Escape to the Chateau DIY (2018–2021): Season 3, Episode 11 - Episode #3.11 - full transcript
Dick, voice-over:
I'm Dick Strawbridge.
Along with my wife, Angel,
and our two children...
Dorothy: I've got it!
Dick, voice-over: ...we're
nearly 5 years into restoring
this once-abandoned chateau.
Angel: There's something quite
sort of majestic about it.
It's like living in the clouds?
Dick, voice-over:
It's been demanding.
Yet truly fulfilling.
Angel: It's made me feel
a bit mushy and a bit emotional.
Dick, voice-over: And with
thousands of chateaus in France,
we're not the only Brits buying
into the French fairy tale.
Adam: Oh, my goodness.
This is amazing.
Dick, voice-over: Angel and I
are once again helping
our fellow expats...
This is a big old bill.
Dick, voice-over:
...as they embark
on a brand-new set
of chateau adventures.
Woman: Ah! Ah!
Dick, voice-over:
And we'll reveal more
about our own chateau life.
No, monsieur Dick.
Angel: Ha ha!
Dick, voice-over: It'll be
a roller coaster ride.
Whoa!
[Crack]
Rebecca: Ah! No.
Dick, voice-over:
But no matter what...
Rebecca: I'm just going to try
not to cry.
Dick, voice-over:
...these plucky Brits...
Stephanie:
Are we doing this
with all the
technological accomplishments
of the ancient Egyptians?
Dick, voice-over:
...are determined to transform
once-unloved buildings...
into the most spectacular homes.
That is amazing.
Dick, voice-over:
To live the dream
as custodians
of the very own castles.
Today...
Anna: I did it.
Dick, voice-over:
...we revisit
some familiar faces.
Edward:
If worse comes to worse
and they don't turn up
on time,
on Saturday I go and get
mushroom heaters.
Dick, voice-over:
...as they battle
to get everything finished
before the wedding party
arrives.
Anna: We're still planting,
and it's literally
30 minutes
before they clients get here.
Dick, voice-over:
A would-be chateau owner
checks out what's on the market.
Adam: Wow!
This is absolutely unbelievable.
It's like a fairy tale castle.
But he's a hard man to please.
Adam: I want it to be like
bigger like that, both wings.
Dick, voice-over:
And brand-new chateau owners...
Woman: Yes!
Here we are.
Dick, voice-over: ...struggle
to crack the lingo.
Paul: How's your French?
Donna: [Speaking French]
Paul:
Door. The menu throws me.
Donna: Yeah.
Across France there are
many chateau-owning Brits
who have built up businesses
so they can afford to live
in elegant surroundings
steeped
in extraordinary history.
Like Edward from Stockport,
his Kosovon wife, Anna,
and their 4-year-old son
Charles,
who live in this stunning
15th-century Chateau Lagorce
that they run
as a wedding venue.
Anna: We are part
of their special day.
We make friends for life.
We love it.
Edward: One thing
you can't control is weather.
Anna: I know, or the wedding
dress that doesn't fit,
but let's not go there.
Ha ha!
It happened.
Dick, voice-over: Located
in Haux, just outside Bordeaux,
the 22-bedroom chateau was
bought by Edward's family
16 years ago.
When we first met them
last summer,
they were in the midst
of the wedding season,
which came with
its set of challenges.
Anna: Now, we were meant to have
a surprise fireworks display
at 11 P.M.
We have to make it happen
no matter what.
Dick, voice-over: Ed usually
looks after the buildings
whilst Anna is
chief wedding planner.
However, this summer the couple
are facing a new challenge.
Edward: We have a little one
on the way,
so Anna's not going to be able
to do all the weddings.
She's going to have to take
more of a back seat,
and I'm going to have
to be doing a bit more
of the coordination.
Anna: I'm going to find it
very hard
because I'm very picky.
Edward: It's hugely important
that Anna can relax towards
the birth. Ha!
If you can relax
towards the birth.
Dick, voice-over: With
30 weddings already booked in,
Edward has big shoes to fill
as the new chief
wedding planner.
Edward: She's really
much more attention to detail.
I'm hoping he's going to be
able to do things my way.
Edward: Control freak
kind of springs to mind.
Anna: Yes.
Dick, voice-over: The wedding
season starts in only a month,
but they've had a cancellation
and want to secure
another booking.
Edward: Hello.
Anna: Hi, guys.
Dick, voice-over:
Their latest potential couple
are Georgia and Adam.
So it's over to Ed
to persuade them.
Anna: See you in a little bit,
guys.
Adam: Thank you.
Edward: Were you guys
looking for a ceremony outside
rather than in a church?
Adam: Yes.
Georgia: Yeah.
Edward: Ok.
Well, normally we'd have
the ceremony set up
in semi-circle.
Let's go down and have a look.
Anna: He started to talk to you
about the ceremony here
where normally you
talk about that down there,
but that's personal choice.
Dick, voice-over:
With Anna watching closely,
the pressure's on Ed to sell the
chateau as the perfect venue.
Edward:
The pool's actually heated.
Adam:
Oh, the kids will love that.
Georgia: Yeah. Ha!
Edward: This is where
the ceremony would be.
This is a private lake.
Georgia: Lighthouse.
Anna: I think now it's possible
about the lake,
that you can fish there,
and that's like something
I know about briefly,
but that's not essential
about the wedding.
I'm pretty sure
it's something about that.
Edward: You're a fairly
large number, 150, yeah?
Georgia: Yeah.
Edward: So it might work better
to have your canapés down here.
Georgia: OK.
Adam: Oh, wow.
Anna: It's hard when
someone else has taken over
and everyone does things
their way.
Edward: This is almost
a blanket of green.
Adam: Yeah.
Yeah, it's beautiful.
Anna: Maybe his way is not bad,
but it's not completely my way.
Edward: When we got married,
we had our portrait photos here,
so if you wanted to do
some portrait photos,
it's the perfect place
to do them.
Adam: Yeah.
The tour was fantastic.
Georgia:
The chateau is amazing.
Adam: It's beautiful.
It's got so much space,
and we love it.
It's not final, but we're
very, very, very happy
with what we've seen.
Dick, voice-over: Let's see
if Anna is just as impressed
by Ed's tour-guiding skills.
Anna: I'm feeling
a little bit nervous
about the situation,
but it is getting
slightly better,
especially seeing, like, a smile
on the couple's faces.
Dick, voice-over: All they can
do now is wait for a decision
from the couple.
In the meantime, they need to
turn their attention to the
first wedding of the season
in just a month's time.
The British are big investors
in French property,
snapping up around
1/3 of those sold to
international buyers.
Hoping to join the growing band
of expat chateau owners
is interior designer Adam
from Warwickshire.
You're getting a lot more
for your money out here.
The architecture
is insane.
The cuisine is
really, really good.
I like the people.
Dick, voice-over: Since
renting out his U.K. home
and moving in with his mother,
Adam's ready to use his savings
and a mortgage
to fund up to £800,000
for the right place.
Adam: I'm wanting for my chateau
a home that I can decorate
and make it look luxurious,
and I just want to be able to
get everything out of storage
and make a lasagna
in a nice kitchen,
and don't get me wrong,
I'm really relaxed
at my Mom's house.
I love it, it's so lovely.
But I've put on weight
because obviously she's
cooking lots for me,
which is not great.
Dick, voice-over:
Adam has ambitious plans
and wants to find a chateau with
space for his business ideas.
Adam: A design school,
a yoga retreat maybe,
an artist retreat,
any kind of inspirational
creative space.
I want to live
the French dream.
Dick, voice-over: The first
chateau Adam is viewing
is La Boissiere,
just 33 miles south
of our place.
His friend Lisa is helping him.
Adam: Oh, my goodness, Lisa.
That's absolutely unbelievable.
Dick, voice-over: Their meeting
estate agent David.
Adam: It's phenomenal.
What a great building
David:
And welcome to the chateau.
Adam: Thank you very much.
David: A step back in time.
Dick, voice-over:
Sympathetically restored
by the current owners,
the 14th-century
Chateau de la Boissiere
has a stunning
circular staircase...
leading to rooms
with an abundance
of original features.
And 5 spacious bedrooms.
David: You have to imagine
this going back to the 1200s
when this was just a watchtower.
At that particular point in time
France was quite fragmented,
so to the north
we have the Bretons,
to the south we had the Anjous.
It was added to over the next
couple of hundred years
to be in a proper
defensive position.
Adam: And is that a balcony
at the top of the--
David: That is a balcony,
and that overlooks
the countryside,
and you can see for miles.
Adam: Ok, ok.
Dick, voice-over:
Set in 11 acres of land,
the chateau is surrounded
by a moat
and has several outbuildings
that could be perfect
for Adam's business ideas.
And at just under £518,000,
it's below budget.
David: This part here...
Adam: Yeah.
David: ...wasn't there
until the 1850s.
Adam: Ok, ok.
David: So what used to be along
here would be the ramparts
and what was put up in its place
was an official stone farmhouse.
You can make as many bedrooms
as you want
going all the way
to the very end.
Adam: Interesting.
It's definitely got me
thinking, definitely.
Yeah, it's definitely
got me thinking.
Dick, voice-over:
So far so good.
Now for a peek inside.
Adam: Wow!
This is absolutely unbelievable.
Fantastic staircase.
This is phenomenal.
It's like a fairy tale castle.
