Hey Everyone, We probably should have said this in the video, but the wear and tear is totally normal. Any time you have 25 (sometimes 50) people in a house for an extended time, things are going to break. The students were 100% respectful and not reckless at all. Honestly, it's probably better for the chateau to be full of life, air circulating, people noticing problems, than for it to sit empty... molding.... rotting.... And of course, remember that the student tuition also funds the utilities, and upkeep, and property taxes, so we're deeply thankful for them on several levels.
Enjoy the holidays and try not to overburden yourselves with work! Slow and steady. Awesome work for the kingdom of GOD. Someday he will say well done faithful servant! What joy awaits!
Coming to such a place is a huge privilege (yes, they pay to come, but still...) It wouldn't hurt your young guests to learn respect for property while studying there. I don't suggest anyone is deliberately disrespectful, but simply that very few young people are brought up around antiques or valuable furnishings these days, and are used to living with stuff that's built to last maybe 5 years. I think it's absolutely ok to discuss with everyone in advance that we sit in chairs rather than throw ourselves into them, that we crack windows and run fans in bathrooms AND squeegee when done, that we never lie down on antique couches or try to tilt/balance on chairs, that we don't put drinks on furniture without coasters, and that as we reach our late teens it's time to think more about cause and effect and less about indoor impulsiveness and horseplay. Including a "care to avoid wear and tear" tour in your first day orientation would probably go a long way to just encouraging them to stop, think, and to hold themselves and one another accountable. Either that, or remove the more delicate pieces to safety when they come, and keep IKEA or second hand couches in a spare room to bring out for them...
Totally agree! Also, a suggestion box where problems and breakages can be reported anonymously. Maybe have preprinted cards in each room that can be filled out and dropped in the box as needed. 😊
I agree but I also think by doing this you will make the students to scared to relax and enjoy the experience. I guess if you have a chateau you have to expect wear and tear if you are going to use antiques and this is Leslie's approach and they seem to be happy with the outcome, so I would suggest that whatever they are doing they keep doing it.
Most of what I seen that was broken was not super sturdy furniture to be used by many people at one time. Couch, bed are all made with small thin pieces of wood that really are not made for motel type environment.
I agree that the students do need to learn not to be rough with your antiques. To sit like ladies and gentlemen, not like elementary school kids roughhousing. Breaking glasses and plates is unacceptable. Why do they act like they live in a barn? Yes, and I also have a hard time getting family who visit to use the exhaust fan during and after a shower and hit goes on with the light on a timer too. And to squeegee the tub or shower. It's hanging right there to remind you. I do it after I shower... It all about respect.
Not happy that I've come across as down on young folks or inspired a negative conversation, and I apologize to them for that. They're at an age we all remember, getting ready to learn adulting - learning their studies while learning some history while learning about life in another country, while learning to cohabit with a couple dozen other people. The stuff I was talking about is all part of the cohabitation part that can turn teens into welcome guests anywhere, good roommates or life partners.
Love how philosophical Leslie is about the damage caused by the kids--hopefully it can all be resolved without too much trouble. Glad you'll be wired for high speed Internet soon, and looking forward to finding out how/when the electrical conversion/solar panels and heat pumps are going to go in!
Oh, and I have long been thinking how nice it would be to get the moss and dirt off the beautiful statue. Hoping you can get some good expert advice to make that happen at some point.
without your care it would be much worse - like with old people: some wrinkles, some incontinence, but much interesting history and much charme and love - thanks so much to take all the world on your journey ❤🙏👍🌲✨🎀
Hi Leslie and Rob, I just love your channel, and part of your channel is your students, I love that you afford these kids the opportunity to come to France, the teaching is a very important part of this, but you also take them out immerse them in European/French culture, if not for you doing this some may never get to Europe, so continue to always include them in your videos. Your Chateau is absolutely beautiful, it will be nice to see you at home there and do the things that need to be done, looking forward to what you do for advent. Don't change a thing. Love from N.Y.
