Escape to the Chateau DIY (2018–2021): Season 6, Episode 3 - Episode #6.3 - full transcript
[theme music playing]
[narrator] Across France
there are thousands of
beautiful château,
many forgotten and abandoned...
Look at this.
[narrator] Now they're being
brought back to life...
By adventurous Brits.
It can only get easier
after this, can't it?
[laughs]
[narrator] They're taking
on the challenge...
Yahoo!
It's always fun!
[narrator] ...to transform
these once-unloved buildings...
It's amazing.
[narrator]
...into incredible homes.
[woman] The feel of
the room is lovely.
[narrator] And businesses.
[applause]
[narrator]
There will be triumphs...
Ah, well done.
[narrator] ...and setbacks.
-[man] Don't break the door.
-I know, I know.
[narrator] ...but however hard
the going gets...
Got it?
All that worry.
Panic over.
...those who've made the move...
Cheers!
...get to live the dream
as custodians
of their very own castle.
Today, one couple's dream
of opening a cavern wine venue
comes under pressure.
It's a big project
and investment.
It has to work and it
has to look right.
[narrator]
B&B hosts turn detectorists,
as they try to showcase
their château's history.
You never know, Belinda.
This could make us
both millionaires.
[narrator]
And two artistic friends
collaborate on
a painting project.
Sorry, I've got
some in your hair.
[laughs]
-Never mind.
-Sorry.
[laughter]
[whimsical music plays]
[narrator] Surrounded by
the historic vineyards
of South West France
is the 15th century
Château Lagorce.
For the past 13 years,
it's been home
to Stockport-born Edward
and his Kosovan wife Anna,
who live here with their
five-year-old son Charles
and baby Emma.
The château was bought
for £890,000 in 2003
and is run as
a luxury wedding venue.
[Anna] It is definitely
a rewarding job because the--
To see people's reaction
when everything is done,
and the thank you's and how much
they like it makes me happy.
It's all worth it.
From your side of things,
the satisfaction
is seeing married couples go
away so happy.
My side of things
I get to go from
something not renovated
to something looking
hopefully splendid.
[narrator]
Located right in the middle of
the famous Bordeaux
wine region.
So far this summer
Edward has
successfully transformed
their entire pool area
for wedding after parties.
[Anna] That looks really good.
You've done really well.
[narrator] But now,
he needs to complete a project
close to his heart.
A brand-new wine venue
in the five acre-long cave
network under the château,
an area untouched for 60 years.
I think maybe the first one,
around about here.
[narrator] Having sectioned off
a 400 square metre area,
the concrete floor
has finally been laid
and work is progressing well.
So, Edward can let
young Charles
get involved with
the finishing touches.
-Oi!
-[giggles]
These are fluffy.
I know. I got them especially
for this job.
This is what it's all about
and it really makes it
worthwhile being able to spend
the time with Charles.
It's been months
since we've had a bit of time
where we can properly play.
So, although we're working,
it's still a good bit of play.
Do you want to finish
the top part?
-No.
-Okay.
[narrator] The old wine vats
haven't been repainted
for over six decades.
Charles loves to paint
and we have to do this.
So, it's nice for him
to contribute
and then put
his little mark on
even at his young age
and then one day,
he'll come down here
and he'll be like,
"Mommy, I did this."
It's been a while since our
chance to play with Charles
and to really spend
a bit of time with him
um, when I've been
getting in after work,
it's been a bit late,
it's dinner, bedtime.
So, he obviously really,
really wants to help
and wants to be
with me whilst I'm working,
which is really
what more could you want
from a son, you know.
Daddy how can you
reach up there?
[narrator] It's a wonderful way
to start passing on
some useful skills
from father to son.
Hold your roller.
-You want to go higher.
-Yeah.
He wants to impress him.
He wants his daddy
to be proud of him
and what a good boy he is.
I'm painting this thing
I painted.
Like moments like that
he will remember forever.
[narrator] But Edward must
ensure that the venture proves
more than just
emotionally rewarding.
This has been
a fairly large investment.
We're talking somewhere
getting on towards 20,000 Euros.
If I can get lots of clients in,
get the money back in quickly
then Anna will turnaround
and say, "Yeah, you were right."
If not, then she's gonna
turn around and say,
"We've just wasted a lot
of money on the case."
So, it's kind of--
it's kind of win or--
win or lose situation.
There is no medium ground.
[narrator] In a bold bid
to make some swift returns
on the investment,
Edward has invited
30 local high-rollers
to his first wine tasting party
in just four days' time.
But first, along with
château helper Cyril,
he needs to actually
build the bar.
So, these barrels with
the wine poured over the front.
I'm getting these all together,
hopefully here.
It seems to be
more than I expected.
[Speaks French]
[narrator] Edward is creating
two separate service areas.
And he is employing
a connoisseur's eye for detail.
With a few minor adjustments,
the serving surface
is a perfect fit.
Got enough room there?
[narrator] With luck,
the venue and the wine
will be to the taste of
Edward's discerning guests.
[upbeat music plays]
[narrator] Perched on
the edge of the L'Asse River
in central France,
is former 15th-century
fortress château Mareuil.
Shall we take some from here
we've done those ones?
[Belinda] It smells lovely.
[Lee] Yeah.
[narrator] Belinda, a former
commercial director,
and Lee, a lighting designer,
bought their medieval château
five years ago for £378,000.
[Belinda] I think we got
the best of them.
[narrator] And they've been
enjoying the attractions
of French country life
ever since.
We looked at about
15 other châteaus
before buying this one.
This was I think one
of the prettiest that we saw.
[Belinda] I like the way
it's set in this courtyard.
It does feel like it's
embracing you, it feels homely.
[Lee] Yeah. It's got a
character and a life of its own.
-And a soul.
-And we're part of that.
[narrator]
Located 40 miles from Limoges
in central France's
rural Vienne department...
The couple enjoy
hosting glitzy events...
That is gorgeous Sophie!
Come on, ladies.
Hurry up.
Hurry up, chop chop!
[narrator]
...Putting the château at
the heart of the community.
Wow I've never been around
so many glamorous women.
So these are the finds
I've been telling you about.
[narrator] Their next project
aims to showcase the estate's
long and varied heritage.
[Belinda] We think it's very
important to keep a record
as much as we can
of the history
for of what's
happened in the past
for future generations.
But that's our job,
-we're custodians aren't we?
-Yeah.
If we don't do that why
else are we here.
[narrator] Ever since moving
to the château,
Lee has collected
archaeological artefacts
from the grounds and riverside.
[Lee] Look at this.
Have you ever seen an animal
shoe that size?
[Belinda]
That's a tiny shoe, isn't it?
That's like a hoof of a goat,
but I've never known anyone
to put horseshoes on a goat.
And then there's this.
That to me,
looks like a belt
buckle of some type.
Definitely or a shoe buckle.
Shoe buckle, big shoe.
-Size of it.
-Yeah, yeah.
It could be, yeah.
But these ones I found
just the other week.
But it'd be really
nice to make a display of them.
I think it would be Yeah,
I mean, like this just looks
like a jumble,
but if they had a little label
under it to explain what it was.
Do you actually do it
a bit of metal detecting?
-Yeah, why not?
-And I think it's ideal,
but it's not too hot.
Sun's out.
And also could put it
good use, Lee.
Because we've--
All that money you spent on it.
[narrator] Six years ago,
Lee shelled out £350
on a metal detector.
[Lee] I knew one day this was
going to come in handy
when I bought it,
you never know Belinda.
[Belinda] Today's the day.
This could make us both
millionaires.
[narrator] The treasure seekers
head to the riverbank
in the hope of adding to their
collection of finds.
[Lee] We're like
intrepid explorers.
Woo-hoo.
Some sort of things I'm looking
for is anything metallic,
and anything flint based.
The flint stuff is normally
on the surface,
you can literally pick it up.
Right.
[Belinda] Off you go.
Can you manage?
Well, I'll pass you this.
I need to see this working.
I need to see
the value for money.
[Lee] I've got to confess,
I bought the metal
detector some years ago
and it's been a source
of some ridicule
from Belinda because
I've used it only once.
[narrator]
With technology on his side,
Lee could prove unstoppable.
-[Lee] It's not turning on.
-What?
It's not turning on.
[Belinda] Did you the batteries
in the right way?
It won't turn on.
[Belinda] All that money?
[Lee] There's nothing.
It's dead.
[sighs] Okay.
[Lee] Oh dear.
That's a shame isn't it?
I don't know what
we can do maybe send it away
and get it repaired.
[Belinda] Or maybe hang it
with your artefacts
in your display cabinet.
-A relic.
-Yesteryear.
[Lee] The worst thing
about this is that
I've taken us six years
worth of ribbing over this
from Belinda and now
it doesn't work,
I'm never going to hear
the end of this.
