Is Our Project Doomed? Chateau RENOVATION Realities

[@OurFrenchChateau]

Hello Everyone! We've been getting complaints that some of our videos are not appearing in English. This is an issue that KZbin is working on, and is not specific to our channel. It's totally random! If this is happening to you please report it. Thanks for your support and hopefully it will be resolved soon ✌

[@maisonstringbean8681]

Gracias! I thought I was going loco.

[@mysterioanonymous3206]

May I ask how much land you guys have and what you paid for the property? 😅✌️ It's def one of the more beautiful Château s I've seen, and it seems really well sized.

[@jnphi1]

Viewers just have to select original audio in the parameters section of the video.

[@OurFrenchChateau]

@@jnphi1 No, unfortunately it's a glitch within KZbin, the original audio cannot be selected.

[@jnphi1]

@@OurFrenchChateau I just did it and got the audio in english instead of the AI french audio translation.

[@FrenchFifi65]

White hydrangea bushes would be gorgeous along the wall.

[@MzAnzu]

yes, some kind of flowery bushes, also like lilacs

[@lagringa7518]

You can't eat hydrangeas, but elderberries would be nice, there are lots of things you can make out of those... syrup, jam, tea, wine.

[@nicolethijs5428]

Boxwood is not a good idea. They is that boxwood moth that eats all your boxwood. I believe its in France too.( I am in Belgium) and we lost all our big box balls.

[@nicolethijs5428]

@@lagringa7518elderberry can spread like wildfire and they can get big. I don’t think they want big bushes.

[@lagringa7518]

@@nicolethijs5428 She wanted apple trees.. and this is her 'edible' walled garden, a bit huge, but there it is.

[@joanparkinson4910]

AND THEN WE'VE GOT THOSE KIDS INSIDE 😂😂😂❤ you crack me up. 😅

[@EmilyBoltz]

I love her adding AC~DC to the fire 🔥 lol

[@ShellyBomb]

@joanparkinson4910 ~ I know, huh?!? Too funny - then they both add "Those damn kids!!" 😂

[@rhondathomas7952]

I often forget they have kids😂😂😂😂😂

[@sonyaaceves413]

The kindness and care you two show towards animals warms my heart. ❤️ If only we had more of that in the world ❤️❤️

[@LindaDavis-hi2un]

I don’t know how old you two are, but I hope in 20 years you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy your transformations and the peace of your community. May you be blessed in the coming week. Love your videos.❤😊

[@lindabaker2905]

I love them more 😇🙃‼️🇨🇦

[@auser591]

Re the pump house, plant nothing in the first 6 feet by the wall. Vegetation destroys those old buildings. I think you might see evidence of that in your walled garden....

[@pamlempi5491]

I think hydrangeas would be beautiful along the pump house. Annabelle has huge flower heads and are perfect for drying.

[@jeffjrider]

For the pump house … I’d put down a 2 foot pea rock boarder with membrane underneath and place terracotta pots along the boarder with those tulips or other types of flowers in the years to change it up.

[@NeilGrant-dh8fn]

Good idea.

[@darlenegreen5171]

“Someone had a dog in this van.” “Or maybe it was someone who was furry.” 😂

[@hintex487]

Definitely could have been a furry person-who knows, maybe they were just really into the van's vibe!

[@EmilyBoltz]

I love how you take care of animals. They are so precious.❤

[@hintex487]

❤❤❤❤

[@sallyvegso5264]

Mow down the lavender and do nothing. The wall and roof are so beautiful. The image of the Christmas lights on it is my favorite winter image. There is always next year. Love the videos.

[@shelaghf]

that's what I was going to say. yes, bulbs or flowering something would be nice, but i think you have enough work, just cut it back and call it good.

[@marshawargo7238]

Perhaps sprinkling of wildflower variety? Mow down the grass to near nothing & pull the lavender. Then just throw in the wildflowers mix & let it go! Great for floral arrangements!

[@hintex487]

Exactly! The lavender can wait, and the wall and roof truly are stunning-those Christmas lights are magical.

[@erickoelsch562]

Your walled garden is spectacular. Many of us here are trying to cope with last week. Sorry your lumber cost was so high. Keep plugging away. You’ll get there.

