Original subtitles

Along with my wife Angel, and our two children, we're nearly

five years into restoring this once-abandoned chateau.

five years into restoring this once-abandoned chateau.

There's something quite sort of majestic about it.

There's something quite sort of majestic about it.

Feel like you're in the clouds.

Feel like you're in the clouds.

It's been demanding...

..yet truly fulfilling.

It's made me feel a bit mushy and a bit emotional.

It's made me feel a bit mushy and a bit emotional.

And with thousands of chateaux in France,

And with thousands of chateaux in France,

we're not the only Brits buying into the French fairy tale.

we're not the only Brits buying into the French fairy tale.

Oh, my goodness, it's amazing!

Oh, my goodness, it's amazing!

Angel and I are once again helping our fellow expats...

Angel and I are once again helping our fellow expats...

This is a big old build.

..as they embark on a brand-new set of chateau adventures.

..as they embark on a brand-new set of chateau adventures.

Ah, ah!

Ah, ah!

And we'll reveal more about our own chateau life.

And we'll reveal more about our own chateau life.

You're Monsieur Dick!

It'll be a roller-coaster ride.

It'll be a roller-coaster ride.

Whoa.

No. No.

But no matter what...

I'm just going to try not to cry.

..these plucky Brits...

Are we doing this with all the technological

accomplishment of the ancient Egyptians?

..are determined to transform once-unloved buildings...

..are determined to transform once-unloved buildings...

..into the most spectacular homes...

..into the most spectacular homes...

That is amazing!

..to live the dream as custodians of their very own castles.

..to live the dream as custodians of their very own castles.

Today....

The heat is on...

So, so hot.

It's like being in the eye of a cyclone.

It's like being in the eye of a cyclone.

..at a family's big chateau fundraiser.

..at a family's big chateau fundraiser.

They all want to be in the shade.

I'm just hoping that I'm going to find a space for all of them.

I'm just hoping that I'm going to find a space for all of them.

I'm just hoping that I'm going to find a space for all of them.

One couple are working round the clock to cook up a storm

One couple are working round the clock to cook up a storm

with a new tearoom.

The tearoom's not ready now, but give us a couple of weeks.

The tearoom's not ready now, but give us a couple of weeks.

We'll just stop sleeping and things like that.

We'll just stop sleeping and things like that.

We're beachcombing for treasure.

We're beachcombing for treasure.

There's a certain time of the day when the tide goes out

There's a certain time of the day when the tide goes out

and you see all the rocks

and you see all the rocks

and we're gonna go look for anything that takes our fancy.

and we're gonna go look for anything that takes our fancy.

and we're gonna go look for anything that takes our fancy.

And a last-minute fix...

And a last-minute fix...

It's not ideal to start this kind of job

It's not ideal to start this kind of job

just two days before your guests come, I suppose.

just two days before your guests come, I suppose.

..leaves chateau owners trying to burrow their way out of a hole.

..leaves chateau owners trying to burrow their way out of a hole.

Have we reached Australia yet?

Have we reached Australia yet?

In western France is 17th century Chateau de Sauge.

In western France is 17th century Chateau de Sauge.

Its 45 rooms of faded grandeur are slowly being restored

Its 45 rooms of faded grandeur are slowly being restored

Its 45 rooms of faded grandeur are slowly being restored

by Brits Donna and Paul, who snapped it up just over five months ago.

by Brits Donna and Paul, who snapped it up just over five months ago.

by Brits Donna and Paul, who snapped it up just over five months ago.

Bottom line is we have fun at the same time.

Bottom line is we have fun at the same time.

Bottom line is we have fun at the same time.

When you're working seven days a week, which we are,

When you're working seven days a week, which we are,

it's because we're enjoying it, as well.

it's because we're enjoying it, as well.

We're enjoying seeing the transformation,

We're enjoying seeing the transformation,

if you like, of each room in the chateau.

if you like, of each room in the chateau.

It's heading towards the vision that we have for it.

It's heading towards the vision that we have for it.

Bought for £279,000, the chateau is situated 50 miles from La Rochelle.

Bought for £279,000, the chateau is situated 50 miles from La Rochelle.

Bought for £279,000, the chateau is situated 50 miles from La Rochelle.

Bought for £279,000, the chateau is situated 50 miles from La Rochelle.

The couple gave up steady jobs to make the move to France and sink

The couple gave up steady jobs to make the move to France and sink

their life savings into setting up a home, a B&B and events business.

their life savings into setting up a home, a B&B and events business.

their life savings into setting up a home, a B&B and events business.

With this project, everything's at stake.

With this project, everything's at stake.

There'll certainly be a few more challenges ahead.

There'll certainly be a few more challenges ahead.

They've already completed their first accommodation

They've already completed their first accommodation

ready for paying guests.

Now they want to create a vintage tearoom,

Now they want to create a vintage tearoom,

where Donna plans to offer tea and cakes to the public.

where Donna plans to offer tea and cakes to the public.

So do you want me to glue them and then pin them?

So do you want me to glue them and then pin them?

Er, yeah.

Er, yeah.

However, getting an old chateau to comply with rules for disabled

However, getting an old chateau to comply with rules for disabled

access has been a whole new challenge.

access has been a whole new challenge.

This alone is probably a few days' work, just cutting through all this.

This alone is probably a few days' work, just cutting through all this.

It is, yeah.

By widening a doorway and tiling directly onto the walls...

By widening a doorway and tiling directly onto the walls...

By widening a doorway and tiling directly onto the walls...

1.5 without tiles.

..they came up with a way of creating enough space for a fully

..they came up with a way of creating enough space for a fully

compliant disabled toilet.

We've had to do lots of opening up of walls,

We've had to do lots of opening up of walls,

seeing what space we have that we can grab.

seeing what space we have that we can grab.

It gets to a point where it's just all too much

It gets to a point where it's just all too much

and you kind of think, "My God, what have we taken on here?"

and you kind of think, "My God, what have we taken on here?"

And then other days, you get up and you think, "How lucky, are we?"

And then other days, you get up and you think, "How lucky, are we?"

And then other days, you get up and you think, "How lucky, are we?"

And then you look at the bank account, and then you cry!

And then you look at the bank account, and then you cry!

Donna and Paul wanted the tearoom up and running two months ago,

Donna and Paul wanted the tearoom up and running two months ago,

to bring in much-needed cash.

But they're way behind schedule,

so have set a new launch date for a few weeks' time.

so have set a new launch date for a few weeks' time.

Extremely worried about hitting the deadline.

Extremely worried about hitting the deadline.

And yet, physically, I don't think we can work any harder than we are.

And yet, physically, I don't think we can work any harder than we are.

And yet, physically, I don't think we can work any harder than we are.

We need the tearoom to open.

We need the tearoom to open.

Savings are at an all-time low.

Savings are at an all-time low.

Now Donna wants to practise new baking skills.

Now Donna wants to practise new baking skills.

Initially, we would like to open probably two or three days a week

Initially, we would like to open probably two or three days a week

Initially, we would like to open probably two or three days a week

and serve things like afternoon tea, you know,

and serve things like afternoon tea, you know,

scones with the clotted cream

and a good variety of traditional cakes and things like that.

and a good variety of traditional cakes and things like that.

