French Chateau Renovations | Planning Our Chateau Garden and Office

[@tricial4330]

As an older, single woman, I can tell you that the fairy tale/dream isn't your chateau, it's your amazing relationship. The love, affection and respect you two show towards each other is absolutely fantastic. Don't lose that, ever. Thank you for sharing your ideas, your projects, and your inspiring care for your lovely surroundings.

[@elizabethbrzezicka2283]

I think you should turn it back to a fountain for this spectacular château. With a statue and lit up in the evenings or events.

[@sandrabaker5930]

I vote for the idea of restoration of the original fountain and formal gardens. I believe the original is always the best.

[@barbarashapiro7499]

The cinematic quality of your vlogs (and music choices) matches the exceptional beauty of your chateau. Please know that your presentation efforts are appreciated.

[@ruthhovsepian]

Bring back the beauty of the original fountain with French gardens.

[@gypsy1588]

I love your ideas for the offices. As for the garden, I think you should do your best to restore it to what it was. You can always put a greenhouse someplace else on the property.

[@sharonconchiglio1684]

Agreed

[@AndyMoulton]

With waterlilies and goldfish

[@lynealkknight61]

I agree bring back the fountain if possible.

[@cristakaye6142]

I agree as well.

[@jorunnchristophersen9797]

Agree 😊

[@scarletbegonia2592]

I would love to see the fountain be restored to it's original state. It would be such a feature to view from the Chateau and the verandas. Also, if the gardens are restored to original formality, the combination would be a great benefit to your wedding business and even for future movie features. I can just see a beautiful bride and her handsome prince having photos taken at the fountain with the Chateau as a backdrop. I wonder who that couple might be?...........😏👩🧔‍♀♥♥♥♥♥♥

[@maryannspicher]

That’s what I was thinking too. Imagine a fountain and lots of flowers planted in the original layout. Maybe white gravel paths in the center. It would be a dreamy wedding location and the chateau is always a backup for inclement weather.

[@darant3673]

I think turning it back to original would be best, and cost less. Also having the garden would be another option to have weddings photos, etc…. Soft colors are soothing and more French

[@susanhirtzel8410]

I like the idea of returning it to the original fountain it was first designed to be.

[@sickntiredmom]

You could make a coffee bar area in your office since you already have plumbing for a sink and water.

[@TheBeauChateau]

That is a very good idea! Coffee is a must 😄

[@ibosquez5238]

I love that idea for coffee or tea! 🫖 It's perfect for getting through the work day maybe add a small table to eat on. Add a small fridge for coffee creamer, jam, milk, orange juice, my imagination has gone wild with everything I would put in there. ☕ Put a toster and a bread box for croissants, bagels, bread and cookies and just make it a snack bar!

[@machellep1]

Omg, the first look of the “gardens “ was breath stealing. I wasn’t expecting that. The aerial shows the footprint of the original beds, it must have been magnificent at one time. Old pictures ?

[@lisaakinlabi]

I love that you can see the original outline of the gardens from above. I am always on the side of restoring to original and adding other elements as they would fit in. Green houses can be included in the original layout in segments of the garden. I hope that your nursery would include a child care minder for safety, always cover yourself when it comes to kids.

[@Francis-kw9ui]

Rowboat and paddle boats are great ideas. Fountain water feature best option Spray the weeds on the bridge.

[@ellaaltman2137]

Here we go...first of all you two together are just adorbs. As for the fountain...my vote is a combo restoration of fountain and to design the surround as a mini-amphitheater for concerts, charity events etc. Very smart to make a nursery for little guests and perhaps you could include a Nanny for the day with wedding packages. The Mariachi party above the moat, well that was just epic. Thank you for bringing us along to Fountainebleau - even the clouds outside seemed to come from an artist's brush. Loved seeing the paws! A bientot!

