Flowers & Farewell | Manor & Maker

So much to wrap up this week! Sven & Clem & Sofiane are all off as planned, but we're still sad to see them go. Enjoy their final projects of spring gardening (honestly, I kept trying to get them to come in from the rain!), decorating bedrooms, and teaching us one more trick of French life - roasted camembert! Plus, we take Sofiane out to Castelnaud to check out another medieval fortress!
#chateaux #bedroomdecorating #camembertroti #springgardening
Manor & Maker theme music by Jamie Christopherson and Jeff MacDonald for Louder Productions.
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Sara, an IT professional & Stephen a graphic designer and artist are world travelling 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, Chateau de Saint Germain des Pres. A year later they made the move to France to start their new adventure in our beautiful Chateau. 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.

[@davidlogan4329]

So very sad to see Clem, Sven and Sofiane go from the chateau. They have all been so very charming and hard working. Hopefully they can come back sometime in the future. I wish them all well. I love how they have all helped to make positive contributions. They are wonderful role models for other young people who might come to help in the future. Thanks so much Sara and Stephen for hosting them. That's a wonderful thing to have done. Clem will really be missed in the kitchen. I've loved seeing her culinary creations. She had so much energy making the dough and so many other things. I love seeing also how the bedrooms are looking now too. Some more pretty curtains will make things even better. Best, David.

[@clemandsven6834]

Thanks you so much for your kind words. We will be back for sure. It was an amazing eperience and we made lifelong frirends.

[@davidlogan4329]

@@clemandsven6834 thanks for the reply. Have a great time in Australia.

[@clemandsven6834]

@@davidlogan4329 Thanks David!

[@jfs59nj]

How wonderful to have had these marvelous people with you in the château! They really have made their mark in such a tangible way. Wishing them all well.

[@ManorandMaker]

We wish them so well too!

[@trinitystarclararose7118]

I agree with you totally. They are marvellous so gifted in everything they did and so hard-working, creative in all aspects. The bedrooms were transformed and they looked lovely. Wishing them a safe journey.🌈💕🇨🇦

[@clemandsven6834]

@@trinitystarclararose7118 Thank you John! We miss Sara, Steve, Sofiane, Charlie and Dexter a lot. We will 100% be back.

[@ManorandMaker]

@@clemandsven6834 yeah!

[@ourfloridagarden4191]

The most wonderful thing about Sarah and Steve is that they never squash a person’s creativity. They foster it and they encourage a person’s personal growth.

[@clemandsven6834]

Yes, it was a delight to be there. We felt like we had a lot of freedom to grow our skills.

[@gabygaedecke2411]

Sofiane, Clementine and Sven all touched your lives indelibly - BUT - you also touched theirs, and there will always be a tiny dent in their hearts, with a label "Sara and Stephen". Wonderful. 🥰

[@clemandsven6834]

Absolutely, we feel that we have made friends for life.

[@sarahburton3110]

Wishing Clem and Sven the very best for their future. Another awesome video from Manor and Maker. Peace and love

[@ManorandMaker]

Thank you Sarah! You're always so kind - best wishes back to you!

[@clemandsven6834]

Thank you so muc Sarah :)

[@crazydays7]

Beautiful staging of the bedroom. Lovely room. Paint is nice and bright, too.

[@ManorandMaker]

Thank you so much!

[@DownButNotOutYet]

Hello Steve & Sara, I am sure you will miss Clementine & Sofiane as well as Sven. Unfortunately a time to come and go as always. I am sure they will be back. This was a great video. All are so interested in doing good works. It will be nice to cut back the majority of shrubs and trees. A lot of woody material for mulching and firewood. It's all about self-sustaining which really is a form of going back to our "roots". Hopefully the next visitors will be as lovely to. I can imagine how quiet the chateau must be, one thing for sure, you and Sara have each other, just a time to treasure each other, some special time together. Be alert, take care, kind regards.

[@rebekahlow8375]

The bedrooms are very beautiful! Castelnaud looks like a wonderful place to visit and have a picnic! Sven,Clem and Sofiane will be missed! Love from Vermont

[@lisaakinlabi]

I think it may be hard to get any volunteers better than these lovely people. They have worked so hard to help you out and the results are great.

[@clemandsven6834]

Thank you Lisa :)

[@amyogden7376]

It’s like ‘empty nest syndrome’😄 How wonderful to have such capable and lovely people helping you both!

