It’s hard to remind yourself that regardless of the remodeling & gardening setbacks YOU are greatly BLESSED to be living your dream.. while some of us simply live through yours😢💙 I love your chateau!!!
Abigail, you made it back, if I were you I would take a week just to relax to some of that yard work, enjoy the beauty of your new home, live well , wine and dine immerse yourself and think of all you have accomplished in just the short time, of owning Chateau De Borie... so envious and also proud of you . Woot Woot, your back in FRANCE!!!!!
Different countries have different concepts of what is included in painting. Repairs like the ones for the shutters you showed would need to be discussed ahead of time and even may need a carpenter. Painters often only do small repairs. I’ve had to do an audit before engaging painters & hire a carpenter/handyman. Your shutters look great!
Prune the rose back hard and fertilize it. You can epoxy glue the marble back together. Because it is such a veined stone it will hardly show. You can use wood from the floors in cabinets to patch the worst of the visible patches already done.
It’s difficult to leave workers on their own, it can all be fixed. By the way’ I went to a retreat where there were only two bathrooms available for 16 women. Not everyone needs their own bathroom. Don’t sweat it!
Welcome back! The shutter situation could be one of two things, one of which could be just a crappy job. The other could be that they decided it would be best to treat the rotting wood area so it’s doesn’t spread, sanding them and then leaving them as-is (which many believes adds character), instead of replacing the entire shutter. Since shutters are made of different pieces and parts, it’s difficult to replace just one section or slat. All this according to my (French) husband, so don’t quote me on it lol
It's amazing what some interesting throw rugs can do for a not-quite-perfect wood floor. No one would expect a century old house to have perfect flooring. FWIW, I think the floors look *great*! Take a day or two to have some tea, eat some baguettes, and get back into the flow and you'll see the work you've done with fresh eyes. Compared to your first videos, the chateau looks amazing!
About the bathrooms-I am thinking that maybe the workers didn’t understand the scope of what you want done now-on the off chance that you would really want a fuller renovation. You might need to give them a list of exactly what you want done in each room. Then ask if anything is unclear. You have a beautiful place, and I think you should get to where you want to be by September. Will your workers be off in August, or will they show up. Try to find out now so you can plan accordingly. Apologies if I am being too basic!😅
Just remember you are back in your happy place. Sometimes it’s hard to see what you have already accomplished when there is still so much to do - what I do when I get overwhelmed in my head is to completely finish one room - decorated and furnished - this will give you the room in your head to believe it can be done - bite of the elephant as my mum would say
I totally agree about the shutters. They should have been repaired before painted. I’m sorry your gardener has been MIA as well. I’m learning that I need to be a jack of all trades and know how to do things myself in order for things to get accomplished to my satisfaction. It’s become more and more difficult to find reliable help. Congrats on being there on being able to stay longer, and everything is still coming along nicely, in spite of the minor setbacks.
The painters were evidently just that painters not carpenters. So they didn't repair anything. But we can see your dream coming together. It will be lovely and welcoming!!
I too feel like your other commenters here, you have a absolutely beautiful chateau that is Very Old, and the blessing that you have is way more important than over grown beautiful shrubs and shutters that are just as old. I too find your comments a little desheartening as you are embarking on something that most of us can only dream of. Gratitude is key dear lady.
Happy to see the house standing. Replace the gardener who doesn’t show up. Tomas did not make much progress in six weeks. Happy to see a short video of your beautiful home and see the new furniture.
Glad you made it back safe and sound! France is such a beautiful country. I was there years ago and would love to return someday. I am much older now so not sure that will happen! So love seeing it through your eyes. I, too, am a Washingtonian. I hail from the Yakima Valley but did a number of years in Seattle as well as having family that lives there. So was even nice to see some of Seattle again when you were there. Thanks for the updates. Get some rest! 😎😎😎
How nice that you're back at the Chateau! As a homeowner for many years, even in a country where I speak the language (and supposedly share the culture) communicating with tradespeople is not always easy. I think I've been so clear in my directions, and the person says he understands, but he doesn't..... I have no idea why this happens. But being there really helps, and now you are!
I’m happy to see you’ve made it safely back to your Chateau along with your adorable puppy. I’m sure it must be overwhelming when you see what’s still to be done in each area. You might consider installing a large dry erase board on an easel in your morning/breakfast room. On It, list each area and the ‘Major’ jobs needed to be completed (or have been completed). Then, review the board; ‘check off’ each new finished job and give yourself a huge ‘pat on the back’ each morning before you start your work day. I promise you this action will create positivity for you as you continue this exciting renovation journey. Please celebrate small victories!!
