FHS at Home: Innovation in Action - Château Gonneville-sur-Honfleur

French Heritage Society continues this popular virtual event series with our Young Patrons Circle, featuring intimate chats in English with dynamic château owners who have taken advantage of a worldwide captive audience in need of escapism. Using KZbin vlogs, Instagram posts, crowdfunding platforms, and even a British reality show, they are successfully garnering support for their mammoth projects while also raising awareness of the wealth of French architectural and cultural heritage still in need of preservation.
Our third virtual chat from May 5th features Philipp & Anna Mayrhofer of Château Gonneville-sur-Honfleur. The couple purchased their property only two years ago with the aim of breathing new life into the 18th C hunting lodge as a family home and luxury guest house business. Anna’s background in fashion design brings a signature traditional-meets-modern style to their renovation work, including wallpaper she designs herself and thoughtfully sourced furnishings. Philipp’s skills as a filmmaker have helped the couple document their hard work and daily life with their two daughters on a new and fast-growing KZbin channel ‪@HowToRenovateAChateau‬
To learn more about this virtual event series and register for the next webinars with chateau owners, visit our Events Page: frenchheritage...
To support our mission of preservation, education, and cultural exchange, visit our Donation Form: frenchheritage...

[@carolem6354]

Anna and Phillip are restoring their chateau very tastefully and welcoming. We enjoy following the vlog and their process. Thank you FHS for featuring them on your series.

[@mylessandison6550]

Their vlog is highly addictive!! Who needs Netflix when you have this fantastic show 🍿

[@SandraWarmbreath]

I actually have canceled Netflix & a couple other channels as these types of renovations ring all my bells, with the benefit of no violence or crime involved. I can participate in the renovations very small time but get much satisfaction from it!

[@pebblesmiller9026]

I agree wholeheartedly

[@supremlyfoxylass]

I absolutely love the bantering between these two. I love watching what their up to and can’t help but laugh with them!

[@gypsy1588]

I have been following this couple since they started their KZbin channel. They have accomplished so much since they purchased the chateau and are such a delight to watch.

[@karlasmit7535]

These interviews are so pleasing to me because you don’t interrupt. You asks questions then let them answer without interjecting more questions or comments. This couple makes me laugh out loud on each vlog. Such a pleasure.

[@pebblesmiller9026]

Yes lovely to watch and informative too

[@monique804]

Dear French heritage society... thank you for this interview , our family truly adore this couple ! Love their passion, work ethic, and their on going joy for restoring a magnificent chateau. Their journey on restoring this chateau deserves its own reality show, Philip’s humor , Anna’s patience , talent and grace makes for a positive viewing experience for the whole family , something we need today .. Love from Florida USA☀️☀️☀️

[@frenchheritagesociety1634]

Our pleasure!

[@smee1969]

My favorite family in France🇫🇷 such lovely funny talented brilliant hardworking people in a fabulous very happy Chateau coming back to life whiLe we all watch !!!!!

[@Lilly-iy3ob]

Love their vlog...both very talented.

[@dylanlangridge4667]

Of all your interviews Anna & Philipp were the ones I really looked forward to seeing! Thanks for including them

[@shuffleaccount1985]

THESE TWO ARE MY FAVORATE , DO IT YOURSELF CHANNEL !!!!! IT'S FUNNY AND SMART !

[@kikim5507]

Delight to watch. Thank you.

[@dianegriffith3006]

Absolutely love these two Anna and Phillip. It’s always such fun and a pleasure to watch them renovate their chateau. 🙂

[@jeanfennessy8154]

I have become addicted to this couple and their renovation of the Chateau.They are fun, creative and easy to watch. The children are adorable.

[@jamesbristol400]

Htrac is by far the best Château vlog on KZbin! P❤️A

[@helenstella2666]

What a lovely interview with Anna & Philipp 😊 I watch their KZbin channel & it was fascinating to learn more about Chateau Le Fleur. A beautiful Chateau being lovingly restored by a delightful family. Thank you FHS 💕

[@annieokerlin3170]

I love these two and how they share their journey. Thank you for the work that your society is bringing to the world.