[@TheBeauChateau]

Thank you for your feedback, Ella! We are so glad you’ve enjoyed our video 🥰 We LOVE when weddings use the moat terraces because it makes for such a beautiful stage! We had another wedding set up a jazz band in the same spot and the acoustics over the moat water amplified it so well! We are fairly certain that Ian will paint a sky mural on the office ceiling, so we need to start by getting an electrician to properly set the electrical wiring in the room first. He is very excited to start that project! We are so happy to have you join us for the adventures to come! 😊💕

[@glendapie8932]

Keep original french

[@starsparkle999]

@@TheBeauChateau Wow, I just came across some amazing wall and ceiling painting that was so beautiful, and it's all original to the place, and I think you will get great inspiration from, on a YT channel kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmbZXmdtmLNppJY. It's called "Magical Modernist Mansion". They are friends of Stephanie of "The Chateau Diaries" kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmLPh5epjKt7odk, where I think you will find additional inspiration if you are not familiar with the channel yet. I love your channel and just subscribed!

[@jenniferjones6076]

Yes love your white Shepard-is there Husky in there? What about the cat? is she yours?

[@jo-anndangelo1774]

I love the idea of restoring the fountain because it adds a beautiful feature to your chateau. When you showed your office space with the ceiling, my first thought was a ceiling fresco…what a beautiful home you are creating. Your videos are very informative, and personal. Love watching you.

[@arielblumenduft3293]

i like the idea of bringing back the fountain and the formal garden, it feels like the missing part of the picture in the drone shots. loved the rummaging around in the attics/future offices with you and looking at the antiques, hope you'll do more of that in the future! great channel, great videos, i'm excited to see what the future holds for you guys :)

[@TheBeauChateau]

Thank you so much, Ariel! We are glad you’ve enjoyed our video! We hope you join us for the next one 😊

[@mobmakeitsmall]

I vote for restoring the fountain. The ambient sound of the splashing water would add so much to the property.

[@sandywallace218]

I would love to see the fountain restored, there is something about active water that enhances a more in formal garden. I love the painted walls and ceiling treatments you are drawn to for a garden inside and out for your office. This mural painting will take some time to accomplish (painted many wall murals and tinted plaster wall frescoes in my day). You may want to source some wall paper or stencils that could achieve the same look within your paneling without the frustration of laying out major wall murals just saying. Either way, this should be great fun to watch.

[@nicolebouchez5307]

I am on team fountain and formal gardens. it would go so well with the building and be useful for weddings.

[@nancyhauge9500]

The design running up either side of fireplace needs to be gold!

[@ankuagarwal91]

Ian is so handsome 😍😍, him roaming around a chateaux looks like a Disney movie

[@michelemarie2499]

A little Cupid fountain Since The Beau Château is a favorite location for weddings ✨✨✨🧚‍♀️❤️🧚‍♂️✨

[@loribragg2947]

I live out in the woods, on the edge of a wildlife preserve. There are acres and acres of land here, and no water feature. I'm in Florida, where the heat is unrelenting and wildlife often depends on rain for water. Last summer, it poured every single day for three months straight. This summer, we have had maybe one third as much rain, and it's very hot. We have a bird bath that we keep clean and filled with cold water. We have been amazed at the wildlife that clings to our relatively modest front yard just for water. Every songbird you can imagine, from all over North America. It is not uncommon for us to step outside and have as many as ten crows in the front yard--eating bird seed from the feeder, two and three sitting in the birdbath (when the squirrels aren't in it!) We are planning a pond with a cascading water feature, just because the animals around us need it so desperately. My recommendation is to make it a water feature accessible to the native wildlife around you. Plant wildflowers and native plants that will sustain bees, butterflies, birds. It may not be a formal garden fit for a palace, but it will be a natural paradise that brings hours of joy. You haven't livec until you've seen a hawk bathing in your birdbath (we've had that, too!) or hummingbirds drinking nectar from the orchids on your window sill. Make a 'wild' garden with a walkway. One day, you may have accidentally on purpose preserved an important part of our natural world--a world that is rapidly disappearing.

[@debbieosborn9464]

Definitely a fountain with gardens . It would add so much to your venue.

[@t.s.507]

Your château deserves a fountain reinstated! It would be a wonderful feature for you and your guests to congregate around. Perhaps add some benches... and goldfish or ducks!

[@thegeorges2384]

Restoring the fountain is my fav🌷

[@susanmasters6459]

Water features in the midst of gardens is always a classic choice! It would perhaps be your most economic choice with lots of bang for your bucks! You could add to it as years go by and your budget allows! As for your office, embrace that fabulous light from the glass doors! Keep it elegant and your clients will feel more inclined to sign on the dotted line whilst enveloped in such chateau-like grandeur! Love you two and this chateau!! Just magnifique’!!