There's nothing like that anywhere around, so hopefully,

There's nothing like that anywhere around, so hopefully,

we'll get lots of business.

we'll get lots of business.

Despite the mountain of work they've got to get through,

Despite the mountain of work they've got to get through,

Donna's feeling upbeat.

The tearoom's not ready now, but give us a couple of weeks.

The tearoom's not ready now, but give us a couple of weeks.

We'll just stop, you know, sleeping and things like that.

We'll just stop, you know, sleeping and things like that.

We'll just stop, you know, sleeping and things like that.

All wasted time!

You? You can have one.

You? You can have one.

He's worked hard today, hasn't he?

I think we'll give him a cupcake.

I think we'll give him a cupcake.

And?

Back in the tearoom toilets,

Back in the tearoom toilets,

a sleep-deprived Paul's had an awful realisation.

a sleep-deprived Paul's had an awful realisation.

a sleep-deprived Paul's had an awful realisation.

He's forgotten to check for leaks in the pipes in the walls

He's forgotten to check for leaks in the pipes in the walls

before plaster-boarding and tiling over them.

before plaster-boarding and tiling over them.

The pressure here is about six bars, so if it leaks, you'll know

The pressure here is about six bars, so if it leaks, you'll know

The pressure here is about six bars, so if it leaks, you'll know

pretty instantly that there's a gusher behind one of the walls.

pretty instantly that there's a gusher behind one of the walls.

Now, if that's the case,

unfortunately it means having to remove the ceramic tiles,

unfortunately it means having to remove the ceramic tiles,

the plasterboard, and finding the offending joint.

the plasterboard, and finding the offending joint.

Now, given we've proceeded and tiled, I'm hoping that's not

Now, given we've proceeded and tiled, I'm hoping that's not

the case, because that's gonna be a major problem.

the case, because that's gonna be a major problem.

Oh, no.

Just three weeks before they want the tearoom up and running,

Just three weeks before they want the tearoom up and running,

stripping the tiled walls now is a delay they can ill afford.

stripping the tiled walls now is a delay they can ill afford.

stripping the tiled walls now is a delay they can ill afford.

150 miles south is Chateau Caillac,

150 miles south is Chateau Caillac,

a classic French beauty from the 19th century.

a classic French beauty from the 19th century.

With 20 rooms and private river access from the grounds,

With 20 rooms and private river access from the grounds,

it's been lovingly restored by Angela and husband Steve,

it's been lovingly restored by Angela and husband Steve,

who has a background in engineering.

You kind of look around, and you do have to pinch yourself.

You kind of look around, and you do have to pinch yourself.

It's just like, yeah, we've had a busy, hectic day,

It's just like, yeah, we've had a busy, hectic day,

but gosh, we're here, it's beautiful, the peace, the quiet.

but gosh, we're here, it's beautiful, the peace, the quiet.

It's just a lovely place to be.

It is a really special thing to have.

It is a really special thing to have.

The potential you see, as well and it's the potential I think we saw

The potential you see, as well and it's the potential I think we saw

in this place 'cos we could do something with it

to make it what we wanted.

Extra special. To make it really nice.

Located 60 miles from Bordeaux, the couple are preparing to rent out

Located 60 miles from Bordeaux, the couple are preparing to rent out

their turreted marvel for the whole summer

their turreted marvel for the whole summer

to bring in essential income and also share the place with others.

to bring in essential income and also share the place with others.

People that we've never met, who come on holiday,

People that we've never met, who come on holiday,

then they send you an e-mail to say, "It really is...

then they send you an e-mail to say, "It really is...

A magical place."

There's no point doing a chateau,

There's no point doing a chateau,

spending all the time only for it to be me and Steve appreciate it.

spending all the time only for it to be me and Steve appreciate it.

spending all the time only for it to be me and Steve appreciate it.

Their latest renovation project is restoring the chateau's

Their latest renovation project is restoring the chateau's

electric gates, which haven't worked properly for 12 years.

electric gates, which haven't worked properly for 12 years.

electric gates, which haven't worked properly for 12 years.

The motors on the gates are underground and get wet.

The motors on the gates are underground and get wet.

In which case, if we improve the drainage...

In which case, if we improve the drainage...

Yeah. Hopefully.

Potentially, sometime in the past, there was some form of drain,

Potentially, sometime in the past, there was some form of drain,

but it's either got blocked up, or...

Or there's a mouse living in it, or something. Probably.

Or there's a mouse living in it, or something. Probably.

Or a snake. Well, I hope not.

I hope not, too,

'cos I'll probably be down there with my hands in there.

Let's get going, then.

What's the plan first, then, love?

We've got to remove that cover, first, and then, we need to just,

We've got to remove that cover, first, and then, we need to just,

if there's any water in there, we need to empty it out.

if there's any water in there, we need to empty it out.

If water has been getting into the gate motors, that could mean a lot

If water has been getting into the gate motors, that could mean a lot

of work if this summer's guests are to get a more luxurious entrance.

of work if this summer's guests are to get a more luxurious entrance.

of work if this summer's guests are to get a more luxurious entrance.

There's something really special about arriving at a chateau,

There's something really special about arriving at a chateau,

literally, as you come in front of the gates, the gates open

literally, as you come in front of the gates, the gates open

and allow you to come in and see the tree-lined drive.

and allow you to come in and see the tree-lined drive.

First impressions are so important.

First impressions are so important.

Can you bring me a screwdriver, Angela?

Can you bring me a screwdriver, Angela?

See, it's great having a helper, isn't it?

See, it's great having a helper, isn't it?

The gopher, go for this, go for that.

The gopher, go for this, go for that.

Now to discover just how much rainwater is collecting.

Now to discover just how much rainwater is collecting.

Oh, my goodness, oh, there's a frog, look at that!

Oh, my goodness, oh, there's a frog, look at that!

Actually, I think...

That was actually a frog. It's a pond.

That was actually a frog. It's a pond.

We're going to need a jug, you can't mop that up.

Did you not bring anything like that?

No, do you want to go and get a jug and a bucket, Angela?

No, do you want to go and get a jug and a bucket, Angela?

Looks like it may be touch and go

Looks like it may be touch and go

fixing the gates in time for the first rental guests.

fixing the gates in time for the first rental guests.

Coming up...

Right, which one am I turning?

Donna and Paul are having toilet troubles.

Donna and Paul are having toilet troubles.

The one on the right.

Right that way, or right that way?

Right that way, or right that way?

And early arrivals throw a spanner in the works...

And early arrivals throw a spanner in the works...

Un, deux, trois.

..at a chateau-family's fair.

I'm trying to map out the areas for the antique dealers

I'm trying to map out the areas for the antique dealers

and brocanteurs as we speak, I keep getting interrupted.

and brocanteurs as we speak, I keep getting interrupted.

The elegant, 18th-century, 44-room Chateau Flore

sits in a 27-acre estate,

sits in a 27-acre estate,

including extensive formal gardens

including extensive formal gardens

and a three-quarters-of-an-acre maze.

and a three-quarters-of-an-acre maze.

