KAYAKING on the Dordogne River | Manor & Maker

Elske deGroot of Luxeca Studios is back in town! We're showing her the summer sights, including Excideuil market, and kayaking on the Dordogne River!
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Sara, an IT professional & Stephen a graphic designer and artist are world-traveling Canadians who dreamt of moving to Europe, and France in particular. In 2020 they were working from home when Stephen turned to Sara and popped the question she was longing to hear, “What would have to be true for us to buy a chateau in France?” They searched online for months viewing hundreds of properties. They narrowed their search and toured some properties when they happened upon the one that captured our hearts, Château de Saint-Germain-des-Prés. A year later they made the move to France to start their new adventure in our beautiful Château. They created “Manor and Maker” to reflect the two sides of their adventure. One, to live as chateau owners with all the ups and downs and two, to pursue their passions as makers, creating art in all its forms. They will invite others to come together, united by their passions, to share in this adventure. We invite you to join us too, as we bring our dreams to life. Welcome to Manor & Maker.

[@helenstella2666]

What a lovely video .. you guys take us to the best places & superb shots from the kayak 🤗 Elske is a delight. Oh .. that Spencer jacket .. 🥰 I’m so so glad you bought it .. I think you would have kicked yourself if you hadn’t! And the lace too, wonderful finds 💕 Love your music choices 😊

[@ManorandMaker]

I would have kicked myself for years, Helen!

[@cheripaul4645]

Blackberry Harvesting pro tip: use your dock cart or lightweight rolling tote situation, and bring along a big heavy tarp, tall boots and a small garden rake… As you work your way into the brambles, use the tarp to protect your legs from scratching, and don’t forget your wellies to protect your ankles… from brambles and wait for it…🐍🫣 that’s where the plastic garden rake comes in handy! You can move him away from you without committing murder, those snakes are good to keep the rodents at bay🧐😂

[@jennifercampbell7698]

A delightful vlog! Enjoyed the visits, kayaking and shopping! Elske is wonderful and I hope her workshops go well. Life in France certainly looks idyllic. 😍

[@ElskeArtandLife]

Thank you! Looking forward to teaching a short day workshop on cyanotypes today!

[@lovereikiASMR222]

Beautiful music, beautiful scenery and people> Thank you so much for taking us with you! xx

[@brendam5356]

Bonjour greetings Steve and Sarah enchante Elske such a lovely gift the Chateau will look just fabulous😍👌I was in my zone at the market laces period jackets the fine detail just lovely lovely the under garments and detail ooh lalaaa happy shoppers😍The kayaking what a perfect day gliding through the river the views the eyes enjoying 💖Love your woodland deer quiet creatures insects and those blackberries a delish pie maybe a quick jam on baguettes Elska just enchanting I look forward to the retreat Merci beaucoup another fabulous vlog you do live in paradise Enchante💖💖😘😘👌👌🌟🌟

[@ManorandMaker]

We certainly do! Thanks for watching Brenda!

[@brendam5356]

@@ManorandMaker always a pleasure I love my weekly visit to see you both Have a fabulous week my loves💖💖🌟🌟

[@ElskeArtandLife]

enchante Brenda!

[@JourneytotheChateau]

Loved your finds at the market! It has been many years since I went kayaking or canoeing. Looks like it was so much fun! 🥰

[@maryschlotter108]

What better way to celebrate your one year anniversary! Kayaking down the beautiful Dordogne river. So lovely. One of my favorite things to do is kayak . So peaceful.

[@mavep2855]

On your one year anniversary, I would say that your amazing life adventure is working out very well. Beautiful paddle down the very serene and picturesque river and great Brocante treasures, pretty nice! Thanks S&S🙏🏻❤️

[@ManorandMaker]

You're quite welcome!

[@barbaragrace1992]

What a lovely gift of that lamp. It is beautiful.

[@ManorandMaker]

Thanks Barbara! It's just getting rewired, then it will be home!

[@carolwyatt9643]

Thoroughly enjoyable. Took me back to 40 years ago when my husband and I canoed the same stretch of the Dordogne.