I’m happy you’re back and can feel your frustration over the state of things however now that you’re there to supervise, stuff will get done faster. It’s hard being an absentee owner when contractors are left on their own. Take a deep breath and enjoy being in France. xx
Lots and lots to do ,Painting on the shutters look great but shame they have not fixed up the broken ones . And the windows too ❤ look beautiful Bathroom floors if Thomas has not put anything on them I stain them it help hide some of those marks then vanish them give them 2 coats I wouldn't paint them . Besides that the staircases looks great and love the furniture u got . Hello Chloe little cutie ❤ The garden has grown , u can trim the rose back a bit but it's most probably needs a feed , Rose's need food just as they start to leaf up I say looking at that one it needs food , they all need some but make sure the dog can't get it . .
About your bathroom floor dilemma, my sister once owed a house built in 1774/1800/1847 and they had lots of problem spots on their floor. They continued that house’s tradition to patch the wood floors with pieces of copper and flat nails. It quite lovely and quirky and wears well.
I felt so sorry for you to find your beautiful home in such disarray. I could garden in my yard full time and never catch up, meanwhile my house wants attention, too. Sometimes it’s tough being on your own, isn’t it? At least you have found your furniture for the bedrooms and it is there once the plastering and painting is done. Get a hedge trimmer, cordless or corded and you can get those shrubs done in no time. I have hundreds of feet of bushes, junipers and trees that constantly need trimming and at 75, I do what I can, a little each evening when it’s cool and there is always another day! I love your little Chloe so much. ❤
Sending you lots of positive vibes.. patience and 💖… that you find the right workers and fully enjoy this unique opportunity!!! It will all be fine in time. You will be surrounded by lots of good people with great energy and resolution! Definitely makes a story for a good book!! Would love to volunteer some time later this year :)
About the shutters…maybe “they” thought painting them as is would give them character??? Either way, glad to see you back at home. Wow! France is your home.
🌼Chloe looks sooo sweet and tired. What troopers you both are! Glad you made it back to your special place. I am sure it will all come together and hope you find time to chill-ax despite all the things that seem to need doing. You are a true artist, and you are rightly particular about how you want things to be. Like you, I will be interested to find out about the shutters and if it’s a “thing” to leave them kind of rustic looking 🤔Also hoping you find a truly talented caring gardener to help you with the upkeep and groundskeeping. Still looks beautiful there- (albeit a little wild 🍃 around the ‘hedges’) (pardon the pun) 💛Loving that gold bed and couch, carpet and other buys. Your vision is amazing and is coming into focus, and so glad you are back on deck to watch over your beloved French retreat. 🩵🦋🌼
First of all welcome home to both you and Chloe, i can understand your sorrow at the things not being up to snuff, there is a word you were trying to find to describe something disheveled, and thats bedraggled, it is so disappointing when jobs are done back to front, for instance the shutters, but now that you are back things will turn around for the better and it is nice for you both to be back in your lovely chateau.
Abby you're really progressing well with filming and editing. Be super proud of yourself. From the first roller-coaster ride vlog to the chilled music and calm voice with steady hand, you have come a long way. Well done. Hugs from Ann xx
Such a beautiful drive! About the roses: use Rose Care. Mix it into the soil at the base of the plant. Cut roses now (when dormant) to knee height and then deep water the roots. They do better when trimmed a lot. I cut off the dead parts of the plant to not take the energy from the whole rose bush. Dead head when the rose petals fall off. Dead head means to pull off the dead rose buds.
I’m so happy to see you back! My water color print came in of chateau de Boire and I have it hung in my craft room for inspiration. Can’t wait to see the progress!!!!
Welcome Home! We’ve all missed you and Cloe. You are tired and disappointed and you have every right to feel that way. I handle things a bit differently. Instead of just swallowing it I give myself an evening of wine, rest and saying outloud (sometimes yelling actually)what I’m upset about, sometimes even crying !! Then I get to work the next day and feel Much better😅. It works! Your home is still beautiful and pretty soon you will feel connected again. 🥰😘🥰
Jet lag mixed with anxiousness of wondering what got done and knowing what has to be done and then seeing it all can make one easily frustrated! Perhaps there was misunderstanding miscommunication with the shutter repair? It can be rectified just unfortunate nonetheless! All you can do is just embrace the fact that you are back and start moving forward and if everything is not completely perfect then that is okay too Im certain everyone coming to the retreat is fully aware of what a large undertaking restoring the chateau is and part of the experience that I certainly could appreciate! Positive thoughts as all will come together as you want them to!! Au Revoir💜
So great to see you back at the chateau. I am really looking forward to the videos of your future projects. Of all the chateau videos Ive watched, yours are by far my favourites.
