New infrastructure mains have been installed and now we have to hide them. At Chateau Avensac

Welcome to Château Avensac ~ Today we explore all of the new water, electric, and heating mains, as well as the evacuation system and the ventilation system all finding their way into this 200 year old building. An interesting and fun journey into the "behind the scenes" of the Chateau.
Please enjoy!
We are at the very beginning of our Château restoration/renovation, and we hope you will like and subscribe to the channel and join us on this fascinating journey.
Des sous-titres français sont disponibles pour cette vidéo en cliquant sur le bouton sous-titres et en choisissant la langue française... profitez-en !
About us
Two American boys from California following a dream to purchase and restore a Historic Monument in the south of France.
Our Channel, At the Chateau, focuses on the restoration and celebration of Château Avensac, a listed French castle, designed in the late 18th century, and built in the beginning of the 19th century, on the ruins of the original 14th century Château.
In 2015 we began an adventure to own a French Chateau. It has been a long journey, and in September of 2021 we became the guardians of this incredible property that we now call home. I keep an ongoing record of the long road to Château ownership, as well as our continued restoration work on our website. You can visit our website by clicking on the following link... www.atthechate... -
If you would like to receive my newsletter that announces new posts, please visit the website and subscribe.
You can also find us on instagram at atthechateau.france or / atthechateau.france
And FaceBook at / atthechateau.france
We would like to thank all of our Patrons who are helping to restore this historic monument, their contributions are invaluable to our efforts. If you would like to become a patron of Château Avensac, follow this link, / chateauavensac

[@ronafarwick970]

Like everybody else said: It was sooo amazing to see Mark again! I personally think Mark is not "the man behind the curtain"! Phillip shows us the progress in and ourside and is more on the "executive" side and Mark is telling us about the future plans (long and shortterm) and is more on the planing and organizing side - I think thats task sharing! And if your appearances are not problematic for your healing process - please give us the honor more often! Your personality is so amazing - give us the blessing to say at least "Hallo" everytime! Today you really made my day a LOT brighter! Since the early febuary I have health-wise a very rocky time... and since last thursday I know the reason for all my problems has a name: LongCovid! Well, until last thursday I had no idea that I had corona... it had gone by without any symptoms and now I have to deal with the aftermath. To say the least it is extremly painfull and i'm very restricted in my movements. So i have to find something for distraction when the effect of the painkiller runs out and it's not the time for the next one. And that was the moment when the notification for your video pops up and helped me to bridge the time until my next painkiller! So - thanks a lot for todays video it made me smile even if there was nothing else to smile! THANK YOU!

[@atthechateau]

Rona, Executive and planner (although I might say Executive and Creative) suit us perfectly ! I just steam roll ahead and Phillip scrambles to figure out how to pay for it all ! 😂 I am truly sorry that you suffer so, and I hope that time will heal all, you and me both. I am also glad we can bring a smile to your face. Comedy is the hook of our videos and laughter is a powerful medicine ! Keep smiling and laughing is my mantra. Not that I do not have dark and extremely moody days, but I work through them and smile again. Please keep moving toward better days and I will try to keep helping you smile. Our love from France, Mark and Phillip

[@LCamp-cr7fs]

Your French is rather impressive, Phillip. The contractor was able to understand your questions and you comprehended the answers. That’s communication in a foreign language! Well done and keep up the good work!

[@atthechateau]

L Camp, I will pass the compliment onto Phillip who always claims his French is terrible... Thank you !

[@wrinklesandsprinkles]

I never really noticed until now, Mark has the most beautiful dreamy blue eyes! Glad to see things are moving along splendidly. Thanks Phillip for bringing us along to see the updates. Hugs to you both, Doc🫶🏻

[@LCamp-cr7fs]

Since I go for the shallow, of course I noticed. 😉 Mark should wear more blue, and may I recommend a blue scarf for Judy?

[@JaniceStPeter]

I always notice blue eyes! My fav

[@wrinklesandsprinkles]

@@LCamp-cr7fs I think Judy would look gorgeous in a blue scarf!

