Escape to the Chateau DIY (2018–2021): Season 6, Episode 9 - Episode #6.9 - full transcript
Across France there
are thousands of
beautiful Chateaus...
Many forgotten and abandoned.
Now, they're being brought
back to life...
It looks amazing.
By adventurous Brits.
Yoo-hoo! It's always fun!
They're taking on
the challenge...
-Hahaha!
-That'd be dangerous.
...to transform these
once-unloved buildings...
Waheeey!
Into incredible homes...
Oh my God! That ceiling
is amazing.
And businesses.
There'll be triumphs...
That's the way to do it!
...and setbacks...
Bang. I was expecting
you to catch that one.
...but however hard
the going gets...
Argh!
All good?
...those who've
made the move...
Cheers!
... Get to live
the dream as custodians
of their very own castle.
Today...
Give it a quick clean...
It's a race against
time for one couple...
I am just trying gage how
many you need for 16 people
As they launch their
high-end B and B.
-Thank you very
much for coming.
-Cheers!
These Chateau owners take
on a tricky project.
The problem is really that
the walls are not straight
and ceilings are not straight.
And one family face
a massive challenge...
We need to get it
absolutely watertight.
The last thing you
want is a leaky shower.
As they attempt to get their
business off the ground
How's she going to fit in
here in her wedding dress?
So, it's going to be
a bit of squash, no!
Across France, many Chateau
owning Brits are looking at
ways to bring in some income.
Like the new owners of
the impressive 18th century
38 room Chateau La Briance.
For the last 10 months,
it's been the home of Dorset
couple Matt and Helen
who are renovating
it into a luxury B and B
and wedding venue.
Every day is more fun and
getting to that goal
of where we actually, finally
someone comes with a suitcase
and rings the bell,
and they're our first guests,
that's going to be a moment
that we will always remember.
Located 15 miles from
the city of Limoges...
The couple have had
builders working non-stop,
as their launch party
is on Valentine's Day,
just 10 days away.
They'll be hosting a dinner
for 14 people who have all
booked to stay over.
So, they need to
get their skates on,
as three of the four
first floor bedrooms
still need a lot of work.
While on the second floor,
the bridal suite is
not even half done.
I think we are the
end since right now,
we are really happy
with the progress that
we have made just recently.
I am not quite confident
that we are going to be ready
and I feel that it's
going to be a tough going to
try to achieve
and have everything done.
So, there could be a case
that we are having to put these
things behind closed doors.
With time ticking, the DIY
novices now want to finish off
the entrance by framing
one of their specially
commissioned murals.
It was always our plan
to have a frame put
around this using timbers,
which come out from the
floor boards upstairs
when we first moved in.
So, the floor boards
will be nearly 300 years old.
So, it is bringing them back
to life and putting them up
round as a very rustic frame.
It's a fantastic idea,
but it might not be
as simple as they think.
Sadly, I am not strong enough
to help with the muscly bits
of lifting
of the big bits of wood and
holding them in place for that.
So, I can't help
him on that one.
Ian.
Yeah, up over here.
So, it's up to decorator
Ian to help.
-Right!
-Muscles ready.
The muscles from
Brussels is here.
Right, if you can hold it
basically into place mate.
First Matt needs to mark
out the holes where
the floor board will sit.
It's crucial he makes them
deep enough,
as each piece of wood
weighs up to 15 kilos.
Stop. Bit more, yep.
Now, it's a case of screwing
it in and hoping he's got
the measurements right.
I am really pleased
with the way It's looking,
it's definitely given
us the rustic effect
that we wanted.
Oh, that looks good.
I'm impressed with that, it's
really good. So, right, okay.
With the frame up,
the hard part is
out of the way.
Now, they want to add a bit
of decoration by gluing
some wooden appliques to it.
-So, spread out but
not to the edge.
-Yes, spread it out.
Costing around £20 each
it should be a matter
of just sticking them on.
-That way up?
That way up, that way up.
-That way up, yeah
How long does
it take to set?
Not long. It is not
going to stick to it.
Yeah, I think we
need a different glue.
So, are we just going to hunt
for another solution?
It is so light.
It should stick.
I'm just hoping that it takes
this time with that product.
Do you see
it sticking out?
Because of the shape
of the wood.
But the new glue
isn't working...
I think what I am
going to do, if you could
come here and hold this.
Yep.
So, because the surface of
the wood is a bit uneven,
it is not holding in place
as we would have hoped.
So, I think we might need
a little nail or something to
and then once, the glue has had
time to set, it will be fine.
Okay.
It's been more fiddly
than they hoped,
but their rustic frame
is now done and it's another
job ticked off the list.
I am really pleased
with our finished rustic frame
around Napoleon.
It has given a really good
effect and I think it is exactly
what we were looking for.
You can't expect these
things to happen first time,
every time,
but you know, everything
is coming in together
really well now
and everyone is working hard,
but we're achieving things
and you see new goals
achieved every day.
Let's hope work in the rest
of the Chateau goes smoothly.
260 miles further north
is the beautiful La Fleur.
The chateau has
16 rooms and sits in
15 acres of lush countryside.
The lucky new owners
are fashion designer Anna
and Italian film maker Philip,
who bought it 7 months ago.
They now live here with
daughters Lily & Ella.
I always wanted to have
a chateau, with the big windows,
the spaces, the proportions.
-It has a great energy,
doesn't it?
-It's amazing.
We do have to pinch
ourselves that we live here.
Located close to
the Normandy coast...
The couple used all their life
savings and took out a big loan
to buy the place for £900,000.
With the promise of
opening as a B and B
in the next few months,
Anna is eager to get
a website up and running.
Anna thinks taking bookings
in will give us a deadline
that we can't postpone.
Yeah, but it is also
because financially we have
to start making money.
Yes.
Their plan is to create
three luxury guest suites
on the first floor,
but it's still
currently being used
as their sleeping quarters.
So, before they can
start the renovations,
they need to finish off
the top floor family apartment.
And after seven months,
Anna is desperate to move in.
The more we postpone
this deadline and we wait for
the perfect time to do things,
the less time we have
to renovate the
rest of the chateau.
So, I keep saying to Philipp,
we don't have a choice.
There are four
bedrooms in total,
all of which need
to be decorated,
carpeted and furnished.
But the biggest
challenge is finishing
off the two bathrooms,
starting with the smallest one.
We decided to turn
it into a wet room
because it is quite small
and that was the best solution
for us to have
a nice shower space,
but for that, we needed to
get it absolutely watertight.
This floor, like everything,
in the chateau,
has the wooden beams,
there's a lot of wood in
the structure of the chateau.
So, the last thing you
want is the leaky shower
and I figure out the
best way for here will be to
glue a membrane there is
on the floor and on the walls,
and that should do the job.
To make sure
the membrane sticks,
Philipp is mixing together some
extra-strong adhesive.
and is beginning
with the most important
bit of the floor,
the join around the drain.
For the rest of the membrane,
you just use average,
normal glue that you
would use for tiling.
He bought a roll of
damp-proof membrane to keep
the floor and walls dry
for 200 euros,
around 170 pounds.
This will take at least a day
to dry and once this is dry,
you can go on and start
tiling on top of that membrane,
it looks a bit messy, but better
messy than not watertight.
With the first section
safely in place,
Phillip now has to do the same
to the rest of the bathroom.
There shouldn't be too much
water coming all the way there,
but I still prefer
being covered.
While, Phillip carries
on waterproofing,
a special delivery arrives.
The new carpet for
the apartment much
to Allie's delight..
This is exciting because
once that is laid, then it's
going to look almost finished.
They bought the
carpet locally for 800 euros,
about 700 pounds and had
to ensure it was practical.
