Take the Tour | Manor & Maker

Tour our chateau in the Dordogne, Aquitaine, France. We tour the first two floors, with the top floor, tower and outbuildings to come later.
Music by Jamie Christopherson and Jeff MacDonald for Louder Productions.
Sara, an IT professional & Stephen a graphic designer and artist are world travelling Canadians who have dreamt of moving to Europe and France in particular.
In 2020 they were working from home when Stephen turned to Sara and popped the question she was longing to hear, “What would have to be true for us to buy a chateau in France?”
They searched online for months viewing hundreds of properties.
They narrowed their search and toured some properties when they happened upon the one that captured our hearts, Chateau de Saint Germain des Pres.
A year later they made the move to France to start their new adventure in our beautiful Chateau.
They created “Manor and Maker” to reflect the two sides of there 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.

[@katewestcottvt]

Steve and Sarah, I'm so happy for you two! Such a wonderful place!

[@ourfloridagarden4191]

Sarah and Steve, We just want to thank you for inviting us to see your new home. You both look so happy and we are happy for you. Blessings.

[@geolam58]

What a gem! Fellow Canadian here! When we saw the photos of the exterior of your newly acquired château on Chateau Diaries, I thought it looked lovely, but I had no idea it was so spectacular. I am impressed…

[@kellyhawes8901]

Such a beautiful chateau! I love love the carved fireplaces, the stone fireplaces and all the accents. I love the painted dresser Sarah! It makes me think of the beautiful painted inserts in medieval books. What fun you will both have making it your own. ♥️

[@vivalila123]

That dresser is gorgeous indeed!

[@deniereynolds6119]

Steve needs a speaker (microphone) so that when he turns away from the camera the sound doesn’t fade.

[@jmk1962]

Microphone

[@deniereynolds6119]

@@jmk1962 yes microphone thanks

[@pauka90]

I second that!!

[@debshaw680]

I had the closed captions on and the tv up loud. Closed captions are hilarious when they’re trying to decipher French words. 😂

[@carolweaver3269]

Yes, it would help greatly. I think too it is an echo we are getting * but weakly* from the rooms yet a bit empty. It will help with furniture and more items in it I think? He did mention this and think that is part of the problem? It is good you have stated this though, as it would be helpful and did see I had trouble hearing him, also. I thought it was my "google chrome" as it does not have as good of a speaker as my laptop used to have I notice. * That makes it worse to hear anyone*

[@jeangodding6348]

The house is charming , I see why you fell for it. There’s so much potential .. so much to do , but I think it’s going to be fun watching you change him into your chateau.

[@MariaReyes-te7lk]

Congratulations, from South Florida...Lovely Chateau! The foyer or entrance for Christmas will be AWESOME with a Christmas tree ... Also lovely dining table with crystal chandelier only those area you both will have fabulous Christmas.. an setting the table for Christmas. Rejoice on what you have...don't worry about all the work needs the Chateaux.. to be fix..You celebrate today...God is incharge...Blessings...

[@irenebrown3144]

The wood finishings are absolutely gorgeous Steve.

[@nikishazechiel6848]

Absolutely agree!!

[@rainbocatz6376]

Yes! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE don't paint over them!

[@sadielaurentiwhitley3762]

I always loved seeing you both at Stephanie's, you both are my favorite guests at her place. I'm so excited you started your own channel so we can follow your exciting chapter in France . Congratulations!

[@maritrevenew3257]

I wholeheartedly agree.You were always my favourite guests,volunteers at La Lande.I was always hoping to see more of your journey.I am very excited that you now have your own Chateau.Thank you for inviting us into your home and life.Happy days.

[@michelebourke4340]

ditto, sadie. stunning home already n what a journey it will be vicariously sharing your personality-shaping here. excited, from new zealand.

[@knuscru]

Can't wait to see more. Gentle suggestion: Slow the panning shots down and pull back so we can see the whole view. Very excited for you both and congratulations on your beautiful new home and adventure.

[@ManorandMaker]

Thank you! Gentle suggestions very welcome!

[@cathymoore2377]

Also Steve could use a microphone

[@ManorandMaker]

@@cathymoore2377 or we need our rugs from Canada, which are stuck in Rotterdam, to stop the écho!

[@Alexx.winter]

@@ManorandMaker Both some rug and microphones would probably be helpful (I usually have the volume at 8 I had it at 20 for this video, just for a reference for the sound at my end). I can't wait to see how it will look with your personal touches.

[@ManorandMaker]

@@Alexx.winter thanks! Thats super helpful as we improve our editing skills!