It's home to British events organiser Ithaca and her French husband, Alex.

It's home to British events organiser Ithaca and her French husband, Alex.

It's home to British events organiser Ithaca and her French husband, Alex.

It's home to British events organiser Ithaca and her French husband, Alex.

We're really, really lucky.

We're very lucky to own a place like this, even if it is

We're very lucky to own a place like this, even if it is

a complete, you know, bottomless pit.

Located an hour from Calais, Alex and Ithaca

Located an hour from Calais, Alex and Ithaca

host an antiques and flower fair in the gardens each year,

host an antiques and flower fair in the gardens each year,

with the aim of raising funds that help pay for vital repairs.

with the aim of raising funds that help pay for vital repairs.

with the aim of raising funds that help pay for vital repairs.

The events are crucial for the survival of this house.

The events are crucial for the survival of this house.

The events are crucial for the survival of this house.

We're not millionaires, we're just normal people,

We're not millionaires, we're just normal people,

so we need to find ways to create more...

so we need to find ways to create more...

..more cash.

Over 70 stallholders will be selling everything from antiques

Over 70 stallholders will be selling everything from antiques

to garden products.

The public pay an entrance fee.

But with a costly roof repair under way,

But with a costly roof repair under way,

they need the fair to be more of a financial success than last year.

they need the fair to be more of a financial success than last year.

We didn't lose any money, but we didn't actually gain much money.

We didn't lose any money, but we didn't actually gain much money.

We didn't lose any money, but we didn't actually gain much money.

We're crossing our fingers.

We're crossing our fingers.

We're hoping that we're going to have more people.

There's now just 24 hours to go,

There's now just 24 hours to go,

and Alex, Ithaca and a team of 30 helpers still have to set up

and Alex, Ithaca and a team of 30 helpers still have to set up

and Alex, Ithaca and a team of 30 helpers still have to set up

their bar and restaurant, plus put signage across the site.

their bar and restaurant, plus put signage across the site.

A heatwave has sent temperatures into the mid-30s.

A heatwave has sent temperatures into the mid-30s.

At least that should be good for takings at the bar,

At least that should be good for takings at the bar,

where Alex is showing staff how to work the beer taps.

where Alex is showing staff how to work the beer taps.

TRANSLATION FROM FRENCH:

TRANSLATION FROM FRENCH:

Ithaca is dealing with early arrivals of stallholders

Ithaca is dealing with early arrivals of stallholders

at the now-scorching 10-acre event site.

at the now-scorching 10-acre event site.

Quite a lot of brocanteurs are arriving now,

Quite a lot of brocanteurs are arriving now,

so things that I should be doing, I can't be doing

so things that I should be doing, I can't be doing

because I'm having to deal with people that are arriving earlier.

because I'm having to deal with people that are arriving earlier.

because I'm having to deal with people that are arriving earlier.

This is the hottest day of the year,

and they're arriving in scorching heat.

and they're arriving in scorching heat.

I don't know why they're arriving now instead of tomorrow morning.

I don't know why they're arriving now instead of tomorrow morning.

I'm a bit concerned I might not have enough space.

I'm a bit concerned I might not have enough space.

Despite Ithaca's hard sell on pitches closer to the bar,

Despite Ithaca's hard sell on pitches closer to the bar,

the shady spots remain in high demand.

the shady spots remain in high demand.

They all want to be in the shade, so that's a bit of a problem.

They all want to be in the shade, so that's a bit of a problem.

I'm just hoping that I'm going to find a space for all of them.

I'm just hoping that I'm going to find a space for all of them.

SHE LAUGHS

Ithaca's day is not going as planned.

Ithaca's day is not going as planned.

I'm trying to map out the areas for the antique dealers

I'm trying to map out the areas for the antique dealers

and brocanteurs as we speak.

I keep getting interrupted.

The day's got even hotter, and there's heavy lifting to be done.

The day's got even hotter, and there's heavy lifting to be done.

Maybe it's not ideal to work at this time of the day...

Maybe it's not ideal to work at this time of the day...

..because it's so hot.

..because it's so hot.

But we have to go on.

But we have to go on.

And also, I have to watch after all the people helping,

And also, I have to watch after all the people helping,

And also, I have to watch after all the people helping,

so that they don't catch the sun or get too tired.

so that they don't catch the sun or get too tired.

so that they don't catch the sun or get too tired.

We desperately need them tomorrow to be in good shape.

We desperately need them tomorrow to be in good shape.

We desperately need them tomorrow to be in good shape.

So, so hot.

So, so hot.

I must be some kind of...

Like a red lobster right now.

Like a red lobster right now.

It's like being in the eye of a cyclone.

It's like being in the eye of a cyclone.

Ithaca wants to make sure they're prepared

Ithaca wants to make sure they're prepared

if the bar goes down a storm.

if the bar goes down a storm.

So, the freezer's done, the ice is done, the beer taps are done,

So, the freezer's done, the ice is done, the beer taps are done,

the beer's here, the wine is here, we've got running water,

the beer's here, the wine is here, we've got running water,

we've got the bins.

Now they just need the crowds so their hard work pays off.

Now they just need the crowds so their hard work pays off.

We need at least 1,500 people, I think, to break even.

We need at least 1,500 people, I think, to break even.

I'm hoping to have more.

I'm hoping to have more.

If nobody comes, we'll still have very good beer.

If nobody comes, we'll still have very good beer.

Yep. And very good rose.

So we can just not do anything and party.

So we can just not do anything and party.

Not sure Ithaca would agree, Alex.

Not sure Ithaca would agree, Alex.

Fingers crossed the sun brings out the visitors tomorrow.

Fingers crossed the sun brings out the visitors tomorrow.

300 miles south, at Chateau de Sauge, Paul's about to test

300 miles south, at Chateau de Sauge, Paul's about to test

300 miles south, at Chateau de Sauge, Paul's about to test

the pipes in his revamped toilets.

the pipes in his revamped toilets.

If there's a leak, it'll mean stripping away

If there's a leak, it'll mean stripping away

some of the tiles he's just put up, so it's an anxious moment.

some of the tiles he's just put up, so it's an anxious moment.

some of the tiles he's just put up, so it's an anxious moment.

Pipes are in.

HE EXHALES

Right, we can switch the water on now.

Ready?

It'll be a bit of an anticlimax if everything's OK.

It'll be a bit of an anticlimax if everything's OK.

It better be OK.

Do you want to turn the tap? Right, which one am I turning?

Do you want to turn the tap? Right, which one am I turning?

The one on the right.

Right that way, or right that way?

Right facing the taps.

This one? Yeah. Slowly.

Ready? No.

This could be sink or swim for their tearoom launch date.

This could be sink or swim for their tearoom launch date.

This could be sink or swim for their tearoom launch date.

Whoo.

TOILET FLUSHES

TOILET FLUSHES

I've never been so happy to see a toilet flush.

I've never been so happy to see a toilet flush.

HE CHUCKLES That's a relief.

HE CHUCKLES That's a relief.

But that's, yeah, two toilets, two sinks, yeah.

But that's, yeah, two toilets, two sinks, yeah.

But that's, yeah, two toilets, two sinks, yeah.

