Original subtitles

I'm Dick Strawbridge and, along with my wife, Angel

and our two children...

Great!

..we've lived in this magnificent chateau in France

..we've lived in this magnificent chateau in France

for the last four years.

One, two, three. Woo, look at that!

One, two, three. Woo, look at that!

We are renovating it as our home...

Right, so canapes

..and our business.

Two, three, up.

And it seems we are not the only Brits who've followed their dream

And it seems we are not the only Brits who've followed their dream

and have bought a chateau to call home.

and have bought a chateau to call home.

Absolutely stunning.

It's beautiful.

So, Angel and I are back, guiding a new batch of adventurous owners...

So, Angel and I are back, guiding a new batch of adventurous owners...

So, Angel and I are back, guiding a new batch of adventurous owners...

I know it's going to look lovely.

That's bordering on ridiculous.

That's bordering on ridiculous.

..and catching up with some old friends...

..and catching up with some old friends...

Hey!

..as they battle to rescue their homes...

..as they battle to rescue their homes...

Stick it in the hole. Let's just see how far we can go.

Stick it in the hole. Let's just see how far we can go.

..and try to make them pay their way.

..and try to make them pay their way.

Well, this has all gone wrong, cos five was originally there.

Well, this has all gone wrong, cos five was originally there.

Pardon.

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

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

It's a balance, and finding that balance is really, really hard.

It's a balance, and finding that balance is really, really hard.

There'll be highs...

That's it, that's it. Yes!

..and lows...

Oh, these stairs will be the death of me, I think. Ah!

Oh, these stairs will be the death of me, I think. Ah!

..but however hard the going gets...

Whoa!

..for these plucky Brits, nothing beats life in their very own castle.

..for these plucky Brits, nothing beats life in their very own castle.

..for these plucky Brits, nothing beats life in their very own castle.

Today, ambitious plans for a chateau wedding business.

Today, ambitious plans for a chateau wedding business.

Today, ambitious plans for a chateau wedding business.

It will almost certainly be a last minute rush.

It will almost certainly be a last minute rush.

Dad!

I spy savvy ways that money grows on trees.

I spy savvy ways that money grows on trees.

Each one of those could be planted up as an oak tree,

Each one of those could be planted up as an oak tree,

there's a business opportunity.

Argh!

Preparations get highly charged...

Preparations get highly charged...

I just saw lights.

..as one couple expect a big B&B booking...

..as one couple expect a big B&B booking...

You've blown all of the electrics.

Let me in. No.

..and a trio of sisters go shopping for a chateau.

..and a trio of sisters go shopping for a chateau.

Do you know if there's any ghosts in the property?

Do you know if there's any ghosts in the property?

All over France, incredible chateaux are getting a fresh lease

All over France, incredible chateaux are getting a fresh lease

of life with new owners from the UK.

of life with new owners from the UK.

Nestling in Normandy, in northern France, is the 18-bedroom,

Nestling in Normandy, in northern France, is the 18-bedroom,

four storey, 19th century Chateau du Mot Vassal.

four storey, 19th century Chateau du Mot Vassal.

It was snapped up by couple Emma and Paul for £278,000 two years ago.

It was snapped up by couple Emma and Paul for £278,000 two years ago.

It was snapped up by couple Emma and Paul for £278,000 two years ago.

Well we still don't quite believe it, do we?

Well we still don't quite believe it, do we?

We always go, "Oh, someone's going to come and kick us out."

We always go, "Oh, someone's going to come and kick us out."

Yeah, I have to pinch myself on a regular basis,

Yeah, I have to pinch myself on a regular basis,

kind of in the morning, when I get up, quick pinch.

kind of in the morning, when I get up, quick pinch.

French-born Emma is a freelance development consultant

French-born Emma is a freelance development consultant

and Paul took early retirement from his job in a car factory

and Paul took early retirement from his job in a car factory

so they could make the move from Luton to Chateau du Mot Vassal,

so they could make the move from Luton to Chateau du Mot Vassal,

close to the Normandy coast.

I knew the chateau was the one when I walked around the house.

I knew the chateau was the one when I walked around the house.

It was almost like the house was asking me to restore it.

It was almost like the house was asking me to restore it.

It was almost like the house was asking me to restore it.

After meeting nine years ago,

they discovered a love of doing up homes.

they discovered a love of doing up homes.

Together, we've done about six or seven renovations,

Together, we've done about six or seven renovations,

nothing on this scale, not even the six or seven places

nothing on this scale, not even the six or seven places

would equal anything this scale.

would equal anything this scale.

This may be their biggest property project yet, but, sadly,

This may be their biggest property project yet, but, sadly,

there's no massive money pot to match.

there's no massive money pot to match.

We came here with a 30,000 budget, with 30 rooms to do.

We came here with a 30,000 budget, with 30 rooms to do.

We came here with a 30,000 budget, with 30 rooms to do.

That was two years ago.

Now, we're left with 10K, the whole of the second floor

Now, we're left with 10K, the whole of the second floor

and the west wing to do.

and the west wing to do.

So, Emma and Paul have opened their home for business,

So, Emma and Paul have opened their home for business,

offering their completed rooms as bed and breakfast.

offering their completed rooms as bed and breakfast.

They have guests arriving in two weeks' time and there

They have guests arriving in two weeks' time and there

are still jobs to do.

They've got children and we've got a two-metre drop

They've got children and we've got a two-metre drop

They've got children and we've got a two-metre drop

from the doors to the pool, to the outside.

from the doors to the pool, to the outside.

So, it's really important

that we protect that area, and nobody falls over it.

that we protect that area, and nobody falls over it.

I've bought some Victorian-style balustrade stair spindles,

I've bought some Victorian-style balustrade stair spindles,

I've bought some Victorian-style balustrade stair spindles,

I think they're about a pound to go.

I think they're about a pound to go.

What a bargain.

By fitting and cutting them himself, Paul reckons he saved a total

By fitting and cutting them himself, Paul reckons he saved a total

of around £1,000.

I served an apprenticeship as a coach maker, so I've got

I served an apprenticeship as a coach maker, so I've got

a very, very good knowledge of timber work.

a very, very good knowledge of timber work.

I've got one here that's cut to length,

I've got one here that's cut to length,

so now what I'm going to do is I'm going to block it out,

so now what I'm going to do is I'm going to block it out,

so I can do all the spindles all in one go.

so I can do all the spindles all in one go.

It's quite an operation, there's about,

It's quite an operation, there's about,

probably about 70 spindles in all.

probably about 70 spindles in all.

Just give this one a first chop.

Just give this one a first chop.

I get a lot of pleasure out of this sort of stuff,

I get a lot of pleasure out of this sort of stuff,

it's very therapeutic, I feel.

it's very therapeutic, I feel.

Emma's also keeping the cost down

when it comes to decorating the guest bedrooms.

when it comes to decorating the guest bedrooms.

I am trying to create a sort of fairy tale bedroom.

I am trying to create a sort of fairy tale bedroom.

I am trying to create a sort of fairy tale bedroom.

I found these on eBay,

which are two rose ciel de lit bed crowns.

which are two rose ciel de lit bed crowns.

which are two rose ciel de lit bed crowns.

which are two rose ciel de lit bed crowns.

