The dream of escaping to the French countryside and renovating a grand chateau is alive and well – even if the reality involves crumbling ceilings, leaky roofs, and the occasional plumbing disaster. “Chateau DIY” returns to Channel 4 this Monday, once again taking us into the lives of British families who have taken on the daunting task of restoring these beautiful but often dilapidated properties.
This season premiere introduces us to Donna and Paul, formerly of Château de Saugé, who are starting a brand-new restoration project: a five-story Normandy water mill in desperate need of a complete overhaul. Meanwhile, at Château de Cézérac, Jon and Carmen are wrestling with the installation of a rather extravagant £12,000 bathtub. The job is complicated by Jon’s fear of heights and the fact that the only access to the bathroom is via a precarious ladder.
Over at Château de Bourneau, Erin and JB have a slightly less precarious, though no less challenging, project on their hands. They’re converting a turret room into Erin’s dream art studio. With its unusual shape and centuries-old stonework, this transformation is sure to test their DIY skills.
Narrated by Adjoa Andoh, “Chateau DIY” provides a daily dose of escapism and renovation inspiration. Tune in to Channel 4 on Monday, March 31st at 5:00 PM for the season premiere.
