Château RUINS ... from HIDDEN to UNCOVERED! Château restoration #20

[@ManWhoLovesTheMary]

Seeing all that brush go down was sooo satisfying. Such overwhelming respect for taking on so much land and so many buildings. I’m continually amazed at the size of this estate. Every time I think I have a good sense of its scope, it keeps getting bigger. All this enrichment keeps me going with my own restoration projects and joie de vivre.

Thanks for your message. There are certainly plenty of projects to keep us occupied. Good luck with your restoration works!

[@GunnarShaffer]

When the French and other were at war which was almost constant in old Europe. Pigeons were not allowed by lower levels of society because that's how letters and intelligence was sent. Pigeons were sending letters for thousands of years the egyptians, greeks, persians, romans all use them for these purposes. Having this many pigeons could also be essentially a postal mail system as a communication hub with the entirety of France. It is amazing you have such a building.

[@jameydupuy9280]

It is kind of heart wrenching knowing this and the situation now. I had no idea. I was watching a type of documentary on New York and a small bit mentioned how pigeons were considered such pests and "rats with wings" but they were raised and breed to such a lofty level, and then utterly discarded left to fend for themselves. It is really sad when you think about it. After hundreds if not thousands of years of being breed and cared for then discarded. I wonder how much instinct was left for survival. Well, I guess they had plenty because they survived well. 😂 but still sad.

[@deck614]

Carrier Pigeons are selected for mail ("Ramiers" in French)... Still by some armies!

[@rosemariedeschenes7013]

What an incredible gift to have Kevin help clear that space. Hoping all the roofs can be repaired in due time 🙏😍😘

Thanks for your message. Just to clarify, it is Peter Maddison (former host of Grand Designs Australia) who helped clear this part of the chateau grounds. Kevin is our roofer whose amazing work crowned our central dome. We're thrilled you're following our journey!

[@barbmurphy3112]

178 views in 10 mins with 41 likes ????? Come on viewers hit that like, this is a beautiful journey of restoration!

[@alternate1868]

Their focus is on patreon and people who have the money to buy their expensive products Not subscribers

[@jeanhawken4482]

@@alternate1868 I do not agree. They are like all the chateau owners they have fallen in love with a magnificent building and are doing their best. And you can cut out the sly nastiness.

[@sarahmiller5632]

I agree that moss boot would be good in an installation. Plus thank you for telling what the pigeon houses were for. 🤗🇨🇦

[@alternate1868]

@@jeanhawken4482you obviously haven’t been watching long

[@hammarbergets]

I always do hit the like-button it's the least I can do as a thanks for their hard work with EVERYTHING! ❤

[@Leo.Lapo_]

Drone shots of purnon always take my breath away in every video.

It's a beautiful estate. Our Skydio drone really captures her elegance.

[@rickflood]

The word the architect is looking for is reverence . It is what I see and to some extent, feel through what Tim and Felicity do.

Thank you for your message and for following our journey!

[@wizard4121]

Roof is so beautiful. Can’t wait to see it all finished

We feel the same way!

[@michaeldavis8154]

Maintaining the vegetation in a grounds appears to me to be a never-ending project great job guys

[@reginabailey9521]

I look forward to Sunday just to view your video and see what progress you’ve made and the treasures you’ve uncovered.

Thanks for your message. We're thrilled you're enjoying our journey!

[@Attingham]

All Hail the remarkable Kevin the Left handed roofer!🎉

Isn't he amazing?!

[@tinamagnuson2]

If you turn the chateau and it’s grounds into a living museum, you could always encase the dove cote in s glass building. They did the same with Abraham Lincoln’s log cabin in Kentucky.

[@jennyvereschagin526]

I watch these videos to relax and marvel at the spectacular history and future this chateau has. The music is lovely.

[@blinkingmanchannel]

I just about fell outa my chair when you showed the earlier view of the roof. Wow! That has come a long way! I'm usually looking at old things and trying to see them as they once were. THIS is different! For the first time, I find myself imagining how to deal with the FUTURE for that roof. It's a different frame of mind completely. Hunh.... 🤔 I'm trying to imagine what if you had 100 gardeners for one week. How about a thousand for a week? The scale is intimidating.