[@kellyhawes8901]

It is fabulous to see the bedrooms get " spiffed" up. I am in love with the leather chairs and hassock. We will be sad to not see Clem and Sven in the weekly videos! But, they will be back and the new volunteers will be fun too.

[@clemandsven6834]

We will be back for sure!

[@Cardelrey]

I absolutely love that sitting area Clem put together!! Such lovely people to have around.

[@clemandsven6834]

Thank you Carlos! We did it together with Sofiane and Sven ;)

[@IRSA1]

Lovely treat of a longer and most enjoyable video. Everything is coming together with everybody’s hard work and flair. I quite understand why the chateau suddenly feels so empty and hollow; nothing beats the warm company of friendly people to brighten your life.

[@marilynnreiter7221]

Wonderful video and the trimming of trees and bushes looks great!

[@wellnecessityoflife3744]

Sven and Clem wishing you both all the best for your nxt venture 🤍🕊️

[@clemandsven6834]

Thanks ;)

[@sharongruener6078]

The ladies did a great job on decorating inside and out. Love the scenery. Blessings.

[@patriziadelorenzis378]

These people are so good in everything they do. Wish them all the best!

[@lindabradley1054]

The bedroom is beautiful! I especially love the chairs, ottoman, rug, and taller table. Everything together looks GREAT!!!

[@rosemariedeschenes7013]

The rooms were beautifully done and the lavender will look and smell wonderful. You were very lucky to have this lovely couple help around the chateau. Hope the family emergency sorts out ok 🙏🙏🙏

[@marysutherland8570]

What a lovely place! And I can't wait to see it when the plants and flowers mature! Wondering about all that ivy growing up the sides of the tower, but its most likely gone by now. Loving seeing the transformations inside and out! The ending with everyone gone and your "Hello"s echoing through the huge empty rooms were so sad and gave a whole new perspective on how vast those places really are! Thank's for providing such clean and wholesome videos, a real treasure these days! Looking forward to seeing what's next! Mary from WallaWalla, Washington USA

[@carolweaver3269]

These young people are absolutely fantastic and so talented! They must have taken decorating and landscaping as they truly know just what they are doing with it ll! The Manor is beautiful and so comfortable looking! Love it all! The best to Clem and Sven and Sofiane! I know they will do well in all they do! They certainly have been quite a gem for Manor and Maker! Love Snow Drops, and do have some in our yard and they spread nicely! (Hydrangeas) are easy and bloom all Summer into and through the fall (Perennials) and they are good as a background flower and are beautiful and come in so many colors now. You do not need to do much as to take care of them at all!! They just grow as bushes and flower on their own. You can or not take off dead flowers in the late Fall. You can dry flowers and use hair spray and spray them to dry and they will keep as arrangements for inside a home too. The Roses are lovely but were all mixed into those bushes. Beautiful Pink! Roses re always loved, but 'everblooming ' are the best. Bonita's seem to keep blooming.

[@maryoperschall5709]

Your helper did you a great job in arranging.

[@elisabeth6108]

So much accomplished and the bedrooms are lovely. The splashes of red in the first were inspired. Sad to see People go but how nice that they have had such a unique experience while giving you much needed helping hands.

[@michelinea.6013]

Bravo à ce couple talentueux et courageux ! Bonne chance pour le futur. 🍀🇨🇦

[@ManorandMaker]

Nous leur souhaitons le meilleur !

[@clemandsven6834]

Merci beaucoup Micheline!

[@maybe2757]

Mais qui est cette incroyable jeune fille douée pour tant de choses 😃

[@ManorandMaker]

Clem et son mari Sven sont venus en tant que volontaires de Workaway. Sofiane vient du Québec. Nous sommes les personnes les plus chanceuses... nous nous sommes fait des amis pour la vie.

[@nancyalford8056]

So wonderful to have such hard working friends helping you out🤠❤️. Many hands make the work go faster.

[@kellyhawes8901]

We see in his natural habitat, the red jacket Canadian chateau owner; busily ripping out old fencing.😁 Farewell Sophian, enjoy all the journeys your life will take you on.

[@Randy8923]

The bedrooms are beautiful and regal! The plantings are a nice improvement and will be lovely. Sven and Clem and Sofiane are great! Wishing them the best of fun on their new journeys. Enjoyed.

[@jeanninef2110]

How sad to see them all leave! They did a great job with decorating the rooms and gardening!

[@1lunarin]

advice on the lavender make sure you cut it to the ground every fall so it doesnt turn into an ugly woody shrub

[@jeanniehall1440]

Love how each brings their different ideas, loved how the room turned out

[@andrealandsburg8882]

You'll miss them! They brought so much to the Chateau!

