Buying A Chateau In France 🏰 🇫🇷 - 10 Things we wish we knew before

In this video, we share the top 10 lessons we've learned from our renovation adventure. From securing finances to dealing with unexpected challenges, and finding the right tradespeople for the job, we cover it all! Whether you're dreaming of your own chateau in France or are just in love with renovation stories, this video is for you. 🛠️💡
What we cover in this video:
▪️ The Financial Journey: How challenging it is to secure a loan in France for such a unique project.
Choosing the Right Contractors: The importance of selecting experienced local tradespeople to avoid costly mistakes.
▪️ Design and Planning: Why hiring a landscape designer from the start could save you time and money.
▪️ Living on Site: Our personal experience living in the chateau during renovations and why alternative accommodations might be a better choice.
▪️ Practical Renovation Tips: Real-world advice on managing a renovation project of this magnitude.
💬 Have you ever considered buying and renovating a chateau in France? What are your biggest fears or questions about undertaking such a massive project? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
👍 If you enjoyed this video, please like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to stay updated with our chateau adventures!
Thank you for watching, and we can’t wait to share more of our journey with you! 🌍❤️
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[@rileykeff]

My wife and I bought an old house about a year ago. One thing I find myself consistently talking about with her is that - when we renovate stuff ourselves, we need to trust one another that the other person isn’t knowingly making a mistake, they’re trying their best to have an excellent finished product.

[@rosemarythyme6351]

Totally agree! Trust is a huge factor in renovations. It has helped us to keep in mind that old houses aren't perfect and a screw up here and there adds to the home's character as long as it isn't a safety issue or blatantly obvious.

[@pippacarron1861]

And this need for trust applies more generally in a relationship too.

[@kd1g130]

Get more than two tradesmen estimates I used the one from my neighbors recommendation and he was still dishonest with us. So get four or five if possible. Then when things go badly, you know good back up options for the future as well.😢😊

[@FRASERMCGREGOR72]

Hands down this has been your best video ever. It's so accomplished and well edited and full of tips and tricks. You've come such a long way. All your hard work is inspiring and it's really lovely to watch everything come together for you all.

[@HowToRenovateAChateau]

Glad you liked it!

[@platoman214]

I'm an old man now; entire non-work life spent traveling with close friends looking for exquisite furniture, mulling over masterpieces seen in museums, private mansions, kings' courts, etc. Now, 42 years later, I have my work of art and realize none of my family would have a piece of it in their home. Very well, sell it to marketers who can feed someone elses dreams., one piece at a time, giving to someone the joy I had for so many years. So that the comment is not solely about me, I do really love personally you, Anna and Philipp, for your dream, steady seeking, and present victory in an astonishingly lovely achievement. May it now turn around and bless you.

[@sandramapstone5601]

I can tell you that the closest we ever came to DIVORCE was doing renovation projects together. After 30 years of being married we have learned to step back and think about what the other person is saying, and listening ... and hearing them!

[@graemelewis2291]

Hands down my favourite Château renovation channel. My wife is a professional interior designer with 30 years experience, our taste is vastly different, hers is baroque, mine is minimalist and less clutter. Our house looks like the shoemaker shoe, it's basically an office LOL

[@akiralight6861]

Its the memories that count, would love to get into renovating or designing a room in my house :)

[@elizabethcuartas4951]

Good luck with your house start with small protects as long you love your house every little thing will make a difference and you will happy and proud.

[@ruth5014]

I was actually struck by how many of these lessons are totally applicable even to people renovating a small and modest home! We’ve come to some of the exact same conclusions about the process we’re going through with our own little fixer-upper.

[@stephanieh.777]

You've done an amazing job, including being willing to tackle a massive learning curve! If I could give a bit of marital advice, with 30 years married and going strong: Make time for a date night each week. No kids, no talk of work, projects, KZbin, schedules - just you two. Go out to a nice restaurant; find a new place together, whether that's a walk, hike, or new site of interest nearby. And never go to bed without talking through strife points and finding a resolution together. Remembering that you're on the same team, even in the stressful times, will be helped by these simple steps.

[@HowToRenovateAChateau]

Great advice! thanks!

[@dwagnerful]

You both have worked so hard getting the chateau livable. It's always easier to look back. I think so many of your renovations are really beautiful. The hard reality of owning an old home; trying to turn a profit, constant maintenance and repairs, never ending money pit, taxes, etc., can exhaust anyone and make you old early. Bed and breakfast and wedding venue are hard, hard, work. Pleasing the public, well that's another story. I sense you are coming to the end of this journey and looking forward to a new exciting chapter in your lives. If this is so, I wish you and your family the very best!

[@pattymoroney6953]

MARRIAGE ADVICE... At the age of 39 I decided to leave my 20 year marriage. ... BIGGEST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE. My ex-husband was a builder and helper to me, but I didn't appreciate him. I now do renovations alone and it has been excruciating. Also, the dating scene is terrifying out here... like a horror film! PLEASE TAKE MY ADVICE...APPRECIATE YOUR LIFE TOGETHER!!! THE GRASS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE IS BURNT! I LOVE 💘 YOUR CHANNEL! YOUR FAMILY SHINES!!!!!!