I would have loved to
put in some parquet flooring,
but because we're living
on the second floor
and we will be right above
where our guest rooms
are going to be
on the first floor, we just need
to be sure that we're going to
have as much sound
insulation as possible.
So, we kind of did some research
and then we were looking at
sort of jute
and seize all carpets,
but they're really rough
to have in your bedroom.
So, Phillip found sea grass
and it's much smoother
on the foot
and it's also quite
hardwearing.
So, yeah, and I think
it will look nice.
It's starting to come together,
especially as Phillip
is also making some headway
in the bathroom.
I just finished the floor
and I'm quite happy with it.
I also realized that
the tricky thing on
the corners, that means
there's a lot of
more tricky corners to
come when I do the walls,
but the thing is
these little things,
they take a lot of time
and there might be
a little delay at the end
because there's just so many of
these little last things to do.
It looks like this job
could be set to run and run.
-Coming up...
-[all] Cheers.
it's time for Matt
and Helen to welcome their
first paying guests.
I place this one of my wife!
And things get messy
for one couple.
That's a good mix!
As they tackle a dicey
renovation job.
Hopefully, it will just
stay there when he moves
away and it won't fall down.
Well, they will.
In Western France lies
the stunning Chateau de Saugé,
which dates back to 1607.
It has 45 rooms and comes
with four acres of land.
And was bought by
construction director Paul
and property consultant Donna.
They snapped it up 16 months
ago for just £279,000.
I think it's important that
you always feel comfortable.
And, and this has felt
like home from day one.
We've never found that it,
it felt huge and it's always
felt like home.
How did we get so lucky,
you know, being here?
Oh it's nothing to
do with luck, was it,
it was just hard work.
Located 50 miles drive
from the town La Rochelle,
the 400-year-old chateau
is being converted from
four separate departments
into a B and B,
but before Paul and Donna can
open their doors,
they need to renovate
four more suites
and have already
started turning
the salon into a guest lounge.
Woo...
It's been a very messy job.
Ooh. Right, it came
out from underneath it.
As they've taken out
a wall and staircase
to create more space.
Another big step forward.
Now, Donna is eager to
get the salon finished.
And that's kind of
my priority at the moment
to get the salon complete,
so I can hopefully
get wallpapered next week
and get this room, no pressure,
get this room ready.
The next challenge is to
cornice is the new interior
wall and to save money,
Paul is hoping he can
reuse the two original pieces
salvaged from the old one.
So, we need to try and take
this existing T shove off.
How are we going to do that?
Uh, probably with
the saw or a grinder.
I've been dreading doing this.
These are the only
two bits they have.
So, Paul needs to be extra
careful removing the old glue
If I break it or cut through
when I'm cutting this off,
then - the plan is
not to break it.
They haven't
found anything similar to fit
in with the rest of the room.
So, it's crucial
it goes to plan.
With the glue removed,
they can test it out for size,
-Quite a gap, isn't it?
-Oh, yes.
But there is now another issue.
The problem is really that
the walls are not straight
and the ceiling is not straight.
So, trying to get it all nicely
leveled up is an issue.
That'll be fine once we've
got the T shove on it.
It's a common problem,
but Paul's hoping
some extra thick adhesive
will sort that out.
That's a good mix.
[laughing]
And to ensure it has
no chance of moving anywhere,
they're caking the stuff on.
I mean, most of that
will squeeze over,
Got to help anybody
in the future that needs
to take this off.
Finally, the first
piece is in place.
Hopefully, it will stay there
when he moves away
and it won't fall down.
It goes parallel...
What I was going
to say is struggle,
given that the walls and
the ceilings are not straight.
Well, do you, do you want
to put the other piece in?
Now, all Paul has to do
is cut the other piece
to size and do the same.
Probably, has to get
the strong one up.
Well, yeah. I mean there is
always time for a disaster.
Paul's not wrong,
as the leftover bit.
It is less than we thought.
It is not big enough
to finish the job.
That's going into that.
It's about maybe
six inches short.
It looks like they're going
to have to come up
with a plan B.
In central France,
at Chateau La Briance,
it's Valentine's Day
and the launch of Martin
Helen's being wedding venue.
I'm just trying to gauge how
many you need for 16 people.
They have been working
tirelessly to ensure
the place is looking its best.
You feel like you're
really getting somewhere now.
All the hard work that's gone
into this whole project,
the fact that we're getting
the signs on the door
shows that we're
coming to a finish.
Which is just as well
as there's no time
to do anything else, now that
guests have started to arrive.
I'm going to grab some fizz.
Guys, just make yourself
at home. Sit down,
Let's hope that their
hours of hard graft
make a big impression.
It was a long night last night.
He was up until, until 3:00,
made a cushion. About, bit nice.
So, we are just
welcoming everyone,
having a quick drink
and then we'll show
them to their rooms.
And what better way to start
than with a glass of champagne.
-Cheers everybody.
-Cheers.
And happy Valentine's.
Yeah, happy Valentines.
Just to let you know
the sacrifices we've made,
everyone's room has
a carpet, except ours.
[all] Oh...
-So, just to let you know.
-You are.
So, in actual fact,
our room isn't done,
which is the Nostradamus suite.
So, we've left that
and we've moved into
the spare room there. Yeah.
The guests are friends
and work colleagues
over from the UK
who could play a key part
in getting their
business up and running.
We got a lot of
pretty big hitters.
There's some fairly wealthy
people in that room next door
and we want to showcase the
chateau.
Perhaps it's the type
of thing that they could
use for functions, for weddings,
for family events,
perhaps corporate events
for their business.
So, it's important that
we make this a success.
With the welcome drinks
over, it's the moment of truth.
After having spent 10 months
working with a team
of live-in builders,
the first floor is finally
ready to be shown off.
Oh.
-Matt, you have
been busy painting.
-I know.
There are several
numbers that come by.
Told the numbers that was it?
-No.
-I did this. I based
this one on my wife.
Each room has been themed
on a well-known French figure
and is extravagantly decorated,
like the luxurious
family suite, which
they dedicated to Napoleon.
Welcome to the Napoleon
Bonaparte suite.
Thank you.
Napoleon Bonaparte?
-Amazing.
-Aah! That's amazing.
Really, really good.
-Excellent.
-Fantastic.
So that's all your
land out there, yeah?
-It is, yeah
-...land is a lot more.
This is my chaise.
They already seem to
be making an impression.
Happy Valentine's!
Along the hallway is another
lavish bedroom
blinged up in silver and gold
and named after Richard
the Lionheart.
...make it nice and ready.
-Well done.
-Very well done.
This is the first time
you've done any manual work,
really, isn't it?
Pretty much.
-His hands, look at his hands.
-That's hard work.
That's rich man's hands.
Rich man's hands that is.
It's a case of so far so good,
but the second floor
is still very much
a work in progress.
Oh, wow!
Including the bridal suite,
which is only half done.
The ceiling is amazing.
It's like a big cushion.
I mean how did you do that?
I love the shape.
Guys, the room is going to be
lovely when it is finished.
The guests have
certainly been won over,
but Martin and Helen can't
afford to relax just yet.
As now, they have
to prepare for their
Valentine's dinner party,
260 miles North at La Fleur,
it's been two months
and Donna and Phillip
have still not moved into
their family apartment.
The walls are being painted,
but the carpets are not
down and the bathrooms
are still only half done.
It's obviously frustrating when
you don't meet your deadlines.
You know, the reality
is with chateaus,
there's always things that come
up that you're not expecting
and it always takes
longer than you think.
I guess it's just kind of
disappointing because we wanted
to be in there and be able
to sort of advance on
the works in the guest rooms,
but as everything's kind
of been a bit delayed,
then we're just going to have
to wait a little bit longer.
