Going Nuts In The Château’s Salon!!

At the chateau this week, we tackle some gardening before the cold weather kicks in! We gather logs for future winters and ensure that some of the over-growth is under control!
Missing decor in the salon in on its way to being replaced.
We work to remove the. furniture from the doors and shutters to be cleaned and revamped, show you our new chestnut cooker in action, and finally... cover the horrible plastic surrounding the front door!!
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Chateau de la Ferte's address:
Chateau de la Ferte
7 Rue de la Gare,
St Denis de Gastines,
Mayenne 53500,
France
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[@nathanfaulkner6797]

Paint the radiators the same color as the paneling. You don’t want to highlight them but make them disappear.

[@laurayoung2121]

I agree

[@crazydays7]

I agree, too

[@candicealambert7900]

I think it was quite fashionable when they first came out to leave them the color they came with. In fact, I believe the only colors available from the manufacturer were black or white back then. Are you wanting to hide them?

[@LynnThompsonAuthor]

@@candicealambert7900 I think it's less about hiding them than about not drawing attention to them. I once had a friend who was polishing all the brass in his ancestral home that he'd inherited and mentioned that he still had to do the picture lights underneath the portraits. I told him those weren't likely meant to be bright and shiny, so as not to distract from the portraits themselves. He agreed, and left them with the dull gold finish on them.

[@candicealambert7900]

That would look really nice Nathan. 😀

[@nativetexson]

I agree with Nathan's comment; paint the radiators the same color as the paneling.

[@candicealambert7900]

Carol: If you hang several nylon ropes on the under branches of your Walnut trees then tie mesh tarp to them, they will catch most of your walnuts during harvest time. When harvest time is over you just untie the mesh, fold it up and it is ready for next year. Nylon ropes simply stay where they are. Saves you from having to bend over and wrestle them away from the grass. Just a thought 😉

[@leahlemieux6410]

Every single tiny detail you both do to the salon and the front door is just another layer building up to the fabulous finish! Am so looking forward to the finished projects! Keep up the great work!

[@LifeAfterLaFerté]

Thank you so much Leah!

[@alwayslernin4400]

@@LifeAfterLaFerté I watched a 100 project day video and 1 project was marbling things. The person used spray paint and sprayed it into a 5 gallon bucket and then dipped her objects in it. It looked pretty good and very fast. Just thought if you ever have to do that again you might try it.

[@LynnaeaEmber]

@@alwayslernin4400 The dipping method, as I understand it, has water-based paint and a small amount of oil-based paint floating on top. The result is very random, sometimes it looks good and sometimes not so much.

[@alwayslernin4400]

@@LynnaeaEmber thank you. It was the first time I ever saw it and it looked pretty good. My first thought was Caroline doing her baseboards.

[@tonyawilliams9433]

Hi Carole & Adrian, l love the color on the outside door! It looks fantastic! I can't wait to see the sand blasted metal panels back in the doors. They are going to be so handsome!! I also agree with some of the other comments about painting the radiators the same color as the panels. It does so much to obscure the radiators and bring everyone's attention to the beautifully elegant paneling. Ever since your video titled "Devastating news....(about the cost of reproducing the original salon wallpaper) l have been going back and forth looking at you sitting in front of the beautiful dining room fireplace and paneling... and the radiator, to me, stands out like a sore thumb. You don't know how that disturbs me to be critical of your decision because l am truly one of your greatest fans and l know how much thought and effort goes into your choices. I hope my comment doesn't upset you! 🤔🤔😥🤭💗💗💗💗👩🏻‍🎨👩🏻💗🎨

[@stephaniegaromon3244]

I love the front door color. The salon radiators should be white so the don’t stand out. Everything is looking so pretty. xx

[@paulinegoldsmith7301]

PG Tips lots of jobs done garden strimming collecting walnuts wood piling all good fun !!! Love the front doors colour wise super job carole !! Onwards and upwards take care 👏👏👍🙏🏻

[@rosemariedeschenes7013]

The color of the front door is gorgeous. The cat project manager seems to agree. I think the radiators should blend into the wall panel as to not stick out. Absolutely gorgeous all around ❤❤❤

[@puckgroeneweg115]

The color of the doors are amazing, very well chosen

[@brucen4719]

The front door looks awesome! Good job Carol!

[@peter_bazinet]

I really love that you remove door fixtures before painting. I've seen a few Château channels where they paint over everything!!!

[@lorassorkin]

Carol, your attention to the tiniest of details never ceases to amaze me. While I am looking forward to seeing the finished Salon, I'm enjoying each step of the journey to get there. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hello how are you doing?