Never.
[narrator] Coming up...
This château owner's helper
may be a hindrance.
On my own with a roller, it'll
probably take a couple of hours.
With Jane it
could probably take all day.
[laughs]
[Lee] Display case,
we must look for a display case.
[narrator]
And Lee fails to focus...
Oh look there's a chair
for my dad!
That could go over my desk.
Oh, look at those fire dogs!
[narrator] The 17-room
Château Mas de Pradié
has a 15-acre estate
with a barn,
stable and caretaker's cottage.
Interior designer
and artist Julia
bought this former home
of acclaimed
French artist Bernard Dufour
for £278,000
just over a year ago.
Every time I come home and drive
into the driveway,
I just emotionally
hug the building,
[laughs] I love it so much.
[narrator]
Located 68 miles from Toulouse
in a department famous
for pretty villages
and Roquefort cheese...
Julia has already renovated
her dining room,
kitchen and bedroom,
with the help of her sisters,
Melissa and Jenny.
This is so much fun.
-I really love doing this.
-I love it.
[narrator] And she has installed
two septic tanks,
created a terrace
and transformed her stable
into accommodation
for paying guests.
[Julia] When you love
what you're doing,
that's when you know you're
really living a happy life
is when you just can't wait
to keep doing the jobs.
So,
that's what motivates me.
[narrator] Now, with her
£130,000 renovation fund spent,
she is preparing
a cosmetic makeover
in her rather dingy cottage.
[Julia] It's the original
cottage for the caretaker
of the estate.
The guardian's cottage is
going to be my second sheet.
So, we've completed the stables
and now we're
moving on to this one.
[narrator] To help her Julia's
roped in her friend Jane,
also an artist,
who's visiting from Australia.
Okay. Jane, this is
the guardian's cottage.
Ah, how cute is it?
This is going to be
the living room.
[Jane] Oh wow,
it's pretty dark in here.
How are you
going to lighten it up?
So, we're gonna lighten it up
by painting the walls white
that is going to help a lot.
And we'll just have to use
-beautiful lamps in here.
-And bright paintings perhaps.
[Julia] Yeah, paintings.
[Jane] It's absolutely divine.
It's got so much character,
but my goodness
there's a lot of work.
I don't see it as a lot of work.
I always look
forward to the fun stuff.
I actually enjoy painting
and then bringing
the furniture in,
bringing art pieces in.
I find that a lot of fun.
Okay.
So, we'll start by putting
down this sheet.
[narrator]
The dynamic duo's first task
is to paint the
living room walls.
On my own with
the roller doing this room,
it'd probably
take a couple of hours.
With Jane it
could probably take all day.
[laughing]
It's a good start!
[narrator] On the surface,
painting may not seem
too challenging,
but that doesn't guarantee
it'll go smoothly.
Now, slow sweeps.
Oh look, we've
got about 50 walls to do so.
Well, if you just
rush, rush, rush,
you're gonna get
some lines in it.
It's getting on my face.
Why is this happening?
Because you're going fast
and you're just messy...
And?
...and you don't listen
to instruction
Whenever I look at these plain
white walls I think of you.
You will.
Plain Jane, No Nonsense,
that's me.
[narrator]
It may be coming together,
but the walls are not the only
things covered in paint.
Oops. Sorry, I've got
some in your hair.
[laughs]
-Never mind.
-Sorry.
[laughter]
Didn't mean it.
[narrator] Despite the mishaps,
it doesn't take long
for Julia and Jane
to complete their first wall.
Let's have a look.
Wow!
Oh, doesn't it look
so much better?
The difference is amazing.
It's really brightened a lot,
hasn't it?
Yeah, it has. Yeah.
[narrator]
The friends have made a start,
but there's a long
way to go before
the cottage is ready
for paying guests.
Across the length
and breadth of France,
owners who have taken on
the challenge of restoring
ancient châteaux
to new glories,
are unleashing their
own creativity
in all kinds of ways.
The château is like a blank
canvas for me.
Oh those are looking quite good.
[narrator] In south-western
France at Domaine De La Salle,
Mariam and Jono have spent
the last two years
renovating the place which
they now run as a B&B.
Former fashion designer Mariam
is a skilled seamstress and
brocante shopping aficionado.
Now she wants to craftily
combine business and pleasure
by setting up shop in
the château breakfast room.
I have this idea of having
a beautiful old French wardrobe,
like an armoire
and putting in it all
the nice little bits
that I find in the brocantes
and making cushions out of the
lovely embroideries that
I find in the flea market
and have a little
line of things to sell.
[narrator] Today, Mariam
is in her sewing room,
creating cushions
for her new brocante armoire.
These are the bits of embroidery
I've been collecting.
Some of them
are absolutely gorgeous.
[narrator] After working as a
fashion designer for 20 years,
this is definitely
a passion project.
I love sewing,
I love vintage laces.
So, if I can combine
those things,
and sell a few
along the way, then great.
[narrator] As a trained
pattern-cutter and designer,
Mariam has all the skills
required to repair,
restore and reuse
antique textiles.
They're basically
a part of history.
You can still find these
things on flea markets now,
but you won't
find them much longer
because certainly
my generation onwards,
nobody made
these things by hand.
[narrator] Having stitched
the textiles together
to make the cover,
Mariam can stuff it
with feathers
reused from an old pillow.
Wind, winds, go away.
No, there's been no wind
all morning.
[laughs] and my opening
is too small.
Help.
I got the giggles.
Wee!
[giggles]
[narrator] With just about
enough of the feathers making
it into the cushion,
it's a few stitches
away from completion.
Ow!
I think it's rather sweet.
[narrator] It's the perfect
French souvenir to sell
to château guests
and can take its place
along with her other creations
and brocante finds
in the breakfast room armoire.
Now for her husband Jonno to
cast his eye over her efforts.
[Mariam] Come and see, your
drinks cabinet that I stole.
I can't believe it honestly.
[laughs]
Do you like the cushions
and all the bits and pieces?
They're beautiful.
I love that tea service as well.
[Mariam] That's for sale,
would you like it?
-[laughs]
-Is it? Well, I'll buy it.
My first customer!
[narrator] With such
a distinctive collection
on offer,
Mariam's already thinking
of scaling up.
Now, I've put things
into the brocante armoire,
I can actually go off
and buy some things
from other brocantes.
So, it's a lovely,
never ending cycle of shopping.
[narrator] A hundred miles east
at Château Mareuil,
Belinda and Lee are also
brocante shopping
in search of a cabinet
to showcase the historical
artefacts they've found
in their grounds.
The display case
I'd like to do it because
every time we've had guests,
they've asked me
to sort of talk them through
the history of the place
and we invariably end up
taking out these finds.
It'd be much nicer to have them
on permanent exhibition.
What we've got in here then?
I've been told
and I mustn't be distracted,
which is very difficult.
Oh look there's
a chair for my dad!
-Aye Belinda,
-Hmm-hmm.
that is genuinely art deco
that is.
That could go over my desk.
[Belinda]
You wanted a display case.
-Yes, display case.
-We've gotta focus.
Let's get focused.
Oh, look at those fire dogs!
Look at these for candles,
they're lovely.
We'll have those.
Lee.
Oh, that's nice.
[Belinda] But I don't know
anything about the price.
[Lee speaks French]
Four hundred and thirty?
That's too much.
[Lee] Oh look,
there's decanters here.
They're a bit big
for what I want.
I'm also looking
for some glassware
because I've been making
my own liqueurs
and I want to paint up
some glass to use
to decant my gin liqueurs into
and have them
sitting on the side,
in the bar in our games room.
[Belinda]
I think that's really nice.
[Lee] Do you think the fly
comes as extra?
Honestly, I'd have that
because that's gonna
paint up really nicely.
-Three-- three Euro, oh God.
-[laughs]
[Lee] If we could get
a Knickerbockers glory glass
or something,
because we've got
the grandchildren
and I could paint them up
like a fairground theme
for ice creams in.
[Lee] Oh, they're
the sort of thing.
[Belinda] Hmm-hmm.
[Lee] Let's have those.
Display case, we must
look for a display case.
-Come on.
-What's this?
That's a sewing box.
It's got drawers.
That you could put
displays in there.
We could line this
and line that.
[Belinda] I think this is nice.
[Lee] Sixty eight.
Yeah, I'm taking this.
We went out for a display
case and we came back
with a sewing box,
two firedogs
-and a whole
gaggle of decanters...
-Rubbish.
...and rubbish that
we bought for a Euro.
[narrator] Back at the château,
Lee needs to get
his new display case
fixed before the arrival
of their family,
who are visiting from England.
[Lee] I need to first of all
make a repair to the leg.