Dick, voice-over: The impressive
17th-century Chateau de Sauge,
with 4 acres of land,
11 outbuildings,
and 45 rooms
was recently snapped up
for £279,000 by Donna
and husband Paul.
The couple,
who spent the last decade
living and working in Dubai,
are moving in today.
Donna: We fell in love
with the architecture.
Where else could you buy
a piece of history like this
for the money we've paid?
Situated 50 miles east
of La Rochelle,
the chateau needs
some major restoration work,
but Paul and Donna are
determined to make it
a B&B and events venue.
Paul: We were optimistic
by nature.
I think anyone that takes on
a project like this
needs to be.
Donna: Our friends and family
think we are totally crazy,
don't they?
Paul: But I think
they always have.
Dick, voice-over:
Having given up their jobs,
they need to be up and running
and generating an income
in just 6 months' time.
Everything that
we've worked for up to now
is going in to make this
a success.
And that's why it can't fail.
It's not an option,
failure.
Dick, voice-over: Today their
hopes and plans become reality.
The chateau is theirs,
and there's no turning back.
Paul:
You got the box of keys?
Donna: Ah.
I've no idea which one fits.
Dick, voice-over:
With so many keys,
finding the right one
could be tricky.
[Indistinct]
Donna: No? That one?
Paul: No. That's progress.
Donna: Is it? Yes!
Ah! Here we are.
Dick, voice-over: They've
renovated a 400-year-old cottage
in Scotland
but nothing
can quite prepare you
for the full-blown
neglected-chateau experience.
Paul: That's not so great,
but...
Donna: Oh, yeah. There's
obviously been some damp issue.
Paul: One of many, I'm sure.
Donna: Yeah. Ha ha!
Paul: Let's go find
no other damp issues.
Donna: Yeah.
Paul: That needs work.
Donna: Yeah.
Awful cobwebs.
Paul: The electrics are...
Donna: Pretty bad.
Crack that.
Paul: And here's some.
Donna: Oh! Ha ha!
Paul: Let's cover it back up.
Dick, voice-over:
They need to get at least two
of the 8 bedrooms converted
into en suite rooms and kick off
their B&B business
before their savings run out.
As well as a mammoth
renovation, project,
the pair have another challenge
on their hands
and one almost as big.
Paul: How's your French?
Dick, voice-over:
Learning the language.
Paul: "No entry door menu."
Do not enter.
Donna: Ne pas. It's...
Paul: Door.
Donna: Ha ha!
Paul: Perfect.
The menu throws me.
Donna: Yeah.
Dick, voice-over: Hmm.
Take it from me,
learning French is essential.
125 miles north at our place,
we know all about starting
a renovation from scratch.
Often one of the first hurdles
for a chateau owner
is getting electricity
to power the building.
I have now got one socket
in the whole chateau,
but, oh, well!
We have electricity.
Dick, voice-over:
With may have had electricity,
but the chateau did have issues.
Supposed to have 230 volts.
We've got 196 volts.
That is absolutely abysmal.
As well as low voltage,
we didn't have enough power
for the coach house,
which we converted into a home
for Angel's mom and dad,
Jenny and Steve.
There is absolutely
masses of work to be done.
We had the electricity company
increase the power
into the chateau.
Then we'd have enough
to share with the coach house.
Now Jenny and Steve
will have enough power
to turn their kettle on,
turn some bits and pieces on.
We've got enough power to
still be stingy but to use it.
I might just go
and put a fan on or something.
Ha ha!
With our electrics
up to strength,
the challenge was laying
40 meters of cable
around the edge of the moat
to the coach house.
We've got an underground
very heavy cable
that's going to want it
to join them.
We get twice as much energy as
we've ever had in the chateau.
Jenny and Steve get some
because we spoil them,
and if I need more
in the chateau,
I'll just turn them off.
We could have taken the whole
thing underground all the way,
but we don't know where
our telephone lines are.
That's your internet
and everything else.
Nobody can tell us
where it is.
So we just stayed away from it.
I roped in worker Richard
to help clear undergrowth
at the edge of the moat
to attach the new cable.
[Splash]
Oh, Richard!
Just hold on a second, mate.
The tractor's coming
with the rope.
Come on, Steve, get a move on!
I got a man in the water here!
One down!
Back very slowly, very slowly.
Keep going. Keep going.
Keep going.
International rescue,
another day for thunderbirds.
He was wet anyway.
So Richard finished the job,
and we laid the cable
right around the moat
and into the coach house
ready for me to start
the internal wiring.
I need to get all the sockets on
so that we can start building.
So my job is to make sure
that all the wiring is going
to the right place.
My little box is on the end,
ready to go.
And I think
we're just about there.
Right. There we go.
4 months later,
and Jenny and Steve's new home
had enough power so that
lighting and electrical mod cons
can all be on at the same time.
Worth that extra effort
and an accidental dip
for Richard.
Dick, voice-over: Over 240 miles
away at Chateau Lagorce,
Anna and Ed are busy
making it look its best,
ready for the first wedding
of the season
in just two days' time.
Edward: Ok.
[Thud]
Whoops. Ha.
I'm mister clumsy.
Ok.
Dick, voice-over:
Anna is 6 months' pregnant
and is supposed to be
taking things easier.
But there's always
new challenges to deal with.
Anna: I've had a message
from the bride.
Edward: Mm-hmm.
Anna: And because
of the weather,
she would like
some mushroom heaters.
Edward: Ok.
Anna: It's pretty cold.
I mean, it's only
17, 18 degrees,
and to sit down
and have dinner outside,
they can't be there for 3 hours.
So the bride called us,
and she wants mushroom heaters.
We get these ones
delivered on Saturday.
Edward: 6 of these
delivered on Saturday.
Anna: Yeah, I think that
would make more sense.
Normally things like this
I arrange at least one or two
months in advance.
And we're not even 40 hours
before the wedding,
so it's--it's tricky.
Edward: Worse comes to worse
and they don't turn up on time
on Saturday,
I'll go and get
mushroom heaters,
but I can't stand
mushroom heaters.
Anna: Well, neither can I,
but there's nothing I can do.
Ok, so I bought these ones.
2,100 watts.
Worse case if we can't
get those,
that means as the wedding
is happening,
Edward is going to have
to leave me on my own
and try and find
whatever he can.
Edward: We're going to have
to have cables going across
the terrace, though.
Anna: Well,
there's nothing I can do.
Dick, voice-over: That's
extra stress Anna doesn't need
when she's meant to be
reducing her workload
with Ed taking on
more of her responsibilities.
An important step
is a lesson for Ed
in shopping for
wedding essentials.
Edward:
What colors do you need?
Anna:
The very wedding blue ones.
We need white, cream.
We'll go for two of these,
and then when we run out,
you know where they are
so you can always come
and get some more.
Edward: No, I'm going to
take photos of that.
Dick, voice-over:
Excellent idea.
Ed's really trying to remember
everything,
so a star for effort.
Edward: I knew we were
coming for ribbons.
Haven't got a clue
what they were for.
It is such a small detail,
and Anna's just so on top
of all of those.
It's going to be really hard,
hence why I'm taking photos.
Quite a lot of knowledge
she has.
Anna: That one. Hmm.
Edward: Yeah, they'll do
for the buffet cheeses
and fruits and...yeah?
Anna: Yeah. I like it.
Edward: What else
do you need now, Anna?
Anna: So the shopping trip is
going to be different this time
because Ed is checking
everything I'm choosing.
This looks cute.
Edward:
I think it's going to break.
Oh, really,
that's not wood. No.
Anna:
He's been more controlling.
He's been more me.
Edward: Here are
some new wine glasses.
Anna: You like those?
Edward: I can just get two.
Anna: It's not what I wanted,
but yeah.
Dick, voice-over: Looks like
Anna's managing to let Ed
take charge.
Anna: We got some of the things
we needed.
Ed chose these.
They're different.
I wouldn't have gone for them,
but why not?
Edward: We have some couples
that have come for
a real good time,
and we've got them in stock now.
Anna: I'm definitely trying
to be a more easier Anna
and taking-a-step-back Anna.
Dick, voice-over: Easy Anna
doesn't look very easy.
Keep trying, Ed.
Just over 200 miles north
in Mayenne,
in our neck of the woods,
interior designer Adam
and friend Lisa
are viewing
Chateau de la Boissier.
It's on the market
at just under £518,000.
And the outbuildings seem
to have the right potential
for Adam's
interior design school idea.
Now they're ready to see
if the inside of the chateau
can pass muster.
Adam: Wow! This is
absolutely unbelievable.
Fantastic staircase.
Tight stairs all the way
to the very top.
This is phenomenal.
It's like a fairy tale castle.
David: Shall we go upstairs?
Adam: Yeah.
David: After you.
Dick, voice-over:
This 14th-century chateau
has the main reception room
on the first floor.
Adam: Wow.
This is an amazing room.
Stunning.
Massive great big beams.
Massive fireplace.
Just imagine a big hog roast
rolling around, rolling around.
We can see down onto the moat.
I love how the moat goes
all the way around, David.
That's phenomenal.
Lisa: I'm just gob smacked
by it.
It's amazing. It's beautiful.
Adam:
It's very fairy tale.
Dick, voice-over: Adam's looking
pretty impressed so far.
Adam: Wow. This is
a really cute kitchen.
David:
This wasn't the kitchen.
This would have been
something completely separate,
sort of a storage area.
And indeed just over here
would have been the access
to the toilet.
Adam: Nice. That's a really
lovely touch, isn't it?
David: It all ended up
in the moats back in the day.