[@LynnaeaEmber]

I love how the grand salon is coming along. Can't wait to see it finished and furnished.

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hello how’re you doing?

[@TWROC96]

Hi Carol and Adrian. Been catching up on your videos and seeing the beautiful work that you have been achieve over the past weeks. The color on the outside door and fame look fantastic and the creamy white in the salon on the shutters and fake door really bring out the richness of the gold accents around the room.The chandelier looks stunning hanging below the beautiful ceiling piece. Adrian, you mentioned wishing that removing wallpaper being as easy as removing the tape around the door frame. I watched a video from Sadie in France in which she and Mo used a product that removed old wallpaper in complete sheets. I think she had said that Anna at Bordeaux Life recommended the product.

[@jo-anndangelo1774]

Hi Carol and Adrian..loved the results on your door ..the color is really nice..the fireplace decor is lovely..I have a suggestion on the circles..mirror would look really pretty as it would catch the light from the sconces…agree changing the color of the radiators…should just blend in with the walls.. Sending you good luck on your drapery material..hopefully one of the Distributors have an alternative solution…the two of you have me doing catch up on my home improvements DIY…enjoy your enthusiasm and energy…💌

[@LifeAfterLaFerté]

Thank you Jo-ann, hadn't thought of mirrors in the circles, I can try it

[@annscott616]

Glad to see you got your bush trimmed Carole 😀 it looks beautiful weather out in your garden. Very impressive walnut harvest too ❤️ xx Front doors look great.

[@LifeAfterLaFerté]

Thanks so much Ann!

[@brendaball450]

The door colour is beautiful! Yes, agreed Adrian, the top bit needs doing now! Carole the side panels of the mirror are looking so beautiful. Well done, another wonderful video! Thank you!

[@katiem6773]

You two are funny. I love the door colour. Great choice. Keep up the amazing work. So fun keeping up with you.

[@annamariabo8963]

Love the front door and the shutter frame painted! Can't wait to see the window above the door in the same color, and a new light up there.

[@txjellybean3772]

Thank you for the moments of thinking of nothing but how adorable the way you treat each other is. I found tranquility from watching the world as it burns.Kiss each other everyday just because you can. May Yah bless yall.

[@waynesmith3908]

Now that the inside of those big doors of the Salon are painted .... it is driving me crazy seeing that the outside of the door to the hallway is not done. Hahaaa Looking great.

[@peterwhite9261]

Loving the detailing Carole. Lots of gardening and harvesting. Hope lots of people come and take you up on your offer.

[@Valmtg]

It's good to get the gardening in order while the weather is still nice out. I myself am hoping for one or two more warm days to get the last bit of cleanup.

[@LifeAfterLaFerté]

You and me both but I think its too late for us now!

[@jeanetterule5420]

Muriatic Acid for cleaning stone. Yes, go white on the radiators so they fade away. Good work today. You can candy the chestnuts. You will make Marron glacé. Yummy. Thank you for a fun visit.

[@elfprincessplume2515]

Love the color of the front door! So beautiful! It makes such a difference.

[@maureenabray7660]

The black nail color is so appropriate for this time of year and chic as well. I was on the edge of purchasing the black nail polish today but after seeing your nails, I'm going for it. Love your work and your energy. Jamie Oliver has some interesting chestnut recipes online. I've never tried them myself. I don't think they are as readily available where I am in the deep Southeast USA. The season for that type of thing is coming shortly (our Thanksgiving time in late November} and I'm looking for Hazelnuts also to make homemade chocolate hazelnut spread. If I succeed, I may make some Holiday gifts of these concoctions.

[@roberthossen8354]

A totoally creative way to roast chestnuts, excellent!! As is your Salon!!

[@melissaallen4796]

Love the woodubend products. In case you don't know, there is a company called Iron Orchid Designs (IOD). They sell through stockists molds and airdry clay. Some molds include architectural elements so I am mentioning in case you may find some useful. If you use the airdry clay, the clay usually cracks during the drying process. This can lead to an affect many like to "age" through paints and waxes. Depending on what you prefer. If you don't like the affect you can also use oven baked clay, resin or even hot glue if you have a glue gun which reaches high temps. Things are looking great in the salon. The doors are gorgeous. Love the color.

[@Sassafras30]

Oh Walnuts are so good for you. I live on the Isle of Wight and love watching you both - don’t throw your walnuts away. Store them in a dark, dry place.

