Original subtitles

and along with my wife, Angel, and our two children,

and along with my wife, Angel, and our two children,

we've lived in this magnificent chateau in France

we've lived in this magnificent chateau in France

for the last four years.

for the last four years.

I love you, I love you, I love you.

I love you, I love you, I love you.

It's not just our home...

Right, so, canapes.

..but a business.

And it turns out, we're not the only Brits who have quit the UK

And it turns out, we're not the only Brits who have quit the UK

for the chateau life.

Wow, I've never seen you like this!

Wow, I've never seen you like this!

Can't talk.

Now, Angel and I are back, helping more chateau owners

Now, Angel and I are back, helping more chateau owners

on their journey.

The whole of this has to be completely tanked and sealed.

The whole of this has to be completely tanked and sealed.

We'll work with some familiar faces...

We'll work with some familiar faces...

Good to see you. Welcome!

..and meet some who are new to the chateau life...

..and meet some who are new to the chateau life...

Ta-da!

Good work.

Ah. You broke it.

Yeah. In the hole. Yeah.

That's a bit of an issue.

..as they battle to renovate their homes

..as they battle to renovate their homes

and make them work as businesses.

and make them work as businesses.

Paul! Our guests are here.

Paul! Our guests are here.

There'll be extraordinary discoveries...

Oh, wow, wow, wow, wow, wow, wow, wow!

Oh, wow, wow, wow, wow, wow, wow, wow!

..and inevitable obstacles.

SHE SCREAMS

But however hard the going gets,

But however hard the going gets,

for these plucky Brits,

their homes really are their castles.

their homes really are their castles.

Today, a race against time to prep for a big wedding...

Today, a race against time to prep for a big wedding...

Today, a race against time to prep for a big wedding...

I think there are about 40 beds that we have to make before each wedding.

I think there are about 40 beds that we have to make before each wedding.

I think there are about 40 beds that we have to make before each wedding.

..one couple have a smashing time...

..one couple have a smashing time...

Whoo!

Doing a great job, Em.

..and I lend a hand cutting their bathroom tiles.

..and I lend a hand cutting their bathroom tiles.

Cor, that is hard.

It's rock solid.

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

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

Three sisters seek out a chateau to buy...

Three sisters seek out a chateau to buy...

So, it's just cupboards in here.

So, it's just cupboards in here.

Bit of a waste of a tower.

..and are floored by medieval features.

..and are floored by medieval features.

Oh, wow. Look at these stairs.

Hello, darling.

That's me, Dick Strawbridge,

engineer and former Lieutenant Colonel in the British Army.

engineer and former Lieutenant Colonel in the British Army.

With my wife, Angel, we've spent four incredible years

With my wife, Angel, we've spent four incredible years

renovating our chateau into a home and business.

renovating our chateau into a home and business.

ANGEL SQUEALS

LAUGHING: Yes!

LAUGHING: Yes!

If it doesn't work, we're so in the poop.

If it doesn't work, we're so in the poop.

And across France, more and more Brits are joining us,

And across France, more and more Brits are joining us,

and starting their own chateau journeys.

and starting their own chateau journeys.

The 19th century Chateau De Montvason

The 19th century Chateau De Montvason

sits in eight and a half acres of woodland,

sits in eight and a half acres of woodland,

and has 30 rooms, spread over two wings.

and has 30 rooms, spread over two wings.

It's home to Emma and her partner, Paul, who bought it two years ago

It's home to Emma and her partner, Paul, who bought it two years ago

for £278,000.

for £278,000.

The chateau is located in Normandy, Northwest France.

The chateau is located in Normandy, Northwest France.

The building needs restoring,

and we think that we can make a good business out of it.

and we think that we can make a good business out of it.

and we think that we can make a good business out of it.

To make it pay, they've recently had B&B guests,

To make it pay, they've recently had B&B guests,

but need to be able to renovate more rooms to let out.

but need to be able to renovate more rooms to let out.

The challenge we face is that the place had been empty for some time,

The challenge we face is that the place had been empty for some time,

the second floor not lived in since the Second World War.

the second floor not lived in since the Second World War.

Ceilings were falling down, it was a wreck.

Ceilings were falling down, it was a wreck.

With £20,000, they've renovated the East wing.

With £20,000, they've renovated the East wing.

Now, they only have £10,000 left to do the rest.

Now, they only have £10,000 left to do the rest.

If we don't have the funds to do the renovations,

If we don't have the funds to do the renovations,

the renovations are going to take forever.

the renovations are going to take forever.

And that's not an option.

And that's not an option.

The next project is to create an Art Deco bathroom,

The next project is to create an Art Deco bathroom,

and admirably, Emma and Paul want to keep the restoration

and admirably, Emma and Paul want to keep the restoration

as authentic as they can.

I've got a lot of salvaged Vitrolite glass

I've got a lot of salvaged Vitrolite glass

that was taken out of a building from the '20s.

that was taken out of a building from the '20s.

Vitrolite is a strong, coloured glass,

Vitrolite is a strong, coloured glass,

popular in the '20s and '30s for use on walls.

popular in the '20s and '30s for use on walls.

Its rarely made now, so is in short supply.

Its rarely made now, so is in short supply.

The big challenge is going to be able to cut that glass.

The big challenge is going to be able to cut that glass.

The big challenge is going to be able to cut that glass.

Nobody in France or Europe or England does it.

Nobody in France or Europe or England does it.

There's only one guy that does it in America,

There's only one guy that does it in America,

so, I've got to learn how to do this.

so, I've got to learn how to do this.

And that's one of the joys of Chateau DIY,

And that's one of the joys of Chateau DIY,

you find yourself learning all sorts of skills.

you find yourself learning all sorts of skills.

Development consultant Emma has even designed how they'll use the glass.

Development consultant Emma has even designed how they'll use the glass.

Development consultant Emma has even designed how they'll use the glass.

We've done some examples of Art Deco Vitrolite type green bathrooms.

We've done some examples of Art Deco Vitrolite type green bathrooms.

We've done some examples of Art Deco Vitrolite type green bathrooms.

We've done some examples of Art Deco Vitrolite type green bathrooms.

Black borders seem to be the order of the day, and green.

Black borders seem to be the order of the day, and green.

Black borders seem to be the order of the day, and green.

The fact that we're using Vitrolite original tiling is...

The fact that we're using Vitrolite original tiling is...

..is really great.

That's a real showpiece for the West Wing.

That's a real showpiece for the West Wing.

But before Emma's tiles can go up, there's the small matter

But before Emma's tiles can go up, there's the small matter

of reshaping and stripping back the bathroom.

of reshaping and stripping back the bathroom.

We are changing the walls in the bathroom.

We are changing the walls in the bathroom.

We need to fit a bath in there, quite a big one.

We need to fit a bath in there, quite a big one.

So, Emma's put her hard hat on.

I'm going to knock this down, this, and this needs to go.

I'm going to knock this down, this, and this needs to go.

Start with this wall. OK. Yeah.

Start with this wall. OK. Yeah.

And I just, you know, what's the technique?

And I just, you know, what's the technique?

You may be better off hitting it this way,

You may be better off hitting it this way,

because there's more space. And there's less thingy.

because there's more space. And there's less thingy.

OK. Yeah, and I'll shut the window. OK.

OK. Yeah, and I'll shut the window. OK.

Because I don't want the hammer going through the window. OK.

Because I don't want the hammer going through the window. OK.

So you need to be holding this up, OK? Mm-hm.

