NEXT ROOM restoration REVEALED! Château Restoration Progress #8

[@sarahwade1120]

Wow! If I came across as condescending, I certainly did not intend to and if my comment was taken that way, I apologize. There are hundreds of chateaux in France in need of restoration. I admire this lovely, young couple for taking on such a monumental project and for saving this treasure.

[@nataliekeane8944]

I bloody love your channel! I don't know how it's possible to be proud of people you don't even know but I guess it's just heart-warming to see a couple of fellow Australians work so hard to retain an important piece of French history. Living vicariously through you is wonderful. ❤

[@LM-zh9lf]

Here here! 🇦🇺❤️👏

[@iu.5146]

The roofers will be telling their grandchildren about the restoration of a lifetime.

We hope they sign their names and draw their tools like the generations before them. It all becomes part of the history of this wonderful place. Thank for for your interest.

[@jennifercampbell7698]

I hope you invite the roofers families to see their magnificent work and perhaps take some family photos.

[@jf7243]

Quite an extraordinary roof. As much as we in the Anglosphere giggle at the decorative nature of French and Latin architecture it certainly has its attractions, but the complications of construction and restoration make us marvel!

[@kkay2270]

Wow, I am amazed at the scope and magnitude of the restoration of these buildings. Chateau de Purnon is lucky to have you as its custodians. The craftsmen working on these restorations are truly skilled. I am in awe.

Thank you for your comment. We are very proud of all the artisans working on each element of the restoration.

[@alexandra-zaza-burns]

I was thinking how obvious the new roof would be with the modern terracotta tiles, but it is very clever of them to put the old tiles on top so they have enough to repair the roof, but it will still look in keeping with the rest of the buildings. These guys are true artisans.

Absolutely. Thank you for your interest in our journey!

[@croooaaalagraula]

Yes, this restoration technic is very common in the regions where we are using terracotta tiles, so you keep the original look while making a better waterproofing with the new U shaped tiles underneath that will not slip over time. I had a country house with such old "tige de bottes" tiles and every time it was raining we were catching for leaks 😞

[@rosemariedeschenes7013]

What an amazing team of artisans saving Purnon. Thanks for sharing the history of this beautiful chateau 😍😘

Thanks! We are super proud of them.

[@rowandowland1391]

Thanks for introducing us to another of your wonderful artisans. They're clearly so proud of their work and so grateful for the opportunity to put their own mark on such an incredibly historic property. Madamoiselle Truffe seems to love keeping an eye on all your work! M&R

Thank you for your comment and your support of our efforts to preserve this wonderful place. We're very proud of the artisans working here with us and we're thrilled that they enjoy explaining their work to a global audience! And of course Mademoiselle Truffe adds a certain 'je ne sais quoi' to any occasion!

[@sarahwade1120]

What a monumental task. France is so fortunate that you both have committed to Purnon and its restoration.

Thank you!

[@juliad368]

France is so fortunate ? condescending much ?

[@philomenahearn1717]

At least this couple are working with the French Heritage groups and proper artisanal craftsman and a good architect. Some others on KZbin attempting similar restorations are being far less careful and true to the heritage. I love this Chanel because they are being true and honest to French culture (and language!)

[@fast800journeylifebeyond5]

The way you speak to all the people working on the chateau with so much respect is wonderful to see

We're very proud of the skills and dedication of the incredible team that we are working alongside. Saving Chateau de Purnon would be impossible without them. Thank you for your message.

[@kathyevans2968]

It’s so interesting seeing the roof and walls deconstructed and stripped back. There’s so much history beneath and makes you appreciate Purnon’s beauty all the more. Thank you for sharing this gem of a chateau and her past stories.. as well as yours!

Thank you for your comment. Ever time we strip back a layer we find something intriguing underneath - whether its wall paper, paint or even as the slate tiles come off the roof. It is amazing to see how the building was originally constructed. They must have had enormous wealth to have used the techniques they deployed and to have taken such care on tiny details.

[@kathyevans2968]

@ I find it all fascinating! What an incredible home to live in and channel your energy and passion into. Thank you!

[@brigidine37]

Definitely the best French chateau restoration on KZbin. I feel like at least one of these beauties really is being care for in such a way that it will live on into the future. Well done.