[@mariagrasso6675]

I'm shocked to learn you had issues around the chateau's decor and style. It's what I love the most about your home, the effortless blend of modern and classic pieces with fresh color combinations. You honor the home's tradition and also acknowledge that we're living in 2023. The rooms take my breath away, AD worthy, but not stuffy or pretentious. Seems like you have found a style that perfectly reflects who you BOTH are, and perhaps is a metaphor for why your relationship works. Ah, the silver lining of conflicts and disagreements. Bravo!

[@elizabethpaints]

Wow, this was an eye opener! Your history of renovating your past homes reflects your great partnership working through the chateau challenges. However I had no clue there were problems with furniture and decor ideas, except of course for paint color. Now that we know the back story, the renovations you've done take on a whole new meaning. You are an amazing team!

[@HowToRenovateAChateau]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stop_and_smell_the_roses]

Yes. I appreciate their honesty. I went through a tough renovation on a smaller house and wish I wouldn't have chosen to live in it whilst renovating.

[@marthaizaguirre6363]

Love your clean, uncluttered, casual elegance style. 🥰

[@kellyprice1024]

Anna, as a mother and Grandmother, if it was not just the noise you stressed over with your children, it would be something else. Raising children is hard. Rest now as Teenagers can really throw you. Every parent tries their best. ❤

[@maryallen6334]

Another thing similar --- remember they are quite capable of forming their own opinions that they will be comfortable living with for the rest of their lives. If we all thought the same we would be still living in caves... So .... don't worry.

[@katymichalski7244]

I think it was so, so smart for Phillip to become an electrician. This was beyond genius as he knows what is there now and can also look back to see what repairs were done. Especially learning that while under so much stress of being sick and getting the loan. Really very impressive !!! "Capability Phillip"

[@annarichter6196]

Don’t forget he’s also a master of waste pipe plumbing.

[@anonymousonlineuser6543]

@@annarichter6196 And a powerful influencer...

[@colleenlongardner2692]

And can I say that Anna's creative talent is just outstanding. Her super power.

[@IntuitiveCoachTheresa]

You guys will be at a million subscribers soon. You sure deserve it. Thanks for bringing the world so much joy in the last couple of years. Blessings! ♥

[@HowToRenovateAChateau]

Thank you so much 😀

[@TheBeauChateau]

We wish we could have watched this a year ago! We agree with everything here, especially the part about delighting to Benoit! We are still arguing over colors and designs… I prefer warm colors while Ian wants a Batcave in our dungeon, so we need to learn to compromise 😅

[@aekyth]

My first Youtubute comment ever. I've been following you for almost 2 years and each of your videos is a pleasure to watch. Thank you for sharing this wonderful adventure with us. On a personal level, I feel very privileged. I look forward to every Sunday when I can meet up with you behind my computer. I wish you all the best, you deserve it. Greetings from Reims, France 👋

[@HowToRenovateAChateau]

So glad to hear that, thank you so much for following! merci!

[@user-jq1uz4dd3s]

My husband and I (that mostly means : I propose an idea and he does his best to make the idea better) have renovated our appartment. He made everything by himself, we having a very tiny budget. I agree with Anna. We were living in it during the massive renovation and with three kids, it was very complicated (one week without bathroom, for example)... Now our kids are grown-up, we bought a very derelict house (400 years old at least) that burned to the ground many years ago. All that's remain is the walls. And trees in all the rooms. And our budget is always very tight... But one thing we knew before beginning this renovation was how usefull it is to have your grown-up kids with you ! So we do eveything par ourself, but we're five to do the job and it's fantastic ! Thank you so much for sharing your best and worse experiments ! And sorry Philipp, but I love the colour of this room...

[@margaretjacobs4016]

You need your own You Tube channel! I would love to watch that renovation!

[@TheFiown]

I have rented a huge mansion since three years and invested a lot of money making it comfortable. I planted many trees and shrubs and flowers, built a few raised vegetable beds, cleared the land, renovated the third floor and the kitchen and set aside materials for most of the other rooms with moodboards and fabrics and paint ready to go. THEN the owner decides to sell despite telling me three years ago that I could stay here forever (well a good few years, long enough to make renovation viable). I will not see my trees grow tall and bear fruit or my flower beds spread out. Who knew that it would be so hard to let go of a dream ! The thing is that most houses for rent are horrible, nasty 'renovations' and bare gardens. Luckily I have your videos to watch and fill those voids with lovely images. xo

[@famprima]

This is what you learn - Never invest in a rental what you can't take with you when leaving. Because leave you must. Some way or the other. Been there, done it.

[@cmcc8836]

I’m so sorry. That must have been so painful. I can only imagine. I bet you are way more experienced now and confidant in your abilities. Imagine putting towards your next projects? You should make your own video about the experience. Aren’t old houses just the best?

[@Nemrai]

@@famprima That's true, unfortunately. If buying plants, and doing other things to make the place better for oneself. One should mostly do it in ways that can be taken along if one has to move. Keep plants in planters, and so on.

