NEW TOUR of the Mezzanine | Manor & Maker

We continue the updated tour, plus do a side trip to Margam Castle in Wales.
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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.

[@h.b.4058]

Haha, did I hear a Bernadette Banner reference: This is a choice. For the tapestry in the mezzanine, preserve it/keep it if you can. Original soft furnishings are so rare. If it is too far gone, you could paint the same pattern in the space, and keep a framed section up for people to see. Or, if it is too far gone, perhaps one of the local weavers could create something custom for you.

[@foretb1162]

In La Petite Chambre, how about turning the bed to be parallel with the wall and have the same 'lit à la Polonaise' style as in 'chambre de Roger' @ Lalande? That would be sumptuous in that space! It would also fill the space with an eye-stopping comfort right off the bat. No need to go with silk curtains as these can be made of other, more modern fabric that is just as sumptuous but at a fraction of the cost. Or, go with chiffon from the bed crown to get an airy feel to the room. Fabric walls would also allow you to change the color of the walls without affecting the stone, lath or other wall material under the fabric. Maybe Steve can come up with a repeatable pattern to stencil on the walls instead of wall paper. These are just a few ideas. They may not work but they might for another room.

[@ednajoyce6261]

Please do not remove your amazing Art Nouveau tapeztry border!! I have conserved textiles from this period - some silk. Try a soft. foam sponge and a good hand soap : make them both white so no dyes will ttransfer. Make the sponge quite wet , put a little soap on and dab. Do not rub as the fibres can be damaged. Try this in a little corner first - remember how long this wonderful fabric has been up there. There probably many candles and cigers making it dirty over the years. Good luck😀😀

[@lisabrijeski3425]

Definitely leave the big Armour it looks so beautiful in that room, just change the head boards!

[@ManorandMaker]

Roger that!

[@eddreemiles5459]

I agree the headboards just don’t work at all sadly

[@marilynwade9448]

Beautiful chateau. Take your time

[@bigboy77dk]

I think it sounds really good to add more luxury along the way, because I think you should really embrace the Chateau feeling 😊 If you stay at a Chateau, I think you really want to feel a bit like a princess! So canopy beds, crystal chandeliers, colourful, luxurious fabrics, gold mirrors, antique clocks, etc. 😊

[@ManorandMaker]

Yes! All of this!

[@Sushi2735]

OMG! You took that hideous wallpaper down! I am so delighted for you! I could not have slept in flocked wallpaper! I’m so excited for you! It changes the whole look without that paper! Bravo, Brava!! Way to go 💗💗💗💗💗💘💘💘

[@barbaragrace1992]

I love the peacock (teapot)? You have on your table. When you have owned the chateau for another 20 years and then look back it will be so much more luxurious. I won't say when you're finished because with a chateau that is never the case. Lol. Enjoy the journey as it sure looks like you are. 🥰🥰

[@ManorandMaker]

You clearly see the journey. I know there is a lot of peacock tie in with Lalande -- but oddly that adorable tea pot was a gift from Steve's sister long before we looked for a chateau! It was hilarious the day we got to have tea with Stephanie in it!

[@TheCrowsNest1950]

Hi Sarah & Steve, You may be better off with wood or gas stoves in the Chateau bedrooms, less mess at cleaning up ashes and with burning wood or gas logs, all your heat goes straight up the chimney. The bedrooms are coming along great, soon you'll have every room occupied for the whole season. The best of luck to you both always. Mark & Scott

[@therealtartuffe]

I love the way you're wearing your hair, Sara. Très chic, as they say in France. ❤

[@sdole9448]

I always appreciate when vloggers remind us that sometimes they JUST need content, and branch out, and try something (headboard project) and sometimes it does not work out. Life's like that, and it is nice to be reminded. :) For the tapestry - perhaps have Steve digitize it and invite qualified volunteers in person or at home replicate sections? Or take down sections to have highly qualified volunteers work on it in the eventual studio spaces? Or digitize it and commission a custom printed fabric (NOT tapestry) to hang as a replica, reserving the original in archival boxes for future restoration if that day comes? You can have some fabrics printed with the images of the more 3D textures of tapestry and embroidery...?

[@sdole9448]

Picking up on your mutual love of a color family: aquamarine/seafoam/light turquoise/seaglass/related colors. Would be fun to see you expand that further, in one small jewel box of a room or the chatelaine room whose curtains would fit so well: lamps trimmed with faceted glass beads in that color, two more related luxe fabrics for cushions of your chairs, some artwork or objects in that color way. It's fun to watch you two revel in design and creativity.

