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.

[@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....

[@jilldahl9451]

Ìf the area is dry, how about iris, asters, golden sun flowers. Bulbs for spring. I love perennials...Hillebrand, and ground cover.

[@martasipan1593]

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

[@pamlempi5491]

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

[@btn2045]

There is something so nice and peaceful about your videos. Thanks for the entertainment.....and the animals.

[@nancycleary3358]

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

[@EmilyBoltz]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@glenyscallaghan1195]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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😂😂😂😂😂

[@meankitty1333]

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

[@claireevans2336]

I think it would look nice and cleaner with a 1-3 ft break from the stone with gravel and then terracotta pots to change up the planting thru the year and white lights along roof line for Christmas - thanks for sharing love your home and animals ♥

[@honesty.integrity.respect]

Absolutely LOVE your KZbin Channel!!

[@darlenegreen5171]

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

[@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. ❤

[@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.

[@mariarobles9116]

Love love looove your footage of the outdoors and great choice of music, like 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. 🥰

[@nicolaharris3709]

Some lavender plants are good but if there leggy get rid . I love box shrubs and think it's a great idea especially with tulips very classy. Great video

[@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!

[@clairetremblay3023]

Put hydrangea there all the way. At each 3 1/2 feet. The kind "fireballs" will put some fabulous colors at the end of the summet season and will fit perfectly with your architecture. Its simple, chic, more than easy to maintain and the look over the years is always fabulous. I have done this at our beautiful home and it's wow! It's a signature look (we have put some Hydrangea Annabelle here). First, do your alley, take away all the grass all long, plant the hydrangea and now, spread a lots of pine barks around them and in between. It's gorgeous and I am telling you, the feet of your alley will always be clean. Since 15 years now, I never had to clean my Hydrangea Annabelle here. You just have to cut them at 3 feet of the soil in autumn at the beginning. Think about it. Now I am older and my husband close to 70 years, and we are very glad of that choice. We have less energy, still love our garden and house.

[@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.

[@lesliephillips6044]

Tulips would be lovely but could you see them behind the boxwood? (I know nothing about boxwoods….) Allium are tall and pretty too. Lilac bushes are lovely and fragrant…..Can’t wait to see what you end up with!

[@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

[@kew7227]

Love your show. Sorry you had so many bumps along the way in the past week. Suggestion on what plant to put down in front of the long building....we put down 'cat mint'. A very long row of it is stunning. It has a beautiful purple look through many months. It helps the bees...they love it. and the best thing...your Cats will love it.

[@Detuinvanmarjan]

Rosa rugosa would be nice. Also low maintenance and great for insects. Put chionodoxa bulbs underneed . lovely blue ones, they will flower in spring.

[@espnmk]

Nice pile of wood for the cottage and good use of stickers for air drying Lincoln, Amanda your garden is just Phenomenable Thanks for Sharing guys and the footage of all the kittens, hope Fluffy is feeling better.

[@KACn5582]

Our French Cat-teau. 😊

[@OurFrenchChateau]

🐈‍⬛

[@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.

[@lorettasollazzo3986]

Amanda, l love your channel & rapport w/Lincoln & those damn kids! You inspire & always make me smile. You & Lincoln are such caring & giving beautiful souls. May you & your family be blessed. Whatever you plant will thrive & look beautiful. It took me years to work with the animals, especially deer, yet have a beautiful, successful landscape. Any or all of these are deer resistant, low maintenance, good year round, providing a mix of color with every season. ◆Weigela Electric Love ◆Japanese Spirea or Double Play Gold Spiraea ◆Junipers - golden tips & blue chip are my favorite ◆Arrowwood Viburnum ◆Witch Hazel ◆Bright Gold Yew ◆Red burning bushes my favorite especially in the fall & as backdrops ◆Dappled Willow I've had deer occasionally eat these blooms. ◆Hosta plants ◆Gatsby Gal Hydrangea

[@sylviawright5181]

I think both of you ,doing wonderful job ,in such short time ,being there ,Chateau is alot to take on ,and you need lots ,a money ,see you love animals ,Well done to both ,

[@johnclauser7392]

Amanda and Lincoln, what a beautiful property..... Looks very peaceful

[@JenniferFerne-lb8xc]

Butterfly bush,Budlia would be lovely. You are so kind to care for all the animals. We found a kitten in our hedge in France 19 years ago and she's still with us but in England now.❤

[@MelanieBlunt-y1q]

Tulips are a lovely idea however they don’t last very long so maybe some gorgeous hydrangeas might be a great option ❤

[@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.

