Château Fongrenier-Flamant
Helen and Malc
We were both looking for a change of lifestyle, having worked in the corporate world
and running our own businesses for over 40 years, whilst not yet ready to retire.
Coming with a background in property and design, we felt we could draw on our
skills to bring a beautiful château back to life. Add to that a new challenge of the
vineyard and winemaking, being surrounded by fabulous countryside, towns, people
and culture, why wouldn’t you?
Planning a trip to France?
What has been the most surprising aspect of château life that you didn’t expect?
How welcoming the neighbours have been, and also in general how friendly and helpful the locals are in shops and around town.
How do you balance modern living with the historic charm of your château?
By being honest about what we wanted from the château. We do not want to live in a museum or a pastiche of eras gone by, so we are setting out to renovate to modern eco standards and comforts whilst respecting the architecture and features of its heritage with an eclectic style.
What are the biggest challenges of maintaining a château?
Probably a little too early to say, apart from plumbing! It is going to take some getting used to moving from old pipework to new and the mind-boggling complexity in France of every different size of pipe and fitting ever invented, yet so difficult to find the actual ones you need in a brico!
What is your favourite room or space in the château and why?
Currently our favourite rooms are probably still in our heads. Whilst the château is liveable it is waiting for a little love to be brought back into its’ life. The master bedroom suite has an amazing view over the Dordogne valley, with a balcony clearly made for the odd rendition of “Don’t Cry For Me…”!
What has been the most rewarding renovation project you’ve undertaken so far?
We’ve only been here a month unpacking, getting the basics working and sorting out our world of French administration. We did however start the work on restoring the vineyards last year and had a little success with a small cuvée of rosé wine. This year has been a full-on spring with more intensive work so that we hopefully get our first real production run.
Have you encountered any unexpected obstacles during your renovations?
Caveat emptor – from our big long list of farm machinery and chai winemaking equipment that we bought as part of our purchase, virtually nothing actually worked, and plenty of the key accessories have vanished over the years since they were last used! We have spent (in more ways than one) many an hour taking apart the machines, fiddling with them and finally getting them to work. We are now best
friends with most of the vendors of spare parts in the area! A few more lumps of metal to go, but we are close to having a working farm now.
What tips do you have for someone considering restoring a historic property?
Start at the roof and work your way down! Amongst other things, rain and insects will have been determinately eating away at your château for decades. Structural surveys are rare in France, so look at your house with cold, hard eyes before you buy – the higher the roof, the bigger the bill. Worry about cracks if you can get your fist in, otherwise, all those other cracks may well just be normal! Decide on what you want it to become. A thoroughly modernised fairytale castle may not work quite so sympathetically as a beautiful maison de maître. Respect the past whilst you are the current guardian, but allow yourself to create a new chapter in its history.
How do you source authentic materials and furnishings for your château?
For us, a lot of the authentic materials will be through local artisans and suppliers, for example stone from the local quarry, and qualified masons. We are also regularly hunting online for reclamation yards in the hope of finding some gems. I am sure we will get into brocante shopping in the future as well.
What is the next big project you’re planning for the château?
The first big projects we have coming up range from the glamorous to the distinctly not! OK, let’s get that out of the way – the sewage works have all been condemned (quite usual in France), so that’s got to be done. Windows and doors need replacing, and a section of collapsing roof needs attention in the chai. The
nicer side of our current projects is the complete refurbishment of the west wing of the château and the creation of a self-contained luxury gîte which we hope to have completed and ready for guests by the autumn.
How has living in France influenced your daily routine and lifestyle?
Early days yet, but far more relaxed. We will have a lot of work to do, but it is under our control (or at least Mother Nature’s). We are yet to create free time to explore the surrounding towns and villages as we catch our breath since arrival and get projects underway, but we are enjoying social time with new friends and the daily walks with our dog, Dave, through our woods and vines.
What are some of your favourite local traditions or customs that you’ve adopted?
Lunchtime and weekend down tools (although it tends to be consumed by administration and planning)! Morning markets are beckoning…
Can you share a typical day in your life at the château?
Morning dog walks, get shopping done before lunchtime closing, dealing with administration and then perhaps actually get some of the project or farm work done.
What do you love most about the local community and area?
Very friendly mix of locals and expats, with a strong community spirit and events. The countryside, views and climate. Historic sites, towns and villages. The food and drink scene. Cycling, golf and other sports. The Dordogne and the lake beaches. The list goes on and on.
How do you celebrate holidays and special occasions in France?
Not yet, as we are the newbies, although we have had a Burns night supper with our Scottish neighbours if that counts?
