This week we share an extraordinary discovery that is shaping our ambitious quest to complete a journey that started over 250 years ago.
Unlike the château itself, the estate’s park and gardens where never finished. Interrupted by the outbreak of the French Revolution, marred by changing tastes and neglected and forgotten for decades. So the delicate task of designing a park and gardens for this 18th century gem falls to us, today, in the 21st century.
~ In partnership with ~
Ian Barker Gardens
https://www.landscape.net.au
~ Products we use & love ~
https://www.farrow-ball.com
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Smart Strip® Advanced Paint Remover
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Patreon funding will go directly toward the restoration of Château de Purnon’s epic 1812 front gates and haha. You can help support the historic restoration of Château de Purnon via joining our Patreon Community where we share an exclusive weekly video. A very special thank you to our Platinum members Debbie, Michael, David, Charlotte, Bob & Laurie, Matt & Michelle and Tony for your wonderful support.
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~ With thanks ~
https://www.culture.gouv.fr/Regions/DRAC-Nouvelle-Aquitaine
https://www.missionbern.fr
https://www.fondation-patrimoine.org
38 Comments
This place is so gorgeous I hope I get to visit one day
Why not build a 'ha ha' and place the cars below that? Then you won't see the cars from any window
You are in wonderful hands with Ian Barker. He did our garden in Kew with amazing results with the detail and thought that he brought to it. Not only is he a wonderful designer he's also a wonderful person. Can't wait to follow the results.
Might I suggest LiDar? It might show what was partially done.
Was the grande alley originally planned for use?
Really amazing job of this video! Congratulations to you both as well as your support team in explaining the project.
Personally I would have imagined it would have been interesting to have the car park opposite to the horse stables, but perhaps that would be not convenient
Congratulations for your efforts to save this castle. I just add a warning : according to the base POP-Mérimée (file PA00105768) the park on the south of your castle (cf. on cadastre.gouv;fr, the section ZP 115-126+131-133) is a "monument historique inscrit" since 11 January 2023. Not even talking of their possible "covisibilité" with the listed castle itself, then, you can't make "works" on a "monument inscrit" without an authorisation. Normally that's a "Permis de Construire" according to art. R. 421-16 of "Code de l'Urbanisme" with a probable consultation of the "Architecte des Bâtiments de France" (or CRMH). You should absolutely ask to M. Didier if the notion of "works" of this article includes the cutting of large trees (I think so). As well, if there is a "Plan Local d'Urbanisme" at Verrue (perhaps NOT since it's a village of only 384 inhabitants) and if it has considered your park as an "Espace Boisé Classé", you can't cut large trees without this time a "Déclaration Préalable" according to art. R. 421-23 g) (with exceptions at R. 421-23-2 like dead or dangerous trees) and L. 113-1 of "Code de l'Urbanisme" and with a probable consultation of the "Direction Régionale et Interdépartementale de l'Alimentation de l'Agriculture et de la Forêt". A "Déclaration Préalable" is as well necessary to cut a remarquable isolated tree protected in a "Plan Local d'Urbanisme" according to art. L. 151-23 and R. 421-17 d) of "Code de l'Urbanisme".
I absolutely love this discussion. Yes, the gardens are part of the restoration of the property.
When I was teaching seventh graders I did a unit on how one person could change the world. This couple is an example of this. Their wonderful vision and commitment to preserving history is a testimony to what can be done.
Just found your website. I love history and have been very dismayed how much beautiful architecture is becoming lost to the passing of time. I want to say congratulations and a deep thank you for taking on this amazing endeavor. The Chateau is beautiful ! You both have the talent and skills to do the quality of work this task demands. Thank you for bringing all of this to the world. May God Bless and keep you and your family. – a retired teacher
I would love to work on the gardens here. I would volunteer to just dig holes for boxwoods, can’t wait to see the vision.
I have 2 1/2 acres and have trouble keeping up with it, you guys are truly dedicated.
Instead of trying to park and hide cars close around the chateau why not have a remote parking area and transport visitors up to the chateau?
I love the way you present your videos and story and that you want to restore the gardens. I really love walled gardens/kitchen gardens. Please add one.
Landscape architect from Australia???
The parks and gardens must look amazing in Autumn with the leaves turning.
For the garden will you be partnering with a gardening or horticultural organization. It just seems like a massive project for establishing and maintaining.
Love your videos..glad you are saving this gem..
Where were the Vineyards at on the Property? And are you going to replant them at some point and start making your own Wine?
You guys are incredible and inspiring ❤❤❤
❤❤❤
I love the hay bale by the front gate ❤🎉 does that stay in the final garden plan?😊
Why do an excavation to find the front steps? Why not use technology… X-ray or sonar or ultrasound? It would at least tell for sure if something is under the front terrace or not. 💕🌞🌵😷
As a trained achaeologist, i suggest having an archaeologst on site when you begin digging. There are often surprises in the earth that are easy to miss by an intrained eye. An archaeologist could also help with identifying the layout and how it differed from the drawings.
Invite Time Team to come look for the stairs.
The lady reminds me of Marriette Hartley, like a granddaughter would.
I’m so enjoying your restoration, I’m an American, but so fascinating with the French society! I’m so very amazed by this restoration, in awe how hard you guys work, you have a lot of endurance & fortitude! I especially have enjoyed the beautiful music! Love your sweet pet! Thank you for sharing! ♥️🙏🏼🌹
Sería hermoso que quede como la idea original..jardin frances
maybe ground penetrating radar might be useful
If I had this historic landscape I would try to limit the vehicles in the area by offering “Classic Transportation” via caravan de cavalier. Less damage in the end.
Breaks my heart to see mature trees cut.
Does the Grande Allée require much maintenance to keep the vista open from the chateau?
Absolutely amazing what you are doing the history you are sharing Thankyou.
My granddaughter Laura is now to. We were in Paris France December January Laura hoping to study arts there when she finishes university. The Museums the art, which brings me to your Chapel I was overwhelmed and seeing how you are working painstakingly hard. I have nothing but admiration for you both. I am loving every episode. Thankyou so much. Sorry if I went on a bit much.
English parks are nothing new to the French LoL
Louis XV had an English garden at Fontainebleau made up of several hundred acres
Bless you both for saving this château ❤❤❤
The finished dry moat wall looks fantastic. I SO enjoy watching your artisans and your fantastic work! You have a great architect who gives you the best expertise to save this unique historical building! Thank you for sharing your journey!
Looking good! My Frenchman Great Grandfather always used to say that you should be able to walk under any tree on your property without scratching your head on the low hanging branches.
Chateau lalascelle is making a great formal garden