New FURNITURE for our FRENCH COUNTRY HOME | How to renovate an abandoned house in France | Lifestyle

Join us this week as we collect and install some new furniture for our French home, specifically the dining room, kitchen and living room. After receiving a large donation of books we sort through and prepare them to go into our new bookshelf. We also visit a local brocante and have a walk in a beautiful seaside town.
We are Robert and Jyrki - two artists living in Helsinki, Finland. With no renovation experience, but lots of enthusiasm and passion we take on the big challenge of renovating a property abroad. Get inspired by the French lifestyle in beautiful South West of France!
Follow us also on our Instagram @charenteliving
Music by Epidemic Sound:
Prescient by Howard Harper Barnes
Music by Audiio:
Slender by Cedric Vermue (License #: 8801992262)
Better Now by Philip Daniel (License #: 6056030376)
#france #oldhouse #diy #charente #renovation #frenchhouse #rural #countryside #farmlife #lifestyle #lifestylevlog #lifeinfrance #books #oldbooks #furniture #french

[@onemomentatatime7697]

I believe they are feves pour le galette des rois. Feves used to be beans they put into the cake of the three Kings on the 6th of January (Epiphany) or Gallette des Rois. They changed it from the bean to these little porcelain figurines. The cake is delicious. It is still celebrated every year. It is a lovely tradition and quite unique. The person who gets the feve is king or queen for a day.

[@charenteliving]

Oh so interesting, thanks so much for the information. Seems we will have many gallettes to make!!

[@occitaniejemesouviens7508]

Yes ,you’re right .first week of jaguars we celebrate ”l’épiphanie ” with à galette des Rois . A galette frangipane (with almonds cream) . It’s delicious. We put thé fève inside and the younger kid go under thé table and say : this part for mum,this part for grandma , etc . Thé King must choice his queen and care thé next galette.

[@marquamfurniture]

Mary gave birth to Baby Jesus TWICE HER SIZE. ......Now THAT'S a miracle!

[@charenteliving]

Hahahaha absolutely !!

[@daviddeveau5101]

we gays just know how to do things! It's getting more beautiful every episode.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much David!!

[@baldinthesnow]

Yup, us gals are so jealous😂

[@Francis-kw9ui]

That rug looks really sharp in that room.

[@charenteliving]

Yes we love it!!

[@Michael_Sheldon]

“A house that has a library in it has a soul.” Plato, I think. Goodness, what an amazing gift from your Finnish friend. Your home is filling with treasures, none so valuable as the memories you’re making. 😘

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much for your lovely words!!!

[@dianesmith5254]

The figurines are from a traditional frangipane celebration pie in France. A bit like putting a six pence/coin in a Christmas pudding. I love old books!

[@charenteliving]

Oh fantastic, thanks for the explanation!!

[@JG-qt3pn]

You are my people.

[@TheCrowsNest1950]

Hi Robert and Jyrki, Your travels through the French countryside are so exciting and the pieces of furniture that you have purchased are beautiful and suit both of you perfectly. You have to live with your space and be specific in the selection of furniture based on how you live and entertain. The bookcase is quite special in that it perfectly displays the books you received and fits into the corner like it was custom-made just for you. Continued success with filling and enjoying the house of your dreams. Mark & Scott

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Mark and Scott for your wonderful comment.

[@beiderbecke1927]

I'm passionate about books, and it filled me with joy to see how excited you are with your new library. Now I have someone to leave my hundreds of books to! Might be challenging to get them from Michigan to France, unless I become your neighbor there, which would be wonderful. Well, for me, anyway. It's an inspiration to see your taste manifested in those rooms, truly an extension of yourselves, and your shared life. Love the pastry Jesus!

[@charenteliving]

Oh great you're a book enthusiast too, and welcome, lots of village houses around here for sale!!

[@frederickbowdler8169]

Wood worm treatment. French worm seems very aggressive and is easily missed at the broc.😊

[@lynettewerner3559]

Looks like you hit the jackpot!