[@atthechateau]

Ladies, you warm my little heart! Thank you so much for the compliments !! My eyes actually change color, and if I were to wear bright blue, they are very blue. If I wear green they are green, or blue green, on brown days they are hazel... So I guess I have Chameleon eyes ! 😆

[@piarasmussen8693]

Mark, soooo lovely to see you, and nice to hear about your future for the chateau

[@atthechateau]

Pia, thank you ! I buck up, wash my face and let Phillip roll the camera. The hardest part is having to edit my own footage... I just pretend it is someone else who desperately needs a neck lift 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@SittingPrettyCoventry]

Events is a fabulous idea! ❤

[@Mime_Mama]

🤣🤣🤣 my my Judy you're so naughty downward dog 🤦‍♀️🤣 Judy! Lol Mark is a mastermind!!

[@atthechateau]

Luisa, I am always racking my brain for new Judy material, if you have any suggestions please feel free to shout out ! ❤️

[@kathrynmehan9795]

Beautiful attics! Love the windows! Judy is a scream, so glad to see her and Mark! We love watching your progress, beautiful chateau. Love from USA!

[@atthechateau]

Hi Kathryn, Thank you for such kind words ! This attic is one of a matched pair of small attics over the wings. Phillip is currently scurrying around the grand attic so that everyone can see them, they are fascinating. Our ❤️ from France and of course Judy is sending kisses ! 😆

[@lorassorkin]

Château Avensac for the win! That attic space is the most immaculate of any chateau I've seen - and I've seen 'em all. But seriously Phillip, changing the windows??? Heresy!

[@atthechateau]

Lora, I love Chateau Avensac for the win, thank you!!! Philip did not really mean to make it sound like he was suggesting changing the windows, he meant to say that we would not be able to add more due to our historic listing. "Heresy" 😂😂😂 I did actually have to brighten the video because the low lying windows make for a rather moody space. Thank you so much! Mark and Phillip

[@cherylmcnair5594]

Wow the immense amount of work you have undertaken your Château will be stunning 😊

[@atthechateau]

Cheryl, most folks would say we are out of our minds, and I would agree with them !!! 😂😂😂 Thank you!

[@Mej_Javiky]

Love your future plans for the chateau.

[@atthechateau]

Victoria, Thank you ! We hope it is a way to help keep this building alive and get to enjoy some down time at the same time.

[@lgrigg5439]

Wow!!! Cant wait to see the kitchen finished from Australia

[@atthechateau]

L Grigg, we can't wait as well ! It will still be a long time coming, but we are constantly moving forward. Thank you!!

[@ce1581]

I appreciate seeing the paint colors on the wall ! It is so exciting to me to see colors and not just 50 shades of grey ! Grey green grey brown grey grey every where i look on other chatteau channels 😊

[@atthechateau]

c e, ha ha ha ha... it is more like 1000 shades of grey in France. I am trying really hard to add coloure as Judy says... 😂😂 Thank you

[@robinmeek7593]

Oh, how I love your channel! Judy your the very best! Bonnie Jean was fun.😊

[@atthechateau]

Robin, Thank you!!! and of course Judy sends her love !

[@chrysanthusacosta6069]

It’s great to see your back posting vlogs I’ve missed your updates.

[@atthechateau]

Chrysanthus Acosta, Thank you! We make a flying attempt at every two weeks. Sometimes I spend too may hours putting a video together and I miss my weekend timeline ! 😆🤣😂

[@michaelw.8614]

What a fabulous business plan and so glad things are coming along. Just love that Judy!!!

[@atthechateau]

Michael, thank you for the compliment. We carefully considered our approach to a viable business and a fulfilling life. I am glad you like it. Judy sends her love ❤️

[@judyowen328]

I'm so interested in what you both are doing. It sounds like a wonderful adventurous plan and I pray that all goes smoothly from here on out. Keep these interesting videos coming.

[@atthechateau]

Judy, thank you for your kind words, and we promise to keep creating videos to share our journey. Merci Beaucoup !

