Château de la Grifferaie, S3 E19, "Living a Fairytale?"

We're often asked if we are living our dream? If it's like a fairytale? The answer is complex, but you will understand if you watch the whole video. And also a good one to watch if you'd like to buy a chateau someday. Lots of random issues you come upon, some entertaining, some puzzling. By the way, we edited this in 1080 since we're back to the fast internet speed of the USA:)
Thanks to those who have been supporting us on Patreon, most of the tools used in these projects are sponsored by you:) www.patreon.co....

[@co-creatv6540]

I am French, I live in the US but I almost bought this castle 25 years ago… it makes me happy that you guys are renovating it. Good luck…

[@hervedupont6955]

25 Ans c'était votre devoir .

[@loisfolk5492]

Love to see it kept up and not torn down.

[@tmckmusic8584]

Do you wish you HAD bought it 25 years ago?

[@co-creatv6540]

@@tmckmusic8584 not really. I decided to live in the Indian Ocean, then moved back to Provence and now enjoying life in the US… I am happy discovering the world…

[@co-creatv6540]

@@hervedupont6955 a 25 ans vois n’avez d’autres devoirs que de découvrir la vie….

[@totallydomestic433]

Dear Lord, cancel that request for a chateau. Um, never mind.

[@Indian_gae_boii]

I applaud France for preserving so many historical homes, in india, throughout history, unused manors and palaces would often be tore down for its bricks and stones to build new ones so not many manors are surviving

[@marksherrill9337]

I build houses and really appreciate this video. So happy to see the attic framing. I’m not surprised at the condition, as much as impressed the structure is still here. Wish all these types of houses were taken care of .

[@platoman214]

Just before this video I watched how billionaires move to London and work with their decorators, beautiful results, generally, but some of the individuals were intelligent but empty souls, as far as I could see. Anyway, you exhibit deeply human values and a relationship to each other that is incredibly wholesome and reassuring to watch. Best of luck.

[@lisakilmer2667]

Excellent "reality check" video. You are so laid-back and jovial about problems, without down-playing them. I think you said once that most problems can be attributed to "water" -- getting it in, keeping it out, drainage, sewage, damp. Great job on an informative video!

[@0617kitty]

Thank you for sharing your chateau advanture! Always admire people who has the skills and courage to take on such big job of renovataing a chateau! Really enjoy watching such beautiful building being restored! I bought a very expensive fixed upper in California and I thought I was very couragous, but watching what you two are going through my project is nothing

[@theladynextdoor313]

It’s a beautiful place for sure but wow…. A money pit and definitely a labor of love. Best of luck to these people!

[@undertheivy4003]

Merci merci merci d'entretenir des biens si magnifiques, que les français ne peuvent et ne veulent plus entretenir eux-mêmes; vous faites un super travail; bon courage, j'espère que vous y trouverez votre épanouissement !

[@amyowens70]

Such a beautiful Chateau, an absolute dream! Parts of it outside remind me of a huge, beautiful Chateau about 7 hours from me in Ashville, NC.....The Biltmore.

[@gibadias1637]

Your chateau's architecture reminds me a lot of the old Vanderbilt's mansion in NYC.. Gorgeous!

[@claudiamann7111]

Thanks for a great video. I'm glad you didn't get hurt when the ladder broke. Like you said it's a fairytale for the right people. The chateau is so lucky to have found you both.

[@vickiporter2945]

Beautiful place…you guys are funny …love the way you describe your adventures with the castle

[@lynnkazwell6189]

Owning a home of any size means maintenance and you have a great work ethic. Everything thing you do means it will be here for future generations to enjoy! The work you’re doing with your students is wonderful and keeping their faith in God. I wish more people had God on their life, we would have a lot more happy people.😇

[@cubessopranista8772]

I love that Handel music from Messiah. I performed that with a choir decades ago. I always love white houses especially with high ceilings.

