My Dad always says "No roof, no structure." Imagine arriving in your studio one morning to find rain has come down the walls and ruined your beautiful artwork.
I agree new roof is a must to protect the Reno you are planning. And while you are at it, the building can be made to last another hundred years if you go through the process of putting a foundation under the structure. Another must.
The roof needs to be done as you say the floor will never be sound if water keeps dripping on it! As you did say, after looking at the upper floor and roof.... It would be terrible to renovate the ground floor, have a storm or something collapse the roof!!
Honestly, I do NOT think you should change your channel name. A Chateau is NOT just a home. The name Chateau automatically implies a "grand estate", which includes not just the primary residence, but every aspect of the entire property, including the gardens, barns, outbuildings, landscaping, etc... You guys have worked very hard for a long time to build your brand recognition over the years!! There's no reason to change the channel name and undercut all your hard work! I've watched various channels that do similar renovations, but the ONLY channel name I remember without thinking about it is YOURS! This is just my opinion, but I immediately felt compelled to share my thoughts as soon as you made the statement at the end of the video. YOUR BRAND IS THE MOST RECOGNIZABLE AS IS! From a branding standpoint, the most important issue is to master "Search Engine" returns. On UA-cam, the most frequent "searches" viewers input include: "How To _____" and "Renovate". So from a branding standpoint, you have the perfect formula with your current channel name. Your channel will automatically be recommended in the algorithm with those key words! Some below have suggested "Chanteau Honsfleur"...... there's nothing wrong with that name, it simply takes away all the benefits of a premium Search Engine return. You'd be better off to focus on Titling your Videos by specific topics, (Ie: Coach House Renovation) to differentiate the content. Your current Channel Name is CHARMING and matches your humor and authenticity! Best Wishes ~~Christy~~
The roof is the priority or you will regret it later. The building is beautiful & the upstairs is stunning. My advice would be to take as long as it takes & thoroughly renovate the entire building. First stop is a structural engineer.
You do not need to change the title of your channel because you are still renovating on the Chateau property. It's not just one building, it's the entire property. Also, like many others have noted, if you're going to renovate the coach house, you have to do it properly from top to bottom. Structural, electrical, & plumbing are the main areas to start. You can always add little by little. It will take more than a year. It's ok with some patience. Do not rush it.
I am an architect and horsewoman and am obsessed with historic stables - PLEASE do not toss out the beautiful stall partitions - PLEASE get them re-purposed as you relocate them - blessings to all of you in 2025
Totally agree! When she said they should go, I literally cried out "NOOOOO", it would make a great room partition, or garden addition. Its so gorgeous!.
Yes, the partition with rails add character! You can hide things that are not attractive or make a sitting area! We’re all about shabby chic in the US! 😂
Me too! Please make an effort to retain the internal stable "look and feel". However of course you will need it to be warm in winter so I doubt you can retain the brick floor. You may also have a ceiling insulation problem, not sure how you solve that and retain the open beams - maybe a second attic floor above the original with insulation between. Ps I renovated a brick stable in the late 70s - still my favourite project 😅
Absolutely! Start from the top & work down. All of your ideas & plans are fabulous! Anna, fixing the floor with the bricks. You want it level. Maybe try salvaging the bricks for reuse. Do not rush Phillip. You want the building to last more than your lifetime.😊 Happy New Year to you & yours! God bless you all. 😊
Agree, have an old barn built around the same time as this building. The beams and roof need to be right (and foundation if there’s any basement) before doing work. Also agree this isn’t work to undertake without an or structural engineer at least
You have to fix the roof. It’s as important as securing the cracks in the walls. You have to make the building water tight before doing anything inside.
I love the name: How to renovate a chateau without killing your partner. It’s humorous, and there’s no need to change the name now that you’re working on some other part of the estate. Plus, you haven’t finished putting the dining and living rooms together. There will always be some fixing you’re going to have to do. And also, with Anna’s workshop, you’ll be able to create more designs, some if which you might decide to use in your various rooms. Even if you don’t use those designs for your own home, they are being created at your chateau. And by the way, your trip to Scandinavia was super interesting.
Plus, I want to see your master suite when it’s completely finished. Aren’t you going to show us your new kids’ rooms? What are your plans for the living quarters on the top floor (the former servants’ rooms)? And when you have finished fixing the manor building and the workshop, you might get bored with your garden and decide to landscape it differently.
Maybe you will want to have BOTH an indoor AND outdoor bathroom in the carriage house? Outdoor bathrooms are very useful when you have an outdoor event.
This building is extremely well proportioned and beautiful. I agree with Anna that the whole building must be addressed to avoid further deterioration which WILL affect the rest of the building. Clear, clean and make structurally sound, then start renovating the lower area. And yes we will enjoy the next 10 years watching you fix it up.
Pull up the old brick floor taking pictures and marking the layout, so after to put down a insulated damp proof floor you can lay the old bricks back down so the original floor will be restored.
Bad advice: if these were stables, the bricks are soaked in manure and horse p*ss, with which you'll never get rid of the smell (sometimes they also contain salts from that, that pull water from the air and you'll have weird nitric acid bloomings. This is the one case where I - a lover of re-using old materials wherever possible - would find reason to go with old bricks that haven't been exposed to animal waste from a tear-down some place else. They don't have to be brand new.