[@tammyadkins3537]

The event idea is great

[@atthechateau]

Tammy, thank you! I did a blog post listing a bunch of ideas and it was amazing what people were most interested. Knitting in France... who would have thought! 😆

[@tammyadkins3537]

@@atthechateau how a wine drinking class I'm pretty sure I would be good at that 😄 knitting not so much 😂

[@elizabethmckelvie5418]

Great to c u guys looking well…take care…love what u re doing

[@atthechateau]

Elizabeth, thank you for such kind words, you are ever so kind! ❤️

[@KatePage-c6b]

I am in love with the ginormous bank of cabinets in the butler's pantry. Totally jealous!!

[@atthechateau]

Kate, thank you! and what is better is that it has a twin !! more storage than we will ever need. Thank you

[@claudiamann7111]

Great that you can get all that done at the same time. I think it will look grand when it is finished. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@atthechateau]

Claudia, we are only living in one third of the chateau so that the work can carry on in the rest without delay of people inhabiting the space. Thank you for your kind words and it is our pleasure to share our journey !

[@sharondilloncavalierland954]

Great video! Impressive progress. I enjoyed the Judy segment and the Man Behind the Curtain segment. Nice to see all of you! What a lovely attic space! I would use it as a secret getaway space for quiet and meditation. The low windows and beams. Just a few cushions on the floor, wow! Thank you for all your efforts on our behalf! Hugs!

[@atthechateau]

Sharon, that attic space has a twin across the courtyard, and then there is the grand attic above the chateau proper. I will ask Phillip to take everyone up there, it is incredible! Thank you for your kind compliments! and we will work on a quiet attic space for you to getaway to... ❤️

[@patriciaheath1894]

Your contractor is really nice and seems really knowledgeable. I can’t wait to see how the final renovation will turn out. Cheers from California 🇺🇸😎

[@atthechateau]

Hi Patricia, Emilien is amazing, and we would not be able to do this without his continued support ! Thank you so much! Our ❤️ from France

[@Tigerlilart]

Wonderful to see the progress. Such good French Phillip!

[@atthechateau]

Ah, our Chateau stalker again... keep in mind it is all smoke and mirrors! I will be sure to pass your compliment along to Phillip who thinks his own French is terrible 😆 We will see you soon !!!

[@LCamp-cr7fs]

So, technically speaking you are installing a heat pump system? I love that you are employing a local, family business.

[@atthechateau]

L Camp, technically speaking, yes ! Lol.... There will be 14 heat pumps installed in the attics as well as temperature boost machine in the garage to heat and raise the temperature of water for the radiators in the public rooms. I hoe that makes sense because it makes my brain hurt! 😂 Thank you for the great question ! ❤️

[@monteschiavo]

Hello from Italy!😊

[@atthechateau]

Ciao Sandra, a big Bonjour from France ! 🤗

[@highseasailing8624]

What a great trio🤣

[@atthechateau]

High Seasailing... 😂😆🤣😆😂 Thank you !

[@peter_bazinet]

Oh that Judy. I just love her. And you're doing events? I'll have my sweet sixteen party there!!!!!

[@atthechateau]

Peter, one sweet 16 in the works. Please send a large deposit to, Château Avensac, 32120, Avensac France Thank you

[@Redbuzzcut]

Thank you guys for taking the time to bring us these lovely, detailed vids! Your plans for future use of the chateau sound terrific!

[@atthechateau]

Redbuzzcut, Thank you for a very kind and supportive comment we really appreciate it. Our best from Avensac, Mark and Phillip

[@donnabaker6252]

That was so interesting to hear his perspective.

[@atthechateau]

Donna, Emilien is really great, and we are lucky to have a young and vibrant team of local artisans working on the Chateau.' Thank you!

[@Mime_Mama]

Oh it's so lovely to see you on the channel Mark! That lil town needs events!!! Perfect! Love the future of Avensac !