[@dm7761]

I am so excited for you! Having people to share with you... it's a joy to watch the special relationships develop! It's interesting to see how important symmetry is in a grand home. A lovely job was done with the design and placement in the bedrooms! Climate..new varieties of plants..so much to learn. Thank you for allowing us to enjoy the journey with you! ♥️🇨🇦

[@stephaniesharkey3538]

Clem did such a nice job on the bedroom! Sad to see them go!

[@clemandsven6834]

Thank you Stephanie, it was a group effort ;)

[@nikishazechiel6848]

Your volunteer were so amazing!! My heart broke a little at your empty chateau.😓

[@brendam5356]

Bonjour Steve and Sarah The Chateau is looking fabulous the volunteers have done an amazing job of the gardens the rooms just tres bon goodbyes always sad but we’ll be back❤️❤️👋The clearing of trees brambles revealing how majestic the chateau is Bravo to you both your vlogs are amazing like visiting family Camembert freash bread coffee wine and laughs with uplifting company Abiento my loves❤️❤️😍❤️😘😘👌👌

[@merrittbaxley6032]

What a brilliant and low maintained idea to add the lavender around the cheatue. It will so rewarding and low maintenance in the future and imagine the amazing smell. A cut and clip here and there for satchels and or decor.. Again BRILLIANT! Thankfully you have an amazing three pack helping you guys! Loving the videos!

[@sosoane1]

I already miss you guys so much! Can't wait to see what else you get up to! I'll make sure to visit when i can!❤️

[@clemandsven6834]

We miss you Sofiane! We are very happy to have met you and hope to see again someday. Maybe in Montréal?

[@veronicarunge2241]

So enjoy the variety shown in your vlogs. Wonderful that you are opening up a view for the village to see the tower. Thank you for sharing from Brisbane Australia.

[@pv6450]

Nice to see someone who knows how to plant!! Perhaps others will take notice. The lavender is going to look brilliant

[@foretb1162]

There is a street in the city of Montréal named Castelnau...now I know where it comes from. Thanks!

[@graciemaca6996]

The plants are perfect for the area around the Chateau! A little pressure washing on the mossy sidewalk and steps would definitely brighten it up. Sophia and friends, nice job on all the work you've done here. So sad to see you all go. 😞 Hope they return again! 👍

[@mamabearlovesbts6087]

I love your videos… Cannot wait to see the finished product of removing that fence and the trees should be really. Your ending was really sad, hopefully we will see them back.

[@heathermcnally2576]

Hi Steve ....where the stones were around the Chateau and soil and lavender have been planted. That is your drainage gutter into grill. It will be a huge problem within a year as it won't drain properly and will start going into the building. Alos the soil, mulch etc will end up in the drain and clogging it. It is very costly to fix after. You should put the stone back and do large clay pots for your lavender. It will still look fantastic without the issues. Again I only know because I made the same mistakes...I seemed to always make the costly ones..lol On a positive note it is really wonderful that you have great help! Love the one bedroom with the grand chairs and large bed! Really gorgeous! Well done you guys! Heather from Cambridge

[@lorrainebarrett77]

Happy Easter Sad to see Clem Sven and Sofian leave but they may return

[@clemandsven6834]

We will!

[@TheFiown]

Funny I always thought that one day I would be a housekeeper in a large house making sure it was all nice and organised and ready for people. Your ground looks perfect for iris's ! LOVE lavendar, you can make your own lavendar bags for laundry and lavendar ware for ironing ,, xxx

[@janehampton6717]

Wow the bedrooms look great and the outside is starting to look really tidy. You've all worked really hard, well done 😀 hope you get some more help soon 💖

[@katherinehunter5789]

What wonderful volunteers they were. I hope that you get some more volunteers soon. I always enjoy watching your videos and seeing the work done on the chateau and grounds.

[@blakehahn-atlantaga8510]

Loved having Clem, Sven and sofiane with you all! I will be making the baked Camembert in our outdoor fireplace!!

[@danamoss67]

Blake Hahn, It's so disappointing we can't get camembert in the states because it's not pasteurized. 😥 What alternatives do you eat here? I love cheese, especially soft ones like brie, etc. 🧀 🫕

[@annettewalter2273]

The interior decorating and the help in the garden, all looks fantastic.