[@sdole9448]

The tropical and botanical prints, the bright and light colors you keep using - your whole chateau is full of bright, light, life! I like the mix of modern and historical - modern chateau owners who love travel and this special space.

[@sianpryce3685]

The Tapestry on your walls that you're indecisive about I have a Suggestion , clean one of them and protect it by putting glass to cover protection so it becomes a feature to the Mezzanine & this way you don't lose it

[@ManorandMaker]

That's a nice idea!

[@gracecaron773]

Ooh! Many lovely memories of time at Balsam Lake! How nice to have a Canadian flair to the Chateau!

[@southernbelle193]

The first bedroom I’d paint the walls…it would warm the room up. The balcony needs a good pressure washing. Be move brave with wall color. 2nd bedroom accessories are very pretty…love the color of curtains and bedspread. The tapestry does not match. 3rd bedroom is pretty but yes color of walls is off…love the bed, it is gorgeous. 4th bedroom is sewing room lol very pretty when set up for guest. 5th bedroom beautiful furniture. I’d paint the walls brighter color or wallpaper. Love the castle. You are bringing it a new life and doing a great job.

[@kirstynash9765]

peacock paper / colours and fabrics would look amazing in the room with the peacock teapot, love the fern/ tropical headboard that too would look nice replicated colour on the wall, big rooms can take bold choices

[@AtlantaGarden]

I LOVE the design of the mezzanine tapestry border - it's sort of arts& crafts. Keep it until it's falling apart! [Which might be a long time.] Someone mentioned digitally reproducing it, which is a capital idea! You might want to consider duplicating it elsewhere in different colors. Endless possibilities... Thanks so much for the tour. That floor makes more sense now.

[@susanamann1806]

Like you did in cafe ,find an item you love then decorate off it,whether light or vase or teapot. Go for it ,use your creativity.

[@estavoyernathalie9433]

Les chambres vont revivre avec leur mobilier ! Bravo ! Les rideaux doublés sont plus chic, plus isolants, et sont moins brûlés par les UV., je vous le conseil ! Merci pour vos vidéos que j’ai plaisir à regarder. Nathalie Estavoyer - Jura - Le Relais de la Perle.

[@jaxstorey6734]

You've both made such a big difference so far in your gorgeous chateau. It must be a truely satisfying and fulfilling way to spend your lives, expressing your creativity...after all, what is the point of life if we can't be creative...? Love, Jacqueline from New Zealand 🥰

[@svg7335]

Thank you for the updated tour. I agree with you that the headboard in deux terrace doesn't wow. Or at least I think its color clashes with the gorgeous bedspread fabric. Can't wait to see you add color to those walls. They are the epitome of eggshell which I don't associate with either of you. I thought the mezzanine tapestry was wallpaper. It looks very different in the closeup. It's hard to see its condition but it's lovely and unique. Your petite chamber bed was amazing. As well as the balsam suite headboard. The chamber de chatelain sewing really shows off your skills.

[@elizabethclark8374]

Hi Steve and Sarah, The bedrooms are lovely! You have done an amazing job with not a big budget. Sarah-the fact that you are such a talented seamstress reminds me of my mother who was also a talented seamstress. When she was a younger woman ( and poor) she made her own patterns! Elizabeth Goodrich, Texas

[@carolynblack420]

Steve, thank you for showing how you laid out the wallpaper before hanging it in your conservatory - it helped us immensely for laying out some very expensive wallpaper (that we didn’t want to buy any extra) we just hung.

[@ManorandMaker]

Glad it was helpful! Did it all work out ok?

[@carolynblack420]

@@ManorandMaker it was perfect! We had 5” of paper + a small strip that we had cut out for the door! We would never have made it work if we hadn’t planned! (We live in Waterloo ON!)

[@innerding]

The tapestry borders are absolutely beautiful, I would preserve if you can. I would suggest if you do keep the tapestry border that you repaint the walls a richer color closer to the lightest color in the border.

[@gabygaedecke2411]

La Tour would likely be the room we would stay in (2 beds), should we ever have the $$ to come partake in one of your events, so that piqued my interest. I must say that you really do have an eye for colour, both of you! Realizing your chateau dream seems so daunting and yet together your small team works away at individual projects, and it all just seems to roll along ... love it!

[@Tea-nOpals]

Great to see how far you've come along with teasers of where you're going. Sounds like we are going to see a few projects, I love watching you both take on a challenge. Fingers crossed Steven does a bit of winter art while Sarah creates material magic.

[@susanlaskey7778]

At a quick glance, I LOVE the tapestry on the uppers & lowers around the second floor.

