Ask the Strawbridges
Has Dick's fishing venture taken off?
We'll let you know next Autumn.
Who makes The Chateau candles?
Our lovely hand poured candles are made by: www.sandybaylondon.com.
What are your postage costs?
You can see our postage costs here.
Would you consider making pens in the future to match the stationery sets/notebooks?
Mr Strawbridge in particular is a very big fan of a nice pen, and you know us, we never say never! So watch this space for further developments of our homeware and gifting ranges.
Can you recommend a high quality pen or point me in the right direction?
Oh, we do like a nice pen here at The Chateau! Inspired by Dick’s father and grandfather, our favourites are vintage Parker pens! When I first met Dick, he told me about a particular model, buuldn’t find it, so I bought three different pens and fitted them all together to make the nearest thing to it!
Do you ship from France or from the UK?
All of our lovely Chateau goodies are sent out from The Chateau and we ship worldwide. All orders to the UK and the US are sent duties paid.
Are there any plans to sell beautiful hanging plaques?
We have no plans at the moment, but we do live by our ‘sayings’…often these are originally from Dick’s mum…’The harder you work, the luckier you get’ etc!
Would you consider doing a craft book?
Dick and I have already published A Taste of the Chateau. with over 100 of our delicious recipes, beautiful crafts, and gardening projects inspired by the Chateau. As well as my own book The Vintage Tea Party!
You can keep up to date with our crafts on our blog, vlog and YouTube channel too.
Where can I order copies of your books?
Our books are available in our online shop now:www.thechateau.https://thechateau.tv/shop/books-and-dvds.html
What does Angel use to digitally design her fabrics?
We use AI and Photoshop to re-touch and play with the design. Sam, our graphic wiz, does a lot of the re-touching, but the first pass is always by hand, which is scanned in and then played with!
Will you ever pollard the trees again?
They will have a little 'haircut' as and when needed.
What has been the Walled Garden's biggest growing success?
We now boast the Pays de la Loire's third largest Rosemary bush.
Where did you buy the truffle trees?
I have attached the link to the company where we purchased our truffle trees. Hopefully they can give you lots of great advice regarding your soil type: www.anenglishnurseryinfrance.com.
What are your plans for the flower garden this year?
We have separate areas...I have my cutting garden and Dick has his vegetable beds. They change all the time…normally I will be looking at the weddings ahead and trying to plant according to what the bride is after. Every year we grow wild flowers, sunflowers, peonies, roses...and many more!
What are your plans for the area between The Chateau building and the moat?
We have tried to do A before B before C! We still have lots of big jobs we have not tackled, but yes the plan is to have played with every part of the estate. However, it’s years in the future before we are at that stage!
What crochet hook did you use for the crochet rug that featured on Make Do and Mend?
It was a 15mm crochet hook that I used for the rug. You just need to make sure that the hook is a tiny bit bigger than the thread/cord you are using.
What is the theme music to Escape to the Chateau called? Can I buy it on CD?
It is called ‘Building the Dream’ by Phase music and is available to download.
What is the theme music to Make Do and Mend called? Can I buy it on CD?
The main theme is called ‘Walk to the Chateau’ and it was composed especially for the programme by Helen Greenham and her brother John. A lot of the other music is based on this piece, but with differing characteristics, we are so pleased that you like it. We’re not sure it’s available to buy!
What music did you play on your UK tour?
Jean Sablon & Django Reinhardt - Rendez-vous sous la pluie
Jean Sablon - Vous, qui passez sans me voir
Fréhel - Tel qu'il est
Fréhel - Si tu n'étais pas là
Jacques Brel - La valse à mille temps
Serge Gainsbourg - L'eau à la bouche
Serge Gainsbourg - Le Poinçonneur des Lilas
Yves Montand - C'est Si Bon
Charles Trenet - La Mer
Charles Trenet - Douce France
Yves Montand - La Bicyclette
Yves Montand - Sous Le Ciel De Paris
Edith Piaf - Non, je ne regrette rien
Edith Piaf - La vie en rose
Doris Day - You’re getting to be a habit with me. (This one is mine and Dick's special song)
Who decides on the theme of each episode of Escape to The Chateau?
Oh, we don’t really have ‘themes’ for the episodes…we like things to evolve naturally and reflect what is happening here at The Chateau throughout the year.
