Razing The Roof - Doing It Ourselves

In todays video we make more progress in the gardeners cottage and finally complete the removal of the old interiors. The cracks in the cottage walls get some much needed attention and we go on an a mini antique adventure to the coast of Brittany.
Help me to keep making videos and restoring this Chateau by visiting my official PATREON page.
www.patreon.com/user?u=33158583
Follow the CHATEAU behind the scenes on INSTAGRAM
/ chateaudelabasmaignee
Visit the chateau website
www.basmaignee.com
Find me on Instagram / picturepetherick
My name is Michael Petherick and I live with my family at Chateau de la Basmaignee in north west France.
My brother and his fiancé bought this building with some inheritance money three years ago and we are slowly restoring it to live in, and run as a business.
It’s always a financial struggle to keep the place going and we have to work hard to keep our heads above water, but we love it and wouldn’t have It any other way.
When they knew that they were buying the château, my brother asked me if I would like to move over and take part in their new adventure... so I packed my bags, gave up my life in England and moved here to help bring this place back to life.
We do all the renovations ourselves including construction, decorating and collecting antique furniture that we buy cheaply to restore. Our goal is to fill the château with beauty and life as it once was.
I have a passion for history, art and all things old.
These videos are a series of stories about my life and experiences living in a French castle.
We film and edit everything ourselves.
I’ll be showing all aspects of life here, from renovation and DIY, to crafts and baking, art, daily life and a bit of fun thrown in for good measure. There’s much more to see and our journey is still just beginning.

[@AniaBumba]

Your dad is a rocket! He is so hardworking and very skilled as well. You have a lovely family.

[@audeodd84]

Oh so nice to see you venture in Brittany! As a French woman I am in awe at the efforts some of you Brits are taking to restore our heritage. Bravo à vous !

[@kimberlyplayer]

I really enjoy watching them do it, too. I think that restoration of these old buildings is so important.

[@sylviahorvath9187]

Michael, your dad is so lovely. You should include him more in your vlogs. He would generate a lot of viewers. Perhaps he’s camera shy, but he’ll get used to it 👍

[@denisemarle4141]

True, I think viewers like to see this type of artisan work done by someone who actually knows what they're doing.

[@summermucha5207]

I agree! Would love ❤️ to see more of him! 😘

[@nicholecarter1667]

Your dad is a beast! How amazing that he has this skill set!

[@annecraig1040]

Suggestion for you, Michael. Cut off about 2 feet of the staircase in your cottage and put in a landing at that level. Then construct the steps down to the floor from there. The bottom stairs will be wider . . .. could put in a curved banidser and make the bottom two steps wider to place things on, like baskets, making a homely, cozy look. Having the run of stairs up to the second floor at a higher level from the floor would allow you to build a proper set of drawers for you "mini pantry" = more storage space. Or , you could build a little closet there for coats, etc.

[@robertbuckler9103]

Nothing says "demolition" quite like Tchaikovsky (imagining three blokes with tools on pointe!)

[@rhondacrosswhite8048]

The Demolition Ballet.

[@kimberlyplayer]

@@rhondacrosswhite8048 LOL I love his choice of music as well. It's much better than the same stuff we normally hear on other channels.

[@Italiana911]

Ahaha 🤣

[@Brenda-on7hy]

1812 overture would be more "destructive"

[@stevearnold8467]

Oh, that's hysterical, chopping out the old ceiling lathe to the music of The Nutcracker!

[@amandagauthier-parker1399]

That made me laugh, too. Lol.

[@megankazukibuttons9334]

I thought that's what I heard. Thanks for confirming my notion

[@sherrygardiner1587]

Also the the music of the cows mooing lol

[@tommy69693]

Everyone’s a fruit and nut case lol

[@sallythomson3336]

Is yet it the dance of the sugar plum fairy, thought it was too funny

[@sunnygoldwyn1]

You are so very fortunate that you and your family are supportive of each other! It’s inspiring that you all work together to achieve your goals!

[@scpmdt]

Sunny Goldwyn. Yes it is great to see families stick together & support each other. This is what is missing these days with each one for themselves attitude & the nuclear family. It was never really meant to be that way. Families who stick together prosper. More people should take the Petherick’s example. Don’t you think. This me me me attitude & thinking one can make it on ones own very rarely works. The world will definitely be a better place if we help one another.