[@pamelar5868]

I am so sorry this has happened to you😢❤

[@christineflygirl]

I would take my plants with me (well, maybe not the trees!) when leaving. And, maybe, if you still have some receipts for the supplies, see if the owner can reimburse you, especially since he had told you you could stay long term. You never know until you try.

[@northwoodfalls1403]

Having owned quite a few homes at this point, I have also learned that you have more time than you think and if you let yourself enjoy the process (as much as you humanly can because there is no escaping the inevitable stress) and let your home emerge organically, it will be so much more satisfying than rushing to get it all “done”. A house is never “done”. It is a forever to do list, so the sooner you can embrace that and accept the process, the easier of a time you will have. I, too, have grown to appreciate that the process of haggling, compromising, and sometimes passionately arguing about style or how a renovation should go in a space, results in something unique to the two of us. Our home is growing around us and is becoming a living memory holder of our journey together through life. It is our relationship together that matters most. This house could disappear tomorrow, it isn’t, ultimately, the thing that matters most. Remembering that when I’m ferociously defending my preferences for anything design related in our home puts all of that back into it’s proper perspective. We have learned to embrace going slowly, taking our time so that we only have to do a thing ONCE and can be truly satisfied by the end result. All those instant makeover reels on social media, all those renovation programs where you see a months work reduced to 15 minutes can make us feel like we have to get it all done NOW. That instant gratification thing. You miss out on a lot when you try to move through a project so quickly. And I have learned that most often, mistakes are made and regrets follow. I have appreciated this about your channel. It doesn’t all happen instantly. I really appreciate the realistic pace of your projects and how you show us the mistakes, the doubts, the unplanned for challenges that arise in every project. It is somehow very soothing and satisfying ❤

[@jdrew5367]

It’s good that Philipp isn’t missing his red room! 😂 Most have a idea with a château that you need heavy, detailed brown furniture. In reality need to get something that is comfortable and you enjoy the style pleasing to the eye and you can live with. I remember when you did the dining room. Some didn’t have nice things to say in a while you painted the whole room, one color and why are you putting those chairs or whatever. In reality, this is your Château you’re making the Château yours and the two of you are the only ones that are gonna be living with it day and day out as long as you enjoy it, and it’s the way you want it. More power to you! You’ve made your Château your home. Thank you Philip and Anna in sharing things you both have learned through the growing pains of renovation of your château.

[@dariadunivan6268]

Such good ideas. I so enjoy watching you both ,kids and Ziggy. I do love your dining room color. Such hard work, I think every couple would have fights and the stress. I do love red rooms. I had I had 3 red bedrooms and they so pretty with beautiful Schumacher fabric. I guess you tell that I loved it if I used it 3 different homes. I love Philips’s sense of humor.

[@maurawhelan3530]

Love your contemporary style…simple clean etc. not too flowery not too much wallpaper. I think you’ve done a lovely job letting the details on the house shine…

[@janetmackinnon3411]

Goodness, even assembling an Ikea wardrobe puts a strain on a marriage!

[@tadeuszoltarzewski6965]

😂Same with us. I go out for the day😂❤x from Rosie O from Devon England 🇬🇧

[@theFrenchChateau]

#1 was so funny when Anna compared Philipp's sense of taste to a middle-aged Italian man 😂with a touch of flamboyancy thrown in. It felt like you were describing Francesco and me. I still have nightmares remembering us arguing over a canary yellow kitchen island. Enjoy the rest of your evening. From us in Limoges 🙂

[@HowToRenovateAChateau]

Sounds just like one of Philipp's ideas !😂

[@theFrenchChateau]

It's so funny to watch you guys as there's so much we have in common 😆 I still find it a struggle to bring myself to agree with his way of thinking when it comes to decorating

[@carlavel]

And?? Is canary yellow? I need to know please

[@theFrenchChateau]

@@carlavel It's blue and olive green 🙂 The kitchen was my luxury item. He chose the heating as his item when we started our renovation journey.

[@CzarinaHarris]

I think your apple trees somehow remember that their ancestors thrived there many years ago! Wonderful to see fruit so soon on your tree, congratulations!

[@MrJerryoseattle]

As entertaining as your previous videos have been, this video really does show us that the planning we don’t always see on screen is important. I confess that I am a chateau video addict. I can safely say this video is on every level my favorite chateau viewing experience ever. Thank you so much for sharing in an informative and vulnerable way this aspect of your experience owning your chateau.

[@WinstonSmithGPT]

I’ve actually dropped all my COVID chateau video indulgences except this one.

[@daisy9910]

I'm an interior designer and building designer. My husband always reverts to, "You're the designer, so you decide". I think the fact you both have opinions is a good thing, because having the responsibility all on one set of shoulders can be daunting. We've been slowly renovating for 10+ years on and off, and last year moved out for three months to do some major works on our very modest house. Having a plan is great, but having a back up is even better. You never quite know what you're going to find opening walls and lifting floors. Also, I totally agree about finding the right trades for the jobs.