@@capslock9031 Keep the old floors. Pressure clean and bleach. Place a moisture barrier, insulation, and a new floor on top of it. If it is going to be a working surface the most practical solution is vinyl planks. To the purists I reply: this is not a museum, it is a working home. Budget and practicality are the priorities. The owners will do a great job restoring the integrity of the exterior, but the interior has to work for Anna to justify the expense.
I’m an Interior Designer & have renovated many old homes. I had a large carriage house in one of my homes. You need a pest inspection to make sure termites have not caused any destruction. Roof, foundation, then any rot damage has to be addressed first. Then insulation, windows, & doors. I think the upstairs would be a cool artist loft. Then you could have nice storage / garage space down. I hope you find a way to keep the horse stall wall in place for historic purposes.
This is a very large, but very worthy and exciting project! Think of it as a two year project (for your health and sanity!) Then, if it is shorter, you can be pleasantly surprised. We viewers will NOT get bored, I promise! It's the two of you with your family and friends, your humor, love and creativity that make this channel. And anyway if you think it's getting boring, just add more sailing breaks! : )
I agree... No need to rush, even tthough they want it over with quickly. Take your tiem and do it right and you will be so glad you did, later. Yes it will be expensive--but more so if you rush and try to have all the money at once. Pay for it as you go. The more videos you do on the renovation, the more money you will have for the project. If you rush the job, you will only have to make compromises you will eventually regret.
When the roof is watertight and the floors below repaired, maybe you could offer the roof space to local artists or designers as a start-up studio space. It could be a great opportunity for some exciting colabs with you guys and the local arts community.
Have you thought about taking care of the structural and renovating loft area first. You could renovate the upstairs for Anna’s studio now but a self contained apartment for later. This would allow you to shore up the building structurally as it seems to need and gives you time for Anna to grow her design business but would allow you to save money to renovate the ground floor to high standards that Anna imagines.
The whole coach house is lovely, definitely fix the roof, walls, floors, and windows first before finalizing the inside decore. The upstairs would make a nice future guest suite, or office, or chateau store.
Don’t despair, this is a very charming building and a worthy project even if it takes another ten years too do in an historically sensitive, beautiful way.
I would definitely talk to an architect about the coach house. This is a big job for someone who is a professional. You really need to start first on the roof and foundation. Those need to be made a first priority.
Oh you should keep the stall partitions! You could use them for drying or for privacy! And keep the hay baskets and use them for planting outside of the coach house. Anything thats iron and part of the building you should try to repurpose!
Just a tiny logical thing: the beams and floorboards are f*ed because there's water getting in and then stays there. This is a direct indication of (at least) roof leaks, that must be fixed before anything can happen inside without getting f*ed again quickly. The upper floor insulation seams very sensible and doable with such an open area on top, but it needs to stay dry under any weather condition. I'm really looking forward to watching you tackle this. The result will be stunning, I'm sure.
This renovation is going to give us viewers a lot of entertainment. Architect is probably the best idea, they can advise what should be done first and on and on and on 🤣 I would be terrified to start the ground floor without addressing the damaged upper floors and strengthen up the walls and roof. Best wishes
The top floor is so amazing. I would see you using it one day to give courses on all yout amazing skills. I am sure these artistic retreats would be very popular.
Of course its beautiful, and worth saving, but when you have budget limitations you have to be practical. It sounds like they can either fix up the studio area or the upstairs, but not both.
You might like to consider (at least in the short-term) a compost toilet for the Coach house. They can be easy to maintain and the compost is great for the flower beds.
Everyone sure has a lot of opinions, but I'm just thrilled to see what you guys do with it, because you're already so freaking talented at style + preservation. Happy New Year!
Please don’t change your vlog name, it’s just ‘you’ A massive project ahead, I’ll enjoy watching all the changes and improvements that you’ll make 👍 The two of you will do it sympathetically AND properly, no corners cut on Anna’s watch 👌
I agree a structural engineer/architect would need to assess the building. It’s a beautiful building. I agree with fixing the roof so there’s no leaks that would ruin any renovation downstairs. Looking forward to seeing the renovation. Happy New Year 🎆 🥳🎊🎉😍😘
No!!!!! Please don't change the name, as of others before me, this encapsulates the essence of your channel which I love. I am aware that you have Gites in your property,will the renting of them out help towards these renovations? How about a tour around these as we've not seen them in AGES 🥰🙏 also I am waiting with bated breath to see an update on your bathroom renovations. ❤️ And other areas inside your home 🥰❤️🙏
The Gemma Wheeler Architecture channel here on UA-cam is wonderful! Her passion and talent is renovating and redesigning small, historical derelicts. I could easily see her being the perfect architect to help with the coach house!
I'm going to jump in with other commenters. I hate to burst your bubble. You should be calling in a structural engineer before you do anything. They will tell you what needs fixing and the priority of each fix and also, some things need to be done in a specific order to prevent double-work. As someone else mentioned, a bug inspector too. I know we all want to have a fun and finished project but I think making sure everything is sound 1st, then electrical and plumbing addressed, and then lastly are the aesthetics. With regards to the stall wall, which many have said to not throw away, I'm so surprised you'd get rid of it. It needs cleaning and would be an AMAZING design wall!!!! With regards to the floors, I also agree to leave them and you can get a table that adjusts up and down and can level itself. The pipe on the outside probably goes to a cistern and would be well worth keeping as a part of the structure! If you're going to go through a renovation for this building and use it for the various ways, I'd also consider getting solar panels for that building. Lastly, I think you can keep most of the doors you have. They just need to be taken down and stripped and re-finished (unless a bug inspector states they are infested but they don't seem to be, it seems to be regular wear and tear). For any doors, including those 2 large ones, that look ratty at the bottom, you can just have a sheet of metal added to the bottom to not only hide the imperfections but to sure them up as the bottoms always take a beating in outdoor buildings. I look forward to following this project!