Hello guys, I'm not ask how you are because I know that you're overworked. If I were your neighbour, I would definitely help you everyday. I really feel for you, but look on the brighter side of things, you will never be bored at that beautiful place and your hands will always have something to do. May the Lord bless you, always 🙏 🎉🎉🎉❤ ❤❤
to clean the statue; there are several options: you can spray it first with a product against green paving/ cleaning tombstones (there is an organic version of that in a DIY store -); spray it, and let it do its work, takes some days. and then you can give it a scrub with a nylon brush, warm water and some little castille soap. The professional way is a low pressure steam cleaning. (Doff) high pressure washing works too but it often damages the surface
Always enjoy your videos. I think it was a great idea to give jobs to the students to help around the house. It helps keep thinngs tidy but also provides the students with a feeling of contributing as well as a bit of ownership while staying there. I appreciate your attitude about the chateau as a tool for ministry and your stewardship as such! Praying you find some rest and able to focus on the important tasks.
The statues has Lichen (green stuff) on them. I clean cemetery stones the no harm way as a volunteer And many are concrete etc. No power washing as will definitely harm the surface by roughing it up which will get dirty faster. Take a soft brush or wood or plastic scraper to stubborn spots (no metal). Then hose it down. No soap or harsh chemicals. You can use either D2 or wet and forget. Both are safe and work over time to bring it back to pristine! Good luck
Interesting and educational - particularly regarding the underground cabling. On another topic, a suggestion: Get Mr. Bingling (spelling?) some nice cushioned stools and put them by some of the windows so he can more easily watch the activities going on outdoors.
I own a restoration company, A MastersTouch, We repair a lot of furniture. I think you would do well to drill through on most of those open joints, pass a couple wood dowels through the leg, into the bed rail then glue using a PVA / Elmers wood glue. Clamp with bar clamps 24 hrs then come back w/ some furniture touch up and a little carving to make the repairs visually go away. Mohawk/ RPM in the US have the furniture repair products online but you have several companies producing touch up supplies in England as well. Pony make good bar/pipe clamps and you will use them over and over again. For sofa Frames it's nice to have a big strap clamp that will work on an oval frame and ratchets as you tighten it. You can use the stick and rope method too < /tourniquet style tightening the rope by twisting a stick tied to the loop of rope. The chair with the broken back is a poor design problem from the start. The grain gets short as the wood is cut in a curve and then the joint always has short grain. This is a common breakage problem with Victorian Ballon Back chairs and Bergiere's your chairs follow that design. They will always be a problem for you breaking easily. You will find ladder back type chairs more durable. Best, Brain
I love the way you've decorated and curated the chateau. Also like the students living there and seeing their activities. Leslie's decorating is my favorite part. Anything in the unfinished areas cellar and attic are my least favorite unless it's a cleaning or improving project.
I can recommend the use of a desiccant dehumidifier as it will also create warmth while removing moisture from inside a building. Prevent mould and the drier environment makes it easier to heat a space. Humans are the biggest source of moisture due to just breathing out moist air.
When Lesslie is sitting in the chair with the cabinet to the side of her you can see something on the floor and under the cabinet that may be that missing metal piece from the cabinet.
@30:00 statue cleaning. There is a roofing detergent that's use for cleaning moss and grime off of roofs, walls, etc. spray it on, and a week later the moss falls off. Nay take 2 or 3 coats. Re birds in the attic, place strobe lights in the attic where the birds are, strobing every few seconds. After a few days they should get tired of it and leave. A hawk sound effect has also proven to chase them away. Best idea is call the roofers back and find out how they are getting in.
I enjoy watching your channel. I believe that your chateau maintenance videos are kind of like baby sitting cures the longing for children, you cure the desire for owning a chateau. The reality is not as appealing as the idea of it!
Merry Christmas Rob, Leslie, and family! You guys, along with the weather occurring in your filming location, there in France, is starting to put me in the Christmas Spirit! All the best, Goodbye Mr. Chips!, stay warm, and Happy Holidays! Thomas!
You need to seal the cement bathroom tile to protect it - you can get a special product at a diy store. Also, suggest you get a Karcher window vacuum for your window condensation. You could replace the mural with a wallpaper mural - have a look around online. You have done so much work - it looks so nice!
Years ago I had so many flies in my farm house I thought someone was dumping them as a joke. I only occupied the house on weekends and had to vacuum throughout before turning the heat on - if not they would come back to life and begin to fly around!