We're making steady progress but there is so much still to do!

[@cmb9993]

It has been nearly sixty years since I have lived in France, but watching your work to restore these old buildings and the chateau has really brought back the feelings I always had while living there. I loved the grand architecture, but I really loved the lovely little villages, even the stone walls everywhere! It evoked a feeling of history that is hard to explain, but watching what you're doing is bringing it back to me. Merci!

Thanks for your message - we're thrilled you're following our journey and reliving those memories of your time in this beautiful country.

[@cmb9993]

Thank you, and I really admire what you are doing to preserve 'La Belle Grande Dame'. 🇺🇸 🇨🇵

[@Jen-eo1fh]

Amazing clean up guys. Love your videos and eagerly await each new one. Thank you. 🇦🇺

Wonderful - thanks for sharing in our adventure!

[@Lovelifealways16]

Your attention to detail is wonderful. Heritage building in Australia and across the globe should be all treated with such respect. ❤

Thank you! As Peter says in the video, we hope there is something interesting in our journey for anyone interested in heritage protection.

[@jennifermansfield8382]

Hit those likes it costs nothing and subscribe 👍

Thank you!

[@ddyrock]

Ich bewundere Sie und Ihr schönes Anwesen und vor allem ihren Mut und liebe etwas herausragendes zu schaffen. Wundervoll. Mögen Sie beide und ihr Projekt sehr lange gesund und fröhlich leben und erschaffen. Es pass hier nicht her, trotzdem möchte ich es loswerden. Es gib superleicht Leute, die sich bekloppte Uhren und Supersportwagen kaufen- ohne jede Bedeutung. Was Sie beide erschaffen ist Kultur und Hoffnung für Ästhetik- dankesehr. Ich liebe Sie!

Vielen Dank für Ihre wundervolle Nachricht. Wir freuen uns, dass Sie unser Abenteuer verfolgen! Die besten Wünsche an Sie.

[@elsiestormont1366]

Your tenacity to each task is as magnificent as the Chateau herself. 🫡 bravo! 🎖🎖

Thank you!

[@terricollins8450]

This place is Extraordinary,thank you for doing what you are doing and trying to preserve and bring back to life Purnon ❤

It's wonderful to share our adventure with a global audience. Thanks for your message.

[@PieterBreda]

I'm glad I don't have to pay for that roof. But the Slater's did a tremendous job.

Our roofers are amazing. Thank you for acknowledging their craftsmanship. Saving Chateau de Purnon would be impossible without them.

[@natasha1369]

OMG i love him, Peter is awesome. How exciting to have him come and way in on thing, absolutely priceless!❤

Peter is wonderful! We were really touched that he popped in to see us.

[@GregoryAParker-n9f]

The restoration is exceptional. What a joy to watch the transformation.

Thank you - we're thrilled you're enjoying our journey.

[@SonicPhonic]

Wow, you two make a great team and are a great example of conscientious and successful business owners. Many rich families, including kings and queens, got rich by stealing, slavery, and illegal activities; some still do that. It's nice to see hard-working, honest people do some good. Thanks from Canada!

Thank you for your kind message. We're not sure we see ourselves as business owners. We feel more like custodians of a piece of cultural history that we must preserve, protect and uncover. We are thrilled to share this journey with interested and curious people from across the globe.

[@Richie8a8y]

That roof is absolutely magnificent! The original profile really brings Bougior’s intention into focus. The whole history of the roof’s ingenious structural design paired with the elegant serpentine slope must’ve been unprecedented for it’s time. And I wonder is there another? Such talented folks up there. ♥️

[@didierjacob250]

...Il y en a ! , Château de Vaux-le -Vicomte XVII ème siècle, 100 ans avant Purnon à voir , dôme en ardoise aussi

[@CharlotteUnser]

what a phenomenal job of removing all the undergrowth that has strangled and encapsulated these beautiful old buildings....you are revealing the bones of these magnificent structures and setting them free.....a monumental enterprise to lovingly and carefully bring what can be salvaged back to life. They can breathe again...they are slowly waking up....