[@bonniehoover4576]

I CONGRATULATE YOU ON ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!! You work so hard and it pays off. However, your vlog like this one where you reap many benefits like the scenery, the trips, the wonderful antique shops and French bread, cheese, wine, delightful desserts, etc. I so enjoy your vlogs and appreciate the beautiful music you choose and the wonderful landscapes you film and I can see your beautiful surroundings. Best Wishes, Bonnie

[@kerrylynnparsons9441]

CONGRATULATIONS on your first year anniversary and Sarah’s birthday!!! 😁❤️🎂🎶🇨🇦🇫🇷

[@Taraclellandjones]

I don’t know if people tell Sarah how beautiful she carries herself. That wrap dress is dynamite. Happiness shows it’s face in many non verbal ways ❤️🇨🇦

[@katelanxner6483]

The river trip was so peaceful and gorgeous photography! Thank you ~and the mama and baby deer . My power animal. Perfect choice of piano music.

[@lauraclaudia8159]

Superb video, Sarah and Steve, I am in awe about the diversity of France, so many amazing places and totally different scenery! And I love the grounds of your chateau, so unspoiled and wild! Beautiful!!!! Thank you so much!!!🥰🥰🥰

[@gretardum8286]

Happy anniversity. Elske in Norwegian means to love somebody/something. First time I hear it ad a name.

[@ElskeArtandLife]

My mother learned of the name/word while in Iceland and decided she was going to name her first born that! Makes for a difficult name to pronounce in North America though! 🤣

[@janegendreau484]

Oh, Sara, I was so excited for you purchasing the Spencer Jacket and the Chantilly lace!! What finds, and immediately I envisioned the jacket in your sewing studio, hung prominently, along with other items you have collected or will collect in the future!! The lamp Elske purchased for you and Steven, is absolutely magnificent!! I love all of the colors, as you do!! Perfect!! Can't wait to see it in the chateau!! Happy One Year Anniversary!! Blessings all!!! USA

[@WendyVanamburgh]

I'm so glad you went back for the Spencer. Beans on toast can be jazzed up for a month. So worth it.

[@rebekahlow5957]

Beautiful scenery,beautiful historic town,delightful people,brocanting and bloomers! Perfect video! Love from Vermont

[@cmccartney4241]

so nice to have deer on your property. I'm glad you got that jacket, it was a must-have impulse buy, not to be passed up.

[@iamdawt]

What great finds! And what a wonderful, thoughtful gift of the lamp, wow, it's gorgeous. I'm so in love with the color scheme you've chosen as well. Thank you for such a lovely video, happy anniversary!

[@mymedicalmusings1978]

Sarah and Steve, your vlogs are just so relaxing to watch, no matter the content. I always feel I'm visiting good friends and am always sorry when each video finishes. You are both so genuine and unassuming which is a breath of fresh air. Thank you for sharing your part of France life with us and keeping it real, Sam ❤️

[@tracyllewellyn5258]

Sarah i was trying to reach through the screen because I wanted to touch that lace, absolutely stunning!!!

[@ManorandMaker]

Lol... its soooo gorgeous!

[@lindatunnell4604]

Thank-you for the lovely trip down that beautiful, serene river! The views were spectacular, thank-you again.

[@ManorandMaker]

Our pleasure!

[@lisaakinlabi]

OH what a lovely trip by kayak - It looked so relaxing and fun. Elske seems like such a charming friend. LOVE all the gifts and purchases - I could feel your joy since they are meaningful to you. How nice to have so much property to explore and to find berries to pick - bonus!

[@normamurray4450]

That was a lovely vlog. Thanks for sharing your great trip with us...absolutely lovely! Wow, the brocante, the dining, the kayaking...what a treat! Happy Anniversary!!!!

[@Erohsab]

Y'all are winning me over! I really appreciate that you get out and explore and enjoy your new country.

[@ManorandMaker]

So much to discover!

[@lindamitman4538]

Lovely video. My son and his wife kayaked in the Dordogne on their wedding trip to France. They loved it!

[@twobluestripes]

I was actually relieved when you went back and got the spencer, after having implied you wouldn’t buy it. What a find!

[@leighevans1489]

Congratulations on one year at the chateau. What a great outing on the river . Wonderful finds at the brocante

[@borge2014]

I enjoy all your videos. Even more when there are fabrics, sewing, antiques, thank you guys!!!

[@jenniferkessener1111]

Kayaking looked to be the best way to. Iew those places perched up the clifts, so peaceful too! Love seeing your finds and adventures.

[@jillphillips3227]

Such a lovely vlog today.....peaceful roll down the river, a wander to a couple of brochants and drooling over your lace and apparel purchases! After all your hard work at the chateau and the exposition, you both deserve a few days off to celebrate your one year chateau "got ya day!" Cheers to many more wonderful years!