[@sarahburton3110]

Exquisite carvings. You’re so fortunate to have found a real gem

[@stephaniewaters4931]

The mezzanine is amazing! Well, the entire chateau is amazing, but I do love a mezzanine! Thank you for sharing! Very excited to add you to my chateau rotation!!! 🥰

[@laurareid5837]

So glad you decided to do a blog. Can’t wait to follow this journey with you. I have enjoyed your down to earth style and the excitement that is in your voice. From a fellow Canadian in Edmonton

[@janeys8420]

Hi Steve and Sarah. So pleased you have given us this very first “before” video. How exciting to be starting this beautiful journey and bringing us with you. Love the idea of finding names for all your rooms. I’m sure it will be easy to fit the en-suites in. I can see why you both fell in love with this chateau. It’s really beautiful already. Can’t wait to see all the enhancements you choose. Much love x

[@shannonphillips9344]

Really looking forward to you revealing more of the Chateau's secrets! It's so lovely and so glad we got to see the "before" so we can follow this journey with you....congrats again, guys!

[@ManorandMaker]

Excellent work 😜😜😜

[@lewtscott3346]

Reference floor plans and/or maps of the grounds would always be helpful at the start of these types of vlogs.

[@michellezevenaar]

Many vloggers avoid sharing a real floor plan because it makes it easy for people to plan a break in. Many vloggers also don't share the views out of the window to keep there adress private. Thats nearly impossible with a chateau named after a village.

[@Randy8923]

Hello Steve and Sarah, I met you through Stephanie at LaLande. Congratulations on your new chateau, It is beautiful! Im here for the journey with you.

[@AnAlbertaGirlAtHeart]

So lovely I enjoy seeing people happy, living their dreams. It's wonderful and a bonus to now have Canadians to follow. ( Of course I do love some of the Brits channels too) Looking forward to watching your adventures and getting settled in

[@izby2652]

Amazing! That back courtyard alongside the road I can see filled with potted plants to cheer it up a bit. Beautiful home though. Congratulations!

[@michellezevenaar]

If its close to the kitchen then hurbs would be great!

[@louisegatti9262]

Beautiful Chateau!! Looks like it has been well taken care of by previous owners, that you could just move in and enjoy. I think I remember Stephanie saying when she bought her Chateau that she lived in it 1 year before making changes, that way she got to know the chateau and studied many books on how to renovate the chateau. Exciting time for you, can hardly wait to see the many secret places of your chateau and hear about the many secrets it is hiding from you. Cheers!!!

[@jiggyfun807]

This house has some major secrets!! Was this an ancient meeting lodge as a pose to a family resident? So many folks buying chateaus, but you all hit the jackpot! Love you all, brilliant job!!

[@pattyhill4682]

It's beautiful! A suggestion would be , is to get a microphone. Hard to hear at times.♥️

[@janinebarron2691]

@@pattyhill4682 yes I had my volume up max to hear

[@tinasteer2507]

@@pattyhill4682 I am having the same problem. Big rooms big echos.

[@sarahburton3110]

I knew it!! You topped over 10 k subscribers in you first week 😊💙💖🥂. So very happy for you. All the best in everything 🌸💜💚

[@PolyvoreThea]

Oh to be so close to the village! How lovely it all is!

[@marthacochrane484]

Beautiful chateau........looks Elizabethan with the gallery and fire place.

[@Tony-InLosAngeles]

Good point especially with that main room fireplace

[@marcellejosephine9119]

Gorgeous chateau!!! The fun part is we get to see how it becomes even more beautiful!! Wishing you lots of luck 🍀

[@teedee3834]

I hope at some point you will be able to replace the red brick on the dining room fireplace with marble or some kind of stone. The beautiful mantel deserves it. Congratulations on making your dream come true and may you have many years of happiness in your new home!!!💝💖💝

[@carolmorris5753]

Love, love, love this chateau!!! I’ve been following several vlogs on these and this has to be my favorite. Not humongous, beautiful woodwork, fireplaces, etc. This one would not overwhelm me with size and renovations to do. Very charming! Congratulations to you both for finding such a jewel 💎

[@sarahmattingly6971]

I actually love the wallpaper in the main salon. It’s so dramatic and has a slightly medieval feel!

[@ReigningVintage]

Love your chateau! Wish it were mine! All the best with all of your plans! It would take me awhile to decide where to start! But what fun and work! Love your tower and the Juliet balcony. The dining room, entry, staircase and the fireplaces would have sold me! (everything!) Just trying to wrap my head around how you get from Canada (nothing against Canada!) to buying a chateau in France. You are very daring and brave to take on such a grand endeavor. Will love to see your style in furnishing and decoration. No time to waste!!