Adam:
Ok. And that's quite gross.
David: Ha ha!
Dick, voice-over:
Don't worry, Adam,
the chateau's been modernized
over the last 30 years.
So I'm sure there's
some proper flushing loos, too.
Adam: I like it.
It's got a great feel to it.
David: It gets better.
Adam: Ok.
David: Come on.
Let's have a look.
Adam: Can we go upstairs?
David: We can go upstairs.
Adam: I love this width
of staircase.
David: Ok, and what is now
a bedroom.
Adam: Wow. Great room.
Massive bedroom.
I'm not convinced yet
it's going to be big enough.
I just don't know that
I want it to be, like, bigger,
like that, both wings.
And I wanted the bedrooms
to be ready to be en suite.
Dick, voice-over: Traditionally
few fairy tale chateaus
came with en suites.
Adam: But I love it.
I think it's phenomenal.
I'm not making a judgment
just yet, I'm just verbalizing.
Dick, voice-over: Time to check
the top of the chateau.
Adam: Wow!
What an amazing view.
I can see now
why it was a watchtower.
Unbelievable.
Dick, voice-over: The
14th-century tower and terrace,
a stunning feature.
Adam: In another world, Lisa,
would you buy this?
Lisa: I could.
Adam: Lisa loves it.
I think it's fabulous,
but I'm not in love with it
if I'm honest enough,
and it's a bit high.
David: Ha ha!
Adam:
It's a little bit too high,
and I'm going in.
I'm going that way.
I'm quite
a tricky, picky person,
and I know exactly
what I do and don't like.
Architecture is not quite right
for me,
and this isn't quite
the right location.
And I think it's a bit
landlocked here as well
in a way.
I think I'd quite like to be
maybe by the sea,
[Indistinct]
Lisa: Oh, god.
Dick, voice-over:
It pays to understand
the location and architecture
you're after
before you start looking.
Lisa, are you up for this?
It could be a long one.
50 miles from La Rochelle,
brand-new chateau owners
Donna and Paul
are visiting their local
D.I.Y. store.
It's going to give them
their first taste
of ordering materials in French,
a language
they're yet to master.
Paul: It's too early
to be doing interiors.
Donna: Ha ha!
Dick, voice-over:
It's at times like this
a little French
can go a long way.
I was going to ask the guy
to cut some of this material
so we can now use it
for the windows.
[Speaking French]
Ok.
Someone needs to cut it then.
We cut...
So deux length?
Dick, voice-over: I hope Paul
realizes he's bought two meters.
Thanks.
Donna: Merci. Au revoir.
Dick, voice-over:
Now the small matter of paying.
Paul: No.
Donna: Can we get one?
A card?
Paul: No, we don't have one,
but we'd like one.
We shall take this,
and we shall read.
Dick, voice-over:
Don't worry, guys.
You'll get the hang of it soon.
Donna: People have been
very friendly and helpful.
Even if our French is limited,
we've managed to get, you know,
what we went in for.
Paul:
You just need to embrace it.
No point being scared about it.
Just embrace it, and people
will help when they can,
and if not,
we'll find a solution.
Dick, voice-over:
Back at Donna and Paul's,
before starting
on more renovations,
they need to prep a room
for Donna's parents,
who are arriving from the U.K.
in 4 days' time.
Donna: I just want to check
the bed in there
for my mom and dad just to make
sure it's comfortable enough.
To me, it's sloping towards
the wall by and inch,
and inch and a half.
Paul: I think the bed is fine.
It's probably the floor.
I can already tell
your head's way below.
Donna: Yeah, it is.
Paul: You'll have all the blood
to your head.
You won't wake up.
Donna: Ha ha!
You can really feel
this is lower.
I feel it's a lot lower
than my feet.
Yeah. No.
That's not good.
Oh, yeah, that's better.
I think this is fine.
I'm excited
about them being here.
I've not seen them
since March.
I want to share this
with them, you know,
share this experience
with them.
Dick, voice-over:
It's the end of the first day
in their new home.
Time to eat if they can
rustle up the essentials.
Donna:
Paul, do you want to find
the couple bits of cutlery
we have?
Paul:
The two forks and two knives?
Donna: Ha!
Paul: Yeah. I'll find them.
Donna: It's nice.
This is our first meal.
It feels more like home now.
Dick, voice-over: And that is
a cause for celebration.
Well done, guys.
You've made your first foray
into chateau life.
Paul: Cheers, sweetheart.
Donna: Cheers.
To Chateau de Sauge.
Paul: Chateau de Sauge.
Dick, voice-over:
Just under 120 miles south,
near Bordeaux,
it's two days before Ed
and Anna's first wedding
of the season.
With guests arriving tomorrow,
Ed is off on a shopping trip
for barrels to use as supports
for a bar.
While Anna's decided to try
and fix a broken toilet seat
in one of the guest rooms.
Anna: I'm going to struggle.
Dick, voice-over:
6 months' pregnant,
Anna's meant
to be taking it easy,
and she's no D.I.Y.er.
I'm having more respect for Ed.
I thought this would be
much easier.
This is really hard.
One done.
I thought I would like D.I.Y.,
but I hate it now.
Ah!
[Watch ringing]
Ed?
Edward: Yep?
Anna: I was trying to help you
with the toilet seat,
but part of the attachment,
I mean,
it just went down the toilet.
Edward: Ok, well, there's a--
Argh!
Well, just don't flush
the toilet.
Anna: Ok.
Dick, voice-over:
Ed's finally back
after a 3-hour shopping trip
with barrels ready
to assemble the bar.
Edward: My god, it's heavy.
How's that toilet seat going?
Anna: I did it.
I never felt so proud.
Dick, voice-over: I think that
might be quite a positive spin
you're giving there, Anna.
Edward: Oh, my god.
I might just get
a whole new one
and start again.
Anna: Why?
I didn't throw anything?
Edward: Ah.
Ok, so that's
meant to be like that.
Dick, voice-over: Toilet fixed,
but there's no time to rest.
The wedding flowers
have arrived.
Edward: Ha ha!
Anna: Super, super.
Dick, voice-over: Mother-in-law
Barbara is helping out,
but a stickler for detail,
Anna has spotted a problem.
Anna:
I didn't order this.
Anna: I love the color,
but that's not what we ordered.
I ordered red, and I never
ordered those little
white things.
Because I ordered 36 like this.
Barbara:
I can't believe this.
Anna:
There's flowers missing.
We're going to have to go
back out now
to get some other flowers
because otherwise,
we can't do the window ledges.
I'm going to have to send
my mother-in-law
to the guys that sent it.
They're going to be
4 or 5 times the price.
I thought the toilet seat was
hard, but this is more annoying
because the thing
that is my favorite type,
I can't get right
because they got it wrong.
Dick, voice-over: With the bride
and groom arriving tomorrow
and expecting the chateau
to be ready for their
outdoor reception,
let's hope Anna and Ed can get
the replacement plants in time.
Over 300 miles north,
interior designer Adam
and friend Lisa
are continuing their search
for the perfect chateau to buy.
They've traveled to Normandy
to see their second property,
this impressive
19th-century petit chateau.
Estate agent Jill
will show them around.
Jill: Hi.
Adam: I'm Adam.
Nice to meet you.
Jill: Hi, Adam.
Adam: Nice to meet you.
This is Lisa.
Jill: Hi, Lisa. How are you?
Adam: This is amazing.
Jill: I know it.
Dick, voice-over:
Set in just 4 acres,
it has 8 bedrooms
arranged over two floors.
And several outbuildings
with business potential
for Adam to develop
into a design school
or a yoga retreat.
Adam: Looking at it online,
it looks better in the flesh.
The photographs are good,
but you don't get the scale.
I'm dying to get in.
Jill: Yes. Come on, then.
Adam: Thank you.
Dick, voice-over:
At just over £500,000,
it's well within
Adam's £800,000 budget.
But as Adam admits,
he's quite picky,
and it takes a lot
to impress him.
Adam: Wow!
Lisa: Such a lovely
wide hallway, huh?
Adam: I love these double doors
either side.
So this floor would potentially
be original.
Yeah, it's beautiful.
And I love black and white.
Jill: Ok, let's have a look
through here.
Adam: I love the palette.
This is fantastic, Jill.
All of it is paneled
with fabric, the whole room.
Jill: It's unusual, isn't it?
Adam: It's unusual.
It just like all the woodwork,
all the original doors.
I love the symmetry
of the rooms.
They're not enormous, but
because of the high ceiling,
they feel very glamorous.
Do you like it, Lisa?
Lisa: Fantastic
what we've seen so far.
Adam: I like the symmetry.
Dick, voice-over: This is going
remarkably well so far.
And across the home, the dining
room is equally impressive.
Lisa:
Look at that wood burner.
Adam: Yeah, that's fantastic.
Jill: That heats
most of the downstairs.
It really does throw out
the heat.
Can I actually see the kitchen,
how it is now?
Jill: Of course you can, yeah.
Through this way.
Adam: Through here.
It's tiny, Jill.
It's a tiny, tiny kitchen.
I don't like it at all.
Lisa: Oh, lord.
Jill: Yeah.
So I think you need
to live in a place like this
before you decide
what changes you want to make.
Adam: I think I've decided
to rent it.
Yeah, I think I know
what I want to do, Jill.
Because I get it.
I just get the space.
It's what I do
is space planning.
And I walk in, and I just know
exactly how my vision is, yeah.
Jill: What would you do?
Adam: I know this bit
is added on.