[@ovillagebedandbreakfastino2243]

Thank you for this video. I renovated a Maison de Maitre in Languedoc during COVID. As a solo owner with no skill on how to repair things I hired a group of workers. I changed 19 old windows that could probably have been repaired now I watc that I watched your video. My new wooden windows look great but it was a stuggle to find the hardward that would make them look like the originals. I agree with you that buying dark brown furniture from Antique stores is not the only way to furnish a home. I get a lot of compliments for the style of my rooms and share spaces. I also sourced everything based on my taste. I chose the style instead of trying to make a decor with old furniture. I think people appreciate sleeping in a brand new bed, instead of putting their heads against an old velvet headboard that may have hidden bugs or dirt. I also found that creating the outdoor space was more complicated that creating the living spaces inside the house. I had to create a parking, a swimming pool, etc,... and I am still learning about the plants, trees, flower etc... I wished my garden would look fuller than it is now. To conclude I want to say that I LOVE the style that you have created. It is really beautiful. You have great taste and both of you are very creative. Your castle deserved to have owners like you. It was waiting for you, and it is probably going through its most glorious era thanks to both of you.

[@IntuitiveCoachTheresa]

You guys will be at a million viewers soon. You sure deserve it. Thanks for bringing the world so much joy in the last couple of years. Blessings! ♥

[@BwInNewJersey]

These are great renovation tips whether for a Chateau or a 1bdr apt. My tip is to give yourself a break and take a minute if a style is not jumping out for a specific room. Ive waited weeks or a month and a great idea will come from a magazine, a show or youtube. Its better to be patient and get what you want rather than rush and be unhappy or redo.

[@madolynway6612]

I think as a couple you are working out your own successful path. I enjoyed this video....good to look back and assess what you have done for future reference. Carry on.

[@kathleenclark5877]

What a great idea for a vlog! Certainly your advice goes a long way for HUGE. Projects like your chateau but even for smaller projects in modest homes. I am now in my seventies but I used to pride myself on doing things myself. I love wallpaper. In fact I even wallpaper closets with leftover paper, truth be told. However, I was redoing my bedroom which had wallpaper that was at least 30 years old (just a classic stripe). But, I wanted to strip off the wallpaper and have it painted (I will wallpaper envy thing but I detest painting. So, I decided to hire painters and I was going to strip the paper myself. On the first day I spent hours just ripping off little strip because the old glue I think had turned into a form of cement! So I gave myself permission to have the professionals do it. Within 2 hours, they had it all off, had filled in cracks and crevices and had started to paint. Like Philip, I would have spent frustrating hours stripping off decades old wallpaper for what? There is indeed a point at which you step aside and let the experts take care of it. So, know that we all enjoy your journey and your individual senses of humour. I cannot believe what you have managed to achieve in a relatively short period of time! Thanks for sharing!

[@cherylmclaughlin9490]

As they say, looking back at everything you have done, is 20/20. i think you have done a fantastic job. The furniture you showed us ,in the attic, would be beautiful if you strip it and paint it off white, the really nice green that you have chosen previously, and give Philipp a red chest of drawers! You both are so talented. Philipp has achieved electrical for sure and Anna, you are so artistically talented. As years go by, you can change the colors of the rooms, if you wish. If I was you, I would not find fault with anything. You both took on a huge project and it is so beautiful. Now you can write a book about your experiences and make sure you have a chapter about what we wish we had done. Your a very special one of a kind. Be proud.

[@deba4537]

Must add: your lovely pup adds a perfect note of warm orangey-rust to every room!

[@pippacarron1861]

So honest of you both with #1. I think your natural, relaxed personalities shine through in every episode which makes your channel such a winner. Loved the ending.

[@lizlang7655]

My husband and I have been married for 40 years. The best advice for a disagreement is to have it out immediately don’t hold emotions in. Once it’s done it’s over and you move on! We live in Maryland (USA) on a river off the Chesapeake Bay. We just finished renovating a waterfront home (took us 5 years doing the work ourselves) that was built in the 80’s and was never updated. The colors back then were pink and blue. We are retired and enjoying the fruits of our labor in the waterfront home!

[@carolebarager3373]

Having a sense of humor has taken you both a long way in more ways than one! Lovely to watch.

[@jackiedelvalle]

Wow, just looking back at the totality of what you guys have achieved in the relatively short time that you've been in that chateau is mind boggling. The decor is ABSOLUTELY STUNNING - every bit of it. I hope you both occasionally take a breath and a moment to feel some pride - you really have earned it. Wonderful achievement. I've done some renos, much more along the lines of the Paris flats, and, at a much tinier scale, I can agree with all your 10 learnings. Onwards and upwards 👏👏👏👏👏

[@janewilmer9276]

I love this episode. You are so honest and trusting of us to share your struggles. Life is a journey and no one knows what one will find on the way. That makes it much more difficult and much more interesting. And, in the end, much more rewarding. Being a Catholic, I understand the necessity of trials, sufferings and the fruit that comes from offering all of it up to Jesus. My husband(who is a stroke survivor and needing quite a bit of care) and I discovered is that a sense of humor helps immensely. Life is too important to be taken too seriously. 😉