Seem to be OK, which is good.

Right, well, that's me finished for today.

Right, well, that's me finished for today.

Feet up now, sweetheart. SHE LAUGHS

Feet up now, sweetheart. SHE LAUGHS

When it comes to finishing the tearoom in her chosen

When it comes to finishing the tearoom in her chosen

vintage theme, Donna's been keeping the budget down by hunting around.

vintage theme, Donna's been keeping the budget down by hunting around.

vintage theme, Donna's been keeping the budget down by hunting around.

To get an old-style paper, it's absolutely so expensive,

To get an old-style paper, it's absolutely so expensive,

it's crazy prices, so I've been dealing with

it's crazy prices, so I've been dealing with

a couple of wallpaper suppliers and some mills.

a couple of wallpaper suppliers and some mills.

a couple of wallpaper suppliers and some mills.

I've just been buying them for a fraction of the price.

I've just been buying them for a fraction of the price.

Sourcing online bargain bins is a great way to keep costs down,

Sourcing online bargain bins is a great way to keep costs down,

Sourcing online bargain bins is a great way to keep costs down,

especially when you have an entire chateau to renovate.

especially when you have an entire chateau to renovate.

especially when you have an entire chateau to renovate.

Trips to the brocantes means they've been slowly collecting enough

Trips to the brocantes means they've been slowly collecting enough

furniture to fill their home,

so Donna's been trying her hand at a new skill - upholstery.

so Donna's been trying her hand at a new skill - upholstery.

so Donna's been trying her hand at a new skill - upholstery.

I've got, actually, two chairs of this style.

I've got, actually, two chairs of this style.

Unfortunately, all of the bottoms of the chairs

Unfortunately, all of the bottoms of the chairs

have kind of deteriorated like this.

have kind of deteriorated like this.

I'm going to have to reupholster them,

I'm going to have to reupholster them,

something I've not done before.

something I've not done before.

First thing I'm doing is to remove all of this braiding.

First thing I'm doing is to remove all of this braiding.

Mostly, it's kind of stuck in place.

Mostly, it's kind of stuck in place.

I never imagined there would be this many little pins.

I never imagined there would be this many little pins.

Ow.

So, now all that braid's off,

you can actually see the amount of tacks.

There are...hundreds.

There are...hundreds.

Once the fabric is removed from the seat,

Once the fabric is removed from the seat,

Donna uses it as a template on her chosen replacement material.

Donna uses it as a template on her chosen replacement material.

So, my idea is, I'll kind of leave a bit extra.

That's kind of pretty central.

That's kind of pretty central.

To keep the new cover in place, Donna's reusing the original tacks.

To keep the new cover in place, Donna's reusing the original tacks.

To keep the new cover in place, Donna's reusing the original tacks.

Right, hammer.

One nail in, probably another 200 to go.

One nail in, probably another 200 to go.

SHE CHUCKLES

Several tacks later, Donna's done for the day.

Several tacks later, Donna's done for the day.

I think it's a good start.

I think they'll absolutely look stunning

I think they'll absolutely look stunning

when they're completed, so it will be worth it.

when they're completed, so it will be worth it.

With the tearoom launch date fast approaching,

With the tearoom launch date fast approaching,

and a basement full of brocante buys to work through,

and a basement full of brocante buys to work through,

it looks like Donna and Paul have a very busy time ahead.

it looks like Donna and Paul have a very busy time ahead.

150 miles south, Angela and Steve are racing to fix the motorised

150 miles south, Angela and Steve are racing to fix the motorised

150 miles south, Angela and Steve are racing to fix the motorised

entrance gates, before the first rental guests of the season arrive.

entrance gates, before the first rental guests of the season arrive.

entrance gates, before the first rental guests of the season arrive.

Oh, great, that's just what I need. There you go.

Right, let's get bailing.

Right, let's get bailing.

The motor housing is flooded, so will need bailing out,

The motor housing is flooded, so will need bailing out,

along with a resident frog. Then they can replace the motor.

along with a resident frog. Then they can replace the motor.

along with a resident frog. Then they can replace the motor.

I think this has been full of water for years.

I think this has been full of water for years.

Hence the wildlife. Here he is.

Hence the wildlife. Here he is.

Oh. Oh! Oh!

Oh. Oh! Oh!

Oh, it's gone again.

Oh, he's in there now.

Why don't we tip it out slowly?

Time to evict Kermit.

Time to evict Kermit.

I haven't seen anything yet. Are you sure you put him in here?

I haven't seen anything yet. Are you sure you put him in here?

He might not be in it. I thought he went in the jug.

He might not be in it. I thought he went in the jug.

No? Oh, no, I think he's there.

No? Oh, no, I think he's there.

Well, something's in there.

Oh! No, that's a leaf. SHE LAUGHS

Oh! No, that's a leaf. SHE LAUGHS

No, no, no.

I think there's just a leaf in there, Steven.

I think there's just a leaf in there, Steven.

No frog.

Oh, there he is. He's there, he's on the leaf.

Oh, there he is. He's there, he's on the leaf.

Ah, that's gorgeous.

Can I have the bucket, please, Angela?

I really need to get this out of here now. OK, OK.

I really need to get this out of here now. OK, OK.

Saving the wildlife is great,

but it's not getting the job done, is it? There you go.

but it's not getting the job done, is it? There you go.

Now to mop away the muddy residue

Now to mop away the muddy residue

and see where the water SHOULD drain.

and see where the water SHOULD drain.

The good news is, I can see where there's a pipe coming out of here.

The good news is, I can see where there's a pipe coming out of here.

Maybe that went off to a drain somewhere over there.

Maybe that went off to a drain somewhere over there.

Let's have a look.

I hope it doesn't go very far.

Oh, that went further in.

That went quite a bit further in then.

That went quite a bit further in then.

That's gone loads further in.

Unable to reach the connecting drainage pipe this way,

Unable to reach the connecting drainage pipe this way,

it's time to bring in the big tools.

it's time to bring in the big tools.

Fire her up, see what happens.

And that means digging from above.

And that means digging from above.

OK, so you need to go closer to that side.

OK, so you need to go closer to that side.

Whoa! I reckon that's pretty spot-on.

Whoa! I reckon that's pretty spot-on.

Yeah.

Steve's aiming his auger

hoping to hit the line of the existing drainpipe...

hoping to hit the line of the existing drainpipe...

Yep, whoa, whoa.

..so they can find where the source of the blockage is.

..so they can find where the source of the blockage is.

What are you thinking? I think we're hitting something really hard down there.

What are you thinking? I think we're hitting something really hard down there.

We're probably hitting the foundations for the gates themselves. OK.

We're probably hitting the foundations for the gates themselves. OK.

We're going to have to move more this way, which is fine.

We're going to have to move more this way, which is fine.

Breaking through concrete so they can fix the problem

Breaking through concrete so they can fix the problem

will be a big job,

so fingers crossed they can locate softer ground.

so fingers crossed they can locate softer ground.

Think that's hit concrete again.

Think that's hit concrete again.

Yeah, that's concrete, isn't it?

Yeah, that's concrete, isn't it?

Best-laid plans and all that.