[@ChateauLove]

Hooray!!!! The magnificent light fixture was still available and now it’s yours!!! I can’t wait to see it in person. Your brocante finds are exquisite. Also, definitely going kayaking with you one day. What a glorious route! Wish I could be there for your workshop with Elske. Next time, mes amis! Beautiful vlog. Huge hugs, Vivienne 🏰💖

[@kerrylynnparsons9441]

How beautiful are those castles along the Dordogne! And kayaking to see them!!! What a beautiful light to decorate a room around. I thoroughly enjoyed this episode!!! 😁❤️❤️❤️🎶🎶🎶👏👏👏🇨🇦🇫🇷

[@sherryackerman5362]

Beautiful, peaceful river glide, thanks for tge video

[@reneemarais431]

A tart with those berries and clotted cream and tea

[@ManorandMaker]

Mmmmm clotted cream....

[@DownButNotOutYet]

Morning Steve & Sara, not forgetting Elske, this was a beautiful video. Loved the goods at the shops, those raised figures in the frames, my-my, something for everybody!! Yes the jacket is fabulous and the cream and "greenish" combination is fabulous. Such beautiful detail - they don't make those anymore unless for a fortune. Magical chateaux to be seen from the river proper forts. Loved the lace how much did you buy Sara? Loved the music great themes. As for the blackberries, eat them fresh, conserve/jam or baking. I would also like to know what else to use them for. The town was absolutely so charming, thank you for showing and sharing. Loved the deer so extraordinary to have them on your property. Go well, many blessings. Kind regards, oh and ice cream with berries :)

[@ManorandMaker]

The lace is in the form of a shawl, so it's not really a by-the-metre look. It's quite large tho, drapes down to my legs.

[@CynthiaBerry713]

A most delightful vlog!

[@caronich]

Another excellent video 📸👍 Congratulations on your one year Chateau anniversary!!🥂🍾

[@lindawhite5006]

Blackberries make a wonderful cobbler! With a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top...heavenly!

[@isobelchapman9548]

Lovely vlog, thank you.

[@sarahburton3110]

The kayaking looks so peaceful and the views! Love this. 💜

[@albertpeckham8708]

Hi. I liked your glide on the river. The lace and antique costumes are a treasure. Thank you for sharing.

[@jomcd2073]

Happy first anniversary at the Chateau:)

[@crae3422]

Love your area of France. Can't thank you enough for sharing it with us. Wanting to go shopping and then kayak down that beautiful cliff lined river with you. Also love how you are seeming more and more at home, something especially fitting for your first year anniversary. Wishing you all the best.

[@ellaaltman2137]

Sara was so you happy you both decided to go back for the Empire Jacket - the colors and the incredible details were stunning - can definitely see this on display at the Chateau on a vintage dressmaking form. The candelabra - gorgeous. The scenery on the Dordogne, Sarlat all just lovely. Thank you.

[@auntiewin1134]

My thought exactly!

[@susanharris8406]

I feel I’ve been on a little holiday with you ,lovely thank you x

[@sholelittle504]

First of all, LOVE Elske's hat. So chic and versatile! And next, love :) you all taking such a lovely kayaking adventure. Thank you, fun to watch!

[@ElskeArtandLife]

That's so sweet, thank you. A lovely maker in Florida made it, it is so comfortable!

[@susancollado5290]

💕Wow that lace & candlesticks were a great find💕

[@jodyprivee2774]

Oh Macron! Don't ruin France! Hopefully you can afford to heat your chateau! I had to get that out of the way ...That large light fixture/lamp..so beautiful! And all the little "finds" we're delightful. Oh that lace! And wow would I love to have been kayaking along with you on that amazing river! The candelabras are really nice. Another charming video that has blessed my soul! Here's to another adventurous and fulfilling year at the Chateau. P.S. Love the music you choose. Please tell me you bought the "flower bowl" with the lovely ladies... 😆..love from Phoenix ❤️

[@DelilahSweet]

Morgan Donner's last video explains the whole sun printing process. She uses it on clothes. Its really interesting!