So, effectively, we'll have crowns over each bed.

So, effectively, we'll have crowns over each bed.

So, effectively, we'll have crowns over each bed.

I'm going to try and match the original paintwork on the beds,

I'm going to try and match the original paintwork on the beds,

I'm going to try and match the original paintwork on the beds,

allow a little bit of the gold to come through and then I'm going

allow a little bit of the gold to come through and then I'm going

to attach some really nice wool material I got.

to attach some really nice wool material I got.

to attach some really nice wool material I got.

And then the idea is that the wool will hang down

And then the idea is that the wool will hang down

to give a sort of ethereal feel.

to give a sort of ethereal feel.

Outside, Paul's finished the balusters for the safety rail

Outside, Paul's finished the balusters for the safety rail

and is ready to slot them into position.

and is ready to slot them into position.

Hopefully, I haven't miscalculated how many balusters I need.

Hopefully, I haven't miscalculated how many balusters I need.

Hopefully, I haven't miscalculated how many balusters I need.

Hopefully, I haven't miscalculated how many balusters I need.

Cos that would be a bit annoying.

Cos that would be a bit annoying.

There you go.

HE CHUCKLES

HE CHUCKLES

Fingers crossed Paul gets his sums right in time for

Fingers crossed Paul gets his sums right in time for

the chateau's big B&B booking.

the chateau's big B&B booking.

Out right there, come on mate.

Out right there, come on mate.

The spectacular countryside of southwest France is location

The spectacular countryside of southwest France is location

The spectacular countryside of southwest France is location

of 36-bedroom Chateau du Doux.

of 36-bedroom Chateau du Doux.

This century-old property was run as a hotel

This century-old property was run as a hotel

when IT consultant Clive spotted it nine years ago.

when IT consultant Clive spotted it nine years ago.

I saw the chateau on the internet for sale and we had a holiday

I saw the chateau on the internet for sale and we had a holiday

and we came up and we stayed in one of the apartments here.

and we came up and we stayed in one of the apartments here.

Wife Karen had no idea that Clive had an ulterior motive

Wife Karen had no idea that Clive had an ulterior motive

for the holiday.

I was unaware, but Clive had actually engineered it to come

I was unaware, but Clive had actually engineered it to come

here purposely.

So, it wasn't, "We thought this might be a marvellous place to stay," he'd planned it all.

So, it wasn't, "We thought this might be a marvellous place to stay," he'd planned it all.

So, it wasn't, "We thought this might be a marvellous place to stay," he'd planned it all.

Clive persuaded Karen to take on the stunning chateau

Clive persuaded Karen to take on the stunning chateau

in the Dordogne Valley as a holiday home for themselves

in the Dordogne Valley as a holiday home for themselves

and their children.

and their children.

Alex, 23.

Ross, 22.

And 20-year-old Abby.

But nearly a decade later, the reality is very different.

But nearly a decade later, the reality is very different.

The actual static costs of the chateau are quite high,

The actual static costs of the chateau are quite high,

The actual static costs of the chateau are quite high,

due to the taxes on the property itself.

due to the taxes on the property itself.

You're looking at about 50,000 euros just to do nothing.

You're looking at about 50,000 euros just to do nothing.

Then you have the maintenance costs on top.

Then you have the maintenance costs on top.

I mean we were pretty silly to purchase a building of this size

I mean we were pretty silly to purchase a building of this size

I mean we were pretty silly to purchase a building of this size

I mean we were pretty silly to purchase a building of this size

and think we wouldn't have to make it work to pay for itself.

and think we wouldn't have to make it work to pay for itself.

They bought it for £900,000

They bought it for £900,000

and spent around £440,000 in renovations.

and spent around £440,000 in renovations.

The family sunk their life savings into the property,

The family sunk their life savings into the property,

whilst Clive's IT income is swallowed up by running costs.

whilst Clive's IT income is swallowed up by running costs.

whilst Clive's IT income is swallowed up by running costs.

Clive, having worked immeasurably hard, he's still on that treadmill

Clive, having worked immeasurably hard, he's still on that treadmill

Clive, having worked immeasurably hard, he's still on that treadmill

and there's no prospect of getting off.

and there's no prospect of getting off.

Very much a roller-coaster, lots of ups and downs,

Very much a roller-coaster, lots of ups and downs,

but just to own it is fantastic.

but just to own it is fantastic.

To balance the books, they're now offering luxury wedding packages,

To balance the books, they're now offering luxury wedding packages,

with 20-year-old Abby as planner and general manager.

with 20-year-old Abby as planner and general manager.

I think we need to do approximately ten weddings to be able to pay

I think we need to do approximately ten weddings to be able to pay

I think we need to do approximately ten weddings to be able to pay

all the bills and have a little bit of money for renovation as well.

all the bills and have a little bit of money for renovation as well.

all the bills and have a little bit of money for renovation as well.

Abby's organising their biggest wedding of the year

Abby's organising their biggest wedding of the year

in a month's time.

The entire chateau is booked out, but three rooms aren't yet ready.

The entire chateau is booked out, but three rooms aren't yet ready.

The entire chateau is booked out, but three rooms aren't yet ready.

Take the cord off first, please.

Take the cord off first, please.

First job is unpacking £300 worth of bargain furniture

First job is unpacking £300 worth of bargain furniture

dad Clive's bought in the UK.

dad Clive's bought in the UK.

If I pull from the other side, push it.

If I pull from the other side, push it.

Yep, it's very tight. They only just got this in.

Yep, it's very tight. They only just got this in.

OK. Got it?

OK. Got it?

Right.

The idea is to finish the bedrooms

The idea is to finish the bedrooms

which haven't been changed,

which haven't been changed,

because when we bought the place, the furniture was rather antiquated

because when we bought the place, the furniture was rather antiquated

in the wrong sort of way.

in the wrong sort of way.

So, basically, we're now replacing it with shabby chic.

So, basically, we're now replacing it with shabby chic.

So, basically, we're now replacing it with shabby chic.

With the lift out of action...

With the lift out of action...

Could you put it over by the table?

..and to costly too repair...

..and to costly too repair...

OK, perhaps we'll put it on the carpet.

OK, perhaps we'll put it on the carpet.

..all the furniture has to be carried up and down

..all the furniture has to be carried up and down

the six storeys by hand.

the six storeys by hand.

Building materials, plaster, tiles, it's all got

Building materials, plaster, tiles, it's all got

to be carried up manually.

to be carried up manually.

Which in the chateau is a long way up.

Which in the chateau is a long way up.

That's going down to the cellar room.

That's going down to the cellar room.

Abby's offered this twin-room as a king-sized double.

Abby's offered this twin-room as a king-sized double.

Abby's offered this twin-room as a king-sized double.

So, we've got a brand-new bedroom suite that my dad's just brought

So, we've got a brand-new bedroom suite that my dad's just brought

over in his van and it's going to be a king-sized bed,

over in his van and it's going to be a king-sized bed,

over in his van and it's going to be a king-sized bed,

so we've got a new mattress and everything to go in.

so we've got a new mattress and everything to go in.

One down, one to go.

Ready?

The suite includes a chest of drawers...

The suite includes a chest of drawers...

Oh!