Let's hope it's third time lucky.

Let's hope it's third time lucky.

Go back again about an inch, two inch. That's... Whoa.

Go back again about an inch, two inch. That's... Whoa.

That's it.

That's going into the ground now.

That's going into the ground now.

Does that feel like it's going in now?

Yeah.

Bingo!

Have we reached Australia yet?

Have we reached Australia yet?

Big hole.

Is it lunchtime?

No.

This is turning into a bigger job than expected,

This is turning into a bigger job than expected,

so there's no guarantee they'll have it done in time for rental guests.

so there's no guarantee they'll have it done in time for rental guests.

I'm not intersecting any pipe.

I'm not intersecting any pipe.

Oh, dear. Despite Steve's big drill,

Oh, dear. Despite Steve's big drill,

seems this hole still isn't deep enough to reach the drain.

seems this hole still isn't deep enough to reach the drain.

seems this hole still isn't deep enough to reach the drain.

If that's further, deeper than that,

then we're never going to actually hit that pipe.

It's not ideal to start this kind of job

It's not ideal to start this kind of job

just two days before your guests come, I suppose.

just two days before your guests come, I suppose.

Coming up...

A mad rush for Alex and Ithaca at the fundraising fair...

A mad rush for Alex and Ithaca at the fundraising fair...

There are no more tickets down there.

They don't have any entrance bracelets.

They don't have any entrance bracelets.

..Donna's getting crafty to finish the tearoom on a budget...

..Donna's getting crafty to finish the tearoom on a budget...

As we're going through the chateau,

As we're going through the chateau,

what we're trying to do is repurpose as much as possible.

what we're trying to do is repurpose as much as possible.

Watch me fingers.

..and we head to the coast.

There is just a total different feeling when you're by the seaside.

There is just a total different feeling when you're by the seaside.

There is just a total different feeling when you're by the seaside.

I'm a crab, coming to get you!

In northern France, it's now the day of Alex and Ithaca's

In northern France, it's now the day of Alex and Ithaca's

fundraising antiques and flower fair.

fundraising antiques and flower fair.

And Ithaca's made a very early start.

And Ithaca's made a very early start.

I got up at half past four.

The first people arrived at ten to five.

The first people arrived at ten to five.

So I've been literally, you know,

So I've been literally, you know,

running around and making sure that everybody is happy with their space.

running around and making sure that everybody is happy with their space.

running around and making sure that everybody is happy with their space.

Now there's less than an hour to get all the stalls in position,

Now there's less than an hour to get all the stalls in position,

before opening the gates to the public.

before opening the gates to the public.

Making sure that everybody is setting up

Making sure that everybody is setting up

and that they've cleared their lorries for half past eight.

and that they've cleared their lorries for half past eight.

and that they've cleared their lorries for half past eight.

Un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq,

Un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq,

six, sept, huit, neuf, dix.

six, sept, huit, neuf, dix.

Alex heads down to the ticket desk and prepares to open...

Alex heads down to the ticket desk and prepares to open...

..as Ithaca instils some team spirit into the army of 30 workers.

..as Ithaca instils some team spirit into the army of 30 workers.

..as Ithaca instils some team spirit into the army of 30 workers.

The stalls are ready to welcome visitors,

The stalls are ready to welcome visitors,

but there's no sign of any.

Clearly, there's a problem.

Clearly, there's a problem.

RADIO: Merci, Alex. Merci.

RADIO: Merci, Alex. Merci.

They forgot to open the parking.

That is their duty, they just forgot, but it's fine now.

That is their duty, they just forgot, but it's fine now.

It's open. First car's coming.

It's open. First car's coming.

I can't believe it.

It's very funny, actually.

It's very funny, actually.

The car park now open, visitors are flooding in...

The car park now open, visitors are flooding in...

..leaving Alex a victim of his own success.

..leaving Alex a victim of his own success.

There are no more tickets down there.

There are no more tickets down there.

They don't have any entrance bracelets, so that's an issue.

They don't have any entrance bracelets, so that's an issue.

It means a race across the ten-acre site, back to the chateau.

It means a race across the ten-acre site, back to the chateau.

Where is it?

OK, c'est bon.

C'est bon?

Bumper numbers are also proving a problem for the bar and buffet.

Bumper numbers are also proving a problem for the bar and buffet.

Right now, I'm concerned with the fact that all these people

Right now, I'm concerned with the fact that all these people

are waiting to eat.

There's a huge queue for lunch

and I keep getting called every single five minutes.

and I keep getting called every single five minutes.

It's really frustrating,

because it means you're going to get people saying,

because it means you're going to get people saying,

"Ugh, we had to queue, we had to queue".

"Ugh, we had to queue, we had to queue".

Time for some damage limitation.

The bumper turnout is great news for the renovation fund,

The bumper turnout is great news for the renovation fund,

The bumper turnout is great news for the renovation fund,

but also means the next five hours are going to be pretty hectic

but also means the next five hours are going to be pretty hectic

for Ithaca and Alex.

300 miles south, the grand opening of Donna and Paul's new tearoom

300 miles south, the grand opening of Donna and Paul's new tearoom

is in ten days' time.

And they've been making good progress with the work,

And they've been making good progress with the work,

but they've had some crushing news.

but they've had some crushing news.

We had a meeting with the mayor two days ago. Yeah.

We had a meeting with the mayor two days ago. Yeah.

To request his presence at the opening of the tearoom.

To request his presence at the opening of the tearoom.

To officially open the tearoom. Yeah.

To officially open the tearoom. Yeah.

But then, unfortunately, he said that he'd only received

But then, unfortunately, he said that he'd only received

the paperwork, that we understood had been submitted,

the paperwork, that we understood had been submitted,

technically, a couple of weeks previously.

technically, a couple of weeks previously.

When we mentioned opening in ten days, he burst into laughter. Yeah.

When we mentioned opening in ten days, he burst into laughter. Yeah.

When we mentioned opening in ten days, he burst into laughter. Yeah.

He said, "Of course I'll open the tearoom.

He said, "Of course I'll open the tearoom.

"Love to, but not on that date."

"Love to, but not on that date."

So, yeah. Yeah.

The application for permission to open is weeks behind schedule.

The application for permission to open is weeks behind schedule.

The application for permission to open is weeks behind schedule.

I was furious.

Everything was organised.

Everything was organised.

We're running on empty, nearly, aren't we, now?

We're running on empty, nearly, aren't we, now?

Yeah, we had a plan and this would be up and running,

Yeah, we had a plan and this would be up and running,

and, indeed, earning its keep and helping us to fund

and, indeed, earning its keep and helping us to fund

the other works and that's now delayed.

the other works and that's now delayed.

That means postponing the launch

That means postponing the launch

until the paperwork hopefully comes through.

until the paperwork hopefully comes through.

But at least there's time for Donna to get creative

But at least there's time for Donna to get creative

with the furniture they need.

with the furniture they need.

I found two sewing machines, actually, in our old stable,

I found two sewing machines, actually, in our old stable,

I found two sewing machines, actually, in our old stable,

which I immediately fell in love with.

which I immediately fell in love with.