Thank you for your message. Each chateau has its own voice and story. Here at Chateau e Purnon we want to focus on a true heritage restoration that honours the skills and techniques of the amazing artisans who are helping to save Purnon. We're thrilled that you're following our adventure!

[@janeharris6925]

The ribs of the roof are beautiful.

Yes, it's extraordinary to see it all with the slate tiles removed. Thank you for following our adventure.

[@monicariske]

The artisans are wonderful!!

Agreed!

[@claudiamann7111]

You have the most incredible artisans working on the chateau. You are so lucky to have them. Thank you so much for sharing.

Thank you. We are so proud of them and we are so happy that they are willing to share their work on camera.

[@simonwalker8300]

A restoration like this also allows the artisans to 'practice' their skills, without work as detailed as this, how could they hone their skills. I bet they are are loving it.

We are very proud of them and I think their own joy in saving something of such beauty really shines through. Restorations on the scale of the one here at Purnon are really important in safeguarding these incredible crafts and skills. Thank you for your interest in our project!

[@jeanhawken4482]

All the chateau owners do the very best with what they have. Thankfully this couple are able to capitalise on their knowledge regarding shared community systems. The demands of heritage overlays can be onerous but not for this community minded couple that recognise the house will be there long after they have gone. The trades are a delight to witness.

[@ManWhoLovesTheMary]

It’s still so trippy to see the restored sections of the roof as they mostly would have looked when brand new (though now with improved protective elements for further longevity). My brain protests because it can’t help but associate old with the inadvertent degradation over time. Such brilliant work you’re doing to restore our past. Making it more real and near with every polished corner. And now I know the original purpose for hessian backings. And if a project this grand in scale can get done in three months, then imagine the amount of time my own life goals can be accomplished!

Thank you for your comment and interest in our journey. We're learning to be both patient and optimistic - good lessons for life perhaps!

[@janiewilliams48]

I think you should reserve one room on the main floor and turn it into a Museum. You should do a diagram of each room and it's located in the home. Old wall papers, etc. it would be neat to see the transformation as you know they happened in time. And the final transformation you have done. Then all that history is saved there in the house. Thank you for telling us your story. Janie Williams, Ohio

Thanks Janie! Creating a museum is a wonderful suggestion. We have actually reserved several rooms in one of our main 'communs' or outbuildings for a comprehensive museum. We have been saving wall papers, original slate tiles, iron nails, zinc guttering, even some of the decorative elements from the roof that cannot be restored and we will display them in the museum when the restoration is further advanced. For us, telling the story is as important as saving and restoring this incredible place. Thank you so much for your interest in our project!

[@lizstokes9091]

I can't express how much joy I feel watching this project!

We are thrilled that you enjoy it so much. Thank you for your interest!

[@louiselewis5061]

It is just fascinating to watch those amazing artisans. They are so impressive-Purnon was and will be again a true masterpiece! Thank you so much for sharing all the discoveries along your journey.

Thanks for your comment. We are so proud of our artisans and we're thrilled that you are enjoying our adventure.

[@francoisthomas4247]

Great to see how work is progressing ! Videos on a weekly basis is a real plus !! Purnon has been very lucky to have you ... Thank you

Thank you! Yes, the progress is amazing at the moment. We're not sure we can sustain a weekly video on KZbin, but we'll do the best we can. Sharing the journey is so important to us.

[@kellydriver]

Amazing that you found small areas of the original wall paper! And the hessian wall coverings were a very clever way to keep the moisture out. Fascinating! And so amazing that you are keeping what you can. It was great hearing (reading lol) what the builders are doing in this video too.

Thanks for your comment. We treasure every trace of history that we uncover here - all tiny clues to help us execute a restoration with authenticity and respect.

[@jeanettesantarelli1795]

Watching you removing the wallpaper I am astounded by your patience, preservation, and dedication to the job at hand. Amazing I am in awe

Thank you - it is somewhat cathartic!

[@MsCookiemonster0]

The craftsmanship in the roof alone is just amazing. Just beautiful.

Thank you! Everything here was constructed with such exquisite care. We are trying to preserve the craftsmanship throughout the restoration.

[@debbieosborn9464]

I love watching these beautiful old Chateaus being restored. It definitely takes time and patience.