[@charenteliving]

I think we did!

[@lisainnewzealand8461]

xo from Whakatane, New Zealand. Been following your vlogs since the start

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Lisa. Glad to have you with us!!

[@LaReynedEpee]

A hectic day but it all worked out in the end

[@charenteliving]

We were happy to be home that night!!

[@libertyblueskyes2564]

Amusing. I have never witnessed you two being 'pumped up' because you are both the essence of calm and charm.

[@charenteliving]

Haha sometimes it's hard to stay calm all the time, but we try.

[@claymccleery9451]

Very nice. Everything is beautiful, and thoughtfully situated. You boys work well, together!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Clay!

[@marquamfurniture]

Gentlemen -- You are creating a wonderful home. Perfectly reflects the people you are. I'm in awe!

[@charenteliving]

OH thank you so much, glad your enjoying!!

[@mariaetheridge8343]

It's looking great and what a collection of books! Soon it will all be done and you can just relax!

[@charenteliving]

Looking forward to the relaxing Maria!!

[@catherinecliff646]

Love the humour: the Karelian pie crib figure cracked me up. Beautifully done as ever, floor looking great. Hard work paying off, and I hope you find time to relax and soak up the vibes you have created!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Cath, enjoying the few days here now!

[@jangriffiths8013]

The bookcase is lovely!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Jan!

[@phyllisburrell8661]

Hi guys, the dining room looks very elegant, with the silver items. Nice touches ! Thanks for sharing. Sincerely, in San Diego Calif.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Phyllis!

[@blackorchid0000]

Love your taste in antiques, great elegant rooms .

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much!

[@rodolfogarcia4359]

Lovely to see your house becoming your home with furnishing that reflect the two you. Thanks for sharing.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Rodolfo!!

[@sallystites2946]

Stunning furniture selection. They look like they have been in your house for 100+ years.

[@charenteliving]

Oh thanks so much Sally!

[@cliffordl.4022]

Your home is looking really beautiful. It's refined and charming like you gentlemen.

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so so much!

[@GP-dg5gj]

Hello there. I noticed that one of the books they gave u is Sam Juneau's A Chateau of One's Own. It is a wonderful, fun non-fiction story that i believe u will really enjoy it. The writer describes his misadventures of buying and restoring a french chateau, the Chateau Du Bonchamps. He wrote it before the explosion of KZbin channels with a similar topic. It is a delightful real storyline that i believe will fuel u with even more determination to continue shaping and tailoring your dreams about your beautiful house. 😊 Enjoy the ⛱️.

[@charenteliving]

Look forward to reading it!!

[@nativetexson]

Diverse video due to several areas of interest. The figurines remind me of netsuke even though I know they aren't. They're probably similar to the "baby dolls' baked into Mardi Gras King cakes. Nice find. Brocantes (or vide greniers) are a source for amazing buys. Last summer, I picked up a set of vintage Le Crueset cookware for 5€. Yes, you read that right, 5€! Did you consider building bookcases? I'm shipping the majority of my library from the USA to my house here in France. I have a library in the house, but will be building another wall of bookcases in the salon. Well done guys. The rooms are coming together. 👏👏

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Glen! Amazing to hear of the Le Crueset for 5euro! We did consider building bookshelves, but with us not being here full time we decided against putting the books on the wall, just for now as the house still dries out in these years.

[@LimousinLife]

Hello to both of you. Your film was beautifully put together, really showing the life and the adventures of looking for treasure. The nativity figures looked amazing, then when you started talking through them we couldnt stop laughing! The piper, jesus in a pie, giant jesus, the dufferent wise men racing a tout vitesse towards the christ child! Oh my goodness, your dry wit had us laughing so much! Your furniture and your home are looking beautiful. Well done both of you 😊🎉

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much and we are so glad you enjoyed the video haha

[@queen-of-puddings]

Love love the new changes to the house

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Alison!!

