We discovered a crumbling French château & dedicated everything we have to SAVING her.
Château Reawakening is about daring to dream on the grandest scale. Our book captures the highs and lows of our journey to save the 18th century Château de Purnon.
When we discovered a crumbling French château just south of the Loire Valley, we could not have imagined the crazy adventure that would follow. Recklessly committing our life savings and mastering new skills along the way, we uncover Château de Purnon’s intriguing past while working to safeguard her future.
Guided by one of France’s foremost heritage architects and assisted by bemused locals, this is our story of optimism in the face of sometimes overwhelming odds.
Documented through Tim’s pithy diary entries over two and a half years and accompanied by breathtaking photography, Château Reawakening is both a compelling read and a visually arresting tribute to a truly unique restoration.
A celebration of French heritage, culture and community, and a tribute to new beginnings.
~ Purchase the Book ~
chateaureawakening.com
Published 2023 by Hardie Grant.
Photography by Laura Edwards, Antoine Doyen & Felicity Selkirk
~ Join us ~
/ chateau_de_purnon
Patreon funding will go directly toward the restoration of Château de Purnon's epic 1812 front gates and haha. You can help support the historic restoration of Château de Purnon via joining our Patreon Community where we share an exclusive weekly video. A very special thank you to our recent Platinum members Charlotte, Bob & Laurie and Matt & Michelle for your wonderful support.
~ Follow us ~
Instagram: / chateaudepurnon
Facebook: / chateaupurnon
~ Support us ~
www.fondation-patrimoine.org/...
~ With thanks ~
www.culture.gouv.fr/Regions/D...
www.missionbern.fr
www.fondation-patrimoine.org
www.hardyakka.com
www.skydio.com
This chateau is so lucky to have you as owners. One day she will shine again. Watching the progress is just incredible. Thank you so much for sharing this journey with us.
thank you so much for your wonderful support and kind words
You are heroes of restoration. So wonderful to see the many artisans and their craft contributing and supporting this amazing effort. Stay strong guys. ❤
So touching! Thank You! ❤
Thank you Tim and Felicity for saving this beautiful Chateau in our beautiful country side I thought your book was for under the Christmas tree, but I could not wait. Thanks for the amasing journey the facts and historic insights and the lovely writing and fantastic photo’s. Christmas started early this year…..
I have restored many historic homes and I know the hopeless feeling that comes with it at times but the love for the grand old homes gives us strength to carry on. It does take love. Blessings. This is a beautiful vlog.
beautifully said! thank you very much!
We are on our own similar, but more modest journey. Today was one of the terrible days where your stomach knots up, and you struggle for the right words to get the tradespeople to step up to their obligations to make things right. I won't stop in the effort to recover this house, and I get comfort in knowing there are so many others out there who hold to this mission. Though my home is tiny compared to Chateau de Purnon, our devotion to saving it is as great.
What a beautiful depiction of your journey… thank you for sharing! ❤
Thank you so much x
I love your story, and how you document your restoration. I just pre-ordered the book on Amazon. Very happy to support you in this endeavour, and look forward to continue following the progress. Remember nothing that is worth doing, is ever easy. Courage!
A chateau needs love, in a way we need oxygen to thrive . Your love is keeping the Amazing Chateau alive for your future generations. Grazie , Jeffrey XXXXX.
Thank you very much Jeffrey x
I’m so happy you’re restoring this beautiful gem. Would you please tell me who the artist is singing the song?
The song is called Wild Love and is available on Uppbeat x
Your beautiful book arrived the very day I put my home of thirty years, in Brisbane Australia, on the market. It seemed to be an omen, so I placed the book on my coffee table, as part of the decor for the Open Home inspections by prospective buyers. The response has been everything I wished for, and more than I hoped. I am not going to read the book until the sale goes through, but I’m confident I’ll be engrossed in your story over the Christmas period. By the time you write Book 2, I’ll be enjoying my new life in an apartment and probably reflecting on that joyful time.