[@AvaT42]

Michael is so lucky to have Sean and his dad, two quality experienced workers with buildings to work on his cottage.

[@judithp8552]

@@gailcraig4495 I think Sean is an uncle to Michael?

[@renee72]

Totally!! He would be up a creek without a paddle if it wasn't for them.

[@jeanoliver3784]

Sean even has his own channel these days. I believe Sean is a carpenter who isn’t family.

[@choochoo9506]

Again, Michael, thank you SO much for looking in the camera lens, and for being so aware of what we can hear...specifically, holding your mic so we can hear your dad. LOVE this channel...too bad I'm so late to the party, but I'm totally bingeing.

[@chrisbgifford7387]

I'm living the dream through you.

[@l.a.p.7518]

I declare number one fan Patrick’s parents. They’re adorable. Father is so real and normal person.

[@FlyFly00able]

they are our parents as well now

[@bonniesteinke6624]

Then I will be #2 fan👍🏻

[@kimberlyplayer]

Aren't they, though? I was thinking the same thing while watching.

[@DoingItOurselvesOfficial]

The names Michael, but thank you. I’m a fan of them too! 🤣

[@sergioliberates]

Omg. So real AND normal. 🤪

[@andyyeager8165]

I wish more than anything in the world that I could be a third as happy as you. You have a wonderful life, friends, family and a great personality. I am so envious of this. Your cottage will be beautiful when it's done. Your so lucky, I love your videos, I rewatch and rewatch them. They are the best part of my week. The only brightside. I love getting a small glimpse into your life. You are an inspiration, your handsome, talented, loved, kind, and wonderful. I look forward to seeing your next video.

[@mvp_1206]

When it’s finished you could edit together all of the time lapse footage and eventually show the entire process from start to finish! Such great work.

[@marilynsanneh8959]

Great idea - also he could keep the outtakes and do a compilation at Christmas or something

[@kimberlyplayer]

That would be cool. I've been rewatching parts of it over the past few days. It's amazing how far they've come already!

[@MalikaSmile]

I learned 3 new things thanks to this video, that I didn't know that existed : how to make lime mortar, the ring holder and the tea strainers that goes into the spout of a teapot. I absolutely love the learn new things. Thanks !

[@sandraford4235]

Monika L I’ve never seen those tea strainers before

[@loloholmes2793]

I love watching stone masons use their craft, it's such an artistry learned by experience. Another channel was throwing up sheet rock & applying tape & joint compound/mud... It's just not the same.

[@rgvtexas8391]

Your dad is such a sweetheart. He gets out everyday and gets it done. Y'all are doing a awesome job. Blessings to y'all.

[@highseasailing8624]

Oh.... thanks for today I recognise Dinan, I hope you had some crepes in Dinard. We are safely stuck in NZ. My fiancé’s parents are in Dinard and I’m missing the summer with them there this year. Oh, for a tardis ! At least I can escape thru your lovely vlogs! Thank you!

[@SarahJaneWeldon]

Forget ASMR and spot squeezing videos, watching that ceiling come down with the classic music was super relaxing!!

[@amandabangs9703]

Michael you are an inspiration don’t listen to negative comments. If they don’t like what they see don’t watch. There are some sad people in this world. Be KIND

[@hodgepodgedesign]

I haven’t seen any negative comments. What’s there to complain about? Nice guy doing some good work.

[@lisaa8437]

I’ve never seen a negative comment ever

[@robertarogers998]

"Whatever Dads says he must be right!" Of course he is right:) Great job Dad. What a gift to help with all this and work so hard. Thanks Dad.

[@izzy1563]

His father is obviously a great role model for his family and those of us watching as is Stephanie’s mother Isabelle. I’m glad they share them with us on their vlogs.

[@tehArgento]

Damn, this felt so short hahaha. I wouldn't have thought it was more than 20min long.

[@Andrea_Weird]

Your dad is such a treasure! This might’ve been my favorite installment, so far- it’s like a “Mr. Petherick’s Masterclass” on building techniques. More, please! Oh- and how satisfying is that sped-up, clearing out the rubble bit? Absolutely loved that part! Hugs to both your folks- they seem like the nicest parents. (P.S. Super glad you’re all equipped with proper safety gear on the job site, now. Whew!)