How did it feel recording a Christmas episode knowing that it wasn’t in real time to the event and did your real Christmas feel as magical as the filmed episode?
Every year, excluding the first year, we have had a pre-Christmas-day celebration. But it is most certainly still a Christmas celebration. Firstly it always takes place mid-December...which is really tough on the edit...one year they had three days to edit the programme after the celebration. It was very nearly live! Secondly, the celebrations are always about things that are happening in our lives. One year we had the Strawbridge girls over because the weather would have been too bad to come a couple of weeks later, we have had our team and also dear friend's celebrations…all were very special Christmas celebrations and I think most people actually have a number before Christmas Day!
And Christmas Day is always completely incredible. There is nothing like Father Christmas turning up and leaving pressies at the end of the bed!
How many fan emails and letters do you get each day?
It's difficult to say, and Dick and I make a point of reading everything...but we would say that it is probably somewhere between 500 and 2000 per day!
What is your favourite kitchen utensil?
Dick: A good knife! Everything from an oriental slicer to a classic utility knife. We love our range knives, made in Japan. Shop the collection here.
What is your favourite boozy tipple?
Angel: We love a good gin and tonic, but I also love a Glayva on cold nights, and Dick loves Bushmills Whiskey with a dash of water.
What are your favourite flowers to use in your gorgeous displays?
Angel: I’m a massive fan of foliage, eucalyptus, olive trees and herbs from the garden - they're used in nearly everything I do. Dried poppy heads, oxeye daisies, peonies and flowers which are fleeting are very special because of that very reason!
What is your favourite thing about living in a Chateau?
There are wonderful views from every window.
What is your favourite room or place in The Chateau?
Dick: I love our suite, the study and the family kitchen.
Angel: Mine is our suite and my workroom, the Tresorerie.
What's your favourite film?
A Quiet Man.
Who is your favourite singer?
We listen to a lot of old jazz, country and soul music, but there are too many favourite singers to choose only one!
What is your favourite song?
‘You’re getting to be a habit of mine’ by Doris Day.
Where is your favourite place to go in the world, other than home?
Angel: I love Japan.
Dick: I love any seaside holiday. We also love a long mountain walk on the Blue Ridge mountain.
What is your favourite thing about living in France?
Family values. Multi-generational living is second nature here and that’s really important to us. Obviously the fresh baguettes, butter, cheese and patisserie are rather special…not to mention the wine!
What is your favourite part of a project?
The end is great but there is lots of excitement in the planning and enjoying in the doing.
What is your favourite project that you've done at The Chateau?
Angel: Mine is the Wallpaper Museum. You cannot write the story of finding all the history of the old wallpaper.
Dick: The family kitchen of course!
How do you do your tile printing?
We use a subliminal printer, subliminal paper, sublimation tiles and heat press to make our tiles.
We have attached the links to the company and the various tools we use:
www.xpres.co.uk/p-7924-swing-heat-press-20-x-15.aspx
www.xpres.co.uk/p-9302-sawgrass-virtuoso-sg400-xpres.aspx
www.xpres.co.uk/p-7836-a4-sublimation-paper-x100-sheets-xpres.aspx
How clear is your vision before you start putting together a room or a space?
The first thing to decide is what is the purpose of the space, and this must be very clear before starting any project. Then I pull a moodboard together - this can include pictures I have ripped out of magazines and catalogues, paint colours, fabric samples etc. and this helps to bring clarity to the 'look' that I want to achieve. I always have the finished vision before I start. Saying that, it can change if something does not go to plan or I can’t source a certain product. It’s all about being resourceful and thinking on your feet. Have the confidence - you will be filled with achievement!
What would be the first thing to do as part of a renovation?
I have to agree with Dick on this one, the practical work has to be done first…decoration is the last part of the puzzle (but the fun bit)! Dick wrote about how we tackled the house here if it helps you see the process.
How do you do decoupage?
Firstly, you need to decide which images you want to use – some people do a random mix of colours/style of images, other people stick to a theme or a tone. My advice would be to flick through papers/catalogues you have, pull out any images you like and before you stick anything down, see if they ‘work’ together. With decoupage, ‘anything goes’ and that is the beauty of it! The pictures you are using should be applied using a mixture of PVA glue 50% and water 50% (this is white when you use it, but when it dries, it is clear). You can then apply a clear varnish over the whole thing for protection. Let me know how you get on!