She's already repurposed an old cast iron oven found in the attic,

She's already repurposed an old cast iron oven found in the attic,

She's already repurposed an old cast iron oven found in the attic,

and is now working on transforming old sewing machines.

and is now working on transforming old sewing machines.

As we're going through the chateau,

we're finding little bits and pieces from history,

we're finding little bits and pieces from history,

we're finding little bits and pieces from history,

and what we're trying to do is repurpose as much as possible.

and what we're trying to do is repurpose as much as possible.

and what we're trying to do is repurpose as much as possible.

There we are, you're looking cleaner.

I think this sewing machine'll be a great addition to the terrace.

I think this sewing machine'll be a great addition to the terrace.

Doesn't she look lovely? New lease of life.

Doesn't she look lovely? New lease of life.

Watch me fingers.

I've got this end.

It's a good job they're getting creative,

It's a good job they're getting creative,

because with the opening of the tearoom delayed,

because with the opening of the tearoom delayed,

they need to keep a closer eye than ever on their budget.

they need to keep a closer eye than ever on their budget.

Doing up these architectural marvels may not always be a picnic,

Doing up these architectural marvels may not always be a picnic,

Doing up these architectural marvels may not always be a picnic,

so taking time to get out and about is one way to stay fresh

so taking time to get out and about is one way to stay fresh

and remind us why we do it.

We're leaving our place for a few hours to head to the beach...

We're leaving our place for a few hours to head to the beach...

We're leaving our place for a few hours to head to the beach...

You got Dorothy, Mum? Yep.

Right, OK.

..with our children.

Grandma, Grandad!

Plus Grandma Jenny and Grandad Steve.

Plus Grandma Jenny and Grandad Steve.

Come rain or shine...

I see a bit of sunshine over there, Dick!

I see a bit of sunshine over there, Dick!

Really? Look. Oh, look, the sun.

Really? Look. Oh, look, the sun.

..the coast at Saint-Malo is a breath of fresh air.

..the coast at Saint-Malo is a breath of fresh air.

We live in a gorgeous house,

but there is just a total different feeling when you're by the seaside.

but there is just a total different feeling when you're by the seaside.

but there is just a total different feeling when you're by the seaside.

It's great.

While our children build castles of their own, as always,

While our children build castles of their own, as always,

Angel's getting inspiration for our real-life castle.

Angel's getting inspiration for our real-life castle.

There's a certain time of the day when the tide goes out

There's a certain time of the day when the tide goes out

and you see all the rocks,

and we're going to go and look for basically anything

and we're going to go and look for basically anything

that takes our fancy.

that takes our fancy.

The beach combing begins.

The beach combing begins.

If you wash it, you can see exactly what's what.

Shall we start putting the precious stones in the container?

Shall we start putting the precious stones in the container?

Shall we start putting the precious stones in the container?

I've made a few things with shells.

I've made a few things with shells.

I covered a light in them once.

I covered a light in them once.

It's beautiful.

Whilst we go home with bags of ideas,

Whilst we go home with bags of ideas,

all our natural finds are put back,

all our natural finds are put back,

to preserve the beach as we found it.

to preserve the beach as we found it.

I'm a crab, I'm a crab! I'm coming to get ya. I'm going to get ya!

I'm a crab, I'm a crab! I'm coming to get ya. I'm going to get ya!

I'm a crab, I'm a crab! I'm coming to get ya. I'm going to get ya!

I can see seaweed.

Come on, Mama.

Come on, Mama.

What was that? It's a bit of seaweed. Oh, that's OK. Oh!

What was that? It's a bit of seaweed. Oh, that's OK. Oh!

Let's keep going.

Dick, can I just have the...?

As well as a spot of treasure hunting,

As well as a spot of treasure hunting,

I want to show Dorothy and Arthur some wildlife

I want to show Dorothy and Arthur some wildlife

we don't get back home.

It's quite tickly, isn't it? And you see its little claws.

It's quite tickly, isn't it? And you see its little claws.

Oh, wow! You see its little claws,

Oh, wow! You see its little claws,

and its claws aren't big enough to hurt you. Ow!

and its claws aren't big enough to hurt you. Ow!

Well done.

OK, we have to let it go now. Right.

OK, we have to let it go now. Right.

You'd better go and hide, you. Go on. Bye-bye. Bye-bye.

You'd better go and hide, you. Go on. Bye-bye. Bye-bye.

Marine safari complete,

it's time for my lot to scuttle back home too.

it's time for my lot to scuttle back home too.

On the banks of the River Lot,

On the banks of the River Lot,

Angela and Steve's first chateau rental of the season

Angela and Steve's first chateau rental of the season

is now less than a day away.

is now less than a day away.

After lots of digging,

a new drainage pipe has been put in place for the electric gates.

a new drainage pipe has been put in place for the electric gates.

a new drainage pipe has been put in place for the electric gates.

We've managed to get now a route from the motor casing

We've managed to get now a route from the motor casing

in the ground out to a land drain.

in the ground out to a land drain.

But if it isn't working, they're out of time.

But if it isn't working, they're out of time.

The first thing we need to do is check that that drain works.

The first thing we need to do is check that that drain works.

I've got some water, tip it in. OK, right.

I've got some water, tip it in. OK, right.

If water isn't draining away,

they won't be able to install a replacement motor.

they won't be able to install a replacement motor.

And with Angela and Steve due to return to the UK,

And with Angela and Steve due to return to the UK,

that means the gates won't open automatically

that means the gates won't open automatically

for paying guests all summer.

for paying guests all summer.

Angela, I'm hoping we're going to see the water from here

Angela, I'm hoping we're going to see the water from here

flowing down that pipe and coming out down there. OK.

flowing down that pipe and coming out down there. OK.

flowing down that pipe and coming out down there. OK.

It's the moment of truth.

It's the moment of truth.

You ready? Yep.

I see water, straight away.

Oh, that's great. Oh, yay!

Result. Result.

Stage one complete. Simple pleasures,

a little bit of water disappearing.

a little bit of water disappearing.

The new drainage system deals with the equivalent

The new drainage system deals with the equivalent

of a heavy thunderstorm with ease.

of a heavy thunderstorm with ease.

Now they're all clear to install the replacement motor.

Now they're all clear to install the replacement motor.

OK, it's in.

All I've got to do now is connect those to those,

All I've got to do now is connect those to those,

and that pops in there.

and that pops in there.

That's great, so we're all connected down here. Yup.

That's great, so we're all connected down here. Yup.

Time to hook it up to the new entry box.

Time to hook it up to the new entry box.

How's all that looking? Mm, it looks neat.

How's all that looking? Mm, it looks neat.

And, of course, engineer Steve has gone for the latest bit of kit.

And, of course, engineer Steve has gone for the latest bit of kit.

So you can either text it and say open the gates,

So you can either text it and say open the gates,

you can ring it and it'll open the gates,

you can ring it and it'll open the gates,

or you can actually use the keypad and put a code in and open the gate.

or you can actually use the keypad and put a code in and open the gate.

So, it's quite versatile, really.

So, it's quite versatile, really.

I just hope it works, because if it doesn't,

I just hope it works, because if it doesn't,

then it's a couple of steps backwards again.

then it's a couple of steps backwards again.