[@erink4685]

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

[@nigelbullock9039]

Another great video and so much going on. Often builders quote based on factors as your post/zip.code, how big your house is, if you are foreign or if they don't want the job. The quotes you got were madness. I think hydrangeas like annabelle would look amazing, low maintenance, nice shapes in a few years time and look lovely. And come on any non subs that watch, you are so close to 50k

[@debimacinnis5548]

How about Hydrangeas for the pump house. I think the wall garden is coming along and the staging will help with constantly moving the ladder. Have a great week

[@Radicalmama13]

OK!! new hybrid TEA ROSES!! Suitable for hedges behind boxwoods: Martha Stewart (new this year) & Loves me Loves me Not (new last year) I have a few of these roses and they are AMAZING - huge!! So many petals - not good looking as buds but when they open - they literally look like old master paintings ❤

[@lisahall9430]

Love you guys! I enjoy your videos, and your sense of humour and Lincon the little fire starter 🔥😂 the animals 🥰 and I like hydrangeas

[@RonRobertson-lafrance]

The garden area in front of that pump house, I think I wouldn't do a row of boxwoods (or a caterpillar-resistant shrub), I'd just put them spaced out with each end having an oval rounded topiary shrub (maybe a yew?). Then between the spaced out shrubs plant all your bulbs. It might be fun to do a mixture of bulbs, like tulips, anemones, etc., for Spring, and then hardy bulbs for summer/fall like some of the gladiolus relatives that making clumps, lycoris, amaryllis belladonna, and the like, with colchicum and autumn crocus, cyclamens, etc. There are lots of cyclamen species that will grow here, and you can extend their bloom by growing the various species. The stone is pretty so it doesn't need to be hidden behind an entire row of shrubs, just the spaced ones to give structure with the two end points. That'd look good all year, and spectacular when in bloom. You can always over-plant the bulbs with things like primulas, violas, English daisies, and the like, that will last for years.

[@CarolineKarol]

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

[@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.

[@gardencreated]

Garden by Pumphouse. I’m not sure you’ve come across it yet but Box is being munched quite badly by a caterpillar across Europe. I’m having to replace all of mine here in Kent, UK. I spoke to a French woman recently who said spraying black soap on it helps keep it at bay. But a good alternative to it which is also evergreen is yew - taxus buccata. And it’s a battleship. Gives a good small hedge and grows pretty much at the same rate as box.

[@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.

[@RR98guy]

Amanda, get some red, orange and yellow pyracantha shrubs to replace the lavender, the birds love the stuff.

[@kenmichellewilson3644]

I like the boxwood idea to border a garden bed. I would do tall ornamental grasses ( amazing movement in the wind ) at the back of the bed with tulips in front and dahlias or rubecia ( for fall colour ) when the tulips die off

[@antoinejeulin2788]

🍓 Fraisiers des bois (Wild strawberries) should grow nicely along your "pump ⛽ house"

[@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.

[@DIYKarin]

A springflower tulips of daffodils are beautiful but only flower 4 weeks. Dahlias would be nice too as a follow up to flowerbulbs. But you have to guard them 🐌🐌🐌 love them. A flowery bush might be a more sustainable alternative.

[@lucindajennings148]

Love watching! You two are incredible.😊

[@beverlysnow9315]

Love your progress! Tulips would be perfect along the pumphouse. Boxwood would need to be trimmed and edged? In Florida we use lots of low bromeliad for edging, which self care.

[@sue7190]

Like the idea of a box hedge with bulbs behind but i would use one of the many alternatives that won't fall prey to blight. Behind i would plant a variety of bulbs both spring and summer flowering, rather than tulips think about wild tulips, allium and camassia that will naturalise, for summer consider summer hyacinths, maybe some daylilies or agapanthus. Cover with a heavy mulch to keep the weeds down.