[@lydiarowe491]

The mistakes of cutting costs by having to redo is a lesson learnt…so much depends on experience and timing which both of you have now gained by trial and error..having this blog to give others what not to do is a blessing to so many..being afraid of hard work is not what you are..this endeavour has taught you and your followers so much..laughing and embracing your challenges does create a community with your followers…making up after having had disagreed is the message that we can all benefit from❤..happy days to all..🍀

[@ginacrusco234]

That was really fun, especially as we got to see your own living quarters, and many of the bedrooms we haven't seen for a long time. As for the old brown wood furniture, for heaven's sake, restyle it! Strip it, sand it, stain it, paint it, but don't just store it in the attic.

[@janehartman6871]

We have flipped and sold a couple of houses, not nearly the extent of a chateau, but we realize it is a continual journey of learning, compromising and enjoying! You are such an inspiration to many!

[@Rbmc2611]

I love the change up this week. Your list of what not to do surely will be a help to some others. Not me because I’ll never buy a château or another house that needs renovation. I’m too old and I know my limits but I love watching you and his humor. Your wallpaper and your love is green, I’m a fan of. I’m glad you all have made it through the storms of life and marriage continued to endure because you’re a very cute couple! We just celebrated 48yrs. My parents 75 yrs.

[@ameliahowitt2926]

Fantastic to hear your advice and know I am not alone. My husband and I are embarking on renovating a huge 1880s vicarage in New Zealand and I can identify with all of your tips. One of our issues is I am a perfectionist and have to wait for the exact right time to start works after researching from all angles. Whereas my husband is a doer and he loves to give everything a try immediately, sometimes with minimal knowledge. Last night he started sanding and prepping the kitchen whilst I was making dinner for our 4 young children. I wished I was in a caravan or apartment for those moments, or an outhouse/ doghouse for him! No sure how much paint dust was consumed in our meal last night. (No lead by the way). The upside is I can mention something that needs doing and he is onto it. Thanks for your inspiration from afar.

[@dalenamostert9557]

My husband is not imaginative, and neither is he hands-on. We are positively polar opposites! Yet we created an amazing home filled with whimsy and fun. We host music shows and even got married in our garden. My no 1 regret is that I want to do too much myself. My no 1 tip, though, relates. If you can afford to pay a professional, do so. Even if you have to stand by and guide the creative elements. I love your show so much!

[@toddmartin3936]

You two should be awarded as the chateau love couple, constantly beating any stress and disagreement under exceptionally challenging circumstances. Undoubtedly, your achievement was, is, and still will be a big deal! Keep going; it is fun to watch your vlogs.

[@sailingwhitsundays5672]

Biggest asset w projects & renovations is the research. I even research 5 star tradies. Our 23 year old son says you pay cheap quality you’ll pay twice, think he’s right. Your channel & projects had me thinking you have everything agreed & figured, but the “without killing your partner” brings us back to the reality journey of renovating for all of us. Love your channel !

[@SeldimSeen1]

It is refreshing to watch you two grow so much and it's been a total joy to watch you guys growth as a couple.

[@tadeuszoltarzewski6965]

❤Love this beautiful family from Rosie O from Devon England 💕🇬🇧

[@katherineleavitt7275]

We have done a lot of projects ourselves over the 53 years we've been married. The main projects have been replacing floors due to water damage. You are right, some times it pays to hire a professional instead of trying to DIYing yourself, it's quicker, turned out better in the long run and the main thing is causing less stress. Most of us though can't afford to hire someone so thus we do ourselves. Good luck with your renovation journey. Kathy USA 🇺🇸 P.S. agree to disagree when making decisions on projects.

[@OurChateauandGardenProject]

We're closing on our chateau tomorrow, so this was incredibly timely! Thank you!

[@lynetteyoung9777]

Thank you for sharing 10 discoveries from beginning your chateau renovations. Your openness has been very helpful and are greatly appreciated.

[@claudiamiddendorf1110]

I helped my parents renovate their two bathrooms in their tiny house just outside of San Francisco, California about 15 years ago, and they have endured normal wear and tear beautifully. When we were at the re-tiling stage in each bathroom, we had the chance to install heated floors which at the time was going to add to the budget. My mother being the more budget-minded of the two, decided against it but I think they would have loved heated floors in a mostly foggy, damp San Francisco coastal town.

[@yvokiwi]

We are very happy that we managed to visit you and your chateau as long as it was a guesthouse. We wondered that we didn’t hear anything of your girls. But I understand the pressure you had even it’s a nice sign of life to hear that children live in the house. 💚

[@kathsmith4924]

you've both created a beautiful château you should be very proud

[@florentinalily]

Thankyou for the vlog, a joy. We have been through renovating an ancient manoir in normandy; a house on the canal du midi and now an old bastide in southern france. My top tip (having worked out the number 1 thing I wish I had known), is to start with an Electrician. The Electrician cannot work without certification and knowledge - something which other artisans can wing it for their 'profession'. An Electrician can then recommend a team of Artisans who he would work with and has seen their work - and their bodges - from the other side of the fence.