[@judithclark2823]

Looking at the expanse of your roof top and the pitch of it, that’s going to take a fair amount of money to fix it, not to mention the rafters that are disintegrating. Perhaps you could invite craftsman who want to visit France to come and stay a week or two or a month, to provide much needed help for room and board. But maybe you’ve already thought of that. I think it is very courageous of the two of you to undertake such a venture. You must have a big vision to undertake this marvelous chateau!

[@wenDesigner]

You are the correct people to have this beautiful chateau!

[@agenciainmobiliariacostabl8742]

and this is our old villa! look kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXLFkqWrYsmceKM

[@catherinemtc7795]

Video was cute. Rob so glad u didn’t get hurt on that ladder. Well with all said,,,you both still have a beautiful chateau. Love it.

[@winewoman224]

I would highly recommend hiring a contractor who has an engineering background. You have extreme foundational issues and years of placing bandaid solutions on hemorrhaging problems. These buildings do not have building codes, but do make pretty pictures.

[@The_Travelling_Jonoberries]

Rob so glad you had your Aussie Steel caps on buddy, God Bless, we have been binge watching now for two days all your episodes- Take care and be safe from the Johnos Noosa Australia 🇦🇺

[@turawolfe2841]

A very grand chateau!! Wondering if you have been treated for wood worms? Yes, I do think you are living a beautiful fairy tale dream whereas in all fairy tales some things are lovely, but there are always unexpected events to overcome. Thanks for the peek into your life!!

[@Dani_Capozzi]

I mentioned this before. It is concerning that you wear flip flops when working. As before, let me recommend work boots. They will protect your feet better, are less of a tripping hazard and will protect your toes, soles and ankles.

[@David-gx6od]

Ok Karen. 🙄

[@RADIO-FREE-AMERICA]

Yes, also much better to support the weight of the body! Better posture!

[@sharongruener6078]

Yes, the green room is so lovely and calming. A lot of work. Blessings.

[@sibu2]

You got a ghost in the château. 😄 Btw I just love the château. It's absolutely gorgeous. It definitely deserves a better life. Good luck with the restauration ! You got a masterpiece there

[@deborahgoodwin3426]

Wow, I am speechless! Your new (old) home (castle) is just exquisite! I just happened upon your vlog accidentally and watched it from beginning to end totally mesmerized by not only your stunning chateau but by your daily challenges and your truly loveable sense of humor as both of you encounter them. You have totally captivated my curiosity. You have yourself a new subscriber, I can't wait to go back to the very beginning of your journey as the proud owners of the Chateau de la Grifferaie!

[@janeblandford852]

Hi guys, another awesome vlog. This chateau is truly beautiful with its "good and bad" stuff, but the Lord chose two awesome custodians and it is an amazing journey! Thank God you didn't really hurt yourself when you fell off of the ladder. The good news is, you did't get hurt but where you live in France, one is able to purchase fireplaces for pretty reasonable prices as per the vlogs I have watched from other chateau owners. Good for you for taking this project on and have totally enjoyed watching your progress and hearing about the students, etc. Thank you for taking us along on this journey with you and lots of blessings from a fellow Canadian...💝🇨🇦

[@clarefrenette9357]

You are such an inspiration to me. May God bless you always with everything you need to follow him. Luv luv luv

[@janetmcfarlane2693]

OMG, that is the most beautiful chateau ! Got on your site by accident and now going to check out your videos.

[@naokoasami2026]

Hi. I’m currently living in Japan as a hospitality architect but was raised in Houston. I truly enjoyed and learned a lot from this video 😂🎉 thank god you didn’t break your bone❤ Can I ask how old you are and whether any families are helping you renovate? Bcs I’m kinda dead serious owning a chateaux/manor myself and doing the same. I’m in my 50s, no children to help. I’m going through MANY KZbin chateaux DIY but seems almost all are tackling with their entire family which I can understand. Only you seem to be just the two with a fur child. Sorry if I’m wrong bcs I still haven’t seen all of your videos. I will though. Stay safe, and yes I’m the type who enjoys PROBLEMS😂😂😂 Actually it’s nice to have problems as you age bcs that’ll keep you from getting bored which leads you to dementia?!?!