[@johnevoice]

Bring back the fountain and the gardens to their original splendor. I think you couldn’t go wrong.

[@rickflood]

I know that at some point you have to decide based on the sustainability of the effort, labor, and expense you put in to whatever you hope to accomplish. The pond seems like a sustainable idea and cost effective. The fountain would bear the expense of the water feature, the maintenance of keeping the water flowing, and the ongoing cost of powering it with pumps and lighting, but in the long run, I think this would bring the biggest bang for your buck on all of the venues you are running.

[@ccoeurjoli]

Quelle bonne idée de s’inspirer de Fontainebleau 👍🏻 les parterres seraient faciles à reproduire autour de votre fontaine ⛲️ (et pas trop coûteux 😉 ) Le bureau-café-bar avec terrasse 😄 serait un endroit chaleureux. Un ciel en plafond et un pan de mur inspiré de Fontainebleau (toute la pièce serait trop chargé ) et il sera divin d’y travailler 🤩 !! Vous êtes pleins d’énergie et d’idées… 💕 prenez bien soin de vous ! Super montage vidéo et la scène en duo - yoga/ danse - 🤩 À bientôt ! 🌸🌸🌸

[@darlenewebber7706]

Bring the original fountain back to the walled Gardens is my vote. Bring it all back to its original beauty It is such a vase area a glass dome garden could be added somewhere else in the garden. What a dream you guys are living.

[@TheKyncita]

A fountain..absolutely..every chateaux needs it

[@user-qz5dq8kn4p]

I would restore the fountain to its original glory and the French gardens 🥰

[@katehobbs2008]

This is a real château not just a large manoir. That staircase is magnificent!

[@andrewschneider4466]

Haha the “stepbrothers” reference was perfect! So much room for activities haha!!!

[@rosariomarques1]

Beautiful, magical place. I would bring back the fountain and the garden ! Good luck ♥

[@elisabetharzberger2456]

ah, the fountain! and one still can see the structure of the former formal garden! but... to restore the fountain & the garden I think there must be some thoughts spent re costs & the amount of care... a formal garden does need perpetual weeding & someone has to carefully watch the bordes - not just for the dessin but also for withered plant that has to be renewed... calls for a gardener... of course the fountain would spend refreshment but... would it be ecologically wise to have a fountain in a formal garden? both are beautiful to look at of course, but... I love the idea of the domed greenhouse. is there some such thing as a self-sufficent one? is there a well beneath the former fountain? can that be useful for watering veggies of all kinds? would there be restaurants near the château interested in exquisite local products? would it be interesting to lure some maître, male or female, to open a restaurant at your place??? soooo many questions - one leading to miriads of others... but I'm sure you'll take your time to plan and plan and have tons of ideas❣️

[@Kernalpanik]

That little room with the staircase before the nursery is perfect for a library with a sliding ladder

[@nigelirmamaher5811]

Pond of water,with a fountain inthe middle would be so calming .

[@anneglebe2098]

I agree with Ariel. Bring back the formal gardens and the fountain!!Definetly the fountain!!

[@alisonsneed3707]

So glad most of the comments say ‘original fountain’! Thank goodness

[@carolyntonkin4765]

definitely a fountain would look beautiful surrounded by flowers and vegetables

[@lucyyoung5307]

Old chateau fountain would be awesome.

[@barbaragoss6177]

Definitely bring back the fountain it would absolutely set of the chateau! Love your energy! 👏👏🇦🇺🇦🇺🐨🐨❤❤

[@michelemarie2499]

Yes There is so much sunshine that one can grow a fig tree 🌳 The figs remain little but are very sweet and look pretty served as an addition to a tasty dish 💕

[@worldview730]

Only great couples can face great inspiring challenges as they have

[@lionelfourage]

ce qui fait plaisir a voir ,en plus de ce beau chateau ,c'est que vous avez l'air tres amoureux ,vous formez un beau couple! je vous souhaites le meilleur pour vous et la rénovation de cette propriété !

[@cheriesharp234]

I would love to see the fountain and the formal gardens restored. It would be perfect for weddings or a movie setting. Love the office ideas and having a nursery for the visiting children. X

[@jamesryan246]

Original gardens with the fountain for sure. That will be beautiful.