..to fit in the alcove, at least that's the plan.

..to fit in the alcove, at least that's the plan.

Moment of truth.

And it... Doesn't fit.

..doesn't fit.

It doesn't fit.

The rest of their purchases better measure up,

The rest of their purchases better measure up,

or this a van load of British bargains could be a costly mistake.

or this a van load of British bargains could be a costly mistake.

or this a van load of British bargains could be a costly mistake.

Coming up,

I see the wood for the trees.

I love the fact that it doesn't even look big until you get close to it.

I love the fact that it doesn't even look big until you get close to it.

It's huge.

Sparks fly, as Emma and Paul prepare for their guests.

Sparks fly, as Emma and Paul prepare for their guests.

Ah!

Right, I'm going to go back to painting.

Forget about what happened. The shame!

Forget about what happened. The shame!

We won't be forgetting about what happened, I can assure you.

We won't be forgetting about what happened, I can assure you.

Got it?

And chateau manager Abby faces a sizeable problem.

And chateau manager Abby faces a sizeable problem.

But you can't do anything.

But you can't do anything.

I mean, I'm kicking the bed.

Becoming a chateau owner often means taking on a large estate.

Our Chateau de la Motte Husson sits in 12 acres,

Our Chateau de la Motte Husson sits in 12 acres,

but, when we arrived,

agricultural work wasn't one of Angel's strengths.

agricultural work wasn't one of Angel's strengths.

God, there's so much to learn, baby. Yeah, but we're doing it.

God, there's so much to learn, baby. Yeah, but we're doing it.

You're just going to have to, like, tell me what to do.

You're just going to have to, like, tell me what to do.

He's a country man and I am a city girl.

He's a country man and I am a city girl.

Honestly, within a week of meeting me, he sent me these boots.

Honestly, within a week of meeting me, he sent me these boots.

Honestly, within a week of meeting me, he sent me these boots.

Four years on, now everyone in the family likes to muck in...

Four years on, now everyone in the family likes to muck in...

Pull, yes! My man's got muscles. Oh, yeah!

Pull, yes! My man's got muscles. Oh, yeah!

..especially with help from my toys.

It's a standard three-point take-off,

It's a standard three-point take-off,

which is a category one three-point take-off. OK.

which is a category one three-point take-off. OK.

I love you so much.

She has no idea what I'm talking about!

Crucial to keeping grounds in good nick is a good path

Crucial to keeping grounds in good nick is a good path

and the one I've created needs regular upkeep.

and the one I've created needs regular upkeep.

I've been over it once with a tractor last year,

I've been over it once with a tractor last year,

I am literally going to make sure it's clear, so you can walk around

I am literally going to make sure it's clear, so you can walk around

and, hopefully, you'll be able to follow the path.

and, hopefully, you'll be able to follow the path.

That's the idea. We'll see.

My path goes round the perimeter of our grounds.

My path goes round the perimeter of our grounds.

That's over half a mile of mowing.

That's over half a mile of mowing.

Along the way, I come across plenty of local plant life

Along the way, I come across plenty of local plant life

that abounds in this fertile region.

Farmland covers three quarters of this part of the Pays de la Loire.

Farmland covers three quarters of this part of the Pays de la Loire.

Beech nuts are coming out.

These won't be ready for another sort of three months.

These won't be ready for another sort of three months.

When I was a youngster, I used to open them up

and nibble the little nuts. It's a bit like a pine nut. Very nice.

and nibble the little nuts. It's a bit like a pine nut. Very nice.

See the big burr on the side of the chestnut there,

See the big burr on the side of the chestnut there,

that burr will be made into a big bowl or something,

that burr will be made into a big bowl or something,

that'll have beautiful sort of patterns in it.

that'll have beautiful sort of patterns in it.

Look at the oak trees.

Each one of those could be planted up as an oak tree

Each one of those could be planted up as an oak tree

and sold in a market garden.

There's a whole business opportunity.

With the path mowed, my two girls are keen to check out my handiwork.

With the path mowed, my two girls are keen to check out my handiwork.

With the path mowed, my two girls are keen to check out my handiwork.

Come on, let's go.

Daddy's not even told us where the trail is.

Daddy's not even told us where the trail is.

Here!

One, two, three.

All right, are you ready? Yeah.

Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo!

Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo!

It's lovely coming out and dragging myself away from the computer.

It's lovely coming out and dragging myself away from the computer.

We do come for nice little walks with the kids.

We do come for nice little walks with the kids.

We've had a lot of rain at the start of this year

We've had a lot of rain at the start of this year

and I'm quite looking forward to just coming out

and I'm quite looking forward to just coming out

and I'm quite looking forward to just coming out

and being on the grounds.

Seeing what we've got.

I'm just loving, loving this,

I'm just loving, loving this,

even though I've got a monster on my head!

even though I've got a monster on my head!

It's just clearing the mind.

Over in Normandy, Emma's also tackling their Chateau grounds.

Over in Normandy, Emma's also tackling their Chateau grounds.

And Paul's fixing a safety rail around the pool area.

And Paul's fixing a safety rail around the pool area.

Been at it pretty much all day today

Been at it pretty much all day today

and it still doesn't look like I've done much.

and it still doesn't look like I've done much.

You know, these things,

You know, these things,

when you're doing them a traditional way, take a bit longer.

when you're doing them a traditional way, take a bit longer.

I have got a new power tool.

I have got a new power tool.

One feature the couple want to show their guests

One feature the couple want to show their guests

is the chateau maze, but it's a tad overgrown.

is the chateau maze, but it's a tad overgrown.

So Emma's sorting it with her hedge cutter.

So Emma's sorting it with her hedge cutter.

I've probably used one twice before,

I've probably used one twice before,

I've probably used one twice before,

so, um...I just have to be a bit careful,

so, um...I just have to be a bit careful,

cos I get carried away.

First she has to find a way in.

Ooh, that's very nice.

Good, right, I'm in.

Let's go!

In the 16th and 17th centuries,

In the 16th and 17th centuries,

mazes were fashionable for the well-to-do of Europe.

mazes were fashionable for the well-to-do of Europe.

Oh, yeah!

A girl could get carried away.

Slow and steady wins the race.

Argh!

I did say slow and steady.

Honey, come here. You need to come and have a look.

Honey, come here. You need to come and have a look.

Oh, my word!

I just saw lights. No, baby, don't touch it.

I just saw lights. No, baby, don't touch it.

What do you mean "don't touch it"?

You've blown all the electrics in the house.

You've blown all the electrics in the house.

How do you know?

I guarantee you've blown all the electrics in the house.

I guarantee you've blown all the electrics in the house.

Oh, my God, I can't believe I did that.

Yeah, well I can.

Aren't you happy that I'm not dead?

Aren't you happy that I'm not dead?

I'm happy that you're not dead, yes,

I'm happy that you're not dead, yes,

but the chances of you dying, right, were minimal.

but the chances of you dying, right, were minimal.

Right, I'm going to go back to painting,

forget about what happened.

The shame!

You won't be forgetting about what happened, I can assure you.

You won't be forgetting about what happened, I can assure you.

I'm going to keep going, it might need a couple of coats.

I'm going to keep going, it might need a couple of coats.

I do really want it to match the beds.