[@GemmaMiss]

That dry rot would have me running for the hills 😅

[@tonyantonio7104]

Watching this video made me happy that I own a small, manageable house, one that's easy to heat and cozy during the frigid winter months!

[@Randy8923]

I enjoyed the video very much. I have owned several huge mansions, manor houses and even a convent along with a couple big farm houses so yes I know about all these issues you have shown us except breaking a fireplace (lol). It is no fairytale life but definitely has its moments. Great video. Definitely get that roof fixed soon as you can.

[@pattimeredith9621]

Great video. May The Lord continue to bless you with wisdom, strength and the funds to continue this ministry!!!

[@deb.m.7458]

I have so much respect for you and what you are trying to accomplish. Chateau owners are a special breed. You have such a beautiful home.

[@cidie1]

You guys are so handy it's really cool to see, amazing work!

[@Jana-wz7dr]

Great, interesting episode. Clearly you two work non stop and thankfully enjoy it. I suspect you have a few decades of work ahead of you. Love the idea of people staying there while you are back in North America. That should lessen the bad surprises upon your return.

[@jonimarchese7655]

This video was fascinating every day in and outs of owning a Chateau. Your Chateau is beautiful, the colors and the wallpaper you have chosen are perfect. I love the mural is just stunning. Thank you for this video, Love from NY.

[@lindafleming3907]

Gorgeous palace with floating beams.. but that's not a fireplace below the basement window, it's just a work surface for you to enjoy!

[@cherylpesutimassie5010]

Yes, it's a tremendous amount of energy, time and finances going into the renovation of your château, but oh the rewards when completed. And you look young enough to see it through to completion. Kudos to you both for having and experiencing such a wonderful thing as restoring this chateau. Not something the average human, such as me, could ever do. Thank you so very much for sharing your time and experience. I'll be checking in for sure to see the wonderful things you do to bring her back to life. And oh, what a beautiful life she will have. Hugs from Arizona...:)

[@bethfrench9064]

You’re so dedicated and you seem so calm. Congratulations on living a dream that you chose!

[@TheCasimir94]

Out of interest, why don't you get some people to come work on the house to make it waterproof and structually sound? I knoe id be expensive as heck but seems strange to not want to fix the immediate threats

[@fionaokeefe1906]

Let me say this, I live in a nearly 200 year old home and I just bought the place but it needs costly upgrades, it takes money a lot of money probably more money than one actually has! I just wanted a home of my own and I found this place so charming however my eyes are bigger than my budget! You know there’s a thing called being house poor where all you can afford is your mortgage yet important fixes and repairs never get done because of lack of money! I feel for this couple however my huge caterpillar eyes finds this castle simply breathtaking😍I’m in love with everything about it but I know a castle of this size takes soo much upkeep, it’s daunting at times🤦🏻‍♀️

[@LaughingInTiny]

Part of it is that there's no "waterproof" for a château. Back in the 50s, 60s and 70s a lot of people renovated them with updated methods and damaged the buildings. The reason these castles last hundreds of years is because they were built to breathe and adjust with seasons. So many of the problems that people have with them now is because of renos done decades ago that caused retention of damp, dry rot, fungus and pest damage. You need to be extremely careful with making changes and understand how the part works with the whole. Often that comes with restoration experts, permits, specialized materials and hence a massive budget. They will get there, but it's definitely one step at a time and the last step just leads back to the first. It is a labour of love, not logic ☺️

[@narellemacpherson9759]

You need to be an engineer architect carpenter plumber and electrician all rolled into one to do most of the work yourself as the costs of repairs are prohibitive, plus getting local tradesmen to do the work is problematic and not always available in a timely manner

[@ramonawilliams9305]

I don't understand why the chateau owners don't have construction teams? Either

[@narellemacpherson9759]

@@ramonawilliams9305 getting tradesmen is very difficult not many anywhere and also the French have long holidays, time off during summer

[@laurentpradayrol]

C'est vraiment sympa de voir tous ces gens qui viennent du monde entier pour faire revivre ces vieilles demeures françaises qui sont un peu à l'image de la noblesse d'antan qui présentait souvent de beaux atours mais des dessous pas toujours très nets ...