[@lauriecalery8801]

I love the way you captured the vibe of Margam castle during my favorite time of day and season with the tall shadows and brightness. I imagine the photographs are even more spectacular. I'm always impressed with the quality of your work. Cheers! ❤

[@ManorandMaker]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@user-qp2ec2od3y]

Thank you for the tour. You have put so much effort into your chateau with wonderful results. I really like the furnishings and colour choices in each bedroom! I have realised from these tour videos how much thought and planning you did selecting your future home when you bought this chateau. It is a manageable size with great grounds and outbuildings. I like that wardrobe in the one bedroom. I am no good at creative suggestions you asked for though but really applaud you for what you have accomplished and where you are going. I also like that you have such balance between DIY, events, and travel.

[@magicgemmaster7055]

IMO: The ornate furniture from bedroom 1 would suit bedroom 2 nicely. I like the large armoire. You can refit it to hold your sewing machine, fabric and ironing table to make it a "bespoke" functional piece. It would be great "content" lol. I love that you have almost a blank canvas to work with in many of your rooms with the ability to layer furniture and object d art as you discover them through the years to come. Would you consider lining the cutains with a thermal fabric to protect the cutain fabric and to add warmth in the winter and block sun in the summer?

[@lyndajohnston924]

If the tapestries are historically significant, then, in my opinion, restoration would be the way to go but if not possible, recreating them would be an option (such as in a wallpaper). I enjoyed the tour and I agree that the rooms will only look better in time with the addition of luxurious textiles and patterns and furniture etc. appropriate to the scale of the rooms.

[@artdeve8979]

You are correct. Your rooms need a lot of interior design help!! Keep with the period. Don't use cheap modern lamps or Art work. Paint or wallpaper the guest rooms. Love watching your channel.

[@AvaT42]

You two are so talented! You did a great job decorating. The views from all of those bedroom windows are so beautiful!!😍

[@ManorandMaker]

Thank you so much!

[@nata3467]

Add luxury as you say but please do not overdo it. They are gorgeous

[@aprillanders8018]

Thank you for the wonderful tour!! Just love your chateau!! You two are doing a great job!! Lots of love from Tennessee!!!

[@nancystich5863]

Converse the tapestries- spectacular!

[@sarahmiller5632]

My partner and I like two beds. So I was glad to see a room with twin beds. Please keep that.🤗🇨🇦

[@elizabethheatley22]

The bedrooms are lovely, particularly the ones with balconies, and once you improve the walls with either paint or wallpaper they will be gorgeous! May I suggest you add carpets - large ones! I think they are essential in a bedroom for sheer coziness, but I often see many rooms where they are too small in the space. It’s a lot of work, but you’re both doing a great job. Your chateau is truly lovely. Freezing here in Toronto!

[@pdq5465]

I agree with what you’ve said here. And it really is cold here in Toronto, isn’t it? But at least we don’t have snow. I’m good with that.

[@michelleb6409]

Love the size of the rooms. I think you need to keep the Amoire in the bedroom, just make your head boards just as grand or an over the bed canopy with curtains.

[@conservationwithoutborders5116]

Thank you so much for the mention - big hugs to you both

[@maryjanekolesar8325]

Oh please, please keep the tapestry!!! First I don't think you ever showcased it (?); I thought it was wallpaper. It's really rather exquisite and I think unique to your Château. ❤

[@ManorandMaker]

Definitely unique to have such a big piece still in situ...

[@johannaspinks]

Lovely tour! How nice to have those seated areas in some of the bedrooms. The original tapestries are divine in my opinion.

[@lucindajennings148]

😊 love watching your vlogs. You are so gracious as we tour your home...and I will never get to travel..but ..wow..you showed a lovely Wales Castle I would never have seen otherwise. Thank you.😊

[@barbaralamoreaux328]

I hope you are able to keep the gorgeous wall covering in the mezzanine. It’s so special.

[@beautyallaroundme724]

Another lovely tour. Looking forward to the next one.

[@clemandsven6834]

Can't wait to see the next step of the renovations !

[@shelbycooper7504]

Lovely chateau thank you for sharing ❤❤❤❤ All the best from western Canada

[@jammasterjay4298]

I LOVE YOU GUYS! From another artist and sculptor , pattern designer and and have sewn and designed for years.my portfolio is vast and for some reason I love the idea of a your creative center!

[@janetgrimbeek180]

I love seeing you both and what's happening in your wonderful home. I think gas fireplaces would be wonderful in the bedrooms, so convenient and wonderful for relaxing in front of. Regards from snowy Kamloops BC

[@luciaroslingshaw2112]

Conserve and keep, all that you can!