So you need to be holding this up, OK? Mm-hm.

And you need to get a good, honest swing at it.

And you need to get a good, honest swing at it.

So, like this? OK. Like that? Yeah.

So, like this? OK. Like that? Yeah.

Yeah. Like that?

Yeah, and then you have to just give it all you can.

Yeah, and then you have to just give it all you can.

OK. All right. OK?

It should go relatively easily. OK.

It should go relatively easily. OK.

But who knows?

All right, I am going to get out of your way.

All right, I am going to get out of your way.

Oh, my God.

Whoo!

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!

Doing a great job, Em.

Yes!

Woohoo!

I'd like to say it looks good, but it's mission accomplished, yeah?

I'd like to say it looks good, but it's mission accomplished, yeah?

Yeah, mission accomplished for the moment, and then...

Yeah, mission accomplished for the moment, and then...

Now, all you have to do is clear up the mess.

Now, all you have to do is clear up the mess.

350 miles South, century-old Chateau Du Doux

350 miles South, century-old Chateau Du Doux

is a 36-bedroom former hotel.

is a 36-bedroom former hotel.

Located in the Dordogne Valley in Southwestern France,

Located in the Dordogne Valley in Southwestern France,

it was bought for £900,000 ten years ago,

it was bought for £900,000 ten years ago,

by IT consultant Clive and his wife, Karen.

by IT consultant Clive and his wife, Karen.

by IT consultant Clive and his wife, Karen.

Fou is the word for mad people,

Fou is the word for mad people,

and that's what I thought Clive was

when he so wanted to purchase the chateau, and I think we've

when he so wanted to purchase the chateau, and I think we've

when he so wanted to purchase the chateau, and I think we've

become a bit fou trying to deal with the problems that have arisen since.

become a bit fou trying to deal with the problems that have arisen since.

become a bit fou trying to deal with the problems that have arisen since.

Family du Doux. Yeah.

The chateau has to pay its way, and with Karen and Clive spending

The chateau has to pay its way, and with Karen and Clive spending

several months a year back in the UK,

several months a year back in the UK,

keeping Du Doux out of the doo-doo has fallen on the shoulders

keeping Du Doux out of the doo-doo has fallen on the shoulders

of 20-year-old daughter Abby, who lives here full-time.

of 20-year-old daughter Abby, who lives here full-time.

of 20-year-old daughter Abby, who lives here full-time.

I'm probably the general manager, I just turn my hand to anything.

I'm probably the general manager, I just turn my hand to anything.

In relation to her age, I think she's phenomenal and she has such

In relation to her age, I think she's phenomenal and she has such

energy and enthusiasm, because she loves it here.

energy and enthusiasm, because she loves it here.

energy and enthusiasm, because she loves it here.

Abby has also taken on the role of wedding planner,

Abby has also taken on the role of wedding planner,

and with her most ambitious wedding to date just five weeks away,

and with her most ambitious wedding to date just five weeks away,

they've got their work cut out

to finish refurbing some bedrooms and bathrooms.

to finish refurbing some bedrooms and bathrooms.

We've got about 50 people arriving for a wedding,

We've got about 50 people arriving for a wedding,

so, we have to hurry up.

so, we have to hurry up.

Ready? Yep.

Let's go, you got it?

Let's go, you got it?

And you can't have guests without finished bathrooms.

And you can't have guests without finished bathrooms.

Abby's booked out all 32 guest rooms for the forthcoming big wedding.

Abby's booked out all 32 guest rooms for the forthcoming big wedding.

Which room were we starting, 110 or 105, Abs?

Which room were we starting, 110 or 105, Abs?

Getting them ready is a mammoth task,

Getting them ready is a mammoth task,

so she and Karen have started early.

Bed first? Yeah.

I think there are about 32 rooms,

I think there are about 32 rooms,

so, that must be over 40 beds that we have to make before each wedding.

so, that must be over 40 beds that we have to make before each wedding.

If they stay three or four nights, we do not change the beds at all,

If they stay three or four nights, we do not change the beds at all,

If they stay three or four nights, we do not change the beds at all,

we change the bedding when they leave.

we change the bedding when they leave.

If they asked us for clean sheets, they would have them,

If they asked us for clean sheets, they would have them,

but we don't offer it.

They can't afford a team of helpers, so Karen and Abby

They can't afford a team of helpers, so Karen and Abby

are the only chambermaids for the whole chateau.

are the only chambermaids for the whole chateau.

There we are.

There we are.

Not one of my favourite jobs, but, I mean, it has to be done, so...

Not one of my favourite jobs, but, I mean, it has to be done, so...

One room down, 31 to go.

One room down, 31 to go.

Normally, I'd say about 30 minutes to get one room cleaned

Normally, I'd say about 30 minutes to get one room cleaned

and then, we will come in again just before the guests arrive

and then, we will come in again just before the guests arrive

and check everything's there, and give it a final dust

and check everything's there, and give it a final dust

to make sure it's as clean as it possibly can be.

to make sure it's as clean as it possibly can be.

It has to be in the middle.

No pressure, Mum. You've got to do it quickly. Ha!

No pressure, Mum. You've got to do it quickly. Ha!

Got to do it quickly and correctly.

And me, I'm thorough.

I think we compliment one another because I'm too slow

I think we compliment one another because I'm too slow

and too thorough, Abby's maybe not quite thorough enough,

and too thorough, Abby's maybe not quite thorough enough,

but fast, so between us, we get the job done.

but fast, so between us, we get the job done.

I know my daughter will be after me if I don't hurry up.

I know my daughter will be after me if I don't hurry up.

She has to hurry me along a bit and I have to say,

She has to hurry me along a bit and I have to say,

"Look, you've missed that", so...

Sometimes, I actually have to drag Mum out

and lock the door and take the key away

so she can't actually go in and do any more cleaning.

so she can't actually go in and do any more cleaning.

Hope you're doing a good job, Abs!

Nearly done. I hope you are!

Abby was always on at me for taking too long

Abby was always on at me for taking too long

but I've had one guest, she came in

but I've had one guest, she came in

and looked at the cooker, and went like this.

and looked at the cooker, and went like this.

And Abby thought, "Oh, I'm so glad Mum did the cleaning".

And Abby thought, "Oh, I'm so glad Mum did the cleaning".

A bit of spit and polish is essential,

A bit of spit and polish is essential,

but remember, you've still got 30 more rooms to go.

but remember, you've still got 30 more rooms to go.

Coming up, I help Paul cut Art Deco tiles.

Coming up, I help Paul cut Art Deco tiles.

That's not clean at all, is it? No.

That's not clean at all, is it? No.

At Chateau Du Doux, it's all hands on deck

At Chateau Du Doux, it's all hands on deck

to get the rooms furnished for wedding guests.

to get the rooms furnished for wedding guests.

So, it's only these three pieces to be done, Ab?

So, it's only these three pieces to be done, Ab?

The bed, bedside table and chair?

The bed, bedside table and chair?

Yeah, and a wardrobe.

Yeah, and a wardrobe.

Oh, golly, I forgot that.

And the search goes on for one family to find their dream chateau.

And the search goes on for one family to find their dream chateau.

And the search goes on for one family to find their dream chateau.

Oh, that's nice. Good size.

It's lovely. Very light.

Two beautiful, big windows. Wow, look at the size of the windows.

Two beautiful, big windows. Wow, look at the size of the windows.

And that view. Lovely.

Yeah, that is good, that's amazing.

Restoring a chateau to its former glory is a labour of love.