Thanks for your message.

[@estavoyernathalie9433]

Il n y avait pas de shetland dans les campagnes françaises, mais des ânes qui étaient pour le travail et surtout pour les voitures hippomobiles. Les animaux chevaux, ânes, ou bovins étaient des compagnons de travail et non pas de loisirs. Formidables belles vidéos. Merci ❤❤❤❤

[@didierjacob250]

??? il s' agit d' un château, et non pas d une simple ferme !. Que Purnon ait eu des animaux pour le travail, oui bien sur ! Mais les chatelains n' avaient pas les mains dans la boue, et cavaliers, bien sur aussi, avaient des chevaux pour leurs loisirs, et beaucoup sans doute, apprenaient l' équitation à leur jeunes enfants, et donc sur des petits chevaux. Qui peux prétendre que des chatelains n' aient pas acheter ou fais venir , des chevaux de petites tailles, d' Allemagne , ou d' Angleterre, ou d' ailleurs...??? le commerce des chevaux et autres , était très développé en Europe , et ces gens là avaient de l' argent...et comme j' aime beaucoup les ânes, les petits attelages de loisirs existaient aussi, pour commencer....

[@estavoyernathalie9433]

@@didierjacob250 oui tout à fait, les chevaux de selle, permettaient de chasser, dd faire le tour des terres, 600 ha… de se déplacer. Aux vues des fers, il y avait aussi des chevaux lourds : percherons ou comtois… il y avait de très belles écuries en cours de restauration pour les propriétaires, et à la ferme les équidés étaient au travail ! Le cheval de loisir arrive en France au 19e après la création des haras par Napoléon. À ce titre est créé le Selle Français, les poneys sont plus tard. La hiérarchie dans les châteaux était ordonnée par le maître des lieux, les enfants apprenaient déjà le latin puis à se battre donc l’équitation réservée aux enfants mâles… le loisirs de prier, de faire la guerre, et surtout de vivre avec des personnes de même rang et au moins 16 quartiers de Noblesse. En ce qui me concerne, j’ai appris l’équitation à 11 ans et sur des grands chevaux, le poney n’existait pas dans les écuries ! 😉

Il y a plusieurs explications possibles à ces petits fers à cheval. Nous les protégerons et les ajouterons à notre collection. Au fur et à mesure de nos découvertes sur le domaine, l'explication de leur présence ici apparaîtra peut-être. Merci de partager vos connaissances sur notre chaîne KZbin.

[@estavoyernathalie9433]

Se sont des fers fabriqués par le forgeron, la semelle n’est pas très arrondie ! Peut-être trouverez vous l’enclume ! Le petit modèle est pour les ânes. Les poneys shetland sont rarement ferrés. Les mors sont une belle collection ackamores, mors droits, pelam… tout pour faire mal … a bien conserver !

[@Amacott99]

Aaaah you can notice that voice (Peters voice) a mile away. What an extraordinary property.

Isn't he wonderful?! We put him to work and he gave us thoughtful and practical advice.

[@nospin1394]

I didn’t realize your pigeonnier was that far from the chateau your drone shots showing that was cool. Fascinating you could tell the acreage by the number of pigeon boxes there were, thanks for the lesson.

We're thrilled that you enjoyed the video.

[@alexsilva-vn7jc]

A place full of stories and past lives! Watching these "uncoverings" is mesmerising and inspirational. On a side note, don´t you think it´s more likely donkey or mule shoes and bits? Surely they were part of the workforce too?

Thanks for your message and for following our journey. It's possible that they are donkey shoes, but donkeys were often not shoed. They are extremely small even for donkeys and mules.

[@almawebber]

I seem to learn something every episode! AND as he was uncovering all that trash we must realize it never really goes away.....

You're quite right but we can recycle some of it (the glass bottles and metal for example) and other elements can go to better waste management locations where further recovery can take place. All better options for the environment than lying in the earth around the estate. We also find the occasional treasure! Thanks for following our journey.