[@NewEscapade]

I know you want refreshing of the surface of the walls, but I think the current wall color in la Tour is a sweet combination with the curtain color. I realize you likely selected the curtain fabric to make the most of what you had at the moment, given the wall renovation would be time-consuming - to give that nice combo.

[@sue7190]

Enjoyed the tour, the before and after and your explanation of your plans. The rooms already look good but having seen what you did in the cafe/garden room, i xan only imagine what you will do. I suspect we wil see more of the wonderful Little Greene man😊

[@Tony-InLosAngeles]

There’s always room for improvement. 😊

[@Lilly-iy3ob]

What a beautiful chateau!!

[@sheilaosullivan3056]

Thank you Sarah and Steve for the tour of the rooms. My goodness you have achieved so much since you moved in. Looking forward to seeing the updates for the bathrooms. X😘🇨🇮

[@KeithWiggins-xc1sf]

I think to take the Tapestry down would be a crime , lets face it u brought a bit of history in France so please try and keep as much as u can it looks in good condition u could paint the cream coloured wall tho and clean that up or wallpaper it with a plain coloured paper to match the stunning Tapestry .For the short time u owned it u done well , by keeping that French look .

[@srigging]

lovely rooms with so much potential...a wonderful year to come! ❤

[@johnoleary528]

Really enjoyed the mezzanine floor tour. 😊

[@ManorandMaker]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@catherinemtc7795]

Poor Sasha I sure hope she’s ok. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@coccojoe1]

Love the tour. Preserve the tapestry! (Hi Dexter!)

[@tracycroll4325]

If I’d known you were in Wales I’d have asked to meet up. We’re from Ontario, but converting/renovating a chapel in south Wales!

[@ManorandMaker]

Arrg! We debated about putting up a note on Saturday night to see if anyone wanted a meet up, but it's always a debate about the safety of the people looking after the chateau (not always the best idea to announce we're not there!).

[@tracycroll4325]

@@ManorandMaker give us a shout next time you’re over! We can do lunch - or even meet at Denny’s in Swansea! Yes, Swansea has a Denny’s!!!

[@magalisimon494]

quelle chance d avoir ces tapisseries d origine ! please keep it , bravo pour votre travail de restauration de ce chateau

[@steffaniel370]

Small teeny tiny 🤏 request for the Petit Chambre, the tapestry canvas hanging over the bed - maybe lower the string/wire it’s hanging on so that it’s not visible 😊❤️🇨🇦

[@thewilliamseswonderfulworld]

I love the tour and appreciate the map/layout of the rooms!

[@ManorandMaker]

Perfect! Glad we could oblige!

[@femkekoome5178]

What a great vlog, so nice to see the rooms upstairs! Bit by bit it is coming together, very exciting for you!

[@lingell7428]

Some pointers from someone who has owned and run Guest accommodation for 40 years . Guests number one will always be a private bathrooom be it en-suite or for their personal use . Bedside lights are a must and a kettle in the room with Tea/ Coffee making is an essential for Brits . ! You have got a lot done in your beautiful Chateau . Im sure you will continue to grow x

[@angelakilroe3271]

I would take it down and preserve it and put your own stamp on it which is brighter.

[@juneparham576]

Thanks for the tour.

[@tamardewey9498]

Each room is wonderful and you have a great idea to add as able in the future.

[@margielynch7196]

It looks like you’re been busy. The rooms are really coming together.❤

[@romiehutson5230]

Quick fix always look like quite fix better to spend the money on the real look you’re looking for and patience with the other rooms. Look at decor of places you’d like to match and don’t settle for almost- look Likes. You guys have done great really love the wall papers you e chosen

[@ManorandMaker]

Generally I agree, but our budget won't stretch there yet. I found fabric I loved for the dining room - high quantity embroidery. With that, the under layer, trim and lining, it would come to about €10k....

[@clarefoskett9959]

Your home is really coming together beautifully. I love the orangerie music, very soulful x

[@lisalarosa4546]

I loved seeing Margam Castle. Such a majestic home. Although, I was wishing for more information on this beautiful place in Wales. Knowing I didn't go in line with the beginning of your vlog... I just wanted to say what you have done with your Chateau is beautiful. Remembering the process you went through, and seeing, the amazing job you both have already done is fantastic! Great vlog. You should be proud of the accomplishments you have made! Loving watching your vlogs. When I see your vlog light up, I go straight to them! Enjoying everything your working on, the places you visit, the brocantes (I think I'm spelling that correctly), the workshops, etc. Thank you for such amazing videos!!

