Louisa and Roger
When they first discovered the château, they were immediately drawn to its history and setting. Today, they are carefully restoring Montespieu while opening its doors to guests — offering a place to gather, celebrate and experience the charm of this remarkable estate.
Kathryn and Steve
One day Kathryn spotted a crumbling château online. A rambling 14th-century house buried deep in the French countryside wasn’t on the agenda, but as soon as she stepped over the threshold, Kathryn knew it was her little piece of France.
Lionel and Claire
We have always loved 19th century properties, we wanted a bigger version of the Regency villa we used to live in in Peckham in South London, the Chateau is about three times the size, you might argue a little too big!
Helen and Malc
Situated between Bergerac (20 minutes) and Bordeaux (1 hour) in the Périgord Pourpre, and surrounded by beautiful medieval bastides, villages and châteaux, it is a glorious and easily accessible place to be. For more active folks the rolling hills are perfect for cyclists, golf is around the corner, and one of the oldest rowing clubs is in Bergerac, together with many restaurants including Michelin-starred to reward your endeavours. There is also plenty to do in and around the river and lakes.
Sandra and Mark
This wasn’t a sale to investors or a corporate acquisition. It was a family transition built on shared commitment to the land and a long-term vision for the estate’s future.
Today, Mark and Sandra carry forward Alan’s pioneering spirit whilst bringing their own international perspective and fresh energy to Château Méaume. The mission remains unchanged: craft exceptional wines, respect the terroir, and welcome visitors to experience authentic vineyard life.
Sophie and Ray
Château des Fouilloux is a 16th century petit chateau set in 10 acres of parkland, surrounded by peaceful countryside in the Charente region of South West France. The town of La Rochefoucauld is 10 minutes drive away. The chateau is home to the Eves family who continue to restore the chateau to her former glory. The chateau currently offers three luxury suites for B&B accommodation & an adjacent one bedroom gîte. The chateau is also offering wedding & events packages for upto 80 guests.
Anna and Max
Vivienne and Simon
It was sometime in the late 90s, and an American château-obsessed Europhile met a handsome Englishman. It sounds like a fairytale, and in many ways it was.
That’s how Simon and I met, and it has been quite an adventure ever since! After a few years together in Edinburgh and London, we couldn’t resist the lure of France. We bought a small place in Paris, and then we took a huge plunge and bought our first chateau in the Loire Valley.
Andrew and Michelle
Michelle and Andrew had been talking about retiring to a little French cottage for well over 20 years. As the kids grew up we started discussing the possibility of getting a larger place where we could be together but live independently. This would require more than a cottage and we started to think about what sort of business could we run to support a larger property.
Donna and Paul
Nestled on its very own island between two 12th-century bridges, Moulin du Couesnon is a 13th-century water mill undergoing an extraordinary transformation. Once abandoned and forgotten, this historic mill is now in the loving hands of Paul and Donna, a globe-trotting couple with a passion for bringing old buildings back to life.
Debbi and Dave
Château Chomet is located near the picturesque towns of Limoges and Aubusson—both known for their culture, history, and local charm. While the château came with little historical documentation, Dave and Debbi hope to uncover more of its past as they sort through the rooms
Jane and Rory
Rory and Jane credit Château DIY as the catalyst for their move. They are thrilled to be part of the community and look forward to seeing their château featured on the show. The filming process has been exciting—aside from the occasional mishap, like when a piece of coving fell on Jane’s head!
Sharon and Tim
Château de la Grillère is located on the outskirts of Saint Germain les Belles, a peaceful commune in the Haute-Vienne region of southwest France. Just 42 km (26 miles) from the city of Limoges and a 40-minute drive from Limoges International Airport, the chateau offers a tranquil escape with convenient access to nearby attractions.
Sarah and Bart
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.
Jon and Carmen
This is no ordinary chateau – its tower was built in about 980 AD to protect the Lot river from marauders. The pirates turned into poachers and took over the tower and in 1450 (ish) added what is referred to as the ‘Pirates’ wing into the ground. Now Jon and Carmen are restoring it to it’s former glory!
Ash, Terry & Tracy
The Château embodies everything they had envisioned during their search for properties in France. From its grandeur to its character and charm, it fulfilled their desires and surpassed their expectations. As the centerpiece of their new life, it symbolises the beginning of their journey towards their dream
lifestyle in France.
Chris and Jolyon
Chris and Jolyon met when they used to work for the Foreign Office in 2008. Since they were kids, they both separately always dreamed of owning a Château, but never thought their dream could become a reality.
Julia and Paul
The Chateau is fortunate enough to still hold some of its original artwork. There is a huge 18th Century Directoire oil canvas on the wall behind the sweeping staircase which would have been incredibly fashionable during the 1790’s. They are looking forward to ensuring the painting is retained and protected to the highest standard.
Trish
Trish moved to Paris from America in 2008 for work and after more than a decade in the city, she was ready for a change. The first COVID lockdown was the push she needed to sell her small Parisian apartment and find a house in the suburbs.
Debbie, Paul, Aaron, Harriet & Hannah
Château de la Boutiniére, is 5 minutes’ drive from the picturesque village of Saint Pierre de Maillé. The River Gartemps runs through the centre of the village, so you can buy coffee and croissant from the local boulangerie and enjoy it whilst sitting next to the river, overlooking the weir and of the old watermill.
Christina and Sassan
After moving from the States (Christina) and Iran (Sassan) to the UK, it was a longtime dream for the couple to relocate to Europe. After reading a lot of travel novels and taking many trips across the channel, the couple decided that buying a chateau in France would be an amazing opportunity.
Nick and Nicole
Nick is half-French and Nicole is Swedish by origin. One of the reasons for moving is for a lifestyle change. They’re looking forward to moving away from the city and going back to nature. One of the plans they have for the Château is to create amazing experiences for people to reconnect with themselves and go back to their roots.
Philip and Angelina
Having grown up in Cornwall Philip eventually moved to London, working in property, where he met Angelina and they got engaged. After deciding London was no more, they started looking for somewhere to live while trying to find a wedding venue.
Alison and Zion
Château de la Boutiniére, is 5 minutes’ drive from the picturesque village of Saint Pierre de Maillé. The River Gartemps runs through the centre of the village, so you can buy coffee and croissant from the local boulangerie and enjoy it whilst sitting next to the river, overlooking the weir and of the old watermill.
Erin and Jean-Baptiste
Set in a 16-hectare park and woodlands, the building is so large it even boasts its own moat. And the land includes four large holiday cottages that had been converted from historical out houses and stables in 2009.
George and Sarah
In 1823 the architect who designed the Château de Brives incorporated many interesting items from his travels around the world into the building. Chic and beautifully furnished with French decorative antiques, it sleeps 16 guests.
Angela and Steve
This stunning 19th century château in the heart of south west France dates back to the 19th century. It’s set in extensive private grounds with heated swimming pool.
Wendy and Marcus
This 19th century château is in the heart of the Natural Regional Park the Caps et Marie d’Opale was built in 1875 by Andre Joseph Courtat to celebrate the birthplace of his wife. It hosts weddings and vow renewals too, and its gardens include a wedding chapel as well as a courtyard bar and barn.
Vanessa and Ben
Set in the beautiful Creuse countryside, the Château de Joli Bois includes three large out-buildings and 7 hectares of land. The owners describe it as a retreat from the intensity of life.
Janet and Philip
The Château de la Fare is a stunning historical building in South France. Previously it’s been home to a Knights Templar, as well as a musketeer believed to be one of Alexandre Dumas’s Three Musketeers.