Exactly. Watching our artisans work is the very definition of patience. We're glad you're enjoying our journey.

[@Redbuzzcut]

What a great vid featuring the chai, hessian fabric & wallpaper study, and the oak roof beams restoration. As an engineer I'm finding the roof construction absolutely amazing for a late 1700s private home.... stunning craftsmanship then and especially now with current preservation work. The attention to detail for this restoration is off the charts. BRAVO!

Thank you for your encouragement and interest. We are thrilled that you are enjoying our journey. The craftsmanship is extraordinary. The attention to the smallest detail - often on features that would never be seen. We always find ourselves wishing we could share more!

[@didierjacob250]

Charpente " Philibert Delorme " superbe invention pour l' époque, 16eme siècle je crois, charpente mécano

[@Redbuzzcut]

I am truly thrilled for you both! It will make a fascinating book someday - keep a daily log! 💜💜💜@

Our book that we released last year 'Chateau Reawakening' is the next best thing to a daily log... we wrote it as a diary. It's a wonderful reminder for us of so much that has happened so far.

[@norabrice]

That view!!!! Glorious, glorious view. 🤩🥰

Breathtaking. Thank you!

[@Leed216]

Love your videos showcasing the artisans that are working on the restoration. We all learn so much.

Thank you - we're so proud of the artisans. They are doing amazing work.

[@nicolethijs5428]

This restoration is so interesting to watch! Wishedyou made more video’s. It surprises me to how there are still people who understand those all building techniques and still can use the same techniques as the craftsman of the 17th century! Amazing!

[@didierjacob250]

tout les pays qui possèdent un patrimoine ancien, sont obligés d avoir des écoles pour conservés le savoir faire, entretenir et réparer

[@ReneeSimard-g6l]

Thank goodness you are capturing each step as it goes along. So much amazing work will be covered up as the work goes along.

We hope our video catalogue on KZbin will capture the story. We've also released a book 'Chateau Reawakening' with stunning photographs and a diary account of our first two and half years. Sharing our journey with others who love French heritage, history and architecture is a key part of our adventure. Thanks for your message!

[@katehobbs2008]

Great video, really brought us up to date. ❤️🇦🇺

Thanks!

[@marie9244]

Thank you another great video. I love it when Tim talks about the history and the rooms. I see that Truffle oversees the work, beautiful fur baby. Well done again.

Thank you. We're thrilled that you're enjoying our journey.

[@didierjacob250]

Bonjour de France,,, vous etes des fous, formidables, magistrals,

Merci!

[@michaelw.8614]

Wow..another fantastic episode. Great history and narrative. Great production and footage too. Simply the best château channel out there.

[@terrybrinkman9664]

A pleasure to see Nicolas, a Masonic Brother, assisting with the restoration!

[@Kitty_cat2001]

This is fantastic movement in the chateau! I really like watching you on utube as this is the only medium I have. Central Victoria Australia 🇦🇺

Thank you for your message - stay safe... your weather looks a little scary at the moment.

[@rickflood]

I love these longer updates and am grateful for you both taking the time to do it. It is exciting and deeply fulfilling to see the wonderful progress on the chai(sp?) and your tender care in the restoration of the rooms of the chateau.

Thank you! We're thrilled that you are enjoying our journey to preserve this incredible place.

[@ownerlandlord4654]

I praise both of you on your hard work restoring the chateau. One question that I have is if the previous owners sold most of the original contents inside the chateau? It seems that they sold their chateau and they took away the soul of it as well. They sold chandeliers, curtains, bathroom fixtures and possibly panelling as well. I’m surprised they didn’t sell the marble fireplaces too. Their heritage is the chateau, but did they even leave u a portrait, a book, some items from the original family not including items you found in the attic or discovered in cupboards? I’m not sure if u addressed what was left and included in the sale of Purnon. Would be interesting to know that as well.

Thanks for your comment and question. The former family left much behind. The attic was full of treasures which we have shared in a video tour with our architect. We bought quite a few items of furniture from them at the time of our arrival. And they abandoned many things across the chateau's huge number of rooms. These items, although not necessarily the. most valuable things in monetary terms, represent an immense collection of original furnishings which have helped us uncover many of the chateau's secrets. They include beds, bed canopies, books, portraits, carpets, curtains, light fittings, porcelain and copper ware, and even a billiard table and a couple of pianos. No marble fireplaces were removed and we even found one that had been replaced with a newer version when we cleared the attic. Chateau de Purnon actually retained more of it's original furniture in the attic than you would find in most restored chateaux today.