[@LifeAfterLaFerté]

Love the IOW. Windsurfed over there so many times. Adrian x

[@pammartin6080]

I used to have two beautiful walnut trees, but we had to move. Oh I miss them so much. They do make a big mess, but such majestic trees

[@eiraparry3123]

Garden work made a great improvement love the front door 😊

[@jeanwoodhouse8899]

I agree with Nathan to paint radiators same colour as walls behind them. So much effort has gone into the salon. Hope your visitors will appreciate when its finished. How are some of the other rooms going? Good luck! 😁😁😁

[@LifeAfterLaFerté]

Slowly but surely Jean!

[@dawnbarnes8729]

Loving all of the progress! That front door! ❤️😍

[@LifeAfterLaFerté]

Thank you Dawn!! 😊

[@christineh5790]

5 hours to go! At that time I will be sleeping (5am here) but hoping I don’t have to wait too long in the day to watch this episode! The chandelier looks stunning against your gold foil ceiling highlights Carol and Adrian did a magnificent job of cleaning and rewiring it. I have already ‘liked’ it as you two never disappoint.🥰👌

[@LifeAfterLaFerté]

Good morning!

[@christineh5790]

And good morning to you too! I’m just about to watch your video, thank you in advance.😅👌💖

[@marielucier7982]

I love seeing the techniques and hearing the reading/decisions. Sometimes it’s a confirmation and sometimes an Aha moment. Love the choices you are making.

[@healingasthmaacasestudy9851]

Your videos make me feel so lazy . . . and inspired. Maybe I’ll fix up my tiny back yard this year

[@janegendreau484]

Absolutely glorious, the sconces and the emblem above, Carole!! Superb!! I'm so excited for the day the Salon is complete!! It will be breathtaking!!! 🇺🇲

[@sherrygreene6245]

❤the front door color! Good job, Carole!!!

[@Ldyrev1]

The color on the doors is beautiful!

[@cynthiawinner3467]

Absolutely love the front doors

[@merrittbaxley6032]

I would do a volunteer garden job but I will need cooler weather. The door color is perfection. I love it. I do agree with the Sir, about the “above piece.” Chatelaine ma’am, I feel I can no longer call either of you by name (lol) your salon work is exceptional and looking more amazing with each addition you add. The excitement that I have for you is as if It is my own, (dreams).

[@bethbleas8378]

Amazing! Got the molded flower..use an artificial flower stiffened with glue, dry dry dry! Then mold as usual!

[@kdean9537]

Love the attention to detail! The front door looks wonderful, love the colour. The salon is so beautiful, I can't wait to see it finished! You guys have done a fabulous job, you work so well together! Thank you for sharing, take really good care of each other, stay well! Lots of love Kathy x 💖

[@LifeAfterLaFerté]

Thank you Kathy, its coming together, exciting

[@AunorineLombard]

Everytime I watch, the house gets more and more beautiful. You both are doing a wonderful job!

[@janetrutherford8568]

Hi fabulous job the front door looks amazing you takexx.

[@ruthnoronha8206]

The door looks very stately!! Nice color.

[@elizabethtassonecuprunneth7882]

The arch part above the door would look good in the dark paint too ❤

[@ehpeachylove]

Carol and Adrian you both do amazing works to bring this gorgeous lady back to its glory. Love what you are doing in the salon and Adrian did a fab job on the chandelier. I love the door color and is lovely against the granite. You truly do have a labor of love in this château. Love from Northern California. ❤❤❤

[@LifeAfterLaFerté]

Thank you so much Mags!

[@melissahalbert9455]

Carole, so glad you were able to find a paint to match exactly to the doors! Now the ugly shutter isn't so overwhelming! Looking forward to seeing the metal back in the doors! They will be absolutely gorgeous! Oh great job on the little pieces for the mantle wall. See ya later in the week!

[@LifeAfterLaFerté]

Picking them up tomorrow! They I'll need to finish them in....gold!

[@lisaakinlabi]

I really love all the details of your chateau, like the shield above your door. That's the kind of thing that's fun to search and find I would surmise. The door colour really works and look welcoming.

[@bethbleas8378]

Excellent! Color is beautiful! When you cleas loose metal pieces, let them dry for 24 or overnite. Then pop in oven at lowest temp for about 15 min turn oven off leave inside and allow to cool slowly.

[@donnasteinberg1398]

Carol, you are brilliant!! Really!! Love the front door and the salon is really coming along! Much love from MA!💕

[@Kristi_bond]

Shoot, I'd come to work there. It looks amazing!!

[@mocarra100]

That room is going to be absolutely beautiful! Much love from Oklahoma USA Jackie 🇺🇸💖

[@brooke7464]

The medallion idea is really interesting, have you looked at similar designs ? I cannot wait to see such a grand salon when it's finished. Wish i had chesnut trees, I do have several walnut trees but the squirrels get those. Paint your radiators the same as the panals. They would definitely be an eyesore otherwise since they are not the main attraction. But would you be able to paint that crest white so it stands out ? Love the doors also

[@juliatownsend2324]

Wish I lived closer. I love walnuts. Surrey is too far to commute.