Have you ever thought about using the GIGANTIC bubble wrap on the windows for winter? It still allows kight without the cold. I would also put little warning signs as REMINDERS of fragile items. I'm sure you do a welcome session where you discuss expectations. Why not have the students strip all bedding as their last check-out? I use clear 55 gal drum liner can bags to store bedding, etc Make sure each bed has one with huge labels as to what room. I get them from Home Depot. I stored my summer clothes in them ina small outdoor shed, no bugs! Once you start using them, you wonder how you managed without them. Store decorations, everything. I enjoy ALL content, but I'm a Christian. ❤
I wonder if you consider offering a room to stay for retired people with skills that may be able to assist you with renovations and repairs? I keep thinking, if I owned such a magnificent place with extra room, why wouldn't I invite people with a lifetime of experience and basically no time constraints into such a barter agreement? The volunteer would be able to explore France and determine whether it would be a good moving opportunity in exchange for their labor and room.
Candlestick calls for an old fashioned doily, useful to catch things like candle wax. Maybe a fancy old decorated blanket on piano? Love this chateaux. Painted ceiling needs chandelier. Still don't understand flies. Do they come from walls??
Bon Jour Leslie, I notice that you don't use glass candle Bobishes to keep wax from dripping on surfaces. I used to have a lot of them when we lived in PA in our log house. I no longer burn candles because at our age they are dangerous if you forget to blow them out. I do highly recommend glass Bobishes for your Chateau. Dawn from Florida
Another great episode. 28:00. Why don't you try maybe putting tarp to cover the ceiling?Pigeon poop can be toxic 😳. The short answer is yes, pigeon poo can be toxic. Like many birds, Pigeons can carry a range of diseases, some of which can be transmitted to humans through contact with their droppings. Recommended biocidal cleaners include D/2 Biological Solution (which was tested in this study) manufactured by Sunshine Makers, Enviro Klean® BioWash®, or other cleaners that contain quaternary ammonium compounds. Blessings 🙏❤️🇨🇦
with how many large floors you have consider getting a robot vacuum or two they are pretty cheap now that black friday is around the corner. also for normal vacuums i recommend bosch or miele. and also karcher for their larger wet dry vacs. edit at the 38.15. mark my house use the same kind of plastic conduit for the powerline it could be same in france
There’s this guy on TH-cam that cleans the stones in the graveyard in Georgia he has a special cleaner he uses he’s channel is , Sidestep: Adventure in to History 😊good luck cleaning guys
Where is the crazy hole in the upper floor for the idiot birds? Good grief!! That floor will be great and full of light. Maybe Beth could paint a mural on that wall. A simple two or three color.
The statue, stonework, and urns should be cleaned you can use a solution of Diluted POOL chlorine in the sprayer. You should be doing that château facade and terrace, that mold mildew and moss damages the stone. That’s what the house washers use. It’s economical.
Hey Everyone,
We probably should have said this in the video, but the wear and tear is totally normal. Any time you have 25 (sometimes 50) people in a house for an extended time, things are going to break. The students were 100% respectful and not reckless at all. Honestly, it's probably better for the chateau to be full of life, air circulating, people noticing problems, than for it to sit empty... molding.... rotting....
And of course, remember that the student tuition also funds the utilities, and upkeep, and property taxes, so we're deeply thankful for them on several levels.
Enjoy the holidays and try not to overburden yourselves with work! Slow and steady. Awesome work for the kingdom of GOD.
Someday he will say well done faithful servant! What joy awaits!
Coming to such a place is a huge privilege (yes, they pay to come, but still...) It wouldn't hurt your young guests to learn respect for property while studying there. I don't suggest anyone is deliberately disrespectful, but simply that very few young people are brought up around antiques or valuable furnishings these days, and are used to living with stuff that's built to last maybe 5 years. I think it's absolutely ok to discuss with everyone in advance that we sit in chairs rather than throw ourselves into them, that we crack windows and run fans in bathrooms AND squeegee when done, that we never lie down on antique couches or try to tilt/balance on chairs, that we don't put drinks on furniture without coasters, and that as we reach our late teens it's time to think more about cause and effect and less about indoor impulsiveness and horseplay. Including a "care to avoid wear and tear" tour in your first day orientation would probably go a long way to just encouraging them to stop, think, and to hold themselves and one another accountable. Either that, or remove the more delicate pieces to safety when they come, and keep IKEA or second hand couches in a spare room to bring out for them...