How did you make the globe lights?
I always use a diamond tipped drill bit for the globe, and just go carefully.
How do you make your cake stands?
1. Put some tape over the centre of the plate where you intend to drill, this will help to stop the drill from slipping.
2. Find the centre of the plate using a tape measure or ruler and mark it with a pen.
3. Place the plate on top of an old piece of wood - needless to say you are going to drill through the plate into the surface underneath.
4. Drill through the plate using slow but firm pressure. If the drill tip becomes warm dip it in a little water or oil.
5. Continue the process until you have drilled all three plates.
6. Connect the plates using the rods and handle.
Good luck, let me know how you get on!
I would like to create a collage, what glue should I use?
For a collage, I would use a mix of 50% PVA glue to 50% water…this dries clear, so this will stick the photographs down and can also be used over the top of the pictures as a protective layer.
Where do you buy the shells to make a display?
We get them from here: www.wholesaleshells.co.uk
What are the dimensions of the diamond template that Dick made for Angel?
I have used a number of different sizes – from really large to small. There is no set size really, just have a play until you find a size that suits your wall.
Where are the butterflies from?
The butterfly specimens we have were from a supplier in the UK, but now sadly the chap we used no longer does them! So now we use eBay to find them, they are real taxidermy butterflies but you can get great copies out there that are not real.
How do you press flowers?
My technique is the old-fashioned way. I use large rolls of paper which you can buy from Ikea, lay the flowers out on the paper, over the top another layer of paper and then a sheet of cardboard and repeat until you have enough flowers. On top of this, I place lots of books and leave until they are ready. To stick, I just used spray glue and you can seal with clear varnish if you wish.
Where did the units in the family kitchen come from?
Our kitchen is from Ikea. We added the brass trimmings ourselves and they can be brought from most hardware shops. We used a very strong metal glue to attach them.
Where did you get your copper pans re-lined?
Here is a link for the copper pan work shop in Villedieu-Les-Poeles:https://atelierducuivre-shop.com/gb/
Where did you buy your pink marble rolling pin?
The shop La Boutique that we visited in the village of Caunes-Minervois is actually part of a small hotel called La Marbrerie Hotel, situated at 2 rue de Chasselas.
What brand is the range cooker in the professional kitchen?
The make of Dick’s new range cooker in the professional kitchen is ‘La Canche’. Here is a link: www.lacanche.co.uk. Be sure to do your research as we bought an ex-display model.
Where did you get the hob in the family kitchen?
The hob in the family kitchen is a make called Barazza, they are an Italian company. Here is the link www.barazzasrl.it
How do you make your walnut wine?
Ingredients
½ litre of 45° alcohol (vodka)
1kg sugar
10-15 walnuts cut into quarters (don’t forget – pick them before July 14, they must be green)
5 litres of wine (3 litres red/2 litres white)
Method
- Put all the ingredients in an air sealed glass bottle (traditionally a demijohn) and place it in a dry, dark place and leave for at least 3 months – up to a year is fine.
- For the first week shake the demijohn daily, after that once a week is fine until you’re ready to bottle it.
- Use sterilised bottles and sieve the liquid into the bottles and seal them tight.
- It should be dark, sweet and mellow (not unlike port) and makes for a great gift, party and winter warmer! Santé.
Enjoy!
What are the red bubbles you serve at weddings?
The red bubbles we serve are called Royal Rouge by Ackerman, it comes from the region of Saumur here in France and is always enjoyed at every wedding: www.ackerman.fr/userfiles/files/Sparklings Wines/Ackerman/Royal rouge/ACKERMAN MT ROYAL ROUGE DEMI-SEC.pdf
How do you make your G & Tea cocktail?
Here is the recipe for saffron G & Tea shots, which you can also find on page 35 in ’The Vintage Tea Party’ book.
Ingredients
6 Earl Grey tea bags
200 mils (7 fl oz) just-boiled water
50 g (1& 3/4 oz) caster sugar or to taste
200 mils (7fl oz) gin
Juice of one and 1/2 lemons
Crushed ice
A few pinches of saffron to decorate (optional)
Method
- Steep the tea bags in the water in a measuring jug for 4 minutes, adding the sugar and stirring until dissolved. Remove the tea bags.