[@glennmcgee1729]

Everyone agrees with Adrian for him to finish cleaning and painting the front door entry before anything else. Winter's coming. Then polish and refurbish the salon wall sconces.

[@margp3973]

Love you guys... Brilliant work ethics + sense of humour make you my favourites, so glad Adrian didn't get shot by a chestnut 😂but what a vlog that would have been Carole 😁 door colour fabulous , maybe blend the radiators into the walls rather than feature possibly more elegant , look forward as always to your next installment

[@LifeAfterLaFerté]

Thank you and see you Sunday!

[@janeblandford852]

You both did an amazing job with the gardening....always a lot of work but you are a great team! Carole, the front doors look beautiful....the colour is perfect!!

[@jonimarchese7655]

The door looks amazing, blends so well with the brick, the new knob is going to finish it off, I agree clean up the 1854 shield will also make the entrance stand out. Well done, until Wednesday. Love from N.Y.

[@LifeAfterLaFerté]

Thanks Joni!

[@noreenen2347]

i am in love with that mirror and your mouldings look perfect with it

[@CountryLady1752]

The door pops❤️

[@MK-Farm-Michigan]

Love the colors of the front door Carole.

[@robynoutram1698]

Well done to you both. Luv to door colour!

[@carmenaviles9381]

My dear you have done the impossible by yourself ......now your going for the work of art ....congrates to both of you job well done. Take care

[@LifeAfterLaFerté]

Thank you so much 😀

[@brettkruempel244]

I notice that Carole is not bothered by restraint.

[@patforsner1682]

I love the color of the doors! Slowly but surely it’s coming together. ❤

[@LifeAfterLaFerté]

It's starting to show now finally Cx

[@jeanhawken4482]

Great work

[@isobelstuart1648]

Front door looks great. What a difference.

[@TheAmateurListener]

It's all looking beautiful! I think the window arch above the exterior door should be painted the same dark grey-blue color as the door.

[@LifeAfterLaFerté]

Yes it will be the same colour!

[@kerrytakashi12]

Your cat Project Manager inspected and approved your work on the door. She is positive that the Chateau belongs to her.

[@LifeAfterLaFerté]

😂 and it does….

[@pNo415]

The doors look gorgeous ❤

[@tyeteames7192]

You are both amazing. The Chateau is looking beautiful. Congratulations.

[@LifeAfterLaFerté]

Thank you so much Tye!

[@lorrainel2314]

The power of paint. The old shutter on the front door looks way better 🥰

[@gordonulrickson3626]

The molding pieces by the fireplace look perfect. I can't wait to see the grilles back on the front doors. Everything is coming together and looking great.

[@LifeAfterLaFerté]

We also can't wait for the grilles, hopefully tonight!

[@MadonnaPM5]

The salon is looking great! The salon doors look new, the finish is great!! I think the radiators in white would be nice unless you want to make them stick out by contrast? I think the appliques are great if you can use half of them at the top and half at the bottom, making them different from the only one full piece you have over the sconces because you have a lot of ornamentation on the mirror anyway. Less is More.

[@user-qz5dq8kn4p]

Everything is coming along nicely truly is thank you for another wonderful video I would like to apologize for not watching as often I have lost my mother on 10/9/2022 and it hasn’t been easy at all truly has been difficult for me thank you tho for helping to put a smile on my face truly 🥰

[@cathyalt6729]

❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️

[@LifeAfterLaFerté]

No need to apologise at all, take your time to grieve and remember Cxx

[@alaine57]

Your both very entertaining, love your progress

[@thedesken]

Hit the crows in the ... Bawhawhaw 😂

[@crazydays7]

Yay, you two!!!

[@laurariley308]

Soooo amazing Carole!

[@cherylstraub5970]

You know, that stone wall would be great to plant figs and grapes next to. They need heat and a long growing season. The stones would hold the heat from the sun and keep the frost away for longer. Don't know if you like figs or not, but who doesn't love grapes and maybe wine?

[@christinac9002]

Absolutely love the color of the doors! Well done!!

[@tracybrown6207]

use walnuts to get rid o scratches on wooden furniture. Remove the shell and discard, scratch the dark skin off with your nail and then rub over the scratch until it disappears. it will take a while. Can be used on any colour of wood

[@turawolfe2841]

Your progress amazes me every time. Salon perfection continues. I can't wait until it is finished. The doors are fantastic. I love the paint color. When the door top is done the whole entry will be a delightful picture that should become a post card. Great to see you both outside in the sunshine! Thanks! and see you Sunday!!