[@joannarainbow1852]

I’m so familiar with that feeling, and my property is a fraction of the size and age of yours. By the time one project is completed it feels unreal and there are five new ones in queue. But there IS satisfaction in looking at what you’ve achieved in the face of all those obstacles!

[@hintex487]

Exactly! It's always a never-ending list of projects, but there's such a sense of accomplishment in seeing what you've already done.

[@lisakilmer2667]

You have made so much progress! Bravo for your endurance. In front of the pump house, Bulbs seem like a good idea. I believe Ilex crenata is a better choice than boxwood, since lately there have been numerous plagues afflicting box hedges. Ilex crenata looks like box but is a holly.

[@hintex487]

Absolutely! Ilex crenata is a great alternative to boxwood, especially with all the issues box hedges have been facing lately. It has that similar look but with added resilience. Bulbs in front of the pump house will definitely add a nice touch too!

[@Diveintoart]

Mow it and leave it alone. You don’t have to have plants along all walls. The stone is great to see. Much easier maintenance too!

[@martasipan1593]

Piano music with artistic edit is exceptional…Amanda, you have a very fine touch…love this as always…❤

[@melodyfisher1512]

When I die I would like to come back as a feral cat in your woods. I will purr my way into the chateau early on. I’ll be the chubby ginger one. Name me whatever you wish. Fresh salmon will suffice. 🥰

[@k.j.2481]

I'm amazed at the work you get done. At one time there was staff there to keep everything going. You never know how much work it is to own a property until you do, but it's worth it.

[@tjjurake3506]

Boxwood is deadly poisonous. Save yourself some worry and plant something that is not harmful to your donkeys or deer. Love your footage of the cats. They all look so happy. Thank goodness you helped them.😺❤

[@3_3645]

Prone to blight too

[@hintex487]

You're absolutely right-it's better to avoid boxwood for the safety of the animals. I'm so glad the cats are doing well too, and it's great to see them so happy after all the care you've given them!

[@nancycleary3358]

This is such a beautiful home and property. I do enjoy every video. So, thank you.

[@beverleyarscott8589]

We have a house built in 1720, so far in the last couple of months we have had - a leak in the gas lines - a blockage in the drains - a car write off - field mice got into the boiler- 3 new parts and wires - the rodent exterminator - chimney sweep. We are exhausted and havnt fixed anything ourselves.

[@suebehr507]

It’s common to experience 1 step forward and 2 steps back during long journeys. You both are an awesome team and I have no doubt what absolutely needs to be tended to (those darn kids!) will be and everything else will come to fruition in time. Go easy on yourselves! Wishing you good luck and good health from the state of WI.

[@OurFrenchChateau]

😀

[@KACn5582]

Our French Cat-teau. 😊

[@OurFrenchChateau]

🐈‍⬛

[@meankitty1333]

Tennessean here can relate to defeated. Thanks for the video they always lift my mood and secret desire to move to France 💙

[@glenyscallaghan1195]

There is something special about garden bonfires, I just love them.⭐️⭐️👋👋

[@erink4685]

Oooo you can try to make biochar with that burn pile and spread it on your veggie gardens and fruit trees!

[@lindaa.3533]

Question. Is all the kitchen stuff still hanging out in your dining room? Are you regretting not just remodeling your existing kitchen instead of restoring the out building for a temporary/ 2nd kitchen? So much work for you two! Love your videos!

[@kknichols8067]

Hey Amanda! Regarding the wall by the pump house: you can never go wrong with boxwood but maybe a mix of tulips and tall alliums behind them. My tulips never grow as high as I expect and they could eventually be dwarfed by a growing hedge. A blend of alliums would be gorgeous and the boxwood would hide the dying leaves as they phase out. I’m sure whatever you do tho will be magnificent. Thanks for another great video! 💜

[@robertkemp622]

There is a serious boxwood disease in France. Don't plant boxwood!

[@amayastrata4629]

My in-laws had beautiful old windows and just used Perspex with a frame and a sort of cushiony seal to go over the inside for the winter months. Worked beautifully.

