Painting Our Medieval Dungeon Metalwork | French Chateau DIY

/ thebeauchateau
TikTok: @thebeauchateau
Instagram: @chateaudelesigny
Thanks to our growing Patreon community, we are able to aid in the electrical repairs we are having installed in the chateau this spring!
Patreon funding goes directly toward renovating the historical Chateau de Lesigny!
Special thanks to our dear Patrons: Andrea, Jesse, Bernadette, Theo, and Morgan for your outstanding support of this Beau Chateau!
You can help support our renovation projects by joining our Patreon Community and gain access to exclusive videos, updates and more!
Join us, Daphne and Ian, as we embark on our new chateau renovation projects! This week, we prepare the chateau dungeon for our first event rental of the year! This includes refinishing the old metalwork that has been rusting away for centuries. Ian digs up even more covered garden boundaries and we determine which green looks best for our Hunter's Lodge renovation. Next week, we will have Benoit back to start another big project!
Our "beau chateau" (The 500-year-old, Chateau De Lesigny), is located near Paris, France. Most of the structures around the chateau domain need a full restoration, so we are investing everything we have into making the property thrive! We are learning more about french culture and developing new skills along the way!
As a French/American UC Berkeley graduate in Agriculture (Daphne), and a U.S. Air Force Tactical Response Force Veteran/ Kinesiologist (Ian), we share a love for challenges and adventure. We have a long road ahead of us and we are excited to share the experience with you!
You can support our renovation projects by joining our Patreon Community, where you can also gain access to exclusive videos and behind the scene access with Daphne and Ian! All patron funding is used to renovate this historical French Chateau. Every patron is paramount to our chateau renovations and we thank you all tremendously!
Produced by Daphne and Ian
Videography & Editing by Ian
All music tracks used in this video are licensed by Artlist:

[@sandradinwoodie8245]

Just remember without putting a hardish surface under the gravel, the gravel may sink into the grass and disappear. I learned that the hard way

[@carlygrace2]

I prefer the richness of the original dark green. I think darker is better. Feels more historic and like it belongs on a hunters lodge. That being said, you guys do seem to have good taste😉

[@TheBeauChateau]

Thank you for your input 😊 We love the original green but since they are being replaced, we decided to use an olive green and peach base color like many of the French country homes we see around Provence. The color doesn’t look quite the same in the video, as in person. The original green looks like a dark forest green, So British looks like olive green, and Darjeeling looks like a light, pastel green. 😊

[@bethcervenka1813]

I like the original. If not keeping it, darker is better for more contrast.

[@yeli-he3qx]

Dark green is not very French style for shutters. The colours they chose are much better (IMO). Difficult choice.

[@carlygrace2]

That’s very true. Colors never seem to come across exactly on video😉 Whatever you choose is going to look lovely I’m sure!

[@jeanninef2110]

I like it as is but I also think change is good. Looking at historical colours might be good….a darker olive green maybe? And your house = your choice!

[@yasminclarke6765]

Love the black window metal! I also agree that the gravel on the walking area would look so beautiful and inviting. Nobody wants to walk in grass when it’s wet. It will also make the garden beds a lot more defined. Walking on compressed gravel is so romantic and you have enough grass to sacrifice lol

[@TheBeauChateau]

Thank you for your feedback! We have seen several chateau gardens with beautiful gravel designs. We will definitely explore that idea further 😊

[@jodieshannon5033]

Traditional gravel !

[@Amy-of7gw]

Well, just remember, you will have to remove the grass, and put underlayment as barrier to keep the grass from coming back. It will be expensive, abs gravel is very fluid, it moves with traffic be it hand, cart of machine.

[@yasminclarke6765]

@@TheBeauChateau I look forward to see whatever you choose to do with your beautiful chateau! I appreciate everything you do from the maintenance on the chateau, educating us and the wonderful editing of the videos. Some channels are great but need to do better with the editing. You have mastered that because I get bored easily.

[@YesItsMeGuys68]

Of all the Chateaus on KZbin, YOURS is the Best of Show in my eyes...... stunning curb appeal

[@TheBeauChateau]

That is very sweet of you to say 😊 Thank you!