So, I just need to glue
that bit together
and then use this strap
to try and hold it tight
while the glue sets.
Let's give it a go.
Squirt some in there.
I might go on
and ratchet it up then.
It can't ratchet it.
It won't ratchet.
[Lee] No.
It's not working.
Who invented these things?
They're rubbish.
Why don't I just stand here
and hold it all day
[chuckles] that would be
much easier.
[narrator] Misty, their pet
terrier, seems unimpressed.
maybe there's
a simpler solution.
[Belinda] A bungee,
a much better idea.
Right. Inside. Yes.
Turn it up on the other side.
Whoa.
-Oh.
-Ow!
[both laugh]
Ow.
In you go.
[Belinda]
Do you want me to iron it?
[Lee] No, it's fine.
Needs to be rustic.
That's nice.
Hey, that looks all right.
That looks good.
I think you should
go over there by the door...
[Belinda] Hmm-hmm.
...and we have the lid open.
That's lovely addition,
that is much better.
And it didn't take
that much effort, did it?
No, it's not
a lot of effort to do that.
Anything is better than you
bring in that plastic box out.
-Yeah, the Tupperware box...
-[laughs]
...has had his day.
[narrator] The château's
history may now have
a suitable showcase,
but there's still things to do
ahead of the arrival
of their family from the UK.
Coming up...
Julia feels the heat
keeping Jane on track...
-Jane!
-What?
What are you doing?
Just trimming that
so I don't hit my head.
[sighs]
[narrator] And Edward tries to
turn the tables on the experts.
I can't teach the French
much about wine,
but I thought I could still
catch them out with this.
[narrator]
In South West France...
It's the day Anna and Edward
will launch their newly
converted wine cave venue.
They're planning
a high-end tasting event
for some local
wine connoisseurs.
They've finished all
the major jobs,
now it's a case
of ensuring the venue looks
as classy as the guests.
[Anna] I am pretty nervous
about tonight
because it's a new place.
It's a new way of doing things
and it's a big project
and investment.
So, it has to work
and it has to look right.
[narrator] Anna's hoping
to create a feeling
of intimate elegance
but the key to
the evening's success
will be Edward's
wine selection.
Since moving to
the Bordeaux region,
he's tried to learn
a lot about wine.
This is
Château Beychavelle 1959.
Very well known
château these days,
I think it was
back then as well.
1959 is an exceptional year.
[narrator] Edward has been
collecting wine
for over ten years,
and he will have to draw
on all his expertise
if he is to meet the exacting
demands of his VIP guests.
French obviously from Bordeaux
know everything there is
to know about drinking
the best wines in Bordeaux.
So, I have to pull something out
that can pass for these people
as a decent quality wine.
I have hugely expensive
wines as well,
but that's not the idea.
The idea is to show
that I have my knowledge to say,
"Right, I'm gonna get this wine.
It's not the most
expensive wine in Bordeaux,
but I really like it
and let's see if you like it."
[narrator] Launching a new
venture is a serious business,
but Edward's adding one playful
element to the evening.
This is actually
a Canadian wine
from a friend's
winery in Canada.
So, we're going to see
if we can catch the French out
because I can't really teach
the French too much about wine,
but I thought it could still
catch him out with this.
And I'm also going to get some
of my wedding wine,
which is a 2005 Pomerol.
These are in magnums though,
so I'll be opening sparingly.
[narrator] Six months ago,
this cave hadn't been
touched in 60 years.
Now, Edward's transformed it
into a stunning
wine-tasting venue.
By putting in ventilation fans,
adding lights
and concreting the floor,
it's an inviting place to be.
Especially as the
wine barrelled bar area
is tastefully stocked
with vintage bottles.
[Anna] I am really proud
with everything that Ed
has done with this space.
It has come to life.
It was a place where
I hadn't come before,
like in 13 years and a half,
I think I've been
down here three times
and one of them
was just at the entrance,
but now it's a beautiful
transformed place.
[narrator]
Edward has won over Anna.
Let's hope the distinguished
guests are equally impressed.
[upbeat music plays]
Heading east back to
Château Mas de Pradié,
artist Julia
and her friend Jane
are transforming the estate's
neglected caretaker cottage
into a gite for paying guests.
[Julia] It's getting
hot out there.
[Jane] Is it?
Is it in the sun?
[Julia] Some of it is and that's
why we've gotta do it quickly
because it's just going
to get sunnier and sunnier.
[narrator] After brightening up
the cottage's dingy interior,
they are turning their
attentions to the outside.
So what I'm planning for
the terrace is to have
a outdoor dining
setting out here.
So, the guests who are staying
in here can eat out here mainly.
So, we have to start by getting
rid of all the weeds,
cleaning it, giving a good sweep
before we can make it
look pretty again.
[Julia] Watering the weeds,
they're going to be a lot easier
to pull out because it's so dry.
And not only that, it's cooling
us down a little bit.
[narrator] The 40-degree heat
is making it a testing task.
-Jane?
-What?
What are you doing?
Just trimming that
so I don't hit my head.
-It's at eye level.
-[Sighs]
[narrator] Julia is counting on
having the cottage ready
to rent out to guests
in the coming weeks.
[Julia] I know this is
really quite boring,
but it's really going
to transform
the whole cottage
because the terrace is
the first thing you see when,
you know, you walk up here.
So, making it look
beautiful and welcoming
is going to make
all the difference.
Absolutely, but I can't
stand here forever.
[laughs]
I'm the beautiful feature.
[narrator] After two hours
of backbreaking work
in the sweltering heat,
Julia and Jane have made
serious progress.
I think that's about as good
as it'll get for the moment.
Definitely improvement
from what it was.
It is and then how about
bringing some big pots over.
[Julia] I'm not sure
how many pots the terrace
is going to need.
We want to really...
fill it up and fill those
corners and edges up with pots.
I'm not sure how many
it's going to take.
This might give us
a little bit of an idea
of how much we need to get.
Oh, I don't know,
maybe a good 20 or 30 pots
might need to be up there.
[narrator] They fill
the wheelbarrow with?
the lavender and geraniums
they need to bring colour
to the terrace.
[Julia] We'll just stop it here.
Yeah.
[Jane] Oh, it's looking
good from here.
Gorgeous.
It's a nice little
welcome at the front door.
Bit of colour.
It's fabulous.
[narrator] The addition of
some outdoor furniture
finishes the setting.
[Jane] Ah.
-[Julia] Looks lovely.
-[Jane] It's so cute.
What a gorgeous little area?
[Julia] It's going to look
so good when it's finished,
full of pots over there,
table, chairs.
And it'd be gorgeous and that
breeze coming through is divine.
Yeah, that is nice now.
[narrator]
On the outside at least,
the caretaker's cottage
is shaping up well.
Julia now just needs
to finish the interior.
135 miles north
at Château Mareuil,
Lee is preparing to up cycle
the glassware
he and Belinda picked up
at the brocante.
We got a couple of decanters
that I can paint up
and they'll be good
for decanting my
-serps of gin.
-[Belinda laughs]
[Lee] We got two lovely
sorbet dishes,
which would be great
for the grandchildren.
And I'm going to paint
them up in really garish
sort of colours,
like a fairground,
because the kids they love that.
First thing, I want to do is try
and draw on with
one of these glass pens
a design and then fill
the design in with the paint.
What I'm doing is using
the brushstrokes
to suggest
the shape of the fruit.
What I like particularly
about doing this glass now,
it's our grandchildren
they're going to have this
and they can hang on to it
and it'll last their lifetime.
And it'd be a memory
from grandma and granddad
all those years ago.
Look at that,
-a thing of beauty.
-Oh yes.
-[Lee] So, what do you think?
-They're lovely.
The kids are gonna love
having an ice cream
out of those,
don't you think it's fun,
they're fun?
[narrator] It's been eight
months since the last time
the family were together.
-[horn honks]
-Aha!
[Belinda] Hello!
[narrator] Now,
Belinda's son-in-law Guy,
her daughter Angela and
two-year-old grandson Geoffrey,
have finally arrived.
What's your word you practiced?
-Bonjour!
-Bonjour!
-[Lee] Bonjour!
-[Belinda] Wow.
[Lee] Hey, good.
Right there.
[Angela] Right. You're gonna
come down to the table
because we've got
something special.
Right.
Oh Geoffrey, look what
we have for you
a special glass.
[narrator] Lee can finally serve
his homemade liqueur
in his newly
decorated decanter.
Right. Cheers!
[all] cheers.
[Lee] Oh, it's so
good to see you.
You too.
[Lee] Geoffrey, if I pulled
the branch down
will you pick the apple off?
It is wonderful
to have the family here.
We've waited so long for this.
[all] Yay!
It's been on off,
on off and they're here
which is absolutely fantastic.