[@chelseacrespo2077]

Former ballet dancer here. The nostalgia of the scene where you played Tchaikovsky's "Dance of the Mirlitons" had me wishing I was back on stage. Best wishes on your cottage.

[@gailreske7111]

I'm 70 & I love the music you've chosen in route to antique shopping !!!

[@felixgla30]

Anyone else think Michael could be Elijah Wood‘s brother?

[@imwatilaimchen1433]

Much more handsome version of Elijah Wood😉

[@adamotlewski3799]

thought so too

[@stevearnold8467]

That never occurred to me. Elijah Wood and I come from the same hometown. Michael is taller, but it's true, they both have very strong eyes.

[@U2b5703]

THATS who it is!! I couldn’t put my finger on who he resembled!!

[@nancycowan6109]

I actually think he looks a lot like Sam Heughan. ❤️

[@FrugalOverFifty]

I'm so into this cottage reno that I feel like it's being done for me. LOL You folks rock, and I can't wait to see the final reveal! (OMG using Nutcracker music to bring down the ceiling 😂)

[@laurieanne9712]

I was hoping a secret treasure would fall through for you! Your Dad is such a good sport to help you!!

[@sandraazevedo8987]

I did too my exact thought ! Lol 😂

[@annabellamusic]

Hi Michael! My whole family loves your dad!! And your mom!!!

[@dianewatier50]

Especially loved the music in this vlog today. The Nutcracker music when taking down the ceiling was perfect ❤! Your Dad was cute when he said........." perfect.....no my name is Petherick " ❤😊! Things are moving, it is so satisfying to see. Already looking forward to the next vlog.

[@zzanatos2001]

My dad and I spent hours tearing out plaster and lathes from his old farm house. It was very dirty work - like being in a coal mine. But once we installed drywall and new windows, it was like a showplace. I can't wait to see the transformation of your cottage.

[@kindle7191]

I will happily watch the advertising if it helps you Michael! Thank you from Vancouver Island Canada.

[@TarnishedTreasures1]

Not that I had to be convinced to buy silver 🤣 but totally bought a sterling Lenox demitasse cup set today. Engraved with my initial. $20

[@cherylmcgrath9081]

Your Dad and his friend are doing a GREAT JOB! Your Lucky to have them! Plus LOVE the silver... Love from Chicago!

[@ankhesenamon81]

Eheh so great we are two chicagoans loving this channel :)

[@karenpowell2828]

and I'm the third!!! (Well just outside of Chicago :) )

[@barbarayoung3971]

Cant wait to see the cottage when its finished.

[@kefaad]

Oh my... This antique shop is like Aladdin's cave to me!!! Could spend endless hours in there...

[@TheCrowsNest1950]

Michael, I like your taste in antiques. We like a lot of the same things. I am looking for a property in France as I watch your vlog, The ring tree that you bought is probably American and not English. You did very well on the items you have purchased. I have been a silver dealer in NY for over 35 years, I'll gladly share my knowledge with you anytime.

[@leaagol8034]

Michael you need to keep some of the stonework exposed maybe below the stairs - it is so beautiful and will accent the other lime walls really well

[@Burbankelly]

I absolutely love the stone walls! I wish you could leave them exposed and not plaster over them! Also, it’s looking amazing and the ceiling with the exposed beams will be stunning! Already looks so light and airy and just gorgeous!!!

[@trishwilson7517]

What a blessing your dad is!

[@scpmdt]

Michael how very fortunate you are to have your father help you, actually rebuild an old cottage. He & Shaun are a rare breed these days & people with such integrity& work ethics especially builders are very hard to find these days. I know because my husband would probably be the same age as these 2 good men & he is a real treasure & a work horse in a very nice way. People spend a lot of money to get building work done & at times the workmanship is not up to scratch. So treasure these 2 men as I am sure you do. Keep showing us all the work as it takes place. Take care.❤️

[@pearlhartney9]

The carriage that is carried by 2 men is called a Sedan chair. Really made me laugh when you said Stephanie Jarvis needs that! Lol.