[@LifeAfterLaFerté]

Thank you Tura, so much more goes on behind the scenes, but it's all coming together now

[@laurariley308]

My granny told us to hit our walnut trees and tomatoes in her garden when we were upset…. Only those however and I never knew she had a reason behind this madness for years…lol. She also had us crack the walnuts when we were upset with hammers. Us cousins will never forget😅

[@lissataylor12345]

Looks great!

[@rph31015]

I think plaster A and C initials with gold leaf would look very nice in the centre pieces above the salon sconces. The fireplace looks stunning

[@LifeAfterLaFerté]

I did think that and I do have that tattooed somewhere!

[@Smalfry47]

I love to cook, bake, paint, sew….. but cleaning - only when I have to! Mmmmmm walnuts In chocolate chip cookies, banana nut bread…. If only you were close! Would love to sit and chat while I cleaned those walnuts for winter months!

[@LifeAfterLaFerté]

Great idea!!

[@judithp8552]

Love your work the sconces and gold work are very nice...in Carole's salon. The wall outside looks much better. Sorry for being the odd one out but I am not a green front door fan. Not sure why...just me probably...once the ironwork is on and the rounded arch up top is painted it might gel more. I think its the dull cold greyness of the stone. It might need a clean. London's glossy black wrought iron and glossy black doors are my preference. Someone suggested a row of cypress trees along wall. Nice. Have an avenue of them from front gate to front door. Will the front gates be painted green as well? Great work you two. Amazing work. I am just an armchair critic who does nothing but watch youtube so don't mind me.

[@LifeAfterLaFerté]

Thankfully the doors are a dark grey. With the gold grill’s it will look amazing. Cypress trees will be used on a new driveway when we get round to doing it!

[@davidpankratz142]

Just a suggestion on your wall instead of silk or fabric wall paper u can also go a less expensive route and just as beautiful are damask looking stencils a shimmering or high gloss pearlescent color would be so pretty and shimmer in the light u could even do fleur-de-lis or another famouse french stenciling in the centers of your walls giving the illusion of a high end wall fabric also renting some of your finished rooms out for movies or film can bring money into your hands for other projects

[@mamabearlovesbts6087]

Carole…I Love the color of the front door, will you also be painting the curved top of the door? The Salon is looking so good and I love, love the gold and what you are around the fireplace. It is going to be a beautiful room room when completed.

[@LifeAfterLaFerté]

That's the plan!

[@tammyrobinson8612]

Every week more and more beautiful ❤️ has ya mum really gone to Isle of wight 🥰🥰🥰 that's where I'm from x

[@LifeAfterLaFerté]

Yes she has and also her brother lives there.

[@tammyrobinson8612]

@@LifeAfterLaFerté amazing I hope she has a wonderful time x

[@kellygroce40]

I'm always impressed with your work, it all looks brilliant!

[@torrerobb2238]

All the nettles and lawn mowing's etc you should really make a compost heap as it has plenty of time to rot down so you can have some good compost for next year... instead of getting a special product to tackle the stone work above the door have a chat with Billy as I think he just used bleach on the chapel and that looked amazing and a lot cheaper than special chemicals. Doors look great in the dark blue/grey.. Take care.. Robb Torremolinos Spain 😊😊😊😊

[@LifeAfterLaFerté]

Hi Robb. We have a compost heap next to the coach house for all the grass cuttings. We were told by the stonemason not to use bleach. It will come back black at a later time.

[@torrerobb2238]

@@LifeAfterLaFerté oh ok lol I hope for Billys sake his chapel doesnt go black.. glad you are composting good to try and get a mix of stuff not just the grass cuttings if you can.

[@JP-tt3xq]

Have you considered using a more matt finish for your interior paintwork, which would have been considered more elegant when your chateau was built? Gloss finishes were fashionable until the eighteenth century but then they started to be reserved for service areas like passageways and kitchens. Flat finishes also have the advantage off not highlighting all the lumps and bumps. Good modern flat paint is completely washable and hardwearing.

[@LifeAfterLaFerté]

Im using eggshell which will dry to a soft matt sheen!

[@cherylstraub5970]

need to do the arched window above the outside door now. and maybe get a different light above that same door?

[@coralbeckwith120]

Before you hit the nut trees, place a large tarp down to catch the nuts.

[@beverlymurray6554]

It is looking so good!!

[@ChristineKelly1000]

The company I was telling you about last week regarding the wall paper reproduction are called Sand & Sushi.