[@lynnmk2384]

All yr things are Beautiful

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much!

[@williamfahey6066]

Your house is beautiful. I love the way you have decorated it. Jeff❤

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Jeff!

[@villaselva]

very nice.. His’ name is Osho and had very important teachings.. alike to all the Masters ❤

[@charenteliving]

Quite the interesting guy!

[@ellenpaasch4743]

Enjoyed this video and your new furniture arrangements. The brass plant pot on the shelf above and to the right of your sink is identical to the one I inherited from my Grandparents in Glasgow, Scotland. I have it here in the SF Bay Area, California. I’m a Scot from Glasgow. So enjoy your videos.

[@charenteliving]

Thank you for the lovely comment. Greetings to California.

[@veronicarunge2241]

Your home is looking lovely with the furniture in place. Thank you for sharing from Australia.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Veronica!!

[@jelsner5077]

Great finds, boys! Your dog is adorable.

[@charenteliving]

OH thank you, she is just a great dog!!

[@nimuehmoon872]

...your furniture looks fantastic in the rooms...😁👍💖

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much!

[@catherinesteele598]

❤️All the new furniture.Your home is looking beautiful 🥰

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Catherine!!

[@roxyjackson893]

geweldige kast

[@charenteliving]

Danke!

[@LaReynedEpee]

A selection of little baby cheeses!

[@mariaetheridge8343]

Baby Jesuses... for Xmas!

[@charenteliving]

Haha exactly!

[@claudiamann7111]

What a wonderful gift to get all those books. The furniture you got really works well in the spaces. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Claudia, glad you enjoyed it!!!

[@reillybb1]

Love the corner piece…the bookcase. I think my favorite is the new piece in the kitchen. All looks comfy and inviting.

[@charenteliving]

Oh so glad you like. We love that piece in the kitchen too!!

[@eileencronk7520]

It’s all looking so lovely. Lovingly curated!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Eileen so much!

[@sambotros1918]

lovely

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Sam!

[@gladysp4339]

Absolutely gorgeous !!

[@charenteliving]

Thank you Gladys!

[@torxsal7008]

Nice lovely video - Very good choice of furniture !

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much!

[@kevinjewell233]

That Documentary was set in Oregon, Pacific Northwest of the USA...I know, my mother had to go to their compound with tons of armed guards with machine guns and all because they wanted to open a University and she was the Director of the state board of education for the state in the 80's...They had the professors, highly educated group that fell into their sect...You couldn't miss them about the state because they wore only the clors of the sunset and a necklace of wooden beads with a wooden frame with the Bhagwan's photo.

[@charenteliving]

Ah yes Oregon. Wow amazing that your Mum was involved in the case, must have been a crazy time!

[@kathleenweidenfeller5235]

Lovely furniture!!! But - I'll never be able to eat a karjalainen pirakka the same way again 😄

[@charenteliving]

Haha thanks Kathy!

[@shelbycooper7504]

Good to seeing you both. It’s all looking beautiful

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Shelby!

[@y.lelivelt2619]

What a great find that native group.or do I have to say groups because of the five Jesus figurines.For the books you need a whole library,hahaha.Thanks for the video. Have a nice week guys. Byeee

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed the video!!

[@shirleygraham6229]

Love your choices of furniture. You are making a beautiful home. Best wishes.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Shirley!

[@chateaudelannoy]

lovely books guys ☺, the jesus figs looked funny , Lovely piano 🥰 thx for the video . Yves

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much, yes they were funny little figurines!

[@jaymurtagh]

That room has come together so well guys. Love the bookshelves. The whole room is elegant and charming. Thanks for sharing , this house is just turning into a fascinating beautique type home. Tou both have an eye for beautiful pieces.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Jay. So glad you like it!!

[@marciap5919]

Los muebles son una maravilla! Ahora la casa esta tomando carácter. Felicitaciones por sus logros❤

[@charenteliving]

Gracias Marcia!!