[@marthaizaguirre6363]

Wow! The grand hall fireplace would have been the deal breaker for me too. Love the Downton Abbey mezzanine! Have fun making your beautiful castle your home! 😊

[@carynkabat4208]

This house is in the best shape of the many chateau vlogs I have seen. You have some work to do but not as much as some I have seen. Good luck and congratulations.

[@elainegelina477]

Beautiful

[@charlotteMT134]

Thanks for tour #1. I'm imagining Sarah (and you too, Steve) have a colour palette in mind and are ready to splash out your 'maker' talents to brighten up your already beautiful home. Swooping down the staircase in gorgeous glad rags, shouting 'Darling, slide down the potatoes' in the dining room, and racing along the mezzanine to the WC :) have captured my imagination. And those thick tower walls! Good to hear your Canadian furniture will soon arrive. Hugs.

[@ManorandMaker]

We are leaning heavily on Steve on the palette, as he is a graphic designer and has a better eye for it. I will of course have opinions!

[@kimcrofoot8517]

So stinking excited for you guys. I so look forward to seeing what you do with the place!

[@elisabethe8055]

It will be a treat to follow your journey in this beautiful gem of a chateau, to see what you will transform in in to. Thank you for sharing!

[@tinacarrol6702]

What a Beautiful Fireplace and Staircase.Its Lovely Steve, Sarah Xx 😊

[@lauragraham1122]

New beginnings are so exciting.... and this Chateau is lovely. Hello fellow Canadians living in Europe. Looking forward to watching your journey.

[@elliewood4292]

Steve & Sarah, Congratulations to you both on your beautiful new home. The interior and exterior is gorgeous. Wishing you both a lifetime of happy memories and wonderful adventures. Looking forward to seeing lots more. Much Love.

[@claudp3407]

Very nice Steve & Sarah. Looks like she has good bones - just some decorating to make it really awesome! It’s a good idea to live in it for a while to see what you want to change or how to make over. I love what I’ve seen so far.

[@TheSmdl]

That room between the kitchen and dining room is called the butler pantry. It was the transition room for the butler and servers to bring the cooked meals to the dining room. So nobody had direct view into the kitchen while eating. That room usually stored the nice serving dishes as well.

[@margoarmstrong3042]

So many gorgeous original features that blow me away. I can see why you fell in love with your beautiful Chateau...absolutely charming.🇨🇦.

[@dawnbarnes8729]

I know you must feel you are in a dream. Thank you for bringing us along. I’m excited to see the progress as you make this place your home. ❤️😊

[@t.s.507]

Wow, it looks to be in excellent shape! Beautiful architectural details in this house. Congrats again you two!

[@fredscott1199]

I am so glad that you will change the paper in the opening of your home. I don't see you guys as Burgundy color people! I see two lovely and happy people who need more comfortable colors! Best of luck, guys!

[@dloadthis1617]

Hi Steve and Sarah, WOW! You are so fortunate to have found a chateau with those fantastic wooden carved mantels and fireplaces. Thank you for taking us on a tour of your home. 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@christinevr7698]

Kudos! You two are quite good in front of the camera considering you just got started AND your intro is excellent. Had a chuckle- “Sounds like me, trying to sing.” 🤣 … Your place is GORGEOUS. Not too big , not too small - JUUUST RIGHT! It’s a fairytale come true. So happy for you.

[@ManorandMaker]

@@arnicepernice8656 absolument ! We are so appreciative of all the help of our chateau friends!

[@estherclark9247]

As a fellow Canadian I am so happy for you. Looking forward to seeing more of your adventure. 🇨🇦🥰

[@melodybecker2309]

How Exciting!! Love, love and love!!! Thanks for sharing!!! Cheerio!

[@healinggardens-terribowlby3129]

Fellow Canadian from Nova Scotia here… Have been following since you arrived at Château Lalande and your journey since then… You must pinch yourself every morning that you wake up in that beautiful Chateau! So very excited for you Steve and Sarah! Thank you for sharing your journey with us! Go Canucks! 💜🇨🇦🎉

[@joymarks4174]

I can just picture a huge Christmas tree in that entry hall. It’s beautiful! Congratulations

[@maryjenkins6848]

What a great new adventure for both of you. It is just beautiful. I am so excited for you both. I look forward to many more updates and adventures.

[@barbarawatson1667]

Hello from Calgary, so pleased for you both on the purchase of your new home. I thought my last trip to France just before Covid was my last….now I think we may have to return if you operate a bedroom or two as a bed and breakfast! So happy to see fellow Canadians so happy! …living their dream. Many blessings. P.S. I hope you had a wonderful first Thanksgiving in France.

