Hi Tim and Flick, I hope you're both well. The wall may have fallen however there are so many positives in what you have done and continue to do. The Château de Purnon is coming to life, the roof looks amazing and with the addition of the restored shutters, we are starting to see how beautiful she was when first built. The Chai looks fantastic and will no doubt get plenty of use. It must feel incredible to wake up each day to see the progress and history you are both making. Thank you again for the time you put into making these video's, they are very interesting and definitely worth the wait and I look forward to your next one. Until then take care of yourselves and your gorgeous puppy. xx
8 місяців тому+2
Thank you for your wonderful message. We're thrilled that you are deriving such enjoyment from our journey. We can really feel the progress at the moment with several teams of artisans on site every day and our own schedule of work that keeps us very busy. We just ride the bumps that come our way like the collapsed wall knowing that it's all part of the adventure!
The transformation of your shutters is truly amazing. I’m so sorry about the wall collapse but in the big picture you both have come so far with the chateau and Shay! You are bringing the splendor back and it’s a great joy to watch your progress. Thank you.
8 місяців тому+1
Thank you! We're optimists. We know that we have to take the good with the bad. And we can really feel the progress in recent months.
Beautifully filmed and edited video. Bravo! My favorite part was Truffe's little leap from the wall to follow you two back home. Precious. (She is the star of every video.😊)
8 місяців тому+3
Thank you! She's wonderful! She makes our hearts sing!
What an absolutely beautiful episode. I sincerely hope you will one day allow guests to stay overnight in one of the rooms, would love to visit
8 місяців тому+7
Thank you for your comment. While we haven't made final decisions about our ultimate plans for the Chateau, you can visit now during Les Journees du Patrimoine (Sept 21-22 this year). We open as much of the estate as is practicable and safe for this weekend. Entry is free, we have guided tours (in French and English) or you can wander unguided. We open the chapel, stables, boulangerie (bakery) and you can enter the chateau and see the Grand Salon. Our stone masons do demonstrations of their work. It's a fabulous way to see the chateau safely while the huge restoration is underway.
I'm so sorry about the wall. I know you love every inch of the place, and so any loss must be hard. The bright side is that the chai roof is looking wonderful, and the whole facade of the chateau is transforming to the stunning place it once was. Those shutters add so much; she's really coming back to life, and you can feel her expanding joy as she settles back into her former beauty.
I'm thoroughly enjoying your weekly updates. I love the passion the french craftsmen have for their work and the respect you give them. you have a knack of getting the best out of them.
8 місяців тому+1
Thank you for your message. We are thrilled to be able to share their skill and expertise. Many of these crafts are being slowly lost to us and we hope that our project here at Purnon can play a small part in celebrating their amazing skills.
😮 The last few shots of the before and after of the shutters REALLY illustrate how much work you guys took on. It's not only the amount of work you are doing, which is phenomenal, but also that you had the vision and dedication in the first place to take this on. Following along has been a very special experience. ❤
8 місяців тому+2
Thank you! A wonderful message. We're thrilled you are enjoying it!
The roof is beautiful and it is wonderful that the building is being saved! Sad about the wall falling down around this part of the domain. The shutters look so beautiful and what a difference! Things are certainly moving along quickly!
8 місяців тому+1
Thank you! We try and focus on the progress and not let the little hiccups get us down!
Don't feel bad about the wall, as you said, it was going to happen. Feel good, even great about the shutters and the chai. Aren't they wonderful. Best wishes.
It’s just incredible what progress you have made in what seems a very short timespan. The new roof on the Chey looks magnificent and I’m guessing the two men restoring the shutters will be retirement age by the time they finish - there’s a hell of a lot of them to do! ❤️
8 місяців тому+1
Thank you. You're quite right - no one is in danger of running out of work to do here!
It’s amazing the chateau held up sooo long prior to restoration ! Just shows how much quality and love 20:40 went into its original construction !!! Now a new chapter awaits this beauty ! Congrats to all on such a remarkable journey you are going through ! Enjoy every video 😊
8 місяців тому+2
Thank you! She was built to last and we arrived just in time.
Every single detail from this magnificent chateau looks like a hidden gem 😊 The shutters were giving the facades a deteriorated appearance but now that they are restored, it just looks sumptuous ! I’m really looking forward to contributing to the restoration by subscribing on Patron in order to, as we say in french, “ajouter ma pierre à l’édifice” (an expression that seems quite accurate considering the recent fall of the wall…). I just need to convince my parents that this Chateau fascinates me enough for me to pay €6.50 a month 😅 (I’m still minor). I send you all my support ! Your work is genuinely awe-inspiring and masterly.
8 місяців тому+1
Thank you for your wonderful message. We've noted your French phrase. We plan to use it often - it's wonderful. We would be thrilled to have your support via Patreon.
The quality of work your artisans and tradesmen perform is exquisite. You can sense their pride and joy in participating in such a gargantuan and historic restoration of national significance. Merci!
6 місяців тому+1
Thanks for following our journey! Yes, our artisans are amazing. We hope that our restoration project here at Chateau de Purnon is playing a small part of keeping these traditional trades alive.
So sorry about the loss of the eastern wall. With all the renovations coming along nicely, it always frustrating to takes several steps backwards. Hopefully the architect will help you make decisions about the next steps 🙏🙏🙏🙏🎊Truffle is such a cutie pie 😍😘
8 місяців тому+1
Thank you for your message. Here at Purnon we feel we have to take the good with the bad! But you're quite right - La petite Truffe est adorable!
Watching the Artisan’s explain how they did the repairs, then showing how the windows worked, then when you showed the before and after of the shutters I teared up. I sat here wondering why I do this when I watch Chateau vlogs, I know it is because of the History of the buildings. We need the history of our past so we can learn from it. I live in USA, and it saddens me when I see protesters tearing down statues not knowing the true history of said statue, good or bad. Your Chateau is beautiful and I love watching the Artisans explaining their craft. You are preserving History, inside and out.
8 місяців тому+1
Thank you for your comment and we're thrilled that you derive so much enjoyment from following our journey. France has seen its share of destruction of historical and religious monuments (during the French Revolution particularly). Having said that we will steer clear of the complex debates in your country around statues from the Civil War and the legacy of slavery. We will save what we can here and try and present it in its historical context. Thank you again for following the restoration of Chateau de Purnon.
