I had seen the Château‘s for sale going all the way back to the beginning of the pandemic. It was great to see pictures of the inside because the listing agents never posted very many pictures except of the outside. I never bothered asking for more information on this place as my wife’s first requirement was no moat! We spent the last two years trying to get to France to see if we wanted to move. Finally, last December we decided to just go ahead and move before Covid stopped us again and see how things went. In the end we are glad that we did, and we are now in the waiting period phase of purchasing our own Château. Good luck with your project!

@JourneytotheChateau

2 жыл бұрын

That chateau was just too much for us to handle. and there were issues with multiple owners. So great that you found your château! Best of luck! 💕

Moats are charming but a tremendous amount of upkeep. Dampness an issue as well. I had a rather cold feeling in general of the interior. This restoration seemed like a lifelong restoration project , never ending . I have restired homes, much smaller , but what kept me going thru endless days of bull work was mental imagery of myself , family and guests purely living in the spaces with no check list on mind of all that I still needed to do. Daily upkeep , would be a breeze. We all need to settle into A comfy chair , with a great footstool , feeling contented , that the massive undertaking is complete and not feel guilty if we dose off for an hour. Able to do that peacefully meant I was truly home. Thats an incredible feeling. Those huge places had staff, servants , grounds keepers , cooks , laundresses , etc. I know the both of you well now. You are like me...an army of two ! I was often an army of one . Lol I loved it , but now I enjoy a nap some days . I dream of projects, lol A creative mind never truly sleeps. My dream projects are not urgent. Just fun to ruminate on. ❤ You both chose the perfect chateau. It's just big enough to be grand , yet charming and cosy.

One thing I was thinking of is the fact that all the waiting for approvals, may in turn push many buyers away from Chateau purchasing. Resulting in losing many Chateaus to decay, which would be very sad. This is a great place.

@arlettedumais5776

2 жыл бұрын

That's exactly what I was thinking!

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

That is very true! It is a good thing that the French care. In Germany they tore down amazing houses and chateaux. However, the French could maybe improve on how to help chateaux owners. Great point and thank you! 🥰

yaaas,. i was the first to give the video a thumbs up, i know it's gonna be good so why wait!!!! Hope you're both doing awesome friends xxxxxxx

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

I love you! Hope all is well and everyone in your family is healthy again 🥰

@jetjegoesdutch7933

2 жыл бұрын

@@patrickjourneytothechateau8243 hi sweet Patrick,. i'm so sorry i wasn't there yesterday. I fell asleep and set the alarm to watch escape to the chateau and you of course.. but i didn't even hear the alarm.. I felt so bad... I want to be there to cheer you on always grrr and pffff and all the things. My daughter who has covid is quite ill ,. my grandson is oke but very bored from being quarentined. My son in law tested positive yesterday so.. In 5 minutes or so i'll have my 2 goddogs for the weekend and after monday one will be staying longer. I'm happy about that.. I loved this chateau,. such a shame there would be to many rules and regulations.. it seemed to be perfect for you guys.. and for your guest ME lol.. speak soon ... and love you too sweetheart xxxxx

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

@@jetjegoesdutch7933 You can always watch youtube. You need sleep whenever you can get it. So sorry to hear about your daughter and her husband too?! Good grief. And the restrictions must be just bad for a child. All that energy and no outlet! I always say that youth (energy they have) is completely wasted on the young! Think about what we could do..... 😂🤣😂 Glad you will have your god-dogs with you. How wonderful. I pray that your family will recover quickly, especially your daughter!!!! 😘 As for this chateau, we were so much in love with it and are still happy, that we stepped away from it. We will find the one that wants us to revive it. And you have to come visit!!!! 😍 Please be safe and thank you as always. 🥰

What a treasure! But what a constant round of chores and overwhelming list of responsibilities!

Spectacular! But I understand the cons outweighing the pros. Patrick, your description of the Pepto pink cracked me up. So true! Love your reactions to trees and beautiful things.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Dana. This was a tough call. We still think this is fantastic. But, realistically, we didn't think we'd have the resources, energy and money alike, to complete that restoration job and still have time for our dogs, our families and friends and to welcome guests too.

@danamoss67

2 жыл бұрын

@@patrickjourneytothechateau8243 as painful as it is to pass on it, you have to be realistic and also keep the faith that yours is still out there. The thing about not being spring chickens, we know our limits. 😉

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

@@danamoss67 thank you so much. We absolutely believe, that our chateau is out there. We are not discouraged, we were just very realistic. That is not always easy for two artistic people but we bot have that grounded moment before big decisions. If we'd win the lottery, oh, but since we have worked for everything we have...... Oh you know how that is. I love your view of spring chickens...... You are 100% correct and its the perfect way to look at it! Hugs

@stephjezo6470

2 жыл бұрын

I had to giggle when I saw you mention the Pepto Pink (just watching now) because that is exactly how I describe the color of our main bathroom we have to remodel. Thankfully the toilet is not.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

@@stephjezo6470 😂🤣😂. It was the only description I could think of. Happy remodeling! 💕

"Spring Chickens"! You guys crack me up, LOL!!!

@patrickjourneytothechateau9452

2 жыл бұрын

I know..... I'm more of an ancient hen LOL

That Chateau needs a lot of exterior work. It would have been wonderful back in its heyday. I was very surprised how this Chateau had so many wonderful interior features. The old Toile wallpaper was stunning. Thank you for showing

How much we can relate.... three years ago we started house hunting... so many no's, then there she was... "the one".....we were so excited. But, she wasn't meant to be. I still think of her from time to time but the one we actually did buy is PERFECT. And, I wouldn't have had it any other way. In fact, she came with more things on a list I didn't even know I needed or wanted! She will come to you. In her time. She's just not ready yet. Thank you for sharing. We always enjoy your vlogs.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Hi there and thank you so much for your moral support!!! It was just an amazing chateau and then, after weeks of thoughts and sketches and planning and research……. Ooooops, historic building and hundreds of meters of walls that needed to be repaired….. and that was the tip of the iceberg. I love your comment! We always figured we will get a lot of our wish list but the chateau that wants us will be different from what we had in mind. And that is OK. Please keep your comments coming! 👍🏻🥂👍🏻

I could live in the 2 story pavilion. I'd have the bath and bedroom on the 2nd floor. I'd love to live at a chateau, but not alone - even with all the money in the world. I keep to myself often, but I still like a large home with bodies moving around. The sound of opening and closing doors, TVs and people laughing soothes my heart, even if I'm in a different room alone. I miss those sounds profoundly.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Hi there. What a fascinating comment. We very much feel the same. Since we live in the country and with Covid restrictions, we sometimes don't see other people fr months (besides going to the stores). We have our dogs who are active a lot and make some serious noises. And I listen to Audio books a lot. Moving to a chateau with hopefully a few B&B rooms and maybe 2 gîtes will bring some people to us I hope. We have friends, family and some wonderful people through KZread who already announced participation in our future renovation. I guess we will entertain a lot more than ever before. Thank you for sharing! 🥰

@gaslitworldf.melissab2897

2 жыл бұрын

@@patrickjourneytothechateau8243 I'll be watching. Blessings.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

@@gaslitworldf.melissab2897 🥰

I guess I believe in fate, there is a Chateau out there for you that is perfect. I hope someday to meet you both, when you have your own Chateau ❤️

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

We have the same faith! We have to meet, there is no way around it. There are a few truly wonderful people we have met through this journey (you of course included) that we have become connected to and it is just great. Almost like fate. Big hug and we need a nice toile bedroom for you and your hubby!

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

I was just thinking about meeting Anna and Phillip last fall. We got out of the car and Anna came towards us and it was almost surreal. I realized at that moment, that we knew them, their daughters and Philips mom (who is a wonderful lady) through their vlogs but they didn’t know us at all……. We all laughed when I told them. But I cannot wait to meet you and your husband, either at our chateau, or I will come to see you when I visit my parents. I just adore you!

@IreneSonni

2 жыл бұрын

@@patrickjourneytothechateau8243 You’re right, it is surreal the bond of friendship you can feel through videos and chats! My husband and I met chatting on the internet. That’s what was my reason for leaving Canada and moving to Denmark. I would so love meeting you!