[@adjesprangers3738]

You two are such hardworking couple! You’ll get there. We are in the Indre (Centre / Val de Loire) and our Boxwood suffered this year again and is looking ugly. I have planted a lot of Salvia Microphylla Grahamii, they bloom from May till frost and in some spots even year round! And unlike children they only get attention once and if they are lucky twice a year!

[@nancywhite1439]

An additional bit that I didn’t know about lavender and passing this on to you is that lavender will repel preying animals like deer for instance and insects too…..they won’t touch it. Most people are aware of lavender’s cleansing/clearing and soothing effect on sleep and why it’s used in sleep pillows and refreshing rooms instead of toxic artificial sprays. Lavender essential oil is truly an amazing substance! Would hydrangea bushes in that space work to add color and beauty?

[@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!!!

[@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..🏆

[@podd372]

Poor Lincoln. Id say that was a very silent trip back home with the wood ! You both sound like you need a break from it all, especially from the kids 😂😂 Gresat video as always, you really have a great skill at putting music to your edits. Thanks.

[@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

[@victhoene]

I agree with those who have suggested hydrangeas (white) - they are such a great "impact" plant and would be a bright contrast with the wall & roof materials. But I also think you should consider just mowing - just for the simplicity. Boxwoods are a hassle to trim and keep shaped.

[@Jo-et9lb]

How about a white variety of carpet rose along the long wall? Low maintenance, drought and disease tolerant. My friend calls them highway roses, but I think they are generous and lovely. You could put tulips in front of them

[@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 ❤

[@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]

😀

[@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.

[@belindaaspinall5004]

Admire the dedication to the property, and the animals. Small thought on the pump house editing/replanting, keep it simple you have so much maintenance everywhere especially for the two people. Planting anything that cannot be mowed with the tractor in late spring is just creating more work that you already don’t have enough time for. Maybe bulbs, after the bloom it can be mowed.

[@britishbabesmum]

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

[@brendapeterson1956]

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

[@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!

[@diane7925]

The stone walls are beautiful and timeless, espaliered apples & a green house sounds lovely. Maybe the French lavender der with the long stems would be nicer by the pump house.

[@hugobertiepickles3372]

Hi Pump house - try dogwood (Cornus) gives great orangy red colour in autumn winter and easy to maintain. You could do the entire wall and in the foreground plant your tulips etc Keep up the good work. Best x

[@minworks1626]

It is best to consider tulips as annuals. Keep your cider apples and plant espaliered varieties along the walled gardens. Once established they are easy to spray, easy to pick and look amazing. Regards J

[@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.

[@RachelGilchrist-q8p]

You could plant carpet roses. Then trim them into a small hedge

[@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.

[@deebowker768]

Definitely refurbish the windows and doors unless they are totally rotten. They are more authentic and should save you a lot of money. You work so hard. ❤

[@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

[@jonnaryan8968]

Purple alliums would look beautiful along the wall, but like someone already mentioned, planting too close to the wall could eventually start to decay the building. At least bulbs don’t have thick and widespread roots like shrubs and trees do.

[@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

[@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. 🌸

[@heatherhoffman9719]

Use what you can find! LOL! glad the ride was only 15min. Wow everyone needs a Lincoln

[@MickiConn-eo5or]

I love the walled garden,its beautiful!

[@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.

[@dianaford9040]

There’s been a great deal of injustice in the US in recent years which some are blind to. Why not let it rest? God bless us all.

[@tuhesse]

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

[@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.

[@janlafournaise6505]

Love, love, love your vlogs. Look forward to seeing them and enjoy every nanosecond of them.

[@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!

[@jacquelyncorbin8116]

Mixed border peony, rose, lavender (munstead?) small holly, small evergreen.

[@pamkullman8839]

All of the animals around there love you guys!

[@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 ❤🎉🎉🎉

[@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!

[@tonivalenzuela8274]

Your walled garden is a Gardners dream space.

[@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?

[@Tigerlilart]

I love all the colours in the autumn fall, stunning. Boxwoods & 🌷 would be gorgeous