With time on her hands,
designer Anna wants
to test out some creative
ideas for the B and B.
So, today, I'm going
to have a go at marbling.
I found these books
in the chateau
and they have this beautiful
kind of marbled paper,
which was like a kind of
traditional technique,
which was used in
the 19th century, I think.
So, I've always wanted
to have a go, and um,
I feel it would be really nice
to try and use it somehow
in the interiors.
Maybe I don't know,
lampshades or cushions.
I'm not really sure yet.
Before using fabrics, she wants
to trial it out on paper.
I have to follow
the instructions because
I've never done this before.
First, she sponges diluted
aluminum sulfate onto it,
which will stop
the paint from washing off.
I don't really know how much of
this is meant to be on or how
wet it is meant to be,
but it was just
a bit of a guess.
While the paper dries, she can
start creating her pattern
by splashing paint into
a solution of cellulose,
which makes the paint float.
Nah, I'm just flicking
it everywhere,
except onto the tray.
For her first attempt,
Anna's going with white,
black and yellow.
I figure out, I think you
have to just kind of keep
adding and building up
as you kind of go.
So, I will get my paper...
Having finished her design,
Right side up.
she now has to transfer
it safely onto paper.
Fingers crossed.
Okay. I don't know if
it's worked because
I can see a few bubbles.
Maybe I did something wrong
there as I put it in that.
Let's see...
Tadaa...Okay. Not bad.
I think that I got to
rinse it now so let's see
what happens when I rinse that.
I am very happy. It
looks actually better than I
expected for the first time.
Yeah, that's pretty cool.
Having completed one,
Anna is keen to test
out other patterns.
So, I'm going to use this
wooden stick to drag across
the surface and hopefully
it will kind of
create a funky design.
I think it's one of those
things that you need to kind
of spend quite a lot of time,
like just playing around
and practicing.
Yeah, it looks
pretty good. Okay.
It looks like Anna's
experiment has paid off
as she now has the first part
of her vision for the B and B.
I'm excited to see where
I can take it
and I think it could look
amazing in the rooms,
if it works.
So, yeah, it's good.
She is hoping work
starts on the rooms
sooner rather than later.
Coming up -- Donna and Paul
attempt to get back on track
The missing piece, we're going
to have to try and make
And Martin and Helen's party
preparations hit the buffers.
It's just not what you
want for your guests
when they arrive in
and we'll be really disappointed
if we cannot get it going.
In Western France
at Chateau de Sauge,
Do you want to want
a bit of plaster, then?
Paul and Donna are renovating
salon for their B and B
and want to reuse two
original pieces of cornice
from the wall they removed,
but they have had a problem.
In between this short and long
piece, there is the missing
piece,
we're going to
have to try and make.
Luckily, Paul has come up
with an ingenious solution.
We're going to be short
of about six inches in
terms of the corners.
So, what we've done is
prepare a kind of the negative
if you like of the cornice--
good catch,
which will fit in here,
I'll show the gap that we have,
we'll use the plaster
and then we can this
as a scraper
to create the profile
of the missing section.
That's the plan.
obinson,
but we'll see how we get on.
No, it's a good idea.
It's more like you have
one of these things
Batman threw.
as going to say that.
It's a fantastic idea.
Let's hope Paul's homemade
tool does the trick.
He disappears into the workshop
and comes out with some
new template or something,
don't you? You never
cease to amaze me.
First, Paul needs to scape on
the plaster with his new tool.
Oh, that looks good.
I think it's going to work.
Right that's us, we'll
need to let it dry and it...
-Excellent, morning's work.
-Bit I mean if you were at,
the proper entrance you'd never
know it, notice that, would you?
No, no, totally blends in.
Paul will need to keep
finessing the plaster
to get a seamless match.
Yeah. You can see
the lines on it now
And then has to start thinking
about getting the rest of
the salon up to scratch.
90 miles further
east in central France,
the guests are
still exploring the place,
but it's all go in
the kitchen as Helen needs
to prepare
for tonight's
Valentine's dinner party.
Say, luckily for me,
I've got a good friend, Emma,
who has kindly offered to give
me a hand in the kitchen today.
So, we're going to do
a choice of starters because
some of our guests are
not prawn eaters.
So, we're doing a prawn
and the soup starter.
With the guests having given
the rooms the thumbs up --
This is going to be our room.
The pressure is now on Helen
to ensure the food
lives up to expectation.
I made my life a little
bit easier on myself
with a beef bourguignon,
that I could put
in the slow cooker.
With the food under control,
Matt is turning his hand
to the table decorations.
I think this is useful
practice for us
to know what it's like to set
a table
and to have a better idea
of what people will expect.
What you do -- Is it my
knife on the left or,
I am joking, I'm joking,
I'm only joking, don't worry.
We need knife and fork and
side knives and side fork.
Oh God.
And dessert spoons will come out
with the dessert anyway.
Okay. So, just two
lots of cutlery.
-That's it.
-All right.
All seems to be running rather
smoothly until it's not.
So, you got no heating either.
There now appears to be
a problem with the boiler
after the guests
realized it wasn't working.
Sadly, it does look like
the heating in our second
floor hasn't kicked in.
Yeah. Obviously, it's
a bit of a panic.
It's just not what you want for
your guests when they arrive
in and we'll be
really disappointed
if we cannot get it going.
We don't really understand
where the problem is.
We've obviously had
radiators connected this week
that should have kicked
in and they haven't.
So, you know, it could
be some frantic calls.
Who says life in a Chateau
is ever straightforward.
260 miles North in Normandy,
Anna and Phillip
are still no closer to moving
into their family apartment.
And with time ticking
for their B and B opening,
they have no choice,
but to start the first
floor renovations.
This is the layout.
I think we're going to go for.
Beginning with a grand bathroom
for the bridle suite.
And then here will be the
toilet with a separating wall
and then here will
be the roll-top bath.
And that's the door that
goes into the bedroom, say.
This is our -- this is the
biggest guest bathroom we will
have
and we're building
a wall in here.
First of all,
we can separate the toilets
and the walk-in shower
from the rest of the bathroom.
So, the challenge today will
be to find the exact right spot
for the walls to have
a big enough toilet,
but without eating away too much
of the room of the bathroom.
-Do you want to get
a measuring tape?
-Yeah.
The first measurement
they need to make
is for a cupboard they want to
open from the landing.
I think we we're eating
into the bathroom.
I don't want to do that.
I rather eat into the cupboard
because it'll be a cupboard
for towels or for bedding.
Yeah, okay well let's say 55.
That seems big
enough to store...
-Yeah yeah.
-Okay. That's where
the cupboard ends.
Having decided to make
the cupboard smaller,
they now need to ensure
they've left enough space
to fit in the toilet.
Well, that feels fine.
Well that is definitely
right for the toilet.
-Yeah?
-Yeah and it's going to be the
bridal room and anyway,
will, you know, go on a diet
before she's getting married.
How is she going to fit in with
her wedding dress?
So... it's going to be a bit
of a wash, you know.
There is only one way to
check and that is by testing
out the toilet itself.
Right. Are you sitting
on it or am I?
Please my love,
make yourself comfortable.
Well I haven't got
a toilet seat, but...
-Looks... looks all right.
-I feel like...
'm okay.
-Are you okay there?
-Is it good?
-It's good.
Happy with the
space for the toilet,
they can now mark out where
the rest of the wall will be.
We are building this
wall with metal structures.
In the UK, you'd rather
use wooden structures,
but in France, most people
use metal structures
and you start by putting
in a rail on the top,
a rail on the floor,
and then, these other bits,
which slide into the rails
and we'd have plaster
boards on top of it.
First, the rails
need cutting to size.
Thankfully, Phillip
has a handy guillotine.