[@mavep2855]

May all your volunteers be as wonderful as Clem, Sven and Sofianne. Great to see all the progress at your chateau and in such a relatively short time. Crack on! Thanks Sarah and Steve🙏🏻❤️

[@dianac52176]

WOW! You women, working together, are awesome. Such designing, arranging, welcoming. Well done.

[@kerrylynnparsons9441]

Quel beau chateau! So many wonderful changes happening there! 😊🎶❤️👏👏👏🌻🌺🌸🇨🇦🌞

[@tedbass927]

Nice group of volunteers. Did a marvellous job!

[@svg7335]

The brown leather looks GREAT in the bedroom.

[@cjpowers9330]

Love that Camembert idea, how gorgeous and scrumptious.

[@pmm3112]

Beautiful work on the bedroom with the tufted leather seating. It really looks charming and comfortable. I would suggest considering moving the armoire to where the desk is because as is, the weight of all the heavy furniture is on one side of the room. The balance of the armoire to the opposite side of the room will make a dramatic difference if you choose to explore this suggestion, which is based on a proven design principle by filling the biggest walls or largest space, ( in this case a corner) with the largest pieces of furniture first, then filling in with smaller pieces.

[@ManorandMaker]

That armoire is.... Heavy. We bought it from the previous owner, and it's in the same spot. However, we can give it a go when you come for a visit!

[@pmm3112]

@@ManorandMaker Sounds Good!

[@kaywallace6139]

Great job on the bedrooms. The grounds are beginning to shape up…

[@k.j.2481]

Well Sarah, it must be so different to decorate the large bed rooms at the Chateau. You could park several cars in them, that's the space to make cozy. It must be a bit overwhelming.

[@sheilaosullivan3056]

Wow what great workers these young volunteers are and so creative. These vlogs are just lovely. Keep up the good work. X🇨🇮

[@ToyotaFJOntario]

Very cinematic, Stephen! There is nothing like an artist’s eye. Thank you. ❤️🇨🇦

[@vintagemoss9578]

Beautiful decorating. And the plantings of lavender are going to be so stunning against the chateau. Lavender is a very manageable plant and very hardy.

[@chrismaraccini8108]

I was thinking the same plus the smell is amazing. Also I was wondering if the ivy on the chateau should be removed, I know sometimes it is damaging to stone or bricks.

[@vintagemoss9578]

@@chrismaraccini8108 Yes it is damaging. They do say however that there are types that don’t but I wouldn’t risk it. Personally I don’t like ivy on homes as I want to highlight the architecture. Ivy just makes it look like a shaggy box.

[@narcisadefranco7123]

Why didn’t clean the walls before planting yes I had a terrible experience with Ivy too

[@deniseburgess.5082]

Awww 😊 I’m sure the will be many more beautiful people come into your lives to enjoy your friendship and chateau adventure. 🏰🥖🧀🥰

[@susancollado5290]

💕You need to get yourselves a garden shredder💕Then any smaller branches you cut down can be returned to the garden as mulch around plants💕Mulch or sawdust is also great for putting in a chicken coop for fresh eggs💕

[@maryannferguson6291]

Camembert-B-Q, sounds 😋

[@svg7335]

Omg, glad no one impaled themselves on that fence.

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

They were a wonderful help. To encourage more people as equally talented, it must show in the vlog, more appreciation, when acknowledging their work. It Just felt like they were repaying you. To me, it’s a communal experiment. How do you encourage others to do similar? Apart from that, I wish you the best.❤️

[@carolinegooder7091]

Have you named the rooms that have been set up so nicely! 🤣 I don't have the house plan in my head, but hope to understand the layout one day. Wonderful job everyone inside the Chateau and in the garden. Good luck on your next adventure, to the volunteers. Hope they return one day. Will family be back soon? Happy Easter! 🤣❤🌹🥂🐑🐥

[@lindajones8253]

I would pull off as much ivy as you can reach too because it ruins the mortar on the building.