[@kefaad]

Lovely finds! The cupboard looks just perfect in the kitchen. Your new furnitures are stunning! The temperature here in Athens is 30 plus degrees too... Enjoy your 'french' summer guys!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so so much!!

[@michaelflick1177]

Your home is so great guys!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so so much!

[@michaelflick1177]

@@charenteliving you're really welcome.

[@jameswilliamson6665]

Wow! So exciting to see your collecting and decorating. Place looks great!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much James!

[@kfx216]

Where did you get the piano? Bravo for no scratches!

[@charenteliving]

We bought it from a private owner around an hour from us. Yes we were so afraid if it would scratch our new floor!!

[@chemokiki]

You are making your new home looks so comfortable and truly lovely and now with so much new to look at. Those books are a treasure and not only for the information they hold but as decor as well ... the coffee table stacked with them is great. Have a sit and look at/read a book. You both are so calm even in the middle of your near-miss returning the van ... but that may be the editing. Are you freaking out when down to the minute?! Great vlog and can't wait for the next! Best wishes from Chicago!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much for the lovely comment. Yes often very stressed coming down to the wire, and generally forget to take the camera and film those moments haha!

[@sinacarroll]

I think the little figurines might be "fèves" or beans, they're baked into Kings Cakes (one per cake) or Galettes des Rois for Epiphany. It looks like an amazing collection! The person who gets the slice of cake with the fève, gets to wear the crown for the day!

[@figencebe9287]

that’s what I thought too …

[@beberrisber5390]

You are right, it's a beautiful collection !

[@LimousinLife]

Thank you for that wonderful explanation 😊

[@charenteliving]

Oh fantastic, thanks so much for the info!!

[@desireeismail3092]

Love all the furniture you bought and it fits well in the living room. The kitchen table and benches are great. It's all coming together very nicely. Awesome works guys.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Desiree!!

[@CM-dx9yn]

Jesus is being pampered in a Karelian pasty! 😁

[@charenteliving]

Haha yes!!

[@neilschipper3741]

Wow...❤... your home has sure come a long way with all the beautiful Treasures you are finding. Also all the hard work you put into it! Sure do have enough books to turn your attic space into a study or Library, minus the spiders! Thanks so much for sharing the amazing journey you guys are on😊

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Neil. We feel very lucky how it is coming together!

[@j.c4007]

Bonjour, vos petites figurines sont peut-être des fèves, que l'on trouve dans la galette des rois lors de l'épiphanie en janvier?

[@charenteliving]

Oh super. Merci pour l'information!

[@queen-of-puddings]

Will wild country - bagwan rajneesh and ma shiela. They had a commune in the south of western Australia. When ma shiela was asked how she felt about complaints made by locals about the rajneeshies taking over their town, she famously said "tough titties". The cult was short-lived but had many followers in western Australia and elsewhere in the world

[@charenteliving]

OH wow, quite an amazing story, and a tough woman! Thought the Netflix documentary was so intriguing!!

[@libertyblueskyes2564]

Baby Jesus looks like a creme filled pastry.

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

I love how Robert comes across very measured, as a person. Jyrki, I bet he’s not at all 😉 Though, tbf, you threw a yogurt pot, when awaiting news on the house in France.😂😂 Oh!! Robert thinks he has enough for 2 tarts. Not boring at all. 😉👍❤️

[@charenteliving]

hahahahah!! waiting for Robert to still throw the yoghurt pot!

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

Gai logis 😉👍❤️

[@siggymcdonald6794]

They are called feves.

[@charenteliving]

Oh great to know!

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

As we say in Ireland, Jesus Mary and Joseph 😉👍❤️

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

Kitty ❤️✊

[@deanviewofachateaumybandbi7899]

I am struggling to hear you today .

[@charenteliving]

Oh sorry if the audio was a little off.