Jill: Yeah.
Adam: Part of me,
my head is thinking maybe
just take it down altogether.
Lisa: Oh, no.
Knocking this down?
Adam: You don't think
it's a good idea?
Lisa: Not at all.
Adam: Great big skiff
on the drive
and get this kitchen out.
Lisa: Oh, god.
Adam: Get it gone.
I mean, it's functional,
but if you had a choice,
I wouldn't want to be in here.
Jill: No, I understand.
Adam: Saying that, Jill,
I don't really cook.
Jill: Ok.
Adam: So...ha ha!
So I might not really need it
anyway.
Jill: Ok, come on, let's
have a look at the bedrooms.
Dick, voice-over: Upstairs
there are plenty of bedrooms
that could be perfect
for B&B guests.
That's if they meet
Adam's exacting standards.
Jill: So what do you think
of this?
Adam: This is
a really good-size room.
Beautiful floor;
height of ceilings, fantastic;
windows, amazing; fireplace,
good; size of the room, good.
And the decor?
My gut feeling is that
it almost needs to be
demodernized in places
really in a way I would like
en suite bathrooms.
Jill: I think the bedroom is
probably big enough to put in
a shower and toilet.
Could be done easily.
Adam: Yeah.
I'd have to really think
about it,
but there's something--there's
enough space to fit one in,
yeah, there's enough space
to fit it in.
But the bare bones are there
which is good.
Dick, voice-over: If you
don't love it, don't buy it.
Adam: It's phenomenal,
but I want it maybe to be
a bit more chateau-y,
to be a bit more
la grande chateau maybe.
I don't know.
I want to keep looking
and just go up a size.
So next I'm thinking
potentially--
Lisa: The palace.
Adam: The Palace at Versailles.
But that aside,
I'm thinking maybe the Pyrenees
for the skiing.
I'm weighing up ski, beach.
I'm going to drive you mental
over it if possible.
Lisa: That's already happened.
Adam: Ha ha!
Dick, voice-over:
Well, two down
and Adam hasn't found
his perfect chateau.
So he's visiting the Pyrenees
to see if he can strike lucky.
50 miles inland
from La Rochelle,
new chateau owners
Donna and Paul
are just beginning
to settle in.
Donna: Ah, it's a lovely view
from here.
Dick, voice-over:
Today Donna's parents
are flying in from England,
and they may decide
to move in permanently,
so their room needs to be ready.
Donna: I think that's fine,
isn't it?
Paul: Other than the need for
wallpaper and the slanting floor
and the leaning bed.
Dick, voice-over: Until
their renovations are done,
the facilities are rather basic,
like their bathroom up the hall.
Paul: What height is your mom?
Donna: Ha ha.
Paul: I couldn't put it
any higher.
Donna: Not that short.
Well, it will do as
a temporary measure, won't it?
Paul: Temporary?
Dick, voice-over: There's
so much still to sort out,
and Paul and Donna are
getting their to-do list
for the entire project
down on paper--
wallpaper.
What a list. It's essential to
capture absolutely everything.
Donna: Weatherproof.
Paul: Yeah, and secure.
Donna: Secure.
Dick, voice-over: Donna's
hoping to get her parents
involved in the renovations
as much as possible.
Donna: Given that there's going
to be 4 of us working on this,
at any time any of us can see
what's needed doing
and pick up a job
or hopefully cross off a job.
Dick, voice-over:
I get it,
but isn't this list
going to scare mom and dad?
5 hours later, after the long
journey from Hartlepool,
Donna's parents arrive
at the chateau.
Donna: Bonjour!
Mother: Bonjour.
Donna: Ha ha!
They stuffed you in the back
with dad.
Mother: Yes.
Donna: You've got him
in the back like a sardine.
Mother: Yeah.
Donna: Hi, dad.
Dad: Hiya.
Donna: You all right?
Dad: Just wrung out.
Donna: Yeah.
Oh, come and see if you can
remember what it looked like.
Dick, voice-over: Paul and Donna
don't waste anytime
before sharing their chores.
Mother: What, is this what
you're going to do?
Donna: No,
this is your list of jobs.
Mother: Ha ha!
Donna: Each day
you have to pick a job.
Mother: Do we get a badge
as well if we do a good job?
Donna: You can have a bunch
if you want.
Paul: Come in.
There's more than one room.
Donna: Keep on walking.
Dick, voice-over:
And wait till they see
the full extent of the work.
Donna: This is the one
with the fabulous fireplace.
It looks like something
that should be in a kitchen.
I don't know why
it's upstairs.
Isn't it lovely?
Look at those beams.
Dad: Oh, yes.
Donna: The views are beautiful.
Look at that tree there.
Dick, voice-over:
The house is impressive,
but I'm not sure they're
going to be quite so impressed
with the bathroom facilities.
Donna: So this shower, we didn't
want to go to the expense
of putting
a whole new screen in
because this is all
going to come out.
Mother: Yes.
Donna: So between us we came up
with kind of a net hook
and a table cloth.
Doesn't give you full coverage,
but it stops the spray of water
all over the floor there.
Mother: Could be worse.
Donna: Yeah, it could be worse.
Ha ha!
Yes.
Paul: [Indistinct]
Donna: This is your room.
Mother: Ah, yes.
Donna:
You get a carpeted room.
Ha ha!
Mother: That's nice.
Donna: Is it ok?
Mother: Oh, yes.
Donna: You've got the sunshine
coming through the window.
Mother: Yes.
Dad: We've been looking forward
to it, haven't we?
Mother: Yeah, we have.
And it would be nice
to be back with our daughter.
We've always got on well. It
will be great being with them.
Dad: Yeah.
Donna: Woo!
Now they're here,
it's becoming
more and more real.
It's great. Family should be
together as much as possible.
And to Chateau de Sauge.
Paul: New guests.
Donna: And to us!
Mother: And to you.
Donna: And to you!
Dick, voice-over: It's good to
see a happy family reunion,
and I hope it stays that way
as these 4 have a lot
of hard work ahead of them.
Back at Anna and Edward's,
it's the day before the first
wedding of the season,
and things aren't going to plan.
The wedding couple
desperately want to have
an outdoor ceremony
and reception.
But tomorrow's weather forecast
is bad.
To make matters worse,
the florist has delivered
the wrong colored geraniums
to dress the courtyard.
Anna: We still need to go out
and get some deep red ones
instead of peachy, orangey ones
and pink ones that they sent.
So that's still not done.
Dick, voice-over: Ed's mom has
gone to pick up more plants
because the bride and groom
are due to arrive soon.
Edward: I've got the bar to do,
so it should be a quick job.
Let's see.
Dick, voice-over:
Ed's building a bar with a front
made out of old wine cases.
Edward: There we go.
In between the two barrels,
we're going to hide
any wine, glasses, bins
that we have behind the bar.
And then we just put
a simple oak top on top.
Ok, so we've got all of these
already in here.
Dick, voice-over: He'll fix them
onto a large piece of plywood,
which will float the bar
between the barrels.
Edward: Let's see
how it's looking.
Man: Et voila.
Edward:
Come and have a look.
Dick, voice-over: So will
it meet Anna's standards?
Anna:
That's looking really nice.
Edward: If I can get
everything tidied up
before the bride
and groom arrive,
I'll be really happy.
Dick, voice-over: Ed's mom
is back from the garden center
with plants to replace those
that Anna wasn't happy with.
Anna: Thank god for that.
The first thing they're going
to see is this courtyard,
and this has to look right.
There we go.
Dick, voice-over:
The pressure's on to get
the courtyard decorated
ahead of the bride and groom's
imminent arrival.
Anna: We're still planting,
and it's literally
20 minutes
before the clients get here.
Dick, voice-over: Final push,
and they're done.
Just in the nick of time.
Here's the bridal couple
ahead of their big day tomorrow.
Edward: Nice to see you.
Vicky: You, too.
Anna: That is another guest.
Dick, voice-over:
Bride and groom Vicky and Gordon
and their families
are soon settled in.
Gordon: From the beginning we
wanted to do something abroad,
so we were looking at Italy,
and then we were looking
at France.
We did a ton of research.
You did a short list
that was very detailed,
which included this place,
and then I think by the time
we kind of came over
and we met Ed and Anna
and we came to see this place
for the first time,
it was a no brainer,
wasn't it?
Vicky: It's amazing.
I mean, we booked it before we'd
even actually seen the venue.
Dick, voice-over: For the couple
to have the outdoor wedding
they want,
the weather has to be right.
Extra stress for Anna and Ed.
Anna: So there's a 40%, it said,
chance of rain at 2 P.M.,
which is the time where we're
meant to have the ceremony.
It adds on extra pressure.
Even though we try to
protect the tables,
we can still get everything wet,
and that would be catastrophe.
Dick, voice-over:
Let's hope that sun comes out.
Next time, relentless D.I.Y.
becomes a sore point
for new owners
Donna and Paul.
Paul: My hands are sore.
They have been for
the last 5 weeks.
Donna: Everything's sore.
Ha ha!
Yeah, I found muscles
that I didn't know existed.
[Raining]
Anna: Oh, my god.
Dick, voice-over:
Clouds gather
over the start of
Anna and Ed's wedding season.
Edward: We can't ruin
the wedding meal
by eating outside
in the rain,
and it quite clearly will be
in the rain.
And look at that massive wave
coming behind?
It's not this.
It's worse than this.
Dick, voice-over: And Adam
may finally have found
his dream chateau.