- Fill up to 500 mils (18 fl oz) with cold water and refrigerate for 1 hour, or longer if you have time.
- Remove from the refrigerator and add the gin, lemon juice and ice.
- Serve either in teacups or tiny glasses. For a real treat add a pinch of saffron to each shot/cup.
Hope you have a fabulous party, let me know how you get on and don’t forget to send me a photo of the occasion.
How do you make elderflower Champagne?
If you would like to make your own elderflower Champagne, you will need…
Ingredients
2 pints compressed flowers
3 pounds white sugar
2 gallons of water
4tbsp of white wine vinegar
Juice and zest of 4 lemons
Method
- Stir everything together and cover with a tea towel for 24-48 hours to ferment.
- Then strain your mixture and transfer to bottles for two weeks to let it fizz up!
- After two weeks, we tasted ours on a lovely warm day in the garden!
Could you give me some advice on cooking venison?
Of course, here are a couple of points to note!
• As the meat is lean you are right to cook low and long…go easy on the juniper or it could dominate too much
• I’d add parsnip as, like the carrots and onions, they’ll add a little sweetness
• You could make a simple ‘Cumberland’ type sauce from Port, Redcurrant Jelly and the zest and juice from an orange and half a lemon. It will be a winner and can help cut through the meatiness of the venison.
Good luck and enjoy!
What is the recipe for your cherry blossom cocktail?
The cherry blossom cocktail recipe is: A dash of cherry liqueur, a dash of brandy or here in France we use Calvados, and top the glass up with some lovely bubbles, then add a delicate piece of cherry blossom to float on top!
How do I get the perfect coddled egg?
Oh, coddled eggs are a big favourite in the Strawbridge household! The best way to cook them is to rub salted butter into the coddler and let the coddler cook in water for 8 minutes, with the lid on. If your eggs are tiny, maybe reduce it by a minute or so…our fave is a tiny bit of truffle oil after and toast!
What is the model of boiler at The Chateau?
The Rayburn 480 provided an ‘A’ rated gas boiler and a sizeable cooker as being the focal point for the kitchen.
www.rayburn-web.co.uk/products/rayburn-oil-series/heatranger-480kkb
When first installed we had to use standard 13kg gas bottles. A monumental pain as when the boiler was going full blast they only lasted four to six hours. We had an automatic switch-over between two bottles but they needed constant attention until the large tank was installed. To supplement the gas boiler the two wood burners have back boilers. We have lots of wood and inherited a partly full wood store, though the wood there was past its best. Heating a chateau using wood burners is a lot of work! We tried buying and using coal but apart from the fact it is expensive in France, the workload was still painful.
What model is your cherry picker?
We purchased our Cherry Picker from a company called Nifty Lifts. Their website is:www.niftylift.com
Where did you purchase your wind turbine?
It’s a 400w vertical access turbine. We bought it from the internet, there are lots out there so it’s worth doing some research, that way you should be able to pick up a bargain and find one that is going to meet your needs.
Where did you get the hot tub from?
With regard to the hot tub, we purchased this from a company called Royal Tubs in the UK. The wood burning is a little labour intensive, but the smell is wonderful and it’s worth it.
Where are your picnic boxes from?
Our picnic boxes came from Ikea and we just love them.
What is Angel’s sewing machine?
My machine is a Singer One Plus model. I also have a Bernina Activa 145 which I use to embroider napkins.
Why didn't you take up the offer you received on Dragon's Den?
I applied for Dragon’s Den with a view to opening a vintage concept store and I desperately wanted a partner to make decisions with. Dick came along and ended up being my support and sounding board, and actually, after a while I realised I did not want to open the restaurant. There was no big reason, and Deborah Meaden and I still stay in contact!
What perfume does Angel wear?
I only wear one these days, and it’s Agent Provocateur Original.
Where does Angel get her pedal pusher style trousers from?
My pedal pusher style trousers come from Vivian of Holloway.
How did you both meet? Was it love at first sight?
Dick and I were actually introduced to each other by our agent, Sophie. Dick was already a TV presenter and I had just appeared on ‘Dragon’s Den’ and Sophie took me under her wing! It was at Sophie’s birthday party that we were introduced…and the rest is history!
Where are the best Brocantes?