[@robinfinicle3040]

Spectacular! Livin' the dream! Congratulations!

[@lotusdolphin]

This château is absolutely stunning inside and out. It’s amazingly in good condition. I can’t wait to here are the history on it. The staircase and the fireplace are absolutely lovely! Really enjoyed the tour and can’t wait to see what kind of a spin you put on it. Thank you so much from California💜😎🇺🇸

[@anthonylewischurchill-theg233]

Thank You Guys, beautiful Chateau. I can see you are going to have so much fun decorating it and making it your fairytale home

[@martaaberg3330]

I'm really rather taken with this beautiful chateau. I can see why you fell in love with it. I am looking forward to a tour of Sarah's sewing space and her vintage machine. I belong to a wonderful group called Learn To Sew on You Vintage Singer (other vintage machines are very welcome), and I love to see people keeping these vintage and antique machines in service.

[@Rosebuddy777]

So exciting!!!!!

[@cbwmama8461]

Beautiful house with so much potential. The small room off the kitchen leading into the dining room is a Butler's Pantry where the silver, china, and crystal was stored. This is also where the wine would be decanted. Normally, they do have a small sink but it might have been removed at some point. As for the age of the house -- the owners of Chateau de Montmagner (on KZbin) have found a Stone Historian who apparently is well respected in his field. They also have a mystery because their tower does not seem to match the living areas. They are located approx 45 minutes southwest of Chateau de la Lande. Enjoy :o) And don't worry on what you will call the rooms. I grew up in a 20 room house and the usage of rooms changed all the time lolololol

[@carolweaver3269]

I love Butlers Pantry! That is a unique feature and so very useful, so needed!

[@christopherhowison5873]

Love it!!!!! So glad you guys decided to take us along with you. I was really hoping you would when you told us about it while you were at Stephanie’s.

[@veronicaholland6726]

Love your Chateau, looking forward to the next videos.

[@marlenesistrunk5300]

Thank y’ll for sharing your lovely château ..

[@ScissorsAndSmiles]

Thanks for taking us on a tour. Looks like a place with great potential. Hope you can start on it soon!

[@KodieS]

Congratulations to you both, what an absolutely gorgeous building! I look forward to seeing it become your home. - Buffalo, NY

[@dawnthompson4763]

Love it, exciting times .

[@kateforsyth1133]

Breakfast room is a butlers pantry for China and silver. Love your chateaux!

[@jo-anndangelo1774]

So happy to share your dream…it’s really lovely and can’t wait to see your very own touches.👏🏻

[@robindales9303]

Congratulations Sarah and Steve! I’m a fellow Canadian and I love living vicariously through you both - thank you for sharing your journey!

[@charmingSaint]

Lovely chateau Sarah never apologize for what you find pleasant to your eye that beautiful yellow painted dresser only share the beauty never apologize.

[@debradevine3949]

Just love the north entrance by the road. I can see pits of red geraniums throughout that area. It will make passerbys smile!

[@marnieenglish9400]

Yay so happy to of added you to my chateau hopping list. So glad you are in and getting settled. Looking forward to following your vlogs and your future xx 😘

[@susanmace8183]

What a beautiful home. It will be lovely when you have furnished it to your taste.

[@cherylmckay6806]

What a find! You two will be fun to follow.

[@marilynnash1197]

What an amazing chateau. Love the staircase😊😊

[@karens138]

Love the intro and music, so cheery. What a beautiful chateau, I love the size of it and look forward to your next video to see more. How exciting, what a dream, all the very best to you x

[@jessdelange520]

Stunning! It's not huge, love the size. The features are just breath taking. Congrats Steve and Sarah. I look forward to journing along with you. I wish you everything of the best in your future andeavors. Regards Jessica from South Africa

[@LizelleGrobler]

Beautiful Chateau! 💟🇿🇦

[@sabrinasouth7317]

I love how you say out and house and about. I’m from northern Minnesota and we say it the same way. 🤪

[@paigepooler9036]

What a beautiful chateau! Looks like it’s in amazing shape too. I’m looking forward to watching it come together and become your home!

[@ruthdice2154]

Beautiful home, looks like it was maintained, the wood working is gorgeous.