[@debb8152]

The turning point in the style war seemed to be when you bought the Italian modern chairs. I like the willingness to move outside the comfort zone for both of you. Also, Anna uncompromising dedication to her design sense. And no new news but you compliment each other.

[@debkendall]

I remember having an argument about door knobs you need so many of them - so understand what you mean about merging styles . You have a beautiful aesthetic

[@Amy-tl2xe]

I must say, Anna's taste reflects my own, so I think her ideas are fantastic, and her skill is amazing. I would always defer to her in that area. I agree with Philip that having a landscape architect give you an overall plan initially would save a whole lot of time, effort and money in the long run. Also, the kitchen is one of my favorite rooms of all time - so, if you came up with that plan together, kudos.

[@lindairvine1584]

Hello from Australia. I’ve loved watching the transformation of your beautiful chateau. My husband and I renovated an old farmhouse together. We lived in the house while we renovated and moved into our caravan when the major work was being done. The major mistake we made was doing our kitchen twice. The first time we just put new doors on the existing cupboards then painted them. I wish I had taken into account the movement and flow of the kitchen in the first place. Paint colours where another issue. It all worked out in the end. We ended up with a beautiful home.

[@user-pf1vm3mg4t]

Before watching this video I was always thinking that Anna and Philip have perfect taste in decorating spaces and have the same taste as well. Even though you had differences in decorating the chateau, the result is the most beautiful and suitable for this chateau in my opinion!

[@krisindaboyce2747]

It sounds like the two of you have found your comfort zone. The both of you have learned and grown together in ways you never would have thought. When you are in love you'll do what you can to make things work out. Learning never stops. Hugs from Canada ❤

[@bilbine2284]

Erst dachte ich, schade, ich würde lieber mehr von der Renovierung sehen. Aber die alten Bilder zu sehen und eure Offenheit sind einfach nur schön. Tolles Video!

[@caroletaylor9960]

My late husband and I also did a lot of renovating with a great deal of stress in the beginning. The one thing we found (and I think you guys have, too) is each day laugh. Find something to laugh with each other about. Don't take yourself too seriously, admit your mistakes and enjoy a good laugh. Looking at a smiling face does wonders. Your guys are a joy to watch, and you both are so talented. Blessings to you, and continue to smile!

[@kathrynmoll86]

Think of it this way: your relationship as a couple and as young parents may be stronger now because you worked it all out in the therapy of a rip-roaring renovation. We live and learn through trials and errors! Great job on this vlog -- one of my favorites! ❤🥰

[@barbaragerrett8508]

Fortunately we too realized we both needed to compromise & create a home we could both enjoy and be happy with. Good for you putting your yourselves & your family’s wellbeing as a top priority! I have so enjoyed & appreciated watching you from the very early days! Blessings to you all ❣️

[@timdelaney2507]

I have been watching and following your journey since Charlotte interviewed Anna during the lockdowns of 2020. As a couple you are delightful to watch, and I have so enjoyed sharing your lives as a viewer. Luckily for us, we also had the immense privilege of being guests during the B&B stage of your journey. We had such a great time and adored being spoilt with the BEST breakfasts each morning, as well as staying in Chambre Bleue .... just gorgeous PS Thank you Anna for heating up our quiche on one of the evenings for dinner:))

[@Scotty3146]

Couples counselling? You two appear to have it under control. After 57 years of marriage, we find the reason why we married in the first place, love, is still the core of our lives, with a good sense of humour. Now, we might wish we had a list of 'the 10 things to know before you are old!!'

[@tesshiva]

In the U.S, we have a tool company called Stanley, whose jingle/motto was “Stanley, we want to help you do things right.” My husband and I always sang “Stanley, we want to help you have a fight!” Many Thanks for your honest insights, we really enjoyed this video!

[@HowToRenovateAChateau]

😂

[@aletverster]

My husband and I also have very different interior design tastes. He loves dark, heavy antiques in dramatic spaces, and I love bright and airy spaces with contemporary furniture. It took many years of shared Pinterest boards, but we finally found a golden midway and it turned out really well! Our house was even published in an interiors magazine 🙂

[@dianevarga2834]

I love you two, your daughters, parents and of course my favourite Ziggy, but what I love most about your blog is your talent, willingness to share great ideas and results and the “oops” that sometimes happens. And then there is Benoit and the other experts from the area who contribute to your home and project success. And never paint a wall or room red.

[@krulding]

It's amazing to see where you started and where you're now, so much has changed and grown! As to 'wish I had known', three things: one: choose the right floor- I really regret the one I've now. Two; money isn't scary, and find someone to help you with it if you find it hard. Three; Your taste in things can change a lot in just a few years, don't be afraid to throw the old things away. Love this video!