[@lisakilmer2667]

I so enjoy your vlogs - interesting, gentle, nice steady camera. Your blackberry crop is amazing - I've noticed other vloggers also are showing enormous quantities. When I pick berries, I bring the basket to the fruit, not the fruit to the basket. In other words, I hold the bucket below a cluster, then pluck them with the second hand. Faster and less injurious to the hands! You can freeze that fruit on a tray then shake them into plastic freezer containers, for summer flavor in January.

[@KrisanthiaMum]

Ohhhhh my goodness what a vlog. Music on the river was perfect. I absolutely would buy that beautiful Mermaid “conversation” price 🤯 even though I’ve been collecting mermaids all my life and have close to 200… what would be just one more hurt. I’ve not seen a bowl like that one ever 😱

[@deborahreynolds1552]

Take a long plank of wood with you to drop into the bushes and you can reach way more berries.Love It!

[@angelavorhees5946]

Another fun adventure. I loved all the laces, i believe the one item was drawn work. Had an item made of it years ago but sadly it deteriorated beyond mending. The lady who made it was in her late 80s and had made it when she was 16 in Catholic school. I guess it was regular curriculum back in the day. So glad you bought the jacket, it will look great on an antique mannequin. That hanging lamp and candlesticks were gorgeous.

[@cynthialuna5786]

Black lace is absolutely beautiful 😍. You should buy an antique mannequin and dress it up with your antique clothes. Then put it in one of your rooms so people can see the beauty of the hand work done... I to have an appreciation for hand work. Some women have lost their vision just doing that type of work. I have a large collection of lace, silks and bead work. I never get tired of looking at it. I hope to come and visit next year, God willing. Thanks you for your wonderful episodes and God bless

[@knowyourbible1392]

I really enjoy your videos, I used to live in Germany, but now I live in Listowel Ontario. So nice to see you two doing so well in France.

[@donnagriffis4871]

Beautiful video 💕🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@annettewalter2273]

The laces were gorgeous at the Brocante.

[@suebecker2893]

Enjoy this much! I would keep baskets with large enough handle to hang on the wrist to take along on walks. Marie always had a basket full of wild flowers and grasses at La Lande. Now you can gather the blackberry!

[@tinchina85]

spread those berries out on a tray and freeze them then put them in ziploc bags and store in freezer until you get enough for a blackberry cobbler! :) Teresa (Nashville, TN)

[@maureenivory342]

FABULOUS VIDEO ,YOU ALL LOOKED SO RELAXED ON THE RIVER AND I LOVED THE BEAUTIFUL TOWN .YOUR HAIR LOOKED SO NICE THAT WAY SARAH AND I DID LIKE YOUR PURCHASES

[@cheripaul4645]

This video was just what I needed this morning! Art 🖼 ✅ Adventure🛶✅ spectacular views🏰✅✅✅♥️🤣🥳

[@julielumsden5184]

When we were kids we picked the black berries and mom made jam the best part was the extra jam that wouldn’t fill a jar. Mom made tea biscuits and we loved eating the warm jam and fresh yummy tea biscuits. I still make them and every time think of my mom and siblings.

[@pamkullman8839]

lovely lamp! Happy Birthday and congrats again on your first year anniversary. Love the town and that jacket would have haunted you if you didn't take it home! It is beautiful! it needs a mannequin or fun place to hang... like a surprise in a closet. Blackberry Jam and blackberry syrup is to die for!

[@bowiefb]

Happy Anniversary! the trip down the river looked very enjoyable!

[@irenebrown3144]

Another beautiful video Sarah and Steve.

[@beverley1539]

Hiya Lovlies, Happy 1 year Anniversary what a way to celebrate the jaunt down the River amazing what gorgeous scenery. Great gift & will last a lot longer than a bottle of champagne lol. Love a good brocante I wonder if you could show the prices so we can compare here across the pond. Southern Ontario Canada Thankyou. Great opportunity in creating paths Steve, you could also lay down cardboard to keep the paths clear. Yummy black berries a jam/spread? Or reduced into a syrup over any dessert. Oh they do have a lot of seed so I recommend a side of some sort. Love the deer. Take care 🐝🇨🇦

[@frangeorge5962]

The kayaking looked great. Glad Sarah in going to repair the antique clothes.

[@debstrong3272]

Lovely video. Loved your kayak trip & visit to broncate. Thoroughly enjoy viewing Manor & Maker it's a regular time when I transport myself into your space. Deb'S 🐝

[@carolesmith6620]

Congratulations on your one year anniversary of the chateau, what a delightful gift loving the colour's of the lamp.nice trip in the kayak nice scenery lovedit thank you for sharing your vlog with us x 💕🌼🌼🤗

[@wilmabrock6257]

I loved Sarlat when visiting there! Watching from Nova Scotia and loving your adventures.