-Oh, that was fun.
-Good.
Once the rails are cut,
they just need
screwing into position.
-It is fun to work
together, isn't it?
-Yeah.
it feels like we're having some
yeah, romantic moment for us
because we didn't get much time,
like at the moment, do we?
In a little over half an hour,
they've laid the framework
out on the floor.
All right.
And just to be totally sure,
Phillip wants to recheck
the space for the toilet.
Careful. Don't break the toilet.
Ah.
I feel like that looks
like really generous now.
-Now that the walls are up, yes.
-Yeah. Now, the walls are up.
-Into my toilet.
-Yes, exactly.
[laughs]
-Yeah.
-Yeah.
I think it's the idea
of the wall that counts.
It's not the actual walls.
Who cares about the actual walls
when the idea is there?
It's a good start,
but the bathroom
is going to take
a while to finish.
At least, they're now finally
making some progress
towards their B and B.
I mean, we're not working
on the guest rooms,
but you know,
the bathrooms take
a long time to do.
So, at least starting on this,
it means that, you know,
I feel like, okay,
you know, we're going to
be able to do it
hopefully and stick
to our schedule.
So, now, it's great.
It's going to be a challenge as
there is still so much to do.
Before the chateau
will be ready for guests.
-Coming up...
-This one here.
Donna's plans for
the salon move a step closer.
Aw, unless we put it there.
-And it's crunch time
for Matt and Helen
-Good.
as they host their
Valentine's dinner party.
Ow. I am rubbish at this.
In Western France...
Donna and Paul have been
working tirelessly
on the salon for their B and B.
The makeshift cornice
fits in seamlessly
and the rest of the room
has come on leaps and bounds.
The salon Is nearly done. Yeah!
We've painted the ceilings,
painted all the wood work.
We have wallpapered the room.
We have also sanded
all the timber floors.
-And oiled them.
-Changed the light fittings.
We've really done a lot.
They have been busy.
-We will do these tie backs,
-Mm-hm.
But there are still some
finishing touches to do,
like fitting recycled tie
backs for the curtains.
I mean the discussion
is as it here?
Right. Let me stand back and see
what it looks like.
That probably doesn't
look too much. Does it?
-Try to touch higher.
-No, that's too high.
Maybe a touch lower.
-So there?
-I think so.
Donna wants everything
to be perfect,
as she's had it all
planned out for months.
It's lovely getting
to final touches.
I kind of wanted to create
something that gives
a warm welcome in here,
but returning
the traditional style.
I think it's -- yeah, I
am happy with that.
He's going thank God,
aren't you?
With perfectionist Donna
finally happy with
Paul's handiwork...
Right. Nobody
touches the curtains!
We're not allowed to use them.
She now wants to re-organize
the existing furnishings
to match her vision.
Right.
Well, do you want
to move this table?
This table has to go here.
So, they will go either
side to the bureau.
This one here.
-I think it needs
to come this way a bit.
-I think so, yeah.
Aah. Unless we put it there.
It has to be straight!
Having settled on the layout,
it's just a matter of giving
everything a good old clean.
Don't sit on the chairs,
you're dirty.
-Trying to get the ambiance.
-Yeah, that looks ok.
Three months ago, the salon
was dingy, dated and dull.
Now, they have transformed
it into a comfortable,
relaxing guest lounge
by adding vibrant-colored
wallpaper
and rich red curtains,
the room is a lot brighter.
They also took out an entire
wall
and removed the staircase
behind it,
which has made the lounge
much more spacious.
And by keeping the period
antiques and ornaments,
the room retains
the character of the chateau.
The salon is looking fabulous.
Love it.
It's clean and
homely, and welcoming as well
for our guests.
We want people to feel,
you know, it is traditional
and It fits in with period
of the house,
but at the same time
it has got to be comfortable
and somewhere they
feel happy enough to
go in and sit in there.
We are now nearly complete
of the ground floor.
This is just really
the entry the hallway.
When think like that
and the time we've actually
been in here,
I think we need
a pat on the back.
They have certainly done well,
but with four bedrooms
still to renovate,
the hard work is far from over.
90 miles further
east in Central France...
We have one...
we still have one more to find.
Matt and Helen's Valentine's
dinner is due to start
in just half an hour....
All ok, everything covered?
I think so. What time do you
think now for the dinner is?
It's 6:25 now. So...
Well you've got -- five minutes
to get showered and do your
makeup.
Food, 7:00 or 10 past 7,
Is that ok?
-Starters, yeah.
-All right.
They need to get a move on.
Matt's hunting for ice buckets
to go in the dining room.
Success. Again a quick clean.
While Helen's forgotten
one vital ingredient.
I thought it was going to plan.
I nearly got to go and
get showered and changed,
and then I remembered
I have not sautéed the mushrooms
to go in the beef
bourguignon, so...
one quick job before
I shoot off and get glamorous!
It's been a busy day
as they've also had problems
with their boiler,
which unfortunately can't
be resolved tonight.
The stress levels are there,
I can sense it.
I'm going about my business,
but as Helen is,
we know we are under pressure,
but we're keeping it under
control.
But the dining room
is looking the part,
with the Valentines
themed table laid ready.
Looking good. Very smart
After a quick change
into their Gladrags...
Good.
It's show time.
Ready?
Right, let's go and
see our guests.
All right, everybody, would
you like to come in to dinner?
Nicola, Sandra and Tilly
are just round the other side...
While Matt seats the guests...
Helen slips
back into work mode.
Prawn cocktail starters,
then I've got to blend the soup
With the guests
settling in nicely...
novice chef Matt
offers to lend a hand.
Okay, where's the masher?
I am rubbish at this.
Hel, yeah. And
butter at the end.
-Yeah.
-It is not so often that I
am actually
helping Hel in the kitchen.
Hel takes control of
most things,
but it's obviously
going to change.
We are going to both
have to play our roles.
Yeah.
In the meantime, cheers!
With the starters
finally ready...
the feast can finally begin.
Prawn cocktail or soup?
Prawn cocktail.
Just coming in, when, watch out.
Got it, there.
Bon appetit,
Bon appetit,
rance.
It's been a huge effort
and let's hope their
hard work has paid off.
just say it is
a dream come true.
We will make this
business work together.
So, thank you very
much for coming.
Cheers, cheers.
Cheers!
Cheers everyone!
I mean it was absolutely
fantastic.
Helen and Matt have
done a really good job.
The food was great.
Company was fantastic.
-It was great.
-And top up.
We are amazed to start this up.
It is a big project to take on,
but thought anybody can do it.
Matt and Hel can do it.
hink it's going to be
great, they'll make it.
Valentine's Day has been
a huge success and certainly
bodes well for the future.
I'm really happy with how
it went as all our friends
have given us good feedback
and loved the chateau.
They think it's a,
you know a really cool place
as we do and couldn't have
gone better, I don't think.
It's taken 10 solid
months of hard graft...
[clank]
I was expecting you
to catch that one.
But their B and B
wedding venue is now
officially open for business.
Push that. Let's just put it
down,
now knowing that people
have been here,
it makes you feel far
more confident
that we've got right and when
we open the business full-time,
which will be within
the next month or so,
the people will come
and love what we are doing.
Hopefully, it will be
only a matter of time before
the bookings come flying in.
Next time...
Ugh...
Anna and Philipp have
some unexpected guests.
How do you feel
about dead birds?
Oh my god, that's disgusting.
Things start to unravel
at Erin and JB's...
Oh, I think
the needle's snapped.
But they try to pull
it together.
You ready?
-Oh my God.
-What do you think?
And Donna and Paul hit troubled
waters at Chateau de Saugé.
Quick, turn the water off.
-Where at?
-In the corridor, over there.