That coach house will make a fabulous atelier for Anna. Big job indeed! I do agree with Philipp that the upper floor of the coach house needs to be addressed before doing any major reno on the ground floor. The upper floor and roof can affect anything you do downstairs, plus not to forget that any water infiltration also needs to be fixed as water trickles down and can ruin any reno below. Bonne réno à vous deux!
One thing to consider with the sauna size - if you make it larger it may take longer to heat up, and then make you less likely to use it regularly when it's just you. obviously nice to have a larger one if you want to bring in guests too, but you want to make it so you can enjoy it regularly at the same time without undue burden of it heating up
Please consider using that beautiful second floor to hold classes for painting, sewing, upholstery - all those creative things that you do so beautifully!!!!
Just before you said you felt overwhelmed, Philipp, I had the thought that I feel overwhelmed with this huge project...and I'm only going to be watching from the comfort of my couch in the sitting room! I know you guys will do this, and it will done beautifully. We'll get to observe the transformation..such a bonus! Wishing you miracle after miracle with this exciting project, and ease grace and flow. Love, Jacqueline from New Zealand.
I love that coach house. An idea, since the upstairs floor/downstairs ceiling are rotten and falling apart, just take it out and have grand ceilings in the atelier! So much light would be let in and make a statement. Plus you would possibly save money by not reinstalling the flooring as you were not planning on doing anything with the upstairs anyways. That would be my dream sewing space 😍
Your channel was recommended in my feed, so I clicked on. And I have binge watched several vlogs and subbed right away!! Absolutely love what you have accomplished over these past 5 now going into year 6! Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us! Much love from Ohio- USA 💖✨🕊️💖
Please don't throw anything into the trash that can be repurposed later. Right now the carriage house is a shell waiting to bless your vision!!!! Foundation, roof, and walls. Windows and original features!!! How fun!!!!!! Blessings ❤️
Oh this is so exciting. Since everyone is giving their ideas I thought I would chime in too! I would retain the room at the bottom of the staircase so you always have the option to turn upstairs into a self contained space. When putting in plumbing or electrics make provisions for upstairs so again you always have options. Upstairs may be a gite, a teenage retreat ( you’ll be surprised how quick that sneaks up) or offices for your growing design business with the studios below. I especially like the idea of desks upstairs and as someone said studio/ gallery/ atelier/shop space downstairs 😊❤🇦🇺
Philip is exactly right, there’s no point in doing the downstairs if the roof & facade structure is unstable. Stinks to have to sink so much money into that, but it’ll save it for another 100 years.
I love the new energy this project will give the channel, I’m really excited. You don’t need the fancy stuff right away, don’t get carried away but UA-cam and views: take smart steps, start by clearing it out (great ASMR content by itself), removing vines and making it safe and structurally sound (as far more professional people are saying in the comments). Once it’s secure, doors and windows and seal it off again from the outside; everything else later. Please, I know it’s expensive, but the huge windows would be amazing to look at, as Anna said. Love the project, will follow all the way
I agree with a lot of comments about NOT changing the name of your channel. For a lot of reasons already named. You have proven to do beautifull reno's, so i wish you a lot of succes with this one, and look forward to watching it! And i think the name of your channel is not only right but with humour, it just fits.
The coach home is stunning and a historic treasure. I love historic stables so I hope you can repurpose the stall dividers and anything else that is historic. Very exciting project. And a great studio for Anna. ❤
Oh, please involve Benoit in this renovation, too. I LOVE the banter between Benoit and Philip... so glad to hear that Anna will get her own creative space, good idea!
We install tables on wonky floors using a product called Flat Tech leveling glides. They may work for you too. These self leveling glides are great for this type of application. Best,Brian
Anna you are so very creative and talented! I’m pretty sure you will end up needing the whole building..,possibly for different aspects of your art or for you to have an assistant or apprentices!!
the building would service nicely as an event hall, and also a teaching workshop so you continue with your creative endeavors in a worthy space. You both have so much talent, it's convenient to have a venue to share with interested people.
Just want to say thank you for continuing to create such high quality content - a rarity on youtube and social media these days. Your cinematography, pacing, and most of all your authenticity are such a pleasure to watch. No other channel compares!
It’s not like you two amazing people not to fully renovate. I will bet you will renovate the entire coach house so it’s looks beautiful no matter what floor you are on. ❤
Please, do NOT change the name of your channel. I am looking very much forward to your new renovation project. There seems to be some great advice given here, but what do I know.
Such a beautiful space. Maybe you guys might consider sharing the space together. It’s beautiful and large enough to accommodate the both of you Phillip and Anna. However you decide you guys have your work cut out. Good luck! I’m sure it will look great when you guys are finished with the renovations. 👍🏽
Can’t wait to see this project unfold. I love the old stable features and have seen them incorporated into living soaces in other rennovations. I hope you can keep them. Also looking firward to your atalier, Anna! More creative things to appreciate coming from you!
Wonderful. Cleaning it up will reveal possibilities. I would use those shutters as a wall covering until or not they would be needed. The stall partition has many possibilities for reuse. Boards for work table, bars for drying rack. Have fun. I can see your art studio and Philips film studio and meet in the middle for a sauna break.