[@deirdrecerasa3932]

It is always lovely to watch your vlogs. The property and gardens are amazing. I can picture a different type of apples growing well. The care and concern for the cats, dogs and donkeys is heartwarming. ❤

[@mariarobles9116]

Love love looove your footage of the outdoors and great choice of music, like always! ❤❤

[@honesty.integrity.respect]

Absolutely LOVE your KZbin Channel!!

[@michellenetrval-hc1it]

I agree with FrenchFifi that hydrangeas would be gorgeous, or a row of any robust shrub that won’t be much work. That way if the garden gets away on you the shrubs will still be there, standing proud above the tall grass. 🌸

[@xaxmac1948]

Along the Pump House…Abelia Grandiflora? Bees absolutely love it, it can be trimmed without ruining it, plus the colour combination of dark green, bronze and pink flowers is gorgeous.

[@shirleydelehanty3466]

Before you put the tulip bulbs in get yourself big jars of cayenne pepper and paprika. Put them in a big plastic bag. Get goggles and a surgical mask(learning from sad experience). Slightly wet your bulbs and do shake and bake with your bulbs in the bag before you plant them. Squirrels can taste the cayenne and they do not like it. Mammals can taste it, birds cannot. Sometimes they suggest putting it your bird seed if you have a Squirrel raiding problem.

[@britishbabesmum]

You have to keep saying --- This too shall pass. And it will :)

[@tawalter5]

Always enjoy your videos, thanks for putting them out. Regarding compacting the gravel in the donkey yard, I think we have a similar substance here in US. What we do is wet it down pretty good with the hose, then run the compactor over it. It helps the large and small pieces to stick better and creates a more solid base.

[@lucindajennings148]

Love watching! You two are incredible.😊

[@pennybrashears9676]

Hedging would be good, something other than Boxwood (isn't there is some type of blight attacking boxwood). I think there is a type of Ilex that can be used as a substitute for boxwood. Agapanthus would look good in front of the hedge, and comes in different heights, colors,and blooms well in the summer, and they can be pretty hardy depending on the type you buy. Hymenocallis (Spider Lily) would look great there also, not sure what your growing zone is though and it may get to cold??? Then you could incorporate some tulip bulbs in the bed for the springtime bloom. Just a quick thought about what could be possible. Good luck with all the projects, it is a little overwhelming, I can't imagine how you guys must feel at times.

[@wilhelmotto2913]

An idea for along the building instead of the lavender: I love gaura lindheimeri. They are wispy and airy. With patches of Echinacea inbetween, comes in a variety of different versions. As much as lavender is pretty, but it needs the maintenance of cutting it down. There is enough tasks you guys have to keep up with, I would suggest something that doesnt require to much effort.

[@nicolethijs5428]

@@wilhelmotto2913 great idea if you have sandy soil. Gaura is beautiful and flowers a long time but I can’t keep it in my clay soil. My daughter who has free draining sandy soil can keep it very well!

[@janeharris6925]

I recommend you put up a list of everything and then mark stuff off. That way, regardless if which you work in, you can see your progress as you mark stuff off. Look at all the stuff we saw you do and I bet you did a lot more!

[@sheilakadolph5002]

I would place the bulbs in front of the hedge. Boxwood against the wall. Since your time is so limited, perhaps an easy choice like day lillies?

[@debbieeastman6066]

As a native from Washington state now in the mountains of Arizona, we to are experiencing a warm fall, too. I like the idea of foxglove & tulips. I have had my eye on hollyhocks which may be an option for your area.

[@MickiConn-eo5or]

I love the walled garden,its beautiful!

[@Sepa234]

Mediterranean spurge or euphorbia is an evergreen which is low maintenance and grows large green/yellow flowers which attract bees and butterflies. I think they make stunning architectural borders once established in the right position

[@brendapeterson1956]

I'm from Saskatchewan, Canada and we are unseasonably warm also....and amazingly no snow yet!!! Love it, and love your flog....:)

[@ninamaste]

I think maybe it's possible to graft different apple varieties onto your existing trees, depending on the health and condition of the tree of course.

[@tonivalenzuela8274]

Your walled garden is a Gardners dream space.

[@goddessqueen6610]

Sorry you had a frustrating week, but you guys are still living your best lives.