[@ShellyBomb]

I think the traditional fountain ⛲ would be stunning; along with the more natural / colorful & fruit + vegetable producing gardens 🏰

[@TheBeauChateau]

We will absolutely stay on the natural side for utility while keeping a pretty aesthetic for the chateau. We are very excited for fresh produce 😊

[@ShellyBomb]

@@TheBeauChateau Well, we know it will be fabulous - whatever you all decide! I just found your channel and have watched every vlog / video. You are doing your Grandfather proud 💖 I am also from Southern California - so it's exciting to watch your journey in France 🏰 !!

[@duncan.g.burton]

Personally I think bringing back the fountain. You can build a green house anywhere, you could even look into a walled garden. Good luck and truly loving the renovation 🙏

[@merana59]

I have a couple of rooms in my home with cloudy skies painted on the ceilings. Everyone loves them.

[@abigailgerlach5443]

Every period chateau I've seen seems to love the use of wallpaper. Florals in rich colors seem to be popular. Blues, greens, and reds predominate. Of course, if you were a king you co-opted artists to paint on the walls and ceilings

[@nancyedwards5444]

I agree with Gypsy. Start with recreating the original. Then when you have time and money you can always do the greenhouse. Good job you two.

[@rosadorsey3027]

I vote for the Fountain. Large grass areas with flower borders and decorative shrubs. The office ceiling with clouds sounds BEAUTIFUL! I love watching you guys. Please vlog more. You both seem to have stepped out of the past. HISTORY....a previous Love come back to occupy the chateau and carry on an eternal love.

[@TheBeauChateau]

Thank you, Rosa! We will definitely be vlogging more in time. We hope to eventually post once per week, but we are too busy to manage that in the middle of wedding season 😄 Perhaps in the fall we will meet that posting schedule.. Thank you so much for watching 💕

[@lindathelander406]

Bring back the fountain to its original form as much as possible. The place looks beautiful and it’s definitely a lot of work to take on!!

[@jasperjavellana4454]

Painting the ceiling of the office with simple blue sky and clouds is a good idea . Too elaborate designs on the walls of the office might make the room look smaller. But you may add elaborate designs on the panel between the concave ceiling and the wall. You have a symmetrical garden, and clearing the area of tall grass may give you a better idea of designing a beautiful garden . I’m for restoring the fountain. You may also create an enclosed area for your potager on one side of the vast garden space. I can just imagine the beautiful French garden with a lovely fountain ⛲️ … I’m sure you will find other great ideas that will complement your beautiful château. Wishing you both all the best !!!

[@rachellmoody7382]

I could see the fountain as a wedding amphitheater. An arbor in the middle surrounded by a single ring of chairs. One ring of chairs on each level of the concrete stairs going up for a total of three rings of chairs. Outside the top ring of chairs large flowering bushes such as peonies and hydrangeas grow to block it all in. It would make a great atmosphere for a small wedding venue outside with the chateau as a backdrop!

[@robingaines1915]

bringing back the original garden and fountain would be beautiful

[@helendorning4450]

I really believe returning a fountain and potager garden would be best. Thank you so much Daphne and Ian for sharing the chateau and your lives with us, hugs Helen fm Australia ❤💙

[@InsideouttrainingWB]

The amphitheater idea sounds wonderful! Plus, it’s another form of revenue, as live performing events could happen there and, of course, people would pay to come watch.

[@waynepurzner145]

Oh, please turn that back to what was there before. A beautiful fountain is what is needed with the gardens. Your guests will want to stay longer and could generate more money in the long run for you. I can’t wait to see what you do with it.

[@catherine1057]

DefInitely the fountain restored is my vote. Thx for sharing, lovely as always… ☀️👑

[@monalingan9523]

With every video I watch, I fall more and more in love with your Château. I personally would love to see the château fountain brought back to it’s former glory. I also think the idea of contacting the gourmet restaurants around Paris with regards to a herb/vegetable garden will be a fantastic idea. Another income. 👍🏼😁

[@oceangaler]

Your desire for a useful garden is what stood out. With that in mind, the domed greenhouse seems ideal not only for it's utility but adding beauty to the garden. The sauvage themed garden with a mix of herbs and wildflowers is also useful and beautiful, so perfect for your chateau! The amphitheater would also be useful and lovely, I can picture a quartet playing in the middle of the garden while your guests wander the paths. The pond and formal fountain would of course be beautiful but lack the usefulness of your other choices. Very eager to hear your decision!