Specialize ice-cream
that granny made.
-That's nice.
-Sit between mummy and granny.
Come on.
Wow.
[Angela] Tell granny what
you think? Granny made it.
What do you think?
I don't think Geoffrey noticed
the painting on the ice cream?
No, he just got the ice-cream.
-He got the banana ice-cream.
-He liked the banana ice-cream.
Yeah.
[narrator]
Now that everyone's refreshed,
Lee's keen to show off
the fruits of his and Belinda's
earlier labours.
[Geoffrey] What's inside?
Let's open it shall we and see.
-Whoa.
-[Guy] It's got stands on it.
[Lee] It's a box
of special things.
What's that?
That's a cannonball.
[Geoffrey] This is heavy.
Yes, it is heavy, yes.
Oh well look, bits of stone.
I think Geoffrey really liked
the flint collection
and I think he's gonna be
a growing flint addict
as he gets older.
-He might a flint collector now.
-A flint collector.
He could be flint stone,
so to speak.
[Angela] So, you took a long
to complete that collection.
It's taken 1,000 years
to put that together.
I think it's great.
And it's I think
it's rather nice
keeping old things like that.
[Lee] That no way to talk
about my wife.
[laughs]
We can have a really good time
and this is gonna
be our time out this year.
This is our holiday.
[narrator] Coming up...
Julia has her work cut out
with finishing touches
in the cottage...
Is it level?
It's perfect.
Looks great.
-It's divine.
-I like it.
[narrator] And Bordeaux's
finest connoisseurs
cast their verdicts on Edward
and Anna's new wine cave.
[speaks French]
[all laugh]
[theme music plays]
[narrator]
At Château Mas de Pradié,
Aussie artist Julia
and her sculptor friend Jane
are renovating the estate's
caretaker cottage.
I've been working on the cottage
for two or three weeks now
and I've completed
all the painting.
I've oiled the timber floors
and where I'm at the stage now
where I can put the furniture in
and make it look pretty.
[narrator] As an artist,
Julia has a collection of
her own work ready to use.
She's brought Jane
to her studio
to help choose some
canvases for the cottage.
So, I want your opinion
on which ones
we should put in the cottage.
Okay.
So, the bedroom, which I adore.
I'm liking these ones
that you painted
that are absolutely divine.
[Julia] They could
definitely both go in there--
I think they could because
that mirror is the same colour.
Yes.
And on some of the bed dressing
has that colour
and the lampshades.
So, it's all going to be
really calming and cool.
-Let's do it.
-Yeah.
[narrator] Julia's work
ranges from paintings
celebrating classical
sculpture, to bright
and cheerful
wildlife portraits.
What do you think about
going with the pelican
-for the living room?
-I love this painting.
Yes, we got quite
a bit of Australia in there.
Yeah.
And it's really bright
and bold and fun.
[Jane] Yeah, it's fun.
-Let's go and do it.
-All right.
-Well, I can see how they look.
-Yeah.
They're very light.
[Jane] Oh fabulous.
Okay.
Okay.
Oh it's hot.
[Jane] It is warm.
So, what I was thinking,
mainly because we have some
nails already in the wall.
Yes, absolutely.
Um, we have one up there.
[Jane] Perfecto.
And one over there.
[Jane] And I think they're
actually in the right spot.
-Well, yeah, I think so.
-Don't you?
-Let's try.
-It could be.
That's actually a bit high,
isn't it?
-Is it too high?
-I'll get back and have a look.
I like it!
Yeah, that's good.
The other option is
having both paintings
because that
could look quite nice.
I think try it there.
We'll try it
and see how it looks.
I think it's gonna look great.
Okay.
[gasps] Gorgeous. Yeah.
Is it level?
Yep, it's perfect.
Looks great.
That's good. I like it.
-[Jane] It's divine.
-I like it.
[narrator] Pelicans may
not be native to France,
but Julia's painting
looks right at home.
It's gorgeous there, I love it.
But I'll hold it
and you have a look.
[Julia] Okay.
It's got a dirty beak.
Oh, yeah. It's very cute.
-That'll look fine.
-It looks good there,
-it's very cheerful.
-Yeah, I love it.
[narrator] It's taken
a while to get here
but now Julia can enjoy
the bit she likes best
making it pretty.
It's a very elegant,
very inviting bed.
It is.
Those colours and the mirror,
everything goes back to this
mirror because the mirrors
-is an original piece.
-It does.
From the cottage
and I loved being able to keep
something original
from each room I've worked in.
I've done
that through the château.
Would you be happy to stay here?
I'd be so happy to stay here!
[narrator]
All that's left to do now
are the finishing touches.
[Jane] Stunning!
[Julia] Beautiful!
About there you think?
I think so.
[Jane] I think the lavender
might be happy here.
[Julia] Beautiful.
I think it looks really lovely.
-It's so cute!
-Yeah.
[narrator] In just three weeks,
Julia and Jane have transformed
an uninhabited cottage
into a work of art.
What was a characterless,
lacklustre bedroom
now has bright white walls,
neo-classical paintings
and an upgraded bed.
A depressingly dark
and uninviting living room
now has a comfortable sofa-bed,
finely oiled timber flooring
and colour coordinated
artwork and ceramics.
And the drab concrete exterior
is now a terrace dining area
with pot plants
and outdoor furniture.
[Julia] I am proud of
how it's turned out
because it was a mess.
It was dirty, it was tired.
Now it's bright, it's clean.
It's very inviting.
I hope it
looks really comfortable,
and it has that
rustic French charm
that I wanted it to have.
And I hope people
really find it appealing
and want to spend time in it.
[narrator] She's been busy,
but Julia's not about
to put her feet up.
We have our first wedding
booked here for next year.
So, we are--
We have got a timeframe
to get things ready by
and also we're about to start
building our pool
just out beyond
the walled garden.
So, that's very
exciting as well.
[narrator] Julia's château was
unoccupied for several years,
but she is already breathing
new life into every part of it.
[upbeat music plays]
Over in the famous wine
region of Bordeaux...
Anna and Edward's prestigious
guests are arriving
for the inaugural
wine tasting event
in their underground cave.
[speaks French]
[narrator]
It's champagne for starters...
Merci, merci.
...and a first chance
for the local VIP's
to assess Edward's
handiwork in person.
[Anna speaking French]
It's going really so far.
We just really said
hello to everyone
and showed them down
into the caves,
let them discover
a bit of the caves themselves.
[narrator] If Edward is to stand
any chance of making a return
on his investment,
tonight's local influencers
must be impressed.
[speaks French]
[man speaks French]
A great idea, yeah.
[narrator]
With such valuable wine,
portion control is a fine art.
[Edward]
It's just hard trying to gauge
how much wine
to give each person.
So, I'm trying lots
open lots of wine
otherwise I'm going to
be drunk for the next few days.
Finishing off wine
that's not been drunk.
[narrator] For his party piece,
he is planning a game of
guess-the-country-of-origin,
with his mate's Canadian red.
So, I have put one of my old
rugby socks on the bottle,
so nobody can see the label.
And let's see if anybody
really knows the wine.
[glass clinks]
[speaks French]
[all laugh]
[narrator] It is essential
that the connoisseurs
appreciate Edward's
wine selection.
It's a château brand.
[narrator] It certainly appears
to be going down well.
We're gonna see who's
very quick at drinking
and who's, you know,
taking the time.
[narrator] But his mystery wine
seems to have left
the guests flummoxed.
[speaks French]
[man speaks French]
[man] It's from [speaks French]
No.
[narrator] None of the experts
guessed it was Canadian
so maybe Edward
can introduce Bordeaux's best
to something new.
They have done an incredible job
and I think this will be
a really big asset.
[speaks French]
[narrator]
It's been a vintage evening
and Edward's dream of opening
a wine venue in the caves
is now a reality.
We think tonight
has gone really well,
it has been a success.
They were impressed,
they loved the wine.
[Edward] I think they
even just they were,
the whole-- the whole place,
you know.
They're like the fact
that we're in a cave
because it was special
for even people in Bordeaux,
it's really special.
[Anna] I'm really proud of Ed
and what is done with the caves
that the hard work has paid off.
They look spectacular.
I think this goes really
well with the future
and what we're
hoping to do here.
I can see people coming in here,
having wine tasting,
maybe some food
and join and who knows,
maybe some parties here.
[narrator] Next time...
Familiar faces return
with romantic plans
for a new honeymoon suite...
When you said that we could
start stripping in the bedroom,
I did think it was going to be
much more interesting.
[narrator] New château shoppers
start the search for their
dream French manor...
Oh!
The bathroom is hidden
behind the wallpaper door.
...And luxury wedding hosts
battle the elements.
Within two minutes, we got rain
and everything got drenched,
especially the top table.