[@pruebonifant2568]

Isn’ t your Dad just great! Coming from NZ I would say that he has a good dose of what we call the number 8 wire....ie can do approach to anything! well done Dad....you are a gem 😊! PS love you vlog....

[@rahmans07]

Those tea strainers!!! Never seen something so pretty! Even Fortnum and Mason don't stock treasures as wonderful as those!

[@ICUinthedark]

Now dont forget to purchase Hagerty Silver Wash to keep your new found silver beautiful! It is the same used to keep Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth's silver shine!

[@hopegrable]

The footage of the work on the cottage was so energizing. I really love seeing the transformation. Your dad is an absolute sweetie pie! Your mom looked lovely as well. So great to see you all together out and about. That charity shop was spectacular! So many beautiful things. Looking forward to more adventures. Hope you all have a peaceful weekend.

[@checkmyflow9190]

The cow being loud have make me laugh 😂

[@5usiewongs489]

I am so excited..... the cottage is already stunning in her little ram-shackle way. She will be absolutely gorgeous when she is all put back together and given life again 💚

[@teresaoftheandes6279]

I like the fact that not only are your videos interesting, they are of sufficient length. Thank you Michael.

[@BehindtheseEyes]

Wait with anticipation for your vlogs.... Your Dad is a "Building Artisan". Learn well from him because these skills are dying out with each generation. "If people are doubting how far you can go, go so far that you can't hear them anymore. "~ Michele Ruiz Until next week.....👍

[@bonniebriggs1338]

The cottage is looking so much better. Love the high ceiling. It's fun to watch the transformation journey. Enjoy your tea!

[@jazzmc5322]

For the old lime that hasn't aged yet, put natural yogurt onto it and leave it. Natural mould will grow on to it and darken it quicker

[@myhillslife27]

I had to laugh when your dad barely touch the fireplace and it just fell! haha

[@amandagauthier-parker1399]

Oh, it's your Mummy! How sweet!! And those treasures were just beautiful! I have never seen tea strainers in that style, what a brilliant idea!

[@MrPrentissDJones]

2:58 GET A SHOT OF THEM BILL 🔊🐮

[@beverlycollins4283]

🦋🌻🦋.."It takes a HELL of a long time to mellow down." 🤭 TRUTH! I LOVE THE BRITISH! 😆

[@robert3302]

I've had old houses. Nothing is more fun that tearing out bad walls and ceilings.

[@parvanehshowrai7376]

Michael you are such a loucky guy. to have such familie.

[@CatherinePhillipssapphire]

Oh Michael I would so love to visit that antique store but it is a very long way from Australia! Enjoying seeing a bit more of your family, your Dad reminds me of my builder uncle - he could do anything, when he came to visit miraculously things got fixed. The cottage is repairs are moving fast and looking fabulous, you must be so excited- thank you for sharing. 💕 👷🏻‍♂️

[@beverly7710]

Being in Australia, I have to wait until Saturday mornings to watch your uploads. Makes a nice thing to watch first thing in my morning. Thank you for the lovely videos.

[@punchlinecosmetics3464]

Oh my god, this cottage is going to be stunning Michael!! Does anybody ekse want another episode as soon as the next is ready? Lol

[@edwardsurla5690]

You are lucky to have someone who is expert in building restoration working with you. This is more interesting than the " glamorous life living in a French chateau". Prese rvation and repair are a fact of life. Keep up the good work!

[@sylviemacfarland8503]

When Michael started taking down the ceiling, the music started me singing in my head "Everyone's a fruit and nut case'!

[@lynnemarkell7518]

I hope you invest in double pane windows so the heat doesn't escape in winter. ❄

[@corieddings5713]

Watching that celling come down was quit satisfyingly. Once a week seems like forever.

[@Jayrose59]

I know it does. But if he did more videos we would see less renovation. 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@musingwithreba9667]

Wow, those cracks on the outside walls are scary looking! I'm glad you're able to fix them and not have to year it down and rebuild. There was a chair in the antique shop that I want! Too bad it's all the way over there in France and I'm in Canada 😒 oh well, I'm sure somebody deserving will find it.

[@CarlTippins]

I really liked that liquor cabinet your mother found. I love antique glass. But, you have to be careful with antique decanters. Most have a really high amount of lead in the glass which will poison you if you actually used them. I use to mix up some water with and food coloring to match the color of the liquor that would go in the decanters. Makes a nice display, but really not usable.