[@SpanishEclectic]

Thank you for this little slice of your life. It's such a beautiful location.

[@agenciainmobiliariacostabl8742]

and this is our old villa! look kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXLFkqWrYsmceKM

[@susancollado5290]

💕Have you sprayed all of the wooden beams with stuff to help protect them from rotting & from wood eating insects💕Coz those blighters don’t just leave they carry on chewing for years💕Check out “Living The Dream at Château La Lacelle they had to spray the whole chateau & gardener’s cottage some parts just in case💕

[@danielotero1001]

En si una restauración es una entrega a problemas y una inversión sin seguro Lo destacable gracias a este video es el gozarse los problemas inteligente forma de ver la vida

[@RosasCabin_AIRBNB_USA]

I have missed you guys!! Welcome back. Your Guardian Angel saved you, I am so glad you were not hurt. All these weak floors are scary. I’ll add you to my prayer list.

[@donnagross4638]

Thank you for sharing your adventures. I’ve been watching since the beginning and your video skills have gotten better and better, especially the audio. The older we get, time flies so quickly. You’ll be back in France before you know it. Praying for more students!

[@Leed216]

Good thing you are ok with that ladder breaking. time for proper foot wear when doing renos. Flip flops don’t cut it. there is always work to be done on any home, yours is just on a grander scale.

[@EBRMine]

A flower named after your chateau, now that is a flex!

[@tonton1945.]

Thank you so much for bringing my imagination back to reality!! Your place is absolutely lovely

[@elisabeth6108]

Had to laugh at your electrical outlets hidden under pictures for two years. My master bedroom suite has a large bathroom with a cathedral ceiling. On the right side is a small attic entered from the bedroom. On the left was a small, shallow linen closet. It took THREE years for it to dawn on me that the roofline was identical on the right and left sides of the bathroom so... tore out the linen closet and YES! an entire hidden attic behind it! The closet was apparently a last minute decision because the attic walls were even plaster boarded. Quite a find in my storage-challenged little house. I think what struck me most about this video was your good attitude and humor captured in the clips in real time as each "challenge" unfolded. Find the humor first, then move on to the solution. It's a good motto in life.

[@LorraineParis1]

I’d love one of those postcards. I love decorating just like you! I wanted to be a decorator. I even make my own old fashioned drapes. Fancy painting, gardening. My house very old fashioned. I love chandeliers and antiques. My house tells a story.💜🌈💜

[@LorraineParis1]

I’m so glad you didn’t get hurt! Your Angels were with you! So glad I found you both. Love watching about beautiful castles. I’m all for the Kingdom of God!! I’m going have to wait and get mine in Heaven

[@jessicaduarte-herrera9543]

It is my dream to one day own a Chateau, so when i come across videos like these, i feel inspired thank you for restoring this beautiful Chateau.

[@jenateer2518]

The marble can be glued together with epoxy and with sanding will not even show the cracks. I saw them do it on chateau de le ferth

[@kisiamalenkij6145]

Your chateau is very beautiful. But it needs a comprehensive restoration, if it is not done, in 10 years the chateau will turn into a ruin.

[@hermitlifeinthemountainsub9493]

Your Chateau is breathtaking! You are so very blessed!

[@wimvanmoerbeke]

Nice to see the result after the work. For the termite eaten wood bits, you could inject a woodfiller to make it a bit stronger...

[@loribragg2947]

I laughed through your whole video. 😂 Years ago I remodeled a 1952 house in Florida. It took about six years and the one thing I came away with was that any remodeling project will take five times longer and cost five times more than expected. My fiance is chafing at the bit with the idea of owning a French chateau, and he has NO IDEA what he's getting into, so I'm sending him your video. I told him he could probably build a house in the chateau style for less money, and have central heat and a/c, good insulation, and no damp. 😂 Thanks for a fun video.