I'm pretty worried actually.
[theme music playing]
[narrator] Across France
there are thousands of
beautiful château,
many forgotten and abandoned...
Look at this.
[narrator] Now they're being
brought back to life...
By adventurous Brits.
It can only get easier
after this, can't it?
[laughs]
[narrator] They're taking
on the challenge...
Yahoo!
It's always fun!
[narrator] ...to transform
these once-unloved buildings...
It's amazing.
[narrator]
...into incredible homes.
[woman] The feel of
the room is lovely.
[narrator] And businesses.
[applause]
[narrator]
There will be triumphs...
Ah, well done.
[narrator] ...and setbacks.
-[man] Don't break the door.
-I know, I know.
[narrator] ...but however hard
the going gets...
Got it?
All that worry.
Panic over.
...those who've made the move...
Cheers!
...get to live the dream
as custodians
of their very own castle.
Today, one couple's dream
of opening a cavern wine venue
comes under pressure.
It's a big project
and investment.
It has to work and it
has to look right.
[narrator]
B&B hosts turn detectorists,
as they try to showcase
their château's history.
You never know, Belinda.
This could make us
both millionaires.
[narrator]
And two artistic friends
collaborate on
a painting project.
Sorry, I've got
some in your hair.
[laughs]
-Never mind.
-Sorry.
[laughter]
[whimsical music plays]
[narrator] Surrounded by
the historic vineyards
of South West France
is the 15th century
Château Lagorce.
For the past 13 years,
it's been home
to Stockport-born Edward
and his Kosovan wife Anna,
who live here with their
five-year-old son Charles
and baby Emma.
The château was bought
for £890,000 in 2003
and is run as
a luxury wedding venue.
[Anna] It is definitely
a rewarding job because the--
To see people's reaction
when everything is done,
and the thank you's and how much
they like it makes me happy.
It's all worth it.
From your side of things,
the satisfaction
is seeing married couples go
away so happy.
My side of things
I get to go from
something not renovated
to something looking
hopefully splendid.
[narrator]
Located right in the middle of
the famous Bordeaux
wine region.
So far this summer
Edward has
successfully transformed
their entire pool area
for wedding after parties.
[Anna] That looks really good.
You've done really well.
[narrator] But now,
he needs to complete a project
close to his heart.
A brand-new wine venue
in the five acre-long cave
network under the château,
an area untouched for 60 years.
I think maybe the first one,
around about here.
[narrator] Having sectioned off
a 400 square metre area,
the concrete floor
has finally been laid
and work is progressing well.
So, Edward can let
young Charles
get involved with
the finishing touches.
-Oi!
-[giggles]
These are fluffy.
I know. I got them especially
for this job.
This is what it's all about
and it really makes it
worthwhile being able to spend
the time with Charles.
It's been months
since we've had a bit of time
where we can properly play.
So, although we're working,
it's still a good bit of play.
Do you want to finish
the top part?
-No.
-Okay.
[narrator] The old wine vats
haven't been repainted
for over six decades.
Charles loves to paint
and we have to do this.
So, it's nice for him
to contribute
and then put
his little mark on
even at his young age
and then one day,
he'll come down here
and he'll be like,
"Mommy, I did this."
It's been a while since our
chance to play with Charles
and to really spend
a bit of time with him
um, when I've been
getting in after work,
it's been a bit late,
it's dinner, bedtime.
So, he obviously really,
really wants to help
and wants to be
with me whilst I'm working,
which is really
what more could you want
from a son, you know.
Daddy how can you
reach up there?
[narrator] It's a wonderful way
to start passing on
some useful skills
from father to son.
Hold your roller.
-You want to go higher.
-Yeah.
He wants to impress him.
He wants his daddy
to be proud of him
and what a good boy he is.
I'm painting this thing
I painted.
Like moments like that
he will remember forever.
[narrator] But Edward must
ensure that the venture proves
more than just
emotionally rewarding.
This has been
a fairly large investment.
We're talking somewhere
getting on towards 20,000 Euros.
If I can get lots of clients in,
get the money back in quickly
then Anna will turnaround
and say, "Yeah, you were right."
If not, then she's gonna
turn around and say,
"We've just wasted a lot
of money on the case."
So, it's kind of--
it's kind of win or--
win or lose situation.
There is no medium ground.
[narrator] In a bold bid
to make some swift returns
on the investment,
Edward has invited
30 local high-rollers
to his first wine tasting party
in just four days' time.
But first, along with
château helper Cyril,
he needs to actually
build the bar.
So, these barrels with
the wine poured over the front.
I'm getting these all together,
hopefully here.
It seems to be
more than I expected.
[Speaks French]
[narrator] Edward is creating
two separate service areas.
And he is employing
a connoisseur's eye for detail.
With a few minor adjustments,
the serving surface
is a perfect fit.
Got enough room there?
[narrator] With luck,
the venue and the wine
will be to the taste of
Edward's discerning guests.
[upbeat music plays]
[narrator] Perched on
the edge of the L'Asse River
in central France,
is former 15th-century
fortress château Mareuil.
Shall we take some from here
we've done those ones?
[Belinda] It smells lovely.
[Lee] Yeah.
[narrator] Belinda, a former
commercial director,
and Lee, a lighting designer,
bought their medieval château
five years ago for £378,000.
[Belinda] I think we got
the best of them.
[narrator] And they've been
enjoying the attractions
of French country life
ever since.
We looked at about
15 other châteaus
before buying this one.
This was I think one
of the prettiest that we saw.
[Belinda] I like the way
it's set in this courtyard.
It does feel like it's
embracing you, it feels homely.
[Lee] Yeah. It's got a
character and a life of its own.
-And a soul.
-And we're part of that.
[narrator]
Located 40 miles from Limoges
in central France's
rural Vienne department...
The couple enjoy
hosting glitzy events...
That is gorgeous Sophie!
Come on, ladies.
Hurry up.
Hurry up, chop chop!
[narrator]
...Putting the château at
the heart of the community.
Wow I've never been around
so many glamorous women.
So these are the finds
I've been telling you about.
[narrator] Their next project
aims to showcase the estate's
long and varied heritage.
[Belinda] We think it's very
important to keep a record
as much as we can
of the history
for of what's
happened in the past
for future generations.
But that's our job,
-we're custodians aren't we?
-Yeah.
If we don't do that why
else are we here.
[narrator] Ever since moving
to the château,
Lee has collected
archaeological artefacts
from the grounds and riverside.
[Lee] Look at this.
Have you ever seen an animal
shoe that size?
[Belinda]
That's a tiny shoe, isn't it?
That's like a hoof of a goat,
but I've never known anyone
to put horseshoes on a goat.
And then there's this.
That to me,
looks like a belt
buckle of some type.
Definitely or a shoe buckle.
Shoe buckle, big shoe.
-Size of it.
-Yeah, yeah.
It could be, yeah.
But these ones I found
just the other week.
But it'd be really
nice to make a display of them.
I think it would be Yeah,
I mean, like this just looks
like a jumble,
but if they had a little label
under it to explain what it was.
Do you actually do it
a bit of metal detecting?
-Yeah, why not?
-And I think it's ideal,
but it's not too hot.
Sun's out.
And also could put it
good use, Lee.
Because we've--
All that money you spent on it.
[narrator] Six years ago,
Lee shelled out £350
on a metal detector.
[Lee] I knew one day this was
going to come in handy
when I bought it,
you never know Belinda.
[Belinda] Today's the day.
This could make us both
millionaires.
[narrator] The treasure seekers
head to the riverbank
in the hope of adding to their
collection of finds.
[Lee] We're like
intrepid explorers.
Woo-hoo.
Some sort of things I'm looking
for is anything metallic,
and anything flint based.
The flint stuff is normally
on the surface,
you can literally pick it up.
Right.
[Belinda] Off you go.
Can you manage?
Well, I'll pass you this.
I need to see this working.
I need to see
the value for money.
[Lee] I've got to confess,
I bought the metal
detector some years ago
and it's been a source
of some ridicule
from Belinda because
I've used it only once.
[narrator]
With technology on his side,
Lee could prove unstoppable.
-[Lee] It's not turning on.
-What?
It's not turning on.
[Belinda] Did you the batteries
in the right way?
It won't turn on.
[Belinda] All that money?
[Lee] There's nothing.
It's dead.
[sighs] Okay.
[Lee] Oh dear.
That's a shame isn't it?
I don't know what
we can do maybe send it away
and get it repaired.
[Belinda] Or maybe hang it
with your artefacts
in your display cabinet.
-A relic.
-Yesteryear.
[Lee] The worst thing
about this is that
I've taken us six years
worth of ribbing over this
from Belinda and now
it doesn't work,
I'm never going to hear
the end of this.