We are so thrilled that the book arrived in time for your open inspections and that they are going well for you. All our best wishes for a successful sale and a wonderful Christmas x
Wow! I’ve stumbled across your channel and have just binge watched the entire series! Good grief you have a mammoth task ahead of you. What impresses me the most is your absolute commitment and determination to ‘Hasten slowly’, attend to every rather inconceivable detail and listen to and be guided by those with deep knowledge and love for the Chateau. I agree, you found a rare diamond in your architect ! I look forward to your next instalment. Thankyou for sharing your passion! (PS…. Our Australian Pollies could learn from Macron in valuing and encouraging protection of our Heritage buildings…. Especially in the Regions.)
Beautiful and emotive video. Made me feel a bit teary, in a good way.
oh that's so lovely. we get emotional watching it also x
Looking forward to receiving my book! You have done and are doing a beautiful job! 💖✨
Thank you so much we hope you enjoy the book x
you leave beauty behind you. the human being does not only need food and a big car, he also feeds on beauty. this kind of place that you have chosen to save gives something positive to everyone who comes there.merci pour tout ce que vous faites
thank you for your lovely comment
I too now have the book and am saving it for my quiet time over Christmas to fully absorb the effort and beauty captured in it pages. Congratulations to you both. ❤
I love the comment that you made that you have to pick each other up when you feel defeated. ❤
it happens quite a lot!!
@ You have come so far from where you started and it looks so beautiful :)))
Beautiful
thank you x
Magical…my hearts bursting with the romance of your love for each other and this amazing house
On this journey we call life, sometimes worthwhile endeavors seem far beyond our reach and we question why are we doing this. The main reason I see is that you are leaving a legacy for the people of the world to marrvel at the beauty and history of Purnon. We will all have to eventually say goodbye to this life but Purnon will hopefully continue for centuries thanks to your vision and hard work. On behalf of Purnon's many fans, we say Thank You!!
thank you for your lovely words and support. we are very grateful x
Love this.
Thank you 🙏
You both did the right thing - thank you for taking on this wonderful, magical place. You are a huge inspiration to those of us that want to restore and preserve history.
thank you so much - it's very much a journey of ups and downs but Purnon is worth it!
I am new to this channel. Thank you for this lovely intro, looking forward to your restoration. Happy New Year.
Thanks and welcome
I noted the photo of the craftsman. Have you thought of, though probably have, of photographing the craftsman and having them give a few words on what their work means to them for the chateau.
thank you for the lovely idea - we have a film that we show during our open day with interviews with the artisans speaking about their work - you've inspired me to edit it to together for you here on KZhead also ... I'll get onto it!
Completed the book about a week or so ago, and it was a wonderful journey. Thank you for sharing such an beautiful story. It's currently raining in Melbourne, that constant all day drizzle we get, and your stories of the leaking roof are making me feel truly traumatised! But anyway I'm eagerly anticipating the release of part 2, 'Chateau Awoken.' Apologies for not being adept at suggesting great book titles.
We are so thrilled you enjoyed the book ... maybe book two should be Château Reawoken!
I love your love story with this beautiful Chateau.
thank you so much
💙
Good video, thank you for sharing
Our pleasure - thank you for following!
Its like climbing a steep mountain, at some point you best don’t look back, you may freeze , keep going
Thank you! It's great for our morale to receive such encouraging messages!
love what you are doing
thank you very much
Anyone know who sings this song?. It’s beautiful
The song is called Wild Love and is available on Uppbeat x
@ Thankyou so much ☺️ x
I felt like that was Tim singing that song to both Felicity and Purnon. The two ladies in your life. Cheers!
If there was anyone who could save this beautiful Chateau it would be you two. She pulled you in and believed in you, this is why you took her on. Remember this when you ask yourself WHY? I am so proud of you both. Yes, awaken her slowly because she is warming up to you. Please, do not give up on her!!! You're writing a beautiful Book. Blessing to All including Chateau de Purnon!!!
thank you so very much x
It’s nothing beautiful than giving life to an amazing crumbling building!
How do we get the book?
You can purchase via here: chateaureawakening.com
I replied to this comment with the link to buy the book just after it was posted. It was definitely posted. Did you remove it ?@
Dommage qu’il n’y ait pas de textes en français ! Sinon, votre château est sublime et le sera encore plus après vos travaux! Vous êtes courageux! Bravo!
It is possible to fall for a building and like you the enormity of the task slowly sinks in then it all boils down to money, which is why the French let us foreigners renovate their grand houses !!!
it takes an enormous amount of passion and energy to save these beautiful old buildings