[@kristyrash927]

I really appreciate that you use safety equipment like proper masks and goggles when sanding/painting even with open air. Love it!!😊

[@wendyhall8834]

I love how Ian makes her giggle all the time!!

[@janehavens3086]

You need a garden landscaper to get the planting right. It is such an amazing space, it deserves a professional plan even if it takes years to implement.

[@stephaniegaromon3244]

Only because you asked for opinions, I like black/green darker than your original green because it is a beautiful contrast to the building and has an elegant look. I’m not sure if I’m a fan of any of the samples. But you both have great taste so do what makes you happy. The drone footage is beautiful and your humor is great. You are so happy together and a joy to watch. I think Daphne needs a gift of coveralls for paint projects. I love the dungeon and the grillwork is gorgeous. xx

[@rachbryant]

Love seeing the drone images of the gardens. The area at the back of the chateau you don't really talk about much. It would be a beautiful wildflower meadow for weddings ❤

[@johnbourke2778]

Coloured gravel paths surrounding 4 formal beds would look fab with a fountain in the pond

[@Gosss111]

Bonjour! Pour ma part, je trouve le vert d'origine plus traditionnel et historique. Les autres verts font couleurs hôpitaux:) Merci pour votre belle chaine KZbin. Thank for preserving this castle. I enjoy also the garden with all you did. If you put rock in the walkway, dont forgot to put plastic sheet under so the grass not growing beetween.

[@kmagslove3983]

Is it wrong that my most favorite parts are the unearthing of that incredible garden??? Oh man!!! How incredible!!

[@alanseviour7346]

Stay with the original green❤

[@donaldauguston9740]

Personally, I liked the darker green. I think a lot of folks below feel the same way. Good luck, DA

[@micheledenise2305]

Oh my goodness I can't help to laugh out loud when Ian does his yard work!!! 😂❤

[@paulacorreal1675]

I also like the original green color…watching from PA, USA.

[@bobanderson9264]

Whatever green color you decide to pick, I concur with your final decision… Because, you two reflect the sincere love you have for each other plus your passion to restore your castle. Also, it makes this old man (me) wish when my lovely wife and I were younger to have the had the guts (and as my better half would explain ~ learn to do handy work) and get out of our comfort zone to cross over the pond (Atlantic Ocean) and acquire a castle…once again, THANK YOU!!

[@joshr9417]

Ian, once again I am a big fan of your snug pants!

[@MyPupDash]

Bro is caked up!

[@isabelherrera8647]

I prefer the original dark green 💚 it's beautiful!!!!

[@theresapendleton5305]

So British- is lovely and will brighten up once it's dry.

[@patoshea5351]

Keep dark green as is.....consider getting a chalk marker as they use in marking out football. Or baseball pitches to show off your borders in garden

[@michalsmalley]

I like the darker green. Just seems to pop more without being to much

[@debbieosborn9464]

The original dark green is the best!

[@mamabearlovesbts6087]

Personally, I like the So British. I am absolutely amazed by the Garden you continue to uncover, such a beautiful Garden.

[@EmilyBoltz]

“So British”looks amazing- heritage paint! I love your editing - I laughed out loud! I was really surprised at what a difference painting the ironwork made. It looks great! See you next time!

[@lpoling4063]

My vote is the “So British”. Gives a updated look. The other color IMO reads more blue undertones, where So British is a more olive green which again IMO compliments the peach pink walls. The rod iron dungeon window is absolutely beautiful. The craftsmanship is enduring. You could never afford a piece like that made today…at least I couldn’t afford it. Thanks for sharing your updates. Favorite chateau channel❤

[@ann-mariechediak1305]

Darker green for sure. The lighter green with the peach to me gives off an easter vibe.

[@lindaallen9721]

Oh, gosh, please keep the dark green!!

[@laurenglass4514]

I like the blue but you are there and it is your happiness that is important

[@marciabeverly822]

I like the darker green from the original.

