Tour the GROUNDS & LEARNING FRENCH for Local Events | Manor & Maker

[@ManorandMaker]

🎉💬 Personalized 1-on-1 language lessons with native teachers on italki ✨🗣 Buy $10 get $5 for free for your first lesson using my code MANORMAKER2024 Web: go.italki.com/manormakerjan24 App: italki.app.link/manormakerjan24

[@ElectroT0y]

I think a Gazebo with benches and a table would be lovely where the tennis court was.

[@jangriffiths8013]

I hadn't realized how spectacular your grounds are! And that painting is stunning!

[@ManorandMaker]

Thank you so much!

[@doreenmaher8309]

Just looked up Armand Fouquet artist. Selling his paintings on 1st Dibs for as much as $5000 each! Congrats on your new painting!

[@ManorandMaker]

Whoa! We did not pay even a 10th of that! Woo hoo!

[@sdole9448]

Oh please start planning your own "petite Renn Faires!" A few vendor tents, a discreet food truck or two, plenty of shade under the trees, even a bit of light camping - your LARPing comment created this vision for me. Also, not sure of how they match with your climate, but I can see you with oceans of hydrangeas and wild roses, in the park closer to the chateau. Go for plantings that just need an annual pruning after the insects have overwintered - then you can just hire someone for a spring cleanup and sit back and enjoy the blooms. Plant things that bloom in different months, of course. I love mown paths and mown clearings among tall grasses and wildflower meadows, and suggest you consider a three sided woodsy structure on the old tennis court where one could write and paint en plein aire but protected from the rain and wind. More hydrangea-type shrubs around the structure.

[@sdole9448]

never bamboo, never laurel. Perhaps lavendar, rosemary (does get twiggy tho, ) - low maintennce choices with an emphasis on drought tolerant natives.

[@ManorandMaker]

We do have a ton of laurel already.... I like it? Is that a bad idea? I know nothing...

[@stephaniewilliams9469]

I love your ideas!

[@sdole9448]

@@ManorandMaker Ah, here in the PNW, it is considered a toxic and invasive and hard to control shrub - still widely used but not always great for wildlife. Perhaps French Laurel is a diff species, and if thriving and drought tolerant and not always taking over areas , go right ahead and plant more. Here we have the County Conservation Offices, who answer questions about plants, drainage, etc. - and who run a native plant sale each year where you can buy TINY plants very cheaply to boost native plants and wildlife. There are also nurseries who sell native plants which are usually larger and thrive a bit better. Since arriving in our 3 acre spot a few years ago, we've planted natives and non natives - always trying to accomplish the goal with natives where possible, but celebrating my sister's cut flower dahlia bed, husband's rose bed, and my many veggie areas. And we're lucky to have niche nurseries here that sell packets of native wildflower seeds and "lawn" alternatives. - there's always a local society or facebook page for enthusiasts here (double check what they say) for advice on what thrives, what becomes unmanageable, etc. around here, too. :)

[@donnaschmink1801]

@@ManorandMaker Do your homework. Start with what you like. If you have established laurel and like it. Keep it! It's your home. Number one you need a well built tough lawn mower. You have a ton to cut. You could do a fountain or a gazebo. But you decide and Rome was not built in a day!

[@rosemariedeschenes7013]

Looking forward to seeing what you do with the property regarding plants. Definitely choose low maintenance perennials. A field of wildflowers would be lovely and attract a lot of bees and butterflies 😍😘

[@lindaanderson7507]

The little dog is adorable.

[@danielproulx2174]

Wow bravo à vous deux pour le français !

[@Carmel-in-Aus]

You are doing a great job, and we are not here to give you a hard time. We know we are lucky to be joining you at all. Love what you are doing xx

[@ManorandMaker]

Thank you so much!

[@gilbert3848]

A gazebo wif table and chairs would be nice where the tennis court used to be. It would give shade, protection from the elements and still have a view. You can design your own structure. . . . . .

[@juneparham576]

Wonderful to see the grounds. Love a good brochante!

[@anneevers9877]

You have one of my favorites chateaux; both inside and out. Y’all have wonderful taste.

[@jasonmoreau-mccoy8406]

The silver pheasants and the crystal egg caught my eye. Took me forever to find the pheasants here in Alabama, US at an affordable price. Lovely painting.

[@jasminelouisefarrall]

Beautiful scenery 🥰🥰

[@suecollado8696]

💕You need pathways made through the tree’s inviting people to walk & explore💕You should put up some bird tables to feed small birds whom people could paint💕

[@MARGRETFRIEDRICH-e1u]

Sounds wonderful ❤

[@albertpeckham8708]

Like the painting very much. "Always expect the unexpected"....and....voila! A treasure appears. Congrats.

[@myownlittlehouse471]

What a gorgeous painting! It's golden.