Two steps forward one step back as they say but you had all windows step forward with the shutters and look outstanding the trades and craftsmanship is so brilliant in France being in canada it's rare to find craftsmen as we are too young of a country but there are some special talents in the country that restore what old to us but new to France thank you for sharing another great video!
8 місяців тому
Thank you for your message. You're quite right that it is difficult to find skilled artisans who can restore these incredible buildings. It is a challenge in the old world and in the new world! We are very fortunate to have such talented people to work with us.
The wall fell. Typical Aussie comment. “Oh crap”. Love it! You are both doing an amazing job of bringing this old lady back to life. She thanks you for rescuing her! 💕💕💕💕💕
5 місяців тому+1
We could have reached a little deeper into the idiosyncratic Australian vernacular! Thank you for your message and for following our adventure!
No, no deeper is needed. I totally understand! You lost a little bit of a beautiful home you love. No explanation needed! Only an Aussie could understand the depth and meaning of said comment. And I for one love it! 💕💕💕. Can’t wait to see more exciting updates on restoration ! 💕
Wow Doesn’t the Chateau look outstanding with its new roof and now shutters , love the balls on the roof they give so much Character to the building . The old Winery going to be another stunning building too .
So sorry about the wall collapsing. There is so much wonderful progress in other places. The outbuilding looks great and I love that they put flowers on the roof when they are done. Thank you so much for sharing.
Flick, you are learning so many new skills well done. The roof looks fabulous. Such a pity about the wall. Can you still use the bricks off the fallen wall? These builders are so talented true artisans. Thank you for the update great to see. 🇦🇺
8 місяців тому
Thank you for your message. Yes, most of the stone from the collapsed wall can be reused. We'll just discard the cement render which is neither original nor desirable on our walls.
Bravo. Merci à vous qui êtes passionnés et qui faites appels aux artisans du patrimoine pour redonner au domaine tout son lustre. La toiture du chai et sa façade sont vraiment remarquables. C'est très réussi. Courage pour le mur...
8 місяців тому
Merci beaucoup pour votre message. Nous sommes ravi de partager leur incroyable travail!
In future May I suggest a rubber mallet so as not to mark the wood? Of course a hammer when nailing, but a mallet when coaxing wood into it’s necessary space.
My gosh that final sequence of the old and the renewed was absolutely stunning. I feel so satisfied- you guys must be so ...... (insert an appropriate French phrase here!!) Congratulations.
8 місяців тому+3
Thank you! We often have to remind ourselves of how far the restoration has come by looking at the photos from when we arrived. Our artisans are doing an amazing job!
The shutters look absolutely amazing. What a difference they have made to the facade.
8 місяців тому
Yes, when we first arrived the old shutters gave the chateau a slightly haunted ambiance. Their state certainly testified to her neglect and amplified her sadness. We love their restoration. Thank you!
All the work is quite amazing. It's quite a privledge to be able to watch a professional restoration of a major estate It's quite something to see the condition of the shutters when they were removed and to see them once restored. Thank you for putting in the work to share all of this.
8 місяців тому
Thank you for your message. Sharing our adventure is a very important part of our journey. We are thrilled that people are tuning in and enjoying it.
Fabulous to hear the woodwork artisans explain the work on the shutters! My 'French ears' were drinking it in! Fascinating! Fabulous that you have gotten to this stage of refurbishing 90 shutters! XG Ire
3 місяці тому
Thrilled you enjoyed this episode - you're making your way through the entire series!
Excellent job on the molding repair! The roof is stunning-another masterpiece! The tedious work on the shutters is so impressive, too. So sorry about the wall.
8 місяців тому
Thank you! We're just taking it all one step at a time.
I respect and admire the tremendous amount of skilled craftsmanship and labor that goes into the renovation of these magnificent buildings. Look forward to following your progress.
8 місяців тому
Thank you! We're incredibly proud of the artisans who are working to restore Purnon. We hope you enjoy our journey.
The roof looks absolutely beautiful. Too bad about the wall, but I’m sure you will figure it out. Just love watching the restoration of such a magnificent place ❤
8 місяців тому
Thank you! We ride the bumps and try and see the best in it all!
I do love the Sheepdog. Like my own, they always do like to be around whatever one is doing. The carriage showing at 18:34 looks interesting. Almost like a French version of a Stanhope. Looks to be late nineteenth century by the suspension and fifth-wheel. Did you get all of the family's carriages with the Chateau? Your Carriage House is as beautiful as the main house. I so love carriage houses as much as I do the carriages that live in them! I've been watching your progress for quite some time off and on. Thanks again for allowing me to vicariously enjoy your beautiful old lady with you.
7 місяців тому+1
Regarding the carriage - you're quite right regarding the date. We believe it was from the Maison Aigner and was constructed some time between about 1895-1914. In French it's called a 'caliche' which was a carriage with four wheels often with a retractable hood. The building that it's in was not the carriage house as such but the old barrel room where grapes grown on the estate were barrelled and fermented. We'll need to carefully move her soon as we are about to work on the interior of this building. Thank you for your interest!
@ I realize that these videos take considerable time and effort. Still, I was wondering if there actually is anything left of the original carriage house? Could you do a short video on that building?
6 місяців тому+1
There are about a dozen outbuildings and old farm houses on the estate (not including the chateau itself). None of them are designated as an old carriage house. One of our very large outbuildings houses several garages today and could have been a space for carriages in the late eighteenth century. When our restoration works on the chateau itself are further advanced we will commence diagnostic studies on several of these outbuildings with our architect. Using the archives we may be able to identify a building that was the space for housing carriages. In the meantime, we'd have to speculate. We do release videos that show some of these outbuildings from time to time and you can see the full collection of what we've released so far on our UA-cam channel. Thanks again for your questions and for following our journey.
Another good update on the work. I look forward to seeing the chateau in person. After seeing your vlog about the truffle farm, Baron de la Truffe, I'm planning a drive up to experience it. Cheers- All the best.
8 місяців тому+2
Thank you! We're open for les Journees du Patrimoine on the weekend of September 21-22. Each year we try and open a little more of the estate as the works progress. But you will certainly see the stables, the chapel, our boulangerie (with bread baking) and our artisans showing their skills and techniques. Entry is free and we have guided tours in French and English.
Can you do an episode on the Orangerie? Would be so cool to see it restored and filled with oranges!