You are SO brave. Just watching the work to be done makes me want to run away! I know that you will do as you think best. You can't preserve everything. Open it up to represent it. No horses no need for stalls.
That stable would make: 1) an indoors swimming pool facility 2) a small art gallery with a small coffee corner (with tall tables, no chairs) 3) an event room for concerts, weddings, etc. Great potential it has! Congrats for the hard work on the property!
This is a very exciting project! Take your time with it, doing what money allows. I think to do that, its going to take far longer than a year. The roof and upstairs really need to be looked at first, as well as the wall structure. I wouldn't feel right working in a lovely studio with all that going on above me. Its a beautiful building, so worth restoring, all of it. You are both still young, take your time. It will be worth it, and what fodder for your channel too!
Your channel name is great and still completely appropriate. The barn is part of the chateau and it's grounds. With old houses there are always lots of maintenance jobs to do, you will never be done with unexpected issues, some of which I'm sure will crop up and take precedence over the barn renovations from time to time. You will still have the grounds to work on, decorations to do at Christmas, patreon days in the summer etc. your channel will still be very much chateau orientated. That's what you are! I wouldn't change the clever and well established name if I were you x
I know there are so many comments about this already but please do not change the channel name :( it is so iconic. The coach houses are still part of the chateau in some way.
I love this building, can’t wait to see the process and results 💫 the middle area (garden shed) could eventually be a space to showcase Anna’s products, like a showroom. Would be amazing with the barn doors replaced with glass doors like Anna mentioned 🤩
Anna- as you expand your textiles business (which I assume you will do with how well your wallpaper sold), I believe your print designs would make for beautiful kitchen and bar towels as well as napkins. They would be at a lower price point and lighter weight to ship.
Oh my, I am always just so impressed with the tenacity and grit anyone who takes on these restoration projects displays. I am overwhelmed just watching you contemplate it! Excited for you though and glad to watch your progress! Best of luck. ❤
The feeding through on the wall would make a lovely planter. Here, in the states, at the Biltmore House they have a restaurant in their old barn stables and it is just lovely.
I've always love your outbuilding... Honestly, I think it's more beautiful than the main house.. and that's quite a bar. ..... Please make it as beautiful as I know it can be! I have great faith in you both!.....even you Philip! x
Without a sound roof, any reno of the coach house is throwing money away. It will be gorgeous someday.
My Dad always says "No roof, no structure." Imagine arriving in your studio one morning to find rain has come down the walls and ruined your beautiful artwork.
I agree new roof is a must to protect the Reno you are planning. And while you are at it, the building can be made to last another hundred years if you go through the process of putting a foundation under the structure. Another must.
Agreed. I purchased a historic home built in 1889 and the inspector told me to not bother with any renovations until the roof is fixed. 😐
The roof needs to be done as you say the floor will never be sound if water keeps dripping on it!
As you did say, after looking at the upper floor and roof....
It would be terrible to renovate the ground floor, have a storm or something collapse the roof!!
Honestly, I do NOT think you should change your channel name. A Chateau is NOT just a home. The name Chateau automatically implies a "grand estate", which includes not just the primary residence, but every aspect of the entire property, including the gardens, barns, outbuildings, landscaping, etc... You guys have worked very hard for a long time to build your brand recognition over the years!! There's no reason to change the channel name and undercut all your hard work! I've watched various channels that do similar renovations, but the ONLY channel name I remember without thinking about it is YOURS! This is just my opinion, but I immediately felt compelled to share my thoughts as soon as you made the statement at the end of the video. YOUR BRAND IS THE MOST RECOGNIZABLE AS IS! From a branding standpoint, the most important issue is to master "Search Engine" returns. On UA-cam, the most frequent "searches" viewers input include: "How To _____" and "Renovate". So from a branding standpoint, you have the perfect formula with your current channel name. Your channel will automatically be recommended in the algorithm with those key words! Some below have suggested "Chanteau Honsfleur"...... there's nothing wrong with that name, it simply takes away all the benefits of a premium Search Engine return. You'd be better off to focus on Titling your Videos by specific topics, (Ie: Coach House Renovation) to differentiate the content. Your current Channel Name is CHARMING and matches your humor and authenticity! Best Wishes ~~Christy~~
Maybe they are just going to call it "Chateau Honfleur" and drop the 'how to renovate a chateau' bit.
This wasn't the first name. It used to end with, without killing your partner. I never even noticed exactly when it changed ❤
My guess is that the new title will be "How to Renovate without Killing your Partner"
I couldn’t agree more. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it!
Well, if you do change, Chateau Honfleur is quick and easy to find on UA-cam, I guess.
The roof is the priority or you will regret it later. The building is beautiful & the upstairs is stunning. My advice would be to take as long as it takes & thoroughly renovate the entire building. First stop is a structural engineer.
Agreed. Heed the advice of your fans!
You do not need to change the title of your channel because you are still renovating on the Chateau property. It's not just one building, it's the entire property.
Also, like many others have noted, if you're going to renovate the coach house, you have to do it properly from top to bottom. Structural, electrical, & plumbing are the main areas to start. You can always add little by little. It will take more than a year. It's ok with some patience. Do not rush it.
Indeed!
I am an architect and horsewoman and am obsessed with historic stables - PLEASE do not toss out the beautiful stall partitions - PLEASE get them re-purposed as you relocate them - blessings to all of you in 2025
Totally agree! When she said they should go, I literally cried out "NOOOOO", it would make a great room partition, or garden addition. Its so gorgeous!.