[@donzinette]

So interesting to see that after repairing the roof, new tiles are added but the old ones are placed on top to keep the look.

That is such an important point. It will look amazing when it's finished in just a couple of weeks. Thank you!

[@bethbleas8378]

I would imagine having the newer tiles on the inside of the roof also makes it stronger to hold the older tiles. When repairs in the future it most likely would be to the outside tiles. Easier acess.

[@LM-zh9lf]

I find it mind boggling- that such massive oak beams can turn to dust, and yet the building still stands. And also that stonework can warp and crumble, and yet it still stands. And then some passionate, talented people can pull out bits and pieces and replace them, like some crazy, super important game of Jenga. How do they know what to remove now, and what not to touch yet? And how artisans hundreds of years ago worked and put it all together. That is where the skill lies. Just wow!!

We're thrilled that you're finding our adventure rescuing Chateau de Purnon so absorbing! You're quite right - these buildings were put together with immense skill. Restoring them is an art!

[@laurielaurie8280]

It is so incredible the amount of work that went into building these great building back in the day. I see how much work goes into it in the modern version and It makes me wonder how they built this back in the day and reached the heights of the roof lifting the heavy stone etc. Architects of the past were so amazing!. The men doing the renovation on the roof are outstanding!

Exactly. We marvel often about how Purnon was constructed without the technology that is available today. And we are so proud of the teams working to restore her - they are amazing. Thank you for following our journey!

[@corrieboomgaard9205]

Just fantastic work the roofers are doing. What an achievement they are truly experts

Thanks for your message and for acknowledging our extraordinary artisans. Without them, saving Chateau de Purnon would be impossible.

[@shirleygraham6229]

You are doing such a great job. The artisan's work is fantastic. Best wishes from Coffs Harbour

Thank you for your encouragement. We are so proud of our artisans - they are amazing.

[@inabates8919]

Very intriguing, watching the guys carve out the new pieces for the Château, and the reuse of the terracotta tiles on the Shay roof.

Thanks for your message - we're glad you found this episode interesting.

[@brettkruempel244]

Thank you for the reports on work happening inside and out. It’s fascinating and really extraordinary. I am so happy to be even a small part of what is being done.

Thank you for your support! Each day we save just a little bit more.

[@moodyga40]

grand old dame is getting her prom dress back the church is going to be interesting on how you're going to stop it from sinking under pin the footings

One major project at a time! Thank you for following our journey!

[@bethbleas8378]

You should have a contest for architects and students of architecure. Leave it open for a year or so so students as a team can learn. Perhaps a special dinnr as a prize....

[@nativetexson]

Fascinating to learn about the shape of the roof tiles derived from the shape of the leg. Even with my historic preservation work, I had not heard of this. Cheers-

[@CheerfulGuitarAmp-sm2cz]

Different curves depending on the size of the shin. It's a job finding the one that fits....

Yes, they have a unique shape. Thanks for watching!

[@KandeShack]

Praying that you both stay safe along with all your workers!!🙏🏻

Thank you for your care and good wishes.

[@suec6521]

It is quite emotional watching the craftsmen repair such a complex roof and stonework. Buildings like these which were built from the gross inequality of the ancien regime are now being restored from contributions from the tax payers of France and the donations of many around the world. It would be a tragedy to lose them despite what they symbolise. I'm not in a position to donate but I admire those who do and will watch as progress is made by these fellow Aussies (and Labor supporters).

Thank you for your interest! We often reflect on the social structures that made constructing these buildings possible in the first place. Life here was also built on a quasi-feudal model made possible by very cheap labour (domestic servants, cooks, cleaners, armies of people to maintain the gardens). And you're quite right - it would be sad to let neglect deprive future generations of the beauty and craftsmanship of these places. Furthermore, it would be tragic to forget the lessons of history that Chateau de Purnon is whispering to us through the centuries - the social costs of terrible inequality.