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

@@IreneSonni WOW Canada to Denmark. Fantastic that you two bonded and were strong enough to follow your feelings. Most people are not. That's quite a big step you took. My personal journey (long and convoluted story) took me from Hamburg to Care Town. Then Chicago and now the target in France. It is really lovely to get to know people, even though in the vlogs or comments, that's often way to public a forum to talk. I know we will meet. Looking forward to the next vlogs we watch together and hopefully, there is a chateau for us in the near future. Huge 🥰🥰🥰

Mes Seigneurs! Of course a reaction, though a year belated, on this estate cannot be left out! I do understand why you were intially taken to this one. Beautiful setting, medieval towers, gorgeous staircase. Very nice fireplaces too. Although the trumeaux were in fact completely original, you only needed to have added additional ornamental plasterwork, mirrors, portraits. It would need some work, yet easily doable. However..... this one really needed way too much work! Wallpapers, wallcoverings, some ceilings, the cellars, lots of damp protection from the quarter moat.... double glazig, central heating, new plumbing, new wiring... etc. Bit toooo much in all. Though the size of the estate is good, to create gardens and a good, useful potager, there's not enough mature trees for privacy. In all, your present Château de Colombe is still the very best choice of them all!! The Barbara Cartland pink suite..... horrid and hilarious 😅

I was hoping this would be THE chateau, could imagine what could be done, what you would have done with it. Hope you find yours soon.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Hi there. We had the very same reaction to this chateau. Dreaming, imagining and the possibilities. We made sketches etc. then the moat came into view…. Darn reality is sometimes very much in the way. I’m glad we decided against this chateau for us. Thank you for your comment! 👍🏻🌹

Thank you for sharing this fabulous chateau! I love you gentleman!

I expect it was a very tough decision to walk away from such a wonderful château. I'm so tempted to skip ahead, but I must watch every episode 🖥👀😀

This is a marvellous and dramatic building. I would cheerfully buy it for myself - if I could also afford a troup of staff to clean it for me! I do not care for that shade of pink either. Thank you for the video!

It reminded me so much of Chateau de lalande. I am sure Stephanie would love to have that staircase. 💖🤗🇨🇦

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Hi there! It does resemble Lalande quite a bit. Funny thing is that only occurred to me, when I saw the vlog...... Oy. Stephanie and the two of us would LOVE that staircase. Well, I know we would and you are right, Stephanie talked a few times about a grand staircase. Thank you so much for your comment and I hope your winter in Canada is not too brutal.

I loved this one as well. Would of liked to have seen it in its glory days.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

We would have had a great time way back (well, not as the servants), just as noble visitors! Still like it a lot but just stared at all the foundations again and walls. Huge amount of restoration work required….. Oh well. 🥺

Thank you for omitting any mention of price. As an retired art museum docent, questions of monetary value drove me crazy!

LOL!! That pink🤢🤮. The Chateau is absolutely beautiful so many wonderful things🏰👍🏰 it just needs your TLC👍💜

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Hey Penny. Lol. It would need our TLC a d someone who has too much money. 😜. It was a hard decision! Thank you so much.

I love you analogy about the pink and upset stomach. I worked in a children’s hospital for years I know what you mean. I love your passion of wanting to keep the original features. You two will make it into a beautiful home.

So much to like about this chateau but the historic monument part sure sounds daunting!!

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Hello Leigh. Hope all is well. The historic status, intended to help, is for many private owners a huge hurdle to maneuver. It was hard to step back but it would have been too much for the two of us. 😘🥰

@leighevans1394

2 жыл бұрын

@@patrickjourneytothechateau8243 all well here thank you . I find it interesting that there are so many hurdles with renovating an historic building but the state/government isn’t doing anything about restoring said buildings itself !!!!

Great tour of this chateau but I really like the one you bought best so far. I remember seeing you at chateau lalande before.I have to admit I don't get out much, health reasons and I also admit I am8ng living precariously well watching you chateau owners. If I were well and rich I would do the same. So thank you. My husband is from Chile originally and I am from Labrador, Canada. We are together 23 years in August. I worked as a RN for 42 years and he working with people with specials needs and aggressive behaviors, then covid and his office closed and now on the job hunt again in his 50's. So again, hello and best wishes to you both.

@JourneytotheChateau

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, Peter! 💕

I was just watching this video , i love the Chateau u brought . And the stunning trees that lead up to your stunning Gates .

I too loved the chateau.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Darling. Yes, yes, yes. I cannot believe that we actually allowed out brain to make the decision. Not our normal MO but I think it was the right one……. Spring chickens no longer and this needs someone who’d want to throw a lot of money at a project. For the chateau I wish that someone will find it. How about you two? 😘

For me, the most romantic part of historic properties is thinking about how people lived in them, how they used the structures and the land, how people experienced them. How did the castle influence the people around them? What were the stories of the people who served the lords? What were the lives like of the people who worked the land? How were all of the people affected by wars, politics, natural disasters? If I could spend all of my days listening to the stories of all peoples, I would. Thank you for continuing to feed my dreams and imaginings!!!!💗💗💗

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Sarah, this is too funny to read. I always had my fantasies about the people who lived in historic properties over the centuries. not just the nobility but also the servants, farmers and trades people. Visiting chateaux with my parents as a kid, I always wondered what I would find behind hidden doors, or those who just plain locked....... And every generation of owners contributed to the whole ensemble in small or larger ways. The servant's stories are harder to find. Often with rooms in the attic, after 1945, the rooms fell into disrepair. Even more so than the estates. Maybe one day, when we have our chateau, you'll help us uncover the mysteries behind our home. I'd love that! Yes safe darling!

@sarahlovesdonuts9601

2 жыл бұрын

@@patrickjourneytothechateau8243 reminding ourselves that we are all people in the end. Most are good and want the best for their families

Oh my goodness, I should have watched the video to the end before I made a comment. X

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Treena, you are so adorable. I do that all the time too and love it. It was such a hard choice and to let our heads call the shots was difficult. Thank you so much for joining our journey. We appreciate your comments and input. Be safe. 😘🥰😘

Wow! Sounds like an HOA here in the US! I agree: too many problems with bureaucracy .

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

😂🤣😂 So true. The stories I heard from friends who had condominiums in Chicago....... HOA getting sounded almost like a war was about to erupt. Thanks for sharing and for making me laugh out loud!

How difficult it is when reality must be acknowledged within our dreams...but it's wise that you addressed the reality of this chateau! I imagined that the foundations at the moat would also need attention to address the damp and possibly repointing...So much to do ahead of the beautification stage! Still what a fairytale chateau! Thank you for sharing it with us.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for summing this up to perfection! ❤️. Love it. It was hard and when I see it now I still want to say YES! It w acknowledged our limitations….. or easy for middle aged men…. Just saying 😂🤣😂. In any case, your wonderful comment made us smile. Thanks for joining us. Please never hesitate to give any input. 🥰

@jeanbailey2171

2 жыл бұрын

@@patrickjourneytothechateau8243 qbeautqifqul hope you will be very happy

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Tjs k you so much Jean. 🥰

That was a great Chateau. Elements reminded me of Le Lande!

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Oh that is so fun. We thought so too. Love it with a passion until the realities of financial restraint and what we could do without loosing friends and family because we neglect them would take a toll. That attic…. 10-15 armoires…. Narnia. Thank you for watching and your comment. 👍🏻

Sorry to hear this was not the one. Lovely property but your rationale for not purchasing seems spot on. Interesting property and in some ways very magical. Perhaps the next one.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Melissa. I love your comment and the way you approach the situation. I think it took us months to finally walk away….. Realism is sometimes just plain annoying and always necessary.

@melissaallen4796

2 жыл бұрын

@@patrickjourneytothechateau8243 Hello Patrick. You both kept your heads and looked at this property realistically. Well done for that. Why take on unnecessary work or issues if not needed. Life is way too short. Best to you both. Look forward to next update. (Still green with envy but truly do wish you the best.)

Hi guys from Sydney...appreciate these videos that show the ones that got away.....love watching them tyty x

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Hello to you in Sydney. Gloria, we really appreciate your comment. This one was hard to let go but it was the right decision. Be safe! 🥰

a lovely chateau....the stone staircase is stunning. Turrets..make any chateau desirable! Totally forgot about the registered historic monument requirements! THe same thing in Savannah, GA...then add in covid and all the restrictions add, a few more months!