[@Rogelio_Inzunza]

So cool to see Peter on your channel! I’ve watched MANY hours of his program. And kudos, to the two of you. Just found you on “go chateau,” and have already seen quite a few hours of your videos. Look forward to watching your progress through the upcoming years! 😁👍🙏

We were very touched that he came to stay! Welcome to our adventure - we're thrilled that you're now following our journey.

[@kirstiemarshall7764]

Astounded at the transformative effect of the newly restored roof, the Chateau looks like she has gone from wearing rags to couture clothing! With every step, every copper nail and at the end of each day, take a moment to enjoy the results of your labour which is giving us so many opportunities to reverence your work.

Thanks for your encouragement Kirstie! Your messages are good for our morale. xx

[@kathyevans2968]

Using the traditional methods on the roof is such a worthy yet huge commitment. As each section is exposed from the scaffolding the, roof looks phenomenal. I can imagine you gazing up at it with pride, every day & look forward to starting the next phases once finished. How exciting having Peter from grand designs Australia visit!! The history discussion about the pigeonnier were so interesting!

We're deeply committed to undertaking a restoration that honours the estate's history and beauty. We are thrilled that people from around the world are sharing our adventure. Thanks for your message!

[@Bjmc4uk]

Just amazing! You all worked really hard today. You gave us an idea more of What’s outside your front doors back doors whatever! That’s a lot of pigeons. This is just so interesting! thank you for sharing.

We're thrilled you enjoyed this episode. Thanks for your message!

[@katehobbs2008]

Interesting. I had subconsciously just assumed that renovating the chateau would always be your main focus, but your comment to Peter Maddison cast a different light, that your priority is indeed to structurally save the chateau, but that then doing roofs and saving other buildings for the future might come before the renovating and decorating of the chateau. You two have obviously had a long and mature conversation to set priorities. 🇦🇺

Hi Kate, it's always a balance. But when we address structural issues and restore roofs we buy ourselves the time to then reflect on our longer term goal for certain buildings. But we are already working inside the chateau on room restorations. Without this work we would have no quality of life! It's always a question of balancing competing priorities. Thanks for following our journey!

[@janeharris6925]

Watching this puts me in mind of what the original farmers had to do to clear the land in order to farm it. Wow! Humans were tougher in those days!

Yes, they had tough lives. We often come across old tools and we realise how much had to be done by hand when we can use labour-saving machinery today.

[@jameydupuy9280]

Re: pigeons for fertilizer. A friend of the family raises pigeons just for this. One year he gave us a gallon bag to mix in our garden area and that year was the best garden we ever had! Our tomatoes were unbelievable! If i had the knowledge and skill, i would raise them just for my gardening, too! 😂❤

Thanks for your message - we're thrilled that this episode struck a chord with you... those pigeons!

[@elleeg.9413]

You could always cast the trash in a large block of resin and sell it as an art piece to raise money for the chateau. It does look like an art installation.

[@SharonRidings]

The roof looks spectacular

Thank you!

[@maryjimdale7031]

Oh how wonderful to see Peter again….and hear another familiar accent….like family. Hello from Brisbane.

It was wonderful to have Peter drop by. He worked very hard and made may useful suggestions and observations. Thanks for your message!

[@Coopsterish]

I love the work that you all are doing. It’s so important to have a good clean up no matter where you hang your hat..very inspirational!

Thrilled you enjoyed it!

[@deirdremccann3212]

Broken terracotta would be good to keep somewhere. It’s brilliant for drainage in the bottom of planters. 👍🏻

Great tip - thank you!

[@rosemarielee7775]

If smashed fairly finely it could be used on paths too.