Don’t let all the work overwhelm . Take it one one room at a time. Concentrate on the rooms used for the retreat. I personally,wouldn’t worry about the floors. Floors are the last thing decorators unless they’re to anchor a room with a certain color. What might help are matching strips of wood that you put across the doorway floor so unsightly nails are hidden. There’s a name for them but can’t remember ,lintel maybe.
I know the feeling… I was away for a few months and the work had not progressed as much as I had hoped but after a fews days in such a beautiful place it didn’t matter. There are so many ups and downs. I have the same problem with patchy wood floors and reluctantly I am thinking of painting them!! Have a few days rest maybe
I have to say I love your choices in all your furniture 🥰🥰🥰...the more wood carving the better in my thinking lol. If I could have the adventure your having...I would have a chateau FULL of gorgeous old furniture , lamps, porcelain, etc. I love your videos of the second hand shops full of stuff....I would go crazy buying everything in sight 🤣🤣!!!! Oh....love your choice of music for this video ❤
We used yachting varnish on our wooden bathroom floor, worked really well you can get it in a matt finish. Obvs very much more waterproof than the standars varnishes. Great yo see you back in your happy place Abby XX 💕
I’m not an expert but I’ve trimmed back my roses to practically a stick & they’ve bounced back beyond expectation, I’ve kept them “fed” though. And whoever did your shutters just tell them you’d never paint a damaged car before repairing it first. Strange decision they made painting broken shutters.
Good to see you back at the chateau! So looking forward to the retreat in September and don’t worry about everything being perfect as I think that is part of the charm of these old chateaux. As long as it’s clean and livable ❤
Ruma. It looks like to me, the workers are not taking you seriously enough, very common with the foreign male worker. They need to be working at the very least as hard as you do! Right? Good luck with all of the work.😊
Welcome home! Yikes! At least you have plenty of rooms to use for storage when you are getting organized and that will be part of the battle! Good luck!
Lots of progress. You'll get there. Be nice to show the views from the windows. It looks like heaven. What a great garden. I am envisioning a pool - but that's just me. 😂
I would have the people working for you to FaceTime you on every project that they do and they complete. They have to remember you’re paying them and you’re the boss. Can’t wait till it’s done. It’s a beautiful place magical. It’ll all come together. Stay strong you’re in your happy place.🦋
I'm asking the same question about the shutters. Maybe having them cleaned and painted will help them keep so that the repairs can be addressed one by one. There is so much to be done it's hard to focus on just one project. Hang in there. It is looking much improved.
Hey Abby lovely to see you're back in France. Had you considered getting the bathroom floor patches replaced with timber? Maybe some old flooring from somewhere else in the Chateau? A bit fiddly but sometime in the future maybe a way to go. Have a lovely day in your gorgeous home.
Wouldn't it be so fun to do some trompe l'oile painting on the spots on the floor?!? I could imagine a peekaboo of a fish pond in that one larger spot in the bathroom floor ☺️
It’s very difficult to manage things from afar. Pretty much impossible, actually. Re patchwork floors, painting the floors may be a beautiful option. I suggest researching your options.
I'm 60. I do not have a gardener or housecleaner because I guess I'm too much of a perfectionist. I decided I will just do it myself as long as I can. It's a lot of work but I'm not frustrated. It seems to me that it's tough to get workers in France. Is that the case from what you have seen? As for the patched floor.... faux paint it. I'm an artist. I would be able to disguise that without a hitch.
It must have felt so disappointing to arrive and have so many things not finished and not finished properly, but I guess the perils of not being there. Hopefully, this will not be an issue for you from now on. They have had a lot of rain in France, from the other chateaus I have watched and the gardens have been growing feral, even with attentive gardeners!! So your gardener might have been, just not enough to keep up with the rain effects :) Hopefully, you are happy to be back in France and I agree with you, who paints anything that still needs repairing??? might be a french man thing??
Good to see you back! I would tile the bathroom floors so they are completely waterproof and no worry of future leaks. Prune the rose back and fertilise it and it will come back.