Restoring a chateau to its former glory is a labour of love.

Restoring a chateau to its former glory is a labour of love.

But with hundreds of chateaus on the French market,

But with hundreds of chateaus on the French market,

the most important job is finding the right one in the first place.

the most important job is finding the right one in the first place.

Interior designer Julia has travelled from Australia

Interior designer Julia has travelled from Australia

to look for her dream home.

She grew up in the UK and wants to return to Europe.

She grew up in the UK and wants to return to Europe.

She's given herself just four weeks to find her perfect property

She's given herself just four weeks to find her perfect property

with help from sisters Melissa and Sarah.

with help from sisters Melissa and Sarah.

That's my plan to move to France, find my dream home...

That's my plan to move to France, find my dream home...

That's my plan to move to France, find my dream home...

Do it up slowly, create a beautiful garden,

Do it up slowly, create a beautiful garden,

create an environment for the family to come and live in and...

create an environment for the family to come and live in and...

Yes, can't wait.

Yes, can't wait.

Julia's budget is £530,000.

Julia's budget is £530,000.

And after a year of viewing hundreds of chateaus online,

And after a year of viewing hundreds of chateaus online,

she now has a list of what her dream chateau should have.

she now has a list of what her dream chateau should have.

she now has a list of what her dream chateau should have.

It has to have towers... Beautiful original floors,

It has to have towers... Beautiful original floors,

beautiful fireplaces.

Have views... Yeah, not closed in. ..and no neighbours.

Have views... Yeah, not closed in. ..and no neighbours.

Yeah. Too close. At least they know what they want.

Yeah. Too close. At least they know what they want.

They've already viewed a nine-bedroom manor house

They've already viewed a nine-bedroom manor house

in the Occitanie region but they were put off

in the Occitanie region but they were put off

by the amount of work needed to renovate the outbuildings.

by the amount of work needed to renovate the outbuildings.

I think I really love it. Hm...

I think I really love it. Hm...

But there's just a lot of work.

But there's just a lot of work.

Next, they saw an elegant five-bedroom property

Next, they saw an elegant five-bedroom property

in the Dordogne built on the foundations of an ancient fort.

in the Dordogne built on the foundations of an ancient fort.

in the Dordogne built on the foundations of an ancient fort.

It was a hit with Julia.

It was a hit with Julia.

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.

Hi, Joanne? Hi. Joanne Davey, French Character Homes.

Hi, Joanne? Hi. Joanne Davey, French Character Homes.

Julia. Nice to meet you, Julia...

Today they've come to the 14th century fortified town of Navarrenx,

Today they've come to the 14th century fortified town of Navarrenx,

Today they've come to the 14th century fortified town of Navarrenx,

just 30 miles from the Spanish border, to this stunning chateau.

just 30 miles from the Spanish border, to this stunning chateau.

It was built between 1914 and 1918.

It was built between 1914 and 1918.

It has 15 rooms in all - nine bedrooms,

It has 15 rooms in all - nine bedrooms,

four reception rooms,

and four turrets.

and four turrets.

At just over £462,000...

At just over £462,000...

Beautiful.

..it's nearly £70,000 under Julia's budget.

..it's nearly £70,000 under Julia's budget.

Oh, beautiful fireplace.

Oh, beautiful fireplace.

Yes.

This is a cute room.

Yeah, it is. But this isn't the main dining room.

No, this is the petit salon.

In each of the four corners, there's a tower.

In each of the four corners, there's a tower.

Aw. Oh! Yeah, and it's the same upstairs.

Oh, can I look in there?

Oh, can I look in there?

Yes, please do.

So it's just cupboards in here?

So it's just cupboards in here?

Yes, just cupboards.

Yes, just cupboards.

It is.

Bit of a waste of a tower.

THEY LAUGH

And leading on from la petit salon is, of course, la grand salon.

And leading on from la petit salon is, of course, la grand salon.

And leading on from la petit salon is, of course, la grand salon.

This room's not a bad size room.

This room's not a bad size room.

Yeah, it's nice.

And... Nice fireplace.

Yeah, gorgeous.

The windows are fantastic,

it definitely has a lot of light which is really important

it definitely has a lot of light which is really important

and I can peek out there to a huge terrace which is fantastic. Yes.

and I can peek out there to a huge terrace which is fantastic. Yes.

and I can peek out there to a huge terrace which is fantastic. Yes.

With the fireplace and turret ticking boxes

on Julia's wish list, the next period feature should do too.

on Julia's wish list, the next period feature should do too.

on Julia's wish list, the next period feature should do too.

It's really a nice open staircase...

It's really a nice open staircase...

It is...

..and all those windows.

..I love the stone bottom step.

It's very typical to see the stone step at the bottom. Yes.

It's very typical to see the stone step at the bottom. Yes.

Here, this is the main bedroom suite.

Here, this is the main bedroom suite.

Oh.

Good size. It's lovely. And very light.

Good size. It's lovely. And very light.

Wow, look at the size of the windows.

Wow, look at the size of the windows.

And that view.

Lovely. That is good, that's amazing.

Lovely. That is good, that's amazing.

The upstairs rooms seem to be impressive too

The upstairs rooms seem to be impressive too

but there's one spanner in the works.

but there's one spanner in the works.

The only major downside for me is while I am standing here

The only major downside for me is while I am standing here

The only major downside for me is while I am standing here

behind closed windows, I can hear the road.

behind closed windows, I can hear the road.

behind closed windows, I can hear the road.

A lot of road traffic.

And I really, REALLY wish I couldn't.

And I really, REALLY wish I couldn't.

Angel and I don't believe in compromise, but it is rare

Angel and I don't believe in compromise, but it is rare

to tick every single box.

Wow, what a view.

Yeah, it's a lovely view.

Yeah, it's a lovely view.

It is.

Traffic noise is a deal breaker for me.

Traffic noise is a deal breaker for me.

Yeah, and I don't really like seeing the road, either.

Yeah, and I don't really like seeing the road, either.

Yeah, and I don't really like seeing the road, either.

Such a shame cos it's actually really beautiful.

Such a shame cos it's actually really beautiful.

Yeah...

But I just think there's so many places in France you can buy

But I just think there's so many places in France you can buy

which don't have a road in front of them. That's right.

which don't have a road in front of them. That's right.

Yeah, yeah. And they're cheaper. Let's get one. Yeah, let's get one of those. Yeah, get one of those!

Yeah, yeah. And they're cheaper. Let's get one. Yeah, let's get one of those. Yeah, get one of those!

Forget this!

So, this chateau falls at the last hurdle,

So, this chateau falls at the last hurdle,

but with more chateaus to inspect, its onwards and upwards.

but with more chateaus to inspect, its onwards and upwards.

Having already gone through four years refurbishing our own chateau,

Having already gone through four years refurbishing our own chateau,

one of the things we love doing

is giving other chateau owners our help.

is giving other chateau owners our help.

Today, Paul's come to see me so I can help him with the next step

Today, Paul's come to see me so I can help him with the next step

of his Art Deco bathroom refurbishment.

of his Art Deco bathroom refurbishment.

Good to see you. How are you? I'm doing all right. Lovely to see you. What we're going

Good to see you. How are you? I'm doing all right. Lovely to see you. What we're going

to do cos I know you got a car full, we're going to go straight into the workshop.

to do cos I know you got a car full, we're going to go straight into the workshop.

OK. Man cave first, here we go. Right, man cave.

OK. Man cave first, here we go. Right, man cave.