-Where about?
-The two valves that
we have put on.
Human error
are thousands of
beautiful Chateaus...
Many forgotten and abandoned.
Now, they're being brought
back to life...
It looks amazing.
By adventurous Brits.
Yoo-hoo! It's always fun!
They're taking on
the challenge...
-Hahaha!
-That'd be dangerous.
...to transform these
once-unloved buildings...
Waheeey!
Into incredible homes...
Oh my God! That ceiling
is amazing.
And businesses.
There'll be triumphs...
That's the way to do it!
...and setbacks...
Bang. I was expecting
you to catch that one.
...but however hard
the going gets...
Argh!
All good?
...those who've
made the move...
Cheers!
... Get to live
the dream as custodians
of their very own castle.
Today...
Give it a quick clean...
It's a race against
time for one couple...
I am just trying gage how
many you need for 16 people
As they launch their
high-end B and B.
-Thank you very
much for coming.
-Cheers!
These Chateau owners take
on a tricky project.
The problem is really that
the walls are not straight
and ceilings are not straight.
And one family face
a massive challenge...
We need to get it
absolutely watertight.
The last thing you
want is a leaky shower.
As they attempt to get their
business off the ground
How's she going to fit in
here in her wedding dress?
So, it's going to be
a bit of squash, no!
Across France, many Chateau
owning Brits are looking at
ways to bring in some income.
Like the new owners of
the impressive 18th century
38 room Chateau La Briance.
For the last 10 months,
it's been the home of Dorset
couple Matt and Helen
who are renovating
it into a luxury B and B
and wedding venue.
Every day is more fun and
getting to that goal
of where we actually, finally
someone comes with a suitcase
and rings the bell,
and they're our first guests,
that's going to be a moment
that we will always remember.
Located 15 miles from
the city of Limoges...
The couple have had
builders working non-stop,
as their launch party
is on Valentine's Day,
just 10 days away.
They'll be hosting a dinner
for 14 people who have all
booked to stay over.
So, they need to
get their skates on,
as three of the four
first floor bedrooms
still need a lot of work.
While on the second floor,
the bridal suite is
not even half done.
I think we are the
end since right now,
we are really happy
with the progress that
we have made just recently.
I am not quite confident
that we are going to be ready
and I feel that it's
going to be a tough going to
try to achieve
and have everything done.
So, there could be a case
that we are having to put these
things behind closed doors.
With time ticking, the DIY
novices now want to finish off
the entrance by framing
one of their specially
commissioned murals.
It was always our plan
to have a frame put
around this using timbers,
which come out from the
floor boards upstairs
when we first moved in.
So, the floor boards
will be nearly 300 years old.
So, it is bringing them back
to life and putting them up
round as a very rustic frame.
It's a fantastic idea,
but it might not be
as simple as they think.
Sadly, I am not strong enough
to help with the muscly bits
of lifting
of the big bits of wood and
holding them in place for that.
So, I can't help
him on that one.
Ian.
Yeah, up over here.
So, it's up to decorator
Ian to help.
-Right!
-Muscles ready.
The muscles from
Brussels is here.
Right, if you can hold it
basically into place mate.
First Matt needs to mark
out the holes where
the floor board will sit.
It's crucial he makes them
deep enough,
as each piece of wood
weighs up to 15 kilos.
Stop. Bit more, yep.
Now, it's a case of screwing
it in and hoping he's got
the measurements right.
I am really pleased
with the way It's looking,
it's definitely given
us the rustic effect
that we wanted.
Oh, that looks good.
I'm impressed with that, it's
really good. So, right, okay.
With the frame up,
the hard part is
out of the way.
Now, they want to add a bit
of decoration by gluing
some wooden appliques to it.
-So, spread out but
not to the edge.
-Yes, spread it out.
Costing around £20 each
it should be a matter
of just sticking them on.
-That way up?
That way up, that way up.
-That way up, yeah
How long does
it take to set?
Not long. It is not
going to stick to it.
Yeah, I think we
need a different glue.
So, are we just going to hunt
for another solution?
It is so light.
It should stick.
I'm just hoping that it takes
this time with that product.
Do you see
it sticking out?
Because of the shape
of the wood.
But the new glue
isn't working...
I think what I am
going to do, if you could
come here and hold this.
Yep.
So, because the surface of
the wood is a bit uneven,
it is not holding in place
as we would have hoped.
So, I think we might need
a little nail or something to
and then once, the glue has had
time to set, it will be fine.
Okay.
It's been more fiddly
than they hoped,
but their rustic frame
is now done and it's another
job ticked off the list.
I am really pleased
with our finished rustic frame
around Napoleon.
It has given a really good
effect and I think it is exactly
what we were looking for.
You can't expect these
things to happen first time,
every time,
but you know, everything
is coming in together
really well now
and everyone is working hard,
but we're achieving things
and you see new goals
achieved every day.
Let's hope work in the rest
of the Chateau goes smoothly.
260 miles further north
is the beautiful La Fleur.
The chateau has
16 rooms and sits in
15 acres of lush countryside.
The lucky new owners
are fashion designer Anna
and Italian film maker Philip,
who bought it 7 months ago.
They now live here with
daughters Lily & Ella.
I always wanted to have
a chateau, with the big windows,
the spaces, the proportions.
-It has a great energy,
doesn't it?
-It's amazing.
We do have to pinch
ourselves that we live here.
Located close to
the Normandy coast...
The couple used all their life
savings and took out a big loan
to buy the place for £900,000.
With the promise of
opening as a B and B
in the next few months,
Anna is eager to get
a website up and running.
Anna thinks taking bookings
in will give us a deadline
that we can't postpone.
Yeah, but it is also
because financially we have
to start making money.
Yes.
Their plan is to create
three luxury guest suites
on the first floor,
but it's still
currently being used
as their sleeping quarters.
So, before they can
start the renovations,
they need to finish off
the top floor family apartment.
And after seven months,
Anna is desperate to move in.
The more we postpone
this deadline and we wait for
the perfect time to do things,
the less time we have
to renovate the
rest of the chateau.
So, I keep saying to Philipp,
we don't have a choice.
There are four
bedrooms in total,
all of which need
to be decorated,
carpeted and furnished.
But the biggest
challenge is finishing
off the two bathrooms,
starting with the smallest one.
We decided to turn
it into a wet room
because it is quite small
and that was the best solution
for us to have
a nice shower space,
but for that, we needed to
get it absolutely watertight.
This floor, like everything,
in the chateau,
has the wooden beams,
there's a lot of wood in
the structure of the chateau.
So, the last thing you
want is the leaky shower
and I figure out the
best way for here will be to
glue a membrane there is
on the floor and on the walls,
and that should do the job.
To make sure
the membrane sticks,
Philipp is mixing together some
extra-strong adhesive.
and is beginning
with the most important
bit of the floor,
the join around the drain.
For the rest of the membrane,
you just use average,
normal glue that you
would use for tiling.
He bought a roll of
damp-proof membrane to keep
the floor and walls dry
for 200 euros,
around 170 pounds.
This will take at least a day
to dry and once this is dry,
you can go on and start
tiling on top of that membrane,
it looks a bit messy, but better
messy than not watertight.
With the first section
safely in place,
Phillip now has to do the same
to the rest of the bathroom.
There shouldn't be too much
water coming all the way there,
but I still prefer
being covered.
While, Phillip carries
on waterproofing,
a special delivery arrives.
The new carpet for
the apartment much
to Allie's delight..
This is exciting because
once that is laid, then it's
going to look almost finished.
They bought the
carpet locally for 800 euros,
about 700 pounds and had
to ensure it was practical.