Yes, thank you, my thoughts exactly!! ❤
I agree
Yes, the partition with rails add character! You can hide things that are not attractive or make a sitting area! We’re all about shabby chic in the US!
😂
Me too! Please make an effort to retain the internal stable "look and feel". However of course you will need it to be warm in winter so I doubt you can retain the brick floor. You may also have a ceiling insulation problem, not sure how you solve that and retain the open beams - maybe a second attic floor above the original with insulation between.
Ps I renovated a brick stable in the late 70s - still my favourite project 😅
You want to renovate, you start from the top and work done! If your roofs leaks, you have nothing.
❤❤❤ so true! esp if the structure caves in on you.
Absolutely!
I agree roof should be number one. There goes the yacht sailing funds.
Absolutely! Start from the top & work down. All of your ideas & plans are fabulous! Anna, fixing the floor with the bricks. You want it level. Maybe try salvaging the bricks for reuse. Do not rush Phillip. You want the building to last more than your lifetime.😊 Happy New Year to you & yours! God bless you all. 😊
Agree, have an old barn built around the same time as this building. The beams and roof need to be right (and foundation if there’s any basement) before doing work. Also agree this isn’t work to undertake without an or structural engineer at least
You have to fix the roof. It’s as important as securing the cracks in the walls. You have to make the building water tight before doing anything inside.
I love the name: How to renovate a chateau without killing your partner. It’s humorous, and there’s no need to change the name now that you’re working on some other part of the estate. Plus, you haven’t finished putting the dining and living rooms together. There will always be some fixing you’re going to have to do. And also, with Anna’s workshop, you’ll be able to create more designs, some if which you might decide to use in your various rooms. Even if you don’t use those designs for your own home, they are being created at your chateau.
And by the way, your trip to Scandinavia was super interesting.
Plus, I want to see your master suite when it’s completely finished. Aren’t you going to show us your new kids’ rooms? What are your plans for the living quarters on the top floor (the former servants’ rooms)? And when you have finished fixing the manor building and the workshop, you might get bored with your garden and decide to landscape it differently.
Maybe you will want to have BOTH an indoor AND outdoor bathroom in the carriage house? Outdoor bathrooms are very useful when you have an outdoor event.
You are so right on everything! The vlog on the Scandinavian trip was so enjoyable!!
Me too, I agree with keeping the current title
Please don’t change your channel name. It’s fine just as it is. We can all find you quickly. Live you both and Happy NewYear wishes!
This building is extremely well proportioned and beautiful. I agree with Anna that the whole building must be addressed to avoid further deterioration which WILL affect the rest of the building. Clear, clean and make structurally sound, then start renovating the lower area. And yes we will enjoy the next 10 years watching you fix it up.
Right!?! More content... 😂
Pull up the old brick floor taking pictures and marking the layout, so after to put down a insulated damp proof floor you can lay the old bricks back down so the original floor will be restored.
You have an opportunity to put in underfloor heating when you refurbish the floors.
I love this building, by the way.❤
Bad advice: if these were stables, the bricks are soaked in manure and horse p*ss, with which you'll never get rid of the smell (sometimes they also contain salts from that, that pull water from the air and you'll have weird nitric acid bloomings. This is the one case where I - a lover of re-using old materials wherever possible - would find reason to go with old bricks that haven't been exposed to animal waste from a tear-down some place else. They don't have to be brand new.
@@capslock9031 I hope they read your comment. Anna hasn't thought about the excrement aspect based on her comments in the video.
@@capslock9031 Keep the old floors. Pressure clean and bleach. Place a moisture barrier, insulation, and a new floor on top of it. If it is going to be a working surface the most practical solution is vinyl planks. To the purists I reply: this is not a museum, it is a working home. Budget and practicality are the priorities. The owners will do a great job restoring the integrity of the exterior, but the interior has to work for Anna to justify the expense.
@@capslock9031 oooh good point - that never crossed my mind! Is there a test that can be done for the health of the bricks since decades have passed?
I’m an Interior Designer & have renovated many old homes. I had a large carriage house in one of my homes. You need a pest inspection to make sure termites have not caused any destruction. Roof, foundation, then any rot damage has to be addressed first. Then insulation, windows, & doors. I think the upstairs would be a cool artist loft. Then you could have nice storage / garage space down. I hope you find a way to keep the horse stall wall in place for historic purposes.
Hope they are going to read your suggestions.
The whole loft area would make a lovely work space for Anna. You could even add a few skylights. The little room could be Anna’s office area.
I think, and I could be mistaken, woodworm is probably a bigger problem than termites where they live.
More than anything you need advice from a structural engineer first and foremost. Without it it will be money thrown out the window.
@@AnnHoffman-k1nAgree! They need a serious advice before starting anything. 👍
This is a very large, but very worthy and exciting project! Think of it as a two year project (for your health and sanity!) Then, if it is shorter, you can be pleasantly surprised. We viewers will NOT get bored, I promise! It's the two of you with your family and friends, your humor, love and creativity that make this channel. And anyway if you think it's getting boring, just add more sailing breaks! : )
Agreed! Will love watching every step no matter how long it takes.
I agree... No need to rush, even tthough they want it over with quickly. Take your tiem and do it right and you will be so glad you did, later. Yes it will be expensive--but more so if you rush and try to have all the money at once. Pay for it as you go. The more videos you do on the renovation, the more money you will have for the project. If you rush the job, you will only have to make compromises you will eventually regret.