Never.
[narrator] Coming up...
This château owner's helper
may be a hindrance.
On my own with a roller, it'll
probably take a couple of hours.
With Jane it
could probably take all day.
[laughs]
[Lee] Display case,
we must look for a display case.
[narrator]
And Lee fails to focus...
Oh look there's a chair
for my dad!
That could go over my desk.
Oh, look at those fire dogs!
[narrator] The 17-room
Château Mas de Pradié
has a 15-acre estate
with a barn,
stable and caretaker's cottage.
Interior designer
and artist Julia
bought this former home
of acclaimed
French artist Bernard Dufour
for £278,000
just over a year ago.
Every time I come home and drive
into the driveway,
I just emotionally
hug the building,
[laughs] I love it so much.
[narrator]
Located 68 miles from Toulouse
in a department famous
for pretty villages
and Roquefort cheese...
Julia has already renovated
her dining room,
kitchen and bedroom,
with the help of her sisters,
Melissa and Jenny.
This is so much fun.
-I really love doing this.
-I love it.
[narrator] And she has installed
two septic tanks,
created a terrace
and transformed her stable
into accommodation
for paying guests.
[Julia] When you love
what you're doing,
that's when you know you're
really living a happy life
is when you just can't wait
to keep doing the jobs.
So,
that's what motivates me.
[narrator] Now, with her
£130,000 renovation fund spent,
she is preparing
a cosmetic makeover
in her rather dingy cottage.
[Julia] It's the original
cottage for the caretaker
of the estate.
The guardian's cottage is
going to be my second sheet.
So, we've completed the stables
and now we're
moving on to this one.
[narrator] To help her Julia's
roped in her friend Jane,
also an artist,
who's visiting from Australia.
Okay. Jane, this is
the guardian's cottage.
Ah, how cute is it?
This is going to be
the living room.
[Jane] Oh wow,
it's pretty dark in here.
How are you
going to lighten it up?
So, we're gonna lighten it up
by painting the walls white
that is going to help a lot.
And we'll just have to use
-beautiful lamps in here.
-And bright paintings perhaps.
[Julia] Yeah, paintings.
[Jane] It's absolutely divine.
It's got so much character,
but my goodness
there's a lot of work.
I don't see it as a lot of work.
I always look
forward to the fun stuff.
I actually enjoy painting
and then bringing
the furniture in,
bringing art pieces in.
I find that a lot of fun.
Okay.
So, we'll start by putting
down this sheet.
[narrator]
The dynamic duo's first task
is to paint the
living room walls.
On my own with
the roller doing this room,
it'd probably
take a couple of hours.
With Jane it
could probably take all day.
[laughing]
It's a good start!
[narrator] On the surface,
painting may not seem
too challenging,
but that doesn't guarantee
it'll go smoothly.
Now, slow sweeps.
Oh look, we've
got about 50 walls to do so.
Well, if you just
rush, rush, rush,
you're gonna get
some lines in it.
It's getting on my face.
Why is this happening?
Because you're going fast
and you're just messy...
And?
...and you don't listen
to instruction
Whenever I look at these plain
white walls I think of you.
You will.
Plain Jane, No Nonsense,
that's me.
[narrator]
It may be coming together,
but the walls are not the only
things covered in paint.
Oops. Sorry, I've got
some in your hair.
[laughs]
-Never mind.
-Sorry.
[laughter]
Didn't mean it.
[narrator] Despite the mishaps,
it doesn't take long
for Julia and Jane
to complete their first wall.
Let's have a look.
Wow!
Oh, doesn't it look
so much better?
The difference is amazing.
It's really brightened a lot,
hasn't it?
Yeah, it has. Yeah.
[narrator]
The friends have made a start,
but there's a long
way to go before
the cottage is ready
for paying guests.
Across the length
and breadth of France,
owners who have taken on
the challenge of restoring
ancient châteaux
to new glories,
are unleashing their
own creativity
in all kinds of ways.
The château is like a blank
canvas for me.
Oh those are looking quite good.
[narrator] In south-western
France at Domaine De La Salle,
Mariam and Jono have spent
the last two years
renovating the place which
they now run as a B&B.
Former fashion designer Mariam
is a skilled seamstress and
brocante shopping aficionado.
Now she wants to craftily
combine business and pleasure
by setting up shop in
the château breakfast room.
I have this idea of having
a beautiful old French wardrobe,
like an armoire
and putting in it all
the nice little bits
that I find in the brocantes
and making cushions out of the
lovely embroideries that
I find in the flea market
and have a little
line of things to sell.
[narrator] Today, Mariam
is in her sewing room,
creating cushions
for her new brocante armoire.
These are the bits of embroidery
I've been collecting.
Some of them
are absolutely gorgeous.
[narrator] After working as a
fashion designer for 20 years,
this is definitely
a passion project.
I love sewing,
I love vintage laces.
So, if I can combine
those things,
and sell a few
along the way, then great.
[narrator] As a trained
pattern-cutter and designer,
Mariam has all the skills
required to repair,
restore and reuse
antique textiles.
They're basically
a part of history.
You can still find these
things on flea markets now,
but you won't
find them much longer
because certainly
my generation onwards,
nobody made
these things by hand.
[narrator] Having stitched
the textiles together
to make the cover,
Mariam can stuff it
with feathers
reused from an old pillow.
Wind, winds, go away.
No, there's been no wind
all morning.
[laughs] and my opening
is too small.
Help.
I got the giggles.
Wee!
[giggles]
[narrator] With just about
enough of the feathers making
it into the cushion,
it's a few stitches
away from completion.
Ow!
I think it's rather sweet.
[narrator] It's the perfect
French souvenir to sell
to château guests
and can take its place
along with her other creations
and brocante finds
in the breakfast room armoire.
Now for her husband Jonno to
cast his eye over her efforts.
[Mariam] Come and see, your
drinks cabinet that I stole.
I can't believe it honestly.
[laughs]
Do you like the cushions
and all the bits and pieces?
They're beautiful.
I love that tea service as well.
[Mariam] That's for sale,
would you like it?
-[laughs]
-Is it? Well, I'll buy it.
My first customer!
[narrator] With such
a distinctive collection
on offer,
Mariam's already thinking
of scaling up.
Now, I've put things
into the brocante armoire,
I can actually go off
and buy some things
from other brocantes.
So, it's a lovely,
never ending cycle of shopping.
[narrator] A hundred miles east
at Château Mareuil,
Belinda and Lee are also
brocante shopping
in search of a cabinet
to showcase the historical
artefacts they've found
in their grounds.
The display case
I'd like to do it because
every time we've had guests,
they've asked me
to sort of talk them through
the history of the place
and we invariably end up
taking out these finds.
It'd be much nicer to have them
on permanent exhibition.
What we've got in here then?
I've been told
and I mustn't be distracted,
which is very difficult.
Oh look there's
a chair for my dad!
-Aye Belinda,
-Hmm-hmm.
that is genuinely art deco
that is.
That could go over my desk.
[Belinda]
You wanted a display case.
-Yes, display case.
-We've gotta focus.
Let's get focused.
Oh, look at those fire dogs!
Look at these for candles,
they're lovely.
We'll have those.
Lee.
Oh, that's nice.
[Belinda] But I don't know
anything about the price.
[Lee speaks French]
Four hundred and thirty?
That's too much.
[Lee] Oh look,
there's decanters here.
They're a bit big
for what I want.
I'm also looking
for some glassware
because I've been making
my own liqueurs
and I want to paint up
some glass to use
to decant my gin liqueurs into
and have them
sitting on the side,
in the bar in our games room.
[Belinda]
I think that's really nice.
[Lee] Do you think the fly
comes as extra?
Honestly, I'd have that
because that's gonna
paint up really nicely.
-Three-- three Euro, oh God.
-[laughs]
[Lee] If we could get
a Knickerbockers glory glass
or something,
because we've got
the grandchildren
and I could paint them up
like a fairground theme
for ice creams in.
[Lee] Oh, they're
the sort of thing.
[Belinda] Hmm-hmm.
[Lee] Let's have those.
Display case, we must
look for a display case.
-Come on.
-What's this?
That's a sewing box.
It's got drawers.
That you could put
displays in there.
We could line this
and line that.
[Belinda] I think this is nice.
[Lee] Sixty eight.
Yeah, I'm taking this.
We went out for a display
case and we came back
with a sewing box,
two firedogs
-and a whole
gaggle of decanters...
-Rubbish.
...and rubbish that
we bought for a Euro.
[narrator] Back at the château,
Lee needs to get
his new display case
fixed before the arrival
of their family,
who are visiting from England.
[Lee] I need to first of all
make a repair to the leg.
So, I just need to glue
that bit together
and then use this strap
to try and hold it tight
while the glue sets.