Totally agree! Also, a suggestion box where problems and breakages can be reported anonymously. Maybe have preprinted cards in each room that can be filled out and dropped in the box as needed. 😊
I agree but I also think by doing this you will make the students to scared to relax and enjoy the experience. I guess if you have a chateau you have to expect wear and tear if you are going to use antiques and this is Leslie's approach and they seem to be happy with the outcome, so I would suggest that whatever they are doing they keep doing it.
Most of what I seen that was broken was not super sturdy furniture to be used by many people at one time. Couch, bed are all made with small thin pieces of wood that really are not made for motel type environment.
I agree that the students do need to learn not to be rough with your antiques. To sit like ladies and gentlemen, not like elementary school kids roughhousing.
Breaking glasses and plates is unacceptable. Why do they act like they live in a barn?
Yes, and I also have a hard time getting family who visit to use the exhaust fan during and after a shower and hit goes on with the light on a timer too. And to squeegee the tub or shower. It's hanging right there to remind you. I do it after I shower... It all about respect.
Not happy that I've come across as down on young folks or inspired a negative conversation, and I apologize to them for that. They're at an age we all remember, getting ready to learn adulting - learning their studies while learning some history while learning about life in another country, while learning to cohabit with a couple dozen other people. The stuff I was talking about is all part of the cohabitation part that can turn teens into welcome guests anywhere, good roommates or life partners.
Love how philosophical Leslie is about the damage caused by the kids--hopefully it can all be resolved without too much trouble. Glad you'll be wired for high speed Internet soon, and looking forward to finding out how/when the electrical conversion/solar panels and heat pumps are going to go in!
Oh, and I have long been thinking how nice it would be to get the moss and dirt off the beautiful statue. Hoping you can get some good expert advice to make that happen at some point.
without your care it would be much worse - like with old people: some wrinkles, some incontinence, but much interesting history and much charme and love - thanks so much to take all the world on your journey ❤🙏👍🌲✨🎀
Love this video…especially seeing the unfinished rooms.
The attic would be a great big project as it would add usable space. And adding bathrooms is well worth it.
Hi Leslie and Rob, I just love your channel, and part of your channel is your students, I love that you afford these kids the opportunity to come to France, the teaching is a very important part of this, but you also take them out immerse them in European/French culture, if not for you doing this some may never get to Europe, so continue to always include them in your videos. Your Chateau is absolutely beautiful, it will be nice to see you at home there and do the things that need to be done, looking forward to what you do for advent. Don't change a thing. Love from N.Y.
Hello guys, I'm not ask how you are because I know that you're overworked. If I were your neighbour, I would definitely help you everyday. I really feel for you, but look on the brighter side of things, you will never be bored at that beautiful place and your hands will always have something to do. May the Lord bless you, always 🙏 🎉🎉🎉❤ ❤❤
I love everything you do-and will look forward to your music-love that!!!
Hope you two are staying warm and safe! ❤
to clean the statue; there are several options: you can spray it first with a product against green paving/ cleaning tombstones (there is an organic version of that in a DIY store -); spray it, and let it do its work, takes some days. and then you can give it a scrub with a nylon brush, warm water and some little castille soap.
The professional way is a low pressure steam cleaning. (Doff)
high pressure washing works too but it often damages the surface
Lots of wear and tear is expected with so many people! Looking forward to your annual advent series.
Prayers and blessings.
It so lovely to see you both back 😅 I enjoy everything about your vlogs 😊 xxx
My favorite guys, can't wait until the home is decked to the roof with Christmas some year. Hugs and kisses to Mr Bings
Always enjoy your videos. I think it was a great idea to give jobs to the students to help around the house. It helps keep thinngs tidy but also provides the students with a feeling of contributing as well as a bit of ownership while staying there. I appreciate your attitude about the chateau as a tool for ministry and your stewardship as such! Praying you find some rest and able to focus on the important tasks.