Hopefully Benoit will be assisting with the renovation. I love it when Philip & Benoit work together.
Isn't it really Benoit working despite Philip. I agree, i.e., the interaction between Philip and Benoit is comparable to a professional comedic duo.
When the roof is watertight and the floors below repaired, maybe you could offer the roof space to local artists or designers as a start-up studio space. It could be a great opportunity for some exciting colabs with you guys and the local arts community.
Have you thought about taking care of the structural and renovating loft area first. You could renovate the upstairs for Anna’s studio now but a self contained apartment for later. This would allow you to shore up the building structurally as it seems to need and gives you time for Anna to grow her design business but would allow you to save money to renovate the ground floor to high standards that Anna imagines.
Very sensible advice.
The whole coach house is lovely, definitely fix the roof, walls, floors, and windows first before finalizing the inside decore. The upstairs would make a nice future guest suite, or office, or chateau store.
In law suite, Guest cottage, even an B&B.
Don’t despair, this is a very charming building and a worthy project even if it takes another ten years too do in an historically sensitive, beautiful way.
I would definitely talk to an architect about the coach house. This is a big job for someone who is a professional. You really need to start first on the roof and foundation. Those need to be made a first priority.
@@LimeIsTheName I absolutely agree.
Oh you should keep the stall partitions! You could use them for drying or for privacy! And keep the hay baskets and use them for planting outside of the coach house. Anything thats iron and part of the building you should try to repurpose!
@@DLRTraynorCoberly yes, somehow keeping them would be awesome.
Just a tiny logical thing: the beams and floorboards are f*ed because there's water getting in and then stays there. This is a direct indication of (at least) roof leaks, that must be fixed before anything can happen inside without getting f*ed again quickly. The upper floor insulation seams very sensible and doable with such an open area on top, but it needs to stay dry under any weather condition. I'm really looking forward to watching you tackle this. The result will be stunning, I'm sure.
This renovation is going to give us viewers a lot of entertainment. Architect is probably the best idea, they can advise what should be done first and on and on and on 🤣 I would be terrified to start the ground floor without addressing the damaged upper floors and strengthen up the walls and roof. Best wishes
The upstairs is beautiful 😍 I’m surprised you’re not going to do anything with that stunning place, even if it’s a bit rough around the edges
I agree. It looks so nice, and has a lot of potential.
Maybe one day!
The top floor is so amazing. I would see you using it one day to give courses on all yout amazing skills. I am sure these artistic retreats would be very popular.
Of course its beautiful, and worth saving, but when you have budget limitations you have to be practical. It sounds like they can either fix up the studio area or the upstairs, but not both.
You might like to consider (at least in the short-term) a compost toilet for the Coach house. They can be easy to maintain and the compost is great for the flower beds.
Everyone sure has a lot of opinions, but I'm just thrilled to see what you guys do with it, because you're already so freaking talented at style + preservation. Happy New Year!
@@valarya In all fairness, Anna did ask what the viewers thought of her plan.
Please don’t change your vlog name, it’s just ‘you’
A massive project ahead, I’ll enjoy watching all the changes and improvements that you’ll make 👍
The two of you will do it sympathetically AND properly, no corners cut on Anna’s watch 👌
I agree a structural engineer/architect would need to assess the building. It’s a beautiful building. I agree with fixing the roof so there’s no leaks that would ruin any renovation downstairs. Looking forward to seeing the renovation. Happy New Year 🎆 🥳🎊🎉😍😘
No!!!!! Please don't change the name, as of others before me, this encapsulates the essence of your channel which I love.
I am aware that you have Gites in your property,will the renting of them out help towards these renovations? How about a tour around these as we've not seen them in AGES 🥰🙏 also I am waiting with bated breath to see an update on your bathroom renovations. ❤️ And other areas inside your home 🥰❤️🙏
We'll do all of these very soon! And noted for the name change, a lot of messages like yours, gets us thinking!
The Gemma Wheeler Architecture channel here on UA-cam is wonderful! Her passion and talent is renovating and redesigning small, historical derelicts. I could easily see her being the perfect architect to help with the coach house!
Oh that would be a wonderful collaboration 😍
Please don't change your channel name as yours is so easy to find and perfect just as it is ❤
I'm going to jump in with other commenters. I hate to burst your bubble. You should be calling in a structural engineer before you do anything. They will tell you what needs fixing and the priority of each fix and also, some things need to be done in a specific order to prevent double-work. As someone else mentioned, a bug inspector too. I know we all want to have a fun and finished project but I think making sure everything is sound 1st, then electrical and plumbing addressed, and then lastly are the aesthetics.
With regards to the stall wall, which many have said to not throw away, I'm so surprised you'd get rid of it. It needs cleaning and would be an AMAZING design wall!!!! With regards to the floors, I also agree to leave them and you can get a table that adjusts up and down and can level itself. The pipe on the outside probably goes to a cistern and would be well worth keeping as a part of the structure! If you're going to go through a renovation for this building and use it for the various ways, I'd also consider getting solar panels for that building. Lastly, I think you can keep most of the doors you have. They just need to be taken down and stripped and re-finished (unless a bug inspector states they are infested but they don't seem to be, it seems to be regular wear and tear). For any doors, including those 2 large ones, that look ratty at the bottom, you can just have a sheet of metal added to the bottom to not only hide the imperfections but to sure them up as the bottoms always take a beating in outdoor buildings.