[@atthechateau]

Luisa, I am soooo camera shy that when I have to edit myself I pretend it is Judy in drag ! 😆😆😆😆😆😆 Merci

[@Daihatsu_Hijet]

I love a good video of mechanical engineering!😊 keep those puns coming… but you need to get over that foot and a half drop. Now you have a chance to make a ceiling all of your own!!!😮

[@atthechateau]

TONY 👋🏼👋🏼👋🏼, I am already shopping faux beams to mount on the ceiling so that no one will even think twice about it. Problem is, they will have to be almost 22 feet long ! 😂😂 As always our biggest thanks and ❤️ from France

[@peg319]

Great video! Thanks for the update on the kitchen😊

[@atthechateau]

Peggy, you are welcome and it is our pleasure. Thank you for watching and commenting!!

[@hippy9309]

I volunteer as tribute to be a maide and garden gnome! You two are the best people on you tube. I just love you guys!

[@atthechateau]

Hippy, there seem to be people out there that get paid to be a live garden gnome ! I think we all have to hire you... 😂😂😂 So many thanks ! Our ❤️ from France, Mark and Phillip

[@hippy9309]

@@atthechateau I know all kinds of random crazy historical facts to! No pay needed just feed me lol!

[@trigelrice7291]

Your plans for the future of the Chateau seem very diversified, which in my opinion is a very smart business decision. So happy for you on the progress, everything is beginning to look fantastic. 💜

[@atthechateau]

Trigel rice, we thought long and hard about our business model and changed our minds many times, but we landed on a sustainable plan that also allows us to be flexible with our lives. Thank you for your kind words and for watching and commenting !

[@Mime_Mama]

Love the interview Phillip! Great questions especially with the language and experience with non French customers. Great POV.

[@atthechateau]

Luisa, Emilien is great and it was very kind of him to allow Phillip to interview him. The rest of the crew is very shy and they were hanging outside the front doors, you can see their reflections in the glass 😆😆... Emiliens brother has agreed to be interviewed as well, I think Judy is vying for that one ! ❤️❤️

[@Mime_Mama]

@@atthechateau very kind indeed! Oh, an interview with Judy is on a whole other level 🤣

[@Raxx777]

so interesting with all the pipes etc !!!

[@atthechateau]

Raxx, it was a shame to have to drop the ceiling, but it was 5 meters high, so now we don't even notice. 😆 Mark

[@gagamba9198]

Interviewing the tradespeople is a great feature. Well done. When I first started viewing your channel I was a bit confused because I was accustomed to the owners doing much of the work themselves. I enjoy DIY channels and viewing the progress of novices becoming accomplished. Though this channel isn't that per se, Philippe's work narrating the work and interviewing the tradies and Judy doing everything else under the sun sans hammer and saw, it's a nice change from the others. I do have my concerns about Marc, though. Seems he's a slacker and now he's jumping in Philippe's lane. Judy wearing her HR hat ought to have a chat with Marc about his under performance.

[@atthechateau]

ga gamba, ha ha ha ha, Judy beats Mark daily ! but with the amount of Physical therapy he is doing, we just can't get him to do much else. Our intention when we made the purchase was to do a fair amount of work ourselves. But the stars aligned in a. different manner. So now we are going broke paying others to do the work while we sit back eating baguettes and drinking rosé. 😆😆😆 We are constantly changing lanes and the future is looking bright. Thank you Mark

[@dansetzer1454]

Cyd in the USA Everything is really moving along. From where I stand (at 5'1" tall) the kitchen ceiling looks plenty high. The beams in the attic are wonderful.

[@atthechateau]

Howdy Cyd, at 5'1 you could have an entire monster apartment in one of our wing attics ! It is the rest of us that smack our heads on the beams up there... Or at least that is what I remember from when I could stand upright... I look forward to head smacking in the future. As always, Thank you!!!

[@patriciadelsey8793]

Looking great……

[@atthechateau]

Patricia, Thank you !

[@maureenshoevlin8968]

The attic space and windows are wonderful.

[@atthechateau]

Maureen, thank you so much!!!