[@agenciainmobiliariacostabl8742]

and this is our old villa! look kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXLFkqWrYsmceKM

[@eleanapshock9016]

I agree!

[@mack6511]

I'm always so jealous of chateau owners until I actually watch the renovation videos (well, I'm still a bit jealous but. . .).

[@ChristineKelly1000]

You were so lucky not to have been seriously hurt. Keep up the good work. Leslie I love your laugh in the back ground. I try to do as little ironing as possible. With bedding, as soon as it is dry I fold it along the seams and run my hands over the surface I then roll it into a log. This also saves space when storing.

[@daniel_sc1024]

"It will be easy to fix." You have serious issues with that floor structure! That dry rot and termite damage is scary.

[@julievawser896]

Seeing this now and to think it was only two months ago that we had the privilege of being with you. It was the highlight of our summer.

[@chateaudelagrifferaie953]

So thankful to have the Vawsers out, it was great to meet you all too:)

[@debbieosborn9464]

When you buy a Chateau is the seller responsible to have treated the Chateau for woodworm or is that your problem? Seems all these old places had woodworms. You are doing a great job! Love the green room.

[@patcardiff2563]

France seems to be full of woodworm even in the broconte the beautiful furniture is always full of woodworm

[@ginagonzalez6547]

This is one of the few videos I watched of your chateau. I don't know if you ever did a history of it. It would be very interesting of it's history.

[@izabelacetnar1659]

But the castle from outside is in my eyes so beautiful . Inside i can see , that it has more demige than I realised but for some starboard people who doesn't care about that , because they are in love in history , art , culture,and this tape of architecture , only what I can say is " GOOD LUCK " and the government shouldn't help them in financial way , because the building doesn't belongs only to the current owners but always will. be part of the trasier of this country where the house is situated . I'M MYSELF A BIG SUPPORTER FOR THOES PEOPLE WHO ARE TRYING SO HARD TO RESCUE THIS BEAUTIFUL HISTORY OF THE PUST ARCHITECTURE , BECAUSE THE PUST PROPOBLLY NEVER COMEBACK ANY MORE , THESE ARE THE ONLY THINGS WHAT IS LEFT AFTER SO MANY YEARS AND THAT IS ALL , AND NEVER COMEBACK . I'm repeating myself that is true , because I feel. a big sadness in my head and heart of this situation . THOSE PEOPLE WHO ARE TRYING TO RESCUE THE BEAUTIFUL BUILDINGS !!!.

[@rikkibiermann465]

Rob, when you replace beams, do you give them wood worm treatment? Rikki Biermann, Pretoria, South Africa 🇿🇦

[@agenciainmobiliariacostabl8742]

and this is our old villa! look kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXLFkqWrYsmceKM

[@jackiebarner7811]

How exciting !! Yes its a busy life, and work is never ending , but I'm so taken that you were able to buy this and renovate it. !!! That alone is a fairy tail. !! Best wishes !!

[@traceg2903]

Just came across your channel. Truly Amazing Chateau...You both have great personalities and clearly talented...it will be fun to follow your vlog...Subscribed.

[@itzlily8781]

Love your videos. My dream is also to own a chateau and fix it up. I'm getting alot of ideas. Thanks for this xx

[@normamurray4450]

You poor people having to hear crashes that randomly happen and not knowing why. Wow, keep the faith!!!

[@amykiernan1595]

Great video wonderful work you're doing so glad you got the extra help. You probably are aware of this but there's also fellow Chateau owners from Canada KZbin channel is Manner and Maker

[@milmom4281]

It is a blessing and an adventure to own a chateau!

[@BlackMoustH]

My shower glass did the exact same thing ! In the middle of the night…. And sadly I don’t even live in a chateau but in a small parisian apartment 😅

[@esruez]

Wow. This is definitely a dream. You are all blessed 😍

[@marciareagan2718]

Glad you weren’t hurt! Better the mantle break than you! I used to keep care of a huge bed and breakfast. I used a mangle to iron. You would love it! So fast.

[@robbiemoriarty7499]

So glad you didn’t get hurt!