I would have loved to
put in some parquet flooring,
but because we're living
on the second floor
and we will be right above
where our guest rooms
are going to be
on the first floor, we just need
to be sure that we're going to
have as much sound
insulation as possible.
So, we kind of did some research
and then we were looking at
sort of jute
and seize all carpets,
but they're really rough
to have in your bedroom.
So, Phillip found sea grass
and it's much smoother
on the foot
and it's also quite
hardwearing.
So, yeah, and I think
it will look nice.
It's starting to come together,
especially as Phillip
is also making some headway
in the bathroom.
I just finished the floor
and I'm quite happy with it.
I also realized that
the tricky thing on
the corners, that means
there's a lot of
more tricky corners to
come when I do the walls,
but the thing is
these little things,
they take a lot of time
and there might be
a little delay at the end
because there's just so many of
these little last things to do.
It looks like this job
could be set to run and run.
-Coming up...
-[all] Cheers.
it's time for Matt
and Helen to welcome their
first paying guests.
I place this one of my wife!
And things get messy
for one couple.
That's a good mix!
As they tackle a dicey
renovation job.
Hopefully, it will just
stay there when he moves
away and it won't fall down.
Well, they will.
In Western France lies
the stunning Chateau de Saugé,
which dates back to 1607.
It has 45 rooms and comes
with four acres of land.
And was bought by
construction director Paul
and property consultant Donna.
They snapped it up 16 months
ago for just £279,000.
I think it's important that
you always feel comfortable.
And, and this has felt
like home from day one.
We've never found that it,
it felt huge and it's always
felt like home.
How did we get so lucky,
you know, being here?
Oh it's nothing to
do with luck, was it,
it was just hard work.
Located 50 miles drive
from the town La Rochelle,
the 400-year-old chateau
is being converted from
four separate departments
into a B and B,
but before Paul and Donna can
open their doors,
they need to renovate
four more suites
and have already
started turning
the salon into a guest lounge.
Woo...
It's been a very messy job.
Ooh. Right, it came
out from underneath it.
As they've taken out
a wall and staircase
to create more space.
Another big step forward.
Now, Donna is eager to
get the salon finished.
And that's kind of
my priority at the moment
to get the salon complete,
so I can hopefully
get wallpapered next week
and get this room, no pressure,
get this room ready.
The next challenge is to
cornice is the new interior
wall and to save money,
Paul is hoping he can
reuse the two original pieces
salvaged from the old one.
So, we need to try and take
this existing T shove off.
How are we going to do that?
Uh, probably with
the saw or a grinder.
I've been dreading doing this.
These are the only
two bits they have.
So, Paul needs to be extra
careful removing the old glue
If I break it or cut through
when I'm cutting this off,
then - the plan is
not to break it.
They haven't
found anything similar to fit
in with the rest of the room.
So, it's crucial
it goes to plan.
With the glue removed,
they can test it out for size,
-Quite a gap, isn't it?
-Oh, yes.
But there is now another issue.
The problem is really that
the walls are not straight
and the ceiling is not straight.
So, trying to get it all nicely
leveled up is an issue.
That'll be fine once we've
got the T shove on it.
It's a common problem,
but Paul's hoping
some extra thick adhesive
will sort that out.
That's a good mix.
[laughing]
And to ensure it has
no chance of moving anywhere,
they're caking the stuff on.
I mean, most of that
will squeeze over,
Got to help anybody
in the future that needs
to take this off.
Finally, the first
piece is in place.
Hopefully, it will stay there
when he moves away
and it won't fall down.
It goes parallel...
What I was going
to say is struggle,
given that the walls and
the ceilings are not straight.
Well, do you, do you want
to put the other piece in?
Now, all Paul has to do
is cut the other piece
to size and do the same.
Probably, has to get
the strong one up.
Well, yeah. I mean there is
always time for a disaster.
Paul's not wrong,
as the leftover bit.
It is less than we thought.
It is not big enough
to finish the job.
That's going into that.
It's about maybe
six inches short.
It looks like they're going
to have to come up
with a plan B.
In central France,
at Chateau La Briance,
it's Valentine's Day
and the launch of Martin
Helen's being wedding venue.
I'm just trying to gauge how
many you need for 16 people.
They have been working
tirelessly to ensure
the place is looking its best.
You feel like you're
really getting somewhere now.
All the hard work that's gone
into this whole project,
the fact that we're getting
the signs on the door
shows that we're
coming to a finish.
Which is just as well
as there's no time
to do anything else, now that
guests have started to arrive.
I'm going to grab some fizz.
Guys, just make yourself
at home. Sit down,
Let's hope that their
hours of hard graft
make a big impression.
It was a long night last night.
He was up until, until 3:00,
made a cushion. About, bit nice.
So, we are just
welcoming everyone,
having a quick drink
and then we'll show
them to their rooms.
And what better way to start
than with a glass of champagne.
-Cheers everybody.
-Cheers.
And happy Valentine's.
Yeah, happy Valentines.
Just to let you know
the sacrifices we've made,
everyone's room has
a carpet, except ours.
[all] Oh...
-So, just to let you know.
-You are.
So, in actual fact,
our room isn't done,
which is the Nostradamus suite.
So, we've left that
and we've moved into
the spare room there. Yeah.
The guests are friends
and work colleagues
over from the UK
who could play a key part
in getting their
business up and running.
We got a lot of
pretty big hitters.
There's some fairly wealthy
people in that room next door
and we want to showcase the
chateau.
Perhaps it's the type
of thing that they could
use for functions, for weddings,
for family events,
perhaps corporate events
for their business.
So, it's important that
we make this a success.
With the welcome drinks
over, it's the moment of truth.
After having spent 10 months
working with a team
of live-in builders,
the first floor is finally
ready to be shown off.
Oh.
-Matt, you have
been busy painting.
-I know.
There are several
numbers that come by.
Told the numbers that was it?
-No.
-I did this. I based
this one on my wife.
Each room has been themed
on a well-known French figure
and is extravagantly decorated,
like the luxurious
family suite, which
they dedicated to Napoleon.
Welcome to the Napoleon
Bonaparte suite.
Thank you.
Napoleon Bonaparte?
-Amazing.
-Aah! That's amazing.
Really, really good.
-Excellent.
-Fantastic.
So that's all your
land out there, yeah?
-It is, yeah
-...land is a lot more.
This is my chaise.
They already seem to
be making an impression.
Happy Valentine's!
Along the hallway is another
lavish bedroom
blinged up in silver and gold
and named after Richard
the Lionheart.
...make it nice and ready.
-Well done.
-Very well done.
This is the first time
you've done any manual work,
really, isn't it?
Pretty much.
-His hands, look at his hands.
-That's hard work.
That's rich man's hands.
Rich man's hands that is.
It's a case of so far so good,
but the second floor
is still very much
a work in progress.
Oh, wow!
Including the bridal suite,
which is only half done.
The ceiling is amazing.
It's like a big cushion.
I mean how did you do that?
I love the shape.
Guys, the room is going to be
lovely when it is finished.
The guests have
certainly been won over,
but Martin and Helen can't
afford to relax just yet.
As now, they have
to prepare for their
Valentine's dinner party,
260 miles North at La Fleur,
it's been two months
and Donna and Phillip
have still not moved into
their family apartment.
The walls are being painted,
but the carpets are not
down and the bathrooms
are still only half done.
It's obviously frustrating when
you don't meet your deadlines.
You know, the reality
is with chateaus,
there's always things that come
up that you're not expecting
and it always takes
longer than you think.
I guess it's just kind of
disappointing because we wanted
to be in there and be able
to sort of advance on
the works in the guest rooms,
but as everything's kind
of been a bit delayed,
then we're just going to have
to wait a little bit longer.
With time on her hands,
designer Anna wants
to test out some creative
ideas for the B and B.