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

So true. Pam, the chateau was wonderful but we had to face reality - not my strong suit. I forgot Savanna has many historic monuments….. It can be an administrative nightmare. Covid….. As everyone, I am sick of the restrictions. I don’t mind the mask much (haven’t had a cold in 2 years 👍🏻). It’s getting to basically everyone to be confined. We will get through this and we shall find a lovely chateau. Thanks for you comment. 👍🏻🌹👍🏻

Totally see the attraction here guys....100%. But reality prevails at a certain age, in fact, I argue with myself about what I am and am not capable of at this stage of life. I think we're all so utterly done with all the evolving COVID variations and expectations and restrictions.....I hope 2022 goes beyond the 'we'll see' phase.....I seem to say that regarding everything now 'we'll see'. Fingers crossed your Chateau presents itself soon! ❤️🇨🇦 Mariya

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Hello there Mariya. So good to see your comment. Thank you, as always it’s plain wonderful and spot on! Reality is what we needed but I didn’t want to… Even though I passed that certain age years ago. 🤣😂🤣. But kidding aside, you are right that we need to be realistic and reality prevailed. We will find our slice of paradise on earth that we can manage for at least 20 years. Most of us are done with restrictions. Even though some measures make sense. Hopefully our collective immune systems will say that this is enough. I cannot wait to meet quite a few people we met through the vlogs and to see my parents again after 30 months. Thank you for your wishes and your support and be happy and healthy. We feel like we will have a chateau in 2022. 🥰

Oh Patrick. You tree hugger you!

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Maria, what can I say……? I love to hug trees, they seem to vibrate with energy! So good to see your comment! Thank you so much for your continued support. Love it. 🥰. Would you have bought this one? Hugs.

@MariaSanchez-zf9cs

2 жыл бұрын

@@patrickjourneytothechateau8243 Well, no. As you and Stuart stated, the impending delays on renovations would have been a nightmare. And no radiators!?! Just getting the architect to draw up (hopefully) an entire renovation plan in one go would have cost $$$ and taken forever. But it was a beautiful fantasy.... Good luck!

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

@@MariaSanchez-zf9cs Thank you. You, like us, drill a mile deep into the ramifications of a situation. One has to when it comes to a huge renovation like that. It was, well said, a beautiful fantasy! 🥰

Your graphics are outstanding!! Excellent job of clarifying the layout.

@JourneytotheChateau

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

Hello Patrick. Being a historic site, you are hit with more regulations than anyone expects, and everyone has a say in what you can do to "your" property. But in reality, at the end of the day, you probably would agree with their recommendations. And as for the added time to get plans approved, well, it is France, and you will find everything takes more time than you expect it should take. On a 100,000 foot view, I would agree that it would have also ticked off 90 percent of my boxes. The rendering does not upset me, but it is expensive! That's probably around $250 thousand. Much cheaper than a roof. The moat - ykes!! First - drain it. Then the serious work begins. And it's not only repairing all the foundation, but you have to shore up all the banks, run drains all around the chateau because moats leak, and no one wants wet walls. Once you get into all that, then you will find all the hidden parts that must be repaired to do the job correctly. At the end of the day, a complete roof replacement would have been cheap compared to a moat bill!! As romantic as a moat seems, give me a pond or a small lake instead.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Good evening Leslie. We did fall in love with this chateau and we’re contemplating it and how to finance the undertaking for weeks. Not a completely happy time at our house. You know your numbers and I love it. The facade rendering would have been exactly your $250,000….. bravo! The underlying/hidden issues (even though we expect quite a few) would likely have done us in. When I moved to the USA at the age of 30, after a few really bad years (stupidity is named Patrick), I owned a bag and a suitcase with clothing and $1,500. I worked 80 hours each week, got two degrees, one an MBA from Northwestern’s Executive program, and bought a bankrupt company shortly after I met Stuart. I sold the company just 2 weeks ago and we are working on getting our home ready for sale. Even though, we have some restrictions in our spending. We are more fortunate than maybe 90% of the population of the earth but we had to pull back and be very realistic. Finances, age and realistic commitment that we need for families, friends, our beloved dogs…. As always, I love your wonderfully insightful comments and I apologize for a ay too lengthy reply. Hugs and stay healthy 🌹

@leslierosenfeld1943

2 жыл бұрын

@@patrickjourneytothechateau8243 Your replies are never lengthy. Finances, age and realistic commitments are just challenges in search of unconventional solutions. As I told you, I am 75 and seriously considering purchasing a chateau. And I would prefer to purchase one that needs renovating! Do I expect to complete all the work in my lifetime? No! Great cathedrals often took centuries to complete. So, I would leave the project for the family to complete - getting push back there. In order to spread the money as far as possible, I (or a carefully picked team of live ins and myself) would have to do most of the work. I did have a few restrictions for must haves in the chateau like a solid roof and other conditional elements, but I am slowly finding possible solutions. Today, my great epiphany was a cost cutting solution for roof replacement. Buy my own portable sawmill! They are available for approximately $10,000. House it in a heated outbuilding, and the lumber can dry in months rather than years. And with so many dead trees on the property, it is a never-ending supply of heat and building material for practically no cost! Be well and think outside the box!

@leslierosenfeld1943

2 жыл бұрын

@@patrickjourneytothechateau8243 And one more thing. Moats are not out of the question totally. They are just out of the question for historically listed locations. In that case you will be required to renovate it using traditional methods (which become dramatically costly). You can renovate a moat using modern solutions for a fraction of the cost of a traditional solution.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

@@leslierosenfeld1943 That is such a profound statement. 100% true. A bit frustrating but the realities of that chateau were not what we wanted/could manage. We are both very hands on and sometimes head first through the wall. Just sitting and waiting for someone else is not a good situation 😂 One quick other subject: We went though the Hindman Palm Beach catalogue. Some very nice items. However, we promised ourselves that we won't buy any more furniture. There are markets and borcantes waiting for us in France.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

@@leslierosenfeld1943 Great idea with the sawmill. We have been cutting down our own trees, when diseased to already dead for the most part and have split so much wood, we have enough for 3 more years. We always worked hard and cannot wait to start the renovation of a chateau. We are never too old to start a new chapter. My great aunt did that until she was 94 years of age. Loved that woman. And as for finishing things in a lifetime..... Think of the Cathedral of Cologne..... 630 years. I think that is lovely to have that commitment to a building. We are looking at a few chateaux and after we were meandering a bit, we now have a very specific list and won't see many places. All will happen as it is supposed to!

Many years and an enormous amount of money . I’d want to be a lot younger to take this one on. Such an exciting project for someone else!

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

As always, you hit the bulls eye! Thank you for understanding our reasoning. Loved it……. So much. A trust fund and aged 30-something would have made this an easy decision. 😉. Great comment. Hugs. 😘

This is it!......I can feel your trepidation.?..but has such char.m.......and friendliness I know u know its possibilities ....this place says home..this pllce will bebuisý

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

I agree with everything you said. 100%. If we’d have a trust fund….. Oh, this would have been an easy decision. It felt like home but in the end, it might have defeated us. Now, hopefully we will find our home soon and we are looking forward to your suggestions. 😘

@lyonspainter

2 жыл бұрын

Sorry about the last message ...im having synaptic wiring problems.( I should get a man in to flick round with a dusster) yes if wishes were fishes n all that. Its a Truly beautiful find. Such a lot of work/money. ... keep trying the right one is waiting for you.xx

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

@@lyonspainter No need to apologize ever! I know what you mean. It was such a fantasy inspiring chateau. Still love to look at it but we couldn't afford it. Thank you so much. Be safe

Beautiful chateau thanks for sharing

@JourneytotheChateau

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Christine!

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Christine. Isn't it just magical? Glad you liked it too.

Your vlogs are so interesting 🥰

Hi Patrick and Stuart, I love this one!! I love the staircase, the Pavilions, the towers and the out buildings. It’s absolutely stunning!