I do really want it to match the beds.

Safely inside, Emma is carefully restoring two ciels de lits

Safely inside, Emma is carefully restoring two ciels de lits

to rest above the beds in a twin guest room.

to rest above the beds in a twin guest room.

I've never done this before.

I've never done this before.

Just trying to get the technique of not too much, not too little,

Just trying to get the technique of not too much, not too little,

Just trying to get the technique of not too much, not too little,

Just trying to get the technique of not too much, not too little,

so that it looks aged.

so that it looks aged.

How's the painting going on, Em?

How's the painting going on, Em?

Well, it's taking forever. OK.

Well, it's taking forever. OK.

I'm still not 100% sure about the colour,

I think it might be a little bit too lemon.

I think it might be a little bit too lemon.

Well, why don't you just paint the whole lot

and we've got that gilding wax, and we can go over

and we've got that gilding wax, and we can go over

and highlight it with the gilding wax after.

and highlight it with the gilding wax after.

Do you know, that's a great, I'll do that.

The classic thing's that you're so busy doing stuff,

The classic thing's that you're so busy doing stuff,

you miss the obvious.

Paul can just walk in and go,

"We've got gilding wax, why don't you just paint the whole thing?"

"We've got gilding wax, why don't you just paint the whole thing?"

And, hey, presto! That's what I call teamwork.

And, hey, presto! That's what I call teamwork.

Gilding wax is a cost-effective way to add a metallic sheen.

Gilding wax is a cost-effective way to add a metallic sheen.

Gilding wax is a cost-effective way to add a metallic sheen.

Outside, Paul's busy painting the railings and saving cash too.

Outside, Paul's busy painting the railings and saving cash too.

Get the initial one on it.

Get the initial one on it.

And then give it another few coats, no doubt.

And then give it another few coats, no doubt.

The sun's got quite a lot of heat in it now,

The sun's got quite a lot of heat in it now,

which means that my paint is going to dry a lot quicker.

which means that my paint is going to dry a lot quicker.

which means that my paint is going to dry a lot quicker.

Not too shabby.

Bit of chateau chic.

Paul now needs to make sure he firmly secures

Paul now needs to make sure he firmly secures

his safety rail around the pool.

his safety rail around the pool.

That means screwing in steel fixtures to the stone tiles.

That means screwing in steel fixtures to the stone tiles.

That means screwing in steel fixtures to the stone tiles.

What I'm dreading is for something on the end of here to break.

What I'm dreading is for something on the end of here to break.

What I'm dreading is for something on the end of here to break.

Some of these have already got the cement cracking a little bit

Some of these have already got the cement cracking a little bit

along the way, so I'm a bit...

I'm a bit concerned as to what's going to happen.

I'm a bit concerned as to what's going to happen.

But we'll see, won't we?

With their guests due in 12 days,

With their guests due in 12 days,

Paul needs to get this right, or the pool will be off-limits.

Paul needs to get this right, or the pool will be off-limits.

Paul needs to get this right, or the pool will be off-limits.

Turn, turn, turn.

Turn, turn, turn.

Angel and I spent four years back and forth across the Channel

Angel and I spent four years back and forth across the Channel

on the hunt for our perfect property.

on the hunt for our perfect property.

Everything is gorgeous.

But interior designer Julia has crossed a continent

But interior designer Julia has crossed a continent

to start her chateau search.

to start her chateau search.

Raised in England,

Julia and her sisters moved to Australia after leaving school.

Julia and her sisters moved to Australia after leaving school.

Julia and her sisters moved to Australia after leaving school.

It's been a dream of my sisters and myself since we were children

It's been a dream of my sisters and myself since we were children

to have a chateau in France.

to have a chateau in France.

Beautiful day.

Julia wants a new permanent French home,

Julia wants a new permanent French home,

with space for family to visit.

She has a budget of £530,000, and support and advice

She has a budget of £530,000, and support and advice

She has a budget of £530,000, and support and advice

from older sisters Sarah and Melissa.

from older sisters Sarah and Melissa.

We have the same tastes in things,

We have the same tastes in things,

so that brings us even closer together.

so that brings us even closer together.

Yes. Especially looking at chateaux,

Yes. Especially looking at chateaux,

we're all very similar in what we like.

we're all very similar in what we like.

I have a thing for staircases.

Large elegant rooms.

Large elegant rooms.

Outbuildings. Need outbuildings.

Outbuildings. Need outbuildings.

It has to have towers. Julia knows that.

It has to have towers. Julia knows that.

A moat would be nice. Oh, a moat!

We would love a moat. Love a moat.

We would love a moat. Love a moat.

Who doesn't love a moat?

The first place they're looking at

is a nine-bedroom 19th-century Chateau...

is a nine-bedroom 19th-century Chateau...

..located in the Occitanie region.

..located in the Occitanie region.

On the market for £348,000,

On the market for £348,000,

it comes with seven and a half acres of land...

it comes with seven and a half acres of land...

..an attached, three-bedroom holiday cottage

..an attached, three-bedroom holiday cottage

and several outbuildings.

and several outbuildings.

There's no moat, but there is a pool in need of attention.

There's no moat, but there is a pool in need of attention.

There's no moat, but there is a pool in need of attention.

Time for a tour with estate agent Jean Stefan.

Time for a tour with estate agent Jean Stefan.

Lovely. Follow me. Thank you.

Allez, here we go. Merci.

So, be welcome.

First of all here, as you can see, everything original.

First of all here, as you can see, everything original.

First of all here, as you can see, everything original.

Yes.

The floor. Love the floors. The floor.

How do you call them in English? Tiles.

How do you call them in English? Tiles.

The floor tiles, in ceramic.

The floor tiles, in ceramic.

Yes, OK.

It's quite of a good size,

which shows importance of the house at the time. Yes.

which shows importance of the house at the time. Yes.

Love the staircase from what I can see, it looks really nice.

Love the staircase from what I can see, it looks really nice.

Good first impression. Good. Yeah. Very good.

Good first impression. Good. Yeah. Very good.

Got character, hasn't it? Oh, loads of character.

Got character, hasn't it? Oh, loads of character.

Time for the first reception room.

Time for the first reception room.

Oh, that's lovely. Looking out the window there.

Oh, that's lovely. Looking out the window there.

Yes.

Now what is great is here we're facing south.

Now what is great is here we're facing south.

Gorgeous. Oh yes, and the marble. Nice marble fireplace.

Gorgeous. Oh yes, and the marble. Nice marble fireplace.

Beautiful colour. And working? Do they work?

Beautiful colour. And working? Do they work?

They do work. Oh, good. Excellent, excellent.

They do work. Oh, good. Excellent, excellent.

There are even more French features in a further reception room.

There are even more French features in a further reception room.

I really love this room.

And another beautiful fireplace.

And another beautiful fireplace.

That fireplace is absolutely gorgeous.

That fireplace is absolutely gorgeous.

Yeah. Yeah.

This room could be really beautiful.

Yep.

So, ladies, would you like follow me to the bedrooms?

So, ladies, would you like follow me to the bedrooms?

Oh, we'd love to. Sure.

Oh, we'd love to. Sure.

Oh, Jean!