As we say here in Ireland, Rob, you are a gas man!😊😊😊
My wife agrees... though perhaps for different reasons:)
Looking forward to the Advent Series!!!
The statues has Lichen (green stuff) on them. I clean cemetery stones the no harm way as a volunteer And many are concrete etc. No power washing as will definitely harm the surface by roughing it up which will get dirty faster. Take a soft brush or wood or plastic scraper to stubborn spots (no metal). Then hose it down. No soap or harsh chemicals. You can use either D2 or wet and forget. Both are safe and work over time to bring it back to pristine! Good luck
I like the natural patina on the statue...
Interesting and educational - particularly regarding the underground cabling. On another topic, a suggestion: Get Mr. Bingling (spelling?) some nice cushioned stools and put them by some of the windows so he can more easily watch the activities going on outdoors.
I own a restoration company, A MastersTouch, We repair a lot of furniture. I think you would do well to drill through on most of those open joints, pass a couple wood dowels through the leg, into the bed rail then glue using a PVA / Elmers wood glue. Clamp with bar clamps 24 hrs then come back w/ some furniture touch up and a little carving to make the repairs visually go away. Mohawk/ RPM in the US have the furniture repair products online but you have several companies producing touch up supplies in England as well. Pony make good bar/pipe clamps and you will use them over and over again. For sofa Frames it's nice to have a big strap clamp that will work on an oval frame and ratchets as you tighten it. You can use the stick and rope method too < /tourniquet style tightening the rope by twisting a stick tied to the loop of rope.
The chair with the broken back is a poor design problem from the start. The grain gets short as the wood is cut in a curve and then the joint always has short grain. This is a common breakage problem with Victorian Ballon Back chairs and Bergiere's your chairs follow that design. They will always be a problem for you breaking easily. You will find ladder back type chairs more durable.
Best,
Brain
Rob I think your digging outfit will be on the New York Runways this Fashion season " rugged but sensitive".
Great video and dont work too hard before Christmas and stay warm ❤
I love the way you've decorated and curated the chateau. Also like the students living there and seeing their activities. Leslie's decorating is my favorite part. Anything in the unfinished areas cellar and attic are my least favorite unless it's a cleaning or improving project.
I can recommend the use of a desiccant dehumidifier as it will also create warmth while removing moisture from inside a building. Prevent mould and the drier environment makes it easier to heat a space. Humans are the biggest source of moisture due to just breathing out moist air.
When Lesslie is sitting in the chair with the cabinet to the side of her you can see something on the floor and under the cabinet that may be that missing metal piece from the cabinet.
@30:00 statue cleaning. There is a roofing detergent that's use for cleaning moss and grime off of roofs, walls, etc. spray it on, and a week later the moss falls off. Nay take 2 or 3 coats.
Re birds in the attic, place strobe lights in the attic where the birds are, strobing every few seconds. After a few days they should get tired of it and leave. A hawk sound effect has also proven to chase them away.
Best idea is call the roofers back and find out how they are getting in.
Good morning from Canada ❤
I enjoy watching your channel. I believe that your chateau maintenance videos are kind of like baby sitting cures the longing for children, you cure the desire for owning a chateau. The reality is not as appealing as the idea of it!
I'm also looking forward to the third floor renovation Leslie! It's a fantastic space, can't wait to see what you (eventually) do with it!
Merry Christmas Rob, Leslie, and family! You guys, along with the weather occurring in your filming location, there in France, is starting to put me in the Christmas Spirit! All the best, Goodbye Mr. Chips!, stay warm, and Happy Holidays! Thomas!
You need to seal the cement bathroom tile to protect it - you can get a special product at a diy store. Also, suggest you get a Karcher window vacuum for your window condensation. You could replace the mural with a wallpaper mural - have a look around online. You have done so much work - it looks so nice!
Good morning from Ohio!
Good morning, Lancaster Pennsylvania USA
Wood glue, enjoyed from Texas!
l hoppy ever thing gets worked out ,yous are doing a grate job
Years ago I had so many flies in my farm house I thought someone was dumping them as a joke. I only occupied the house on weekends and had to vacuum throughout before turning the heat on - if not they would come back to life and begin to fly around!