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

We do too. Wished we were a bit younger and had quite a bit more money (or a trust fund). Reality was stronger than our wishes. But we wish her to be bought by someone who fits. Thank you 👍🏻

@tammystraling3229

2 жыл бұрын

@@patrickjourneytothechateau8243 Yes, I always wonder why so few bathrooms in these chateaus. I can understand your decision, I know this must have been painful to say no to it. You saved yourself a lot of headache and money. The right one is out there just waiting for you two! So I love the Inro to your Channel. ❤️

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

@@tammystraling3229This was a terrible decision. But, as you said, we save ourselves from a huge problem for our situation. If we'd have had much more money and were younger, we might have said yes. The bathroom miracle - or lack of them! It is something we wondered about too. First, they did believe that water and washing is bad for you....... No joke. Some rooms have small water closets. Original they had chamber pots, some on stands and the servants had to deal with the clean up. Short of kidnapping people, we won't have that so we need to build out bathrooms! 😂 Happy you are on the journey with us. 😍

Yes. I looked at that view toward the main bridge, the outbuildings to the right, the lower view of the chateau, &, knowing of the time, time time which would be taken before you could even lay a hand on the work - and I thought - I hope they don't buy it. It's for someone with endless time, who can navigate through the pernickety details, and who has very (very) deep pockets. There are thousands of chateaux waiting for attention. Good luck on finding the one

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Paranihia! I saw this chateau with very rose coloured glasses. It took us a lot of research till we finally took them off and evaluated everything realistically. Then the decision was easy but still hard. 🤪 Thank you for your wonderful comment and your very sharp eye!

I like most everything about this Château…a bit large with lots. Of work and permits. Historic, we hike impressive will equal problems when you renovate. The pink, I loved it and could see pink Toile there. It was the newer furniture and bookcase that through it off🌸

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Janet. What a great comment! 🥰. A bit large - as tempting as that is, totally agreed! For what we would like to do, maybe 2-3 B&B rooms and two or three gîtes would be perfect. This was too large. Too many foundation issues. Now to the pink………. I hope it’s ok that I quoted you in a response to a comment. You amazed me because when I read your comment I knew you were absolutely right. Same color in a lovely Toile and all the ugly furniture gone (and as another viewer pointed out that floor is ugly out and really hard to replace), I’d been smitten. In essence, thank you and please keep your input coming! We both loved your comment. 😘🥰

sooo much paperwork and waiting- I can see why you passed on this wonderful estate. Thanks for sharing it with us.

SC here, love the chateau! I can't wait to see what you do!

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. 😘

One thing to consider with the gates: are they wide enough to allow deliveries/large equipment?

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

You are soooooo spot on. Great point. Very limited what trucks could pass and there was no back entrance...... I love your reality focussed comment! Thank you. 🥰

@dougkelley2781

2 жыл бұрын

Just open a bottle of wine, light the candles, and talk sweet. They’ll open up. 😉

@claudettep212

2 жыл бұрын

The first thing I thought of when I saw the gates. Thoughts go to other chateau owners having to transport items from outside the gate. There must be another area to enter though?

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

@@claudettep212 often there is. This one hadn’t……. Oh!

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

@@dougkelley2781 😘🤣😘

It's a big undertaking you both are making and, sometimes, our heads have to rule our hearts. There is a Chateau waiting for you:)

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Jo. You couldn’t have said it any more perfectly. We both usually go with our hearts but yes, the heads had to prevail this time. All prior chateaux were decisions that were a bit easier (in case of the chateau that got away, we didn’t need to make a decision). Glad you agree with us! Thank you so much for your comment! 🥂👍🏻🥂

I have to commend you guys on your restraint. My mind is literally racing at this moment with ideas and hopes for this stunning property. As you mentioned though time is an obstacle not overcome easily and I agree that you should be able to enjoy your chateau dream while making your own changes and putting your own unique stamp on your property. My wife and i, or more truthfully I have dreamed of owning a property such as this but must also reign my own passion in and be more of a realist than a romantic which due to certain personal traits isn’t always easy. I have thoroughly enjoyed your content so far and must say that you have presented each of these incredible properties in a very respectful and thoughtful way. I can’t wait to see your final choice and really appreciate the time, thought, and effort you’re putting into this project. This really deserves to be a BBC series and be enjoyed by masses of viewers.

@JourneytotheChateau

2 жыл бұрын

Great to hear! Thank you, Lance! 😀

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Lance. This chateau has that effect on people. We were immediately smitten and usually we make decisions more with our hearts. This chateau is marvelous. Too much time and restraint. If I hear you correctly, you are not the most patient man……. We are not either! Moreover I think we all enjoy making our own decisions and would not like to follow some bureaucrat’s orders. Keep your dream alive. As long as there is not a complete “No” on her end, there is a way. This one was just too much to tackle. Lesson learned, moving on! We do try to not be nasty and negative no-sayers. We viewed each chateau because we liked it. We are not in the business of being negative and try to be objective to our tastes and needs. It will be interesting to see your vlog if you two start to look for your next chapter. 😜. Thank you so much for your fantastic and comprehensive comments. Very much appreciated. Maybe one day you two come to stay a few days and your wife might actually get the bug too, or you say……. Never mind! 🤣. Be safe

Wonderful place guys but one to steer clear of in my humble opinion, you are very wise, and as you say you will be able to go over to France in the not too distant future x keep up the search online but you can never beat that ‘feeling’ when you walk into the right place x

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

You know Christine, that is absolutely true. One viewer said that it’s the chateau that finds the right people. I like that thought. Then, this chateau didn’t love us quite as much as we loved her. We are so restless here because we really want to see the few chateaux we have lined up. Huge hug and please stay safe. 😘

Oh my gosh! What a magnificent property! I can see why you were so excited!!! So many fabulous details - hard to pick my most favorite! I think the staircase was just the best! I see the reality of restoration but my gosh the beauty of the whole must have been inspiring!!! Loved, loved, loved this one!!!!

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Hello Rochelle, you express what we felt perfectly. When faced with the reality of the completely supervised renovation, that was just a no go for us. I think preservation is needed and important. However, our pockets just weren’t deep enough. Onward we go.. 😘🥰😘

@rochellenagel3898

2 жыл бұрын

@@patrickjourneytothechateau8243 and not to mention that your creativeness might be impacted by the historical preservation requirements! That and I know how much you are looking forward to putting your stamp on your dream!!!!

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

@@rochellenagel3898 That, darling Rochelle, is so true! Almost, like you know us 😂. But kidding aside, we will treat any building with respect and careful consideration. But having to receive a work plan that we have to follow to the letter is just not us at all. Hope all is well. Can't wait to hear about your adventure next week!

Oh I’m so sad for you Patrick & Stuart 😒 It looked perfect in so many ways. But with all the restrictions & red tape .. I think your passion would begin to quickly fade 😕 I think in your hearts you know it’s not the one, as much as you love it. Your Chateau is out there .. just waiting to be found & we’re all with you on this wonderful journey to find it ❤️🐾

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Darling Helen. This was so depressing……. Faced with reality, oh how miserable I was! But of course, you are 100% correct. Stepping back was the right decision! I was a bit of a stubborn child, arguing with myself…… We have worked for everything we have but our pockets are not deep enough for a restoration like this. Cannot tell you how much your comments mean to for us. Thank you. 🥰😘🥰

Spectacular. Interesting. So many similarities to Chateau de la Lande owned by Stephanie Jarvis & friends.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Jane. La Lande is a bit more grand I think but so similar, you are absolutely right. If we were Stephanie’s age when she bought about 16 years ago, we might have been willing to take the risk. Oh well, we will find our home and I am very thankful for comments like yours.

A Ming aralia would look pretty growing in the window with a stone filled tray tray with some water for humidity.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

I like them a lot. It might be a bit too cold during the winter for a tropic beauty. But a great tip. Thank you.