8 місяців тому+1
Thanks for your comment. We'll certainly include the Orangerie in a future video... however, we are some way off actually restoring it. We have to prioritise our limited energy and finances!
Such a lot of good work being accomplished in this video. I am sorry about the wall but it sounds like even with that some good will come out in the end. The roof and the shutters are beautiful and something to be proud of.
8 місяців тому
Thanks Brett! We're optimists. We try and see the upside in catastrophes.... life's better that way!
Maybe you should ask Château du Theil restauration in Corrèze for your domain walls. They rebuilt the enclosure wall with the help of volontairies belgium scouts. They did a such great job with all old stones they found on the domain. Juste an idea. Bon courage pour cette remarquable renovation avec vos extraordinaires artisans👋👋👋
8 місяців тому+1
Thank you for your suggestion. A great idea. We've had volunteer days before on several occasions. When we've settled on a plan for its reconstruction, we'll add the wall to the list of projects that we can work on with our wonderful group of local volunteers.
Nice work Flick, just coming up with repair in old mouldings isn't easy, and yours look great. I loved the juxtaposition of the old and new you showed, crickey, she really did look sad!. The exterior is now starting to look absolutely amazing. The chai is also looking fabulous, even if it's only part of the way there, looking forward to seeing that when it's finished.
8 місяців тому
Thanks Simon. Sometimes the smallest details take the longest time! But we can feel the progress and when we look back to the photos from when we arrived we realise how far we've come.
There are so many critical areas she’s blessed you found her when you did and have saved so much. It’s unfortunate that there’s a loss but saving absolutely everything is a task nearly impossible. At a future date perhaps rebuilding can happen but you’ve accomplished so much already and think of her state if you hadn’t started when you did. So much more would be lost
Місяць тому
Thanks for your message. We're not easily put off!
He visto todos los videos de la restauración, el proceso es muy interesante y artístico. Es como una película con muchos matices románticos. Desde Venezuela les felicito y espero ver un video con toda la obra restaurada y con el mobiliario instalado.
6 місяців тому
Gracias por su maravilloso mensaje. Compartiremos vídeos a medida que finalice cada fase de la restauración. Gracias por seguir nuestra aventura desde Venezuela.
Watching this and seeing the destruction that time does to a well built structure makes me fear for all the sky scrapers in the world as they age. How will we ever manage to care for or remove those huge buildings.
8 місяців тому+3
Interesting observation. It is true that modern buildings are built with a much shorter expected life span than these huge stone buildings with their oak supports. There are many trade-offs to consider. As incredible as chateaux are, they make somewhat impractical homes for modern living (difficult to heat the high ceilinged rooms, hard to get electrical and plumbing through etc). We can also reflect on modern building materials, sustainability and construction techniques. It all makes for a fascinating debate! Thank you!
Well, it must all be there to resurrect again. It held out as long as it could. Another add to the to-do list. It surely can't/won't be hauled off to the scap yard. If the will is there, the wall will be again as well. At least it was not the main castle. ❤🙏💫
2 місяці тому
Quite right - we'll get to it soon enough. Plenty of projects to keep us busy here.
Technically it shouldn't prove a problem (but at some expense!). The real question is whether we want it built to the same height and following exactly the same alignment. There are wonderful views to the east on that section of the estate, so the wall's collapse gives us an opportunity for fresh thinking about how we may re-imagine this perspective. Thanks for your message.
Back again…I don’t know what is going on with UA-cam, but I had to subscribe again. This does not only happen to you, but also to other Chateau vlogs also. I do resubscribe, but do you see your numbers going down?
Dear Tim, dear Felicity, I have a question : do you have any idea of the origins of the shutters ? Were they here from the start (late XVIII° century) or an addition of the XIX° century ? 🙂
8 місяців тому
Thank you for your question. Our chateau window shutters are original. Some people claim that external window shutters did not exist in the 18th century. This is simply not true. External window shutters started to be introduced on chateaux from about the 1750s. Purnon was constructed in the 1780s. One clue that our shutters are original is that about eight of our grand window niches are actually false (ie there is now window in them). These window niches exist simply to maintain the harmony and symmetry of the chateau's neo-classical design. These false window niches could only be concealed by the use of external window shutters. And the architectural symmetry of the chateau could only have been maintained if all the other windows also had external shutters. Most of the shutters that you saw being restored in this video are original - testifying to the extraordinary durability of the wood used and the care taken to treat that wood using natural products. Again, thanks for your query!
@ A viewer was complaining about them, and I told him to ask you the question instead of complaining. Yet it seems he prefers complaining to asking 🙂 That is why I asked you the question, and thank you very much for your answer.
8 місяців тому
We hope this clears it up - the shutters are original!
It's ironic that the cement they put on top of the wall probably became the barrier that kept the mortar in the wall wet leading to more instability. The real issue is probably the weight of wet earth (which expands with all the rain we have had) that pushed it over in the end. The constant cycles of wet and dry expansion and contraction wasn't meant to be retained by a stone wall.
8 місяців тому+1
Thanks for your comment. You're quite right - the cement is fatal to our traditional stonework as it cannot breath. If a render had have been applied originally, it would have been a lime-based mix and would have weathered far better in the long term. But more recently, quick and cheap repairs were sometimes done using cement with inevitable results latter on!
I'm a little sad that you kept the 19th century shutters which, in my opinion, alter a little the purity of the façades. "Volets intérieurs" being the rule at the 18th century. Anyway, what a huge and admirable work you have done so far ! Hope you'll get some day the"Légion d'honneur" for such a wonderful job ...
@@heliedecastanet1882 No, they are absolutely not . And in some angles, it will be impossible to spread them wide open ! Of course it would be ok if it was a simple farm or even a chateau with plain walls, but Purnon is a 1st class building designed by a talented architect and when open, the shutters will hide the beautifully adorned facades. Can you imagine the "Petit Trianon " or the "Palais de l'Elysée" with these shutters ? No . Look at old photos of Paris, you will see some buildings such as at the place des Vosges with 19th cent. shutters. Luckily they all have been removed. The renovation at Purnon has been so far a pure perfection and I greatly admire the charming owners for their immense courage and enthusiasm, but I feel obliged to say the way I think, because, like them, I love Purnon...