Have you ever thought about using the GIGANTIC bubble wrap on the windows for winter?
It still allows kight without the cold.
I would also put little warning signs as REMINDERS of fragile items.
I'm sure you do a welcome session where you discuss expectations.
Why not have the students strip all bedding as their last check-out?
I use clear 55 gal drum liner can bags to store bedding, etc
Make sure each bed has one with huge labels as to what room.
I get them from Home Depot.
I stored my summer clothes in them ina small outdoor shed, no bugs!
Once you start using them, you wonder how you managed without them.
Store decorations, everything.
I enjoy ALL content, but I'm a Christian.
❤
I wonder if you consider offering a room to stay for retired people with skills that may be able to assist you with renovations and repairs? I keep thinking, if I owned such a magnificent place with extra room, why wouldn't I invite people with a lifetime of experience and basically no time constraints into such a barter agreement? The volunteer would be able to explore France and determine whether it would be a good moving opportunity in exchange for their labor and room.
Candlestick calls for an old fashioned doily, useful to catch things like candle wax. Maybe a fancy old decorated blanket on piano? Love this chateaux. Painted ceiling needs chandelier. Still don't understand flies. Do they come from walls??
Bon Jour Leslie, I notice that you don't use glass candle Bobishes to keep wax from dripping on surfaces. I used to have a lot of them when we lived in PA in our log house. I no longer burn candles because at our age they are dangerous if you forget to blow them out.
I do highly recommend glass Bobishes for your Chateau.
Dawn from Florida
Another great episode. 28:00. Why don't you try maybe putting tarp to cover the ceiling?Pigeon poop can be toxic 😳.
The short answer is yes, pigeon poo can be toxic. Like many birds, Pigeons can carry a range of diseases, some of which can be transmitted to humans through contact with their droppings.
Recommended biocidal cleaners include D/2 Biological Solution (which was tested in this study) manufactured by Sunshine Makers, Enviro Klean® BioWash®, or other cleaners that contain quaternary ammonium compounds.
Blessings 🙏❤️🇨🇦
with how many large floors you have consider getting a robot vacuum or two they are pretty cheap now that black friday is around the corner. also for normal vacuums i recommend bosch or miele. and also karcher for their larger wet dry vacs. edit at the 38.15. mark my house use the same kind of plastic conduit for the powerline it could be same in france
Not bad for a bunch of kids
There’s this guy on TH-cam that cleans the stones in the graveyard in Georgia he has a special cleaner he uses he’s channel is , Sidestep: Adventure in to History 😊good luck cleaning guys
❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏
Please please put some fans in some rooms and keep the inside doors open to allow for air flow even in winter. All the windows are sweating.
Consider Epoxy for the wood repairs and dehumidifiers in that blue bathroom
Any way to get one of those big garbage bins dropped off to fill and then they can drop off at the dump? That’s a lot of garbage.
That costs money. This is free it just takes time.
I think thats too much damage from the young people...
Where is the crazy hole in the upper floor for the idiot birds? Good grief!! That floor will be great and full of light. Maybe Beth could paint a mural on that wall. A simple two or three color.
this lil "piece" is called "Une crémone", as you'll not regret starlink adsl when you'll get the FTTH !😉
I liked this video, however my phone screen is broke so please forgive me if it doesn't show.
Fire and smoke detectors always go off for no reason, or start beeping cause the battery is gone. I refuse to install them.
What do your guests do to the furniture.i would not allow jumping on furniture
Way to bring Canada weather to France
The youngsters should respect your property. It's not on that they left damage for you to repair
Put a metal bracket corner of couch
That will never hold the force applied to it and that would be ugly.
@ well it was just an idea. I didn't say it was a great one.
@ fair🫤
Wet and Forget product to spray on your statues
Ha yes. People who don't open windows and then SURPRISE ! Mushrooms 🤡 I have that with some of my Air BNB guests in London.
The statue, stonework, and urns should be cleaned you can use a solution of Diluted POOL chlorine in the sprayer. You should be doing that château facade and terrace, that mold mildew and moss damages the stone.
That’s what the house washers use. It’s economical.