[@BlinkFly]

Your dad is a absolute champ! What a guy. I really like seeing him in the vlogs, he seems like such a great guy and knowledgeable too.

[@008moneypenny]

I’m 77 yr old women from Los Angeles ca. I think your dad is dishy. I’m also an artist, jack of all trades. It makes for a life of never being board I jump from designing to sewing knitting crocheting dancing singer cooking entertainment party planner I may not be the prettiest girl on the park but I’ll never bore you Your much like me , my advice is to enjoy your life. I’m so excited about your dream. The cottage, your art. Your going to need furniture for a home. That what I wan to help with

[@taitweigel64]

Loving the open ceiling upstairs. This project is moving along quite well. Your Dad is a big help and good teacher.

[@Jayrose59]

I was looking up your tea strainers and sugar tongs on ebay. You definitely got a BARGAIN. In the spout tea strainer was $120 just for one!!!

[@dianeglimes3169]

Your father is so talented and you are lucky to learn from his skills. I think the cottage will be wonderful

[@jindiyou]

Funny that when you were in the antique shop, Robin Hood’s soundtrack came up. British tale made to a movie by Hollywood and sung by Canadian singer and played in 2020 although the song ‘I do it for you’ was released in early 90s. And get to hear it in somewhere in the middle of France.

[@pruebonifant2568]

Oh, just one more thing...... don’t let your Dad work too hard. I imagine he’s one of these people you can’t hold back......

[@008moneypenny]

be sure to have him stay healthy till I get there to help

[@Ragnar8504]

My parents got a neighbour who's about the same age, three years older I think. He's also a bricklayer and he once told us: "I've got a speech impediment! I can't say no!". Wise words I think! Words I often have to think of myself when everybody around asks me for help. That neighbour worked extremely hard well into his late 70s, then his health really deteriorated and now he's just trying to survive for a few more years.

[@loloholmes2793]

@@Ragnar8504 imagine how much faster his health would've gone down hill had he been sitting around & not working... What younger people don't understand is that that generation has a work ethic 2nd to none. They NEED to work & be busy because "Idle hands are the tool of the devil" Its the generation. Pity young people today don't have the same work ethic... They'd rather make a living being Social Media Influencers & expect freebies to arrive in the post than getting their hands dirty. (No, I'm not talking about Michael, he actually works & gets dirty... I'm talking about sites like Fashion Mumblr & Man About Town)

[@Eryclee]

Those silver little treasures you found at the antique shop are so beautiful and perfect as gifts! Love this channel so much! The name of the song it Jakarta-Bonsaye if anyone is wondering! Cheers from Italy

[@jjaus]

That travel chair is called a Sedan Chair.

[@angelrays7]

Michael, that dresser with the bling would jazz up your gardeners cottage. Fantastic piece

[@ChateautenBerghe]

Hi, can't wait to see the progress!

[@Jooolse]

0:16 This view with the chateau and the fog in the background... 😻

[@markkd]

I love that shop in Dinan. There is another good one about 15 minutes away on the other side of the town.

[@deborrastrom8559]

Oh Michael I am soo excited for you ...sounds like the cows are too! Lol Love your dad! Haha. Glad he knows what he is doing! Thankyou, for sharing...feeling like its my place your fixing....lol

[@dyinteriors]

How delightful your home will be with all that sterling for your afternoon tea. stunning! You father and Sean are hard workers. You father has loads and loads of expertise. I just adore your father. What a good man he is. Michael you are so very special too. You all make us here in New York smile from ear to ear!

[@maureenkotwic5461]

Yay I love waking up to your blog on Saturday morning in Oz 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@Tracy_R]

Oh my, we love Dad ♡ perfect!!! HI MOM! Brother Billy knows where to shop for the good furniture. So super fun shopping w/U. Never seen a silver tea strainer like that. You done good!!!

[@kaceyharms3135]

It’s almost like one should use an icing piping bag ... to get mortar into there really deep

[@jennifersmall1998]

Let’s go and buy furniture before we even have lime on the walls. I know that feeling.