I look forward to following this project!
That coach house will make a fabulous atelier for Anna. Big job indeed! I do agree with Philipp that the upper floor of the coach house needs to be addressed before doing any major reno on the ground floor. The upper floor and roof can affect anything you do downstairs, plus not to forget that any water infiltration also needs to be fixed as water trickles down and can ruin any reno below. Bonne réno à vous deux!
Philip has learned a lot. He sounds so professional.
OMG. This is a HUGE project. And it's worth it. This coach house is a gem.
One thing to consider with the sauna size - if you make it larger it may take longer to heat up, and then make you less likely to use it regularly when it's just you. obviously nice to have a larger one if you want to bring in guests too, but you want to make it so you can enjoy it regularly at the same time without undue burden of it heating up
Good point, thank you!
Style wise- I can see Anna's studio with one of those beautiful enamelled teardrop fireplaces.
Please consider using that beautiful second floor to hold classes for painting, sewing, upholstery - all those creative things that you do so beautifully!!!!
That’s a great idea!
That’s an interesting idea!
Just before you said you felt overwhelmed, Philipp, I had the thought that I feel overwhelmed with this huge project...and I'm only going to be watching from the comfort of my couch in the sitting room!
I know you guys will do this, and it will done beautifully. We'll get to observe the transformation..such a bonus!
Wishing you miracle after miracle with this exciting project, and ease grace and flow.
Love, Jacqueline from New Zealand.
Der erste Spaß wird sein, all die Räume auszuräumen.....
Das Gebäude ist aber trotz der Schäden ein Schätzchen!
I love that coach house. An idea, since the upstairs floor/downstairs ceiling are rotten and falling apart, just take it out and have grand ceilings in the atelier! So much light would be let in and make a statement. Plus you would possibly save money by not reinstalling the flooring as you were not planning on doing anything with the upstairs anyways. That would be my dream sewing space 😍
That's a cool idea!
if the structural Integrity holds for the Coach House it would be great!
Your channel was recommended in my feed, so I clicked on. And I have binge watched several vlogs and subbed right away!! Absolutely love what you have accomplished over these past 5 now going into year 6! Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us! Much love from Ohio- USA 💖✨🕊️💖
Welcome aboard!
Please don't throw anything into the trash that can be repurposed later. Right now the carriage house is a shell waiting to bless your vision!!!! Foundation, roof, and walls. Windows and original features!!! How fun!!!!!! Blessings ❤️
You can't keep everything. They can donate to a architectural salvage store.
Oh this is so exciting. Since everyone is giving their ideas I thought I would chime in too! I would retain the room at the bottom of the staircase so you always have the option to turn upstairs into a self contained space. When putting in plumbing or electrics make provisions for upstairs so again you always have options. Upstairs may be a gite, a teenage retreat ( you’ll be surprised how quick that sneaks up) or offices for your growing design business with the studios below. I especially like the idea of desks upstairs and as someone said studio/ gallery/ atelier/shop space downstairs 😊❤🇦🇺
Philip is exactly right, there’s no point in doing the downstairs if the roof & facade structure is unstable. Stinks to have to sink so much money into that, but it’ll save it for another 100 years.
I love the new energy this project will give the channel, I’m really excited. You don’t need the fancy stuff right away, don’t get carried away but UA-cam and views: take smart steps, start by clearing it out (great ASMR content by itself), removing vines and making it safe and structurally sound (as far more professional people are saying in the comments). Once it’s secure, doors and windows and seal it off again from the outside; everything else later. Please, I know it’s expensive, but the huge windows would be amazing to look at, as Anna said.
Love the project, will follow all the way
Very fun!! Looking forward to watching the transformation! Please wear good dust masks when you do the recon - we care about you!
You are so lucky to have such as historical buildings to renovate !! Looking forward to see all the progress guys
I’m looking forward to watching this renovation. It will be beautiful.
I agree with a lot of comments about NOT changing the name of your channel. For a lot of reasons already named. You have proven to do beautifull reno's, so i wish you a lot of succes with this one, and look forward to watching it! And i think the name of your channel is not only right but with humour, it just fits.
The coach home is stunning and a historic treasure. I love historic stables so I hope you can repurpose the stall dividers and anything else that is historic. Very exciting project. And a great studio for Anna. ❤
Oh, please involve Benoit in this renovation, too. I LOVE the banter between Benoit and Philip... so glad to hear that Anna will get her own creative space, good idea!
That's the plan!
We install tables on wonky floors using a product called Flat Tech leveling glides. They may work for you too.
These self leveling glides are great for this type of application.
Best,Brian
oooh good intel!
The coach house is by far my favourite outbuilding! I’m very excited to see the renovation started 😁
Yes I agree. I was so disappointed when Adrian and Carole sold their chateau before tackling their equally beautiful outbuildings.
Anna you are so very creative and talented! I’m pretty sure you will end up needing the whole building..,possibly for different aspects of your art or for you to have an assistant or apprentices!!
It will be fun to watch all the steps you take in the restoration of this beautiful old building.
the building would service nicely as an event hall, and also a teaching workshop so you continue with your creative endeavors in a worthy space. You both have so much talent, it's convenient to have a venue to share with interested people.
It’s great that you are renovating this, others would have demolished it and built something new
Such an incredible building! Best in 25
What a gorgeous old building about to receive some genuine love. This is going to be a super project to be privy to. ❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉
Just want to say thank you for continuing to create such high quality content - a rarity on youtube and social media these days. Your cinematography, pacing, and most of all your authenticity are such a pleasure to watch. No other channel compares!