Upstairs, the nine bedrooms provide plenty of space

Upstairs, the nine bedrooms provide plenty of space

for Julia's sisters to visit.

for Julia's sisters to visit.

And a double, with dual-aspect windows,

And a double, with dual-aspect windows,

that Julia might like herself.

that Julia might like herself.

There's a lot of potential. Oh, for sure. Yes. Yes.

There's a lot of potential. Oh, for sure. Yes. Yes.

The lower floors also come with a bright kitchen

The lower floors also come with a bright kitchen

and something that wasn't on the wish list.

and something that wasn't on the wish list.

A chapel.

My initial reaction to this one is...

My initial reaction to this one is...

I'm a bit stumped by it.

I'm a bit stumped by it.

I think I really love it.

Hmm. But...there's a lot of work.

Hmm. But...there's a lot of work.

Hmm. But...there's a lot of work.

The outbuildings, if you wanted to use them constructively,

The outbuildings, if you wanted to use them constructively,

you'd have to do something pretty major.

Yeah, it's got lots of potential.

It's got huge potential.

It's got huge potential.

It could be a bottomless pit of potential. Yes.

It could be a bottomless pit of potential. Yes.

So Julia likes what she's seen,

but also has worries over renovation costs.

but also has worries over renovation costs.

Luckily, she's got more to see.

In the Dordogne Valley, at Chateau du Doux...

In the Dordogne Valley, at Chateau du Doux...

Careful.

..Abbie and family are getting the final rooms ready

..Abbie and family are getting the final rooms ready

for their most ambitious wedding yet, in just over a month.

for their most ambitious wedding yet, in just over a month.

Oui. Bonjour, monsieur, pouvez vous m'aider?

Oui. Bonjour, monsieur, pouvez vous m'aider?

20-year-old chateau manager, Abbie,

has booked all 32 guest rooms out for the event.

has booked all 32 guest rooms out for the event.

But the first bit of furniture for the room upgrades didn't fit in.

But the first bit of furniture for the room upgrades didn't fit in.

No. And it.. Doesn't fit. ..doesn't fit.

No. And it.. Doesn't fit. ..doesn't fit.

Time to try item two, a rather large sleigh bed.

Time to try item two, a rather large sleigh bed.

These were all the rage during the 19th century Napoleonic era,

These were all the rage during the 19th century Napoleonic era,

when rooms were Emperor-sized too.

when rooms were Emperor-sized too.

Oh, no. Dad.

There's no longer a light switch there, that's fine.

There's no longer a light switch there, that's fine.

No-one will know it's there. Oh, dear. Nobody uses them anyway.

No-one will know it's there. Oh, dear. Nobody uses them anyway.

I think it looks like

we're going to have to move the mirror slightly upwards.

we're going to have to move the mirror slightly upwards.

Needs to be higher, definitely. It would look awful otherwise.

Needs to be higher, definitely. It would look awful otherwise.

All right, now I should imagine we have to put this in together, so...

All right, now I should imagine we have to put this in together, so...

The massive mahogany assembled,

The massive mahogany assembled,

there's little room to manoeuvre.

Your chairs are going to have to go, Mum.

Your chairs are going to have to go, Mum.

Yeah, that's fine. It's a bit tight.

That's fine, it's Chateau du Doux.

That's fine, it's Chateau du Doux.

Chateau du Doux rhymes with "poo" which....

Chateau du Doux rhymes with "poo" which....

We have found ourselves in that situation quite frequently.

We have found ourselves in that situation quite frequently.

That is one big bed. That's right, yeah.

Have you got a bigger room this could go in?

Have you got a bigger room this could go in?

You're not changing it now, I've told all the guests

You're not changing it now, I've told all the guests

that this is what's going to be in this room.

Yeah, with the chair. No, we're not having the chair any more, are we?

Yeah, with the chair. No, we're not having the chair any more, are we?

Yes. Where? Here.

Yes. Where? Here.

Then they can... Hmm.

Then they can... Hmm.

It might look... Yeah, but look.

No. I'm not sure that works.

No. I'm not sure that works.

You're so clumsy. If you just go like this, it's fine.

You're so clumsy. If you just go like this, it's fine.

Yeah, but you can't do anything.

Yeah, but you can't do anything.

I mean, I'm kicking the bed.

I mean, I'm kicking the bed.

Seems Mum's chair is out.

That's it. There we go, that fits. Yay!

That's it. There we go, that fits. Yay!

At least something does, Ross.

Now, let's try it out. Very comfortable.

Now, let's try it out. Very comfortable.

Oh! That's really nice!

We'll come back and Ross will be here, like, this afternoon.

We'll come back and Ross will be here, like, this afternoon.

Right.

No time for napping - there's plenty more to do.

No time for napping - there's plenty more to do.

Including fixing some roof tiles on an outbuilding,

Including fixing some roof tiles on an outbuilding,

where some of the guests will be staying.

where some of the guests will be staying.

That's bare wood there. Any water running down there

That's bare wood there. Any water running down there

would go straight behind those tiles and down the wood,

would go straight behind those tiles and down the wood,

would go straight behind those tiles and down the wood,

potentially leaking into the apartment.

potentially leaking into the apartment.

They can't afford to call a specialist roofer

They can't afford to call a specialist roofer

every time a tile drops from the French stone roof.

every time a tile drops from the French stone roof.

They usually use a piece of zinc,

and just bend it up over the tile.

To save cash, Clive's developed his own method

To save cash, Clive's developed his own method

using stripped electrical wire.

using stripped electrical wire.

Twist the copper wire up...

..and cut it.

And that's... No way is that going to fall out.

And that's... No way is that going to fall out.

With a big wedding in a little over a month,

With a big wedding in a little over a month,

let's hope he's right.

Coming up...

..insect gate-crashers threaten Emma and Paul's big booking...

..insect gate-crashers threaten Emma and Paul's big booking...

..insect gate-crashers threaten Emma and Paul's big booking...

Ants, that's what's happening.

Ants, that's what's happening.

It's a bit of a nightmare, really.

It's a bit of a nightmare, really.

..mighty oaks from little acorns grow at our estate...

..mighty oaks from little acorns grow at our estate...

Look at this for an oak tree.

That, to me, is pretty special.

That, to me, is pretty special.

..and more roof problems mean it's onwards and upwards for Clive.

..and more roof problems mean it's onwards and upwards for Clive.

..and more roof problems mean it's onwards and upwards for Clive.

What can possibly go wrong?

Famous last words!

Owning a chateau means becoming custodians of the land

Owning a chateau means becoming custodians of the land

as well as the building.

We've shown our ground some love by making a trail for the family.

We've shown our ground some love by making a trail for the family.

We've also planted an orchard.

We've also planted an orchard.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you one planted mulberry bush.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you one planted mulberry bush.

In years to come, our family and others will be able

In years to come, our family and others will be able

to enjoy the fruits of our labour.

And it's all about the long game for another prized crop - truffles.

And it's all about the long game for another prized crop - truffles.

And it's all about the long game for another prized crop - truffles.

My truffle tree, look at that.

We have a couple of big hurdles before you get to cook

We have a couple of big hurdles before you get to cook

with the truffles.

Growing them, number one.

Growing them, number one.

Stopping the boar eating them, number two.