We like moats. I spy (with my little eye) a bit of symmetry too. So, does it have an allee of trees? Nice outbuildings? A grand staircase? Can’t wait for the premiere to find out.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

I could give you all the answers….. but I’ll not spoil the surprise! 😘

@dougkelley2781

2 жыл бұрын

Patrick Journey to the Chateau ALL the boxes! ❤️

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

It really had basically everything. We still love it. The costs in plain money and energy would have just been too much. It's easier when one is 30-something and not like us 50-something. 🤣🤣🤣

@dougkelley2781

2 жыл бұрын

Patrick Journey to the Chateau Yup. Completely understand. I was 45 when I took on the old family place, and have come to the conclusion that I will never reach the ideal I have in my head. You’ll find your “Goldilocks” chateau. 🍀

@fernandosiena3846

2 жыл бұрын

@@patrickjourneytothechateau8243 Im in love with this chateau for about 2 years, I really like to see all the ages going toghether and so well, is a live piece of history

You do such a wonderful review of the properties you look at. Wonderful detail! I was watching this thinking this was perfect but the restrictions with historical buildings is a game changer. Very wise decision.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Dear Emily. Thank you so much. What a sweet comment. I have my moments when I think. Ohhhh. But what if……. Then I slap myself and return to our reality. Please keep your input coming, especially once we find our new adventure. Be safe. 🌹😘🌹

Totally enjoyed your tour of this beautiful Chateau. "We're not young." Hilarious.. had me laughing. But I have Chateau envy and this hit the spot. Thank you.

I love this one. I would be over the top excited too but grateful for someone to objectively point out pro and cons. It's similar to "heritage" houses where I live - most all changes require permits and are dictated by the city's association - I totally get that and see it as a'con'. I do like the simplicity of the front courtyard - just contoured drive/grass and the grand staircase omg.

@lwest5686

2 жыл бұрын

I see some similarities to La Lande.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Hi there and thank you for the great comment! It is easier when at least one of us has the reality head on. 🤣. We do support the heritage movement. I wish it was a slight bit easier/faster. The simplicity is so pleasing as is most of the whole chateau including pavilions and bridge. Be safe. 👍🏻🥂👍🏻

Just loved, loved, loved this one, I can see it now when you have renovated and living in it. xx😊

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

See, we felt exactly the same way! Excited and looking forward to living there……. Imagining guests and family at dinner and in the grand salon……. I know the ending is not what one would expect. 😫. I love how energetic your input is. Thank you.

You made the right decidion. Historical homes are not always the best, although pretty, they take too much

@JourneytotheChateau

2 жыл бұрын

It's true, Lori. We have been doing our research and talking to other chateau owners about historical monuments. We know that they come with an additional set of issues and responsibilities, and we know that we will have enough on our plate without that extra burden.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Lori. Spot on and comments like your help to let it go gracefully (although I have not been graceful in many years 😂). Thanks for commenting.

Hi guys....good to see you, I finally was able to sit down and watch, this is a big Chateau, I see why you love it, but so much work...it would take a village to help bring it back to life, I totally understand the "vision" part and how hard it is to walk away from that. Good Luck and the search continues!

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Susanne, it was huge. My blonde head though that that is not a problem. I’m the can-do kind of guy while Stuart has a great vision but is a bit more holding back. Together we came to the conclusion that this chateau needs someone younger and with deeper pockets! Thank you so much. Huge hug, be safe and please keep your input coming! 🥰😘🥰

Hello! You guys are narrowing in on what it seems you want. I really like this one, so much potential!

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

We loved it sooooo much. It’s not easy to acknowledge that we are not trust fund babies….. 😳. Wendy, we were talking and dreaming for a few weeks……. Not that we expect to live in a cottage but we realized that that historic monument with foundations that need so much work could break us, we needed to stop fantasizing. Dreaming is great and we still do. 😘🤪. We will find our chateau this spring. I believe that with all my heart. Hugs.

@wenDesigner

2 жыл бұрын

Oh, believe me, I get it! I almost bought a home in Hinsdale, IL after college. It was on historic registry…so glad I didn’t! I loved that Stuart said what I always say “we’re not spring chickens”…I’m 57 and not willing to have a lifetime project anymore. Count me in as a volunteer helper when you find THE one! My sister and I will be there with hugs, laughter & great cooking!

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

@@wenDesigner Hinsdale...... I'm glad you didn't! Even though the area has some pretty neighborhoods, it has been so overdeveloped that the charm has suffered. And Illinois and government is never a good combo. We are in the same chicken age category. Hey, we survived Disco! Although I have to say, I had you in the barely 40 category! Once we have a chateau and know there is functioning heat and some way to shower, we will be thrilled to have help! And the hugs, drinks and cooking (I'm a pretty good cook too, so we can have a vlog cooking together!) and laughter will be awesome! Big hug and please be safe!!! 🥰😘🥰

WOW!! It was everything from comfy, cute, welcoming and rustic to an impressive fortress.. And the potential for events ect was almost endless. The grounds where so Idyllic. The bridge! What stunning history. I could go on... So much to grab the eye and heart. But truthfully with all the hurdles with historic planning ect, it would have taken forever, and it would have become a crippling money pit! and a simple thing like heating and bathrooms could be such an ordeal and expense. It was beautiful to see, but you have definitely made the right and sensible decision in my view. The journey continues, and again thank you for sharing.

@JourneytotheChateau

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Cliff! 😀

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Hi there Cliff. It was such a dreamy property. Our minds were racing with everything we could and would like to do. Besides getting rid of all that ugly 70s wallpaper in the salons. Appropriate furniture etc. Then we started thinking about the heating, electric, repair to the staircase and the entire exterior including the entire moat, towers, etc. Robbing a bank came to mind! 🤪 And the chateau has two owners (wasn't included in the vlog because it is besides the point). The owners of the large barn yard decided not to sell after all...... So the gîte was gone too. We moved on. Still love it but were so glad that we are done. Hope you are back to full health after your injury! We are packing up Christmas and rented a storage unit to empty the house a bit and all that antique furniture won't be in the Mid-Century house any longer. Might see if there are potential buyers. Be well my friend! And stay safe

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

I forgot: There are even more conditions. The chateau needs to be open to the public and the guided tours ahem to be performed by a certified tour guide who is then your employee......... We opted not to include that in our vlog..... 🥰 Be safe. I saw that Australia has now a surge in cases. We have friends in NZ, both of whom work in Healthcare.

@cliffhorman6846

2 жыл бұрын

@@patrickjourneytothechateau8243 Hello again Patrick, In reading your reply. LOL, yes the diabolical wallpaper is the thing of nightmares wasn't it lol... There was so much that needed doing, but I would imagine wherever you boys land up there will be lots of work and projects to. Many other people would look at any of these Chateaus and see nothing but crumbling wrecks, and I cannot blame them for it as in truth its daunting to say the least. But for the passionate and creative we see through it all and visualize the finished product. A vial drops in front of our eyes and we can see and smell the fresh paint, polish and carpets... and wine and food as well lol😉 that is the passion that drives us on... that special vision, the passion, the excitement and the challenge. It also seemed that the people selling where at odds? And although I have had nothing but kindness and friendship myself from French people, it would appear they can be very lapse and very expensive when wanting anything done. I guess that's why expats are so in demand. I do often have a laugh at how many Chateau owners very tongue in cheek have rather strong digs at the French and their laid back attitude. Although here in Australia it is very much the same, its all real casual... Hell on earth for someone like me..lol.. Anyway, lets end this chapter here. My hand hurts, but is getting stronger, I frankly have tried my best and worn a brace, but I have projects and things to do here... So the hand has to just get on with it like it or not.. It often resist and I now call it "cousin "IT" love chatting to you, HI to Stuart. 😘

Wow. I find myself loving every video and getting kind of envious of your journey. Plus I admire your organized, methodical, and disciplined approach - sticking to your want and wish lists. Looking forward to more videos and adventures.