If the wood patches end up bothering you, you might want to look into peel and stick vinyl flooring. I live in an apartment and it’s renter friendly stuff, easy to install but leaves behind a sticky residue you’d have to remove if you ever wanted to get rid of it. People use it in their bathrooms and kitchens and looks really nice
I’ve always found that writing out a list of what has to be accomplished makes it less chaotic in my head, & as time approaches I reassess. Make the list room by room & literally tape it to each room wall, & complete a room, then move on. Plus maybe a mandatory list of requirements before your guests arrive (ex kitchen, dining & only the number of bedrooms/baths for the actual number of guests, one salon for gathering & a nice outdoor space). I really like the natural floors which are authentic, so maybe you hire a floor guy/carpenter that can cut out and replace with old wood. Maybe some hidden in closet floors, or beams that can be cut down, or you go on the hunt in town, but I bet the floor guy might have a close match(?)...and then only seal them.
So glad you were able to make it back to the Chateau. I guess you are on a timeline now. I find through experience that work gets done best when you are there to troubleshoot at the time. It was definitely an experience for me trying to get a condo painted from one province over . It was definitely an education in how not to have things done as previously contractually agreed when you are not there overseeing things. Ah well live and learn eh? That furniture looks wonderful. Good shopping to be had in France. A shopping retreat wouldn’t go amiss. I would be up for that… just saying… or one of embroidery or furniture refinishing or Re upholstery….. just giving some ideas…. Not an ounce of self interest in those suggestions at all. 😂 A writer’s retreat? I am up for that. When are you planning that one? I want to get my application in good and early! Hugs. Things are on the way up now that you are there! Looking forward to your next vlog
Were they instructed to "paint the shutters"? Not to "repair and paint"? Which would cost much more...in fact, some of those may have to be rebuilt...$$$$
Sending hugs. You didn't complain but could feel the intense disappointment/frustration at every turn.For the floor patches... how about making them a miniature painting or stencil then polyurethane the whole thing to make it good enough for now. I hope you find a great carpenter to fix those shutters quickly and get them hung soon. The rose will do better if you just prune it back ruthlessly, will look bad for a year but be happy. So glad you have friend there and made it safely. BTW, when I was in major writing mode I laid in bed or the couch... not sure if was my process or the myasthenia that was undiagnosed. Peace
It’s hard to remind yourself that regardless of the remodeling & gardening setbacks YOU are greatly BLESSED to be living your dream.. while some of us simply live through yours😢💙 I love your chateau!!!
You are so right. Thanks for the reminder! 😊
You are right, that's one of my dreams too.
Abigail, you made it back, if I were you I would take a week just to relax to some of that yard work, enjoy the beauty of your new home, live well , wine and dine immerse yourself and think of all you have accomplished in just the short time, of owning Chateau De Borie... so envious and also proud of you . Woot Woot, your back in FRANCE!!!!!
I have to remember to be grateful! Hard with jetlag! 😜
And it will all be done enough for your retreat,,,that's months away. Progress not perfection,,you've done amazing already! ❤
Different countries have different concepts of what is included in painting. Repairs like the ones for the shutters you showed would need to be discussed ahead of time and even may need a carpenter. Painters often only do small repairs.
I’ve had to do an audit before engaging painters & hire a carpenter/handyman.
Your shutters look great!
Abby, you truly have learned how to roll with the punches. Even when disappointed, you stay calm and hopeful. I admire you greatly.
Prune the rose back hard and fertilize it. You can epoxy glue the marble back together. Because it is such a veined stone it will hardly show. You can use wood from the floors in cabinets to patch the worst of the visible patches already done.
Thanks for the great tips! ☺️
It’s difficult to leave workers on their own, it can all be fixed. By the way’ I went to a retreat where there were only two bathrooms available for 16 women. Not everyone needs their own bathroom. Don’t sweat it!
That's good to know. It's going to be hard to have to lower my own standards, but I have to strive for what I want anyway! Goals! 😝
Welcome back! The shutter situation could be one of two things, one of which could be just a crappy job. The other could be that they decided it would be best to treat the rotting wood area so it’s doesn’t spread, sanding them and then leaving them as-is (which many believes adds character), instead of replacing the entire shutter. Since shutters are made of different pieces and parts, it’s difficult to replace just one section or slat. All this according to my (French) husband, so don’t quote me on it lol
It's amazing what some interesting throw rugs can do for a not-quite-perfect wood floor. No one would expect a century old house to have perfect flooring. FWIW, I think the floors look *great*! Take a day or two to have some tea, eat some baguettes, and get back into the flow and you'll see the work you've done with fresh eyes. Compared to your first videos, the chateau looks amazing!