[@garyc5483]

Clear out the plants near the "pumphouse" and leave open grass. It can then be mown to keep it tidy. Why plant it with anything ? That only gives you more work to do and I am sure you have more than enough to get on with. ATB regards from the UK

[@MikeyPatrick]

Always, just blessed with your sharing of French country living. I can sense the parallel as you make plans for the property as did those who lived there before y’all. Really cool. Michael-Kentucky, USA

[@ShellyBomb]

🏰 ~ Amanda & Lincoln = the hardest workers ever!!! 🥰

[@stknmggs1788]

Allium, white tiger lilly, lavender inside the boxwoods. Purple, green and white!

[@sarclifford]

Plant anything that does not need trimmed. You have enough work to do

[@rt3box6tx74]

For as much outdoor work as you have boxwood is pretty hi-maintenance. Lavender needs to be planted on a slightly elevated surface and mulched with pea gravel. It was a good choice, you just got the wrong cultivar. Whatever plant you choose, prepare that area with landscape barrier and deep mulch. A long swath of tulips would be magical.

[@CatherineBrown-c3i]

Since you’re in France, I still like the idea of lavender all down through that area. Just get a better lavender for that region. It would look gorgeous when it’s in bloom. ❤

[@r.h.4567]

Amanda, I like your idea of the boxwoods in front of the pumphouse. Then you could back plant with tulips for spring and with Russian sage for summer. Or you could just leave it as grass like a lot of people suggested the building is beautiful on its own.

[@sharonlewis555]

I agree with the ilex, it doesn't succumb to blight like boxwood. Snd more important not toxic to donkeys. Keep your chins up, you are doing an amazing job transforming your property.

[@daynight4902]

Best to you

[@davidmata5080]

Spectacular views! I think the walled garden looks great. Maybe you need some sort of central feature like a water feature or small gazebo. Love seeing the donkeys and great to see the kittens doing so well. The adventure at the lumber yard was interesting. That was a lot of wood in a small van! Also the wide range in prices for the windows and door was something else. Your alternative plan sounds like a good idea. Thanks for a great video ❤

[@Lonicerarosa]

Good to see you soldiering on with a smile. In front of pump house, I would not go too 'pretty' as it could appear twee in front of the building's elegant lines. A nice line of dwarf shrubs would compliment without giving you too much maintenance. There are some pretty ones with seasonal variation such as flowers and autumn foliage. I would suggest selecting something like the dwarf Spiraea , dwarf Escallonia, Abelia grandiflora nana, Weigela or Philadelphus. Don't forget to mulch to avoid those weeds!

[@northerngirl4666]

I hear box wood in France have a disease ..... don't feel defeated! You have done so much! I love that you are taking care of the feral .... the world is becoming more cruel .... thank you for being nice to animals.

[@Lumiere2105]

I absolutely adore your videos! For a touch of classic garden charm, I suggest replacing the lavender with a vibrant and colorful mix of Astrantia (Masterwort), Meadow Sage (Salvia pratensis), Dahlias, Cosmos, and Zinnias. This combination will bring a delightful, cottage-garden feel to your space.

[@pamkullman8839]

All of the animals around there love you guys!

[@kathywiseman7944]

Boxwood, without a length of tile to drain away the rain, will ruin the foundation. They keep the soil between the building and the shrubs damp while the roots find their way into the crevices.

[@tedgalperalper1828]

There is an incredible amount of sweat equity and owning a château with big property. We had a much smaller garden only 100 m² but we had gardeners that came once a week or so during the growing season. In addition, my strategy was to work extra to pay for people to take care of things that I was neither skilled that nor Motivated to do. It worked for 50 years and is still working.

[@CodyManeval]

👂🏼🎧The video audio is messed up. can only listen in portuguese, french, japanese, or spanish. not sure what’s going on but it’s the same problem in the app and online

[@beaniecat1980]

My husband would love to have those old cider apple trees! 😊 We have our own small orchard of 30 trees with some cider apples. In apple country, Adams County Pennsylvania. ( He makes his own hard cider) But the trees are only a couple years old. We had cider while visiting France and Spain it was very yummy and cheaper than here in the states.