Adam: It's understated charm,
but then it has
this amazing presence about it.
I'm Dick Strawbridge.
Along with my wife, Angel,
and our two children...
Dorothy: I've got it!
Dick, voice-over: ...we're
nearly 5 years into restoring
this once-abandoned chateau.
Angel: There's something quite
sort of majestic about it.
It's like living in the clouds?
Dick, voice-over:
It's been demanding.
Yet truly fulfilling.
Angel: It's made me feel
a bit mushy and a bit emotional.
Dick, voice-over: And with
thousands of chateaus in France,
we're not the only Brits buying
into the French fairy tale.
Adam: Oh, my goodness.
This is amazing.
Dick, voice-over: Angel and I
are once again helping
our fellow expats...
This is a big old bill.
Dick, voice-over:
...as they embark
on a brand-new set
of chateau adventures.
Woman: Ah! Ah!
Dick, voice-over:
And we'll reveal more
about our own chateau life.
No, monsieur Dick.
Angel: Ha ha!
Dick, voice-over: It'll be
a roller coaster ride.
Whoa!
[Crack]
Rebecca: Ah! No.
Dick, voice-over:
But no matter what...
Rebecca: I'm just going to try
not to cry.
Dick, voice-over:
...these plucky Brits...
Stephanie:
Are we doing this
with all the
technological accomplishments
of the ancient Egyptians?
Dick, voice-over:
...are determined to transform
once-unloved buildings...
into the most spectacular homes.
That is amazing.
Dick, voice-over:
To live the dream
as custodians
of the very own castles.
Today...
Anna: I did it.
Dick, voice-over:
...we revisit
some familiar faces.
Edward:
If worse comes to worse
and they don't turn up
on time,
on Saturday I go and get
mushroom heaters.
Dick, voice-over:
...as they battle
to get everything finished
before the wedding party
arrives.
Anna: We're still planting,
and it's literally
30 minutes
before they clients get here.
Dick, voice-over:
A would-be chateau owner
checks out what's on the market.
Adam: Wow!
This is absolutely unbelievable.
It's like a fairy tale castle.
But he's a hard man to please.
Adam: I want it to be like
bigger like that, both wings.
Dick, voice-over:
And brand-new chateau owners...
Woman: Yes!
Here we are.
Dick, voice-over: ...struggle
to crack the lingo.
Paul: How's your French?
Donna: [Speaking French]
Paul:
Door. The menu throws me.
Donna: Yeah.
Across France there are
many chateau-owning Brits
who have built up businesses
so they can afford to live
in elegant surroundings
steeped
in extraordinary history.
Like Edward from Stockport,
his Kosovon wife, Anna,
and their 4-year-old son
Charles,
who live in this stunning
15th-century Chateau Lagorce
that they run
as a wedding venue.
Anna: We are part
of their special day.
We make friends for life.
We love it.
Edward: One thing
you can't control is weather.
Anna: I know, or the wedding
dress that doesn't fit,
but let's not go there.
Ha ha!
It happened.
Dick, voice-over: Located
in Haux, just outside Bordeaux,
the 22-bedroom chateau was
bought by Edward's family
16 years ago.
When we first met them
last summer,
they were in the midst
of the wedding season,
which came with
its set of challenges.
Anna: Now, we were meant to have
a surprise fireworks display
at 11 P.M.
We have to make it happen
no matter what.
Dick, voice-over: Ed usually
looks after the buildings
whilst Anna is
chief wedding planner.
However, this summer the couple
are facing a new challenge.
Edward: We have a little one
on the way,
so Anna's not going to be able
to do all the weddings.
She's going to have to take
more of a back seat,
and I'm going to have
to be doing a bit more
of the coordination.
Anna: I'm going to find it
very hard
because I'm very picky.
Edward: It's hugely important
that Anna can relax towards
the birth. Ha!
If you can relax
towards the birth.
Dick, voice-over: With
30 weddings already booked in,
Edward has big shoes to fill
as the new chief
wedding planner.
Edward: She's really
much more attention to detail.
I'm hoping he's going to be
able to do things my way.
Edward: Control freak
kind of springs to mind.
Anna: Yes.
Dick, voice-over: The wedding
season starts in only a month,
but they've had a cancellation
and want to secure
another booking.
Edward: Hello.
Anna: Hi, guys.
Dick, voice-over:
Their latest potential couple
are Georgia and Adam.
So it's over to Ed
to persuade them.
Anna: See you in a little bit,
guys.
Adam: Thank you.
Edward: Were you guys
looking for a ceremony outside
rather than in a church?
Adam: Yes.
Georgia: Yeah.
Edward: Ok.
Well, normally we'd have
the ceremony set up
in semi-circle.
Let's go down and have a look.
Anna: He started to talk to you
about the ceremony here
where normally you
talk about that down there,
but that's personal choice.
Dick, voice-over:
With Anna watching closely,
the pressure's on Ed to sell the
chateau as the perfect venue.
Edward:
The pool's actually heated.
Adam:
Oh, the kids will love that.
Georgia: Yeah. Ha!
Edward: This is where
the ceremony would be.
This is a private lake.
Georgia: Lighthouse.
Anna: I think now it's possible
about the lake,
that you can fish there,
and that's like something
I know about briefly,
but that's not essential
about the wedding.
I'm pretty sure
it's something about that.
Edward: You're a fairly
large number, 150, yeah?
Georgia: Yeah.
Edward: So it might work better
to have your canapés down here.
Georgia: OK.
Adam: Oh, wow.
Anna: It's hard when
someone else has taken over
and everyone does things
their way.
Edward: This is almost
a blanket of green.
Adam: Yeah.
Yeah, it's beautiful.
Anna: Maybe his way is not bad,
but it's not completely my way.
Edward: When we got married,
we had our portrait photos here,
so if you wanted to do
some portrait photos,
it's the perfect place
to do them.
Adam: Yeah.
The tour was fantastic.
Georgia:
The chateau is amazing.
Adam: It's beautiful.
It's got so much space,
and we love it.
It's not final, but we're
very, very, very happy
with what we've seen.
Dick, voice-over: Let's see
if Anna is just as impressed
by Ed's tour-guiding skills.
Anna: I'm feeling
a little bit nervous
about the situation,
but it is getting
slightly better,
especially seeing, like, a smile
on the couple's faces.
Dick, voice-over: All they can
do now is wait for a decision
from the couple.
In the meantime, they need to
turn their attention to the
first wedding of the season
in just a month's time.
The British are big investors
in French property,
snapping up around
1/3 of those sold to
international buyers.
Hoping to join the growing band
of expat chateau owners
is interior designer Adam
from Warwickshire.
You're getting a lot more
for your money out here.
The architecture
is insane.
The cuisine is
really, really good.
I like the people.
Dick, voice-over: Since
renting out his U.K. home
and moving in with his mother,
Adam's ready to use his savings
and a mortgage
to fund up to £800,000
for the right place.
Adam: I'm wanting for my chateau
a home that I can decorate
and make it look luxurious,
and I just want to be able to
get everything out of storage
and make a lasagna
in a nice kitchen,
and don't get me wrong,
I'm really relaxed
at my Mom's house.
I love it, it's so lovely.
But I've put on weight
because obviously she's
cooking lots for me,
which is not great.
Dick, voice-over:
Adam has ambitious plans
and wants to find a chateau with
space for his business ideas.
Adam: A design school,
a yoga retreat maybe,
an artist retreat,
any kind of inspirational
creative space.
I want to live
the French dream.
Dick, voice-over: The first
chateau Adam is viewing
is La Boissiere,
just 33 miles south
of our place.
His friend Lisa is helping him.
Adam: Oh, my goodness, Lisa.
That's absolutely unbelievable.
Dick, voice-over: Their meeting
estate agent David.
Adam: It's phenomenal.
What a great building
David:
And welcome to the chateau.
Adam: Thank you very much.
David: A step back in time.
Dick, voice-over:
Sympathetically restored
by the current owners,
the 14th-century
Chateau de la Boissiere
has a stunning
circular staircase...
leading to rooms
with an abundance
of original features.
And 5 spacious bedrooms.
David: You have to imagine
this going back to the 1200s
when this was just a watchtower.
At that particular point in time
France was quite fragmented,
so to the north
we have the Bretons,
to the south we had the Anjous.
It was added to over the next
couple of hundred years
to be in a proper
defensive position.
Adam: And is that a balcony
at the top of the--
David: That is a balcony,
and that overlooks
the countryside,
and you can see for miles.
Adam: Ok, ok.
Dick, voice-over:
Set in 11 acres of land,
the chateau is surrounded
by a moat
and has several outbuildings
that could be perfect
for Adam's business ideas.
And at just under £518,000,
it's below budget.
David: This part here...
Adam: Yeah.
David: ...wasn't there
until the 1850s.
Adam: Ok, ok.
David: So what used to be along
here would be the ramparts
and what was put up in its place
was an official stone farmhouse.
You can make as many bedrooms
as you want
going all the way
to the very end.
Adam: Interesting.
It's definitely got me
thinking, definitely.
Yeah, it's definitely
got me thinking.
Dick, voice-over:
So far so good.
Now for a peek inside.
Adam: Wow!
This is absolutely unbelievable.
Fantastic staircase.
This is phenomenal.
It's like a fairy tale castle.
Dick, voice-over: The impressive
17th-century Chateau de Sauge,
with 4 acres of land,
11 outbuildings,
and 45 rooms
was recently snapped up
for £279,000 by Donna
and husband Paul.