Stopping the boar eating them, number two.

And finding them, number three.

VOICEOVER: And if the wild boar don't eat the truffles,

VOICEOVER: And if the wild boar don't eat the truffles,

and we managed to locate them, we've still got a long wait.

and we managed to locate them, we've still got a long wait.

HE LAUGHS

That's notwithstanding the fact that it's, erm, five years away.

That's notwithstanding the fact that it's, erm, five years away.

Our chateau has stood tall since 1874,

Our chateau has stood tall since 1874,

but there's something even older, taller,

but there's something even older, taller,

and just as majestic within our grounds.

and just as majestic within our grounds.

From over there it looks tiny.

From over there it looks tiny.

But look at this for an oak tree.

This is the oldest tree we've got.

This is the oldest tree we've got.

What do they say? The grow for 200 years, live for 200 years,

What do they say? The grow for 200 years, live for 200 years,

and die for 200 years - that's an oak tree.

and die for 200 years - that's an oak tree.

This king of the forest stands over 90 feet tall

This king of the forest stands over 90 feet tall

and is more than 300 years old.

and is more than 300 years old.

I love the fact it doesn't even look big until you get close to it.

I love the fact it doesn't even look big until you get close to it.

And then you go, "Bugger me, it's huge."

Yeah, that to me is pretty special.

Yeah, that to me is pretty special.

VOICEOVER: It's been here long before me and I'm betting

VOICEOVER: It's been here long before me and I'm betting

it'll be here long after me.

it'll be here long after me.

The whole concept of the land,

The whole concept of the land,

we're only caretaking it, really - well, for our period

we're only caretaking it, really - well, for our period

of life we're here.

I only hope my great-great-grandchildren

I only hope my great-great-grandchildren

get to enjoy the natural beauty of this land as much as we do.

get to enjoy the natural beauty of this land as much as we do.

Over at Chateau de Montvason in rural Normandy,

Over at Chateau de Montvason in rural Normandy,

Emma and Paul are racing to be ready for their guests.

Emma and Paul are racing to be ready for their guests.

They're now due in just four hours.

They're now due in just four hours.

Are you all right, darling?

Their precarious poolside drop is now safely protected by Paul's rail.

Their precarious poolside drop is now safely protected by Paul's rail.

Their precarious poolside drop is now safely protected by Paul's rail.

And the twin room has been beautified

And the twin room has been beautified

with matching canopy crowns.

Just in time for our guests.

Just in time for our guests.

I am really, really happy at how this has turned out.

I am really, really happy at how this has turned out.

But just when they thought they had everything covered,

But just when they thought they had everything covered,

Paul's made an unwanted discovery in the dining room.

Paul's made an unwanted discovery in the dining room.

Ants, that's what's happening.

Ants, that's what's happening.

It's a bit of a nightmare, really.

Ants.

But I think they're coming from outside.

But I think they're coming from outside.

Sorry, honey, I'm not listening...

I'm not talking to you, darling.

Oh, alright.

The two guest families have children,

The two guest families have children,

so Emma's got a surprise to get in their good books.

so Emma's got a surprise to get in their good books.

I thought it would be nice, as I sorted the maze out

I thought it would be nice, as I sorted the maze out

to kind of add an extra thing and do a bit

to kind of add an extra thing and do a bit

of a treasure hunt for the boys.

of a treasure hunt for the boys.

So, I've bought them a couple of packs of tanks and soldiers.

So, I've bought them a couple of packs of tanks and soldiers.

Hopefully they'll like it - I don't know what ten-year-olds like.

Hopefully they'll like it - I don't know what ten-year-olds like.

We've got some silly sweeties, as well - French sweeties.

We've got some silly sweeties, as well - French sweeties.

In the dining room,

Paul hopes he's found the solution to the insect problem.

Paul hopes he's found the solution to the insect problem.

Ah!

OK, so we can hide one of those under...

OK, so we can hide one of those under...

OK, so we can hide one of those under...

..there.

# Do do do do. #

# Do do do do. #

Just under there...

Just under there...

And Emma's busy preparing the children's treasure hunt

And Emma's busy preparing the children's treasure hunt

when she realises she's missed a call.

when she realises she's missed a call.

DIAL TONE

Hi, it's Emma here, I think you're probably just trying to call me, from the chateau.

Hi, it's Emma here, I think you're probably just trying to call me, from the chateau.

Yeah, I think I'm actually here.

Yeah, I think I'm actually here.

I think I'm looking at it.

Oh!

One hour and ten minutes early.

Paul! Hi!

Our guests are here!

Nothing like an early arrival for novice B&B hosts.

Nothing like an early arrival for novice B&B hosts.

He's not even got his shoes on.

He's not even got his shoes on.

EMMA LAUGHS

This is Paul. Hi, I'm Jake. I'm Paul, nice to meet you...

This is Paul. Hi, I'm Jake. I'm Paul, nice to meet you...

The first of two families booked for a three-night stay are here.

The first of two families booked for a three-night stay are here.

So, come on in.

EMMA SIGHS

South in the Dordogne Valley, at Chateau du Doux,

South in the Dordogne Valley, at Chateau du Doux,

20-year-old Abbie is getting all the accommodation ready

20-year-old Abbie is getting all the accommodation ready

for a big wedding.

We have no...

..NO experience in hospitality - we've just fallen into it, really.

..NO experience in hospitality - we've just fallen into it, really.

The endgame is to get this up and running as a successful business...

The endgame is to get this up and running as a successful business...

And ideally be one of the best wedding venues in this area.

And ideally be one of the best wedding venues in this area.

They've put new furniture in one room...

They've put new furniture in one room...

Dad!

..but they still have another bedroom to completely refurbish,

..but they still have another bedroom to completely refurbish,

a family bathroom to finish,

a family bathroom to finish,

and an en suite to refit.

and an en suite to refit.

And these tiles we're putting on the wall...

And these tiles we're putting on the wall...

Are you seeing that?

Oh, yes. There's a big lump in the wall.

Oh, yes. There's a big lump in the wall.

We've got room now, watch...

Got room to straighten the wall out. Yes.

Got room to straighten the wall out. Yes.

But dad Clive has spotted a serious concern in the ceiling.

But dad Clive has spotted a serious concern in the ceiling.

But dad Clive has spotted a serious concern in the ceiling.

Have a problem over there...

A big leak, we need to fix that. ..which needs to be fixed.

A big leak, we need to fix that. ..which needs to be fixed.

Yet another leak in the roof - and this time,

Yet another leak in the roof - and this time,

it's above the renovations.

it's above the renovations.

There's no point going to that effort if it's going to be damaged

There's no point going to that effort if it's going to be damaged

by water penetrating.

So, I think you need to go up on the roof.

So, I think you need to go up on the roof.

It seems Clive's work as a roofer is far from done.

It seems Clive's work as a roofer is far from done.

So, yes - cherry picker time, I think.

Yep.

Clive sank £20,000 into this cherry picker...

Clive sank £20,000 into this cherry picker...

Clive sank £20,000 into this cherry picker...

..hoping it would save money on contractors in the long run.

..hoping it would save money on contractors in the long run.

It's a constant battle.

Essentially, every time you have a storm, you're bound

Essentially, every time you have a storm, you're bound

to have one tile out.

to have one tile out.

