oh, sunshine, how lovely. It’s been snowing here this week . ☹️ warmer today, but I think my bones have frozen. Cobblestones are so pretty.
Amazing and very elegant entry! Ziggy is such a handsome dog! He is very regal looking! Love it all! Thank you for sharing it!
The cobblestones are beautiful. I can’t wait to see the drive with the gates and plants. I think low bushes that bloom in the spring, summer and foliage that changes color in the fall would be beautiful. Will there be lights too?
Nous habitons à 20 mn de chez vous, et, pendant la tempête qui vient de nous frapper, nous avons pensé à vous et aux plantations de votre dernière vidéo. Nous espérons que tout a bien résisté et que vous n'avez subi aucun dégât. Sinon, cette entrée pavée est une merveille !
You both have done a brilliant job turning the chateau around . The hard work has really paid off. Great style too between contemporary and vintage
The cobblestones look beautiful, the extra investment in buying the second-hand stones was a very wise choice. Congratulations, I can hardly wait to see the gates installed, the entrance will look spectacular 😁👌👌👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️❤️
Those cobbles are just spectacular. What a great choice to recycle old materials and go the "traditional" route. The Chateau deserves it!
Everyone must appreciate how you are being so careful to be historically accurate and not cutting corners to get your improvements right. It is certainly worth the wait to afford such quality workmanship. I second the idea of making sure the plantings don't obscure the view when driving out onto the street. I've had to cut back plantings to avoid collisions with passing traffic.
It makes a beautiful entrance. The dog looked like I can't go past here but the ones I love are there. So funny
I love the old cobblestone! Worth the cost for the old stones and kudos to the stonemasons expert installation. Thanks for the enjoyable videos.❤
Absolutely amazing and beautiful work! Truly, everything you all have accomplished and continue to accomplish is a labor of love. You both are preserving history for generations to come. I have watched your channel for a long time and subscribed today. I live in a Victorian home (circa 1897)with my family and we love our ongoing restoration/renovation projects too.
It looks amazing!!! I would not plant anything structural since you already have the stone borders, walls and pillars to define the space - so something herbacious like White Anemone Hupehensis and Ground-Ivy for year round groundcover
My favorite KZhead channel of all time. Love every single episode. 🥰
Absolutely beautiful. Kudos to the skilled, talented and hard-working masons.
C'est magnifique !!Vous avez bien fait de choisir des pavés anciens on dirait vraiment qu'ils ont toujours été là !!Bravo aux artisans quel beau travail !! On voit que toute rénovation que vous faite est mûrement réfléchie et c'est toujours parfait. Félicitations et merci pour cette vidéo
Love Ziggy, the Inspector General! AND, I'm so envious of your beautiful stone gateway! Good job! 👍 As far as the landscaping, maybe boxwoods or hornbeam hedging. As a safety measure you can install a mirror inside the hedge to see traffic coming.
Looks so good! Love it! Ziggy is indeed the Lord of the Manor! He fits the roll perfectly!
Beautiful!! Love seeing Ziggy. He’s getting so big.
That looks fantastic! As for planting, I would keep it low so its safer for driving out of the gate. I would use shrubs & bushes like hebes & I'd also plant blues & whites & definitely include French lavender. I'd also underplant with lots of bulbs: snowdrops, hibiscus, daffodils etc.
It looks fantastic! My suggestion would be white and green, with pops of russet to tie in the stripey colour on your facade and the brick wall. And plants that are either relatively low level shrubs or easy to prune to the height you want.
The russet and green hydrangeas would look terrific there possibly
I swear Ziggy went regal on that cobblestone lol. What a beautiful pup.
The cobblestone looks amazing! I'm glad you went with the reclaimed ones.
My breath is taken away by the splendid stonework. You all seem such a merry band of workers, with your respectful attitude toward your artisans and real pleasure in authentic materials. Thank you for giving these stones a second life.
Well Phillip, I'm so relieved to find out that the night time delivery wasn't anything sinister! Ziggy obviously appreciates this royal entrance and he wears it well. The new stone entrance is gorgeous! What is the story behind the electrics Phillip? Do you mean to tell us that you might need Benoit to help?
The stones look fabulous! I think Heather would look lovely, plus the deer don’t eat it!
The entrance way looks wonderful with the repurposed stone. And it's Ziggy-approved!
Stunning work….nothing is like a good cobblestone path or drive
The cobble entrance is beautiful. What masterful craftsman. The iron gates will be lovely. Have you considered expanding the iron with railings above the brick half walls? Would elongate the entrance.
Imagine being so impressed by someone's driveway
*HYDRANGEAS*. I am begging you to fill that entrance with beautiful hydrangeas. They're big and colourful and do great in colder environments like yours. 💐💐💐
Lavender and white hydrangea (if there is a low growing variety so that the wall is still visible.
My suggestion would be lavander. There is also a white version, if you prefer that, but I would go for the 'Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'.That is a very strong variety with an great smell. And after summer you can collect the dry flowers and put them in little bags in the guestrooms. It smells wonderful and keeps moths away.
Roses, they come in so many colors and types!!
Ziggy is one very lucky dog! Thanks guys, never disappoints!
Amazing to watch the guys knapping the stones to fit. Just wonderful looking when you did the “Grand Reveal.” What a great milestone in the whole work.
The cobblestones are the perfect touch for your entrance, can't wait to see the gates, they sound amazing!
Mass-planting of white camellias!!! They are evergreen and will make a spectacular display in early spring
The way you two work together is amazing!! You’re usually in tune with each other, joke, have fun albeit aaaaall that work you’re doing. It’s a treat to watch the progress, and again, to watch you both work.
De véritables artisans. Superbe.
If the plants are going to be low, their colours should be blues and oranges, but if tall (hiding the bricks) pretty much any colour would work, but I think climbing roses would look spectacular.
Like the idea!
I second your climbing roses idea...
Some roses for sure
Stunning, beautiful work. Short Hedges along the driveway and in front of the fence, grass and a feature tree either side.
Your style is beautiful, elegant, and I enjoy your posts. Thank you for the delightful posts.
Looks fantastic! Unlike a certain famous YT Chatelaine, it's fantastic to see professionalism and perfection that will stand the test of time. Just like your kitchen will. The edges have a perfect grouting line that kicks it all up another level! Well done.
We should never put someone down to compliment someone else 😊
@@Toneh9 truth hurts.
@@hello15848 It's your opinion and it's not kind 😊
@@Toneh9it speak truth. Your comment is not kind.
I’m not a green thumb. But I always think lavender is understated and classy. I also think mixing in plant styles you have in the front of the chateau is nice
Phillip tell the stone mason from all of us they did a fantastic job on the cobblestones. I like the idea of the lavendar as they are so beautiful and different color bulbs that will bloom throughout the spring and summer into fall. Ziggy looked so proud of the entrance like a real Chateau Earl. lol..lol.. I'm so glad you were able to get your dream drive entrance completed after 3 years. Hugs to you both & of course your girls. Kathy USA
13:15 what a beautiful scene....could not have been better ❤