About the bathrooms-I am thinking that maybe the workers didn’t understand the scope of what you want done now-on the off chance that you would really want a fuller renovation. You might need to give them a list of exactly what you want done in each room. Then ask if anything is unclear. You have a beautiful place, and I think you should get to where you want to be by September. Will your workers be off in August, or will they show up. Try to find out now so you can
plan accordingly. Apologies if I am being too basic!😅
Just remember you are back in your happy place. Sometimes it’s hard to see what you have already accomplished when there is still so much to do - what I do when I get overwhelmed in my head is to completely finish one room - decorated and furnished - this will give you the room in your head to believe it can be done - bite of the elephant as my mum would say
So Happy You’re Back! Take a day or 2 to acclimate….and remember to breathe - it’s also about the journey….❤❤❤
Must be overwhelming, jet lag and seeing disarray! One room at a time is my sanity! Good to have you back in France Abby!🇨🇦❤️
Yup. All of it. I just have to remember that! 😝
Oh I’m so happy you are back. Chloe looked so cute in the car. Can’t wait for your next video. Enjoy.
I totally agree about the shutters. They should have been repaired before painted. I’m sorry your gardener has been MIA as well. I’m learning that I need to be a jack of all trades and know how to do things myself in order for things to get accomplished to my satisfaction. It’s become more and more difficult to find reliable help. Congrats on being there on being able to stay longer, and everything is still coming along nicely, in spite of the minor setbacks.
The painters were evidently just that painters not carpenters. So they didn't repair anything. But we can see your dream coming together. It will be lovely and welcoming!!
I too feel like your other commenters here, you have a absolutely beautiful chateau that is Very Old, and the blessing that you have is way more important than over grown beautiful shrubs and shutters that are just as old. I too find your comments a little desheartening as you are embarking on something that most of us can only dream of. Gratitude is key dear lady.
Happy to see the house standing. Replace the gardener who doesn’t show up. Tomas did not make much progress in six weeks. Happy to see a short video of your beautiful home and see the new furniture.
I knew Thomas had his hands full with his own place. Gardners are hard I'm finding.
Just love that you are back, yea wouldnt want to leave my home without someone supervising them but its coming along really nice, God Bless
You and me both!
The shutter hardware painted over would have flipped my lid.
I'm feeling your disappointment, but forge on. I would not paint those wooden floors, the patches add character. Love your vision!
Yeah, that's my feeling too. 😊
Chateau de Borie is still so romantic - super inspiring.
Take your time - finish a wing at a time, I would look for carpets & runners
So much work ahead! It's great to see you back at the Chateau.
Glad you made it back safe and sound! France is such a beautiful country. I was there years ago and would love to return someday. I am much older now so not sure that will happen! So love seeing it through your eyes. I, too, am a Washingtonian. I hail from the Yakima Valley but did a number of years in Seattle as well as having family that lives there. So was even nice to see some of Seattle again when you were there. Thanks for the updates. Get some rest! 😎😎😎
Thanks for your comment! Yes, rest coming up! I hope! 🤞
Welcome back! Overall things are looking quite good! Progress is being made. The gardens can be whipped our in no time!
How nice that you're back at the Chateau! As a homeowner for many years, even in a country where I speak the language (and supposedly share the culture) communicating with tradespeople is not always easy. I think I've been so clear in my directions, and the person says he understands, but he doesn't..... I have no idea why this happens. But being there really helps, and now you are!
You are an artist!--just faux paint the patchwork in the bathroom floors to look like the surrounding wood! 😊
I’m happy to see you’ve made it safely back to your Chateau along with your adorable puppy. I’m sure it must be overwhelming when you see what’s still to be done in each area. You might consider installing a large dry erase board on an easel in your morning/breakfast room. On It, list each area and the ‘Major’ jobs needed to be completed (or have been completed). Then, review the board; ‘check off’ each new finished job and give yourself a huge ‘pat on the back’ each morning before you start your work day. I promise you this action will create positivity for you as you continue this exciting renovation journey. Please celebrate small victories!!
Love to see all the different seasons at your beautiful home. Like seeing all your adventures
I’m happy you’re back and can feel your frustration over the state of things however now that you’re there to supervise, stuff will get done faster. It’s hard being an absentee owner when contractors are left on their own. Take a deep breath and enjoy being in France. xx
Lots and lots to do ,Painting on the shutters look great but shame they have not fixed up the broken ones . And the windows too ❤ look beautiful Bathroom floors if Thomas has not put anything on them I stain them it help hide some of those marks then vanish them give them 2 coats I wouldn't paint them . Besides that the staircases looks great and love the furniture u got . Hello Chloe little cutie ❤ The garden has grown , u can trim the rose back a bit but it's most probably needs a feed , Rose's need food just as they start to leaf up I say looking at that one it needs food , they all need some but make sure the dog can't get it . .