@@heliedecastanet1882 historiquement , ce type de volets extérieurs n'existaient pas en France au 18ème siècle où les seuls volets extérieurs connus étaient pleins (sans claire-voie) et réservés sauf exception à des maisons plutôt modestes . Pour les châteaux et maisons de qualité , la règle était l'emploi de volets intérieurs pliables en 2. Mais, surtout, il est IMPENSABLE que l'architecte de Purnon ait préconisé l'emploi de ces volets dont une bonne partie ne peuvent se déployer entièrement en raison des descentes de chéneaux ou dans les angles... Au surplus, ils empêchent la lecture des motifs décoratifs des façades, en particulier des jolis chaînages de pierre. Ils altèrent la pureté de cette façade Louis XVI en lui donnant un aspect Louis-philippard. Ce qui n'empêche pas les abonnés de cette chaîne de les trouver très jolis ! Ils ne sont d'ailleurs pas laids en soi, mais pas à leur place dans ce château ...
@@frenchartandco Mais avez-vous demandé à Tim et Felicity de quand dataient les volets ? Le château de Barral à Hauterives, et le château de Berthenonville, du XVIIIe, en possèdent - même si je vous accorde que la lecture de leurs façades respectives est plus simple.
Thanks for your question. The domain really started to decline after the First World War. After a period of significant investment before the war, the outlook for these stately homes began to decline. France was hit by a demographic crisis caused partly by the staggering losses suffered by France during the war. Rural populations declined significantly. Many of these estates had relied on a supply of cheap labour to staff kitchens, care for gardens etc. When the supply of cheap labour dried up, life on many of these estates became uneconomic. This is what began to happen at Chateau de Purnon. Gradually as each generation passed the chateau on the number of owners started to increase. This made it difficult to make strategic decisions about the chateau's future as different branches of the family had different priorities and financial capacities. Gradually, the property started to decline. Once the roofs started to leak the speed of the decay accelerates. We arrived just in time as several of Purnon's roofs were leaking badly and some had collapsed altogether.
Beautiful episode indeed. My favorite part is ua-cam.com/video/uJssFVCebRE/v-deo.htmlsi=cuXOWzY7mfIuuVsc&t=576 That 'blessing' from apparent disaster attitude is what the world needs 🥰 Please be careful around the parts still standing. They look treacherous.
While it's sad to see the wall go. It's probably a good thing that it toppled with no one around as sometimes they can go very unexpectedly. I remember an incident where a wall suddenly collapsed in the middle Melbourne a decade or so ago killing a brother and sister just as they were walking by on the footpath.
8 місяців тому
Exactly. We recall the same tragedy. It was also caused by wind gusts. We'll try and make the best of it and use the opportunity to make that part of the domain safer. Thanks for your message.
How is it that none of the chateaus or cottages in France have window screens? Surely you have insects and creatures that invade just as we do in the US?
8 місяців тому
We have plenty of insects. But we also have over 100 sets of windows, some of them over three metres high. I'm not sure we could maintain the heritage ambiance if we installed fly screens everywhere. We also don't open the windows in the same way as other buildings might. The chateau is very cool in summer because of the thick stone walls. For this reason air-conditioning is completely unnecessary on even the hottest days. But we probably wouldn't leave our large windows open for long periods and let the cool air escape. Thanks for your comment and for following our journey!
The beat condition of most exterior woodwork -- windows , roof trim , shutters , members which support and plank structures..OH MY.. NOT TO MENTION ROTTEN STONE TOO..AND FAILED BRICKWORKS ALL AROUND...... THATS A LOT.. ISNT IT..?
8 місяців тому+1
Exactly. There are many small elements in a restoration such as this that it is easy to overlook when you just gaze at the overall structure. Part of the joy for us in our journey is realising the importance of each element to the overall result both visually and structurally. Thank you for your comment!
All the gifted artisans who are working to restore Purnon. What a journey she is having.
Thank you! We're very thankful for the skills and expertise they bring to the project.
it would be really neat to interview some of them for your channel. the depth of expertise is really fascianting
I’m so glad you are managing to do regular updates on UA-cam, your hard work and diligence is incredible. Well done
We're thrilled that you're enjoying the journey. Thank you for your message!
Hi Tim and Flick, I hope you're both well.
The wall may have fallen however there are so many positives in what you have done and continue to do. The Château de Purnon is coming to life, the roof looks amazing and with the addition of the restored shutters, we are starting to see how beautiful she was when first built. The Chai looks fantastic and will no doubt get plenty of use. It must feel incredible to wake up each day to see the progress and history you are both making.
Thank you again for the time you put into making these video's, they are very interesting and definitely worth the wait and I look forward to your next one. Until then take care of yourselves and your gorgeous puppy. xx
Thank you for your wonderful message. We're thrilled that you are deriving such enjoyment from our journey. We can really feel the progress at the moment with several teams of artisans on site every day and our own schedule of work that keeps us very busy. We just ride the bumps that come our way like the collapsed wall knowing that it's all part of the adventure!
The transformation of your shutters is truly amazing. I’m so sorry about the wall collapse but in the big picture you both have come so far with the chateau and Shay! You are bringing the splendor back and it’s a great joy to watch your progress. Thank you.
Thank you! We're optimists. We know that we have to take the good with the bad. And we can really feel the progress in recent months.
Shutters are the eyelids of a building. Without them, a façade is incomplete.
Wonderfully expressed - thank you!
Beautifully filmed and edited video. Bravo! My favorite part was Truffe's little leap from the wall to follow you two back home. Precious. (She is the star of every video.😊)
Thank you! She's wonderful! She makes our hearts sing!
What an absolutely beautiful episode. I sincerely hope you will one day allow guests to stay overnight in one of the rooms, would love to visit
Thank you for your comment. While we haven't made final decisions about our ultimate plans for the Chateau, you can visit now during Les Journees du Patrimoine (Sept 21-22 this year). We open as much of the estate as is practicable and safe for this weekend. Entry is free, we have guided tours (in French and English) or you can wander unguided. We open the chapel, stables, boulangerie (bakery) and you can enter the chateau and see the Grand Salon. Our stone masons do demonstrations of their work. It's a fabulous way to see the chateau safely while the huge restoration is underway.
I'm so sorry about the wall. I know you love every inch of the place, and so any loss must be hard. The bright side is that the chai roof is looking wonderful, and the whole facade of the chateau is transforming to the stunning place it once was. Those shutters add so much; she's really coming back to life, and you can feel her expanding joy as she settles back into her former beauty.