[@louisedumais6496]

I love you, you are humble, artisitic, musical, a hard worker and you care about your other chateau owners, you are loving and caring, love your whole family

[@kelleyfrench9663]

That thing in the antique shop is called a "sedan chair".

[@tracylee4633]

It was nice to get a glimps of your other Brother pottering around in the back ground ,doing this thing.You have a wonderful family xx

[@-AuburnWaves]

Tracy Lee, which other brother, do you mean Billy? I also saw a guy wandering about who I didn't recognize (while the others are working with lime mortar) and wondered who he is? Thanks!

[@oldheadcook]

So excited to watch the cottage come back to life❣️

[@MrMrremmington]

Hey Michael hi from Branford Ontario, yeah that ceiling was just crap what’s above is so much better and more sound. The room will look so lovely with a vaulted ceiling. A bit of light mortar here there and the place is going to be snug and sound. The chandeliers in that antique shop,, wow wee. Those bed end tables are beautiful which Billy found. If you drench them with lemon oil, let them sit for a night. Next, paste wax with floor/ Furniture wax, they will look restored. Without damaging the antique quality. Some people like beeswax for furniture it’s a lot of work. You can do the Lemon oil in 20 minutes. Wait overnight and wax in 10 minutes. Buff after a couple hours and U have beautiful results. Dad is as charming and kind as ever. Good find the ring holder, very posh. Love that Range Rover, the diffuse light from the roof cover look great. Mom looked photo perfect in the backseat. Michael, ur better to buy plate flatware. The Sterling is too valuable if it goes missing and plate, man, they’re giving it away. Here in Ontario Canada for $100,, you can get a 12 place setting, the whole dinner service. Sterling is lovely and valuable but it’s not worth it anymore for flatware, people melt it down, it’s become so crazy. Best of luck to you guys. I can’t wait to see more. Thank you Michael for the video. P.S. now I learned how to fix my 1870 river stone foundation wall. Document ur father’s knowledge. It,s so important now.

[@heatherc1783]

i’m watching from Ayr, ON! MrRemmington Good luck with your 1870 river stone foundation too.

[@virginiagoodale9069]

I'm watching from Strathroy ON. My Grandma was disgusted with us because none of us wanted her silver, after years of helping her clean it.

[@pdq5465]

MrRemmington This vlog is popular with us Canadians. I’m watching from Mississauga, Ontario 😀🇨🇦

[@suzannehamilton-reid6600]

Watching this video was just pure joy. My beautiful old Dad passed away 8 years ago this week. Watching your Dad was like watching my Dad work. He always taught me how to do things like plumbing and building. It didn't matter that I was a girl, he said everyone should know how to fix things ! You Dad is amazing, learn as much as you can from him and then you and Billy can pass on that knowledge to Earnest. The antique shop was amazing ! We certainly don't get things like that in North Queensland Australia.... Keep up the great work Michael, your doing an amazing job. :-)

[@lailuna11]

My dad has said in the case of goggles fogging up, at the beginning of the day, put some dish soap on the interior lenses, wipe the soap around, rinse with water, and they shouldn't steam up the rest of the day!

[@teresacarle294]

💐Good tip. 👀I'll have to try that for sure.👏

[@jennifercoughtrie2939]

I have become addicted to both Michael and Stephanie’s chateaux adventures and daily life. Best wishes to you all.

[@joy959]

What a lovely family helping each other out and shopping together👍🏻

[@ginahamlyn2569]

I love silver too and I would be in heaven in that antique shop. Well done on such progress in the cottage. Michael you have such lovely parents and family. I hope you realize how blessed you are.

[@patriciacalunniato6872]

Michael so glad to see you wearing your mask nice to see your mum I could listen to you all day your so lucky to have your dad helping youxx

[@kathleenomahony2519]

Love to see his dad's cottage as well ,there such a super family, great to see Billy,gwen, and baby ernest.michaels cottage is coming along great I look forward to seeing it each week.

[@pennylane9155]

Your cottage is coming along so well,I am enjoying watching your journey with great interest. it is so wonderful to see a family living and working together enjoying life. You do not see it so much these days. In days gone by intergenerational families were common place. love and much happiness to you all.

[@fishermann1102]

Michael and Billy, you are so lucky to have such a wonderful and strong father. How is your dad?

[@poodlegirl55]

Dad is my idol. What a guy!!