The couple,
who spent the last decade
living and working in Dubai,
are moving in today.
Donna: We fell in love
with the architecture.
Where else could you buy
a piece of history like this
for the money we've paid?
Situated 50 miles east
of La Rochelle,
the chateau needs
some major restoration work,
but Paul and Donna are
determined to make it
a B&B and events venue.
Paul: We were optimistic
by nature.
I think anyone that takes on
a project like this
needs to be.
Donna: Our friends and family
think we are totally crazy,
don't they?
Paul: But I think
they always have.
Dick, voice-over:
Having given up their jobs,
they need to be up and running
and generating an income
in just 6 months' time.
Everything that
we've worked for up to now
is going in to make this
a success.
And that's why it can't fail.
It's not an option,
failure.
Dick, voice-over: Today their
hopes and plans become reality.
The chateau is theirs,
and there's no turning back.
Paul:
You got the box of keys?
Donna: Ah.
I've no idea which one fits.
Dick, voice-over:
With so many keys,
finding the right one
could be tricky.
[Indistinct]
Donna: No? That one?
Paul: No. That's progress.
Donna: Is it? Yes!
Ah! Here we are.
Dick, voice-over: They've
renovated a 400-year-old cottage
in Scotland
but nothing
can quite prepare you
for the full-blown
neglected-chateau experience.
Paul: That's not so great,
but...
Donna: Oh, yeah. There's
obviously been some damp issue.
Paul: One of many, I'm sure.
Donna: Yeah. Ha ha!
Paul: Let's go find
no other damp issues.
Donna: Yeah.
Paul: That needs work.
Donna: Yeah.
Awful cobwebs.
Paul: The electrics are...
Donna: Pretty bad.
Crack that.
Paul: And here's some.
Donna: Oh! Ha ha!
Paul: Let's cover it back up.
Dick, voice-over:
They need to get at least two
of the 8 bedrooms converted
into en suite rooms and kick off
their B&B business
before their savings run out.
As well as a mammoth
renovation, project,
the pair have another challenge
on their hands
and one almost as big.
Paul: How's your French?
Dick, voice-over:
Learning the language.
Paul: "No entry door menu."
Do not enter.
Donna: Ne pas. It's...
Paul: Door.
Donna: Ha ha!
Paul: Perfect.
The menu throws me.
Donna: Yeah.
Dick, voice-over: Hmm.
Take it from me,
learning French is essential.
125 miles north at our place,
we know all about starting
a renovation from scratch.
Often one of the first hurdles
for a chateau owner
is getting electricity
to power the building.
I have now got one socket
in the whole chateau,
but, oh, well!
We have electricity.
Dick, voice-over:
With may have had electricity,
but the chateau did have issues.
Supposed to have 230 volts.
We've got 196 volts.
That is absolutely abysmal.
As well as low voltage,
we didn't have enough power
for the coach house,
which we converted into a home
for Angel's mom and dad,
Jenny and Steve.
There is absolutely
masses of work to be done.
We had the electricity company
increase the power
into the chateau.
Then we'd have enough
to share with the coach house.
Now Jenny and Steve
will have enough power
to turn their kettle on,
turn some bits and pieces on.
We've got enough power to
still be stingy but to use it.
I might just go
and put a fan on or something.
Ha ha!
With our electrics
up to strength,
the challenge was laying
40 meters of cable
around the edge of the moat
to the coach house.
We've got an underground
very heavy cable
that's going to want it
to join them.
We get twice as much energy as
we've ever had in the chateau.
Jenny and Steve get some
because we spoil them,
and if I need more
in the chateau,
I'll just turn them off.
We could have taken the whole
thing underground all the way,
but we don't know where
our telephone lines are.
That's your internet
and everything else.
Nobody can tell us
where it is.
So we just stayed away from it.
I roped in worker Richard
to help clear undergrowth
at the edge of the moat
to attach the new cable.
[Splash]
Oh, Richard!
Just hold on a second, mate.
The tractor's coming
with the rope.
Come on, Steve, get a move on!
I got a man in the water here!
One down!
Back very slowly, very slowly.
Keep going. Keep going.
Keep going.
International rescue,
another day for thunderbirds.
He was wet anyway.
So Richard finished the job,
and we laid the cable
right around the moat
and into the coach house
ready for me to start
the internal wiring.
I need to get all the sockets on
so that we can start building.
So my job is to make sure
that all the wiring is going
to the right place.
My little box is on the end,
ready to go.
And I think
we're just about there.
Right. There we go.
4 months later,
and Jenny and Steve's new home
had enough power so that
lighting and electrical mod cons
can all be on at the same time.
Worth that extra effort
and an accidental dip
for Richard.
Dick, voice-over: Over 240 miles
away at Chateau Lagorce,
Anna and Ed are busy
making it look its best,
ready for the first wedding
of the season
in just two days' time.
Edward: Ok.
[Thud]
Whoops. Ha.
I'm mister clumsy.
Ok.
Dick, voice-over:
Anna is 6 months' pregnant
and is supposed to be
taking things easier.
But there's always
new challenges to deal with.
Anna: I've had a message
from the bride.
Edward: Mm-hmm.
Anna: And because
of the weather,
she would like
some mushroom heaters.
Edward: Ok.
Anna: It's pretty cold.
I mean, it's only
17, 18 degrees,
and to sit down
and have dinner outside,
they can't be there for 3 hours.
So the bride called us,
and she wants mushroom heaters.
We get these ones
delivered on Saturday.
Edward: 6 of these
delivered on Saturday.
Anna: Yeah, I think that
would make more sense.
Normally things like this
I arrange at least one or two
months in advance.
And we're not even 40 hours
before the wedding,
so it's--it's tricky.
Edward: Worse comes to worse
and they don't turn up on time
on Saturday,
I'll go and get
mushroom heaters,
but I can't stand
mushroom heaters.
Anna: Well, neither can I,
but there's nothing I can do.
Ok, so I bought these ones.
2,100 watts.
Worse case if we can't
get those,
that means as the wedding
is happening,
Edward is going to have
to leave me on my own
and try and find
whatever he can.
Edward: We're going to have
to have cables going across
the terrace, though.
Anna: Well,
there's nothing I can do.
Dick, voice-over: That's
extra stress Anna doesn't need
when she's meant to be
reducing her workload
with Ed taking on
more of her responsibilities.
An important step
is a lesson for Ed
in shopping for
wedding essentials.
Edward:
What colors do you need?
Anna:
The very wedding blue ones.
We need white, cream.
We'll go for two of these,
and then when we run out,
you know where they are
so you can always come
and get some more.
Edward: No, I'm going to
take photos of that.
Dick, voice-over:
Excellent idea.
Ed's really trying to remember
everything,
so a star for effort.
Edward: I knew we were
coming for ribbons.
Haven't got a clue
what they were for.
It is such a small detail,
and Anna's just so on top
of all of those.
It's going to be really hard,
hence why I'm taking photos.
Quite a lot of knowledge
she has.
Anna: That one. Hmm.
Edward: Yeah, they'll do
for the buffet cheeses
and fruits and...yeah?
Anna: Yeah. I like it.
Edward: What else
do you need now, Anna?
Anna: So the shopping trip is
going to be different this time
because Ed is checking
everything I'm choosing.
This looks cute.
Edward:
I think it's going to break.
Oh, really,
that's not wood. No.
Anna:
He's been more controlling.
He's been more me.
Edward: Here are
some new wine glasses.
Anna: You like those?
Edward: I can just get two.
Anna: It's not what I wanted,
but yeah.
Dick, voice-over: Looks like
Anna's managing to let Ed
take charge.
Anna: We got some of the things
we needed.
Ed chose these.
They're different.
I wouldn't have gone for them,
but why not?
Edward: We have some couples
that have come for
a real good time,
and we've got them in stock now.
Anna: I'm definitely trying
to be a more easier Anna
and taking-a-step-back Anna.
Dick, voice-over: Easy Anna
doesn't look very easy.
Keep trying, Ed.
Just over 200 miles north
in Mayenne,
in our neck of the woods,
interior designer Adam
and friend Lisa
are viewing
Chateau de la Boissier.
It's on the market
at just under £518,000.
And the outbuildings seem
to have the right potential
for Adam's
interior design school idea.
Now they're ready to see
if the inside of the chateau
can pass muster.
Adam: Wow! This is
absolutely unbelievable.
Fantastic staircase.
Tight stairs all the way
to the very top.
This is phenomenal.
It's like a fairy tale castle.
David: Shall we go upstairs?
Adam: Yeah.
David: After you.
Dick, voice-over:
This 14th-century chateau
has the main reception room
on the first floor.
Adam: Wow.
This is an amazing room.
Stunning.
Massive great big beams.
Massive fireplace.
Just imagine a big hog roast
rolling around, rolling around.
We can see down onto the moat.
I love how the moat goes
all the way around, David.
That's phenomenal.
Lisa: I'm just gob smacked
by it.
It's amazing. It's beautiful.
Adam:
It's very fairy tale.
Dick, voice-over: Adam's looking
pretty impressed so far.
Adam: Wow. This is
a really cute kitchen.
David:
This wasn't the kitchen.
This would have been
something completely separate,
sort of a storage area.
And indeed just over here
would have been the access
to the toilet.
Adam: Nice. That's a really
lovely touch, isn't it?
David: It all ended up
in the moats back in the day.
Adam:
Ok. And that's quite gross.
David: Ha ha!