Lots of work ahead! Just keep positive and kind. It will all work out.
I think it’s fabulous! All of the unfinished stuff and quirks make the place so special. How lucky you are!
So great to have you back at the Chateau!
You have every right to be upset! Also don’t understand why they would paint the shutters if they didn’t repair them.
About your bathroom floor dilemma, my sister once owed a house built in 1774/1800/1847 and they had lots of problem spots on their floor.
They continued that house’s tradition to patch the wood floors with pieces of copper and flat nails. It quite lovely and quirky and wears well.
I felt so sorry for you to find your beautiful home in such disarray. I could garden in my yard full time and never catch up, meanwhile my house wants attention, too. Sometimes it’s tough being on your own, isn’t it? At least you have found your furniture for the bedrooms and it is there once the plastering and painting is done. Get a hedge trimmer, cordless or corded and you can get those shrubs done in no time. I have hundreds of feet of bushes, junipers and trees that constantly need trimming and at 75, I do what I can, a little each evening when it’s cool and there is always another day! I love your little Chloe so much. ❤
I could see how you could be frustrated, but try not to get overwhelmed by it all and concentrate on one thing at a time! Glad your back!
Even though it’s a jumble right now it is so light and cheerful
I’m so happy your back.
Sending you lots of positive vibes.. patience and 💖… that you find the right workers and fully enjoy this unique opportunity!!! It will all be fine in time. You will be surrounded by lots of good people with great energy and resolution! Definitely makes a story for a good book!! Would love to volunteer some time later this year :)
I'm glad to be back to get things moving again. For longer this time! ☺️
Your jasmine in green pots is growing and looking good.
I need WAY bigger pots for them! 🙄
🙌GOALS🙌 😃
Look how far this place has come! It is daunting, no doubt. Chin up and rock on. Love your videos. Thank you.
About the shutters…maybe “they” thought painting them as is would give them character??? Either way, glad to see you back at home. Wow! France is your home.
So glad your back 😊
🌼Chloe looks sooo sweet and tired. What troopers you both are! Glad you made it back to your special place. I am sure it will all come together and hope you find time to chill-ax despite all the things that seem to need doing. You are a true artist, and you are rightly particular about how you want things to be. Like you, I will be interested to find out about the shutters and if it’s a “thing” to leave them kind of rustic looking 🤔Also hoping you find a truly talented caring gardener to help you with the upkeep and groundskeeping. Still looks beautiful there- (albeit a little wild 🍃 around the ‘hedges’) (pardon the pun) 💛Loving that gold bed and couch, carpet and other buys. Your vision is amazing and is coming into focus, and so glad you are back on deck to watch over your beloved French retreat. 🩵🦋🌼
Oui! You're BACK😊 I'll have that glass of wine tonite..cheers!
First of all welcome home to both you and Chloe, i can understand your sorrow at the things not being up to snuff, there is a word you were trying to find to describe something disheveled, and thats bedraggled, it is so disappointing when jobs are done back to front, for instance the shutters, but now that you are back things will turn around for the better and it is nice for you both to be back in your lovely chateau.
Abby you're really progressing well with filming and editing. Be super proud of yourself. From the first roller-coaster ride vlog to the chilled music and calm voice with steady hand, you have come a long way. Well done. Hugs from Ann xx
Such a beautiful drive! About the roses: use Rose Care. Mix it into the soil at the base of the plant. Cut roses now (when dormant) to knee height and then deep water the roots. They do better when trimmed a lot. I cut off the dead parts of the plant to not take the energy from the whole rose bush. Dead head when the rose petals fall off. Dead head means to pull off the dead rose buds.
Yay! You are back!!
Thanks for the tour. Can’t wait to see the end results. Hugs from Boston!
So happy for you ! enjoy
Shutters look great! So fresh!
I can't wait till they're done! 😍
@@chateauchronicles I bet! Lots of great changes for sure!!
I’m so happy to see you back! My water color print came in of chateau de Boire and I have it hung in my craft room for inspiration. Can’t wait to see the progress!!!!