[@Tony-InLosAngeles]

Anna and Philipp’s channel has come along nicely since it beginning, they have put in a lot of hard work so far...Philipp learned how to do the electrical wiring himself, and dug down and under the front of the Château for the services.

[@duncansandison1946]

Philipp & Anna - You're Awesome, your vlog is Awesome - Carry on the Great Work 🎥 🏰 📺

[@bparry2406]

The undertaking of such massive projects for this young couple is incredible. Their bravery, determination, skills and good humour are admirable and their tongue-in-cheek approach to the videos is one I always look forward to. Thank you French Heritage Society for showcasing these KZbin Chateau entrepreneurs and to their Patreon supporters. Admittedly one of the few positives during this pandemic.

[@rousespoint]

Thank you FHS for the wonderful interview with one of my favorite couples from the Chateau's I follow. They are just a stich in there vlogs.

[@pebblesmiller9026]

Yes great interview. Really respectful and fun.

[@maryschlotter108]

I have been following Anna and Philip on their you tube channel . They have worked so hard and have done an amazing job with renovating , restoring and decorating this beautiful chateau. With two little children as well. What a challenge. The chateau is so tastefully decorated .Thank you to FHS for these interviews !

[@TheFiown]

These kids are amazing, so much humour and fun and Anna is incredibly artistic and such a hard worker. Phillip is such an actor, he is funnier and cuter in each video. Looking foward to seeing more of them.

[@helloworld5182]

I appreciated this vlog very much because it caught me up on the restoration history. Anna and Phillip are always so fresh and happy in their vlogs. I love it when they provide their weekly update and they are pretty regular about doing so. Kudos also to the Heritage group.

[@bluedragonfly5]

Their videos are so entertaining. Their humor and creativity are the best of the chateau channels. Love their simple and tasteful style.

[@elledammers8]

Fantastic 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🙌🏼💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@rosemariedeschenes7013]

Love watching their vlogs. They have done such a beautiful job.

[@jillphillips2835]

Delightful, just delightful! I learned so much more about this chateau and her rescuers on this video! Thank you so much for featuring these amazing historical chateau and the brave new pioneers that will bring them back to their proper status! Cheers!

[@alspigen9399]

Anna and Philip are so wonderful people, love their KZbin channel. Now we need to see Château de la Basmaignée with Billy and Gwendolin Petherick

[@Toodle.Pipp001]

They're doing a beautiful job, love the bespoke creativity being lavished on this historic home. They say forever homes choose you. 🌟

[@frankpaquet295]

I've just found this in the past three weeks and I'm already hooked on watching Phillip and Anna! This is so enjoyable and they're great together and it does take you away for a while into another country and another way of life. Love their vlog, I hope that we can keep watching. (from Sandi)

[@christellebilodeau]

These two are gems 💕

[@melindahall5603]

Tasteful and lovely! What a transformation. Fun to watch. The vlog with the trampoline was so funny and heartwarming. Such fun and so inspiring. Thank you!

[@Sushi2735]

These people are WORKERS! Everyday while raising two children, they work! And hard! I hold such admiration for people who work and don’t play at restoration. They actually do it! More importantly, they show you what they are doing all through the process, not coming back months later and giving you short glimpses of what is sure to disappoint. You are in the dust and mess with them, along with the simply amazing “Before” and “Afters”. Easy to see why they have SO many Patreon’s and close to 400,000 Subscribers. At least there are 364,000 people who truly appreciate seeing hard workers and not fantasists in action. Bravo Anna and Peter. You have got this right!

[@barbaramurfitt6295]

Just really love this couples vlogs on KZbin. Very funny, dedicated and interesting tasks alongside their family life. Great to find out more of their background in this video. Many thanks

[@DamsonElvira1212]

Interesting to hear how your property renovations might be affected by having a ‘listed’ property close by. Anna and Philip have been doing a great job, I’m enjoying following their progress. Thanks for sharing.

[@bigboy77dk]

Amazing, what they have done so far. Can't wait to follow the progress.