This property will be amazing when finished great job to all working on it
Thank you! We know to take the good with the bad here at Purnon. When we come to address the fallen wall, we'll build something better and safer!
I'm thoroughly enjoying your weekly updates. I love the passion the french craftsmen have for their work and the respect you give them. you have a knack of getting the best out of them.
Thank you for your message. We are thrilled to be able to share their skill and expertise. Many of these crafts are being slowly lost to us and we hope that our project here at Purnon can play a small part in celebrating their amazing skills.
😮 The last few shots of the before and after of the shutters REALLY illustrate how much work you guys took on. It's not only the amount of work you are doing, which is phenomenal, but also that you had the vision and dedication in the first place to take this on. Following along has been a very special experience. ❤
Thank you! A wonderful message. We're thrilled you are enjoying it!
The roof is beautiful and it is wonderful that the building is being saved! Sad about the wall falling down around this part of the domain. The shutters look so beautiful and what a difference! Things are certainly moving along quickly!
Thank you! We try and focus on the progress and not let the little hiccups get us down!
Thank you for saving this beautiful piece of architecture for future generations.
Thank you for following our journey!
The roof and shutters are beautiful. Huge improvements
Thank you!
Don't feel bad about the wall, as you said, it was going to happen. Feel good, even great about the shutters and the chai. Aren't they wonderful. Best wishes.
Thank you - good philosophy!
It’s just incredible what progress you have made in what seems a very short timespan. The new roof on the Chey looks magnificent and I’m guessing the two men restoring the shutters will be retirement age by the time they finish - there’s a hell of a lot of them to do! ❤️
Thank you. You're quite right - no one is in danger of running out of work to do here!
It’s amazing the chateau held up sooo long prior to restoration ! Just shows how much quality and love 20:40 went into its original construction !!! Now a new chapter awaits this beauty ! Congrats to all on such a remarkable journey you are going through ! Enjoy every video 😊
Thank you! She was built to last and we arrived just in time.
Every single detail from this magnificent chateau looks like a hidden gem 😊 The shutters were giving the facades a deteriorated appearance but now that they are restored, it just looks sumptuous !
I’m really looking forward to contributing to the restoration by subscribing on Patron in order to, as we say in french, “ajouter ma pierre à l’édifice” (an expression that seems quite accurate considering the recent fall of the wall…). I just need to convince my parents that this Chateau fascinates me enough for me to pay €6.50 a month 😅 (I’m still minor).
I send you all my support ! Your work is genuinely awe-inspiring and masterly.
Thank you for your wonderful message. We've noted your French phrase. We plan to use it often - it's wonderful. We would be thrilled to have your support via Patreon.
The shutters are so important. Great effort.
Yes, they make a huge difference to the facade. Thanks for your message.
Beautiful job on that roof your so lucky with the tradesmen you have
Thank you. They're wonderful!
The new shutters are beautifully made. ALSO I love watching your dog follow you around the property, so sweet!
Thank you! She's our best friend!
The quality of work your artisans and tradesmen perform is exquisite. You can sense their pride and joy in participating in such a gargantuan and historic restoration of national significance. Merci!
Thanks for following our journey! Yes, our artisans are amazing. We hope that our restoration project here at Chateau de Purnon is playing a small part of keeping these traditional trades alive.
Building this from new could not have been as courageous as this. Bravo!
Magnifique restauration du toit du Chai et des volets. Merveilleuse avancée. Un vrai bonheur de voir cela ❤
Merci beaucoup! Nous sommes ravis que vous appréciez notre aventure.
Truly unbelievable what you have accomplished so far with the roof and shutters. They look absolutely😢beautiful.
Thank you! The contrast is incredible to see.
You always choose such lovely music! I must say, there is some irony to hearing the Bach/Gounod 'Ave Maria' while gliding over the Barrel House!
Thank you! We're thrilled you enjoy listening as well as watching!
The volets add such a finishing touch, I love them.
Thank you! You're quite right - they are such a prominent part of the facade.
So sorry about the loss of the eastern wall. With all the renovations coming along nicely, it always frustrating to takes several steps backwards. Hopefully the architect will help you make decisions about the next steps 🙏🙏🙏🙏🎊Truffle is such a cutie pie 😍😘
Thank you for your message. Here at Purnon we feel we have to take the good with the bad! But you're quite right - La petite Truffe est adorable!
The roof is a triumph. So beautiful!
Thank you! It's stunning and because the Chateau sits on the high ground it can be admired from miles around.
Watching the Artisan’s explain how they did the repairs, then showing how the windows worked, then when you showed the before and after of the shutters I teared up. I sat here wondering why I do this when I watch Chateau vlogs, I know it is because of the History of the buildings. We need the history of our past so we can learn from it. I live in USA, and it saddens me when I see protesters tearing down statues not knowing the true history of said statue, good or bad. Your Chateau is beautiful and I love watching the Artisans explaining their craft. You are preserving History, inside and out.
Thank you for your comment and we're thrilled that you derive so much enjoyment from following our journey. France has seen its share of destruction of historical and religious monuments (during the French Revolution particularly). Having said that we will steer clear of the complex debates in your country around statues from the Civil War and the legacy of slavery. We will save what we can here and try and present it in its historical context. Thank you again for following the restoration of Chateau de Purnon.
Two steps forward one step back as they say but you had all windows step forward with the shutters and look outstanding the trades and craftsmanship is so brilliant in France being in canada it's rare to find craftsmen as we are too young of a country but there are some special talents in the country that restore what old to us but new to France thank you for sharing another great video!
Thank you for your message. You're quite right that it is difficult to find skilled artisans who can restore these incredible buildings. It is a challenge in the old world and in the new world! We are very fortunate to have such talented people to work with us.
The wall fell. Typical Aussie comment. “Oh crap”. Love it! You are both doing an amazing job of bringing this old lady back to life. She thanks you for rescuing her! 💕💕💕💕💕
We could have reached a little deeper into the idiosyncratic Australian vernacular! Thank you for your message and for following our adventure!
No, no deeper is needed. I totally understand! You lost a little bit of a beautiful home you love. No explanation needed! Only an Aussie could understand the depth and meaning of said comment. And I for one love it! 💕💕💕. Can’t wait to see more exciting updates on restoration ! 💕
Wow Doesn’t the Chateau look outstanding with its new roof and now shutters , love the balls on the roof they give so much Character to the building . The old Winery going to be another stunning building too .