Welcome Home! We’ve all missed you and Cloe. You are tired and disappointed and you have every right to feel that way. I handle things a bit differently. Instead of just swallowing it I give myself an evening of wine, rest and saying outloud (sometimes yelling actually)what I’m upset about, sometimes even crying !! Then I get to work the next day and feel Much better😅. It works! Your home is still beautiful and pretty soon you will feel connected again. 🥰😘🥰
Wow the room is looking fab n I love the stairs wow looks amazing hun xxx
Jet lag mixed with anxiousness of wondering what got done and knowing what has to be done and then seeing it all can make one easily frustrated! Perhaps there was misunderstanding miscommunication with the shutter repair? It can be rectified just unfortunate nonetheless! All you can do is just embrace the fact that you are back and start moving forward and if everything is not completely perfect then that is okay too Im certain everyone coming to the retreat is fully aware of what a large undertaking restoring the chateau is and part of the experience that I certainly could appreciate! Positive thoughts as all will come together as you want them to!! Au Revoir💜
Sand the wood floors and varnish them. Throw rugs cover the patches in the floors.
Loved see the area from the plane. So cool to be doing this dream. Everything must be nice after the rain.
Welcome back and now you can have fun!!
So great to see you back at the chateau. I am really looking forward to the videos of your future projects. Of all the chateau videos Ive watched, yours are by far my favourites.
Thank you so much! You are so sweet! 😍
Hang in there. It's looking great!
Yes, it's a huge undertaking but you have accomplished so much this far, you are very brave and a determined woman, kudos to you.
Thank you so much!
Don’t let all the work overwhelm . Take it one one room at a time. Concentrate on the rooms used for the retreat.
I personally,wouldn’t worry about the floors. Floors are the last thing decorators unless they’re to anchor a room with a certain color. What might help are matching strips of wood that you put across the doorway floor so unsightly nails are hidden. There’s a name for them but can’t remember ,lintel maybe.
Threshold ? 🤔
Beautiful 😍 xx
So glad you are back at your chateau, it's come along way looking forward to new vlogs, God Bless
I know the feeling… I was away for a few months and the work had not progressed as much as I had hoped but after a fews days in such a beautiful place it didn’t matter. There are so many ups and downs. I have the same problem with patchy wood floors and reluctantly I am thinking of painting them!! Have a few days rest maybe
Yes, always good to count our blessings! Things are always more discouraging when you're tired too. ☺️
Great video. I enjoyed very much. Welcome Home.
Thanks so much!
Yay you're back! Funny, youtube unsubscribed me, just an fyi. Aww, sweet Chloe looks good. You need to get some good referrals for workers.
I have to say I love your choices in all your furniture 🥰🥰🥰...the more wood carving the better in my thinking lol. If I could have the adventure your having...I would have a chateau FULL of gorgeous old furniture , lamps, porcelain, etc. I love your videos of the second hand shops full of stuff....I would go crazy buying everything in sight 🤣🤣!!!! Oh....love your choice of music for this video ❤
We used yachting varnish on our wooden bathroom floor, worked really well you can get it in a matt finish. Obvs very much more waterproof than the standars varnishes. Great yo see you back in your happy place Abby XX 💕
Great idea. Thomas feels there is too much movement of the boards to go that route
Abby if your doing the jobs might as well do them right. You can get wood floor board to match and just replace those boards.
I like to see the house coming together. This time I decided to try out staying in Bordeaux in October. Maybe the retreat another year… 😊
☀️Can’t wait until September’s retreat!! Nice to see you back at the chateaux!😊
The colors of the walls look sooo good. And the shutters look well painted, too.
I’m not an expert but I’ve trimmed back my roses to practically a stick & they’ve bounced back beyond expectation, I’ve kept them “fed” though. And whoever did your shutters just tell them you’d never paint a damaged car before repairing it first. Strange decision they made painting broken shutters.
Maybe for the cracked marble on the dresser top you could try Kintsugi (literally, gold seams) a traditional Japanese repair method!
I love that idea!
Good to see you back at the chateau! So looking forward to the retreat in September and don’t worry about everything being perfect as I think that is part of the charm of these old chateaux. As long as it’s clean and livable ❤
Congratulations! So happy for you Abby. Let the party begin(maybe the painting).
Ruma. It looks like to me, the workers are not taking you seriously enough, very common with the foreign male worker. They need to be working at the very least as hard as you do! Right? Good luck with all of the work.😊
Welcome home! Yikes! At least you have plenty of rooms to use for storage when you are getting organized and that will be part of the battle! Good luck!
Lots of progress. You'll get there. Be nice to show the views from the windows. It looks like heaven. What a great garden. I am envisioning a pool - but that's just me. 😂
I would have the people working for you to FaceTime you on every project that they do and they complete. They have to remember you’re paying them and you’re the boss. Can’t wait till it’s done. It’s a beautiful place magical. It’ll all come together. Stay strong you’re in your happy place.🦋
I'm asking the same question about the shutters. Maybe having them cleaned and painted will help them keep so that the repairs can be addressed one by one. There is so much to be done it's hard to focus on just one project. Hang in there. It is looking much improved.