[@hiris1903]

Your end videos and sometimes bloopers are great! The progress is happening, and you're doing things in the right order, so your chateau will last forever :)

[@atthechateau]

Hiris, Thank you so much for the compliment ! We work very hard at crafting our videos, are they perfect? far from, but each one is a learning experience and a step above the last. And you are correct, we are trying to do this right so that it will be here for a very long time. Thank you

[@Gene4er]

OMG I almost skipped this video because I am too much of a troglodyte to watch caption and there is Mark. Great to see you.

[@atthechateau]

Gene, Ha ha ha ha ha... Troglodyte... I am glad you did watch. Keep in mind that sometimes the videos I put up on Patreon are the serious and informative versions, KZbin gets the comedy!!! Many many thanks as always !! ❤️❤️❤️

[@phyllisburrell8661]

Can't think of anything clever to add today, Thanks again for sharing with us all, enjoyed. Sincerely from San Diego. : )

[@atthechateau]

Phyllis, no need to be clever, your presence is what matters to us ! Thank you... ❤️❤️❤️

[@thechatelaine]

Love watching this weeks vlog, I am going through the same stress as you are. We are renovating the appartment and getting on with all the basics first before the decorating starts at the chateau and it feels forever!! with all the artisans running around. Hopefully one day we can enjoy a glass of wine and celebrate our accomplishments. Bon Chance!

[@atthechateau]

The Chatelaine, I am beginning to think that our restorations will be going on for a very long time ! Ah, such is life. We look forward to that glass of wine! Mark and Phillip

[@tobiasneko]

Hola Chicos, just catching up with all the vlogs. I got a new job and is taking some of my free time. so watching the chateaux channels is not that easy. It's seems overwhelming all the stuff that gors behind the dry walls. Keep up. Mark great you are looking great hope recovery time is over soon. Kisses to Judy! Saludos from a very wintery and cold Santiago, Chile

[@atthechateau]

Francisco! Hey 👋🏼, no worries about being behind, the videos as well as the two of us are not going anywhere. I was just happy to see your name pop up in the comments. Congratulations on the new job, I hope you like it and they treat you well.... if they do not treat you well I will have Judy deal with them 😆🤣 After Judy reads them the Riot Act they will roll out the red carpet when you arrive at work. As always Thank you. Our love form the south of France Mark and Phillip ❤️

[@petrekovairena1891]

Je vidět,že rekonstrukce zámku je ohromný projekt.Moc vám držím palce a z celého srdce vám přeji úspěch a hlavně zdraví. Srdečný pozdrav z ČR

[@atthechateau]

Irena Máte pravdu, je to obrovský podnik a popravdě řečeno, vše, co je potřeba, je ale peněz, hodně fyzické práce a času, hodně a hodně času. Moc děkuji z jihu Francie našemu příteli v České republice.

[@Gene4er]

I can't imagine kids growing up in this place with all of the secret spaces

[@atthechateau]

Gene, hmmm, know that you mention it we used to have a bunch of kids.... I wonder where they got to ???

[@atthechateau]

As an addendum to my comment.... My PT brings her 10 year old son here on Wednesdays, heaven forbid that kids have school five days a week, he sits in our small temporary sitting room complaining that he is bored.... Dude, you are sitting in a castle in the countryside of southern France... how in the hell could you possibly be bored????? 😆😆❤️

[@jass412]

really enjoy the tour and seeing behind the scenes

[@atthechateau]

jass412, it was out pleasure and we are glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!!!

[@pworthyart]

You guys are the best! Can’t wait to book an event, hopefully in the near future!

[@atthechateau]

pworthyart, Thank you so much, you are very kind. We are looking forward to fall of 2024 for our soft opening, but so much depends on the healing of my legs. We will keep everyone posted! Many thanks form the south of France

[@bridgetsixto8009]

hey all so good to see you, when will you be opening up for your bnb , i will be planning a trip for sure next year , i would love to meet you both and especially my judy , i just love her personality , many blessings to you all from my home to yours

[@Tigerlilart]

Judy may have to do guest appearances once the Châteaux is open for business!