[@blueyzsf]

Love the extended intro from Phillip and Anna! It’s apparent Phillips skills at film making elevate their vlogs! So entertaining and humorous! Thank you FHS for highlighting Phillip & Anna, and Stephanie Jarvis!! I will definitely donate to your organization. 🙂🙂

[@frenchheritagesociety1634]

Thank you so much! We are glad you enjoyed watching these interviews!

[@carolstevens1903]

I really enjoyed this video and always enjoy your vlogs on KZbin channel 😊😊😊

[@thierrymilan2039]

Charming couple and property in a charming part of France. A lot of work already done, and another huge part to do ! Awesome !

[@shuffleaccount1985]

WOW I had no idea how much work you had to do outside the house !!!!!

[@softMietzy]

During this time of covid and much striking in Canada, l have felt great joy and much laughter. I wish to thank you for letting me be a part of your house renovations. Thank you so much!

[@pamjudge9691]

Your Chateau would be fabulous for a wedding venue. The Chapel, if restored could be used by the celebrant, and the Coach house could be the reception venue. You could outsource catering etc to make it easier for you. Because you're so close to the UK I could see it being a fabulous success. The hard work you've put in is wonderful. I'd like to hear an interview with Philipp re his filming background.

[@dorothyprior4681]

Great videos! Anna’s work is excellent. Phillipp’s humour reminds me of the Asterix comics. Dry humour, French version. Nathan plays his equally dry part very well. And what a good, friendly carpenter you have in Nathan’s father!

[@sarahburton3110]

I subscribed after watching your brilliant interview with Stephanie Jarvis and you’re already featuring other Chateau owners I’m already familiar with through watching The Chateau Diaries. Excellent video. Thanks again from Sarah in Royal Berkshire UK 🇬🇧.

[@Rebekahlow]

I love Anna and Philip's KZbin channel!!!!! They are awesome! So pleased to see this video! I really enjoy hearing about the history of the chateau. Love from Vermont

[@christinecox8073]

Very good I watch all their vlogs they both work really hard most enjoyable thank you for showing this

[@janicerobinson2970]

I Have Been Watching Phillip And Anna Working So Hard Both And Working Round The Children’s Doing Great Job Anna Very Knowledgeable And Phillip.💕💐🙏🙏

[@jayneturnbull5041]

Such an interesting vlog, I have been watching since the beginning but great reminder of what has been done.

[@nativetexan53]

I like what you are doing here. I am already a you tube subscribed to all of these people but I really love seeing a different side of things.

[@TheFiown]

The French have an absolute terror of 'drafts', they seem to spend their time looking for them and complaining about them it makes me laugh. They call them 'courants d'air' and in the beginning when I arrived in France I would hear ' oh there is a 'courant d'air' and I would go look for it like it was a thing !

[@mamaahu]

Interesting. “Wind” is a very significant cause of illness in Traditional Chinese Medicine as well.

[@thierrymilan2039]

Well, if we make you laugh, that's a good start, isnt it ?

[@TheFiown]

@@thierrymilan2039 Well today I do find myself looking for 'courants d'air' !!

[@donnamoore8361]

Why don’t you cover the out buildings with the blue tarps to keep the rain out? Love your vlogs❤️

[@shuffleaccount1985]

one of the the out buildings can be for food storage? or weddings after using the chapel?

[@inabates8919]

Why not make one of the long buildings into a museum!?

[@mamaahu]

I am curious. Can FHS support the investigation and archiving of the historical documents in some way?

[@thierrymilan2039]

They certainly can brought a relation with the Fondation du Patrimoine which certainly know every patrimonial, historician and administrative actor in France.

[@frenchheritagesociety1634]

Thank Ahulani for your question. In the past, we have supported students working on archival project for châteaux or Atelier d'Artiste. For instance, Katherine Weiss has done outstanding work at Chateau de By, the studio of painter Rosa Bonheur. To learn more about her experience, check out the video she made during the lockdown: : kzbin.info/www/bejne/foTSeXebgrOCqqs. If you have a specific project in mind, you can contact us at [e-mail]

[@cai6602]

Xateau is the best

[@dottykennedy3086]

How much did all this cost?