[@Heritagebrowser-JethroMortier]

Very interesting video once again; it is very appreciated to let the artisans/craftsmen explain the process. Keep ondoing that; itisa nice lesson of building/construction history. After seeing so much urbex videos of abandoned castles itis so pleasing you put all the effort to restore one of these beauties. Any ideas of the future function of the chai?

Thanks for your interest. Our goal for the chai is obviously first to rescue this beautiful building by restoring the roof and stone work. Then we aim to preserve as much of the original wine making equipment as possible. After that we'll have a close think about the building's longer term role here on the domain. We want to to see exactly how the restoration proceeds and then decide.

[@museumgirl3276]

In case you hadn’t considered this…keeping the removed wallpaper scraps and selling them. I think a piece would look lovely mounted floating in the middle of a frame with the organic torn edges seen. 😊

[@greghammer5321]

love seeing the materials they used when the chateau was built.....did the stone come from a quarry near by

Yes, the original tuffeau stone is from here in the broader Loire Valley. Some of the stone pieces were reclaimed from a nearby chateau at Brizay ( a few kilometres away). The stone being used today to restore Chateau de Purnon is quarried at nearby Marigny Brizay. Its a very high quality tuffeau stone and it closely matches the original tuffeau.

[@pascalelegal5723]

Très belles avancées, bravo à tous

Merci!

[@Monitschka]

These excellent artisans - what a luck having them and what a joy watching them. So interesting, which ideas are hidden behind the wallpapers. I appreciate so much the patience you have in restoring and keeping what is reasonable to preserve. 🤗

We are so proud of our artisans - they are saving this beautiful place for generations to come. And, yes, we try and preserve as much as we can - even if its just the hessian backing. Perhaps in another hundred years someone will marvel at discovering the traces of original things with the same delight that we have experienced. Thank you for your comment and interest.

[@Monitschka]

@ "Hessian" 😀 Thank you. I am not a native English speaker, I could not imagine how to write it and did not find a logical translation for my tries and errors. If the hessian backing worked for such a long time it is wise to go further with it for another hundreds of years, indeed! 🍀

[@robertdamianogargano3971]

We have toured the Royal palace of Caserta near Naples city in Italy and just love the work restoration project you are doing. Incredible work

Thank you for your interest. It is amazing to see the incredible craftsmanship displayed in these heritage buildings in places like France and Italy. We are thrilled to play a small role in helping to preserve it for future generations.

[@kimstclair1879]

Wow, she is coming on , little by little 😊❤. Today is my last day, i'm retiring and will be heading home to France to start phase 2 of the renovation as soon as i'm able. I look forward to meeting you at some stage in24/25. Looking forward to seeing what you will do with that wonderful room, i'm sure it's going to be magnificent. Take care and best wishes, cheers from Melbourne😊❤

Congrats on your retirement - it sounds like you have plenty to keep you busy! We look forward to catching up. Safe travels.

[@geurtzlaarmans1]

Prachtig hoe jullie dit mooie kasteel restaureren 💪🏻👍🏻 😃

[@laurentbeaulieu4443]

OK un nouveau toit pour le Chai, mais les murs ont d'énorme crac, il faut aussi réparer.

Mais bien sur. Les tailleurs de pierre préparent ce travail maintenant. Petit à petit, l'oiseau fait son nid! Merci.

[@1111Thatway]

I am so overwhelmed with emotions when i get to see your progress. It's magnificent to watch such an important structure come back to it's glory. We all should be so lucky to have such an importance mission in a lifetime. Do you keep all those older wallpaper remnence your scraping off the walls? Are you going to frame some with time and approximate dates etc ? I would love to have a tiny scrap of it lol What a treasure

Thank you for your comment. Yes, we've kept an example of every wallpaper that we have discovered here (including friezes) in a folder with floor plans showing exactly where each paper was located. Obviously the precious 18th century and early 19th century ones aren't in the folder - they are still protected on the walls!

[@didierjacob250]

@ ....A partir d' un échantillon suffisamment grand, je crois qu' il est possible de faire refaire un papier peint , je pense a ce papier peint bleu, sur deux murs, fabriqué rue saint Antoine, à Paris, je crois

[@siddembowski2844]

Fantastic work

Thank you!