Paul needs advice on cutting his vintage Vitrolite glass,

Paul needs advice on cutting his vintage Vitrolite glass,

but as there aren't many people in the world working with Vitrolite,

but as there aren't many people in the world working with Vitrolite,

I've got my work cut out.

Well, my other half, Emma, has designed the Art Deco bathroom.

Well, my other half, Emma, has designed the Art Deco bathroom.

Well, my other half, Emma, has designed the Art Deco bathroom.

Well, my other half, Emma, has designed the Art Deco bathroom.

That's the plan for the wall.

That's the plan for the wall.

Right, OK. OK.

Right, OK. OK.

That's...

OK - right, OK.

That makes sense to me now.

It's all about this sort of, the geometric shapes and the colours,

It's all about this sort of, the geometric shapes and the colours,

and I see that you're using a quite sort of bold and simple.

and I see that you're using a quite sort of bold and simple.

VOICEOVER: Paul's managed to get his hands on some reclaimed Vitrolite

VOICEOVER: Paul's managed to get his hands on some reclaimed Vitrolite

so we can try resizing them - but with just a box full,

so we can try resizing them - but with just a box full,

we don't have a lot of room for mistakes.

we don't have a lot of room for mistakes.

I would be minded to grab one of my diamond bladed cutters...

I would be minded to grab one of my diamond bladed cutters...

OK.

..and just see if we can do it.

OK, so if the diamond bladed cutter can work... That's going to be...

OK, so if the diamond bladed cutter can work... That's going to be...

..that's going to be better. That's going to allow consistent work.

..that's going to be better. That's going to allow consistent work.

And that's exactly what we want.

This is nice and tight.

These tiles are thick and difficult to cut by hand.

These tiles are thick and difficult to cut by hand.

So, this way should make it easier and quicker in the long run.

So, this way should make it easier and quicker in the long run.

GLASS CUTTING

That's not clean at all, is it?

No, but...

..it's a complete learning curve.

..it's a complete learning curve.

I'm sure that the guys that did it in the day had

I'm sure that the guys that did it in the day had

to go through the same process.

to go through the same process.

The cutter's creating jagged edges.

The cutter's creating jagged edges.

So, we may need a rethink on this one.

So, we may need a rethink on this one.

At Chateau du Doux in the Dordogne Valley,

At Chateau du Doux in the Dordogne Valley,

Clive, Karen and their family are busy preparing

Clive, Karen and their family are busy preparing

to host a big wedding.

to host a big wedding.

20-year-old Abby is events and general manager,

20-year-old Abby is events and general manager,

and she's keen to save money.

This is all the old furniture that we've decided to upcycle instead

This is all the old furniture that we've decided to upcycle instead

This is all the old furniture that we've decided to upcycle instead

of buying brand-new to keep the old feel of the chateau

of buying brand-new to keep the old feel of the chateau

and re-use as much as we possibly can.

and re-use as much as we possibly can.

She's already brightened up some dark old bedroom furniture

She's already brightened up some dark old bedroom furniture

but wants to do the same for the remaining unfinished rooms.

but wants to do the same for the remaining unfinished rooms.

but wants to do the same for the remaining unfinished rooms.

OK pop it on.

So, big brother Ross is roped in to help finish the job in time.

So, big brother Ross is roped in to help finish the job in time.

,So Ross we're going to sand it back,

,So Ross we're going to sand it back,

give it a couple of coats of paint and it'll be ready to go again.

give it a couple of coats of paint and it'll be ready to go again.

give it a couple of coats of paint and it'll be ready to go again.

Because the original varnish is quite shiny, it's important

Because the original varnish is quite shiny, it's important

to key into bare wood so the scratch surface

to key into bare wood so the scratch surface

gives the undercoat something to stick to.

gives the undercoat something to stick to.

It's actually a primer and the idea is to sort of conceal

It's actually a primer and the idea is to sort of conceal

the dark colour so it'll be a nice white colour

the dark colour so it'll be a nice white colour

when we put it in the apartments.

Then, it's ready for a couple of coats of paint.

Then, it's ready for a couple of coats of paint.

With so much to do, Mum's lending a hand.

With so much to do, Mum's lending a hand.

So, it's only these three pieces to be done, Ab - the bed,

So, it's only these three pieces to be done, Ab - the bed,

bedside table, and chair?

Yeah.

And a wardrobe.

Oh, golly, I forgot that.

And I thought it would be an easy five-minute job but I must have

And I thought it would be an easy five-minute job but I must have

spent about eight months painting over the last two years now.

spent about eight months painting over the last two years now.

spent about eight months painting over the last two years now.

Ross has helped me sand everything down,

Ross has helped me sand everything down,

and then it's just endless.

You need about three or four coats before it's finished.

You need about three or four coats before it's finished.

Done.

Trust me - everything in a chateau takes longer than you think.

Trust me - everything in a chateau takes longer than you think.

Fingers crossed it should be done within a week

Fingers crossed it should be done within a week

but I said that last time and it took me about a couple of months

but I said that last time and it took me about a couple of months

but I said that last time and it took me about a couple of months

to complete all of it.

With the wedding event looming, let's hope Abby

With the wedding event looming, let's hope Abby

hasn't painted herself into a corner.

hasn't painted herself into a corner.

If necessary, we'll have to work...

A little bit harder and a little bit longer. You'll have to, yes,

A little bit harder and a little bit longer. You'll have to, yes,

not have evenings off - it must be done on time.

not have evenings off - it must be done on time.

Coming up, Paul and I get to grips with his vintage glass tiles.

Coming up, Paul and I get to grips with his vintage glass tiles.

Coming up, Paul and I get to grips with his vintage glass tiles.

You know that that's going to break well.

You know that that's going to break well.

At Chateau du Doux, there's a disaster at the pool.

At Chateau du Doux, there's a disaster at the pool.

Everything goes wrong here.

There are holes in the pipe.

There are holes in the pipe.

So, it's not sucking up all the dirt as he would wish

So, it's not sucking up all the dirt as he would wish

and it just makes it really laborious.

and it just makes it really laborious.

And Julia is at sixes and sevens.

And Julia is at sixes and sevens.

We've seen a fair few properties in different regions

We've seen a fair few properties in different regions

and I'm more confused than ever.

and I'm more confused than ever.

THEY LAUGH

I've done all sorts of DIY over the years,

I've done all sorts of DIY over the years,

but today I'm going to do something I've never done before -

but today I'm going to do something I've never done before -

cutting Vitrolite tiles for Paul's bathroom.

cutting Vitrolite tiles for Paul's bathroom.

The first go with the cutter didn't work, so we're now going to try

The first go with the cutter didn't work, so we're now going to try

a good old-fashioned way -

scoring them with a glass cutter.

scoring them with a glass cutter.

We're going to cut this bit here, at this end.

If I hold this... OK.

..quite still, yeah. Yeah.

Cos that's thick enough.

OK. See, there's a nice neat line there.

OK. See, there's a nice neat line there.

Yeah? Yeah.

That's a decent straight line.

So, what we need now it to...

So, what we need now it to...

..support it.

Cos if we're not careful we're going to break it somewhere different.

Cos if we're not careful we're going to break it somewhere different.

With a bit of beef we should be able to snap then neatly.

With a bit of beef we should be able to snap then neatly.

I think we've just got to... A sharp, short snap.

I think we've just got to... A sharp, short snap.

Voila!

Now, you see that? Yeah, we're going to have be gentler than that.