[@oliversmum1]

not that its made it any easier ( or your list any shorter!), but leave it to a former politician of Tim's ilk :) , to realise and highlight the importance of saving the visible heritage of the artisan and working classes. These are the jewels that can help us understand the most complete picture possible of the social life and structure of the majority of people's lives that time. Chateaus are gorgeous- and indeed- they capture the imagination of so many- but they tell of the lives of only a wealthy few. It is in saving what you are able of the pigeonnier and the Moulin Bigeard that we can meaningfully tell the stories of the working classes - and such sites are rare finds indeed. NO- your passion to save these sites as you are able- does not make your list any shorter at all! It is so important! I must ( post UK elections!) get back over to France - and see you all! bon courage! Karen R from the UK

Thanks for your message Karen. In a way, the comments were meant to be historical observations rather than political ones. Telling all the stories of the people from Chateau de Purnon is important to us. Not just the accounts of the people with noble titles. Best wishes for your elections.

[@oliversmum1]

oh no, genuinely wasn't meant politically either :) ... It's just your shared sensitivities about telling the whole story of your site show through so beautifully. Historic England ran a program here a few years ago to focus on working class heritage that eillicited some really interesting focus on those too frequently ignored aspects of heritage that often don't survive. Its so wonderful that the work you are doing is so attentive to all aspects of the the Chateau, its grounds and its outbuildings too- factors that others too frequently gloss over...I watch eagerly! And thank you ! ;)

[@susandewolfe4876]

Well you both certainly played a blinder having Peter Maddison visit. Please tell Peter I spent many evenings in the dark room with him in 2020 and 2021.I'll explain.... I had a ligament reconstructed in my knee late in 2019 and had to do hours and hours of cycling for my rehab but because it was covid and all the gyms were closed I had to do it in my home. To stave off boredom and keep myself on the bike watched all Peter's episodes which are shown on Canadian Television CBC. Please tell him I now have a greater appreciation of the design process, project managers, power tools, second fixes thanks to him and my knee is doing great. I am hoping my next boyfriend who is a sophisticated project manager. Well a girl can dream!!! Cheers from Toronto

Peter will be pleased to know that the series found its way to Toronto! We'll pass on your message. Thank you for following our adventure from Canada.

[@theflashtheflash6101]

Yes it is beautiful , pigeon knowledge wow. You must dig up some old treasures 💍🦽🕰️🪔🗝️⚜️🔱🔔🪑⚔️🗡️🕯️⏳🧵👝🎩exciting 🙏🥰🌻🍀😀

Thank you - thrilled you enjoyed it.

[@thierryvietnam7310]

Bonjour, la chaussure couverte de mousse est vraiment incroyable, ne la jetée pas. Vous faites un travail extraordinaire, Bravo !

Merci pour votre message!

[@lynjoy5512]

What an inspiring & respectful journey you are on! I shared one of your beautiful videos recently with a beloved neighbour. We both reflected on how you remind us to not complain about our small tasks we undertake on our own Australian properties- thank you! Your love, care & curiosity is so evident. I look forward to your updates on this amazing journey.

Thank you for your message and for sharing our journey with others!

[@carinevalery3053]

C'est tellement vrai : sauver les bâtiments non seulement pour leur beauté et leurs qualités mais aussi et surtout pour ce qu'ils disent de l'Histoire. Et l'un magnifie l'autre.

Vous avez raison. Merci d'avoir suivi notre aventure.

[@markfinch8934]

I always get excited to watch another episode of the restoration. I hope one day I can visit to see it in all its glory! Bravo! 👏👏👏

Thank you for your message. We are thrilled that our adventure is bringing you such joy. We are always open for the weekend of Les Journees du Patrimoine here in France. This year that will be 21-22 September. We have guided tours, we open as much of the estate as possible and there are demonstrations from our artisans. With wine tastings and bread making demonstrations we open for free for the whole weekend.

[@CarolMartin-xm1ri]

Just watch your pup around the tips - we learned the hard way - our dog ran through one and cut her leg on a bottle on the Thanksgiving Weekend and had to travel miles (in Northern Canada) to find an emergency vet --- I will never forget that experience.

[@kyliemumby7881]

Great work guys ! Look fwd to weekly videos ! Melbs 🇦🇺

Thanks for your message!

[@donnadodman8865]

Some nice finds. The boot with all the moss would be cool to keep and put in a garden somewhere lol Love watching you guys and learning more history and watching the excellent craftmanship of these specalists as they restore Purnon! ❤

We're thrilled you're enjoying our journey!