[@atthechateau]

Bridget, we are looking toward the fall of 2024 for our soft opening. It all depends on the healing of my legs. But do not let that stop you from coming to see the chateau ! There is a lovely BnB 5 minutes away from here. Judy sends her love !! ❤️

[@atthechateau]

Tigerlil - Ok Lady, you better hush your mouth right now ! 😂😆🤣😆😂

[@barbaramillet4544]

Hi Phillip and Mark, How many bedrooms and bathrooms will you have when complete? And what is the square footage of the chateau. I ask because it's so hard to tell how big some of the chateaux are. Thank you for another great video!

[@atthechateau]

Hi Barbara, we will have 11 bedrooms (some with separate sitting rooms) and 14 bathrooms, and the Chateau proper is a hair shy of 15,000 square feet. We are a moderate size. There are many many that are smaller, and many that are monsters. We sit comfortably in the middle. We do not look as big as we are from the front facade. The reason is, is that many of the Chateaux are one room deep, we are two rooms deep so we are an illusion. Thank you for watching and the great questions!! ❤️

[@barbaramillet4544]

@@atthechateau WOW! Moderate!? That is huge! LOL. Well... I'm kind of super happy it's so big. :) That means a lot more videos to watch. Thank you for the reply.

[@carriestanfield8637]

🦘🦘🦘Brilliant way to make the renovation and renew the château. Doing it once and doing it right is a pleasure to watch-moving on from poop pipe work as I’ve said before “Who knew” love and respect to you both 🦘🦘🦘

[@atthechateau]

Carrie, fear not, poop pipes will rear their ugly and very important heads again!!! Thank you for your very kind words. Our best from the south of France, Mark and Phillip

[@chateaudelannoy]

now i got let's get physical song stuck in my head , thx your french is as fluent as mine , Judy needs men .. period 🤣😁😉 he seems nice 🤪 good plans 👍 Grts Yves x

[@atthechateau]

Chateau Delannoy, I love your comments, like little puzzles that I have to think on for a moment. so... As I meant to happen That means it's pretty good Of course she does Il est tres tres gentil merci beaucoup and, you got me ! ? ! 😂😂😂😂😂

[@atthechateau]

The Yves part obviously I got, Mais, Qu'est-ce que Grts ?

[@chateaudelannoy]

@@atthechateau lol greets 😜🤣 Bradley said that's not how we type it, I told him it's yveish, my own English, flemish slang. Now open for courses if you're interested xx 😜😘

[@chateaudelannoy]

@@atthechateau not yet, let me get the wine, brings me clarity 😉😛

[@Mime_Mama]

What a spacious attic! Love that window! What was that wall in the garden (by Ben)? Looked like a building may have been there.

[@atthechateau]

Luisa, are you stalking us? 5 comments... I am watching my back right now... 😂 The attic you saw is one of a matched pair of small attics. Phillip is shooting the grand attic now, hopefully for the next video.... and the wall where Ben is, was, is, was a house at one time. Perhaps a gardeners home, or a high ranking servant, we really do not know. Thank you!!!

[@Mime_Mama]

@@atthechateau stalking 🤣 I just ask and comment as I watch!! Lol and ..well I ask a lot of questions in general and love to make a comment as if I'm talking to you!!

[@atthechateau]

Please keep commenting! I love it ❤️❤️❤️

[@susanneking2524]

Great to see all the work coming along, Judy I have a question for you: Where did get those fabulous pearls? Oh my, you are all so fun, hope to visit someday. Do you have a timeline for when you will be open for business?