[@KristaHarrisSB]

Loved the original hunter green, but I am sure it looks different in person and in different lighting. Whatever you choose will be lovely. Thank you for sharing your renovation projects with us!

[@TheBeauChateau]

We like the dark green, but it was not original to the building. It was repainted that way by Daphne’s grandfather many years ago, so we wanted to paint the white wall with a peach tone to match the original color of the other outbuildings, and use a provincial green tone to match the style like we’ve seen throughout southern France. We appreciate your input 😊

[@chateaudelannoy]

am with you on that about the color ;)

[@magdamundt9483]

Be bold!! You have such good taste, you cannot go wrong.

[@cferguson3368]

Old time painting technique- when you need to paint railing/wrought iron, use a glove as the paint brush, i.e., put on a plastic glove and then a cotton glove (or sock) over the plastic glove. Dip the gloved hand in the paint & paint. Because you can feel what you paint, you'll get better coverage.

[@lisac1110]

I think darjelling is very nice and aging will change it but that is my opinion lol it's your place and you will look at it every day 😊😊😊

[@smokeit974]

At 6 minutes, in France we call that "Les giboulées de mars". Bon courage pour la suite et merci pour ces belles images.

[@karinbergman1646]

Ahhh, "The Paint Wars." I'm glad to see the dark greeny green go. Anything mossy or light olive is pretty. You have some nice choices! Best of luck!💗

[@sharoncrawford1154]

I like the dark green, or black would look cool on your door

[@Randy8923]

The iron work is so beautiful, I like the black paint on it. Choosing colors for exterior is more difficult then interior in my opinion. I once was restoring a huge Victorian mansion and for many months was deciding the exterior and trim colors and just when I figured it out my painter said , Look at this pallet and I loved it! So it was painted finally in colors I had never thought of and I never regretted it. So in 1 minute the colors were changed and chosen after months of worrying about it {lol}. Blessings.

[@TheSwissChalet]

So British and Peach looks amazing!

[@yasminclarke6765]

The original dark green is beautiful! The contrast against the wall gives it such a elegant pop.

[@ji8044]

You two are just so damn likable! If you sold the chateau I would probably still watch your next youtube project.

[@gitte600]

Yes the original dark green is beutiful.😍

[@jasminelouisefarrall]

Gravel beds would look gorgeous and I love the original green it stands out lovely and you could add some plant pots either side of the doors 🥰🥰

[@pattyadkisson8519]

Don't know the name, but I like the paint for the hunters cottage on the right bottom half. I want to say, I have never seen a harder working couple as you guys are. The window wrought-iron in the dungeon is just beautiful. Love your fur babies !! Blessings.

[@tiffanyenloe3893]

I love the original color

[@katherineleavitt7275]

On the left shutter the paint at the bottom looks best, I do love the original green though. Hugs, Kathy USA 🇺🇸

[@carolwood9270]

Love your giggling Stephanie……

[@jbart5260]

Darjeeling! On my monitor, So British looks very US Army tank green, But, you two are seeing them live. You always seem to end up with good design choices in all your projects.

[@TheBeauChateau]

Thank you for your input! We agree that it looks a little odd in the video, but in person, the old green paint looks like a dark forest green, and so British looks olive, and the Darjeeling looks more like a pastel green. Maybe we will get Benoit’s opinion before we make a final decision 😜

[@wayneNtampa]

i think Ian has the right of the color

[@destonhaarstad855]

I'd like to voice my support for more of Ian's edits (where he asks a question and cuts to Daphne) during parts of the video where he's gardening. Honestly, they were hilarious and really made me smile. MORE! MORE!

[@deegillaspy1939]

I think the original colour is beautiful.

[@MarieClaude]

I love the idea of restoring the hunter’s lodge to its original or authentic colours for the region/time period. Considering that some of your income comes from films/tv series, I’m sure location scouts will appreciate historically accurate settings! Good luck! Also, uncovering more garden borders! Amazing!

[@trueffelli]

Darjeeling!

[@KrisanthiaMum]

I just love you two talking back and forth. I always loved the dungeons tours. Yours looks so bright compared to some I’ve seen… So dark you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face 🥴 I do like the darker green and I’m sure your choice will look amazing.