[@Loupadron2010]

You guys are two kind to all the French cats and even to allow them to run around inside the chateau which is looking prettier and prettier every day. The donkeys are so cute and they are so friendly and loving to you guys. The idea of planting boxwoods is not only a beautiful way which adds character and style to the property but it is easy to care for. I would plant roses one whole row of red roses and behind pink roses it would look so nice all summer into late fall if the weather stays warm. All the best.

[@jonimarchese7655]

Hi Amanda and Lincoln, the old saying is pay now or pay later, but... the difference in price between the quotes, is who is charging the right price and who isn't. The work you did by the wall needed to be done, the wall will be able to breath now and you can maintain and preserve it. I love your walled garden, will the donkeys like the cider apples? Always something to do, thank God, because you give us something to do, LOL. Lots of love from N.Y.

[@OurFrenchChateau]

The donkeys love the apples!

[@annbrosnan8586]

Amazing Autumnal colours and the cat houses are so good. Would love to see who is using them. I don't know about France but we have box hedge moths in England that are a nightmare at present. I've spent the last two years having to spray my hedge which has been attacked multiple times, so I would check as I imagine France would have the same issue. The window quote was crazy and it would be great to restore what is already there.

[@erink4685]

Yeah windows are INSANELY expensive in Australia too. Are there salvage yards where you might be able to get a secondhand window? Even if you then get a good carpenter to adjust the size of it somehow, with new trim etc? Same re the door

[@-ANDREA--]

I would prefer white hydrangeas against the wall and boxwood in front of them, or just white hydrangeas, they will look great with the dark roof

[@nancywhite1439]

Of the several lavender farms which have sprung up here in New England, ALL of them suggest making sure the lavender is grown in an area with as much sandy, (yeah Cape Cod!) well drained soil as possible plus a spot with the most sun all day long as possible. They do cut them back each year, so their growth for the next season is remarkable. Yes many varieties depending on what usage. Many farms have now planted the variety called ‘Phenomenal’ because of it’s grand color and fragrance.

[@Britbabe53]

Tulips are so fleeting... I agree hydrangeas would be lovely behind boxwood.

[@PatriciaDelsey]

Love your videos….very entertaining

[@shirleysmith5394]

France is a wonderful country, great food, people still spend time over dinner to talk and listen to everyone. Country side is beautiful and quiet. I am also thinking about moving to France!

[@svg7335]

I agree with hydrangeas. Or pampas grass. There's a lovely variety where the blooms are wine colored and wispy so it looks smoky. Love the idea of tulips but you need something more, not just for spring. Check out some of the things Terry and Ash have put into their new garden from Escape to the Dream, Hiw to renovate a Chateau. What they have accomplished in the past year is AMAZING!

[@CarolineKarol]

How about a border of agapanthus? Grows well in Kent and that is not too far away.

[@bethanne6101]

Hydrangea hedge under- planted with hostas to replace lavender 💜

[@donaldauguston9740]

Try to avoid Boxwood. I might suggest using Yew instead. I would also avoid Tulips because they often just last one season. Perhaps using bushes like Azaleas with rhododendrons behind them. This would give you spring and summer color.

[@miesjchristineoldfrenchhouse]

1. Don’t feel bad… I think the ups and downs are a cyclical part of owning an old French property… thanks for the honesty… we needed to see it’s not just us that face the many downs and ups as well! 2. We also received outrageous quotes for windows and doors… now also reevaluating to keep and refurbish the old… cycle up and update 😅 3. Clean up seems constant … and the feeling of being all over the place and not where you planned is constant… 4. The walled garden is looking amazing! Keep it up… hopefully you can find a local calvados maker to maybe come get the apples 5. Have you found homes for all the kittens … our neighbor just lost her kitty 😢 so I will ask if she would like a cute kitty 🐱 Keep it up! You are amazing and have a unique property with caring owners ❤🎉🎉🎉

[@549RR]

I'd honestly just leave the pumphouse wall unplanted, and focus on the main garden - don't increase your maintenance level unnecessarily. I think the low eaves are an interesting enough feature alone - and you don't want to be putting shrubs / tall plant material up against them anyway, else you'll be rotting out the roof the same way damp overtook the walled garden.