[@guyprot-zq1dz]

Super vidéo, ma préféré 😊😊😊😊

Merci beaucoup!

[@KeithWiggins-xc1sf]

Here in NZ some old houses have Scrim on there walls its just the same as what u have its just what they put the wallpaper onto in those days because they never had plaster board its not because the walls needed to have it its because thats all they had in the 1700s to 1900s so if u find plaster board in the château its because they ripped the scrim off in the 1900s and replaced it . The houses that do have it u can’t get a mortgage or insurance because its deemed unsafe and highly inflammable so it has to be ripped out and the walls then have to have plaster board or Jib board put up so new paint or wallpaper can go up .But interesting that it was used all over the World back in the day . LOve your Chateau your both bringing it back to life and saving it . Its such a big shame so many Chateau s do not get that chance .

Kia ora! Thanks for your comment and interest. While thye didn't have plaster board when they built the chateau, they certainly used plaster products and often a lime wash on walls. In some of the less important rooms they attached wall papers directly to these surfaces. But in the most important rooms on the ground floor and first floor, when wall papers were used, they were attached to hessian backing with a void behind. We notice when the humidity is high inside the chateau at certain times in winter, the hessian backing has a dramatic effect on preventing moisture on the fragile surfaces.

[@pengdubit]

It’s really fun watching you guys…absolutely fascinating

Thank you... enjoy!

[@tracylyon-woerner8189]

Fantastic vlog as always

Thank you!

[@cjpowers9330]

I recall reading something about arsenic in old wall coverings. I hope you’re taking proper precautions.

Thanks for your comment. You are quite right that certain wallpaper colours once contained arsenic (green in particular). This stopped towards the end of the 19th Century.. None of the papers we have removed are from that era and containing that pigment. The green paper in Eduard's room for example dates from the mid 1930s.

[@StephanieElizabethMann]

When you're scraping the old wallpaper off, it looks like the wall surface moves. Is the wall made from wood or a type of fabric. Oops question answered.

No probs! Burlap.

[@whistleblower1238]

If I remember correctly, the cost of the roof was $1Mill for the repair of the roof structure. I know understand why. Thank you for sharing the Journey!!

[@johnnatopper6063]

Wonderful video

Thank you!

[@mael_mlbs]

Do you know the original purposes of all the room on the deuxième étage ? Because thanks to the videos, I’ve been able to map Purnon’s second floor in order to follow more closely to progress made. But in your video that includes a tour of this floor, you named the rooms after their actual purposes, such as « Religious room », « Little room of horrors », « Fireplaces room », and so on. In short, why are there so many « little » rooms up there ? They couldn’t all be bedrooms, could they ?

Thanks for your question. The second floor was mainly used for guests (often associated with the grand hunting parties that would have been held at Purnon during its heyday). People sometimes assume that the second floor was reserved for the domestic staff. This is not true at Purnon as the rooms have the same floor size as the large bedrooms on the First Floor. They were also decorated with fashionable wall papers. It is clear that they were not meant for domestic staff/servants. Several of the rooms had specific purposes (linen press, a drying room for nuts/fruits grown on the estate and a couple of work rooms that, based on the furnishings we discovered in them were probably used for repairing damaged furniture etc). There has never been plumbed water to the various rooms on the second floor. There was one hand pump in one room that would have filled bowls that would have been taken to each bedroom for guests as required. Waste water would have been collected in commodes/bed pans. Little has changed on the second floor in over a century.

[@rgrndu]

What will you use those huge outer buildings for, like the one getting a new roof?

Thanks for your interest! Some of the main outbuildings we hope to return to their original function (the chapel, stables, the old boulangerie (bakery)etc). Several of the other buildings have been given a modern use. For example on old barn now houses our biomass heating system. The building where we are restoring the roof was once the 'chai' (barrel room) where the grapes grown on the estate were fermented for wine. We hope to save some of the old wine making equipment which has been abandoned inside, so that we can preserve the history of this building. We have a few ideas on how to use the building but until the restoration of the roof and the stone work has been finished its a bit hard to judge exactly what the possibilities might be.

[@petrekovairena1891]

WOW

Indeed!