[@yeli-he3qx]

Traditional colours for shutters in France (for chateaux or big houses) are bright colours. In the 19th century, it was white. Before, bright grey. Now, it is still bright colours, pastel colours. pale green, pale blue, pale grey etc. Not white anymore though. :)

[@jeanineadele]

I like the original dark green. It fits the woodsy feel of the area. I also love the old doors and windows, they so charming.

[@teepeeX]

Love more drone shots just beautiful, I liked the first green ... you know it's just paint and in the end you don't like , paint again😅

[@cgannis2251]

I’m loving the hunter green. It becomes part of natures many green.

[@johnlezy8603]

You guys really should get a historical Gardner to come look at that Gardner, the areal views reveal a valuable historic pattern which, if Returned to its original state, would be treasure to be seen from far away.

[@erink4685]

Yep gravel! I was just thinking from the drone shots that it looks like the walkways would have been gravel around big flower beds. Also, try to find crushed brick for your gravel! We have it in Australia and it’s WAY cheaper than gravel but just as hard wearing. It actually compacts even better than most gravels which means you don’t need a blue metal base layer under it. Also, it’s recycled! Crushed brick. So it means youre actually helping to keep stuff out of landfill too which is great for the world. Over here it’s a beautiful tan colour which looks very natural and like bush gravel so it’s perfect for natural gravel pathways through garden beds.

[@terrylichtenberg7618]

I love watching your videos, wish you would do more than one a week, maybe ever day or two a week,

[@emorel48]

The hunter green is beautiful!

[@BedyBARNARD]

For the green door I like the lightest paint

[@1892ANF]

An ‘edger’ would help keep those garden boundaries crisp! (Tool alert 😁)

[@rosemariedeschenes7013]

I like the So British color. Love seeing the outlines of the garden. Thanks for sharing 😍😘

[@Grahzzyhardcore]

Dungeon so much room for

[@tamtam777]

I like the color that starts with the letter D, it looks very french!

[@Reeflections]

Hi guys~ what if you paint the pink/peach first. Maybe then you can get a better idea of what you want the shutters/trim painted. IDK! LOL ! Just want to say this is one beautiful property ❤🙏🏻✝️

[@terryjarvi2392]

I too like the original green paint!

[@valerialamberti9037]

The dark Green original for me! Gravel Will look amazing

[@256087]

You are kind enough to ask for our opinion. As far as I am concerned, I would choose a darker color (original dark green or even "bordeaux" color). The cottage is not a provencal "mas", the lighter greens would better match with pink or orange tones walls. Maybe look the other historic cottages in your area. But your house, your choice. Thanks a lot for sharing you passion and your beautiful work.

[@manfredclaer6856]

They are all beautiful shades of green, but I think the original moss green gives the most beautiful contrast. I see the other colors more on modern houses.

[@libertyblueskyes2564]

March 21 is the first day of Spring.

[@SirAdamMeek]

So much sanding.... Looks amazing when it's done!

[@vickiturner9392]

You can purchase a stain blocker!! Paint it on over the original dark paint/stain and you shouldn’t get the color bleeding through. Works well with most stains and paints. Love what thou are both achieving. Love from Vicki, Brisbane Australia ❤️❤️❤️

[@trigelrice7291]

I think a good investment would be an edger for garden.

[@windsofthewest2164]

I like the Original green, but honestly the Sage Color was nice or Darjeling was interesting, Maybe just Do Red! Love you and the place looks just magical! I wish I could decorate too! The gardens will be so Amazing! I can't wait!

[@johnniemccraw9371]

I GOT SO EXCITED WHEN I SAW YOUR CHATEAU on the first episode ( in the states) of Marie Antoinette on PBS. It was the most awesome feeling to know this Chateau on a personal level that you bring us

[@karenyuile6983]

The paths in the garden would look fab but for gravel, it is hard for wheelchair uses and pushchairs to go along if you are opening this space up for the public. Just something to consider. PS loved the colour choice xx

[@TheBeauChateau]

We really like the idea of using gravel for the paths, especially to maintain easy access for everyone 😊 many chateau gardens have gravel and it looks pretty!