Dick, voice-over:
Don't worry, Adam,
the chateau's been modernized
over the last 30 years.
So I'm sure there's
some proper flushing loos, too.
Adam: I like it.
It's got a great feel to it.
David: It gets better.
Adam: Ok.
David: Come on.
Let's have a look.
Adam: Can we go upstairs?
David: We can go upstairs.
Adam: I love this width
of staircase.
David: Ok, and what is now
a bedroom.
Adam: Wow. Great room.
Massive bedroom.
I'm not convinced yet
it's going to be big enough.
I just don't know that
I want it to be, like, bigger,
like that, both wings.
And I wanted the bedrooms
to be ready to be en suite.
Dick, voice-over: Traditionally
few fairy tale chateaus
came with en suites.
Adam: But I love it.
I think it's phenomenal.
I'm not making a judgment
just yet, I'm just verbalizing.
Dick, voice-over: Time to check
the top of the chateau.
Adam: Wow!
What an amazing view.
I can see now
why it was a watchtower.
Unbelievable.
Dick, voice-over: The
14th-century tower and terrace,
a stunning feature.
Adam: In another world, Lisa,
would you buy this?
Lisa: I could.
Adam: Lisa loves it.
I think it's fabulous,
but I'm not in love with it
if I'm honest enough,
and it's a bit high.
David: Ha ha!
Adam:
It's a little bit too high,
and I'm going in.
I'm going that way.
I'm quite
a tricky, picky person,
and I know exactly
what I do and don't like.
Architecture is not quite right
for me,
and this isn't quite
the right location.
And I think it's a bit
landlocked here as well
in a way.
I think I'd quite like to be
maybe by the sea,
[Indistinct]
Lisa: Oh, god.
Dick, voice-over:
It pays to understand
the location and architecture
you're after
before you start looking.
Lisa, are you up for this?
It could be a long one.
50 miles from La Rochelle,
brand-new chateau owners
Donna and Paul
are visiting their local
D.I.Y. store.
It's going to give them
their first taste
of ordering materials in French,
a language
they're yet to master.
Paul: It's too early
to be doing interiors.
Donna: Ha ha!
Dick, voice-over:
It's at times like this
a little French
can go a long way.
I was going to ask the guy
to cut some of this material
so we can now use it
for the windows.
[Speaking French]
Ok.
Someone needs to cut it then.
We cut...
So deux length?
Dick, voice-over: I hope Paul
realizes he's bought two meters.
Thanks.
Donna: Merci. Au revoir.
Dick, voice-over:
Now the small matter of paying.
Paul: No.
Donna: Can we get one?
A card?
Paul: No, we don't have one,
but we'd like one.
We shall take this,
and we shall read.
Dick, voice-over:
Don't worry, guys.
You'll get the hang of it soon.
Donna: People have been
very friendly and helpful.
Even if our French is limited,
we've managed to get, you know,
what we went in for.
Paul:
You just need to embrace it.
No point being scared about it.
Just embrace it, and people
will help when they can,
and if not,
we'll find a solution.
Dick, voice-over:
Back at Donna and Paul's,
before starting
on more renovations,
they need to prep a room
for Donna's parents,
who are arriving from the U.K.
in 4 days' time.
Donna: I just want to check
the bed in there
for my mom and dad just to make
sure it's comfortable enough.
To me, it's sloping towards
the wall by and inch,
and inch and a half.
Paul: I think the bed is fine.
It's probably the floor.
I can already tell
your head's way below.
Donna: Yeah, it is.
Paul: You'll have all the blood
to your head.
You won't wake up.
Donna: Ha ha!
You can really feel
this is lower.
I feel it's a lot lower
than my feet.
Yeah. No.
That's not good.
Oh, yeah, that's better.
I think this is fine.
I'm excited
about them being here.
I've not seen them
since March.
I want to share this
with them, you know,
share this experience
with them.
Dick, voice-over:
It's the end of the first day
in their new home.
Time to eat if they can
rustle up the essentials.
Donna:
Paul, do you want to find
the couple bits of cutlery
we have?
Paul:
The two forks and two knives?
Donna: Ha!
Paul: Yeah. I'll find them.
Donna: It's nice.
This is our first meal.
It feels more like home now.
Dick, voice-over: And that is
a cause for celebration.
Well done, guys.
You've made your first foray
into chateau life.
Paul: Cheers, sweetheart.
Donna: Cheers.
To Chateau de Sauge.
Paul: Chateau de Sauge.
Dick, voice-over:
Just under 120 miles south,
near Bordeaux,
it's two days before Ed
and Anna's first wedding
of the season.
With guests arriving tomorrow,
Ed is off on a shopping trip
for barrels to use as supports
for a bar.
While Anna's decided to try
and fix a broken toilet seat
in one of the guest rooms.
Anna: I'm going to struggle.
Dick, voice-over:
6 months' pregnant,
Anna's meant
to be taking it easy,
and she's no D.I.Y.er.
I'm having more respect for Ed.
I thought this would be
much easier.
This is really hard.
One done.
I thought I would like D.I.Y.,
but I hate it now.
Ah!
[Watch ringing]
Ed?
Edward: Yep?
Anna: I was trying to help you
with the toilet seat,
but part of the attachment,
I mean,
it just went down the toilet.
Edward: Ok, well, there's a--
Argh!
Well, just don't flush
the toilet.
Anna: Ok.
Dick, voice-over:
Ed's finally back
after a 3-hour shopping trip
with barrels ready
to assemble the bar.
Edward: My god, it's heavy.
How's that toilet seat going?
Anna: I did it.
I never felt so proud.
Dick, voice-over: I think that
might be quite a positive spin
you're giving there, Anna.
Edward: Oh, my god.
I might just get
a whole new one
and start again.
Anna: Why?
I didn't throw anything?
Edward: Ah.
Ok, so that's
meant to be like that.
Dick, voice-over: Toilet fixed,
but there's no time to rest.
The wedding flowers
have arrived.
Edward: Ha ha!
Anna: Super, super.
Dick, voice-over: Mother-in-law
Barbara is helping out,
but a stickler for detail,
Anna has spotted a problem.
Anna:
I didn't order this.
Anna: I love the color,
but that's not what we ordered.
I ordered red, and I never
ordered those little
white things.
Because I ordered 36 like this.
Barbara:
I can't believe this.
Anna:
There's flowers missing.
We're going to have to go
back out now
to get some other flowers
because otherwise,
we can't do the window ledges.
I'm going to have to send
my mother-in-law
to the guys that sent it.
They're going to be
4 or 5 times the price.
I thought the toilet seat was
hard, but this is more annoying
because the thing
that is my favorite type,
I can't get right
because they got it wrong.
Dick, voice-over: With the bride
and groom arriving tomorrow
and expecting the chateau
to be ready for their
outdoor reception,
let's hope Anna and Ed can get
the replacement plants in time.
Over 300 miles north,
interior designer Adam
and friend Lisa
are continuing their search
for the perfect chateau to buy.
They've traveled to Normandy
to see their second property,
this impressive
19th-century petit chateau.
Estate agent Jill
will show them around.
Jill: Hi.
Adam: I'm Adam.
Nice to meet you.
Jill: Hi, Adam.
Adam: Nice to meet you.
This is Lisa.
Jill: Hi, Lisa. How are you?
Adam: This is amazing.
Jill: I know it.
Dick, voice-over:
Set in just 4 acres,
it has 8 bedrooms
arranged over two floors.
And several outbuildings
with business potential
for Adam to develop
into a design school
or a yoga retreat.
Adam: Looking at it online,
it looks better in the flesh.
The photographs are good,
but you don't get the scale.
I'm dying to get in.
Jill: Yes. Come on, then.
Adam: Thank you.
Dick, voice-over:
At just over £500,000,
it's well within
Adam's £800,000 budget.
But as Adam admits,
he's quite picky,
and it takes a lot
to impress him.
Adam: Wow!
Lisa: Such a lovely
wide hallway, huh?
Adam: I love these double doors
either side.
So this floor would potentially
be original.
Yeah, it's beautiful.
And I love black and white.
Jill: Ok, let's have a look
through here.
Adam: I love the palette.
This is fantastic, Jill.
All of it is paneled
with fabric, the whole room.
Jill: It's unusual, isn't it?
Adam: It's unusual.
It just like all the woodwork,
all the original doors.
I love the symmetry
of the rooms.
They're not enormous, but
because of the high ceiling,
they feel very glamorous.
Do you like it, Lisa?
Lisa: Fantastic
what we've seen so far.
Adam: I like the symmetry.
Dick, voice-over: This is going
remarkably well so far.
And across the home, the dining
room is equally impressive.
Lisa:
Look at that wood burner.
Adam: Yeah, that's fantastic.
Jill: That heats
most of the downstairs.
It really does throw out
the heat.
Can I actually see the kitchen,
how it is now?
Jill: Of course you can, yeah.
Through this way.
Adam: Through here.
It's tiny, Jill.
It's a tiny, tiny kitchen.
I don't like it at all.
Lisa: Oh, lord.
Jill: Yeah.
So I think you need
to live in a place like this
before you decide
what changes you want to make.
Adam: I think I've decided
to rent it.
Yeah, I think I know
what I want to do, Jill.
Because I get it.
I just get the space.
It's what I do
is space planning.
And I walk in, and I just know
exactly how my vision is, yeah.
Jill: What would you do?
Adam: I know this bit
is added on.
Jill: Yeah.