Now, you see that? Yeah, we're going to have be gentler than that.

No, that is...that - that's right.

No, that is...that - that's right.

It takes a bit of weight on it doesn't it?

It takes a bit of weight on it doesn't it?

I think it probably depends on how deeply I've scored it.

I think it probably depends on how deeply I've scored it.

Doing it by hand is actually better than the machine.

Doing it by hand is actually better than the machine.

Now Paul's turn.

He needs to score firmly so the tile snaps evenly.

He needs to score firmly so the tile snaps evenly.

Good edge in. Yeah.

This bit held there.

Have a look and see.

Yeah, it's scored. It's scored. OK.

Yeah, it's scored. It's scored. OK.

Away you go. OK.

Oh, come on...

I guess it's easier when you've got a bit more weight behind you.

I guess it's easier when you've got a bit more weight behind you.

Because of the sheer length of that, it's a lot of breaking...

Because of the sheer length of that, it's a lot of breaking...

Yeah, it's a lot of... Well, you're going to have to probably go lower

Yeah, it's a lot of... Well, you're going to have to probably go lower

than that. Shall we go lower? Yeah. OK. Right, OK.

than that. Shall we go lower? Yeah. OK. Right, OK.

So, one hand's on there and one hand's there.

So, one hand's on there and one hand's there.

Cor, that is hard.

Cor, that is hard.

Listen, you didn't chose an easy job with this stuff, mate. No.

Listen, you didn't chose an easy job with this stuff, mate. No.

It's rock solid.

Come the next nuclear holocaust this will be what's left.

Come the next nuclear holocaust this will be what's left.

You can imagine, you know...

You can imagine, you know...

You can imagine that these guys that were doing it, you know,

You can imagine that these guys that were doing it, you know,

on site, they must have had some way of snapping it.

on site, they must have had some way of snapping it.

I'm sorry but when it comes to your score, there's a big difference

I'm sorry but when it comes to your score, there's a big difference

between your good scores and your bad scores.

between your good scores and your bad scores.

Yeah, that's a better score than mine. OK.

Yeah, that's a better score than mine. OK.

See what I'm saying? Yeah.

Yeah, that's much better than mine isn't it?

Yeah, that's much better than mine isn't it?

But if brute force and ignorance works, then, uh...

But if brute force and ignorance works, then, uh...

Yeah, absolutely.

..it's the way to go.

Yeah, OK.

If I push down hard before it...

You just know that's going to be a good one.

That's going to break well.

That's going to break well.

Yeah? Look at that.

Yeah? Look at that.

Are you happy with that? Yeah, oh, yeah, really happy.

Are you happy with that? Yeah, oh, yeah, really happy.

Bit of an animal, this glass. It's tough.

Bit of an animal, this glass. It's tough.

It's tough, and the beauty is, by the time you've put this up

It's tough, and the beauty is, by the time you've put this up

you'll never have to touch it again in your lifetime.

you'll never have to touch it again in your lifetime.

No! It'll be somebody else's problem.

No! It'll be somebody else's problem.

Yeah, it will be there long after we're gone.

Lessons learnt, Paul can now look forward to a night on the tiles.

Lessons learnt, Paul can now look forward to a night on the tiles.

Well - sort of.

Thanks a lot, Dick.

Thanks a lot, Dick.

Give Emma a big kiss from us, yeah? I will do, mate. See you later.

Give Emma a big kiss from us, yeah? I will do, mate. See you later.

There's a man with his work cut out.

Back at Chateau du Doux,

there's just three weeks left until they host

there's just three weeks left until they host

their biggest wedding of the season.

And Abby's to-do list is as long as her arm.

And Abby's to-do list is as long as her arm.

We've got to change all the duvets in 16 bedrooms.

We've got to change all the duvets in 16 bedrooms.

We've got to change all the duvets in 16 bedrooms.

I've got to finish painting some furniture,

I've got to finish painting some furniture,

to go in bedrooms.

We've obviously got to wallpaper the new bedrooms

We've obviously got to wallpaper the new bedrooms

that we're renovating.

And...it's nearly the end of our financial year as well,

And...it's nearly the end of our financial year as well,

so I've got to hand in all of our accounts to the accountants

so I've got to hand in all of our accounts to the accountants

within the next week.

within the next week.

And I've got gardening as well, that's another thing on my list.

And I've got gardening as well, that's another thing on my list.

Emergency exits...

She's certainly a grafter.

Outside, brother Ross is pulling his weight on pool cleaning duty.

Outside, brother Ross is pulling his weight on pool cleaning duty.

But there's a hiccup.

But there's a hiccup.

Ross is trying to hoover the bottom of the pool

Ross is trying to hoover the bottom of the pool

and there are holes in the pipe, so it's not sucking up all

and there are holes in the pipe, so it's not sucking up all

the dirt as he would wish and it just makes it really laborious.

the dirt as he would wish and it just makes it really laborious.

One thing after another here. Hang on a minute.

One thing after another here. Hang on a minute.

Just as well Uncle Rob, who's staying on holiday,

Just as well Uncle Rob, who's staying on holiday,

is a dab hand at DIY.

That's why he's not getting much suction, it's split.

That's why he's not getting much suction, it's split.

We'll do a quick repair.

Good old gaffer tape to the rescue.

Good old gaffer tape to the rescue.

Fingers crossed it'll do the trick, even though its only a quick fix.

Fingers crossed it'll do the trick, even though its only a quick fix.

Fingers crossed it'll do the trick, even though its only a quick fix.

Hopefully that'll get Ross going.

Hopefully that'll get Ross going.

Clive's brother Rob comes out frequently.

Clive's brother Rob comes out frequently.

He's retired now, so he comes out

He's retired now, so he comes out

and he loves working on the electrics.

and he loves working on the electrics.

Everything goes wrong here.

Right, OK, Ross, it should start sucking again now.

Right, OK, Ross, it should start sucking again now.

Basically when people look up the chateau they see the image of the

Basically when people look up the chateau they see the image of the

chateau with the pool and coming in the height of the summer season,

chateau with the pool and coming in the height of the summer season,

they expect it to be available.

Allo?

Back inside, Abby is busy with admin.

Back inside, Abby is busy with admin.

D'accord. Merci. Bonne jouree, au revior.

D'accord. Merci. Bonne jouree, au revior.

Merci, au revior.

So, that was a phone call from somebody wanting to book a wedding.

So, that was a phone call from somebody wanting to book a wedding.

So, it's not all bad news.

Good news and bad news, Abby.

Good news and bad news, Abby.

The robo that we use to clean the pool,

The robo that we use to clean the pool,

the pipe is completely defunct.

the pipe is completely defunct.

So, I'm going to get a new one, but Robert managed to find this

So, I'm going to get a new one, but Robert managed to find this

so I've got an exact match if I go to the shop.

so I've got an exact match if I go to the shop.

Because it's...not working as it should as it is.

Because it's...not working as it should as it is.

You'll need the business card. Oh, yes. Oh, thank you.

You'll need the business card. Oh, yes. Oh, thank you.

OK, we'll do that then.

Right you are. See you later.

Right you are. See you later.

If we can't get the pool up and running

If we can't get the pool up and running

it'll be a total disaster for us.

it'll be a total disaster for us.

Back with Julia and her sisters,

they're onto the next leg of their chateau search.

they're onto the next leg of their chateau search.

We're covering quite a...

We're covering quite a...

diverse...range.

diverse...range.

Yes, styles.