[@iheworld134]

When i was a child n still young , always imagined my old self to be living in a dream house like these...after i grow older , i understand that everything comes with price n i am not sure if i can handle that , so i let that 1 dream slide off ..i am already exhausted taking my existing home alone now, n its a normal size...unless i am making money like hollywood celebrity, this castle is a nightmare for me

[@thnktank1]

Yeah, I want to live like this!

[@sherrywatson7347]

Yes! You’re living a fairytale…Cinderella! And you’re Cinderella before she met her fairy godmother! 😂 Awesome video! You’ve cured me of dreaming of a French chateaux 😉😁

[@cindydorado4718]

😆🤣

[@bolinfan1519]

Congratulations to Nathan and Sarah! You have what may be the biggest adventure of your lives ahead of you at the chateau. Based on your ages, I suspect your experiences at the chateau will become ingrained in your memories. Everyone remembers their twenties and thirties. You have one of the best cooking ranges on the planet and I hope you become experts at preparing various French recipes which you can enjoy for the rest of your lives. Why not start by cooking with Calvados? :)

[@agenciainmobiliariacostabl8742]

and this is our old villa! look kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXLFkqWrYsmceKM

[@antoinettesteymann7098]

The glass tend to explode when it is not cooled down slowly enough during the manufacturing process. Too much energy is captured inside the glass when cooled too rapidly. It is a wonder it did not explode during installation. This happens all the time with safety glass all over the world. It could happen with a normal drinking glass.

[@katgrey6239]

New subscriber here from West Virginia, USA 🇺🇸 I would love to restore a chateau! It's a dream job that I can imagine. I'm a history lover, too! Just watched your channel and so glad I found it. P.s. For the work you are doing....flip-flops need to go!!! 😫 Nails, etc. don't go well with casual footwear.

[@BostonBorn]

Just found your channel…I’m hooked. Gotta do some binge watching 🤩

[@linajackson4545]

Fascinating episode. Thank you

[@carmelagarin8645]

I love the front stairway

[@54waky]

You guys are so cool. What a project and a good dream for you to do. ❤️

[@agenciainmobiliariacostabl8742]

and this is our old villa! look kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXLFkqWrYsmceKM

[@randie8334]

BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@samkom33]

THOSE type of shower glasses somtimes seam to crack-explode on their own just for fun. 😥 im no expert but from experience working as a mecanic also changing lots of windows in say wheel loaders and locomotives, Those glasses are strong, BUT IF you make even a microscopic CRACK in the side of the glass installing them, THEY TURN IN TO A TIMEBOMB. 😁

[@laviniamckean3044]

Thanks 😊 enjoyed that lovely to see all the hard work u guys put into it well done

[@Tony-InLosAngeles]

Rob…Dream crusher and Fireplace killer ⚔️😴🔥 🤣😂🤣❤️

[@ginagonzalez6547]

If people other than you come to stay for awhile, even for a night. For your legal protection would be a great idea to redo the entire flooring of that section where the bed make the whole. Can you imagine if someone is sleeping and all of the sudden, they whole bed went down the basement? Traumatizing to say the least.

[@Amy-yn9kv]

Always looking for the good news.....awesome and best wishes for remodeling! ❤

[@WM37980]

God has a plan for us. Which is not always the plan we have for ourselves ;-)

[@petergavrell113]

What do you spray the wood worms with to stop the worms to eat up your castle

[@marthaizaguirre6363]

Really enjoyed this story and admire all you do! It's been a while since the last kitchen update so could you post a quick sweep around it? Also remember when Cinderella sang "A dream is a wish your heart makes"! 🎶

[@jerridavis6462]

Great video!

[@yeseniah7373]

Wow! Beautiful chateau and beautiful hair, Leslie!

[@IPC0101]

Glad you are ok, please no flip flops on a ladder !

[@tinaburgin5754]

I have seen other chateau owners spray wood beams, furniture, doors, etc. for woodworm to kill existing or protect against future worms. Hopefully you can too to stop further rotting.