Let's give it a go.
Squirt some in there.
I might go on
and ratchet it up then.
It can't ratchet it.
It won't ratchet.
[Lee] No.
It's not working.
Who invented these things?
They're rubbish.
Why don't I just stand here
and hold it all day
[chuckles] that would be
much easier.
[narrator] Misty, their pet
terrier, seems unimpressed.
maybe there's
a simpler solution.
[Belinda] A bungee,
a much better idea.
Right. Inside. Yes.
Turn it up on the other side.
Whoa.
-Oh.
-Ow!
[both laugh]
Ow.
In you go.
[Belinda]
Do you want me to iron it?
[Lee] No, it's fine.
Needs to be rustic.
That's nice.
Hey, that looks all right.
That looks good.
I think you should
go over there by the door...
[Belinda] Hmm-hmm.
...and we have the lid open.
That's lovely addition,
that is much better.
And it didn't take
that much effort, did it?
No, it's not
a lot of effort to do that.
Anything is better than you
bring in that plastic box out.
-Yeah, the Tupperware box...
-[laughs]
...has had his day.
[narrator] The château's
history may now have
a suitable showcase,
but there's still things to do
ahead of the arrival
of their family from the UK.
Coming up...
Julia feels the heat
keeping Jane on track...
-Jane!
-What?
What are you doing?
Just trimming that
so I don't hit my head.
[sighs]
[narrator] And Edward tries to
turn the tables on the experts.
I can't teach the French
much about wine,
but I thought I could still
catch them out with this.
[narrator]
In South West France...
It's the day Anna and Edward
will launch their newly
converted wine cave venue.
They're planning
a high-end tasting event
for some local
wine connoisseurs.
They've finished all
the major jobs,
now it's a case
of ensuring the venue looks
as classy as the guests.
[Anna] I am pretty nervous
about tonight
because it's a new place.
It's a new way of doing things
and it's a big project
and investment.
So, it has to work
and it has to look right.
[narrator] Anna's hoping
to create a feeling
of intimate elegance
but the key to
the evening's success
will be Edward's
wine selection.
Since moving to
the Bordeaux region,
he's tried to learn
a lot about wine.
This is
Château Beychavelle 1959.
Very well known
château these days,
I think it was
back then as well.
1959 is an exceptional year.
[narrator] Edward has been
collecting wine
for over ten years,
and he will have to draw
on all his expertise
if he is to meet the exacting
demands of his VIP guests.
French obviously from Bordeaux
know everything there is
to know about drinking
the best wines in Bordeaux.
So, I have to pull something out
that can pass for these people
as a decent quality wine.
I have hugely expensive
wines as well,
but that's not the idea.
The idea is to show
that I have my knowledge to say,
"Right, I'm gonna get this wine.
It's not the most
expensive wine in Bordeaux,
but I really like it
and let's see if you like it."
[narrator] Launching a new
venture is a serious business,
but Edward's adding one playful
element to the evening.
This is actually
a Canadian wine
from a friend's
winery in Canada.
So, we're going to see
if we can catch the French out
because I can't really teach
the French too much about wine,
but I thought it could still
catch him out with this.
And I'm also going to get some
of my wedding wine,
which is a 2005 Pomerol.
These are in magnums though,
so I'll be opening sparingly.
[narrator] Six months ago,
this cave hadn't been
touched in 60 years.
Now, Edward's transformed it
into a stunning
wine-tasting venue.
By putting in ventilation fans,
adding lights
and concreting the floor,
it's an inviting place to be.
Especially as the
wine barrelled bar area
is tastefully stocked
with vintage bottles.
[Anna] I am really proud
with everything that Ed
has done with this space.
It has come to life.
It was a place where
I hadn't come before,
like in 13 years and a half,
I think I've been
down here three times
and one of them
was just at the entrance,
but now it's a beautiful
transformed place.
[narrator]
Edward has won over Anna.
Let's hope the distinguished
guests are equally impressed.
[upbeat music plays]
Heading east back to
Château Mas de Pradié,
artist Julia
and her friend Jane
are transforming the estate's
neglected caretaker cottage
into a gite for paying guests.
[Julia] It's getting
hot out there.
[Jane] Is it?
Is it in the sun?
[Julia] Some of it is and that's
why we've gotta do it quickly
because it's just going
to get sunnier and sunnier.
[narrator] After brightening up
the cottage's dingy interior,
they are turning their
attentions to the outside.
So what I'm planning for
the terrace is to have
a outdoor dining
setting out here.
So, the guests who are staying
in here can eat out here mainly.
So, we have to start by getting
rid of all the weeds,
cleaning it, giving a good sweep
before we can make it
look pretty again.
[Julia] Watering the weeds,
they're going to be a lot easier
to pull out because it's so dry.
And not only that, it's cooling
us down a little bit.
[narrator] The 40-degree heat
is making it a testing task.
-Jane?
-What?
What are you doing?
Just trimming that
so I don't hit my head.
-It's at eye level.
-[Sighs]
[narrator] Julia is counting on
having the cottage ready
to rent out to guests
in the coming weeks.
[Julia] I know this is
really quite boring,
but it's really going
to transform
the whole cottage
because the terrace is
the first thing you see when,
you know, you walk up here.
So, making it look
beautiful and welcoming
is going to make
all the difference.
Absolutely, but I can't
stand here forever.
[laughs]
I'm the beautiful feature.
[narrator] After two hours
of backbreaking work
in the sweltering heat,
Julia and Jane have made
serious progress.
I think that's about as good
as it'll get for the moment.
Definitely improvement
from what it was.
It is and then how about
bringing some big pots over.
[Julia] I'm not sure
how many pots the terrace
is going to need.
We want to really...
fill it up and fill those
corners and edges up with pots.
I'm not sure how many
it's going to take.
This might give us
a little bit of an idea
of how much we need to get.
Oh, I don't know,
maybe a good 20 or 30 pots
might need to be up there.
[narrator] They fill
the wheelbarrow with?
the lavender and geraniums
they need to bring colour
to the terrace.
[Julia] We'll just stop it here.
Yeah.
[Jane] Oh, it's looking
good from here.
Gorgeous.
It's a nice little
welcome at the front door.
Bit of colour.
It's fabulous.
[narrator] The addition of
some outdoor furniture
finishes the setting.
[Jane] Ah.
-[Julia] Looks lovely.
-[Jane] It's so cute.
What a gorgeous little area?
[Julia] It's going to look
so good when it's finished,
full of pots over there,
table, chairs.
And it'd be gorgeous and that
breeze coming through is divine.
Yeah, that is nice now.
[narrator]
On the outside at least,
the caretaker's cottage
is shaping up well.
Julia now just needs
to finish the interior.
135 miles north
at Château Mareuil,
Lee is preparing to up cycle
the glassware
he and Belinda picked up
at the brocante.
We got a couple of decanters
that I can paint up
and they'll be good
for decanting my
-serps of gin.
-[Belinda laughs]
[Lee] We got two lovely
sorbet dishes,
which would be great
for the grandchildren.
And I'm going to paint
them up in really garish
sort of colours,
like a fairground,
because the kids they love that.
First thing, I want to do is try
and draw on with
one of these glass pens
a design and then fill
the design in with the paint.
What I'm doing is using
the brushstrokes
to suggest
the shape of the fruit.
What I like particularly
about doing this glass now,
it's our grandchildren
they're going to have this
and they can hang on to it
and it'll last their lifetime.
And it'd be a memory
from grandma and granddad
all those years ago.
Look at that,
-a thing of beauty.
-Oh yes.
-[Lee] So, what do you think?
-They're lovely.
The kids are gonna love
having an ice cream
out of those,
don't you think it's fun,
they're fun?
[narrator] It's been eight
months since the last time
the family were together.
-[horn honks]
-Aha!
[Belinda] Hello!
[narrator] Now,
Belinda's son-in-law Guy,
her daughter Angela and
two-year-old grandson Geoffrey,
have finally arrived.
What's your word you practiced?
-Bonjour!
-Bonjour!
-[Lee] Bonjour!
-[Belinda] Wow.
[Lee] Hey, good.
Right there.
[Angela] Right. You're gonna
come down to the table
because we've got
something special.
Right.
Oh Geoffrey, look what
we have for you
a special glass.
[narrator] Lee can finally serve
his homemade liqueur
in his newly
decorated decanter.
Right. Cheers!
[all] cheers.
[Lee] Oh, it's so
good to see you.
You too.
[Lee] Geoffrey, if I pulled
the branch down
will you pick the apple off?
It is wonderful
to have the family here.
We've waited so long for this.
[all] Yay!
It's been on off,
on off and they're here
which is absolutely fantastic.
Specialize ice-cream
that granny made.
-That's nice.