[@rowandowland1391]

Wonderful story telling and lovely to see Peter M; ordering our Purnon wall paper samples this week! Thx. M&R

Wonderful! We look forward to seeing pics when your project is complete. Thank you!

[@noelinecumming4963]

So interesting watching this beauty come back to life, thank you

Thanks - we're thrilled you enjoyed seeing our work protecting these buildings.

[@benjaminl.dallaire9890]

Loved the line about the moss covered boot belonging in an art installation!

[@hubertphilippe7719]

Quel travail réalisé autour de ce bel ensemble ! Je vous souhaite de pouvoir sauver ce que peut l'être, votre volonté et votre conviction sont admirables et forcent le respect. L'ensemble de votre démarche, pour sauver et réhabiliter Purnon, y compris dans sa dimension environnementale, est remarquable et mérite attention et reconnaissance.... Je vous souhaite pleine réussite et j'espère que malgré vos priorités, qui concernent très logiquement le château, vous pourrez mener à bien la sauvegarde du Moulin Bigeard, qui représente lui aussi, la vie de ces grands domaines ruraux des XVII et XVIII èmes siècles. Courage et félicitations à tous les deux.

[@jeanhawken4482]

The update is magnificent

Thrilled you enjoyed it!

[@cherrycola94]

The roof alone is breathtaking. Slate is beautiful

It's a work of art - the oak frame, the flashing, the copper work and of course the slate. Thanks for following!

[@Chris_natour]

Hi. I´am so sorry not to have the money to donate for the restauration of this older part - which I find absurdly attractive and interesting. Again: I love the sight of your chateau but I adore this older part. Like 887, greetings from Germany, Chris

We're thrilled you're enjoying our adventure!

[@Parisdoesrock]

Terrific content! Beautiful buildings no matter the remains. TY so much for sharing/teaching all the history behind this hidden GEM! You both are a true mentor for your amazing work ethic! TY for not being superficial, being a fashion show, entertainer, shopping around at all these peculiar places, and not painting everything with a tiny gold brush! Bravo to you both!

Thank you for your message. We simply want to share a journey about our love of heritage and the joy we take from protecting it with an amazing team off highly skilled artisans.

[@kkay2270]

Thank you for another interesting look into Purnon’s past. I enjoy the history information. The task you have taken on is incredible.

Thanks for your message. We're thrilled that you find the history so informative.

[@ji8044]

A master class in how to make videos, great subject matter, great narration, great visuals, and brevity.

Thank you! We're thrilled you're enjoying our videos and our journey!

[@michelleb6409]

Another great video, uncovering hidden treasures as well as giving the buildings and land a chance to survive. Thank you.

We're thrilled you're following our journey!

[@krisfraser7257]

600 acres, nice hobby farm. Australians to the rescue. Mate, do your self a favour and round up the regrowth. Good luck from Illawarra NSW.

[@carolyndarragh1891]

It's so interesting. The one thing all these magnificent chateaux and their outbuildings across France tell us is the massive wealth of France in the 17th and 18th centuries. They also tell a story about the squandering of that wealth by and large by instilling a socialist governments to varying degrees over centuries. War of course has also contributed to that demise in France's wealth. These magnificent complexes also indicate the artisanal skills of the French were utterly incredible. Their eye for beauty and how it is at the centre of everything they do (architecture, food, fashion, art, language, theatre, literature, film) and the pride they had/have in their output is phenomenal. So the moral of the story is trade, trade, trade not tax, tax, tax and do not engage in war unless it is absolutely necessary to defend your nation.

Thank you for following pour journey. The joy of history is the differing perspectives and explanations that we all bring to its study.

[@GregoryAParker-n9f]

Love the music..

Thanks!

[@laurielaurie8280]

The Chateau is looking great!!! The roof is looking amazing!

We agree! Thanks for your message.

[@laurielaurie8280]

:)))

[@carinevalery3053]

Plus vous dégagez les autres bâtiments de la propriété, plus cela me fait penser au château de Versailles avec les bâtiments qui sont dans le parc : grand et petit Trianon, le hameau de la Reine et les bergeries, l'orangerie... c'est superbe et précieux. C'est un trésor d'histoire et de savoir faire.