Bagnoles-de-l’Orne
www.guidebrocante.com
What has been your favourite gift, from Angel to Dick and from Dick to Angel?
This is cheesy, but our favourite gift to each other is time. Even a walk together these days feels special. We both like to buy each other vintage items.. I’ve given Dick some special copper pans and Dick has found some first edition cookery books for me…
Angel do you knit or crochet & if not would you ever try?
Yes, I can knit and crochet! Although find knitting easier... I also love Macrame.....I would love more time to do it, and I am always on the lookout for new patterns and techniques!
Where does Angel get her headscarves from?
I have actually been collecting scarves for decades, you know I love vintage, perhaps take a peek online? You may pick up a bargain from places like eBay. Plus we do have our very own range of Chateau scarves under the gifts section of the website.
How do you tie a headscarf like Angel does?
It’s easy with a little practice, I’ll put a tutorial online asap.
Where does Angel get her clothes from?
I get most of my clothes from a shop in East London called Atika London, www.atikalondon.co.uk. The shop is well worth a visit it you ever get the chance.
I do also use eBay for vintage finds, Asos and Collectif.
Where is Angel's tour dress from?
This came from Collectif.
Where does Angel get her jumpsuits from?
My jumpsuits come from Monki.
Is Angel planning her own range of kimonos?
We are always working on new projects and collaborations, so watch this space!
Where does Angel get her kimonos from? Does she make them herself?
The majority have been vintage finds from online marketplaces like eBay.
Where are Angel's beaded shoes with pom poms on from?
These are by Boden.
What colour is Angel's hair and what product does she use to colour it?
I used to use a mix of L'Oreal colours Copper and then add Crazy Colors number 56 Fire. Here is a link to their website: www.crazycolor.co.uk.
Does Angel do her own hair?What skincare does Angel use?
Yes I do! Apart from our wedding day. It's quite easy to do with a little practice and yes it does involve hair grips. I promise to do a tutorial on here asap!
What make-up does Angel use?
I only use MACwww.maccosmetics.com.
Where does Angel get her false eyelashes from?
My lipstick is by MAC and the shade is Ruby Woo. I also use Cherry lip liner.
Where does Angel get her false eyelashes from?
My eyelashes…ha ha – I wish I had full lashes like I once did! Well, I do love the ones that MAC do, but to be honest, I pick them up all over the place, even the bargain shops!
Is there any special meaning behind the pink flowers Angel wears in her hair?
Oh, my pink flowers…no, no special meaning, I just love them! Since I bought them, I’ve never found any others that I like quite as much.
Does Dorothy have a middle name?
It's Francis (spelt the same as Dick's middle name)!
Where are Dorothy's clothes from?
Her Kimono came from Japan. Her boilersuit was a gift and her leather Apron is by Witloft.
Where is Dorothy's Wildflower notebook from?
This was from Amazon.
Are the children bilingual?
Yes! Dorothy and Arthur are bilingual…they go to our local village school and have all of their lessons in French. They are both thriving, and so far, we are very happy with the education system here.
Will Arthur be doing his own spin off series ‘Escape to The Shed’?
Oh, nothing would surprise us! Arthur says his shed is the best present ever…watch this space is all we would say!
What are Dorothy and Arthurs favourite things to do outside of school?
There are so many! Dorothy loves making slime and drawing…and practicing her make up techniques on everyone! Arthur loves Pokemon, Lego and Minecraft, Nurf guns, playing with sticks, cooking and now his new shed!
Arthur and Dorothy both wear beautiful hand knitted jumpers and cardigans, do you knit them Angel?
No I don’t knit them, some of them are gifts, my mum picks some of them up for us, and the others we buy when we see them!
How did you make Dorothy's party bags?
I used t-shirt transfer paper and my heat press, but you could use an ordinary iron instead!
Where did the family go oyster picking?
The town in Brittany where we went for Oysters was Cancale.
What are the cats called?
Rosie and Kitty.
Did the cats featured on the show come with The Chateau or were they already your pets?
We actually have two cats, Kitty and Rosie…there is a wild black cat that hangs around sometimes – it has no name!
What is the recipe for Jenni's apple pie?
Ingredients
1 3/4 cooking apples
1 lemon
Pastry:
225g/8oz plain flour
110g/4oz butter
80g/3oz sugar
1 largee gg
Method
- Crumb together butter into the flour.