Oh, ye of little faith.

Oh, ye of little faith.

Doesn't that look nice?

I'd rather it worked, though, than looked nice, to be fair.

I'd rather it worked, though, than looked nice, to be fair.

OK.

Ooh. Right. The gate moved.

Ooh. Right. The gate moved.

That's so exciting!

So that one's moved. Oh, we... No, they're both moving.

So that one's moved. Oh, we... No, they're both moving.

One just went first. It lets that one gets ahead of it, doesn't it?

One just went first. It lets that one gets ahead of it, doesn't it?

Yay!

That's really great.

I feel like we have gone to the future.

I feel like we have gone to the future.

I think you did a brill job, then. Oh, thank you.

A brill job? A brill job.

Wow, that's a compliment.

I'll take that when I get them.

Angela and Steve enjoy a moment of calm

Angela and Steve enjoy a moment of calm

after another period of hard work.

after another period of hard work.

From tricky finishing touches...

It's absolutely beautiful.

Are you happy with that? I am happy, yes, thank you.

Are you happy with that? I am happy, yes, thank you.

..to fixing the pool...

Can I get that in there? Yes, you can. Yes, you can.

Can I get that in there? Yes, you can. Yes, you can.

Marvellous.

..creating parking space...

Voila!

..and sorting out the entry gates.

..and sorting out the entry gates.

They can head back to the UK knowing everything is just so

They can head back to the UK knowing everything is just so

for their summer guests.

I hate to say it, but it always feels lovely as we drive away

I hate to say it, but it always feels lovely as we drive away

and we look round, and we go, "Oh, my gosh."

and we look round, and we go, "Oh, my gosh."

Every year, we do more and more, don't we? And that's really good.

Every year, we do more and more, don't we? And that's really good.

We're doing it ourselves, we've only got a limited budget,

We're doing it ourselves, we've only got a limited budget,

but I think every year, it's getting better and better.

but I think every year, it's getting better and better.

This dynamic duo continue to take their chateau

This dynamic duo continue to take their chateau

from strength to strength.

from strength to strength.

And I'm happy to say their future in France looks rosy.

And I'm happy to say their future in France looks rosy.

Coming up...

..something's brewing, as a tearoom launch date draws near.

..something's brewing, as a tearoom launch date draws near.

There you go.

The only thing that's missing now is my flowers in the centre.

The only thing that's missing now is my flowers in the centre.

And some customers. Yeah.

And some customers. Yeah.

All the fun of the fair wears thin for chateau-owner Alex.

All the fun of the fair wears thin for chateau-owner Alex.

I'm kind of looking now for six o'clock.

I'm kind of looking now for six o'clock.

It's over now. It's like, "OK, OK, OK, fair enough.

It's over now. It's like, "OK, OK, OK, fair enough.

"Everybody away, come on."

In western France, Donna and Paul are busy decorating the tearoom,

In western France, Donna and Paul are busy decorating the tearoom,

whilst awaiting crucial permission to let them open to the public.

whilst awaiting crucial permission to let them open to the public.

whilst awaiting crucial permission to let them open to the public.

I've got a couple of mirrors to go up. Where?

I've got a couple of mirrors to go up. Where?

I was thinking of kind of just doing something like that, you see?

I was thinking of kind of just doing something like that, you see?

Er...why?

Because.

Did vintage tearooms have mirrors that were of no use to people?

Did vintage tearooms have mirrors that were of no use to people?

I really like that.

No time to reflect,

as the rest of Donna's final touches are put in place.

as the rest of Donna's final touches are put in place.

This is our cupboard of cake stands, all ready to go.

This is our cupboard of cake stands, all ready to go.

Donna's been sourcing vintage china from the nearby brocante...

Donna's been sourcing vintage china from the nearby brocante...

There you go. ..and perfecting her cake recipes.

There you go. ..and perfecting her cake recipes.

What have you got?

We certainly won't be serving them in my tearoom.

We certainly won't be serving them in my tearoom.

Oh, fair enough.

The only thing that's missing now is my flowers in the centre.

The only thing that's missing now is my flowers in the centre.

Yeah.

And some customers. Yeah.

Perfect.

When they bought the chateau,

this room was a gloomy and neglected shell.

this room was a gloomy and neglected shell.

Donna and Paul have stripped out the old fittings, re-plastered,

Donna and Paul have stripped out the old fittings, re-plastered,

Donna and Paul have stripped out the old fittings, re-plastered,

panelled the walls and decorated from top to bottom...

panelled the walls and decorated from top to bottom...

..to create a bright and sunny vintage tearoom,

..to create a bright and sunny vintage tearoom,

finished with her retro wallpaper and filled with finds

finished with her retro wallpaper and filled with finds

from the brocante and around the chateau.

from the brocante and around the chateau.

And what was once a grotty old bathroom is now smart

And what was once a grotty old bathroom is now smart

and full of character, with ample space for disabled access.

and full of character, with ample space for disabled access.

and full of character, with ample space for disabled access.

But sadly, it's a case of tea and sympathy for Donna and Paul.

But sadly, it's a case of tea and sympathy for Donna and Paul.

But sadly, it's a case of tea and sympathy for Donna and Paul.

Crucial approval from the Fire Department has not arrived

Crucial approval from the Fire Department has not arrived

and they've had no choice but to delay the opening yet again.

and they've had no choice but to delay the opening yet again.

One of the biggest emotions is disappointment.

One of the biggest emotions is disappointment.

One of the biggest emotions is disappointment.

You know, we can't open the doors.

You know, we can't open the doors.

I'm kind of itching to get into my lovely kitchen,

I'm kind of itching to get into my lovely kitchen,

bake my little heart out and, you know,

bake my little heart out and, you know,

have some creations for people to enjoy.

have some creations for people to enjoy.

They may not be hosting the launch they hoped for,

They may not be hosting the launch they hoped for,

but Donna and Paul should be very proud of what they've achieved

but Donna and Paul should be very proud of what they've achieved

since moving into this derelict chateau just nine months ago.

since moving into this derelict chateau just nine months ago.

Yeah, this is pretty bad.

With hard graft and determination,

With hard graft and determination,

they've transformed the scullery into an impressive catering kitchen,

they've transformed the scullery into an impressive catering kitchen,

they've transformed the scullery into an impressive catering kitchen,

turned a run-down wing of the chateau

turned a run-down wing of the chateau

into a self-contained apartment for guests,

into a self-contained apartment for guests,

and now have a beautiful vintage tearoom ready to go.

and now have a beautiful vintage tearoom ready to go.

and now have a beautiful vintage tearoom ready to go.

Chateau life is enthralling, tiring, emotional, worrying,

Chateau life is enthralling, tiring, emotional, worrying,

Chateau life is enthralling, tiring, emotional, worrying,

but it's not something that we'd want to change.

but it's not something that we'd want to change.

So there's no looking back, it's only forward.

So there's no looking back, it's only forward.

We wish them all the best for their future here in France.

We wish them all the best for their future here in France.

We wish them all the best for their future here in France.

We're still living the dream, living here.

We're still living the dream, living here.

Our bank account might not think so, but...