[@granny7031]

HEAVY EXCITEMENT!!! 😮 ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ 🇨🇦

[@EEN63]

The fireplaces are fabulous... especially the one in the dining room, but I’m more into intricate carvings of acanthus leaves more so than depictions of war, but that’s just my personal tastes! The grand salon fireplace is definitely grand and full of history... to be discovered! I think the room between the kitchen and dining room with all the storage could make an incredible butler’s pantry! (Be still my heart!) I love the grandeur of the huge dining table and those beautiful chairs! What amazing dinner parties you will have! I can’t wait to see more. I’ll keep my fingers crossed your things from Canada arrive soon without much inconvenience! Looking forward to meeting your fur babies! Congratulations again on this thrilling adventure!

[@hopediamond214]

So excited for you both 💕 waiting with baited breath to see how you transform this beautiful chateau and make it your own 🤗

[@tunicoco]

This chateau is absolutely beautiful! I can't wait to see what you're going to do with it. Very excited for you!

[@wiggy3333]

GTA in the house! 🇨🇦 Your Chateau is absolutely beautiful. The Grand Salon and 2nd floor hallway have stolen my heart! Congratulations to you both!

[@isabelgomes6118]

Hello from a fellow Canadian. I was very excited to see that you would be doing a vlog. As an designer, real estate agent, and one who has dreamed of restoring a place in europe; I am looking forward to following your adventure as you restore your beautiful chateau. Thank you for opening your home and sharing your journey with us..

[@laurag2112]

A big congratulations from a fellow Torontonian. You bought a beautiful place. I am so excited to see the transformations that you bring. I am so very happy for you.🇨🇦❤️

[@cheriesharp234]

Love love love your Chateau, just the right size for you. If I could pursude my other half to buy one that's the size I'd want it. Can't wait to see you decorte and furnish it. And the draws are beautiful, what a find xxxx

[@PatriciaAnnAppleArt]

So happy for you both!

[@lynnelanguedoc4049]

Wow great little chateau...can't wait to see how you both make it your own. As a fellow Canadian I can only say this is what dreams are made of. Thanks for the lovely tour. Take care guys. ❤️🇨🇦

[@janetvorenkamp3655]

Congrats! so glad to see there is a dog at this chateau. looking forward to your adventure. My best to you!

[@KittyPieJaja]

Wow what an amazing home you’ve found! So full of treasure and great adventures. It would be nice to see if you eventually get to make a mock floor plan as there is so many doors and little rooms that it was a bit difficult to imagine a layout. And can’t wait to see what you guys get to do to this volatile canvas! Congrats

[@ManorandMaker]

Great feedback, thanks!

[@juliegraham8133]

@@ManorandMaker The popcorn is called woodchip if it is wallpaper and artex if it is a finish on the ceiling.

[@truckerbrat7005]

Oh My gosh, I can see why you fell in love with it! Beautiful!

[@deannayoung5311]

Oh my heart you two 💞👌 Seriously Absolutely stunning I love love your new home Your very own Chateau 💐🕍 I can only say 👏 wow I feel like a kid so excited I can see myself running around Room to room then out side 😁 Truly Absolutely beautiful video 👌

[@anneallen3566]

Y’all, it’s beautiful! I love that there’s a town close by. Can’t wait to see it and the hamlet. Steve, Sarah is a much better tour guide-just saying, lol. I’m really happy for y’all. Always fun to see ppl from LaLande clogs.

[@denisemarle4141]

It's beautiful and looks a great size, not too big and seems to be in good condition compared to other Châteaux I've seen on KZbin.. but sounds like all the scary stuff is on the top floor! It's going to be great watching how you both bring it to life with your design skills... The dogs look chilled and ok with the big move! 🙂

[@graciemaca6996]

This Chateau is in remarkably good condition compared to other Chateaus which need much renovation. Even if some rooms are not to your taste, they are at least presentable for the time being. The Chateau has so much character and the possibilities for personal likes and improvements will enhance this beautiful place. Congratulations on your newly discovered gem! Hoping all the best for your family and on your journey in France!

[@CarlosGonzalez-eb2mb]

Congratulations!!! Beautiful chateau!! Like very much the adjacency tower and 19th century block. Light, space, chimneys and ceilings details, views, park and just a walk to be in downtown!! Fantastic!! Welcome your home Sarah & Steve 🤎 !!!

[@ManorandMaker]

Thank you Carlos!

[@ginatees3262]

Excellent bones to the chateau. Look forward to seeing how put your stamp on it. Exciting times. You have to live in it and get a feel for how the spaces will work for you.

[@janetmackinnon3411]

So full of light! All good wishes.

[@lizamartin4705]

The little room in between the kitchen and dining room is a china room or butlers pantry. But a great place to keep all your dishes and glasses and table clothes and silverware etc.

[@luiginayerino592]

Beautiful fireplaces.