So, today, I'm going
to have a go at marbling.
I found these books
in the chateau
and they have this beautiful
kind of marbled paper,
which was like a kind of
traditional technique,
which was used in
the 19th century, I think.
So, I've always wanted
to have a go, and um,
I feel it would be really nice
to try and use it somehow
in the interiors.
Maybe I don't know,
lampshades or cushions.
I'm not really sure yet.
Before using fabrics, she wants
to trial it out on paper.
I have to follow
the instructions because
I've never done this before.
First, she sponges diluted
aluminum sulfate onto it,
which will stop
the paint from washing off.
I don't really know how much of
this is meant to be on or how
wet it is meant to be,
but it was just
a bit of a guess.
While the paper dries, she can
start creating her pattern
by splashing paint into
a solution of cellulose,
which makes the paint float.
Nah, I'm just flicking
it everywhere,
except onto the tray.
For her first attempt,
Anna's going with white,
black and yellow.
I figure out, I think you
have to just kind of keep
adding and building up
as you kind of go.
So, I will get my paper...
Having finished her design,
Right side up.
she now has to transfer
it safely onto paper.
Fingers crossed.
Okay. I don't know if
it's worked because
I can see a few bubbles.
Maybe I did something wrong
there as I put it in that.
Let's see...
Tadaa...Okay. Not bad.
I think that I got to
rinse it now so let's see
what happens when I rinse that.
I am very happy. It
looks actually better than I
expected for the first time.
Yeah, that's pretty cool.
Having completed one,
Anna is keen to test
out other patterns.
So, I'm going to use this
wooden stick to drag across
the surface and hopefully
it will kind of
create a funky design.
I think it's one of those
things that you need to kind
of spend quite a lot of time,
like just playing around
and practicing.
Yeah, it looks
pretty good. Okay.
It looks like Anna's
experiment has paid off
as she now has the first part
of her vision for the B and B.
I'm excited to see where
I can take it
and I think it could look
amazing in the rooms,
if it works.
So, yeah, it's good.
She is hoping work
starts on the rooms
sooner rather than later.
Coming up -- Donna and Paul
attempt to get back on track
The missing piece, we're going
to have to try and make
And Martin and Helen's party
preparations hit the buffers.
It's just not what you
want for your guests
when they arrive in
and we'll be really disappointed
if we cannot get it going.
In Western France
at Chateau de Sauge,
Do you want to want
a bit of plaster, then?
Paul and Donna are renovating
salon for their B and B
and want to reuse two
original pieces of cornice
from the wall they removed,
but they have had a problem.
In between this short and long
piece, there is the missing
piece,
we're going to
have to try and make.
Luckily, Paul has come up
with an ingenious solution.
We're going to be short
of about six inches in
terms of the corners.
So, what we've done is
prepare a kind of the negative
if you like of the cornice--
good catch,
which will fit in here,
I'll show the gap that we have,
we'll use the plaster
and then we can this
as a scraper
to create the profile
of the missing section.
That's the plan.
obinson,
but we'll see how we get on.
No, it's a good idea.
It's more like you have
one of these things
Batman threw.
as going to say that.
It's a fantastic idea.
Let's hope Paul's homemade
tool does the trick.
He disappears into the workshop
and comes out with some
new template or something,
don't you? You never
cease to amaze me.
First, Paul needs to scape on
the plaster with his new tool.
Oh, that looks good.
I think it's going to work.
Right that's us, we'll
need to let it dry and it...
-Excellent, morning's work.
-Bit I mean if you were at,
the proper entrance you'd never
know it, notice that, would you?
No, no, totally blends in.
Paul will need to keep
finessing the plaster
to get a seamless match.
Yeah. You can see
the lines on it now
And then has to start thinking
about getting the rest of
the salon up to scratch.
90 miles further
east in central France,
the guests are
still exploring the place,
but it's all go in
the kitchen as Helen needs
to prepare
for tonight's
Valentine's dinner party.
Say, luckily for me,
I've got a good friend, Emma,
who has kindly offered to give
me a hand in the kitchen today.
So, we're going to do
a choice of starters because
some of our guests are
not prawn eaters.
So, we're doing a prawn
and the soup starter.
With the guests having given
the rooms the thumbs up --
This is going to be our room.
The pressure is now on Helen
to ensure the food
lives up to expectation.
I made my life a little
bit easier on myself
with a beef bourguignon,
that I could put
in the slow cooker.
With the food under control,
Matt is turning his hand
to the table decorations.
I think this is useful
practice for us
to know what it's like to set
a table
and to have a better idea
of what people will expect.
What you do -- Is it my
knife on the left or,
I am joking, I'm joking,
I'm only joking, don't worry.
We need knife and fork and
side knives and side fork.
Oh God.
And dessert spoons will come out
with the dessert anyway.
Okay. So, just two
lots of cutlery.
-That's it.
-All right.
All seems to be running rather
smoothly until it's not.
So, you got no heating either.
There now appears to be
a problem with the boiler
after the guests
realized it wasn't working.
Sadly, it does look like
the heating in our second
floor hasn't kicked in.
Yeah. Obviously, it's
a bit of a panic.
It's just not what you want for
your guests when they arrive
in and we'll be
really disappointed
if we cannot get it going.
We don't really understand
where the problem is.
We've obviously had
radiators connected this week
that should have kicked
in and they haven't.
So, you know, it could
be some frantic calls.
Who says life in a Chateau
is ever straightforward.
260 miles North in Normandy,
Anna and Phillip
are still no closer to moving
into their family apartment.
And with time ticking
for their B and B opening,
they have no choice,
but to start the first
floor renovations.
This is the layout.
I think we're going to go for.
Beginning with a grand bathroom
for the bridle suite.
And then here will be the
toilet with a separating wall
and then here will
be the roll-top bath.
And that's the door that
goes into the bedroom, say.
This is our -- this is the
biggest guest bathroom we will
have
and we're building
a wall in here.
First of all,
we can separate the toilets
and the walk-in shower
from the rest of the bathroom.
So, the challenge today will
be to find the exact right spot
for the walls to have
a big enough toilet,
but without eating away too much
of the room of the bathroom.
-Do you want to get
a measuring tape?
-Yeah.
The first measurement
they need to make
is for a cupboard they want to
open from the landing.
I think we we're eating
into the bathroom.
I don't want to do that.
I rather eat into the cupboard
because it'll be a cupboard
for towels or for bedding.
Yeah, okay well let's say 55.
That seems big
enough to store...
-Yeah yeah.
-Okay. That's where
the cupboard ends.
Having decided to make
the cupboard smaller,
they now need to ensure
they've left enough space
to fit in the toilet.
Well, that feels fine.
Well that is definitely
right for the toilet.
-Yeah?
-Yeah and it's going to be the
bridal room and anyway,
will, you know, go on a diet
before she's getting married.
How is she going to fit in with
her wedding dress?
So... it's going to be a bit
of a wash, you know.
There is only one way to
check and that is by testing
out the toilet itself.
Right. Are you sitting
on it or am I?
Please my love,
make yourself comfortable.
Well I haven't got
a toilet seat, but...
-Looks... looks all right.
-I feel like...
'm okay.
-Are you okay there?
-Is it good?
-It's good.
Happy with the
space for the toilet,
they can now mark out where
the rest of the wall will be.
We are building this
wall with metal structures.
In the UK, you'd rather
use wooden structures,
but in France, most people
use metal structures
and you start by putting
in a rail on the top,
a rail on the floor,
and then, these other bits,
which slide into the rails
and we'd have plaster
boards on top of it.
First, the rails
need cutting to size.
Thankfully, Phillip
has a handy guillotine.
-Oh, that was fun.
-Good.