[@atthechateau]

Susanne, I cannot tell you how many inappropriate responses rolled through my head for your Judy question... I sat here snickering to myself. Thank you for making my laugh some today, it was a good thing. As to opening... We are hoping to do some soft opening events in the fall of 2024... So much depends on the healing of my legs. We will certainly let everyone know as soon as we are ready ! Thank you! ❤️❤️

[@kathleenrobson1803]

I’ve just watched all your videos and I love your channel 😁 you’re in my top 5 😂

[@atthechateau]

Kathleen, Welcome to our crazy family, and we are glad to have you with us on our journey. Thank you for your kind words. Our best from the south of France, Mark and Phillip

[@diannbottomley3062]

Thanks for sharing all the details of this part of the renovations. I am always curious of how things get done and how it is to deal with making the improvements that add the modern conveniences to the buildings. The skill of the craftsmen are amazing and thankfully know how to make it all come together to make it seem as if it was always there. Phillip...I love the little opening in the attic that has the door shutter. I can imagine it was used as a way to get fresh air in the attic during the hotter months?? Mark....thanks for sharing the information on the future plans for the chateau. Splendid idea's as there are so many different types of events (I love thinking up idea's too) that can be held at the chateau. Also, possible for businesses to hold their events (experiences for them), if you haven't thought of that, which I'm sure you have. Unlimited possibilities and your creative minds will produce some unique & unforgettable memories. Keep up the great work you are doing! Hugs from Arizona!

[@atthechateau]

DiAnn, I am glad you enjoyed seeing part of the infrastructure installation. We had to draw and map out the entire house so that we could find paths for all of the supply lines that could be hidden or covered so that you would never know they were there. it was a huge challenge! An interesting point about the little doors in the attic is that may of these attic spaces were used for storing garlic, onions or similar goods and the air circulation was very important! We had thought of businesses using the Chateau for events, and if you have other thoughts or ideas, please share them with us. Thank you so much for you very kind words, our ❤️ from France, Mark and Phillip

[@diannbottomley3062]

@@atthechateau I could probably come up with a few idea’s.🥰 Did you get my message about being in France? I sent through IG messages.

[@atthechateau]

Hi DiAnn, I checked instagram and I did not find your message… please email me at [e-mail] Merci !!!

[@diannbottomley3062]

@@atthechateau just saw your message & so I sent an email to you at the above mentioned.🌻

[@maryjanekolesar8325]

That is a complicated network of pipes: "interesting" for sure. Ahahahaha you want Geeves. I think Experience Events is a wonderful niche and perhaps French citizens from other parts of France will also want to experience a different region to their own. I wonder if you could but shallow beams on the kitchen ceiling for effect? Nice attic.

[@atthechateau]

Mary Jane, Geeves ! I do want a Geeves, you are so correct ! You bring up a couple of interesting things in your comments... We actually have on our list to bring a couple of higher profile chefs from the states and do experiences targeted at Europeans. There are so many wonderful cooking ad baking styles in the States that are very different from France and Europe in general, and I think this type of experience would do very well. and, fear not, I have been shopping for Faux beams to put up on the kitchen ceiling. When the new lower ceiling was installed we added wood structure to allow faux beams to be safely mounted as they will be a little over 21 feet long ! Thank you for a great comment!!

[@Gene4er]

Gotta love Pex (or whatever they call it over there) even better than PVC piping

[@atthechateau]

Gene, Pex is used here ! Thank goodness ! We used it in our last house in California and it was brilliant, plus we saved a fortune on installation because we could do all of it ourselves. In fact we ran the majority of the rough in supply lines for all four stories in one day. ❤️

[@nativetexson]

Gents, another interesting and informative video. Your plans for the chateau are exciting. I look forward to watching the plans develop and hopefully attend one of the "experiences". My friends, Karina and Craig Waters, have done similar programs at their chateau in Les Cabannes (Chateau de Gudanes). The attic space would make for an amazing guest suite; the windows and roof structure are phenomenal. I agreewirth Philip that the ceiling height is low. My friend Franck and his husband Luc have turned the attic space of a boutique chambres d'hote in Les Cabannes into a loft-like suite/apartment which is built under the eaves as well. When I saw your space, I immediately thought it would make a great space. OK.....I agree with Bonnie Jean; where do you find these adorable tradesmen? Mr. Burtana. Steven. And for the butler, are you thinking of a Mr. French or Agador? 😃 Cheers gentlemen. I return to France at the end of the week. All the best-

[@atthechateau]