@JourneytotheChateau

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Rick! 😀

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Hi there Rick. What a great compliment. Thank you so much. We try to pull back to check where we are after we have already fallen in love. It's not a bad way to approach the purchase of a chateau. If we do not get excited, then why bother moving across the Atlantic Ocean! This one was hard because it had so much potential. Once we are settled, wherever that will be in France, we will happily welcome great people like you and many others for dinner to put a face (not just a photo) to the supportive comments. Can't wait and thank you again! Awesome to know you are with us on this. 🥰🍾🥰

Glad to see you did your home work on this Chateau, it was gorgeous and so many beautiful details in the rooms, but you have to be practical. Upwards and onwards to the next Chateau. This is so exciting. When are you back in France? X

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Cherie!!! Loved the property and interiors and that staircase! Was one hard decision. But what good is to buy a chateau and not having the funds to properly renovate it? Heads won the day and I’m glad about it. We are planning to fly to France as soon as the Omicron wave has peaked. Can’t wait. 🥰

@cheriesharp234

2 жыл бұрын

@@patrickjourneytothechateau8243 can't wait to get back to normal now , I'm going Omicom crazy. We would have loved to have spent a few weeks driving through France staying at different chateaus this summer, but just can't plan anything as travel restriction keep changing. Do you have an area you prefer? I look most days at Chateaux for sale, I like to day dream, lol. Happy Chateau hunting. I'm sure you will find one soon. Xxx

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

@@cheriesharp234 We feel the same way! It is crazy and I know we need to be careful to get over this stupid virus! A plot of people are just done with the situation. That doesn't help but I'm with them. Trying to organize our next trip..... Ha! How funny! 🤣🤣 Realtors are annoyed, airlines and car rentals are maneuvering the regulations. And here we come, full of energy and enthusiasm hitting the wall on a regular basis. We will get our chateau this spring! I had to promise my parents in Germany - haven't seen them in 2.5 years. Pressure is on. Love your comments!!!! Please plan to stop at our home once we all can travel again!!! 🥰🍾🥂

@cheriesharp234

2 жыл бұрын

@@patrickjourneytothechateau8243 if you get your Chateau or what ever home you love we shall come and see you, It will be so lovely to meet you both. Xxx your parents must be so looking forward to you being much closer. X

What a wonderful chateau chaps!! It must have been very hard to be realistic about it... If no one buys it the Monument Historique people will have too rescue it surely?! I agree with Ludmila below that the chateau reminds me of Lalande, also the trompe l'oeil on the stairs is reminiscent of the trompe l'oeil Ian found in the attic of Lalande

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Susie, isn’t that fun? We thought the same thing. I like La Lande but honestly, it would be too much property for us. Stephanie was about 29 years younger than we are, when she bought it……. What a great find it was. Love the painted beams Ian found. Can’t wait to see how it looks, when they open the ceiling. Thank you for commenting and stay safe please. 😘

@suzieq2958

2 жыл бұрын

You too Patrick and Stuart 😊

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

@@suzieq2958 😘🥰😘

I am glad you discussed this part at the end, about what it means to a prospective buyer the designation of "Monument Historique." I have been looking at these chateaux, including this one your visited, for nearly 15 years. What I came to realize, (I am now 61) is that the last thing I will purchase is one that is "overwhelming listed" as a Monument Historique, unless all of the renovation work has already been done, including heating, sewage, water mains, bedrooms and bathrooms (ensuite), and electrics. I have heard of owners waiting up to two years for all of the necessary approvals to make the simplest of changes. Who has time for that?! Plus, you can not just hire the local "jack of all trades" in the neighboring village to do the work. It must be done by a firm that is certified in renovation work of buildings et al. designated Monument Historique. As Patrick can appreciate, it is much worse in Germany, where nearly any Schloss or Herrenhaus, worthy of ownership, is already designated Denkmalgeschützt, In Germany, the rules and regulations over such properties are even more strict, making ownership and renovation of such properties a long-term nightmare, which is one of the main reasons I moved my search from Germany, to France..... I now only look at properties which are NOT listed, regardless of the country in the EU. When you need to add bathrooms, or fix the roof, the last thing you need is to deal with the bureaucracies, telling you that you must use "this specific slate," or this "specific mixture of stucco."

@eightiesallen3180

Жыл бұрын

I might add that when "you do it by the book," it is MUCH more expensive than hiring local help to make the necessary changes, renovations, etc.

@JourneytotheChateau

Жыл бұрын

Very true!

@JourneytotheChateau

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Yes, Patrick knows exactly what you are talking about. 👍👍

As tempting as it looked, I commend you for stepping back and looking at this less romantically and more realistically. The incredible amount of funds required just in restoration, not to mention decor and furnishings, would be bottomless. Not to mention months and months of red tape with The Hysterical Society (oops😆) and endless architectural fees. It’s OK….your chateau is out there just waiting patiently for you to find her. 🥰

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Ok, I’m just going to say it: I adore you! Tempting and romantic are spot on. Bottomless pit and neither of us has a trust-fund is the reality. We have started with good parents and the good education they gave us. Working hard is how we got here. You are right, I believe, our chateau is right around the corner. You will be proved right - I know it in my heart. 😍🥰😍

@ginny736

2 жыл бұрын

@@patrickjourneytothechateau8243 And I you! (Both of you, of course❣️). I LOVE the adventure you’re on! Bless you for sharing it with the world…..you have no idea how exciting this is for us all.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

@@ginny736 You are kind! We will have to have some seriously delicious wine and food, when you come for a visit! HA! I am surprised how kind and friendly most of the people are. It is really rewarding. Big hugs to you 🥰🥰🥰

Beautiful chateau but you guys made the right decision.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Reality sometimes really sucks! 😜 I agree though, it was the right decision but not the one I wanted us to make. Thanks for commenting!

This château rang all my bells also. I can just picture what your artistic talent could accomplish, but am in agreement with you both about time and resources. Two factors which play a major part in your final decision. I am positive you will ring all those bells. Loved the tour. Thank you.

@JourneytotheChateau

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Gloria! 🥰

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

I could hear your bells ring all the way to Woodstock! 🤣🤣🤣 But no kidding. Gorgeous. We made the right choice and our chateau is right around the corner! Love you sweetie. 🥰🥰🥰

Ahhh - too bad this one didn’t work out. I really thought you were going to announce you made an offer. It really was lovely in so many ways. You will find your chateau eventually.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Bonjour Claudette. What a wonderful name! Agreed it was sad. The decision was not easy but for us it was the correct one. I believe you are right……. It’s there waiting for us to say yes! 🥰. Thank you

@claudettep212

2 жыл бұрын

@@patrickjourneytothechateau8243 Thank you! My first and last name is very French but that is pretty much as far as my French goes, unfortunately! I always have “splaining” to do! LOL

gosh... the attic is so much like the one at Lalande.. wow what a stunner. sorry !watching and commentating I am so happy to see this beautiful building

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

That is almost comical. I was thinking the same thing! I saw a ton of old armoires....... 😂 We are planning to visit a few chateau owners on our next trip over. Hope we will meet Stephanie, Terry and Ash from La Lascelles (Escape to the Dream) and some other wonderful vlog buddies. ☺️

I thought this was Chateau de La lande at first!

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

There is a bit of a resemblance at first, I agree. Hopefully on our next chateau trip we will be able to visit Stephanie and Terry and Ash as well as a few other people we met through the vlogs. Then I can confirm if it feels similar too. Thank you so much

Wow, fellas! It would have been amazing. Like having your own little fabulous historical village. I think you made the right choice though. All that red tape, alone, would have been reason enough to pass. Loved it though. I’d gladly live in one of the guard towers. ❤️

Bonjour amis! Oh my is this place magnificent! And the grounds are so gorgeous as well. Such potential! I’m certain you’ll need main-d'œuvre for the renovation so I’ll offer in advance ☺️💪🏼🛠 Again, best of luck in your search!

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Bonjour Liz. It is truly fantastique. Thank you so much. We hope to find our new home next time we can travel to France. In the meantime, be safe! 😘

@lizwalters4418

2 жыл бұрын

@@patrickjourneytothechateau8243 good things come to those who wait! Let’s just hope the waiting isn’t too long for you. Keep those videos coming ❤️

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

@@lizwalters4418 That's such a great comment! Thank you. 🥰 And just to be selfish, I have you on a list for people to ask to come help is we feel crushed! 🥰😂🥰 Thank you for offering and realistically, we will need help I know. Be safe!!!

I am really enjoying your journey and the clear explanations. Such a treat to watch. (Maybe one day you might show us some of the paintings hanging behind you as you talk to us.)