[@lisaakinlabi]

Sarah you need a hat making machine! The painting truly is amazing and I agree Steve it does draw you in to wanting to walk down the street. I can't wait to see all you have ahead of you this year. Seems very exciting!

[@ManorandMaker]

I do need one Lisa - you are right as always! :)

[@TheSchkings]

Wow, your new painting is gorgeous! And I'm so excited for you on the landscaping front! It's just wonderful to imagine being able to move around and explore your whole property!

[@vrpedulla3093]

4;45 Tuesday. Thinking down the road, of a gourmet event with different stations serving delicious local and original fare with wines from the area. Something like the famous chef (can't remember his name) from Singhampton, Ontario did on his farm which I attended once.

[@AtlantaGarden]

Clearly the drone shots are from earlier in the year, but wow, were they great. Loved seeing your property in relation to the rest of the village. Exciting possibilities with your garden and the "destinations". You two will undoubtedly come up with something clever.

[@pamkullman8839]

The new painting is gorgeous! Great find!

[@kwwa7982]

Do a special youtube fundraiser for you to be able to hire your landscaping artists/neighbors who seem so talented and perfect for the kind of help you need in uncovering the beauty of what your grounds could be. Your particular passion is not in the gardening realm (no criticism) so share your basic needs and turn it over to those who are passionate and will honor the land you are custodians of for a brief time. Listen closely to your experienced neighbor...he said very practical and significant cues for you to follow.

[@ManorandMaker]

Well, not that we've talked about them much, but we do have memberships now via our website, where we will put additional videos. For example, the longer conversation with Matthew...

[@TheCrowsNest1950]

Hi Sarah & Steve, One step at a time and it sounds like you're off to a great start with the couple to move forward with the garden project. The best of luck moving forward. Mark & Scott

[@jeanniehall1440]

Just an idea, maybe have a local farmer disk up a small field near woods and cast many native wildflowers, let it naturalize .. I believe many of your artists would love to paint combination of the different sites. Also, little vignettes of different seasons of flowers in different areas

[@Sushi2735]

God bless you both! You really don’t have a clue! Bless you both and your endeavors ❤️

[@JG-qt3pn]

Beautiful grounds. Think Capability Brown.

[@jomeyer13]

wow nice wonderful content.

[@nata3467]

your place is magical

[@elizabethheatley22]

I clocked that painting immediately as your camera panned the area. I can see why you would want it. It’s just lovely. How convenient to have garden experts on your doorstep. Hope you get some wonderful ideas from them.

[@grabowskycountry]

An enchanting vision of whimsy in the future. My minds eye could see the joy you will have to share. I don’t know how you sleep at night. So - sweet dreams.

[@jennifercampbell7698]

Great painting and an exciting talk with Matthew about the garden. I’d also consider consulting a woodsman like Nick at LaLande about the health of the woodland and creating safe pathways into the woods for you and your guests. Nick has removed unhealthy trees and opened up woods to encourage new growth and the return of understory plants like native bulbs, ferns and shrubs Also encourages local insects, birds and animals.

[@christineh5790]

You have such a beautiful Chateau and grounds Steve and Sara. I could just picture lots of families picnicking on your law as dusk approaches, being entertained into the evening with beautiful music! Steve could illuminate the Chateau background too I’m sure?!😅👏🥰

[@barbaralamoreaux328]

It was fun to see the lay of the land, literally, and where your chateau is located in your village.

[@gabygaedecke2411]

Matthew is so good at communicating, and he is absolutely right - teasing out your vision from your conversations is a major part of the success or failure of the eventual garden design. BTW, I *LOVE* your visits to the Brocantes - they are so much richer in troves than ours here!

[@ytkd959]

What a beautiful property! I have been watching all along and didn’t realize just how beautiful it is until today’s tour.

[@blakehahn-atlantaga8510]

Beautiful painting! The landscaping is so exciting!

[@JudithBisson]

Wow 15 hectares… the possibilities are endless. ❤

[@ManorandMaker]

And a little overwhelming... but the vision is awesome

[@donnaschmink1801]

@@ManorandMaker I have faith in you! Tackle it like you did the Conservatory. Map it out like you did the lay out of the wall paper. Create areas. Is there an original plan of the gardens many of you trees around the house look like a garden plan. Please have the pine trees close to your home, barn, other home evaluated. We had a baptism of fire with our 75 year old White Pine! Miss the old girl! She was awesome but she missed the house by six feet! Love you guys and home, grounds!

[@elizabethackerman681]

Fantastic news, having a landscape designer as neighbor! Yay! this is the beginning of something great for you, the chateau, your guests and your creative life. Also, great choice of painting, extremely charming, and beautifully painted! Where will it go? Somewhere prominent?

[@SuperAbcdabcdabcdabc]

Hello from PEI Canada. I have noticed that the STOP signs in France are in English.