Oui, il n'y a pas que les grands bâtiments (le château et les deux communs). Tous les bâtiments constituent un village autosuffisant - fermes, boulangeries, blanchisseries, le chai, etc.

[@sallyward5937]

That was utterly fascinating! Thank you! 😁🇺🇸

Thrilled you enjoyed the episode. Thanks for your message!

[@MaryBelcher-nt9op]

Great Job! So much better! Looking forward to more posts.

Thanks for your message. We hope you enjoy our channel.

[@my-mysknitsaloon]

All those shoes found in the same place wakes the Sherlock in me 🕵🏼‍♀️😂 A lovely episode as usual, heartly thx.🤍🦋🤍

Thrilled you enjoyed this episode. Thanks for your message.

[@tammiewilson5185]

I appreciate the acknowledgement of the campus past representation of inequality being balanced with need for current restoration.

[@michaeldavis8154]

The slate roof is beautiful add appears to be the key to the entire project. You're far enough along now visualize how amazing The chateau will be in a few more years. Have you thought about what you will be doing with your time after completion?

[@maryhansen4618]

It’s so amazing to watch the artisans at work. What a wonderful project to be a part of.

We're thrilled you're enjoying our adventure!

[@jolawryid]

Incredible thanks for allowing us to view their incredible skill in repairing the roof 🥳👍

Thanks for your message - our roofers are incredible!

[@rontanser9369]

Lovely to see you’re doing everything so traditional but while they’re doing the roof, I hope you’re putting modern day installation in to keep the very expensive heat these days in the château

Thanks for your message and for following our journey. We assume auto-correct got hold of 'insulation' and made it 'installation'! tPlease take a look at some of our earlier episodes that show the roof restoration process in more detail. You'll see that we are installing both a waterproof membrane and insulation as part of the restoration of the chateau roof.

[@jeannebernard923]

AMAZING

Thrilled you enjoyed it!

[@kathibrooks1401]

I e just started watching for the past 6 months and i am hoiked. I alway like your videos. Its a truly amazing journey your traveling on and hoping this will stay with your family going forward.

Thank you for your message. We're thrilled you've found us and are deriving such joy from our adventure!

[@sus8e462]

My guess is the "farm house" was originally a grand home--the pediment for the front door, the gates & size suggests a decent sized estate--though a magnitude of order or two less than the estate it was absorbed into! Great work & hope you can get it stabilized!

[@kimstclair1879]

Oh wow, what a lovely transformation happening and that blessed roof coming along marvelously. Will you be holding the traditional topping of ceremony? The weather looks great too. Have a lovely week, I will finally be home in France for the next vlog, cheers from Melbourne 😊

Despite the video footage the weather here has been terrible! But yes, we'll mark the highest point with a ceremony. They still have to put the flashing on the ridge. Thanks for your message!

[@jessicanyqvist177]

I would love to have a look at the shoes you are unearthing. Some look quite interesting. I’m a shoe designer living in Bordeaux. It’s amazing your project.

[@garyjones2582]

Such a beautiful place.. It's sad to think how many places that were comparable to this have been destroyed or nature has reclaimed it.. Thx for sharing your journey with us... God Bless and take care....

Thank you for your message.

[@gabriellebaum6037]

We watched this clip and thought straight away, why don’t you fence off the area and get goats or sheep to eat down all that grass. Gosh you would save so much time. Might cost a bit for fences but surely it would pay off in time. You are doing a fabulous job and we are now hooked. Thank you so much

[@cherylcook6284]

Solar powered movable electric fences.

[@josedacosta9847]

Are you going to restore the pijionaire to it’s former state?

[@petrekovairena1891]

Wow práce pokrývačů na střeše zámku je fantastická. Bylo by pěkné kdyby se podařilo zachránit budovy bývalého statku i ten holubník. Moc vám držím palce.