Adam: Part of me,
my head is thinking maybe
just take it down altogether.
Lisa: Oh, no.
Knocking this down?
Adam: You don't think
it's a good idea?
Lisa: Not at all.
Adam: Great big skiff
on the drive
and get this kitchen out.
Lisa: Oh, god.
Adam: Get it gone.
I mean, it's functional,
but if you had a choice,
I wouldn't want to be in here.
Jill: No, I understand.
Adam: Saying that, Jill,
I don't really cook.
Jill: Ok.
Adam: So...ha ha!
So I might not really need it
anyway.
Jill: Ok, come on, let's
have a look at the bedrooms.
Dick, voice-over: Upstairs
there are plenty of bedrooms
that could be perfect
for B&B guests.
That's if they meet
Adam's exacting standards.
Jill: So what do you think
of this?
Adam: This is
a really good-size room.
Beautiful floor;
height of ceilings, fantastic;
windows, amazing; fireplace,
good; size of the room, good.
And the decor?
My gut feeling is that
it almost needs to be
demodernized in places
really in a way I would like
en suite bathrooms.
Jill: I think the bedroom is
probably big enough to put in
a shower and toilet.
Could be done easily.
Adam: Yeah.
I'd have to really think
about it,
but there's something--there's
enough space to fit one in,
yeah, there's enough space
to fit it in.
But the bare bones are there
which is good.
Dick, voice-over: If you
don't love it, don't buy it.
Adam: It's phenomenal,
but I want it maybe to be
a bit more chateau-y,
to be a bit more
la grande chateau maybe.
I don't know.
I want to keep looking
and just go up a size.
So next I'm thinking
potentially--
Lisa: The palace.
Adam: The Palace at Versailles.
But that aside,
I'm thinking maybe the Pyrenees
for the skiing.
I'm weighing up ski, beach.
I'm going to drive you mental
over it if possible.
Lisa: That's already happened.
Adam: Ha ha!
Dick, voice-over:
Well, two down
and Adam hasn't found
his perfect chateau.
So he's visiting the Pyrenees
to see if he can strike lucky.
50 miles inland
from La Rochelle,
new chateau owners
Donna and Paul
are just beginning
to settle in.
Donna: Ah, it's a lovely view
from here.
Dick, voice-over:
Today Donna's parents
are flying in from England,
and they may decide
to move in permanently,
so their room needs to be ready.
Donna: I think that's fine,
isn't it?
Paul: Other than the need for
wallpaper and the slanting floor
and the leaning bed.
Dick, voice-over: Until
their renovations are done,
the facilities are rather basic,
like their bathroom up the hall.
Paul: What height is your mom?
Donna: Ha ha.
Paul: I couldn't put it
any higher.
Donna: Not that short.
Well, it will do as
a temporary measure, won't it?
Paul: Temporary?
Dick, voice-over: There's
so much still to sort out,
and Paul and Donna are
getting their to-do list
for the entire project
down on paper--
wallpaper.
What a list. It's essential to
capture absolutely everything.
Donna: Weatherproof.
Paul: Yeah, and secure.
Donna: Secure.
Dick, voice-over: Donna's
hoping to get her parents
involved in the renovations
as much as possible.
Donna: Given that there's going
to be 4 of us working on this,
at any time any of us can see
what's needed doing
and pick up a job
or hopefully cross off a job.
Dick, voice-over:
I get it,
but isn't this list
going to scare mom and dad?
5 hours later, after the long
journey from Hartlepool,
Donna's parents arrive
at the chateau.
Donna: Bonjour!
Mother: Bonjour.
Donna: Ha ha!
They stuffed you in the back
with dad.
Mother: Yes.
Donna: You've got him
in the back like a sardine.
Mother: Yeah.
Donna: Hi, dad.
Dad: Hiya.
Donna: You all right?
Dad: Just wrung out.
Donna: Yeah.
Oh, come and see if you can
remember what it looked like.
Dick, voice-over: Paul and Donna
don't waste anytime
before sharing their chores.
Mother: What, is this what
you're going to do?
Donna: No,
this is your list of jobs.
Mother: Ha ha!
Donna: Each day
you have to pick a job.
Mother: Do we get a badge
as well if we do a good job?
Donna: You can have a bunch
if you want.
Paul: Come in.
There's more than one room.
Donna: Keep on walking.
Dick, voice-over:
And wait till they see
the full extent of the work.
Donna: This is the one
with the fabulous fireplace.
It looks like something
that should be in a kitchen.
I don't know why
it's upstairs.
Isn't it lovely?
Look at those beams.
Dad: Oh, yes.
Donna: The views are beautiful.
Look at that tree there.
Dick, voice-over:
The house is impressive,
but I'm not sure they're
going to be quite so impressed
with the bathroom facilities.
Donna: So this shower, we didn't
want to go to the expense
of putting
a whole new screen in
because this is all
going to come out.
Mother: Yes.
Donna: So between us we came up
with kind of a net hook
and a table cloth.
Doesn't give you full coverage,
but it stops the spray of water
all over the floor there.
Mother: Could be worse.
Donna: Yeah, it could be worse.
Ha ha!
Yes.
Paul: [Indistinct]
Donna: This is your room.
Mother: Ah, yes.
Donna:
You get a carpeted room.
Ha ha!
Mother: That's nice.
Donna: Is it ok?
Mother: Oh, yes.
Donna: You've got the sunshine
coming through the window.
Mother: Yes.
Dad: We've been looking forward
to it, haven't we?
Mother: Yeah, we have.
And it would be nice
to be back with our daughter.
We've always got on well. It
will be great being with them.
Dad: Yeah.
Donna: Woo!
Now they're here,
it's becoming
more and more real.
It's great. Family should be
together as much as possible.
And to Chateau de Sauge.
Paul: New guests.
Donna: And to us!
Mother: And to you.
Donna: And to you!
Dick, voice-over: It's good to
see a happy family reunion,
and I hope it stays that way
as these 4 have a lot
of hard work ahead of them.
Back at Anna and Edward's,
it's the day before the first
wedding of the season,
and things aren't going to plan.
The wedding couple
desperately want to have
an outdoor ceremony
and reception.
But tomorrow's weather forecast
is bad.
To make matters worse,
the florist has delivered
the wrong colored geraniums
to dress the courtyard.
Anna: We still need to go out
and get some deep red ones
instead of peachy, orangey ones
and pink ones that they sent.
So that's still not done.
Dick, voice-over: Ed's mom has
gone to pick up more plants
because the bride and groom
are due to arrive soon.
Edward: I've got the bar to do,
so it should be a quick job.
Let's see.
Dick, voice-over:
Ed's building a bar with a front
made out of old wine cases.
Edward: There we go.
In between the two barrels,
we're going to hide
any wine, glasses, bins
that we have behind the bar.
And then we just put
a simple oak top on top.
Ok, so we've got all of these
already in here.
Dick, voice-over: He'll fix them
onto a large piece of plywood,
which will float the bar
between the barrels.
Edward: Let's see
how it's looking.
Man: Et voila.
Edward:
Come and have a look.
Dick, voice-over: So will
it meet Anna's standards?
Anna:
That's looking really nice.
Edward: If I can get
everything tidied up
before the bride
and groom arrive,
I'll be really happy.
Dick, voice-over: Ed's mom
is back from the garden center
with plants to replace those
that Anna wasn't happy with.
Anna: Thank god for that.
The first thing they're going
to see is this courtyard,
and this has to look right.
There we go.
Dick, voice-over:
The pressure's on to get
the courtyard decorated
ahead of the bride and groom's
imminent arrival.
Anna: We're still planting,
and it's literally
20 minutes
before the clients get here.
Dick, voice-over: Final push,
and they're done.
Just in the nick of time.
Here's the bridal couple
ahead of their big day tomorrow.
Edward: Nice to see you.
Vicky: You, too.
Anna: That is another guest.
Dick, voice-over:
Bride and groom Vicky and Gordon
and their families
are soon settled in.
Gordon: From the beginning we
wanted to do something abroad,
so we were looking at Italy,
and then we were looking
at France.
We did a ton of research.
You did a short list
that was very detailed,
which included this place,
and then I think by the time
we kind of came over
and we met Ed and Anna
and we came to see this place
for the first time,
it was a no brainer,
wasn't it?
Vicky: It's amazing.
I mean, we booked it before we'd
even actually seen the venue.
Dick, voice-over: For the couple
to have the outdoor wedding
they want,
the weather has to be right.
Extra stress for Anna and Ed.
Anna: So there's a 40%, it said,
chance of rain at 2 P.M.,
which is the time where we're
meant to have the ceremony.
It adds on extra pressure.
Even though we try to
protect the tables,
we can still get everything wet,
and that would be catastrophe.
Dick, voice-over:
Let's hope that sun comes out.
Next time, relentless D.I.Y.
becomes a sore point
for new owners
Donna and Paul.
Paul: My hands are sore.
They have been for
the last 5 weeks.
Donna: Everything's sore.
Ha ha!
Yeah, I found muscles
that I didn't know existed.
[Raining]
Anna: Oh, my god.
Dick, voice-over:
Clouds gather
over the start of
Anna and Ed's wedding season.
Edward: We can't ruin
the wedding meal
by eating outside
in the rain,
and it quite clearly will be
in the rain.
And look at that massive wave
coming behind?
It's not this.
It's worse than this.
Dick, voice-over: And Adam
may finally have found
his dream chateau.
Adam: It's understated charm,
but then it has
this amazing presence about it.