Grande Maison de La Pinelle

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Longing for a rural life

Alongside their desire for rural living, they sought a substantial renovation project to occupy them for the next decade, and their new find certainly fits the bill, promising to keep them engaged, challenged, and entertained for years to come.

Embracing the challenge

Their decision to embark on the restoration of the Grande Maison was fueled by a blend of eccentricity, audacity, and a belief in their own capabilities, despite the overwhelming amount of work ahead. Drawn by the region’s allure, with its vineyards and culinary delights, they were captivated by the charm of the area, the scenic vistas, and the untapped potential of their new home.  Driven by a desire to revive the Grande Maison to its former splendour, they embraced the challenge with determination and enthusiasm.

Navigating numerous hurdles

They encountered numerous challenges, notably navigating the intricate bureaucracy of France, a hurdle they quickly learned to navigate and accept. Additionally, the language barrier posed its own obstacles, although they found solace in tools like Google Translate to bridge the communication gap.

Careful consideration for the future

Anticipating a decade-long endeavour, they approach their renovation project with careful consideration, aiming to execute it with thoroughness and sensitivity rather than haste. They estimate a five-year period to secure full residency, after which they may explore potential business ventures. An upcoming highlight includes hosting their best friends’ wedding in August 2025, an event that promises to be both exciting and revealing of their progress.

Advice for aspiring Chatelains

Do it! Don’t look back and just go for it!

Champions of Cognac

Dating back to the 1830s, the chateau served as a tranquil countryside retreat for the Hillareau/Bousson family, originally operating as a cognac maker’s haven. Its distillery remained active until as recently as 2019, producing a range of beverages including red wine, Pineau, and Cognac, with its grapes even contributing to renowned brands like Hennessy cognac.

Among its distinctive features, the handcrafted staircase stands out as a testament to traditional Charentaise craftsmanship, adorned with intricate ramparts supporting a dedicated stair rail. While currently in a state of disrepair, the couple has enlisted the expertise of a local Charentaise carpenter to restore its former glory. Additionally, the manor’s facade boasts striking detail, promising to be a captivating sight once fully renovated, embodying timeless beauty and charm.

Do your research

Their decision-making process was informed by thorough research and personal preferences, ensuring that every choice aligned with their vision and goals.

Top DIY tip:

Have a friend who knows what they’re doing.

Neverending job list

Every job you expect to be straightforward ends up being massively complicated and vice versa and every job leads to another and another and another – which means it takes forever to get any job finished.

Allure of the local area

The allure of Cognac town is undeniable, boasting an array of exceptional restaurants, bars, and vineyards. Its rich cultural heritage is further enhanced by the presence of renowned cognac houses and museums, offering visitors a glimpse into the history and craftsmanship behind this iconic spirit.

Beyond its culinary and oenological delights, Cognac also offers a plethora of tourist attractions to explore, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant and enchanting destination.

What’s the most exciting part about being on the show?

Seeing the development of our home. When you work on and in it all the time, you can’t appreciate how much you’ve achieved until you see it happen on TV. Plus the Chateau DIY community and being part of it, seeing everyone’s triumphs and challenges and laughing from experiencing the same things.