[@madonnadillon3858]

Beautiful bedroom..🇨🇦👍😃💞💐🐰🐣🐤 Happy Easter 🐤 to you all..wonderful volunteer s you have ..hope you all enjoy the Easter Weekend ..💕❤️💞

[@hello15848]

The lavender garden looks beautiful. What a treat! ❤️

[@binkybaxter4723]

What lovely volunteers, so friendly and hardworking and that cheese, I was just craving that,

[@newbrightonflowerarrangeme5143]

That fence is ‘traditional’ chestnut paling. Can you put chop it up and leave it at base of bushes. It seems to be well colonised the local plants and microfauna. Environmentally “Dead wood is dead good”

[@ehpeachylove]

Very enjoyable video. Ivy is invasive and destroys château walls and brick work. Having the tree removed will greatly improve the garden and light into the rooms on this side of the home. Your helpers are such sweet young people and have been a lot of help to you. So enjoyable. Happy Easter to you all. 🐰🐣🐇💐🙏😘🤗

[@nicolecouture4514]

Wishing Clem and Sven the very best in their future endeavors. Very gifted individuals. I can understand how much you will miss them both. P.S. the bedrooms look fabulous.

[@clemandsven6834]

Thanks Nicole!

[@lindabryant4292]

My goodness, I had not seen a walkaround of the inside in a while. You folks have been busy. The new bedrooms are cozy and inviting. 🧡

[@amandaoosthuizen9065]

Compliments on the leather furniture every where. Gorgeous. You can use custard power as a growth power substitute.

[@rpierce7004]

And I just saw you spending Easter with Stephanie at La Lande!! What a glorious time you all had. You are making a lot of progress with your new place. Very nice.

[@suzannehamilton-reid6600]

Believe me, if I could click my fingers and transport myself to there from North Queensland, Australia I would. One day I will be in one of those bedrooms. xx

[@lesserpoo]

Wow! What wonderful volunteers! They’ve done such a good job!

[@michaelflick1177]

So sad to see such wonderful young people depart the chateau after being such a beautiful presence. Hopefully some equally fine young people come to help out very soon.

[@sandymoore1285]

You truly lucked out with your volunteers. You will miss them 💗

[@susandewolfe4876]

The rooms looks great. May I suggest inserting a black insert into the fireplace instead of the white one and dress the fireplace with a screen etc. I have a fake fireplace in my Toronto condo. It is a mantle, fire screen, fire dogs. Everyone thinks it a working -just not lit- fireplace. Happy Easter!!!

[@ile9223]

It's so amazing to see how good people are in helping yours, it's truly a collaboration between humans who wants to create something totally amazing ❤️ it's hart warming 😍😍 i am really happy for your all! I really love watching your KZbin! It's easy to see how Including yours are! And how important others are to yours when it's them who is put in fokus in yours KZbin channel 😻🌺❤️🌹

[@clemandsven6834]

We miss everyone a lot! It was a great experience and we are so happy to have met such wonderful people. We felt right at home from the begining and know that we have made lifelong friends. We will 100% be back at Saint Germain des Prés!

[@gardengirl6854]

Oh goodness what beautiful chairs. That room is just perfect.

[@stephaniewilliams9469]

It’s nice to see that everyone wants to leave their loving mark on the chateau! All the little spruce-ups look wonderful!

[@ShaheenKhan-xw3we]

Both of you , are going to miss , these very helpful guests . I am going to miss them too .

[@tracyfry2191]

Sophy amazing, love the feeling and authenticity of what you have done.

[@susanneking2524]

The bedrooms and gardens look amazing!

[@peggyvick935]

The bedroom turned out beautiful. Love that music while at the castle vist.

[@myownlittlehouse471]

Awww! If we were in Europe, we would come stay with you :) What a delightful video! That Camembert -- amazing! I've enjoyed these last 2 videos so much. Excellent food, good friends, beautiful chateau and garden. You'll have new guests soon, I bet!

[@carjhb]

Great job on the rooms!

[@judithschrim145]

Steve needs to power wash the stone terrace there where all of the planting was done.... it made such a difference on the "road" side after he power washed...looks great

[@leighevans1394]

Very sad :(. I’m going camping soon so am going to do the Camembert thing :)

[@suzzane.notsusan.1078]

Ahhh I dont want them to leave either they are FANTASTIC

[@clemandsven6834]

Thanks :)

[@trudywebster126]

Always so much good content! Thanks so much.

[@lynnegunn3478]

You have to dig out the roots of the ivy and bramble, they destroy walls and trees, and will always regrow otherwise. Happy digging,

[@laurencunningham8281]

Very beautiful and cozy bedrooms. The grounds are looking so tidy now. Ohhhhh that cheese!

[@mariak9727]

The guest room looks very inviting!😍 Stephen, Maybe some of the left over Camembert will console you😜 😋 (p.s. if you watch Selmar’s last video you may discover some neighbors💕)

[@maryannrecht7605]

Loved this vlog, especially the work in the garden and your interns. Wish them luck in the future. Their talents are special in baking..