Once the rails are cut,
they just need
screwing into position.
-It is fun to work
together, isn't it?
-Yeah.
it feels like we're having some
yeah, romantic moment for us
because we didn't get much time,
like at the moment, do we?
In a little over half an hour,
they've laid the framework
out on the floor.
All right.
And just to be totally sure,
Phillip wants to recheck
the space for the toilet.
Careful. Don't break the toilet.
Ah.
I feel like that looks
like really generous now.
-Now that the walls are up, yes.
-Yeah. Now, the walls are up.
-Into my toilet.
-Yes, exactly.
[laughs]
-Yeah.
-Yeah.
I think it's the idea
of the wall that counts.
It's not the actual walls.
Who cares about the actual walls
when the idea is there?
It's a good start,
but the bathroom
is going to take
a while to finish.
At least, they're now finally
making some progress
towards their B and B.
I mean, we're not working
on the guest rooms,
but you know,
the bathrooms take
a long time to do.
So, at least starting on this,
it means that, you know,
I feel like, okay,
you know, we're going to
be able to do it
hopefully and stick
to our schedule.
So, now, it's great.
It's going to be a challenge as
there is still so much to do.
Before the chateau
will be ready for guests.
-Coming up...
-This one here.
Donna's plans for
the salon move a step closer.
Aw, unless we put it there.
-And it's crunch time
for Matt and Helen
-Good.
as they host their
Valentine's dinner party.
Ow. I am rubbish at this.
In Western France...
Donna and Paul have been
working tirelessly
on the salon for their B and B.
The makeshift cornice
fits in seamlessly
and the rest of the room
has come on leaps and bounds.
The salon Is nearly done. Yeah!
We've painted the ceilings,
painted all the wood work.
We have wallpapered the room.
We have also sanded
all the timber floors.
-And oiled them.
-Changed the light fittings.
We've really done a lot.
They have been busy.
-We will do these tie backs,
-Mm-hm.
But there are still some
finishing touches to do,
like fitting recycled tie
backs for the curtains.
I mean the discussion
is as it here?
Right. Let me stand back and see
what it looks like.
That probably doesn't
look too much. Does it?
-Try to touch higher.
-No, that's too high.
Maybe a touch lower.
-So there?
-I think so.
Donna wants everything
to be perfect,
as she's had it all
planned out for months.
It's lovely getting
to final touches.
I kind of wanted to create
something that gives
a warm welcome in here,
but returning
the traditional style.
I think it's -- yeah, I
am happy with that.
He's going thank God,
aren't you?
With perfectionist Donna
finally happy with
Paul's handiwork...
Right. Nobody
touches the curtains!
We're not allowed to use them.
She now wants to re-organize
the existing furnishings
to match her vision.
Right.
Well, do you want
to move this table?
This table has to go here.
So, they will go either
side to the bureau.
This one here.
-I think it needs
to come this way a bit.
-I think so, yeah.
Aah. Unless we put it there.
It has to be straight!
Having settled on the layout,
it's just a matter of giving
everything a good old clean.
Don't sit on the chairs,
you're dirty.
-Trying to get the ambiance.
-Yeah, that looks ok.
Three months ago, the salon
was dingy, dated and dull.
Now, they have transformed
it into a comfortable,
relaxing guest lounge
by adding vibrant-colored
wallpaper
and rich red curtains,
the room is a lot brighter.
They also took out an entire
wall
and removed the staircase
behind it,
which has made the lounge
much more spacious.
And by keeping the period
antiques and ornaments,
the room retains
the character of the chateau.
The salon is looking fabulous.
Love it.
It's clean and
homely, and welcoming as well
for our guests.
We want people to feel,
you know, it is traditional
and It fits in with period
of the house,
but at the same time
it has got to be comfortable
and somewhere they
feel happy enough to
go in and sit in there.
We are now nearly complete
of the ground floor.
This is just really
the entry the hallway.
When think like that
and the time we've actually
been in here,
I think we need
a pat on the back.
They have certainly done well,
but with four bedrooms
still to renovate,
the hard work is far from over.
90 miles further
east in Central France...
We have one...
we still have one more to find.
Matt and Helen's Valentine's
dinner is due to start
in just half an hour....
All ok, everything covered?
I think so. What time do you
think now for the dinner is?
It's 6:25 now. So...
Well you've got -- five minutes
to get showered and do your
makeup.
Food, 7:00 or 10 past 7,
Is that ok?
-Starters, yeah.
-All right.
They need to get a move on.
Matt's hunting for ice buckets
to go in the dining room.
Success. Again a quick clean.
While Helen's forgotten
one vital ingredient.
I thought it was going to plan.
I nearly got to go and
get showered and changed,
and then I remembered
I have not sautéed the mushrooms
to go in the beef
bourguignon, so...
one quick job before
I shoot off and get glamorous!
It's been a busy day
as they've also had problems
with their boiler,
which unfortunately can't
be resolved tonight.
The stress levels are there,
I can sense it.
I'm going about my business,
but as Helen is,
we know we are under pressure,
but we're keeping it under
control.
But the dining room
is looking the part,
with the Valentines
themed table laid ready.
Looking good. Very smart
After a quick change
into their Gladrags...
Good.
It's show time.
Ready?
Right, let's go and
see our guests.
All right, everybody, would
you like to come in to dinner?
Nicola, Sandra and Tilly
are just round the other side...
While Matt seats the guests...
Helen slips
back into work mode.
Prawn cocktail starters,
then I've got to blend the soup
With the guests
settling in nicely...
novice chef Matt
offers to lend a hand.
Okay, where's the masher?
I am rubbish at this.
Hel, yeah. And
butter at the end.
-Yeah.
-It is not so often that I
am actually
helping Hel in the kitchen.
Hel takes control of
most things,
but it's obviously
going to change.
We are going to both
have to play our roles.
Yeah.
In the meantime, cheers!
With the starters
finally ready...
the feast can finally begin.
Prawn cocktail or soup?
Prawn cocktail.
Just coming in, when, watch out.
Got it, there.
Bon appetit,
Bon appetit,
rance.
It's been a huge effort
and let's hope their
hard work has paid off.
just say it is
a dream come true.
We will make this
business work together.
So, thank you very
much for coming.
Cheers, cheers.
Cheers!
Cheers everyone!
I mean it was absolutely
fantastic.
Helen and Matt have
done a really good job.
The food was great.
Company was fantastic.
-It was great.
-And top up.
We are amazed to start this up.
It is a big project to take on,
but thought anybody can do it.
Matt and Hel can do it.
hink it's going to be
great, they'll make it.
Valentine's Day has been
a huge success and certainly
bodes well for the future.
I'm really happy with how
it went as all our friends
have given us good feedback
and loved the chateau.
They think it's a,
you know a really cool place
as we do and couldn't have
gone better, I don't think.
It's taken 10 solid
months of hard graft...
[clank]
I was expecting you
to catch that one.
But their B and B
wedding venue is now
officially open for business.
Push that. Let's just put it
down,
now knowing that people
have been here,
it makes you feel far
more confident
that we've got right and when
we open the business full-time,
which will be within
the next month or so,
the people will come
and love what we are doing.
Hopefully, it will be
only a matter of time before
the bookings come flying in.
Next time...
Ugh...
Anna and Philipp have
some unexpected guests.
How do you feel
about dead birds?
Oh my god, that's disgusting.
Things start to unravel
at Erin and JB's...
Oh, I think
the needle's snapped.
But they try to pull
it together.
You ready?
-Oh my God.
-What do you think?
And Donna and Paul hit troubled
waters at Chateau de Saugé.
Quick, turn the water off.
-Where at?
-In the corridor, over there.
-Where about?
-The two valves that
we have put on.
Human error