It's actually a fabulous way just to visit the country. Yeah.

It's actually a fabulous way just to visit the country. Yeah.

Next stop is the village Laruns of in the foothills of the Pyrenees,

Next stop is the village Laruns of in the foothills of the Pyrenees,

in their search for the perfect home for Julia to move to.

in their search for the perfect home for Julia to move to.

They're viewing this historic 14th century chateau,

They're viewing this historic 14th century chateau,

which was originally a fortress.

Once King Henry IV's hunting lodge,

Once King Henry IV's hunting lodge,

it's now a seven bedroom home set in seven acres of park land.

it's now a seven bedroom home set in seven acres of park land.

It's on the market for £528,000.

It's on the market for £528,000.

That's just under Julia's £530,000 budget.

That's just under Julia's £530,000 budget.

After you.

Thank you.

Oh, wow look at these stairs.

Oh, wow look at these stairs.

Wow, what a fantastic staircase.

Wow, what a fantastic staircase.

Ah, beautiful...

It's amazing.

I just love stone stairs where you can really see how...

I just love stone stairs where you can really see how...

The wear over the centuries, yeah, that's fantastic.

The wear over the centuries, yeah, that's fantastic.

The patina of them.

Good start.

Here, the living area is upstairs.

Here, the living area is upstairs.

So, we've got lovely modern kitchen.

So, we've got lovely modern kitchen.

With stone evier, original feature.

Oh, yes. That's beautiful. I do love that.

Oh, yes. That's beautiful. I do love that.

That's just stunning. Mm. Wow.

That's just stunning. Mm. Wow.

And look at the view from it. Yeah.

Amazing view of the mountains through there. It's incredible.

Amazing view of the mountains through there. It's incredible.

And then your living area, with a huge fireplace.

And then your living area, with a huge fireplace.

The original fireplace. It's beautiful.

The original fireplace. It's beautiful.

It's huge. Yeah.

It's huge. Yeah.

Since the bonder bought the property he put in a wood burning stove. Yes.

Since the bonder bought the property he put in a wood burning stove. Yes.

That must heat the whole place up. It does, yeah.

That must heat the whole place up. It does, yeah.

Does it also heat the hot water system?

Does it also heat the hot water system?

No, it's just for the heating of the house,

No, it's just for the heating of the house,

there's no central heating here. OK.

there's no central heating here. OK.

Beautiful. Wow.

It's massive.

This is a very different sort of property

to what we've been looking at.

It's got an awful lot of character about it.

It's got an awful lot of character about it.

Very pretty location, the mountain views are beautiful.

Very pretty location, the mountain views are beautiful.

The area is stunning. Yes.

The area is stunning. Yes.

The building is exceptional.

The building is exceptional.

So, um...but it's a very different proposition.

So, um...but it's a very different proposition.

What do you think?

Yeah, it feels really cosy doesn't it? It does. Feels lovely.

Yeah, it feels really cosy doesn't it? It does. Feels lovely.

You can imagine sitting in front of that fire in the winter. Yes.

You can imagine sitting in front of that fire in the winter. Yes.

It's very quiet in here too. It is. Yeah, it's really quiet.

It's very quiet in here too. It is. Yeah, it's really quiet.

Yeah, well, thick castle walls, so, they'll do that! Yeah.

Yeah, well, thick castle walls, so, they'll do that! Yeah.

And if walls could talk, these would have some amazing tales to tell.

And if walls could talk, these would have some amazing tales to tell.

And if walls could talk, these would have some amazing tales to tell.

This is one of the bedrooms that I want to show you.

This is one of the bedrooms that I want to show you.

Cos there's a interesting carving in the stone of the mullion window.

Cos there's a interesting carving in the stone of the mullion window.

Cos there's a interesting carving in the stone of the mullion window.

So, have a look at this.

So, have a look at this.

You have to bend your head out the window a little bit

You have to bend your head out the window a little bit

and then look to the left.

Oh, wow.

It's been written by Rachel De Gere and it's two interwoven hearts,

It's been written by Rachel De Gere and it's two interwoven hearts,

It's been written by Rachel De Gere and it's two interwoven hearts,

It's been written by Rachel De Gere and it's two interwoven hearts,

with the words written, "Nothing is impossible".

with the words written, "Nothing is impossible".

Aww, that's beautiful.

Aww, that's beautiful.

OK, so on the entrance to the chateau,

OK, so on the entrance to the chateau,

we saw Jean De Gere, which was her father,

we saw Jean De Gere, which was her father,

who wrote, "Wisdom starts with the fear of Jean De Gere".

who wrote, "Wisdom starts with the fear of Jean De Gere".

who wrote, "Wisdom starts with the fear of Jean De Gere".

And the daughter is obviously in love with somebody locally

And the daughter is obviously in love with somebody locally

And the daughter is obviously in love with somebody locally

and she's put "nothing is impossible"

so maybe it's been forbidden by her father.

so maybe it's been forbidden by her father.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Aww! That's really something. How amazing.

Aww! That's really something. How amazing.

Historic features like this are a real gem.

Historic features like this are a real gem.

OK, so here's the master bedroom with en suite shower room.

OK, so here's the master bedroom with en suite shower room.

Oh, lovely. Great. This is a nice room.

Oh, lovely. Great. This is a nice room.

And the beautiful view onto the mountains.

Oh, that is lovely.

And the swimming pool of course you can see the from here.

And the swimming pool of course you can see the from here.

Yeah, that's lovely, especially on a day like today.

Yeah, that's lovely, especially on a day like today.

Yeah, that's lovely, especially on a day like today.

It's a really beautiful setting and there's a little stream.

It's a really beautiful setting and there's a little stream.

You can hear it all the time, which is just gorgeous.

You can hear it all the time, which is just gorgeous.

You can hear it all the time, which is just gorgeous.

Can you hear that?

Can you hear that?

I can hear church bells ringing, too, which we love.

I can hear church bells ringing, too, which we love.

Can you hear that? Yeah, so, it's a really idyllic spot.

Can you hear that? Yeah, so, it's a really idyllic spot.

It is, it's gorgeous.

I can see a cross up there actually on the hill.

I can see a cross up there actually on the hill.

Someone who didn't make it! Yeah!

Someone who didn't make it! Yeah!

THEY LAUGH

That would be you if you got up there. That would be me!

That would be you if you got up there. That would be me!

Theres no denying it's a stunning chateau and setting

Theres no denying it's a stunning chateau and setting

but could it be Julia's dream home?

but could it be Julia's dream home?

but could it be Julia's dream home?

It's a lovely building, lovely little chateau, gorgeous grounds,

It's a lovely building, lovely little chateau, gorgeous grounds,

beautiful surroundings, lovely views, but it's too small for me.

beautiful surroundings, lovely views, but it's too small for me.

beautiful surroundings, lovely views, but it's too small for me.

I agree. And it's not the style of property that I'm looking for.

I agree. And it's not the style of property that I'm looking for.

I love it and I think it's perfect for the right person,

I love it and I think it's perfect for the right person,

I'm not the right person for this property.

I'm not the right person for this property.

So we've been in France four weeks now and we've seen a fair few

So we've been in France four weeks now and we've seen a fair few

So we've been in France four weeks now and we've seen a fair few

properties in different regions and I'm more confused than ever.

properties in different regions and I'm more confused than ever.

properties in different regions and I'm more confused than ever.

It may be confusing,

but it's such a big commitment, you have to love the chateau you choose.

but it's such a big commitment, you have to love the chateau you choose.

but it's such a big commitment, you have to love the chateau you choose.