[@kpoole73]

Sara, seeing you buy the regency spencer and the lace I'd recommend checking out Abby Cox on KZbin. She is a fashion historian and has a wealth of knowledge about construction techniques, fabrics, etc which you might find fascinating and she has information on how to store and preserve antique garments. She is hugely entertaining to watch as well!

[@rebagreen5768]

I love blackberry tea and blackberry jam. You lucky man!

[@AnAlbertaGirlAtHeart]

I love the places and things you show us. Every location and activity appeals to this Canadian very amateur artist. I’d love to come to a workshop and kayaking. Also walk through the villages and drive through the countryside. 2024 or 2025… a lovely dream that could be reality

[@leslikuyweski4576]

Congratulations on your one year anniversary! Your videos are always so enjoyable!

[@Randy8923]

Great video! I enjoyed all your fun. Blessings.

[@ritajohnson5594]

Would love to see a bit of vintage clothing decor in a few places in the home such history. Kayak - did not know available in the area Thank you

[@mariaganis1204]

I love your area of France. Hopefully I can visit one day. 😊

[@yvonnesharpe1024]

chantilly lace too beautiful

[@marybeshay8504]

oh such beauty 😍 💕

[@joyabell4420]

I made a pie with mine, then some blackberry sauce to go with the duck, and the leftover sauce I put in two cocktail glasses and added some Cremant sparkling wine. All very yummy.

[@ManorandMaker]

Well that ALL sounds delicious!

[@adelinefinlay1582]

Lovely,varied vlog again….than you!

[@lonademoro6877]

Great vlog. Lovely views from the river. I used to do alot of kayaking when i lived in Strasbourg, battling along the canal with the tourist boats. Very dry here too in picardy. Hope you get rain soon. Best regards

[@angelagalloway5486]

Lovely vlog 🥰

[@ManorandMaker]

Thank you 😊

[@janetmackinnon3411]

Beautiful Chantilly!

[@ManorandMaker]

Thank you! 😊

[@lindawentink2725]

Just exquisite🥰 Beautiful purchase Sarah💕

[@sandratodd1438]

So my grandma used to make blackberry cobbler. This is roughly how I remember she made it. She made a pie crust dough. Rolled it out in a sort of rectangle, a little fatter on the sides, she would place the cleaned blackberries in the middle, sprinkle with lots of sugar, dot with pats of butter and bake. I don’t know the temperature maybe 350f. And maybe 30 minutes or 45 minutes but it was delicious!

[@gillsheehan4004]

Thank you for this a reminder of our summer holiday we have only been home two weeks. We spent sometime in the campsite on the banks of the Dordogne at Beynac. Amazing castle views from the swimming pool there and Sarlat market is the best.

[@rosemariedeschenes7013]

Love the brocante finds and if I ever get the chance to visit,I definitely want to kayak down the river. Thanks for sharing

[@ManorandMaker]

I look forward to seeing you on the river, Rosemarie!

[@maryannrecht7605]

Beautifuly, peaceful video. Floating down the river was like a dream. Plus Brocante shopping which I never get enough of all those treasures. I knew you were going to get the perfectly handsewn jacket because one can never miss an opportunity like that. The estate grounds, especially with the deer are enchanting. Thank you Steve and Sharon so much. Marianne, Chicago.

[@lawrencebaker2318]

Beautiful and fun! Great finds, too!

[@judynail1690]

Y’all are so entertaining!!!

[@lisamarutz9772]

Beginning to end, just stunningly beautiful 🍁

[@pattywest1]

What a beautiful river to float…

[@lizslater5607]

Beautiful views thank you so much xxx

[@danamoss67]

Well I never thought of adding a kayak trip to my France itinerary but that looks like a must. Stunning! Thanks for bringing us along.

[@ManorandMaker]

It was such a lovely ride!

[@helenpalmer869]

Steve & Sareh if you simmer the bkackberries and strain them to get rid of the pips you can then save the concentrated juice in a bottle. You can then put a little bit of this juice in a glass and.top up with ice cold sparkling water, soda or prosseco😊🍾

[@els6248]

love your videos,always something new and interesting .