-Sit between mummy and granny.
Come on.
Wow.
[Angela] Tell granny what
you think? Granny made it.
What do you think?
I don't think Geoffrey noticed
the painting on the ice cream?
No, he just got the ice-cream.
-He got the banana ice-cream.
-He liked the banana ice-cream.
Yeah.
[narrator]
Now that everyone's refreshed,
Lee's keen to show off
the fruits of his and Belinda's
earlier labours.
[Geoffrey] What's inside?
Let's open it shall we and see.
-Whoa.
-[Guy] It's got stands on it.
[Lee] It's a box
of special things.
What's that?
That's a cannonball.
[Geoffrey] This is heavy.
Yes, it is heavy, yes.
Oh well look, bits of stone.
I think Geoffrey really liked
the flint collection
and I think he's gonna be
a growing flint addict
as he gets older.
-He might a flint collector now.
-A flint collector.
He could be flint stone,
so to speak.
[Angela] So, you took a long
to complete that collection.
It's taken 1,000 years
to put that together.
I think it's great.
And it's I think
it's rather nice
keeping old things like that.
[Lee] That no way to talk
about my wife.
[laughs]
We can have a really good time
and this is gonna
be our time out this year.
This is our holiday.
[narrator] Coming up...
Julia has her work cut out
with finishing touches
in the cottage...
Is it level?
It's perfect.
Looks great.
-It's divine.
-I like it.
[narrator] And Bordeaux's
finest connoisseurs
cast their verdicts on Edward
and Anna's new wine cave.
[speaks French]
[all laugh]
[theme music plays]
[narrator]
At Château Mas de Pradié,
Aussie artist Julia
and her sculptor friend Jane
are renovating the estate's
caretaker cottage.
I've been working on the cottage
for two or three weeks now
and I've completed
all the painting.
I've oiled the timber floors
and where I'm at the stage now
where I can put the furniture in
and make it look pretty.
[narrator] As an artist,
Julia has a collection of
her own work ready to use.
She's brought Jane
to her studio
to help choose some
canvases for the cottage.
So, I want your opinion
on which ones
we should put in the cottage.
Okay.
So, the bedroom, which I adore.
I'm liking these ones
that you painted
that are absolutely divine.
[Julia] They could
definitely both go in there--
I think they could because
that mirror is the same colour.
Yes.
And on some of the bed dressing
has that colour
and the lampshades.
So, it's all going to be
really calming and cool.
-Let's do it.
-Yeah.
[narrator] Julia's work
ranges from paintings
celebrating classical
sculpture, to bright
and cheerful
wildlife portraits.
What do you think about
going with the pelican
-for the living room?
-I love this painting.
Yes, we got quite
a bit of Australia in there.
Yeah.
And it's really bright
and bold and fun.
[Jane] Yeah, it's fun.
-Let's go and do it.
-All right.
-Well, I can see how they look.
-Yeah.
They're very light.
[Jane] Oh fabulous.
Okay.
Okay.
Oh it's hot.
[Jane] It is warm.
So, what I was thinking,
mainly because we have some
nails already in the wall.
Yes, absolutely.
Um, we have one up there.
[Jane] Perfecto.
And one over there.
[Jane] And I think they're
actually in the right spot.
-Well, yeah, I think so.
-Don't you?
-Let's try.
-It could be.
That's actually a bit high,
isn't it?
-Is it too high?
-I'll get back and have a look.
I like it!
Yeah, that's good.
The other option is
having both paintings
because that
could look quite nice.
I think try it there.
We'll try it
and see how it looks.
I think it's gonna look great.
Okay.
[gasps] Gorgeous. Yeah.
Is it level?
Yep, it's perfect.
Looks great.
That's good. I like it.
-[Jane] It's divine.
-I like it.
[narrator] Pelicans may
not be native to France,
but Julia's painting
looks right at home.
It's gorgeous there, I love it.
But I'll hold it
and you have a look.
[Julia] Okay.
It's got a dirty beak.
Oh, yeah. It's very cute.
-That'll look fine.
-It looks good there,
-it's very cheerful.
-Yeah, I love it.
[narrator] It's taken
a while to get here
but now Julia can enjoy
the bit she likes best
making it pretty.
It's a very elegant,
very inviting bed.
It is.
Those colours and the mirror,
everything goes back to this
mirror because the mirrors
-is an original piece.
-It does.
From the cottage
and I loved being able to keep
something original
from each room I've worked in.
I've done
that through the château.
Would you be happy to stay here?
I'd be so happy to stay here!
[narrator]
All that's left to do now
are the finishing touches.
[Jane] Stunning!
[Julia] Beautiful!
About there you think?
I think so.
[Jane] I think the lavender
might be happy here.
[Julia] Beautiful.
I think it looks really lovely.
-It's so cute!
-Yeah.
[narrator] In just three weeks,
Julia and Jane have transformed
an uninhabited cottage
into a work of art.
What was a characterless,
lacklustre bedroom
now has bright white walls,
neo-classical paintings
and an upgraded bed.
A depressingly dark
and uninviting living room
now has a comfortable sofa-bed,
finely oiled timber flooring
and colour coordinated
artwork and ceramics.
And the drab concrete exterior
is now a terrace dining area
with pot plants
and outdoor furniture.
[Julia] I am proud of
how it's turned out
because it was a mess.
It was dirty, it was tired.
Now it's bright, it's clean.
It's very inviting.
I hope it
looks really comfortable,
and it has that
rustic French charm
that I wanted it to have.
And I hope people
really find it appealing
and want to spend time in it.
[narrator] She's been busy,
but Julia's not about
to put her feet up.
We have our first wedding
booked here for next year.
So, we are--
We have got a timeframe
to get things ready by
and also we're about to start
building our pool
just out beyond
the walled garden.
So, that's very
exciting as well.
[narrator] Julia's château was
unoccupied for several years,
but she is already breathing
new life into every part of it.
[upbeat music plays]
Over in the famous wine
region of Bordeaux...
Anna and Edward's prestigious
guests are arriving
for the inaugural
wine tasting event
in their underground cave.
[speaks French]
[narrator]
It's champagne for starters...
Merci, merci.
...and a first chance
for the local VIP's
to assess Edward's
handiwork in person.
[Anna speaking French]
It's going really so far.
We just really said
hello to everyone
and showed them down
into the caves,
let them discover
a bit of the caves themselves.
[narrator] If Edward is to stand
any chance of making a return
on his investment,
tonight's local influencers
must be impressed.
[speaks French]
[man speaks French]
A great idea, yeah.
[narrator]
With such valuable wine,
portion control is a fine art.
[Edward]
It's just hard trying to gauge
how much wine
to give each person.
So, I'm trying lots
open lots of wine
otherwise I'm going to
be drunk for the next few days.
Finishing off wine
that's not been drunk.
[narrator] For his party piece,
he is planning a game of
guess-the-country-of-origin,
with his mate's Canadian red.
So, I have put one of my old
rugby socks on the bottle,
so nobody can see the label.
And let's see if anybody
really knows the wine.
[glass clinks]
[speaks French]
[all laugh]
[narrator] It is essential
that the connoisseurs
appreciate Edward's
wine selection.
It's a château brand.
[narrator] It certainly appears
to be going down well.
We're gonna see who's
very quick at drinking
and who's, you know,
taking the time.
[narrator] But his mystery wine
seems to have left
the guests flummoxed.
[speaks French]
[man speaks French]
[man] It's from [speaks French]
No.
[narrator] None of the experts
guessed it was Canadian
so maybe Edward
can introduce Bordeaux's best
to something new.
They have done an incredible job
and I think this will be
a really big asset.
[speaks French]
[narrator]
It's been a vintage evening
and Edward's dream of opening
a wine venue in the caves
is now a reality.
We think tonight
has gone really well,
it has been a success.
They were impressed,
they loved the wine.
[Edward] I think they
even just they were,
the whole-- the whole place,
you know.
They're like the fact
that we're in a cave
because it was special
for even people in Bordeaux,
it's really special.
[Anna] I'm really proud of Ed
and what is done with the caves
that the hard work has paid off.
They look spectacular.
I think this goes really
well with the future
and what we're
hoping to do here.
I can see people coming in here,
having wine tasting,
maybe some food
and join and who knows,
maybe some parties here.
[narrator] Next time...
Familiar faces return
with romantic plans
for a new honeymoon suite...
When you said that we could
start stripping in the bedroom,
I did think it was going to be
much more interesting.
[narrator] New château shoppers
start the search for their
dream French manor...
Oh!
The bathroom is hidden
behind the wallpaper door.
...And luxury wedding hosts
battle the elements.
Within two minutes, we got rain
and everything got drenched,
especially the top table.
I'm pretty worried actually.
[theme music playing]