Coming up, Paul and his pal master the art of lime rendering...

Coming up, Paul and his pal master the art of lime rendering...

Coming up, Paul and his pal master the art of lime rendering...

Yeah, that's what we need.

Yeah, that's what we need.

..but run out of a vital ingredient.

..but run out of a vital ingredient.

We haven't got any horse hair.

We haven't got any horse hair.

And at Chateau Du Doux...

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

..the new pipe's not toeing the line.

..the new pipe's not toeing the line.

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.

God, I've got no leeway and it's pulling me.

God, I've got no leeway and it's pulling me.

At Chateau du Doux in the Dordogne Valley,

At Chateau du Doux in the Dordogne Valley,

with their most ambitious wedding coming up,

with their most ambitious wedding coming up,

the pool needs a good clean...

..but the pool cleaner pipe has broken.

..but the pool cleaner pipe has broken.

Everything goes wrong here.

Karen's been to buy a new one.

Someone's in a hurry.

Oh, yes, I see what you mean. It is pretty bad, isn't it?

Oh, yes, I see what you mean. It is pretty bad, isn't it?

Uncle Rob, who's visiting, is lending a hand.

Uncle Rob, who's visiting, is lending a hand.

Now that fits in the end of there.

Now that fits in the end of there.

Right you are. Stick that in there.

Right you are. Stick that in there.

Push it how? Yeah, push it in.

Push it how? Yeah, push it in.

The moment of truth.

Is that going yet? It is, Rob.

Is that going yet? It is, Rob.

It is, it's picking it up well.

It is, it's picking it up well.

Yeah, yeah.

It works just as a vacuum cleaner would.

It works just as a vacuum cleaner would.

It's very satisfying when it's really dirty

It's very satisfying when it's really dirty

and it drags it all up and actually,

and it drags it all up and actually,

now we have a new pipe that's not perished,

now we have a new pipe that's not perished,

the suction is tremendous so it shouldn't take too long.

the suction is tremendous so it shouldn't take too long.

But as one problem is solved, another surfaces.

But as one problem is solved, another surfaces.

But as one problem is solved, another surfaces.

All the fire extinguisher certificates need renewing ASAP,

All the fire extinguisher certificates need renewing ASAP,

All the fire extinguisher certificates need renewing ASAP,

so another job on Abbie's list.

so another job on Abbie's list.

They've all got the same date,

so they all need to be changed in one go.

so they all need to be changed in one go.

By law, they have to be conformant and they have to be up-to-date,

By law, they have to be conformant and they have to be up-to-date,

otherwise we could potentially be in big trouble.

otherwise we could potentially be in big trouble.

otherwise we could potentially be in big trouble.

And with her usual efficiency, Abbie gets straight on the case.

And with her usual efficiency, Abbie gets straight on the case.

Now I need to find somebody, quite quickly, that can come in

Now I need to find somebody, quite quickly, that can come in

and make sure they're all conformant.

and make sure they're all conformant.

IN FRENCH:

IN FRENCH:

Merci. Bonne journee.

Merci. Bonne journee.

I can't believe the price of that.

15 euros to check a fire extinguisher.

15 euros to check a fire extinguisher.

Out at the pool, things aren't going swimmingly either.

Out at the pool, things aren't going swimmingly either.

Out at the pool, things aren't going swimmingly either.

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

It looks like the new pipe isn't long enough.

It looks like the new pipe isn't long enough.

Go on, pull it over there a minute, I'll...

Go on, pull it over there a minute, I'll...

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.

God, I've got no leeway and it's pulling me.

God, I've got no leeway and it's pulling me.

No, it's not going to do it, is it?

No, it's not going to do it, is it?

No, by the time it drops...

No, you're going to have to put a bit more on.

No, you're going to have to put a bit more on.

The pipe measurement came from hubby Clive,

who's busy working in a guest bedroom.

who's busy working in a guest bedroom.

Clive said to me 12 metres, so I got 15 to be on the safe side.

Clive said to me 12 metres, so I got 15 to be on the safe side.

Clive said to me 12 metres, so I got 15 to be on the safe side.

I should've measured it myself

I should've measured it myself

and not taken his word for it when he was busy

and not taken his word for it when he was busy

concentrating on another job anyway.

concentrating on another job anyway.

Time to call Uncle Rob to the rescue again.

Time to call Uncle Rob to the rescue again.

Oh, nothing's ever easy, is it?

Oh, nothing's ever easy, is it?

I'm sure it's that size that's on it.

I'm sure it's that size that's on it.

I think we might have to resort to some gaffer tape.

I think we might have to resort to some gaffer tape.

Back to the old pipe.

Is that the one with the hole in it?

No, that black piece is OK.

You are going to go in.

This is when you probably split the pipe.

This is when you probably split the pipe.

HE GRUNTS

Cos things aren't made to last these days.

Cos things aren't made to last these days.

That's in.

Finally, back to work.

I think, until we've got rid of all the algae here,

I think, until we've got rid of all the algae here,

it'll have to be done twice a day.

It's extremely important because people would complain, rightly so,

It's extremely important because people would complain, rightly so,

and I want to pre-empt that, I don't want any of that.

and I want to pre-empt that, I don't want any of that.

I want people to look at it and want to leap in it immediately,

I want people to look at it and want to leap in it immediately,

not to think, "Oh, no, I don't fancy it."

not to think, "Oh, no, I don't fancy it."

Back inside, Abbie's tackling the fire extinguisher checks.

Back inside, Abbie's tackling the fire extinguisher checks.

Mum. Yeah?

So we've just realised that the fire extinguishers are out of date

So we've just realised that the fire extinguishers are out of date

and we've only got ten days to get them verified

and we've only got ten days to get them verified

and we've only got ten days to get them verified

before they're out of date.

Something else last minute.

Something else last minute.

So, we've got 47 fire extinguishers that need verifying

So, we've got 47 fire extinguishers that need verifying

and it's 20 euros per fire extinguisher.

and it's 20 euros per fire extinguisher.

Not cheap but, to be fair, that's money well spent.

Not cheap but, to be fair, that's money well spent.

We're going to have to do it. It would have to be done.

We're going to have to do it. It would have to be done.

It's not even worrying about...

You just need to contact the source... Yep.

..and get them to come in and do it, but at least you looked

..and get them to come in and do it, but at least you looked

and that's what counts. I was anticipating it.

With a wedding party looming, there's still a long list

With a wedding party looming, there's still a long list

of jobs to do before then.

At Chateau de Montvason in Normandy,

Paul and Emma are refurbishing a bathroom in Art Deco style.

Paul and Emma are refurbishing a bathroom in Art Deco style.

I'm not switching it off at the moment,

but I know where the taps are.

but I know where the taps are.

After our experimentation,

Paul might now know how to cut his Vitrolite tiles

Paul might now know how to cut his Vitrolite tiles

but before he can get them up the walls need sorting,

but before he can get them up the walls need sorting,

so he's roped in mate Rohan to help.

so he's roped in mate Rohan to help.

Paul I've known for about 30 years.

Paul I've known for about 30 years.

First met him through the rock and roll clubs.

First met him through the rock and roll clubs.

First met him through the rock and roll clubs.

What I'm doing today is helping out a friend in need in his,

What I'm doing today is helping out a friend in need in his,

in French terms, very small chateau.

in French terms, very small chateau.

Rohan's here to help me with the lime plastering.

Rohan's here to help me with the lime plastering.