[@irishdancer2753]

Amanda and Lincoln, another great video! Hydrangeas would look nice but I think would grow too high. I believe tulips would be gorgeous, and plenty of them. Would be a stunning look!

[@TerryGoetz-js8ht]

There are wonderful shorter varieties now available.

[@kmccurley1948]

Speaking as an senior I regret doing so much landscaping. It is hard to keep it all pruned and looking nice. Do the least u can and still look nice. Our senior years will be hear in a blink of an eye!!!

[@tuhesse]

Hello from Alabama. Love you guys. You brighten my Wednesdays.

[@gdbreon8300]

You can just tell that your dog & cats love their life with you! You’re doing a great job juggling everything. Hope those damn kids are helping earn their keep.🤣🤣🤣

[@CatherineAFox]

Important: The boxwoods have been hit with a ‘boxwood blight’ around the world and it requires spraying at least 3 times a season to try and save them (actually just buying time until the blight wins!!!) and besides there is a lot of trimming to keep them tidy and at a controlled height, especially if you are planning to plant tulips behind the hedge. You want to enjoy your tulips beautiful colours so hedge needs to be kept low. Love your videos and your work ethic along with your humour! Keep up the good work👍! A 🇨🇦 fan!

[@shirleysmith5394]

The greatest decision you did was move to France. You are making an great difference in the property and the chateau. You also are living in a place which maybe more free and just then the USA going forward. The quality of life in your area is great, and you will get this all together and have a good life. Lots of love and best wishes

[@andyroo9381]

Matt Gaetz might find a way to prosecute them, still.

[@amayastrata4629]

@@andyroo9381well he won’t prosecute himself will he.

[@leilacristinapereira461]

USA is the best place in the world. I think their decision to move to country side in France lies on private changes more than dissatisfaction with the coutry.

[@useruser67-e1d]

قناة محتواها رائع و بسيط . اتمنى لكما التوفيق 🎉

[@robweberdesign]

Lovely update video! For the pump house, love the boxwood idea. Perhaps behind white iceberg roses, white salvias, artemisia and scattered within the bed, white tulips & alliums…a white border..beautiful at night and against the stone exterior..you can take a hedge trimmer to roses a couple times a year…pest resistant, easy to maintain..🏆

[@kjwhitty8820]

You should layer plants in front of the pump house so you have flowers at different times of the season. Put some tall flowering plant like hydrangeas up against the pump house. Then a row of some other flowers or bushes in front. You could do tulips in front, low growing bushes behind cut to about 2 feet high, then hydrangeas. Or some other combo.

[@AngelaKalavritinos]

Sounds like a good plan.

[@GoGoChateau]

Can totally related to the feeling of defeat. I had one of those weeks at Chateau de la Chevronnais too... water boiler behind the fireplace exploded and 100 year old black sludge flooded the Salle manger & kitchen. Ok flooded was an exaggeration but it felt like that. The parquet looks like a crime scene. It was the only working fireplace too. OY! Good thing I'm going back to Atlanta for a few weeks to recuperate from Chatelaine life LOL.

[@OurFrenchChateau]

Ah, what fun!! Good luck :)

[@angelavazquez5085]

I think roses would be beautiful along your pump house. There are newer varieties that are so much easier than the old tea roses. A row of David Austin rose bushes would be gorgeous!

[@jaeyoung3126]

Nice stacking job!

[@SuperAbcdabcdabcdabc]

🇨🇦🇨🇦. This may be a silly question. Are you glad that you moved to France?

[@michelemarie2499]

Maybe hydrangeas ? They grow very well in Britany Such a beautiful property Thank you ❤️

[@ginaroberts2964]

For the location that you want to pull out the Lavender - I'm thinking big White Snowball Hydrangea in back and Boxwood in the front would look nice....maybe even just the White Snowball Hydrangea since the get very big! 🌼🌼🌿🌿🌼🌼🌿🌿

[@Jane-3229]

I hope you now realise when watching this video that you have achieved so much! Maybe not in the order you imagined but that’s never the way with renovations 😊 everywhere looks stunning ❤ my suggestion for the flower bed at the end would be iris. They would come after the tulips x

[@ajones8699]

Top work the cider apples to a variety you want.