[@brookelittle9950]

Hey Yall- Just wanted to give a shout out and let you all know the Chateau is looking on point for the first episode of Marie Antoinette!!!

[@cherylbutler446]

Definitely a blue-green and not the yellow green!

[@marylewis4257]

Dark green looks lovely

[@emilyfroemel7622]

Before putting gravel down, dig down and see if there is not some kind of clue to how the pathes were treated earlier. My guess is cobblestone or some sort of rock path that would keep long skirts clean in the garden.

[@leslierussell9317]

Like the dark green better than those samples

[@TheBeauChateau]

The color doesn’t translate well in these videos for some reason.. the dark green is a forest green, the So British is olive green, and Jardeeling is a lighter pastel green… if that helps 🤓

[@549RR]

@@TheBeauChateau yes! It did. As you said, it’s impossible to choose in only one light, but my vote of the moment was with the Darjeeling

[@leslierussell9317]

@@TheBeauChateau the original color of forest green looks the best Repaint it to the original color that's on there now

[@jojodutch826]

An olive green would go well with the peachy/pink colors by keeping it grounded.

[@laurenglass4514]

Heard France has not had a much dryer winter than usual? Hope for a wetter spring for your fruit trees.

[@chrisbeckstrom6182]

Hey guys! I caught the first episode of Marie Antoinette last night, and was pleasantly surprised to see the chateau! Hope you can get some more film gigs this year.

[@Marykguise]

Hey Chris, where did you watch it on?

[@vilmacarande-kulis7769]

Just finished watching also, it was on PBS -here in US. The chateau looks good!

[@vilmacarande-kulis7769]

Also on Prime Video.

[@mosermingo847]

Now I need to watch Marie Antionette

[@brentfisher6484]

You two are wonderful on film. PAINTER'S TIP: Not sure if they are available in France, but here in California, when we paint wrought iron like the type on your 'dungeon' windows, painters wear a 'painter's mitt'(they are sold on Amazon). Once on the hand, the painter dips (palms first) hand into a pan of paint and then using the fingers in the glove move (back and forth) the paint over the iron work. be sre to only use one hand at a time...and be sure to put your hand into a sturdy latex glove before inserting your hand into the 'mitt'. Because you are giving up some control of the paint, be sure to protect the areas around, beside and beneath the iron your painting. Happy painting.

[@shirleygraham6229]

Honestly when I get too many choices, it just becomes harder to make a decision. Glad it is up to you. Best wishes.

[@eyeeluna6684]

I like the original green, reminds me of Polo green

[@jaiden9204]

Love the Darjeeling! The SO British looks a bit like pea soup haha.

[@tammyadkins3537]

You too are just the sweetest, also do you have to clean the moat Ian's idea is hilarious 😂

[@holywatermama]

I like the original dark green.

[@katemccoy8128]

I love the So British!

[@HeinerPetra]

Hope to See a Video about the Tunnel soon

[@DelishAttic]

I think the gravel paths would look great and that way the green planted areas will pop out more (if that makes sense). As per the paint color, is your living area and you can do what you want but, in my opinion, those beautiful traditional doors could benefit from a bold color: a similar green, red or even blue. If you really love your light greens, then you can maybe paint the windows lighter or white to make the door blinds stand out ❤

[@4designbuild]

In my humble opinion you are making great decisions while renovating your chateau. I believe your goal is not only to renovate the chateau, but bring it to its historical grandeur. Therefore, choosing a paint color that is related to its history is a wise decision. Any one of those green samples sets the building back to its brilliant past. Additionally, I agree that creating the walking gravel paths framing the garden squares, much like the great castles of France have, will look amazing. Thank you both for sharing with us your experiences!

[@lindamitman4538]

Benoit will also have his opinion 😊 I would say So British is very nice with the peach color. Very French

[@peterwhite9261]

I like the first color, more British.

[@stephenmcallister1729]

I like the darker colours. Original green or the darker of the new colours. Have you thought about a soft black for the windows And shutters ?