[@svg7335]

Although I love the idea of a beautiful 2 story greenhouse, having lived in the tropics for 13 years, I think restoring the fountain and gardens would give a venue for pictures for your wedding. Install an irrigation system to use water from the moat to the fountain that would also water the gardens.

[@jharpurbouncer]

I love the idea of the fountain being restored. Like some have commented below given the grandeur of the chateau I think restoring the fountain back to its former glory with a formal garden would suit so well, instead of an orangerie which may be possible elsewhere on the grounds of the chateau.

[@eileenworth7862]

This was my first introduction to your channel. I enjoy how romantic and beautiful you both are. You give me past life couple vibes continuing lifetimes together in historic settings. I am giving all my free time to living château life vicariously! The gardens would be lovely restored with the pool and geyser, statue idea. I could also envision a majestic greenhouse that peaks like a parasol, but the fountain appeals to me more. I'm sure whatever you decide will be beautiful.

[@linedallaire9631]

Fountain ⛲ most definitely 😍

[@dmbalsam]

I like the fountain best.

[@beckybox2596]

To be young again… you make me smile! ❤

[@jenniferjones6076]

I like the fountain idea and then the garden with citrus trees- orange, lime and lemons. A formal garden.

[@dianassewingadventures5059]

I Love the idea of a fountain. I personally think that is your best option and would look amazing in the middle of the garden.

[@supergardener123]

This should be a french garden what a wonderful fountain you could create.

[@corricatt]

I would make the big concrete thing a swimming pool! YOUR GUESTS WOULLD LOVE THAT

[@therumpls]

I like turning it into a fountain would make the garden absolutely beautiful.

[@DianaBelchase]

I’d love for you to restore the fountain as it was. Start mowing back there asap to get good grass to grow. That will take about three years of mowing and will look so much better in the meantime. More frequent videos please! You two are the cutest couple.

[@mariaandeysel9160]

It's a beautiful Chateau...

[@TheBeauChateau]

Thank you! One might even say, it is a beau chateau 😄

[@christinalief2942]

I would recommend restoring the fountain with the original gardens. You can see the garden outline with the aerial view. So cool!

[@kathyevans2968]

I had no idea that snakes are a problem in France!!!! Take care in the fields!! The scale of your fountain looks amazing! I can Imagine reinstating it, & you’ll get years of pleasure drawing people into the gardens as well as enjoying it from afar. What a fun idea though to use it as a unique greenhouse! I love your creative thoughts as well as that you are making time to enjoy moments at your chateau, & including places for inspiring such as Fontainebleau! Love your decoration ideas too… how exciting & fun all round!! I loved this vlog in getting a feel for your enjoyment and appreciation of your château as a home to relax in, as well as a source of creativity and work.

[@amandarandomtube4793]

I love the fountain space, even without the dome, a terraced garden that you could walk down into, with some detailed garden benches would make a beautiful guest hangout/ couple get away spot. It'd also make for great pictures. And I love your floral thoughts about the office, my first thought when you said something about it was how pretty it would be to have flowering vines painted in the office that match the ones that grow on the chateau

[@TheBeauChateau]

That is a great idea! We had another viewer suggest making it into a large hot tub space similar to a hot spring! 😄 we love hearing the creative ideas our viewers have. Thank you for sharing yours 😊

[@MrPrentissDJones]

4:02 maybe the desk in the center of the room giving you the perfect Eyeview of outdoors?

[@diogeneslopezsaubidet9213]

I think the fountain and french gardens is the best idea

[@williambrown355]

Fountain. Just love the enthusiasm. Cloud ceiling would look wonderful.

[@rebeccacaron8982]

I love the natural pond idea…..bring nature and diversity to your garden…pollinators will love you

[@themainer1267]

Great idea of bringing back the fountain which stays with the original design. It's a terrific idea to start with a pool of water with a geyser in the middle. The first step for any of the four possible plans would be to repair the concrete and make it watertight. The pool and geyser could transition to one of the other plans in the future by providing a solid foundation, water, and electricity to the site. The soft palette inspired by your visit to Chateau Fountainebleau would be magnificent in your chateau. Liked the videography and content in your vlog.