Our bank account might not think so, but...

Our bank account might not think so, but...

But it's still a privilege, living here.

Near Calais in northern France, Alex and Ithaca's antiques

Near Calais in northern France, Alex and Ithaca's antiques

and flower fair is seeing record attendance.

and flower fair is seeing record attendance.

All good news for the renovations fund.

All good news for the renovations fund.

As you can see, the chateau is under rebuilding.

As you can see, the chateau is under rebuilding.

To maintain is an enormous amount of money, so we need to make events,

To maintain is an enormous amount of money, so we need to make events,

we need to make profit and that's why we need the people to come.

we need to make profit and that's why we need the people to come.

But organising logistics across the busy ten-acre event site

But organising logistics across the busy ten-acre event site

But organising logistics across the busy ten-acre event site

is proving a challenge.

Last year, we only had four talkie-walkies

Last year, we only had four talkie-walkies

and that was quite all right.

Now, I bought four more and, I don't know,

Now, I bought four more and, I don't know,

everybody wants his talkie-walkie.

everybody wants his talkie-walkie.

A chateau owner can never have too many talkie-walkies.

A chateau owner can never have too many talkie-walkies.

Look at this.

Parfait.

OK.

To keep things moving, 11-year-old son Jules

To keep things moving, 11-year-old son Jules

and 14-year-old daughter Violet have come up with a plan.

and 14-year-old daughter Violet have come up with a plan.

and 14-year-old daughter Violet have come up with a plan.

You've been walking around for the whole day, doing wheelbarrows,

You've been walking around for the whole day, doing wheelbarrows,

and you're fine with that? I think you're completely crazy.

and you're fine with that? I think you're completely crazy.

My daughter is mad, anyway. She reminds me of me.

My daughter is mad, anyway. She reminds me of me.

Mummy, she's been working so hard for this,

Mummy, she's been working so hard for this,

and I think it's just amazing and she's such an inspiration for me.

and I think it's just amazing and she's such an inspiration for me.

Bye!

No wheelbarrow rides for Dad though, as he makes yet another long

No wheelbarrow rides for Dad though, as he makes yet another long

trip to deal with a problem over at the entrance gate.

trip to deal with a problem over at the entrance gate.

There's a road sign that fell because of the wind,

There's a road sign that fell because of the wind,

so I have to get it fixed,

so I've got to get the screwdriver and stuff to get it fixed.

so I've got to get the screwdriver and stuff to get it fixed.

I have to fix it back.

Screws, screws, screws.

En route, he's diverted to fetch hats for attendants

En route, he's diverted to fetch hats for attendants

at the car park, who are feeling the heat.

at the car park, who are feeling the heat.

And there's another issue at the new lavender beds,

And there's another issue at the new lavender beds,

which are drawing lots of attention.

which are drawing lots of attention.

Yeah, people walking on there, it's stupid.

Yeah, people walking on there, it's stupid.

And they don't seem to care, and I do care.

And they don't seem to care, and I do care.

It's a lot of work.

Hats off to one more trouble sorted, but the worries aren't over.

Hats off to one more trouble sorted, but the worries aren't over.

Hats off to one more trouble sorted, but the worries aren't over.

It's very windy and I don't want to fix it, really,

It's very windy and I don't want to fix it, really,

It's very windy and I don't want to fix it, really,

cos it won't be that well fixed.

cos it won't be that well fixed.

With the wind still blowing and the fair due to finish soon...

With the wind still blowing and the fair due to finish soon...

I mean, maybe I can do this.

..Alex decides the sign can stay down.

..Alex decides the sign can stay down.

And that will be OK. I'm afraid of the wind.

And that will be OK. I'm afraid of the wind.

It's very strong, it's surprisingly strong.

It's very strong, it's surprisingly strong.

Whoa. Now there are lots of cars.

Whoa. Now there are lots of cars.

But, no, it's good that some cars are leaving.

But, no, it's good that some cars are leaving.

"Well done, you've done your best, leave now!"

"Well done, you've done your best, leave now!"

Ithaca's ready to put her feet up, too.

Ithaca's ready to put her feet up, too.

I'm feeling exhausted. I'm really tired.

I'm feeling exhausted. I'm really tired.

I can't feel my feet, but I am wearing heels.

I can't feel my feet, but I am wearing heels.

I'm kind of looking now for six o'clock.

I'm kind of looking now for six o'clock.

It's over, now. It's like, OK, OK.

It's over, now. It's like, OK, OK.

"Fair enough, everybody away. Come on."

"Fair enough, everybody away. Come on."

Fond farewells.

Fond farewells.

I love to see people coming out packed with things,

I love to see people coming out packed with things,

that will mean that everybody is happy.

that will mean that everybody is happy.

There's been a lot, a lot of people.

The stall owners, the brocanteurs,

the antique dealers, the nurseries are really happy,

the antique dealers, the nurseries are really happy,

so it's good.

so it's good.

This year, Ithaca and Alex welcomed a record crowd

This year, Ithaca and Alex welcomed a record crowd

of over 2,200 visitors, giving ticket takings of nearly £10,000 -

of over 2,200 visitors, giving ticket takings of nearly £10,000 -

of over 2,200 visitors, giving ticket takings of nearly £10,000 -

all great news for the repair fund and the family's chateau.

all great news for the repair fund and the family's chateau.

I'm feeling relieved, proud of everything that we've achieved.

I'm feeling relieved, proud of everything that we've achieved.

I'm feeling relieved, proud of everything that we've achieved.

We are a true team.

We have a lot of fun.

We do shout at each other a lot.

We're still in the same direction.

We're still in the same direction.

As well as making the annual antiques and flower fair

As well as making the annual antiques and flower fair

bigger and better than ever,

bigger and better than ever,

they've created a new planting scheme...

they've created a new planting scheme...

..and started expensive work to fix the entire 800-square-metre roof.

..and started expensive work to fix the entire 800-square-metre roof.

..and started expensive work to fix the entire 800-square-metre roof.

Now they're planning more events for later in the year.

Now they're planning more events for later in the year.

We plan to organise an autumn fest, more of a night event,

We plan to organise an autumn fest, more of a night event,

We plan to organise an autumn fest, more of a night event,

where the whole garden will be lit up.

where the whole garden will be lit up.

Let me finish my glass of beer.

Let me finish my glass of beer.

Let me finish my glass of beer, too.

Let me finish my glass of beer, too.

Oops!

I'll raise my glass to all our intrepid chateau owners.

I'll raise my glass to all our intrepid chateau owners.

I'll raise my glass to all our intrepid chateau owners.

Donna and Paul are still awaiting the OK from the Fire Department

Donna and Paul are still awaiting the OK from the Fire Department

Donna and Paul are still awaiting the OK from the Fire Department

to open their tearoom.

to open their tearoom.

Angela and Steve's chateau is booked up.

Angela and Steve's chateau is booked up.

Angela and Steve's chateau is booked up.

So I hope you have a really lovely stay with us.

So I hope you have a really lovely stay with us.

And Alex and Ithaca's epic roof repair

And Alex and Ithaca's epic roof repair

looks set to continue for another year.

looks set to continue for another year.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media