Hi Glen... so I am going to tell you a story... In 2009 Phillip and I purchased a falling down wreck of a home in downtown Healdsburg California (Wine country of Northern California) www.227northstreet.com We spent the next 8 years restoring it and loving it dearly. In those days the blog that I kept on the restoration journey was hosted on blogger, and when you used blogger there were always recommended blogs posted in little buttons down the right side of the page. One day in September of 2015 I was making a post on my blog. I published it and then when to the public version to re-re-re proof my writing. Out of the corner of my eye I saw one of those recommended blog buttons that literally caught my eye. It was a blog about the restoration of a chateau in France... I clicked on it... To make the very long story short, I began chateau shopping immediately and discovered the affordability of French Chateaux, (the new found shock of restoration costs aside). I chose one at random and turned my computer screen to Phillip... I asked, do you want to move to France, buy a Chateau, and start a hospitality business? He looked at the images of a Chateau for sale, looked at the price, and gave me a thumbs up. (he happen to have been on a conference call at the time). I bought airplane tickets that very day for the following November to do our first R & D trip. In September of 2021 we became the owners of Chateau Avensac. And who do I blame for this situation??? That recommended blog, that restoration of a French chateau, those two people restoring a ruin of a 90 room Chateau, who I now come to find out are friends of yours... Karina and Craig Waters !!! 😆😆🤣🤣😂😂 Le monde est vraiment très petit ! I did once attempt to write to them, but I did not receive a reply, but I do admire their work greatly. Now as to a couple of other things.... Judy only hires cute boys ! 😆 And I am thinking that the butler we could never afford should definitely be English as I look forward to classic statements like "I'll alert the media" 🤣 All our best from France and we look forward to meeting you Mark and Phillip

[@nativetexson]

@@atthechateau Mark, that's a great story. I love it! Thanks for sharing. Karina and Craig are wonderful people. My first time staying at the chateau was when it was primitive with minimal electricity and bathroom facilities. Karina was a good sounding board in my decision to leave my career on Wall Street and return to my original career in architecture and historic preservation; essentially follow what I am passionate about. So yes, I agree with "le monde est vraiment très petit !" In fact, your story is one of two this week regarding a small world. As a side note, the other story involves one of my classmates from Harvard and his husband who now live in Saint Laurent la Vernede and they recently met and had lunch with a friend of my family who lives in Uzes. Likewise, I look forward to meeting in the near future. I return to France in two days and I can't stop my happy dance. 😄 All the best- Glen

[@atthechateau]

@@nativetexson [e-mail] 07 49 61 45 05 or 707-494-7039 :)

[@Mime_Mama]

By the way I remember Avensac from Chateau Love's time there during Halloween!

[@atthechateau]

Luisa, that seems so long ago !

[@Mime_Mama]

@@atthechateau I know. But what a fun time that was. I absolutely loved you all getting together!

[@Gene4er]

Never say no? That's how I ended up with 5 kids ;)

[@atthechateau]

Gene, 👀,👀,👀,👀,👀 oh my... what were you two thinking?? 😆😆❤️

[@tammyadkins3537]

Did you bring Betty with you

[@atthechateau]

Tammy, we did indeed bring Betty with us... www.atthechateau.com/blog/could-it-be-true-yes-it-is-betty-is-home

[@tammyadkins3537]

I could pretend to be a butler😂

[@atthechateau]

Hi Tammy, how is your English butler accent?? 😆😆😆

[@tammyadkins3537]

@@atthechateau well we'll have to work on that it might have a bit of a American accent to it😂

[@marilynwade9448]

I would preserve the integrity of the attics for their own sake

[@atthechateau]

Marilyn, we are doing our best to maintain the attics, but with the chateau being brought into the 21st century there has to be be space for mechanics. We are installing the mechanics in the attics, but respecting them at the same time. Thank you for watching and commenting!!

[@Raxx777]

so interesting with all the pipes etc !!!

[@atthechateau]

Raxx, metrics going up again with this repeat comment... you must really be sick 😆😆😆 Mark