[@ManorandMaker]

Correct. STOP is the international symbol, as it's so important, clearly, to safety in driving. Afaik, and without wanting to start something, Quebec is the only place the int'l sign isnt used.

[@JustSaralius]

Wouldn't it be lovely to, somewhere down the line, make a map of the grounds and chateau for visitors? It would be a lovely souvenir as well if you print them and put them in the rooms!

[@sandramuis7430]

Lovely painting! Your future garden will grow slowly over time. No need to take it on all at one time. Small sections every year. It will be beautiful. Labour intensive, but beautiful. Gardening really is a labour of love…..speaking from experience. But then I only ever had less than an acre! You will find a way to have the help you need. I would be there to help you…..if I were a couple of decades younger! 👍🥰 Happy New Year to you both. Love your vlogs!

[@MaryEllen_of_OBX]

I think those large scissors were actually vintage yard shears for trimming bushes and such. That might be why you liked them so much, because they're vintage.

[@dianegriffith3006]

Oh how about a gazebo..?? So cool you’ve got a landscaper as new neighbors. Lucky you!!

[@lisaharner3720]

Sounds like the start of another exciting and challenging year ahead. I look forward to seeing the plans and the vision emerge. ❤

[@ManorandMaker]

Us too!

[@dianac52176]

That is going to make for quite the exciting future. Always consider volunteer’s coming to stay during the spring, summer, and fall seasons to do a bit of the gardening with, and for you. I’m sure they’d love to stay in the chateau, work for room, and board.

[@margielynch7196]

I think you could build such a beautiful garden one area at a time. You are right about your pathways leading to an interesting grouping, chairs, tables or sculptures.

[@darladressler]

ooh fun. that looked like a good brocante and a new spot! never heard of this one before ;-0 missing my Sunday Funday, excited to get going again

[@ManorandMaker]

I think you guys would love this brocante. It had some really good vendors. We will keep an eye open for it.

[@caronspurway3792]

Have you thought about a gazebo or pergola with climbing roses or other climbing plants with a table and chairs inside on the old tennis court? Wildflower meadows would be wonderful or wildflowers amongst/under the fruit trees (good to bring pollinator and beneficial insects).

[@hollykeller1545]

I might put the tennis court back in❣️

[@chriscraver4070]

Love the painting. I would have bought it too❤

[@elainewolf1537]

I didn't know there was a second house there, have you ever shown it? Your property is beautiful!

[@barbaramurray4191]

That was very interesting to hear the ideas about the grounds. Will you be going ahead with some planting, clearance before the end of winter?

[@peterwhite9261]

Beautiful painting. I look forward to your landscaping plans. Sarah, that broche is beautiful. The drone footage is lovely.

[@marilynwade9448]

Great painting

[@penihavir1777]

Lovely painting! ♥️ Cool kids’ bike, though I understand why you held back. It would be cool in the garden somewhere, but would soon be a pile of rust. Great garden plans!!! Have fun! ♥️♥️♥️

[@ManorandMaker]

It was such a cool toy!

[@lrlasvegas6427]

The "2nd house"?? Has this been shown on a vlog before? 🤔 (I recall the barn, but not another house.)

[@judithschrim145]

Perhaps a "pergoda" outside of the library and salon ??? I think thats what its called....you both know, like at La Landes outside area on the terrace...cover the wood frame closer to the doors and then out to the end of the already bricked/stoned terrace leave it open..tables, chairs, umbrella,etc.

[@ManorandMaker]

Yes - Stephen really wants one outside of the dining room as an extension to that space....

[@denisecarvill4705]

Gosh it’s just stunning!

[@maryjanekolesar8325]

Take it from me 😉 I love gardening and do my own landscaping and it'strial and error as I know safe my experience, it wouldn't take much to transform that bank off the terrace! Besides, the obvious that gardens are living and take a few years to mature and take shape, you have wonderful areas already that just need a bit of help. Very exciting ❤

[@ManorandMaker]

It's that "just a bit" that scares the life out of me, to be honest - I'm definitely one of the people that gets stage fright when thinking about the gardens!

[@maryjanekolesar8325]

No, don't be daunted. Plants are forgiving and my philosophy is if they live they can stay, Lol. Having said that, if a plant doesn't work in one location - even though the tag said it would be fine - I move it. And, I'm not in my garden every day, so mine is low maintenance but there is something to be said for weeding as you can take your frustration out on them. 😁

[@srigging]

Such beautiful land surrounding your fabulous château. A wonderful year ahead for you. ❤

[@happygrandma5637]

Absolutely get it cleaned. Find a good conservator, you'll be glad you did, as I'm sure you know. Loved listening to the plans for the gardens / landscape. Hope to see more in the future. Good luck with the French lessons. It makes so much sense, plus I'm sure the locals love it and are a great help.