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Hello Sue. Thank you for your very kind comment! I like the idea about talking about our paintings. Stuart and I paint in different styles. The huge portraits in the thick gilded frames, were painted by us together. We each painted different parts and they came together beautifully. There are a few paintings we did on Instagram (I do not quite have a grip on it though)……. Thank you again and please always feel free to give us input! 🥰

LOVE THIS ONE!! ❤️❤️❤️ Personally, I'd do it despite all the restoration needed and the process to do it. Just throw out a low ball because all other buyers will be in the same boat and the sellers know this. Have the estate agent explain this with the low offer.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Janet. Great point. The property is on the market for over a year. I love your can-do energy! The owner will not go lower and can just sit on the property even after trying to sell for a long period. And we still look at the photos and think that we want it. Oh well, there will be someone a bit younger with deeper pockets and we hope we can visit one day and smile at the gorgeous chateau that could have been ours. Be safe and stay tuned. Hopefully we can fly to France soon. 👍🏻🌹👍🏻

@claudettep212

2 жыл бұрын

@@patrickjourneytothechateau8243 And the French bureaucracy would take a toll on restorations.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

@@claudettep212 good grief….. you are right. 🤯

Love watching your journey and the detail you go into🥰

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you James! 😘

thanks

Good call. Beautiful place - but the bathroom, heat situation … no & go

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you agree with us. Gorgeous but not manageable for us. 👍🏻🍷👍🏻

Loved this one, but do understand it’s not the right one for both of you.Thanks again for taking us along. I’m so looking forward to your next vlog.🥰

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Hi there Catherine. Hope all is well. Me too. Sooooo love it that when anyone (my parents for example) had any point that wasn't 100% in favour, I'd get really frustrated. Never a good sign for me. We finally looked into all the details for not just plain building permits but for historic monuments...... The looking back at the photos and realising the scope...... Even I had to admit defeat. It's all good. I know our chateau is coming towards us fast! 🤪😊 Thank you for your comment

Gentlemen, it would be wonderful to take this one on. I think that it is calling to you! If you decide not to go for it, I hope that you will eventually find a similar property with all the beauty ,location and setting.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

We know. If we could have the realities of our situation.......... And if we were 20 years younger, we'd have jumped. Love your comment! Thank you 🥂🍾🥂

You made the right decision.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Hi there Gypsy. Good to see you (in a comment). 😜 Thank you. I was, as always, a bit slow to let go but not too slow after all. You made me smile. 🥰😘🥰

@gypsy1588

2 жыл бұрын

@@patrickjourneytothechateau8243 So happy that you smiled. That castle is amazing, inside and out. But the pictures that you showed us I could see that the outside was going to need some serious TLC and the upkeep never ending. If there were unlimited finances available, with outside assistance it would be a keeper, but as you said there is also time to consider and none of us live forever. When I first started watching Stephanie Jarvis, The Chateau Dairies, the Tower drove me crazy because I could see there was outside work that needed to be done. She has worked very hard to bring attention to her chateau, which has brought in KZread revenue and many Patrons, which I am happy to be one. I know you and Stuart will find your dream.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

@@gypsy1588 yay, I go for your closing sentence that we will find our chateau. It’s a gray day here in Woodstock, we will go down into deep freeze again soon. So that sentence alone made me smile big time. Still dealing with the transition of my company to the new owners and no information, when we should be allowed to travel to France. Stephanie was lucky that she could afford the chateau when she was much younger than we are now. She seems like such a lovely woman. We hope we will meet her this year. One chateau we are interested in is only a good hour away from La Lande. We’ll see. We talked to Philipp and Anna about Patreon. They suggested that we should - a chateau is ours and we are working on restoring it - sign up too. I started packing boxes and have rented a storage unit so we can eventually list our house. A trans-Atlantic move is not easy. However, we are really excited and I apologize. I’m really not as down as I sound. 🥰😘🥰

Best one yet.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

It surely is!

This chateau is amazing. It has two personalities. The façade reminds me of the chateau de Lalande but inside it has completely different story to tell. The entrance hall is very impressive with that huge window and the fantastic staircase. The rooms are well proportioned, light and bright, the fireplaces are stunning. But this chateau is not practical. It is true that it has a gitte that requires little attention and can be put to good use straight away, it has outbuildings as a potential business opportunity, it has stunning grounds. But it also has a big problem with being listed as a historical monument, what they call in UK "grade listed" building. It can be extremely stressful doing any work in such properties. Lots of going backwards and forwards with the panning authorities, lots of time wasted waiting for the answer, lots of building control and regulations from different departments and their demand for using the correct building materials and techniques that cost more money and effort than the owners are prepared to spend. Too much hassle is involved. Lots of people would not touch properties like that just to avoid the heartache. Unfortunately the more beautiful and historically interesting the chateau the more likely that it comes under some protection rules. Totally understand your point of view. The renovation prosses is stressful enough without other people telling you what you can or can not do. Shame as this place has so much potential and so much character. With all given attention it could be stunning.

@JourneytotheChateau

2 жыл бұрын

Exactly right, Ludmila! Thank you!

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Dear Ludmila. What a gorgeous name if I might say so. There is nothing I can add. Loved the hall and staircase and of course that window. The details are amazing and I just love a moat. Then we had to face the realities of “listed”. I appreciate the protection of buildings. In Germany, they tore down hundreds of important buildings and I always hated it. But there is always overshooting ……. My heart still aches a little bit watching the vlog (I never watch them before the premiere). It is actually quite wonderful to see that we have not a single viewer who disagrees with our decision. Honestly, I was a bit near that we would have people asking why we were so stupid….. We very much appreciate your wonderful comment and thank you for watching. I hope you will be giving us input once we have found our petit chateau. Please be safe and stay healthy. Hugs

@BigBirdy100

2 жыл бұрын

So very true. The historical designation association shoots historic preservation in the foot. Better that they be preserve in some way than not at all. I think they would be wise to dispense with the iron fist rules and take a suggestive approach of what they would like to see and not have any mandatory requirements. If they want to see certain things happen then they should incentivize those things with cash grants.

Funny that you would associate that pink with Pepto-Bismal. I once visited a hospital in Brooklyn, NY where they painted the patient rooms this color. I thought they were mad for doing this to the patients.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

🤣😂🤣 It is a bit mad in a hospital setting! Honestly, the furniture didn't help either....... If this would have been a Toile de Jouy in that soft light red on a white background..... What a difference that would have been. Thank you and be safe!

I thought part of your decision not to go for this one would be it's Close proximity to the property line & neighbors! I noticed that at the beginning when u showed the layout drawing. Such a shame it can't be moved further to the Edge Of Town or more.🐧💕Or totally surrounded by woodland\parkland🌳🌲

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

That is a great point too. Between the chateau and the neighbors is the bog barnyard with the courtyard and that shielded the privacy of the chateau. However, you are so right. That chateau in the middle of the property……. Amazing. Thank you for your great comment. 🥰

I’m so sorry that this was a step too far to take on. It was a really lovely château but yes the French administrative work that would have had to be put through would have made this a verrrrry long time to execute the works and very expensive. I think you were very astute to pick up on this point and to step back from it. I know ‘your château’ is out there and you are going about this the right way. Good luck and great hunting 🙏👍

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Hello Pat. Glad you support this difficult choice. Still a bit sad while knowing that it was the right decision to make. Comments like your mean a lot to us. We appreciate input and ideas as well as food for thought. Thank you for being on the journey with us and please stay safe. 🥰

A beautiful house, must have hurt to walk away from it. Agreed with your reasoning though. Onwards ever upwards.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Hi J G. This was truly an awfully hard decision. In my heart I know we made the right call. My head said: I want it!!!! We saw one chateau last year for auction. I was ecstatic about it. Abandoned for over 20 years. I didn't care. Finally Stuart said: That's a no - where would we live for 2 years with 9 dogs while renovating a disaster....... Took me 2 days till I said: You are absolutely right. So hard, yes but the right choice. Thank you for the pep talk Love it!

I really look forward to your vlogs.. and here is another really interesting one! thankyou

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

I just love having you on this journey with us! 🥰

@florentinalily

2 жыл бұрын

@@patrickjourneytothechateau8243 it's totally my pleasure! Always a welcome in Mirepoix if you are in the area!

What a beauty such a shame you guys couldn't afford the renovation

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Jeff. I know! What a shame. As two people who worked for everything we have I am really happy, that we are too smart to get in over our heads. We are not trust fund babies and if you know someone who’d love to finance us, please let us know! Thanks for commenting!