- Add sugar.
- Add optional lemon zest.
- Mix in the egg, should not need milk but add if needed.
- Place in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Peel and roughly cut apple into pieces.
- Do not cook apple, just heat in a large pan.
- Add sugar to taste depending on sweetness of apples, and 1/2 Lemon.
- When just hot, turn off heat and leave to cool.
- Next, put cooled apple into a buttered dish, approx. 28cm wide.
- Add more sugar.
- Roll out pastry and put on top only.
- Make a few holes in the top and sprinkle with a little sugar on top.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes at 160 degrees.
P.S. You can use 8 Granny Smith apples instead of cooking apples.
When baking, put a dish underneath in case it leaks.
I use a 28cm glass flan dish for my apple pie.
Where did Jenni and Steve get the kitchen lights?
The kitchen lights are from La Redoute!
How did you make the negative lights at Steve and Jenni's?
They are really easy to make. All you need is a basic lamp with a rigid plastic shade and your negatives, but please make sure you have finished with your negatives before you start. I attached the negatives with PVA glue.
Where is the rattan dresser from in Jenni and Steve's suite?
The rattan dresser is from La Redoute.
What paint did Angel use on The Salon ceiling?
The paint is from our local DIY store here in France ‘Leroy Merlin’ and is an own brand called ‘id’. It’s a lustre paint finish and the colour is ‘selenite’.
How did you achieve the gold glitter grout?
The grout I did in our Boudoir suite is fab and still looks amazing if I do say so myself, I used a product called Gold Finger that you can get from Amazon.
How did you re-enamel the bathtub?
When we restored our bath on the show we thankfully didn’t have to do much in the way of filling holes as it was in pretty good condition but we did give it a very large sand and then the paint job. We used a company online called: https://www.tubbyuk.com, they have enamel bath repair kits and the paint is great and I simply followed the instructions.
Where is your taxidermy from?
Our faux taxidermy pieces, including the Giraffe and the Unicorn Heads came from a company called Broken Hare, here is a link to their website: www.brokenhare.bigcartel.com.
Where are the Tiffany lights from in the botanical bathroom?
Our Tiffany lights were sourced via a company called Tiffany Lighting Direct, here is the website www.tiffanylightingdirect.co.uk.
Where are the green tiles from in the Potagerie Suite?
If you google 'Emerald Green Moroccan Metro Tiles’, something similar will come up!
Where are the copper taps from in the Potagerie Suite?
They are from www.hurlinghambaths.co.uk.
What is the lustre paint Angel uses?
We got ours from a local French DIY shop. However this one is very similar...
www.homebase.co.uk/elysium.search?autocomplete=searchsuggestion&search=mocha%20pearl
Which furniture paint do you recommend?
Because I don’t have much time I love a chalk paint! You can actually see a little tutorial I did for Homebase below...
How many rooms does The Chateau have?
The Chateau has 45 rooms in total, not bedrooms!
Can I stay in The Chateau on a B&B basis?
Sadly, we do not offer stays here in the Chateau itself . But we have our incredible event days that are hosted by us and are very special.
Can I have afternoon tea at The Chateau?
Sadly, this is not something we offer. But we do plan to do events like this in the future.
Can I have a tour of The Chateau?
On event days we do show everyone around. However, outside of events it is our family home.
Can I camp/caravan/motorhome at The Chateau?
At the moment we do not offer motorhome parking here at The Chateau but never say never.
Where did you buy the domes?
We used a company called F Domes, here is a link to their website: www.fdomes.com.
Do you have a team of cleaners that clean The Chateau?
Oh, sadly no! We don't have a team of cleaners, although we do have helpers when we have events...I love cleaning though, so it's no problem!
We don't use all the rooms when we don't have guests staying, so really it's only like cleaning a 'normal' house when we are here on our own.
Who produced the 'Wallpaper Museum' material for the Servant's Staircase?
The company we used to produce the 'Wallpaper Museum' material for the ’Servant's Staircase’ is called Contradowww.contrado.co.uk
Where do you get your fabric printed?
The fabric company we use iswww.contrado.co.uk.
Where is the safari print fabric from?
The animal print I used in Arthur and Dorothy’s bedroom is a design called ‘Longleat’.
Where do you get your wallpapers printed?