This is going to be quite hard, so Rohan's a spare pair of hands

This is going to be quite hard, so Rohan's a spare pair of hands

This is going to be quite hard, so Rohan's a spare pair of hands

and a spare pair of feet

but he's also very good at this sort of stuff.

but he's also very good at this sort of stuff.

I'm delighted to see they're using a traditional method,

I'm delighted to see they're using a traditional method,

mixing sand, lime and water with horse hair for extra strength.

mixing sand, lime and water with horse hair for extra strength.

mixing sand, lime and water with horse hair for extra strength.

As hard as this is...

..I'm really enjoying it.

And Rohan has a top tip.

And Rohan has a top tip.

When it's like that... Yeah.

When it's like that... Yeah.

OK, and it's not falling apart, give it a good mix and then...

OK, and it's not falling apart, give it a good mix and then...

Yeah, that's what we need. Absolutely what we need.

Yeah, that's what we need. Absolutely what we need.

Lime plaster has been around 6,000 years

Lime plaster has been around 6,000 years

and was even used in the Ancient Egyptian pyramids.

and was even used in the Ancient Egyptian pyramids.

This sort of render's perfect for old buildings

This sort of render's perfect for old buildings

as it allows the wall to breathe

as it allows the wall to breathe

and it doesn't crack as much with building movement.

and it doesn't crack as much with building movement.

The bigger the building, the more cracks there may be.

The bigger the building, the more cracks there may be.

This is what they call cob stone,

This is what they call cob stone,

which a lot of the English cathedrals are made out of,

which a lot of the English cathedrals are made out of,

which a lot of the English cathedrals are made out of,

but plaster does seem to stick to it quite nicely.

but plaster does seem to stick to it quite nicely.

I'm putting love into the walls.

I'm putting love into the walls.

And it's been a long time since it's seen any love.

And it's been a long time since it's seen any love.

This is just a scratch coat.

Once the surface has dried off,

you can just scratch it across lightly but, you know,

you can just scratch it across lightly but, you know,

deep enough so that the next coat has got something to grip to.

deep enough so that the next coat has got something to grip to.

deep enough so that the next coat has got something to grip to.

The horse hair helps make this base layer strong enough

The horse hair helps make this base layer strong enough

for the next coat and the heavy tiles.

for the next coat and the heavy tiles.

You can see all the horse hairs in the plaster.

You can see all the horse hairs in the plaster.

But the chaps have hit a brick wall.

But the chaps have hit a brick wall.

We haven't got any horse hair.

We haven't got any horse hair.

Bit of an unusual problem,

but there'll be no rendering until they find some.

but there'll be no rendering until they find some.

Just as well, the neighbour has stables.

Just as well, the neighbour has stables.

Bonjour, Florence.

Bonjour. Ca va?

Whether or not Florence is willing to give her horses a haircut

Whether or not Florence is willing to give her horses a haircut

is another matter.

is another matter.

Petite possibilite pour les cheveux de cheval?

Petite possibilite pour les cheveux de cheval?

De cheval? Oui. Oui. Merci beaucoup.

De cheval? Oui. Oui. Merci beaucoup.

Les cheuveux,

la queue,

les deux?

Oui, oui, les deux. Les deux? Oui, oui.

Oui, oui, les deux. Les deux? Oui, oui.

She's asking me whether I want mane hair or tail hair.

She's asking me whether I want mane hair or tail hair.

I'm not too sure what I need so I'm going to take a bit of both.

I'm not too sure what I need so I'm going to take a bit of both.

I love it when neighbours come to the rescue.

I love it when neighbours come to the rescue.

Tease some of that brown stuff in. OK.

Tease some of that brown stuff in. OK.

I'm not saying chuck it in clumps. Well...

I'm not saying chuck it in clumps. Well...

Like you're pulling your own hair out or something.

I've been pulling my own hair out for months, mate.

I've been pulling my own hair out for months, mate.

I need to be, you know,

a little bit frugal with this cos I ain't got a lot. OK.

a little bit frugal with this cos I ain't got a lot. OK.

That's perfect, by the looks of it.

That's perfect, by the looks of it.

That's all right. There you go. Looks good.

Look at the way that's going on now, look at that, eh?

Look at the way that's going on now, look at that, eh?

It's just falling into the wall.

It's just falling into the wall.

But it's not just consistency that matters.

But it's not just consistency that matters.

My main concern is getting the walls flat for the Vitrolite glass

My main concern is getting the walls flat for the Vitrolite glass

My main concern is getting the walls flat for the Vitrolite glass

that's going on the walls.

that's going on the walls.

What I'm doing now is making sure that it's still slightly damp,

What I'm doing now is making sure that it's still slightly damp,

What I'm doing now is making sure that it's still slightly damp,

pushing it into the wall, making sure there's no voids in it.

pushing it into the wall, making sure there's no voids in it.

pushing it into the wall, making sure there's no voids in it.

Just scratching a bit of concrete,

Just scratching a bit of concrete,

just enough so that the next coat will bite on.

just enough so that the next coat will bite on.

just enough so that the next coat will bite on.

The Art Deco glass will be all over the walls, trust me,

The Art Deco glass will be all over the walls, trust me,

this is going to be a bathroom to beat all bathrooms.

this is going to be a bathroom to beat all bathrooms.

People are going to open that door and just go, "Wow!"

People are going to open that door and just go, "Wow!"

People are going to open that door and just go, "Wow!"

And that's what we want, we want the wow factor in our bathroom.

And that's what we want, we want the wow factor in our bathroom.

Once the second coat is on,

Paul can get on with painstakingly cutting the Vitrolite tiles.

Paul can get on with painstakingly cutting the Vitrolite tiles.

Paul can get on with painstakingly cutting the Vitrolite tiles.

That sounded much better.

That sounded much better.

OK, can I inspect?

OK, can I inspect?

That's pretty sexy.

Good to see, Paul's now become an expert in cutting those tiles.

Good to see, Paul's now become an expert in cutting those tiles.

It's just a quick cut on here.

It's just a quick cut on here.

Pretty happy.

But having made a start,

this job is going back on the to-do list.

this job is going back on the to-do list.

As if often the case with chateau life,

other things sometimes take priority.

other things sometimes take priority.

We've got flooring to do, fireplaces to put in,

We've got flooring to do, fireplaces to put in,

We've got flooring to do, fireplaces to put in,

chimneys to build, there's just so much to do.

chimneys to build, there's just so much to do.

We've just got to get on with it.

Buckle up and knuckle down.

Next time, Abbie and Karen come to blows...

Next time, Abbie and Karen come to blows...

This is just hideous.

It's royal blue.

And what is that pattern?

It's for old people.

It's for old people.

Now you're treading on dangerous territory, my girl.

Now you're treading on dangerous territory, my girl.

And then you've got cushions that are way too big.

And then you've got cushions that are way too big.

No, you did, you plonker!

No, you did, you plonker!

..Angel lends a helping hand...

You can't tell a Virgoan not to make it perfect.

You can't tell a Virgoan not to make it perfect.

Artisans are all going mad with me

because I'm wanting everything symmetrical.

because I'm wanting everything symmetrical.

I'm feeling a bit of pressure now.

..and Paul puts his pals to work.

..and Paul puts his pals to work.

It's now four idiots with no clue and a ratchet strap. Yep.

It's now four idiots with no clue and a ratchet strap. Yep.

HE LAUGHS But we do have high-vis.

HE LAUGHS But we do have high-vis.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media