[@philomenahearn1717]

At last I found a bit that explains the hessian wallpaper support and why

We're glad your question was answered. If you're unsure of something you can always ask a question in the comments section and we'll try and answer it. Thank you for following our journey!

[@tammiebellew8873]

Is that daisy wall paper original? If it is will you have it remade

[@sandragallo2283]

I don’t understand? Is the wallpaper just on a fabric or is the wall solid?

It's on burlap with a void behind it.

[@peterwhite9261]

This is an am chanel. Loves see plans and history in the making. Was there material behind the wallpaper? Great progress.❤

Thank you! Behind this wallpaper from the 1930s we uncovered another paper from the end of the nineteenth century. When we removed that paper we found tiny traces of the original wall paper. Sadly the pieces were too small to be able to discern the original pattern. We tried as much as possible to protect the hessian backing and not disturb it. In other rooms when we've had to lift the hessian backing we have found interesting inscriptions on the stone walls behind. For example, dates and names of the artisans, illustrations and even in one case a SATOR-ROTAS square.

[@paulrosa6173]

It's fascinating watching you restore Chateau de Purnon. I've seen on 18th french house plans, e.g. Blondel's Cours D'Architecture, some bedrooms are called Chambre's de parade. It means a room for the lever and coucher of the lord or lady. There may have been a railing across the alcove? The fact that there are no support rooms may mean the Marquis didn't actually sleep in the room. It might only have been used for the waking and going to bed ceremony. Louis XIV is famous for the elaboration of the ceremony but I think it actually predates him. I don't know much about the ceremony but it was a time when the lord could issue instructions for the day and perhaps for the night as well. I know this about Versailles' levers and couchers: each lord and lady, before attending the king's or queen's, had one of his/her own. It sounds silly and unctious now but probably made a lot more sense then.. It's probably something like the way ancient roman nobs would receive their freemen and clients in the morning at the start of the day's business. They would receive petitions, grant favors and assign tasks. Face to face contact was everything then. And everyone had to know the proper time. The clock became very important even out in the country. The use of watches became a lot more common. BTW - In the presidency of George Washington, they still called official receptions levers. The word had drifted in meaning quite a lot. Maybe you could find a very fancy bed but still use the room as a bibliotheque? Maybe that railing is still stuck somewhere in the outbuildings?

Thank you for your comment and this historical context. We're not sure that a younger son of a non-royal noble family would have had a separate bedroom for a 'lever' and 'voucher' as such. Certainly the bedroom for the Marquis and the Marquisse was intended for receiving guests (based on its furnishing). There is no evidence of a railing, just the alcove itself.

[@paulrosa6173]

@- Just a guess. Anything I read never said anything about how high ranking the people had to be. It sounded like Versailles was a daisy chain of ceremonies. It kept those gorgeous birds of prey from pecking at each other with armies. . "voucher" is a type isn't it?

Sorry - that was a typo. I meant 'coucher'!

[@SuuperAlmo]

How are the heshan panels affixed to the walls?

They were originally tacked onto the oak supports. Today we use a combination of tacks and deep staples depending on the state of the hessian etc. Thanks for your question.

[@nicolemorin14]

Comment faisait-il à l’époque sans outils électriques, quel savoir-faire !

[@FransBlaas1]

Did the roofers stay with the music?

Stay or sway!! Either way, we're thrilled with the progress.

[@nicolemorin14]

Certaines personnes ont à cœur de parler français

[@lindamounts2193]

Where are you living during this?

We live in a section of the chateau on the ground floor where we have access to a modest kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and salon with a little office. It is in that section of the chateau where the roof has already been restored, so its watertight. Its not super-comfortable, but it does the trick!

[@trace5281]

Why don't you triple the size of some of those rooms?

Thank you for your comment. The interior (as well as the exterior) of the Chateau is heritage listed. We can't just knock down internal walls. The smaller rooms give an insight into how the Chateau was originally organised (small rooms for valets attached to certain family members, dressing rooms etc). While we can make certain changes to accommodate modern living , as we work with our architect, we must respect the building's origins.

[@slicksalmon6948]

Oh, jeez. Scrapping off wallpaper is the worst job.

We find it strangely cathartic! And you never know what may lay beneath...

[@KirstyHarris-pu3cn]

that timber work on the roof - tres sexy curve!

We're glad you like it!