To print wallpaper, we use a company called ProCo - these guys print wallpaper on demand...here is a link to their website www.proco.com
Where is the Paris haberdashery that Angel visited with Dorothy?
The haberdashery shop in Paris is called La Mercerie Parisienne, here is a link to their website: www.lamercerieparisienne.com/en/.
Where are the markets you visit?
Laval - Marché cathédrale, saturday 8am/1pm Laval - Place du 11 Novembre, saturday 8am/6pm Mayenne - Place Clémenceau, saturday 8am/1pm, monday 8am/1pm Mayenne - Place 9 Juin, saturday 8am/1pm
Have you both had the opportunity to learn French?
Dick could already speak quite a lot of French when we moved here, and I am still learning....the children are now bilingual! We have French friends and team members… Arthur & Dorothy are in a fully French school and we have a few families that we are very close with!
Where is the nearest town to The Chateau?
The nearest town is Laval, which is about 10 minutes away. We are also close to the village of Martigne-sur-Mayenne.
How much did The Chateau cost?
Priced at £380,000 post tax, Chateau de la Motte Husson was an incredible bargain and to be honest, everything we’d dreamt of, except for the fact it had no sewerage, no electricity and no heating.
What brand is the lift at The Chateau?
In 2016, we decided that we needed a lift to open up the upper floors in The Chateau. Our first thoughts were to find a lovely vintage lift, however this was not feasible. After lots of research we opted for a thing of beauty, which was also excitingly geeky. Our lift goes up through the first four floors of the Chateau and works by sucking you up a tube.
Website: www.vacuumelevators.eu
Twitter: @pvelevators
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pvelevatorseurope
What is the paving at the front of The Chateau?
The flagstones came from Westminster Stone and are called National Trust ‘Hidcote’, here is a link to the website:
www.westminsterstone.com/product/national-trust-hidcote-flagstones/
Where are the aviaries from?
We bought the aviaries here in France, here’s the link to the website: www.bca-antiquematerials.com. Search on aviary and the page should just pop up.
Does The Chateau have any history during the Second World War?
As far as we know and we have done some digging, there is no history here around the Second World War. We had a fascinating meeting in the Archive offices in Laval to find out as much as we could, but nothing arose. However, we do plan to get a historian in who should shed more light…
Would you ever consider filming a virtual tour?
Great minds think alike! We are actually planning on producing a Virtual Tour…it’s been on our ‘To Do’ list for a long time, so hopefully this year, it will happen!
How did you clean out The Chateau's roof space?
Luckily, our attic space was already floor-boarded out (we believe that The Chateau servants used to live in the attic spaces), so no balancing on beams for us!
What is your favourite accessory for your campervan?
Oh, that’s a tricky one! I would say a cushion, layers of fabric make it really cosy! But I’ve just asked Dick and he said, aside from some sort of cooker, it would be a portable cocktail kit. Dick’s mum bought us one in a mini leather carrying case and it’s completely fabulous!
Where do you buy all your globes de marié?
I use a mixture of antique shops here in France and amazon!
Does The Chateau have a wedding season?
Weddings and Events season runs from May through to September.
Have you been able to harvest truffles from your truffle trees yet?
Oh, the truffle trees, they are doing well.. but we don’t know if we have truffles yet. When they were planted we were told 5 years before any truffles… so Dick & I thought we would look next year and get a truffle dog hunter in to see if we have any! Fingers crossed...
How do you get people to work at The Chateau. Do you use a company or do people apply directly to you?
I think the system you mean is Workaway France. Some of the Chateaux who have appeared on the DIY shows advertise on here....take a peek, there might be an incredible adventure awaiting you! We have found our team organically.
Have you found anything interesting in the ground at The Chateau?
We have actually found some bits of clay and china. We have also just got some metal detectors… the children got them for a gift but we are getting a better one also for us! We are saving the old path as a walk until this arrives.
What site did you use to look at properties?
We have used these guys that specialise in Chateaux for sale and other larger properties...http://www.cabinetlenail.com/real-estate-agency-castles-and-properties-in-france.htmlalso you could take a peek at http://www.englishspoken.comand a quick internet search for ‘estate agents in France’ will bring up a number of sites for you to look at!
Do you use the lift much these days?
Haha, no! The lift does not get used much but we do use it when we need to, so it was worth every penny!