Thank you!
So sorry about the wall collapsing. There is so much wonderful progress in other places. The outbuilding looks great and I love that they put flowers on the roof when they are done. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you! We're thrilled you're enjoying our journey.
Flick, you are learning so many new skills well done. The roof looks fabulous. Such a pity about the wall. Can you still use the bricks off the fallen wall? These builders are so talented true artisans. Thank you for the update great to see. 🇦🇺
Thank you for your message. Yes, most of the stone from the collapsed wall can be reused. We'll just discard the cement render which is neither original nor desirable on our walls.
In a world where everything is disposable, it’s beautiful to see this project! The patience of everyone involved is to be commended!
Thanks for your message and sentiments.
New to the channel, and love the ongoing story. Chateau Pernon is lucky to have two beautiful souls ensuring her future.
Welcome to our channel - we're thrilled you're enjoying our journey.
Bravo. Merci à vous qui êtes passionnés et qui faites appels aux artisans du patrimoine pour redonner au domaine tout son lustre. La toiture du chai et sa façade sont vraiment remarquables. C'est très réussi. Courage pour le mur...
Merci beaucoup pour votre message. Nous sommes ravi de partager leur incroyable travail!
In future May I suggest a rubber mallet so as not to mark the wood? Of course a hammer when nailing, but a mallet when coaxing wood into it’s necessary space.
Tous ces volets - incroyable.
Merci beaucoup!
My gosh that final sequence of the old and the renewed was absolutely stunning. I feel so satisfied- you guys must be so ...... (insert an appropriate French phrase here!!) Congratulations.
Thank you! We often have to remind ourselves of how far the restoration has come by looking at the photos from when we arrived. Our artisans are doing an amazing job!
The shutters look absolutely amazing. What a difference they have made to the facade.
Yes, when we first arrived the old shutters gave the chateau a slightly haunted ambiance. Their state certainly testified to her neglect and amplified her sadness. We love their restoration. Thank you!
No obstacles are easy ! We humans just attack and over come them ! It's what we do ! ❤ the work U all are doing !😊
Thanks for your message - our spirit exactly!
The shutters look so nice! They were in a real state. Im sure youre delighted to see them going on looking so beautiful
Thanks. It's quite the transformation and we're thrilled that they could save so many.
All the work is quite amazing. It's quite a privledge to be able to watch a professional restoration of a major estate It's quite something to see the condition of the shutters when they were removed and to see them once restored. Thank you for putting in the work to share all of this.
Thank you for your message. Sharing our adventure is a very important part of our journey. We are thrilled that people are tuning in and enjoying it.
I am so glad that most of your work here is true restoration, rather than renovation. Exquisite shutter system.
We're thrilled that you can see the spirit in which we approach our project. Thank you.
Wow! The close up of the old windows up close show just how bad the state of the building was in! 😮. So glad y’all are restoring her beauty!
Yes, it's a real sign of how far we've come. Thank you for following our journey!
These artisans are incredible!! Awesome restoration work.
Yes, we are constantly in awe of them. Thank you!
So very beautiful
We feel the same way!
Fabulous to hear the woodwork artisans explain the work on the shutters! My 'French ears' were drinking it in! Fascinating! Fabulous that you have gotten to this stage of refurbishing 90 shutters! XG Ire
Thrilled you enjoyed this episode - you're making your way through the entire series!
Beautiful job of fine tuning the wall repairs. No easy task!
Thank you for following our journey!
I love this channel!
Thank you!
Excellent job on the molding repair! The roof is stunning-another masterpiece! The tedious work on the shutters is so impressive, too. So sorry about the wall.
Thank you! We're just taking it all one step at a time.
I respect and admire the tremendous amount of skilled craftsmanship and labor that goes into the renovation of these magnificent buildings. Look forward to following your progress.
Thank you! We're incredibly proud of the artisans who are working to restore Purnon. We hope you enjoy our journey.
The roof looks absolutely beautiful. Too bad about the wall, but I’m sure you will figure it out. Just love watching the restoration of such a magnificent place ❤
Thank you! We ride the bumps and try and see the best in it all!
Thanks!
Thank you so much for supporting our project to save Chateau de Purnon!
Amazing ❤ thank you for sharing and saving this beautiful chateau
Thank you! We are thrilled that so many people can share in our adventure.
So sorry about the wall!
The shutters look amazing on the newly done facade.
Yes, the comparison with the state of the shutters when we arrived is incredible. We always feel that we arrived just in time. Thank you!
I do love the Sheepdog. Like my own, they always do like to be around whatever one is doing.
The carriage showing at 18:34 looks interesting. Almost like a French version of a Stanhope. Looks to be late nineteenth century by the suspension and fifth-wheel. Did you get all of the family's carriages with the Chateau? Your Carriage House is as beautiful as the main house. I so love carriage houses as much as I do the carriages that live in them! I've been watching your progress for quite some time off and on. Thanks again for allowing me to vicariously enjoy your beautiful old lady with you.
Regarding the carriage - you're quite right regarding the date. We believe it was from the Maison Aigner and was constructed some time between about 1895-1914. In French it's called a 'caliche' which was a carriage with four wheels often with a retractable hood. The building that it's in was not the carriage house as such but the old barrel room where grapes grown on the estate were barrelled and fermented. We'll need to carefully move her soon as we are about to work on the interior of this building. Thank you for your interest!
@ I realize that these videos take considerable time and effort. Still, I was wondering if there actually is anything left of the original carriage house? Could you do a short video on that building?
There are about a dozen outbuildings and old farm houses on the estate (not including the chateau itself). None of them are designated as an old carriage house. One of our very large outbuildings houses several garages today and could have been a space for carriages in the late eighteenth century. When our restoration works on the chateau itself are further advanced we will commence diagnostic studies on several of these outbuildings with our architect. Using the archives we may be able to identify a building that was the space for housing carriages. In the meantime, we'd have to speculate. We do release videos that show some of these outbuildings from time to time and you can see the full collection of what we've released so far on our UA-cam channel. Thanks again for your questions and for following our journey.
@ Wish I could post a picture here. I could show you what this should look like.
Magnifique.
Merci beaucoup!