[@pamelairvin3164]

Time. 24 hours of thought and processing can make such a difference when ideas clash and emotions elevate. I have been enthralled with your renovation vlogs; the honesty, humor, and glimpses into the chateau's history are wonderful. I was sad when the bed and breakfast came to an end; however, family is so much more important. Perhaps one day you will use one of the outbuildings to create a guest bungalow for future revenue endeavors? Don't hesitate to have a furniture sale when you clean out that wonderful attic!!!! Blessings!

[@matswilliams1058]

Wow, honest and sincere! Valuable advice for renovators/settlers! Like it a lot. It would still be pretty sad not to live in the Chateu that you spent all the money to buy. Too bad for us that we missed many episodes before KZbin came into the picture!

[@AlaskaLife2017]

Enjoyed you sharing this video with us VERY MUCH!! Sometimes I could feel a little bit of tension during a sharing of opinions...but knew the pressure & stress you were likely under. AND I knew you both would work through it because of your love and admirable relationship. Both talented people and fantastic parents! 💕🙂👍👏🎉

[@maryacton6046]

So proud of you both!! How special to share your insights and reflections on your château journey. You have a very special partnership and family life. Warm wishes for another great week. Mary from sunny 😎 Central East Coast, Queensland, Australia 🇦🇺💚💛💚❤️❤️❤️

[@leakonttila7022]

I am not sure you know but your channel is the best. Just to let you know 🙂

[@HowToRenovateAChateau]

Thank you so much 😀

[@em8066]

That awkward moment when you go to like the video but realize you already liked it. Loved this entry. :)

[@darrenleigh201]

Don't forget to show/tell your spouse how much they are appreciated. It will work wonders for the stressful times.

[@ronniemensch2400]

This was such a great video. Twelve year ago we bought a 100 yr old fixer-upper in the city we now live. My husband did not want the house, he saw all the work that would need to be done. That was just on the outside. Self seeded trees growing against the house. Four massive spruce trees in the north too close together. I could see beyond all this foliage, my husband could not. As soon as we walked into the house he fell in love with the original decor that was still there but needed work. I said all it needs is wallpaper removed, hideous orange and lime green kitchen repainted... mdf door and window trims, that I hate, replaced with custom made new trim, which we have. A main floor bathroom that was beyond ugly... the list can go on. It was a good price, big enough to house our congregation members for events, more importantly enough room for our family to be able to visit. We have gone through contractor after contractor, none were good enough for my husband, who basically worked from home. In most cases it had nothing to do with the work but more to do with him being an extreme introvert and having someone in the house all day drove him nuts. Where are we today... kitchen still needs all the trim work, which we have. Main floor bathroom still needs to be completed. mdf still needs replacing. The 1970's windows on the main floor are garbage, the original wooden windows upstairs are warmer but in need of repair. Lastly I am not allowed to do any of the work, because even what I do does not reach my husband standards, he could do better, but he can not and does not. Truth is we live in a home in perpetual state of restoration / renovation mess! Visitors are few and far between, children and grandchildren, never come to visit. Listen carefully to the advice in this video, the truth is it is a lot more difficult to agree, one of you has to backdown. Thank you for your honesty it was very refreshing to hear the truth and really relate to it all. Saskatchewan, Canada.

[@jillphillips3227]

Really great vlog! Anyone who does any reno runs into issues......but hiring the right outside help is a major point. I would add that if you do hire a contractor for painting, woodwork, elec, etc. If they cannot deliver the goods on the dates they say, it might be best to cut them loose early in the game. Of course, I found this out the hard way and then had to toy with cutting one lose and trying to find another, but in my heart, I should have cut him loose sooner than later. There is NO easy way to renovate....there is always a mess and not even one room that is neat and relaxing....so the idea of renting a flat or caravan is excellent. Enjoy all your vlogs so much! Cheers

[@linshannon4480]

My husband always reminds me about 'scope creep', where the scope of the project is invariably larger and more complicated than you'd think. Our most notable instance of scope creep was when we needed to remove a small air conditioning unit from the living room wall. What was supposed to be a rather simple project - remove the unit and patch the wall - turned into the discovery of a false wall in the living room, with two windows and a brick fireplace which had been walled over!

[@tonivalenzuela8274]

When renovating with my hubby I find he just wants to get it done. He doesn't want to solve problems but plow through them. So arguments ensue. I get it between you and Phillip. I have a vision he doesn't and he said he feels like he's my hired man but no pay. Afterwards...he is so proud. Your taste worked out to be beautiful. Each room is lovely. Kitchen is everyones dream kitchen. Thanks for taking us with you.

[@annemiekvandorp4457]

You two are heart-warmingly open and honest about disagreements. My respect for you is immense. Please keep an open mind towards each other. Love from The Netherlands 🙂

[@Abuelita654]

Bottom line is this no matter what you’ve faced you never gave up. You worked as a couple as one! You’ve taught your daughters that together as a family, you can accomplish so much and the love that you all show for one another is incredibly powerful Thank you for sharing your lives with all of us it’s not an easy thing so I appreciate it and I am sure so many of your viewers do so also, so stay true to whom you are I’ve enjoyed watching your channel grow , and love the banter between you both! Yes, it’s been hard and you’ve learned a lot !and you would do things differently but that’s life so keep going forward and thank you once again for being so real and entertaining all in one. I’ll keep watching from New York😊

[@juliabristow1579]

I really appreciate this video and always enjoy the more honest videos. A teeny bit of advice from me: As someone who bought an old-ish house that needed a lot of maintenance on top of renovating spaces to be modern and "ours" my advice would be to make sure that you are prioritising spaces that make you happy, not just the things you *have* to fix. It's taken 4 years of living in the house to get to a point where I feel like I can now do the things I want to instead of the things I have to, and I wish I'd have just sprinkled in those fun "pretty projects" along the way to keep the moral up!