@JourneytotheChateau

2 жыл бұрын

It was a beauty.

Delicious detailing around the fireplaces upstairs with the plaster moldings. And Eiffel's metal work on bridge seemed so light and modern...just beautiful. I laughed out loud with the description of the gitte's walls as pepto bismo pink...a color that is ubiquitous here in Mexico unfortunately. I'm curious, Patrick and Stuart, about the way France determines when a property is classified as an historic monument. Do you know how the process works? Is it locally or nationally decided?

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Wasn’t it just gorgeous!?! We did love it. Now to the pink issue…. You enjoy it in Mexico I take it? 😂. It is a color that I like in the tropics. Like all bright colors. Love them. As far as we know so far, there are plenty of chateaux that are protected because they have royal connections. Other buildings that are important are applied for by the owners and communities for preservation. Thank you, as always, for a great comment. Hugs and stay healthy, 🥰

Too bad guys! This is my favorite chateau by far. Back to the drawing board.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

I know Coleen! Same here. Still have my moments........ I tell you, reality can be so cruel! 🤣 But truly, I still love this chateau but I am also glad that we made the call and were realistic. 🥰

This chateau is my dream chateau.. It is really in the realm of someone who is running a hotel business above a B and B status. They need to have additional funds just for the work that will be needed for the moat alone. Personally the only way I would agree to a moat is if it is a dry moat so work can be done and dampness is to a minimum. Too much work.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Hi there! What a perfect way you found to express the essence of this chateau. Perfect but had to be a no. The dry moat is a great point. And who needs a damp home? Thank you so much for commenting. 🌹

@gaslitworldf.melissab2897

2 жыл бұрын

I dream of buying a French chateau or and English country house. (I know they're very different aesthetically). For me, it would not be primarily for guest, but I might take paying guest on informally, people who just need a quiet space over a period of months, not looking to be served, but to dine with the homeowners. With something that big, I might even consider taking on foster teens, b/c they are harder to place, but still need a stable home environment, but they would have to be okay with not living in a city.

@misssilencedogood5968

2 жыл бұрын

@@patrickjourneytothechateau8243 Thank you. As far is the moat is concerned it would be fabulous to have a dry moat and blue flowers could be made to look like the water and a path could be made to walk or read a book or just sit and reflect. After watching Chateau Life and all the problems they have to just fix simple things, I could not even imagine this on a large scale. You made the right choice. I really liking this channel and the German hellos and goodbyes. It has been a long time since I lived in Germany for my linguistic studies and it brings me right back to how wonderful my stay there was. Greetings from California.

@misssilencedogood5968

2 жыл бұрын

@@gaslitworldf.melissab2897 Aw that is a wonderful thought. For me a California gal I can't do really cold for long periods of time. It would be a home I lived until winter then I would come back to Ca.. The most I would be willing to do is an air bnb gite. I would want the guest to feel like they have run of their area and to come and go as they please. I am a very private person so when I do air bnb rentals I really don't want to have to interact with anyone give me a lock box with the key and maybe a bottle of wine/champs and call it a day.

All it needs is a coat of paint…or two. 😂😂

It needs a lot of work. Every building needs. Some work

I loved the chateau and thought this is the one, but for that fateful fact 'Historocal Monument". There are so many hoops to jump through. Yes I could see you in this wonderful place, but headaches would be huge. We own a house, our home, that is 110 yrs old, I know that basically can be called a new built home, compared to much of Europe. We were going to list our home in order to get grant money. We were warned not to. The cost to bring parts of it back to the original form would not be affordable. We did not get it listed and are slowly doing the work ourselves. I ad mire the fact you did your homework and walked away. I can imagine that was hard for you both.

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Veronica. Thank you. What a great comment. The conservation efforts and registry of historic buildings are great. However, I think they could be better run and more supportive in many countries. As nice as grants are to help offset the costs, I’m happy to hear you didn’t list it. I admire that you are doing the work on your home yourself. We have completed 2 renovations so far. The second one took 3 years plus 2 for the grounds. At least we won’t be surprised that everything takes twice as long and is twice as expensive! 😂 Do you have photos on Instagram? Not good with all the apps but would like to see what you have done. 😘🥰😘. Be safe and thank you again.

@veronicamensch3160

2 жыл бұрын

@@patrickjourneytothechateau8243 Sorry no Instagram pictures. Nearly 8 years and we still have not completed the 2 rooms we began with. We had a burst main waterline in the basement that meant that area had to be torn out a rebuilt (insurance claim). Then the roof was in desperate need of new shingles, so why not have the outside painted... lol I am sure you understand. ;-)

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

@@veronicamensch3160 that sounds like us. We had our waste main clog and break after we moved in. Fun! Now roof and facade sounds like you had your hands full and then some. You will eventually get to finish the rooms you began with. I hate Instagram but it makes looking at pictures easy (if I can load them). In any case, I love your good humor and it’s great that you are not giving up! 👍🏻😘👍🏻

There are historic monuments that are "inscrits" and others that are "classe's." At least some of them are eligible for state funding for the portions that are considered part of the monument, and that state funding can cover sixty percent or more of the cost. I imagine you must have looked into this, but I didn't hear you mention it during the video. Good luck on whichever course you choose.

@JourneytotheChateau

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Mark. Since we have been looking at chateaux in France for over 3 years now, we have become very familiar with the details of French properties. We had already rambled on quite a lot at the end of the video, and thought it was a bit dry to go on talking about all of the specifics of owning a Monument Historique. Yes, we are aware of the specifics of state aid, income tax deductions, classifications, requirements of having to be open to the public, mandatory hiring of professional guides for tours, etc. We made the decision that this sort of thing was not for us. Thank you for watching!

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Mark. As Stuart mentioned, we read up a lot about what it all entails. Most subsidies are tax write offs. That is great but the waiting, paperwork and experts one has to pay was just too much. As you saw, we adore this chateau completely! It was just a bit too much for us. Thank you so much for commenting. Be safe. 👍🏻🌹

What a pitty! Love this château! What is the price? Someone must take care of this jewel!

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

We are still in love with it. Hopefully, someone with very deep pockets is going to buy this gem. It was one million round about. Be safe! Thanks for commenting.

@johannabaumgartner

2 жыл бұрын

@@patrickjourneytothechateau8243 Hm, don’t you think this price is negotiable given the circumstances? They must have difficulties finding a buyer - even with very deep pockets - if it can‘t be ensured even guaranteed upfront that certain renovations (bathrooms etc.) can be realized…have you talked to the mayor? They must have an interest that this château is bought and renovated by someone! Would be worthwhile double checking….this château is just incredible….just the bridge by Gustave Eiffeel!! What an incredible find! If you need help with translations/negotiations in French please let me know!

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

@@johannabaumgartner Thank you Johanna. After we made our decision, we closed this chapter. You have a great point about deep pocket buyers not buying....... I guess there have been interested parties before and stepped back. Now that makes me wonder, what else is lurking that we don't know yet....... On a different note, I am very rudely putting your name on a list for possible help, when my French is not sufficient! Love your comments and input so much!!!! 🥰😘🥰

@johannabaumgartner

2 жыл бұрын

@@patrickjourneytothechateau8243 Don‘t hesitate…went to a French school and my sister is married to a Frenchman, so I kept speaking French all my life….as you know, I‘m German born and raised in Vienna….would love to help out if needed. Would be my pleasure!

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

@@johannabaumgartner You are a gem. Thank you so much. Vielen Lieben Dank! I had French for 7 years in school in Germany. Since I haven't used it in over 25+ yers, it is kind of pathetically absent from my brain. I used to be able to read Simone de Beauvoir, Sartre and Rabelais...... discuss immigration and history. Makes me feel stupid. It will come back but by God the French grammar is driving me mad. 😂 Can't wait to find our chateau and stumble along with artisans........ Trying to explain what I need done. It all a huge adventure. Please be safe! Hugs

I loved it too but too much work. 😀👋👋❤️

@patrickjourneytothechateau8243

2 жыл бұрын

Glenys, thank you so much. It does help that almost everyone agrees with us on the decision. I still love it but.......... 😂 Big hugs from me for a very nice comment!🥰