Looking amazing
Thank you!
Another good update on the work. I look forward to seeing the chateau in person. After seeing your vlog about the truffle farm, Baron de la Truffe, I'm planning a drive up to experience it. Cheers- All the best.
Thank you! We're open for les Journees du Patrimoine on the weekend of September 21-22. Each year we try and open a little more of the estate as the works progress. But you will certainly see the stables, the chapel, our boulangerie (with bread baking) and our artisans showing their skills and techniques. Entry is free and we have guided tours in French and English.
Can you do an episode on the Orangerie? Would be so cool to see it restored and filled with oranges!
Thanks for your comment. We'll certainly include the Orangerie in a future video... however, we are some way off actually restoring it. We have to prioritise our limited energy and finances!
@ I'll keep watching those ads for you!
Such a lot of good work being accomplished in this video. I am sorry about the wall but it sounds like even with that some good will come out in the end. The roof and the shutters are beautiful and something to be proud of.
Thanks Brett! We're optimists. We try and see the upside in catastrophes.... life's better that way!
Maybe you should ask Château du Theil restauration in Corrèze for your domain walls. They rebuilt the enclosure wall with the help of volontairies belgium scouts. They did a such great job with all old stones they found on the domain. Juste an idea. Bon courage pour cette remarquable renovation avec vos extraordinaires artisans👋👋👋
Thank you for your suggestion. A great idea. We've had volunteer days before on several occasions. When we've settled on a plan for its reconstruction, we'll add the wall to the list of projects that we can work on with our wonderful group of local volunteers.
Wow excellent work!
Thank you!
Nice work Flick, just coming up with repair in old mouldings isn't easy, and yours look great. I loved the juxtaposition of the old and new you showed, crickey, she really did look sad!. The exterior is now starting to look absolutely amazing.
The chai is also looking fabulous, even if it's only part of the way there, looking forward to seeing that when it's finished.
Thanks Simon. Sometimes the smallest details take the longest time! But we can feel the progress and when we look back to the photos from when we arrived we realise how far we've come.
A long way in nearly no time, 3 years isn't long, that's very impressive. @
There are so many critical areas she’s blessed you found her when you did and have saved so much. It’s unfortunate that there’s a loss but saving absolutely everything is a task nearly impossible. At a future date perhaps rebuilding can happen but you’ve accomplished so much already and think of her state if you hadn’t started when you did. So much more would be lost
Thanks for your message. We're not easily put off!
He visto todos los videos de la restauración, el proceso es muy interesante y artístico. Es como una película con muchos matices románticos. Desde Venezuela les felicito y espero ver un video con toda la obra restaurada y con el mobiliario instalado.
Gracias por su maravilloso mensaje. Compartiremos vídeos a medida que finalice cada fase de la restauración. Gracias por seguir nuestra aventura desde Venezuela.
Esse ajudante muito bonito🐩❤
So sorry about the wall but now you can restore it’s beauty and make it more stable for generations 😢❤
Our thoughts also - thanks for your message.
The shutters then and now are quite something! Plus, the music.
Shutters shouldn’t make me teary……. Tour de force.
Thank you! We're thrilled that you are deriving such joy from our journey!
Best roofers ever !!!
They are wonderful! Thank you!
You do not cut any corners 🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤
Thank you! We are trying to respect heritage in everything that we do.
Skvělá práce všech řemeslníků. OBDIV. MAGIE.
Děkujeme - jsme na řemeslníky velmi hrdí.
great video
Thank you!
Ninety pairs of shutters, 😮Mama mia!! Gives one a vague idea of the scope and scale of this restoration.
Indeed! Thanks for following our journey.
Watching this and seeing the destruction that time does to a well built structure makes me fear for all the sky scrapers in the world as they age. How will we ever manage to care for or remove those huge buildings.
Interesting observation. It is true that modern buildings are built with a much shorter expected life span than these huge stone buildings with their oak supports. There are many trade-offs to consider. As incredible as chateaux are, they make somewhat impractical homes for modern living (difficult to heat the high ceilinged rooms, hard to get electrical and plumbing through etc). We can also reflect on modern building materials, sustainability and construction techniques. It all makes for a fascinating debate! Thank you!
Wow! Shutters were in really bad shape. What a transformation!
Indeed. It's amazing to see the 'before and after' sequence. Thank you!
Well, it must all be there to resurrect again. It held out as long as it could. Another add to the to-do list. It surely can't/won't be hauled off to the scap yard. If the will is there, the wall will be again as well. At least it was not the main castle. ❤🙏💫
Quite right - we'll get to it soon enough. Plenty of projects to keep us busy here.
Can you rebuild the wall?
Technically it shouldn't prove a problem (but at some expense!). The real question is whether we want it built to the same height and following exactly the same alignment. There are wonderful views to the east on that section of the estate, so the wall's collapse gives us an opportunity for fresh thinking about how we may re-imagine this perspective. Thanks for your message.
Back again…I don’t know what is going on with UA-cam, but I had to subscribe again. This does not only happen to you, but also to other Chateau vlogs also. I do resubscribe, but do you see your numbers going down?
Welcome back... our numbers seem to trend up.
What the roofer forgot to mention is that they leave coded signs for the following traders to say how they were treated and paid by the customer.
Dear Tim, dear Felicity, I have a question : do you have any idea of the origins of the shutters ? Were they here from the start (late XVIII° century) or an addition of the XIX° century ? 🙂
Thank you for your question. Our chateau window shutters are original. Some people claim that external window shutters did not exist in the 18th century. This is simply not true. External window shutters started to be introduced on chateaux from about the 1750s. Purnon was constructed in the 1780s. One clue that our shutters are original is that about eight of our grand window niches are actually false (ie there is now window in them). These window niches exist simply to maintain the harmony and symmetry of the chateau's neo-classical design. These false window niches could only be concealed by the use of external window shutters. And the architectural symmetry of the chateau could only have been maintained if all the other windows also had external shutters. Most of the shutters that you saw being restored in this video are original - testifying to the extraordinary durability of the wood used and the care taken to treat that wood using natural products. Again, thanks for your query!
@ A viewer was complaining about them, and I told him to ask you the question instead of complaining. Yet it seems he prefers complaining to asking 🙂 That is why I asked you the question, and thank you very much for your answer.
We hope this clears it up - the shutters are original!