Hey Abby lovely to see you're back in France. Had you considered getting the bathroom floor patches replaced with timber? Maybe some old flooring from somewhere else in the Chateau? A bit fiddly but sometime in the future maybe a way to go. Have a lovely day in your gorgeous home.
Wouldn't it be so fun to do some trompe l'oile painting on the spots on the floor?!? I could imagine a peekaboo of a fish pond in that one larger spot in the bathroom floor ☺️
Maybe you can ask Thomas to help you find someone who will be able to give your place more attention. While the cats away the mice will play
I'm hoping he'll be more available again once he get's his place done. It was actually just serendipitous timing. 😊
It’s very difficult to manage things from afar. Pretty much impossible, actually. Re patchwork floors, painting the floors may be a beautiful option. I suggest researching your options.
I'm 60. I do not have a gardener or housecleaner because I guess I'm too much of a perfectionist. I decided I will just do it myself as long as I can. It's a lot of work but I'm not frustrated. It seems to me that it's tough to get workers in France. Is that the case from what you have seen? As for the patched floor.... faux paint it. I'm an artist. I would be able to disguise that without a hitch.
It must have felt so disappointing to arrive and have so many things not finished and not finished properly, but I guess the perils of not being there. Hopefully, this will not be an issue for you from now on. They have had a lot of rain in France, from the other chateaus I have watched and the gardens have been growing feral, even with attentive gardeners!! So your gardener might have been, just not enough to keep up with the rain effects :) Hopefully, you are happy to be back in France and I agree with you, who paints anything that still needs repairing??? might be a french man thing??
Good to see you back! I would tile the bathroom floors so they are completely waterproof and no worry of future leaks. Prune the rose back and fertilise it and it will come back.
If the wood patches end up bothering you, you might want to look into peel and stick vinyl flooring. I live in an apartment and it’s renter friendly stuff, easy to install but leaves behind a sticky residue you’d have to remove if you ever wanted to get rid of it. People use it in their bathrooms and kitchens and looks really nice
I hope to visit your chateau one day. I❤ your chateau!
No leaks a definite positive 😊
Congratulations on your return. May the hard work ahead be speedy with less problems🙏
I’ve always found that writing out a list of what has to be accomplished makes it less chaotic in my head, & as time approaches I reassess. Make the list room by room & literally tape it to each room wall, & complete a room, then move on. Plus maybe a mandatory list of requirements before your guests arrive (ex kitchen, dining & only the number of bedrooms/baths for the actual number of guests, one salon for gathering & a nice outdoor space).
I really like the natural floors which are authentic, so maybe you hire a floor guy/carpenter that can cut out and replace with old wood. Maybe some hidden in closet floors, or beams that can be cut down, or you go on the hunt in town, but I bet the floor guy might have a close match(?)...and then only seal them.
So glad you were able to make it back to the Chateau. I guess you are on a timeline now. I find through experience that work gets done best when you are there to troubleshoot at the time. It was definitely an experience for me trying to get a condo painted from one province over . It was definitely an education in how not to have things done as previously contractually agreed when you are not there overseeing things. Ah well live and learn eh?
That furniture looks wonderful. Good shopping to be had in France. A shopping retreat wouldn’t go amiss. I would be up for that… just saying… or one of embroidery or furniture refinishing or Re upholstery….. just giving some ideas…. Not an ounce of self interest in those suggestions at all. 😂
A writer’s retreat? I am up for that. When are you planning that one? I want to get my application in good and early!
Hugs. Things are on the way up now that you are there! Looking forward to your next vlog
Welcome back to your lovely chateau!! Maybe you can contact Benoit from how to renovate a chateau, for advice on the floors? He is a master carpenter.
Were they instructed to "paint the shutters"? Not to "repair and paint"? Which would cost much more...in fact, some of those may have to be rebuilt...$$$$
Marine varnish will waterproof the wood floors in the bathrooms… It’s what they use on wooden boats.
Sending hugs. You didn't complain but could feel the intense disappointment/frustration at every turn.For the floor patches... how about making them a miniature painting or stencil then polyurethane the whole thing to make it good enough for now. I hope you find a great carpenter to fix those shutters quickly and get them hung soon. The rose will do better if you just prune it back ruthlessly, will look bad for a year but be happy. So glad you have friend there and made it safely. BTW, when I was in major writing mode I laid in bed or the couch... not sure if was my process or the myasthenia that was undiagnosed. Peace