We know roughly where the leak is. It's somewhere near the chimney...

We know roughly where the leak is. It's somewhere near the chimney...

Over on left-hand side, isn't that?

Over on left-hand side, isn't that?

The area Clive needs to inspect his four floors up,

The area Clive needs to inspect his four floors up,

and his cherry picker only reaches three.

and his cherry picker only reaches three.

What could possibly go wrong?

Hmm...

Famous last words!

Good luck, guys.

Cos if you don't fix a leaky roof,

we all know it will cause even more problems in the long run.

we all know it will cause even more problems in the long run.

we all know it will cause even more problems in the long run.

Interior designer Julia is looking for a chateau so she can make

Interior designer Julia is looking for a chateau so she can make

the move to France and have family come and visit.

the move to France and have family come and visit.

With her two older sisters Sarah and Melissa in tow,

With her two older sisters Sarah and Melissa in tow,

she's already viewed a 19th century chateau in the Occitanie region.

she's already viewed a 19th century chateau in the Occitanie region.

she's already viewed a 19th century chateau in the Occitanie region.

I think I love it.

But all three siblings have concerns about the costs of renovating it.

But all three siblings have concerns about the costs of renovating it.

But all three siblings have concerns about the costs of renovating it.

It's got lots of potential. It's got HUGE potential.

It's got lots of potential. It's got HUGE potential.

Could be a bottomless pit of potential. Yes.

Could be a bottomless pit of potential. Yes.

Could be a bottomless pit of potential. Yes.

Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha...

For the next viewing, they've headed to the Dordogne.

For the next viewing, they've headed to the Dordogne.

The five-bedroom Chateau du Corgnac was built in the 18th century

The five-bedroom Chateau du Corgnac was built in the 18th century

The five-bedroom Chateau du Corgnac was built in the 18th century

on the foundations of a medieval fort.

on the foundations of a medieval fort.

The asking price is £420,000

The asking price is £420,000

and is well within Julia's budget of £530,000.

and is well within Julia's budget of £530,000.

and is well within Julia's budget of £530,000.

The stonework... The stonework is gorgeous.

The stonework... The stonework is gorgeous.

The colour is gorgeous. Yes.

The shutters, you know, they're in disrepair, but they're beautiful the way they are.

The shutters, you know, they're in disrepair, but they're beautiful the way they are.

They look lovely like that, don't they? Yeah.

A big tick for the outside, they head into the entrance hall.

A big tick for the outside, they head into the entrance hall.

Originally built for a local surgeon,

Originally built for a local surgeon,

this is one of the grandest houses in the area.

this is one of the grandest houses in the area.

this is one of the grandest houses in the area.

Oh, my gosh!

Oh, wow... Let me in.

No. It's mine! SARAH LAUGHS

No. It's mine! SARAH LAUGHS

Let Sarah in. Oh, that's nice.

Let Sarah in. Oh, that's nice.

There you go, there's your staircase.

Yes - this is beautiful.

Yes - this is beautiful.

A good start, but talk of medieval foundations has Julia worried

A good start, but talk of medieval foundations has Julia worried

A good start, but talk of medieval foundations has Julia worried

about unwelcome house guests.

about unwelcome house guests.

Do you know if there's any ghosts in the property?

Do you know if there's any ghosts in the property?

Do you know if there's any ghosts in the property?

I have been many times and I didn't hear anything.

I have been many times and I didn't hear anything.

OK, OK. Only the...

No stories about the place or the castle it's been built on.

No stories about the place or the castle it's been built on.

No stories about the place or the castle it's been built on.

OK.

Concerns exorcised, now for the kitchen.

Concerns exorcised, now for the kitchen.

I'd put an auger in somewhere and just beautiful cabinets.

I'd put an auger in somewhere and just beautiful cabinets.

I'd put an auger in somewhere and just beautiful cabinets.

Big table in the middle...

Yeah, it's a very good blank canvass...

This would be very easy to do in here. Yeah.

This would be very easy to do in here. Yeah.

It's very nice. It is, it's fabulous.

It's very nice. It is, it's fabulous.

Upstairs, the magnificent proportions continue

Upstairs, the magnificent proportions continue

in the first of five bedrooms.

Twin cots behind curtains may not be

Twin cots behind curtains may not be

what the average 21st-century home offers,

what the average 21st-century home offers,

but the view certainly delivers.

but the view certainly delivers.

Oh, my goodness.

Oh, heaven!

Oh, heaven!

Oh, look at the river.

I can see the river, the terrace...

I can see the river, the terrace...

That is gorgeous!

Outside, the grounds include outbuildings,

Outside, the grounds include outbuildings,

a swimming pool,

and a well.

and a well.

It's probably a nine and a half out of ten for me. It's stunning.

It's probably a nine and a half out of ten for me. It's stunning.

I don't want to admit it in front of the agent, but I love it.

I don't want to admit it in front of the agent, but I love it.

So Julia's tempted,

but she won't be making any rash decisions,

but she won't be making any rash decisions,

as she still has three more chateaus to see.

as she still has three more chateaus to see.

You know, we still got more to explore. Yes.

You know, we still got more to explore. Yes.

Coming up...

Emma and Paul's B&B booking causes confusion.

Emma and Paul's B&B booking causes confusion.

I thought I was getting two ten-year-old boys.

I thought I was getting two ten-year-old boys.

Instead, I got a ten-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl.

Instead, I got a ten-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl.

And Abbie's wedding plans hit the roof.

And Abbie's wedding plans hit the roof.

Have they located the hole?

Not yet - they haven't even got up there yet.

Not yet - they haven't even got up there yet.

In the Dordogne Valley at Chateau du Doux,

In the Dordogne Valley at Chateau du Doux,

they're preparing for their

biggest wedding of the year

in just over a month.

in just over a month.

I hate painting.

With all 32 guest rooms booked for the event,

With all 32 guest rooms booked for the event,

they still have to finish refitting two bathrooms

they still have to finish refitting two bathrooms

as well as decorating a bedroom.

as well as decorating a bedroom.

This is going to be a new double bedroom.

This is going to be a new double bedroom.

Originally we used it, but after the leak in the ceiling,

Originally we used it, but after the leak in the ceiling,

we had to stop using it.

we had to stop using it.

The leak in the roof needs to be fixed, otherwise there's

The leak in the roof needs to be fixed, otherwise there's

no point carrying on with refurbishments.

no point carrying on with refurbishments.

But it's in a particularly high spot, so Clive's wondering how best

But it's in a particularly high spot, so Clive's wondering how best

to inspect the damage.

to inspect the damage.

We might have to crawl over the last part of the roof.

We might have to crawl over the last part of the roof.

It's really getting up there, see what the problem is.

It's really getting up there, see what the problem is.

Clive is going to assist local builder, Richard.

Clive is going to assist local builder, Richard.

So, we're going to have to put a ladder against the roof tiles

So, we're going to have to put a ladder against the roof tiles

and potentially climb up the last little bit.

and potentially climb up the last little bit.

and potentially climb up the last little bit.

This could be interesting.