Why is there such a mound alongside the wall?
We suspect that this wall was fragile for some time and the earth was placed there by the previous owners to support it.
Sad to see anything fall down, but better a perimeter wall, than a structure ....
Indeed! Small blessings! We'll build back something better and safer. Thank you!
It's ironic that the cement they put on top of the wall probably became the barrier that kept the mortar in the wall wet leading to more instability. The real issue is probably the weight of wet earth (which expands with all the rain we have had) that pushed it over in the end. The constant cycles of wet and dry expansion and contraction wasn't meant to be retained by a stone wall.
Thanks for your comment. You're quite right - the cement is fatal to our traditional stonework as it cannot breath. If a render had have been applied originally, it would have been a lime-based mix and would have weathered far better in the long term. But more recently, quick and cheap repairs were sometimes done using cement with inevitable results latter on!
Talk about the burlap on the walls
We have - in several of our videos.
I just saw one very interesting
I'm a little sad that you kept the 19th century shutters which, in my opinion, alter a little the purity of the façades. "Volets intérieurs" being the rule at the 18th century. Anyway, what a huge and admirable work you have done so far ! Hope you'll get some day the"Légion d'honneur" for such a wonderful job ...
Are you sure the shutters were not original ? To me, it seems they were. Maybe Felicity could give us an answer 🙂
@@heliedecastanet1882 No, they are absolutely not . And in some angles, it will be impossible to spread them wide open ! Of course it would be ok if it was a simple farm or even a chateau with plain walls, but Purnon is a 1st class building designed by a talented architect and when open, the shutters will hide the beautifully adorned facades. Can you imagine the "Petit Trianon " or the "Palais de l'Elysée" with these shutters ? No . Look at old photos of Paris, you will see some buildings such as at the place des Vosges with 19th cent. shutters. Luckily they all have been removed. The renovation at Purnon has been so far a pure perfection and I greatly admire the charming owners for their immense courage and enthusiasm, but I feel obliged to say the way I think, because, like them, I love Purnon...
@@frenchartandco Comment savez-vous qu'ils ne sont pas d'origine ?
@@heliedecastanet1882 historiquement , ce type de volets extérieurs n'existaient pas en France au 18ème siècle où les seuls volets extérieurs connus étaient pleins (sans claire-voie) et réservés sauf exception à des maisons plutôt modestes . Pour les châteaux et maisons de qualité , la règle était l'emploi de volets intérieurs pliables en 2. Mais, surtout, il est IMPENSABLE que l'architecte de Purnon ait préconisé l'emploi de ces volets dont une bonne partie ne peuvent se déployer entièrement en raison des descentes de chéneaux ou dans les angles... Au surplus, ils empêchent la lecture des motifs décoratifs des façades, en particulier des jolis chaînages de pierre. Ils altèrent la pureté de cette façade Louis XVI en lui donnant un aspect Louis-philippard. Ce qui n'empêche pas les abonnés de cette chaîne de les trouver très jolis ! Ils ne sont d'ailleurs pas laids en soi, mais pas à leur place dans ce château ...
@@frenchartandco Mais avez-vous demandé à Tim et Felicity de quand dataient les volets ? Le château de Barral à Hauterives, et le château de Berthenonville, du XVIIIe, en possèdent - même si je vous accorde que la lecture de leurs façades respectives est plus simple.
Turn it into a hotel
No.
What kind of dog is it?
She is half Australian sheep dog and half Lagotto Romagnolo (an Italian water dog that is often used to search for truffles - hence her name 'Truffe".
Yes it is a great pity about that wall, it will all get sorted,
Several steps forward and then a couple back... it's the way of things on an old estate with a complex project! Thanks for your message!
how did building get in such bad shape?
Thanks for your question. The domain really started to decline after the First World War. After a period of significant investment before the war, the outlook for these stately homes began to decline. France was hit by a demographic crisis caused partly by the staggering losses suffered by France during the war. Rural populations declined significantly. Many of these estates had relied on a supply of cheap labour to staff kitchens, care for gardens etc. When the supply of cheap labour dried up, life on many of these estates became uneconomic. This is what began to happen at Chateau de Purnon. Gradually as each generation passed the chateau on the number of owners started to increase. This made it difficult to make strategic decisions about the chateau's future as different branches of the family had different priorities and financial capacities. Gradually, the property started to decline. Once the roofs started to leak the speed of the decay accelerates. We arrived just in time as several of Purnon's roofs were leaking badly and some had collapsed altogether.
What happened?
France has been getting quite a bit of storms with rain and high winds. The walls are fragile to start with.
Beautiful episode indeed.
My favorite part is ua-cam.com/video/uJssFVCebRE/v-deo.htmlsi=cuXOWzY7mfIuuVsc&t=576
That 'blessing' from apparent disaster attitude is what the world needs 🥰
Please be careful around the parts still standing. They look treacherous.
While it's sad to see the wall go. It's probably a good thing that it toppled with no one around as sometimes they can go very unexpectedly. I remember an incident where a wall suddenly collapsed in the middle Melbourne a decade or so ago killing a brother and sister just as they were walking by on the footpath.
Exactly. We recall the same tragedy. It was also caused by wind gusts. We'll try and make the best of it and use the opportunity to make that part of the domain safer. Thanks for your message.
💙
Thank you!
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
How is it that none of the chateaus or cottages in France have window screens? Surely you have insects and creatures that invade just as we do in the US?
We have plenty of insects. But we also have over 100 sets of windows, some of them over three metres high. I'm not sure we could maintain the heritage ambiance if we installed fly screens everywhere. We also don't open the windows in the same way as other buildings might. The chateau is very cool in summer because of the thick stone walls. For this reason air-conditioning is completely unnecessary on even the hottest days. But we probably wouldn't leave our large windows open for long periods and let the cool air escape. Thanks for your comment and for following our journey!
The beat condition of most exterior woodwork -- windows , roof trim , shutters , members which support and plank structures..OH MY..
NOT TO MENTION ROTTEN STONE TOO..AND FAILED BRICKWORKS ALL AROUND......
THATS A LOT..
ISNT IT..?
Exactly. There are many small elements in a restoration such as this that it is easy to overlook when you just gaze at the overall structure. Part of the joy for us in our journey is realising the importance of each element to the overall result both visually and structurally. Thank you for your comment!
? George Washington slept here ?