[@judithtravis4879]

I think you guys are wonderful together. cherish every moment of your life. be in that moment! feel the sun and the wind and see the smile on their face. love is the strongest power of all.

[@lpinman16]

Love ❤ how you compromised in the end. Building or renovating is so hard! We built our home it was SO HARD! It did teach my husband and I that even though we don’t see eye to eye on everything learning to pause, listen and compromise was the key to getting through it. 7 years later we understand each other better and learned that loving each other doesn’t mean always agreeing.

[@monicateeling810]

You work beautifully together and you can tell you genuinely love each other.

[@bear6562]

Guys, you are adorable! I love the way you two interact, love your ideas, love the hard work and especially that you are together and have one goal! Nice video and good advice. Decades ago when my husband and I bought our first house in Canada we wished we had some good advice too ...We bought a 15 year old house that passed inspection but in the first 3 days after a good downpour we found out that all the windows were leaking and all our stuff that we deposited in the basement was soaked! So... new roof, new windows, new floor, new appliances....

[@James7977-ge3oi]

One of my favorite episodes. I was most impressed with #10 where they openly discuss how conflicting renovation ideas often lead to marital strife of some degree. I have renovated houses and as I suspected when they started focusing on vacation travel, boats etc they were going thru “ renovation burnout”, a common malady any renovator should expect, especially on a project of such magnitude as this. And reading two small children to boot. Can’t help adding that Anna is just adorable.

[@vfl5211]

Although you don't necessarily share the same style, you do share dedication and passion and you both work incredibly hard. If just one of you was the enthusiastic one, it would be a lopsided ship sailing in a circle, but your equal commitment, albeit sometimes taking you in different directions, means you are able to tack gracefully in a most elegant and sophisticated vessel - the chateau.

[@Due152]

I think, the mix of both of your styles - is just perfect! Clean and proper, straight with a bit of craziness. A bit old and a bit modern furniture gives a room the tension, to avoid being boring. All what you achieved is absolutely great. But that you didn’t have a landscape designer from the beginning! For a chateau! That was a surprise 😳. In plain German I would like to ask: wahnsinnig geworden?!😂

[@johnrobertwoolley5730]

One is tempted to comment about your mistakes ( groundwork and garden being my errors too) BUT, you have given us a fabulous time and one learns from experience. Maybe you can do the barns up and keep your guests at arms length. Bonne continuation!

[@MariaReyes-te7lk]

Wow! Great healing thru your renovations. Love is all it matters...REMEMBER "Everything is possible in God time"

[@kfx216]

This was a good idea for a video. Many of these I've learned myself from reno'ing, especially living separately during the dusty part. Interesting to see how you did bring in some of the things from your old Scandi house into this house and it brings in a good touch of modern. I would have loved to stay at your chateau on one of my visits to France, but feel it is a fair tradeoff to watch these videos each week instead. You've done a lot in just 4 years - kudos to you!

[@irenakozmos7373]

What is it with men and the color red... I'm so glad you were able to overcome your the troubles regarding different tastes. To me, you are perfect and no chateau should rock that. We love you and are rooting for you, your family and your chateau! And just paint the brown furniture, it will fit beautifully.

[@leonply]

It's basically like a sailboat. When beginning the "adventure," research is paramount. After you decide upon your budget, quadruple it. When the purchase process begins, DOUBLE the amount on top of that. The biggest problem which hits more than 90% of people who attempt these projects is that they never consider the massive amounts of funds required.

[@lilyjohnson2506]

I loved this episode! So authentic. My husband and I have renovated a couple houses and after lots of learnings we have found to first discuss what we actually want to do versus what we want to hire out to contractors in the beginning. We evaluate it based on what projects would bring us joy to tackle versus what which stress us out. Having patience and humility to admit when we want to switch gears, even Midway on a project, has definitely helped our relationship in the long run! I think you two do a great job of this and definitely enjoy watching all the beautiful progress you have made!

[@charmainejfritz]

love the video so good to hear how you two have grown through this whole process! i love your chateau!

[@merlebrown1565]

Part of building a relationship is literally hacking your way through the difficulties while not giving up on one another. Hashing out difficulties and differences of opinion can result in something far more spectacular than you could have conceived on your own. And the added benefit is you relationship becomes stronger in the process. As long as you remain respectful in your disagreement and have a heart to forgive when things are otherwise then the journey is an adventure… over here in NJ, USA married 41 years together 45…. We haven’t smothered each other in our sleep yet…but a girl can dream.