[@dawn7612]

I too thought you need to run electric for the fountain.

[@debm460]

Starting with the office makeover would be easier. (The key to unlocking the creativity of the chateau.)It’s a smaller area but grand enough to get creative. A microcosm of this grand chateau. Really excited for both of you. Grandfather would be proud.

[@bretasorenson2475]

I agree with some others who responded with ideas for the garden. Restoration to the original with a beautiful fountain would be stunning.

[@pisces11105]

Wow I love the idea of the fountain and bringing back the herbal and floral gardens. That would be great for the weddings as well as they can take pictures by the fountain and gardens. It is funny that you went to Chateau de Fontainebleau because I had just saw it on Instagram and started researching it. What a huge Chateau. I love your channel because you and your fiancé have great repour and love. You both have such aspiration for bringing back your grand dad's chateau.

[@SoniaIndira]

Ok I’m obsessed with your channel and château!!! 😳😳😳 Beautiful !!! No words !!

[@newmoondarkmoon]

I like the idea of turning the fountain into a pool !!! But if not then a fountain with sculpture

[@thomasbee5218]

Slight repair to the walls - fine gravel or sand in the bottom - install a relatively inexpensive hardy/thick pond liner - (NOT pool liner) install a simple fountain sprayer shooting one or a handful of water geysers in the middle - plant water lilies a la monet with hardy fish ready to eat the mosquito larvae.... Can always be expanded as the funds are there for statues and more elaborate fountains....

[@sabineschweden28]

The restauration of the garden seems like an epic and very costly project.. Still love the idea of the fountain as a major water feature. You could start by having a wildflower meadow in the garden with the outlines of the old french garden mown in the grass (or a geometrical pattern). I have seen that once and it looked fantastic with the contrast of the wild flowers and grass and the formality of the mowed pattern . After all you need to start with something managable..;-)

[@nicolethijs5428]

Thats a lovely idea!

[@sheilakadolph5002]

Love that as a starting point!

[@ehpeachylove]

You are a delightful couple and excited to see what the future holds for you. Your grandfather is most pleased and smiling down on you. Would love the fountain and gardens brought back to original state. A green house can always be placed elsewhere in the grounds. The nursery will be a plus, your offices with the beautiful doors to the balcony will be a bonus. Loved the tour and enjoying your channel very much. What a beautiful home your family had and I wish you luck in preserving it for future generations.

[@ErwinvanderSpek]

I believe Ian is Wonderman!!

[@dvorster5646]

A chateau definitely must have a beautiful fountain!

[@lordrobert12]

I always think of the following when watching your videos: ❤️❤️❤️ Castle of the Bad Neighbor) - Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown Snoopy!!❤️❤️

[@amandahayter3643]

i think restoring the fountain and gardens would be perfect. you guys are amazing, whatever you choose, it will be fabulous

[@nancyregister2533]

All good ideas. Bring back the fountain it’s original to the property.

[@annecraig1040]

As I see it, you have enough water "features" already. I love the idea of building the large glass greenhouse where you can grow your own avocados/lemons/oranges/etc. The idea of self-sufficiency in food is very important; and you can use the fruits/vegetables you produce for your daily life needs as well as for functions at your chateau. Then the garden area around your greenhouse, (already laid out in the old 4-quadrant pattern,) you can make a fountain in the center of each quadrant, with walkways and plants in each section. So, greenhouse in the middle with four fountains around it, lots of flowing water, (look to garden designers for ideas,) and lots of plants, flowers, herbs. Visitors could stroll the gardens, pause at each fountain, as well as stroll through the greenhouse. Play classical music in the greenhouse! I know the greenhouse would be expensive but I'm sure you could draw up plans, calculate cost, then your patrons and contributors could help. You would have to save for the cost, but then planning something of that magnitude would require a lot of careful thought, research, planning, and time, anyway. Perhaps the design of it could "echo" some part of the chateau, to tie the two structures together, as one is seeing it from an aerial view? Best of wishes to you both!

[@rockintherae]

Wow those gardens were grand once. You are in over your heads!