The next storm will come along and all of the room

The next storm will come along and all of the room

we've just plastered, there'll be a load more water damage again.

we've just plastered, there'll be a load more water damage again.

we've just plastered, there'll be a load more water damage again.

Be careful placing that ladder, chaps.

That's high.

That's not going to go any further.

Eh? That's not going to go any further.

Eh? That's not going to go any further.

Have they located the hole?

Not yet. They haven't even got up there yet. Oh.

Not yet. They haven't even got up there yet. Oh.

Builder Richard heads up the ladder and soon identifies the problem.

Builder Richard heads up the ladder and soon identifies the problem.

It looks like somebody's repaired it before.

It looks like somebody's repaired it before.

But not very well.

What we forgot to say, as well as it being Chateau du Doux...

What we forgot to say, as well as it being Chateau du Doux...

Oh, here we go again.

..and in the poo, it's also run by Des Fous, which means mad people.

..and in the poo, it's also run by Des Fous, which means mad people.

..and in the poo, it's also run by Des Fous, which means mad people.

Chateau of Mad People. So, it's very aptly...

Chateau of Mad People. So, it's very aptly...

That is you, that is you.

Luckily it's a quick fix for Richard.

Luckily it's a quick fix for Richard.

And Clive soon takes him safely back down to earth.

And Clive soon takes him safely back down to earth.

So, that's definitely the source of the leak.

So, that's definitely the source of the leak.

Definitely the source and definitely fixed.

Definitely the source and definitely fixed.

Fantastic.

Fantastic.

It's soul destroying if you do all that decoration

It's soul destroying if you do all that decoration

and then it's wrecked.

Cheers, Richard, thank you very much.

Cheers, Richard, thank you very much.

But there's no let up.

With bathroom refits, bedroom redecoration, pool maintenance,

With bathroom refits, bedroom redecoration, pool maintenance,

and yet more furniture removals all to be done

and yet more furniture removals all to be done

in the next few weeks.

It will almost certainly be a last minute rush.

It will almost certainly be a last minute rush.

Maybe not the night before they're due to come in, but,

Maybe not the night before they're due to come in, but,

one or two days before, certainly.

one or two days before, certainly.

At Chateau de Montvason in Normandy, the first of two families

At Chateau de Montvason in Normandy, the first of two families

from Emma and Paul's B&B bookings has arrived.

from Emma and Paul's B&B bookings has arrived.

More than an hour early.

But he's not even got his shoes on.

But he's not even got his shoes on.

Hi.

This is Paul. I'm Jake.

This is Jake. Natasha.

So, come on in.

Time to show them the guest accommodation.

Time to show them the guest accommodation.

It looks beautiful.

So, this is the white salon.

So, this is the white salon.

So, this is our favourite salon.

And this is the chill out salon.

We'll have a little fire this evening.

We'll have a little fire this evening.

You guys have done a great job. Thank you.

Well, hopefully you'll like the bedrooms too.

Well, hopefully you'll like the bedrooms too.

It's been a year-and-a-half of hard slog.

It's been a year-and-a-half of hard slog.

So come on through, this is the downstairs spare bedroom.

So come on through, this is the downstairs spare bedroom.

So, it's five o'clock and our guests have now been here for three hours.

So, it's five o'clock and our guests have now been here for three hours.

So, it's five o'clock and our guests have now been here for three hours.

Because they arrived an hour early.

Because they arrived an hour early.

When the second family arrives,

When the second family arrives,

it's clear there's been a mix-up in more than just check-in times.

it's clear there's been a mix-up in more than just check-in times.

Prompting a swift rethink of prizes for the treasure hunt.

Prompting a swift rethink of prizes for the treasure hunt.

I thought I was getting two ten-year-old boys, instead,

I thought I was getting two ten-year-old boys, instead,

I got a ten-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl.

I got a ten-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl.

So, I had to do a really fast present change because I don't think

So, I had to do a really fast present change because I don't think

she'd appreciate the plastic tanks and the soldiers.

she'd appreciate the plastic tanks and the soldiers.

Your present is red and your present is blue.

Your present is red and your present is blue.

So, don't go getting the red one.

If you find it, don't tell her where it is.

And if you find the blue one, don't tell him where it is.

And if you find the blue one, don't tell him where it is.

So, off you go.

Try and see if you can find your way around.

Try and see if you can find your way around.

Oh, I see mine.

Yeah, I got my present.

Well done. Cool!

The kids love it, love it, love it.

The kids love it, love it, love it.

Oh!

It's French perfume. It's the first perfume I had.

It's French perfume. It's the first perfume I had.

We've had our treasure hunt, the kids loved that.

We've had our treasure hunt, the kids loved that.

They liked their presents, which is good.

Because I did have a little last minute excitement with that one.

Because I did have a little last minute excitement with that one.

This is awesome, thank you.

This is awesome, thank you.

Hosting duties successfully navigated so far.

Hosting duties successfully navigated so far.

That's cool. Thank you so much.

That's all right, my honey, you're very welcome.

That's all right, my honey, you're very welcome.

And the new railings mean that guests can enjoy

And the new railings mean that guests can enjoy

the chateau's pool.

the chateau's pool.

A lot of people don't have a heated pool, let alone under cover.

A lot of people don't have a heated pool, let alone under cover.

So, it really is a bonus for us to have this.

So, it really is a bonus for us to have this.

Paul and Emma drew us in.

Paul and Emma drew us in.

Sucked into their dream, yeah. Correct, drew us in, correct.

Sucked into their dream, yeah. Correct, drew us in, correct.

So, it was very easy.

And we will come back as well.

And we will come back as well.

Already booked in for September. So that's good.

Already booked in for September. So that's good.

That shows that the place is up to scratch and the hosting

That shows that the place is up to scratch and the hosting

That shows that the place is up to scratch and the hosting

is obviously something that they like.

is obviously something that they like.

Yeah, they haven't been put off by our bad jokes.

Yeah, they haven't been put off by our bad jokes.

Here you go, sweetheart.

Emma and Paul's new facilities have been a success.

Emma and Paul's new facilities have been a success.

But with a entire wing to renovate, there's still a long way to go

But with a entire wing to renovate, there's still a long way to go

But with a entire wing to renovate, there's still a long way to go

to make their chateau business a going concern.

to make their chateau business a going concern.

Next time...

Next time...

I don't think that's going to reach.

At Chateau du Doux, there's a problem with the pool.

At Chateau du Doux, there's a problem with the pool.

Is there a kink in it or is that it? No, that's it.

Is there a kink in it or is that it? No, that's it.

If we can't get the pool up and running,

If we can't get the pool up and running,

it would be a total disaster for us.

it would be a total disaster for us.

Julie and her sisters search for the perfect chateau.

Julie and her sisters search for the perfect chateau.

And are on the lookout for turrets.

And are on the lookout for turrets.

So, it's just cupboards in here.

So, it's just cupboards in here.

A bit of a waste of a tower.

A bit of a waste of a tower.

And Paul and I struggle with his Art Deco tiles.

And Paul and I struggle with his Art Deco tiles.

And Paul and I struggle with his Art Deco tiles.

Come on! That is hard.

It's rock-solid.

Come the next nuclear holocaust, this will be all that's left.

Come the next nuclear holocaust, this will be all that's left.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media

Subtitles by Red Bee Media