Děkujeme za vaši zprávu. Nejprve musíme zachránit zámek. Pak budeme pracovat na záchraně dalších budov. Jsme rádi, že sledujete naše dobrodružství.

[@alexandra-zaza-burns]

Getting rid of those trees and all the ivy will make a huge difference to that building, stopping the damage that they do should give you some more time.

It's a good start with plenty more clearing up to do. Thanks for your message!

[@tanyawhelan2030]

Keep the moss covered boot! Use it as a planter somewhere!

[@Thewildmanwoods]

Amazing work and I’d love to visit…I’d volunteer my gardening skills 😂❤

[@kathryncollings2805]

So many shoes and boots. A bit creepy. Have you discovered a cemetery yet?

No cemetery here. But there is one in our village and many of the chateau's former owners ad inhabitants are interred there.

[@rweems5796]

Regarding the horse shoes, particularly the small ones -check out (when you have time) the Bidet horse, including Breton Bidet, Cheval du Morvan and Haugard Horse. These were small all-use breeds from riding, carting, field work, even military. These small stature horses ranged between 110 cm/ 43in/ 11 hands to 135cm/53in/ 13 hands. The small sturdy Bidet was an important component of Renaissance France’ rural economy. As France developed thru to mid-19th century, adding roads, canals, bridges and other transportation networks, use of the Bidet dwindled, replaced by larger, more specialized steeds. Eventually, the word ‘Bidet’ yielded to the term pony. By the early 20th century the French Bidet was all-but gone and is now considered extinct. Sadly, many wonderful horse breeds are at risk of the same fate, including: traditional Morgan, Cleveland Bay, Dales/ Dartmoor/ Fell/ Highland Ponies, Clydesdale/ Irish/ Suffolk Punch/ Shire Draft horses, Lipizzan and my personal favorite, the Hackney Horse and more. I expect your small shoes were for these small work horses, the Bidet.

Thank you for all that wonderful background and historical information. Sad that those breeds have been lost to us or are at risk. We think they were a likely use for those tiny hand forged shoes.

[@predatornz.5493]

Very Interesting on the Dove Cot and how many people had in those days to show wealth . And the shoes u found of the Ponies and horses all hand made lovely . Thank u .

Thrilled you enjoyed the episode.

[@Skattie]

I love your dog ❤

We love her too! We'll pass on your pats!

[@garyi.1360]

Would you give us a rundown of all the chateau's former (and perhaps present) industries and whether they were only for use on the estate or if they were sold for profit? An example would be the pigeons which benefited the estate only. But then there was wine production though I am unsure if that was sold outside the estate. And were there others? Do you see any of these returning to help the estate produce funding to assist its restoration?

The chateau owners also owed hundreds of hectares of agricultural land beyond the estate and thousands of hectares of forest. On the chateau grounds they grew grapes for wine, they had chickens, pigs, sheep, bees as well as work horses. The entire economic model of a grand chateau was based on owning vast lands and receiving income in cash or kind for the exploitation of that land. Today, most of the land has been gradually sold off. We own a little more than 25 hectares (a bit over 60 acres). We won't pay for the restoration of the chateau and for its maintenance by becoming farmers of the modest parcels of land we own.

[@garyi.1360]

I appreciate your reply. I do. And I've thought about it a lot. But I have to say that I think you may not be imagining large enough. I believe you have enough acreage to bring in more dollars. While you may need to grow the brand a few more years, you have the space to create, initially, some ventures to bring in capital. You should visit some places in the US such as the Biltmore Estate to learn how to generate income.

[@janlesinski4719]

It really is looking amazing skilled craftsmen at their best

It would be impossible to save Chateau de Purnon without the skills of our amazing artisans.

[@FloridaClay]

There is something poignant about the old boots.

Yes, they speak to the toil of earlier generations.

[@aryasia69]

Je découvre votre site très enrichissant et instructif ! Je m'abonne

[@okienana11]

All the items found, the history is so important.

Exactly! Thanks for your message.

[@greghammer5321]

great video

Thank you - we're thrilled you're following our journey!

[@Skattie]

Good on you guys ❤

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video.