Thank you for those kind words!
It’s not like you two amazing people not to fully renovate. I will bet you will renovate the entire coach house so it’s looks beautiful no matter what floor you are on. ❤
Please, do NOT change the name of your channel. I am looking very much forward to your new renovation project. There seems to be some great advice given here, but what do I know.
Such a beautiful space. Maybe you guys might consider sharing the space together. It’s beautiful and large enough to accommodate the both of you Phillip and Anna. However you decide you guys have your work cut out. Good luck! I’m sure it will look great when you guys are finished with the renovations. 👍🏽
Been waiting for this one!
Can’t wait to see this project unfold. I love the old stable features and have seen them incorporated into living soaces in other rennovations. I hope you can keep them. Also looking firward to your atalier, Anna! More creative things to appreciate coming from you!
Wow! Its already naturally gorgeous 😍
For some people it is just a pretty garage-building. But if you take a closer look, it has the size of 3 terrace houses. 😲💸💸💸😵💫
Wow! Your “can do” attitude is just amazing to me! Also, I think that attic space is actually very beautiful.
I think so too. I'd put windows on either end and add some skylights to bring in light.
I would suggest starting with the roof, and renovating the building from top down. The upstairs is stunning! Really looking forward to this journey. 🎉
So excited to see your dreams come to fruition. Humor, great taste, great vision. ❤❤
Wonderful. Cleaning it up will reveal possibilities. I would use those shutters as a wall covering until or not they would be needed. The stall partition has many possibilities for reuse. Boards for work table, bars for drying rack. Have fun. I can see your art studio and Philips film studio and meet in the middle for a sauna break.
I still like “How to renovate a Chateau” because the Château includes all of the property it’s on.
Exciting times ahead. 👏🏻Can’t wait to see what you actually put into reality. Whatever you decide, I know it will be functional and stunning. 🥰
I'm excited to see the coach house restored. It is a beautiful building.
You are SO brave. Just watching the work to be done makes me want to run away! I know that you will do as you think best. You can't preserve everything. Open it up to represent it. No horses no need for stalls.
That stable would make:
1) an indoors swimming pool facility
2) a small art gallery with a small coffee corner (with tall tables, no chairs)
3) an event room for concerts, weddings, etc.
Great potential it has! Congrats for the hard work on the property!
I love cleaning montages! I'm looking forward to next week's video.
Lady of the Chateau has glass doors that are divine!
This is a very exciting project! Take your time with it, doing what money allows. I think to do that, its going to take far longer than a year. The roof and upstairs really need to be looked at first, as well as the wall structure. I wouldn't feel right working in a lovely studio with all that going on above me. Its a beautiful building, so worth restoring, all of it. You are both still young, take your time. It will be worth it, and what fodder for your channel too!
Your channel name is great and still completely appropriate. The barn is part of the chateau and it's grounds. With old houses there are always lots of maintenance jobs to do, you will never be done with unexpected issues, some of which I'm sure will crop up and take precedence over the barn renovations from time to time. You will still have the grounds to work on, decorations to do at Christmas, patreon days in the summer etc. your channel will still be very much chateau orientated. That's what you are! I wouldn't change the clever and well established name if I were you x
Anna and Phillip, your plans sound wonderful! So looking forward to the start of your renovations!!
I know there are so many comments about this already but please do not change the channel name :( it is so iconic. The coach houses are still part of the chateau in some way.
I love this building, can’t wait to see the process and results 💫 the middle area (garden shed) could eventually be a space to showcase Anna’s products, like a showroom. Would be amazing with the barn doors replaced with glass doors like Anna mentioned 🤩
All the experts here😂, let them do it the way they like!
The historic wooden dividing portion is lovely.
Love the current name. It will be the Chateau's outbuildings. 😊
Looking forward to what’s ahead for the year!
Exciting! We hope you will use plenty of natural materials for the renovation of this beautiful coach house 💚
I think that it’s going to be a great new project!! Can’t wait to see you begin!!
It's a daunting project, but you have a great plan. It will be fun watching you move forward and see the progress over the coming year.
Anna- as you expand your textiles business (which I assume you will do with how well your wallpaper sold), I believe your print designs would make for beautiful kitchen and bar towels as well as napkins. They would be at a lower price point and lighter weight to ship.
Wow, Anna 😍 your style is absolutley amazing! That coat is fabulous and suits you perfectly. You have such a great sense of fasshion 😊
Oh my, I am always just so impressed with the tenacity and grit anyone who takes on these restoration projects displays. I am overwhelmed just watching you contemplate it! Excited for you though and glad to watch your progress! Best of luck. ❤
The feeding through on the wall would make a lovely planter. Here, in the states, at the Biltmore House they have a restaurant in their old barn stables and it is just lovely.
This will be so fun to see!
EXCITING!!! The renovation continues!
Do not change your name! It will set you back! We already know you cover much more than strictly renovating a chateau !
Look forward to seeing this unfold 😊
I've always love your outbuilding... Honestly, I think it's more beautiful than the main house.. and that's quite a bar.
..... Please make it as beautiful as I know it can be! I have great faith in you both!.....even you Philip! x
I completely agree about the beauty of the outbuilding. It has harmonious proportions and classical styling. Very well worth preserving and using.
So excited about the next chapter! Wish you all the best!!!