[@lindagage7315]

Would be lovely to get some of the gardens done! Loved the painting too!

[@ManorandMaker]

Wouldn't it?! Especially if we can do it without hiring a full time gardener!

[@PJ-fd6is]

Considering you are still in winter, the grounds are looking lovely.

[@cjpowers9330]

Nothing wrong with some rusticism, a new word. In the Hudson Valley, the school it inspired, the houses Church, Cole, Cropsey created homes and views aspects that weren’t about gardening, but rather about nature.

[@clemandsven6834]

Love the new painting. A garden pavilion would look amazing on the property. I can't wait to see what you are going to do with the garden !

[@janetmackinnon3411]

Looking forward to the garden-plans!

[@moonchild1518]

Sounds exciting. Happy New Year.

[@ManorandMaker]

Sooo much to do...

[@jdee2482]

Perennial gardens are easy to maintain. Spring mulching, Fall cleanup with volunteers would keep it in tip-top-shape. A chateau needs beautiful grounds with stuctures, trees, bushes, pathways, and large sculptures. Google Fleming College in Halliburton, Ontario for their sculpture garden.

[@colleenlongardner2692]

You had me at the horse and carriage/cart. WOW

[@demetrioduranduran]

Wow 15 Hectares, that’s like 37 acres! Wow the back 40! I love gardening, and gardening in France would be a joy. What I see is a very mature garden with lots of big trees and no flowers! So you need to hire someone like Nick the forester to manage your wooded areas and get your neighbor to help you design gardens of interests, in the areas best suited for planting flowering shrubs and roses! Lots of Hydrangeas, they would do well in your area, Roses, Azaleas, dahlias, punctuated with a stand of pampas grass here and there. A visual feast awaits you two! Gardening is hard work and a lot of patience to see what does well in a certain spot. Have fun with it. You are just learning and already have so much on your plate. Join a garden group. Learn about perennials and biennials. Don’t waste money on annuals. That’s just for a few pots on the patio. Btw, the painting is gorgeous! As is the conservatory which I am in love with the wallpaper you have chosen! Bon chance et au revoir !

[@carolinewalker368]

Great job!!! Excited about whats to come. And what great neighbors!!! I love the community of friends you're building.

[@ManorandMaker]

We're really lucky they looked us up!

[@artyjensioux]

Whilst you have a lot of grounds I don’t think it will be too daunting to transform intimate areas close to the chateau. It’s going to be fabulous I can tell. Good luck and looking forward to seeing progress. 💖🥂💖

[@georgeshelton9283]

My thoughts: herb garden with sundial in center. For that destination place, a near replica of stone or henge, made of wood from forest of course ad flowers like sedum plants. .

[@lisalarosa4546]

I cannot wait to see the concerts!

[@lindaloehr8241]

Is that a cemetery to the right of the Chateau?

[@trishecoole8421]

You should get Nick in to check your forest and make sure it is at its best

[@InformedConsent99]

Just like me, you like oversized and undersized items. Its just the item to top off a collection. I so desperately want you two to go back to wherever it was the large black cabinet dresser was that matches the fireplace surround and buy it. I am sure you will make it work in the entrance hall. Either way, I will dream with and for you. Thank you for letting me join in with you.

[@debbieottman4207]

Sarah hi from Paris, Ontario, Canada. You mentioned there was a second house? Is that yours as well? If so would love to have a peek😊 Love what you've done at your place! I've followed you since you were visitors at La Lande😊

[@janetmcfarlane2693]

Here in Canada, for safety, chimneys must always be 2' above roofline. Seeing yours, that is not so, and sparks going up could hit your roofline. Can you put an insert somehow, or extend the chimney somehow?

[@AvaT42]

I like the painting but was disappointed you did not buy the bicycle or the sewing machine.

[@granny7031]

😊HAPPY NEW YEAR🎉 ❤️ 🇨🇦

[@beverley1539]

Hiya Lovlies, oh Sara your French sounds great. Wonder did you both take French here in Ontario Canada during your school years? I understand it is a bit different. Take care btw in the midst of a snowstorm I’m guessing you don’t miss the shoveling etc. lol 🇨🇦🐝

[@Ambers_Team]

The grounds make me so sad it has so much potential and without Steve and Sarah doing some hard labor it may not be maintained/explored. Maybe hiring a gardener twice a year for two weeks. just to keep up, clean and manage ❤

[@ManorandMaker]

No don't be sad! I don't think two weeks would do it, but with the success of our business and the support of our viewers (thank you!) who knows what may be possible!

[@_Tiamat_.]

💜💙💚

[@Daihatsu_Hijet]

🌳🌲🌱🪻🌷🌹🌱🌿

[@ManorandMaker]

I don't know if there is a equivalent term for green-thumb for your expertise in emoticons Tony. Cracks me up every time...