[@isabelgomes6118]

Your approach is great. Getting the bedrooms to a comfortable space then you can go forward with decorating further. You are curating the space as I say to my clients.

[@kathwhelan5340]

You guys are so fabulous and I love your aesthetic. This wallpaper is amazing!! I love that you are Canadians and have a Canadian sensibility. The only thing that I would offer and I don’t mean this is a criticism at all I only mean it to support and encourage, sometimes your lack of confidence in yourselves is hard to watch.… #TakesOneToNoOne

[@annettetoohey8934]

Love the tour ❤

[@lindagage7315]

Good variety! The bedrooms will be lovely when they are finished, headbands and chandeliers will make a big difference!

[@myownlittlehouse471]

All the guest rooms look inviting, cozy and comfortable. I don't think the armoire is too large for Tour, at all! In the long run, wall paper and new headboards will make the biggest difference, and that's a slow process, right? You guys are doing great! I didn't know about that cloth wall covering in the mezzanine; it's stunning!

[@luciagonzalez4899]

I love you guys, I want to visit someday!!

[@trixiegirlism]

Oh, No, No, No, don't take down the tapestry border. Preserve it if possible, it's gorgeous, classy, historic and compliments the woodwork so perfectly.

[@meankitty1333]

Great tour !

[@Sharon-Me]

I appreciate that you haven't filled the bedrooms with an excessive amount of things, less really is more. As an Interior Designer I have an opinion about everything 😁 and my advice to you right now is to focus on getting the bathroom situation straightened out. The bedrooms seem to be in good shape, they are not in need of immediate attention. I say keep the armoire in la tour it is a beautiful piece of furniture and enhances the space and it is something that your guests would expect to see in a chateau bedroom. Is it possible to power wash the balconies, I know it is a look but even Windsor Castle has been cleaned of the algae?

[@MissRubyTuesday61]

Love the bedrooms with balconies be stunning in the summer I live on the shropshire / welsh border lots of great places to visit ❤

[@jyjyjojojyjy]

You have such a beautiful chateau! The whole place is wonderful, the park and the view… love it! And you have decorated it beautifully, looking forward for what you are going to make next 🥰 Thank you for the tour 🙏

[@davidbredthauer2524]

Leave the original tapestry!❤❤

[@rosemariedeschenes7013]

Happy birthday to Steve’s mom 🥳🎂🎊🎉😍😘

[@Rbmc2611]

If you cover the part in hall just make it removable to not damage the original borders.

[@saraviegas2141]

The rooms look great! Definitely some patterned wallpaper would make the bigger rooms more cozy! Which one is your room tho?

[@joydeal2988]

love you guys

[@suzyq555]

Sarah, are you growing out your gray? It looks beautiful 🤩

[@anneevers9877]

Loved seeing the bedrooms. Y’all have excellent taste and have done a beautiful job. Watching from Shreveport , Louisiana USA

[@SuperAbcdabcdabcdabc]

Hello from PEI Canada You two should get together with Stephanie and have a sewing bee.

[@susanamann1806]

Try potted pansies,they love cold ,cool weather.

[@JustSaralius]

In La Petite Chambre, would it be possible to put the bed where the wardrobe is? (You probably already tried it lol) I just think that it would create more space and you'd have more space for dressing and maybe put a little dressing table or desk by the fireplace, opposite where the wardrobe would be. Hope I'm making sense. 😅

[@catherinemtc7795]

The rooms are so cute. What a beautiful castle.

[@taitweigel64]

I'd conserve and leave the mezzanine decoration.

[@ManorandMaker]

Even with the browns? We don't know if those are the original colours... and its almost too fragile to try to turn the selvedge...

[@lisakilmer2667]

If the fabric is deteriorating, perhaps it could be copied into a wallpaper, matching the original colors as much as possible?

[@ManorandMaker]

@@lisakilmer2667 you read our minds. Steve has already digitized the pattern...

[@glenyscallaghan1195]

Leave it ,it looks great

[@vickirickman5828]

Stunning home in wales.

[@romiehutson5230]

Put some finials on the head board it will elevate it a bit

[@mocarra100]

You should ask Phil, from Chateau Life, he has tons of furnishings he's trying to get rid of and would probably give you some. I'm sure you know who he is you're all in a little group? Much love from Oklahoma USA Jackie 🇺🇸💖 PS I think wallpaper in all rooms, with beautiful colors, rich colors.

[@michelerowes4340]

Love your beautiful introduction!

[@nelks1284]

You’re an excellent seamstress!

[@ManorandMaker]

Glad you think so! I'm intermediate at best, but enthusiastic!