Anyone else wishing Philip & Anna had started KZfaq muuuch earlier and seen them transform the other apartments/house?

Oh Gosh, I loooove when people are honest and open about money. It gives others a real perspective and knowledge about how to achieve things and how dreams dont come true in one day. Thank you Ana for your honesty.

The story is so inspirational…but the production style, Anna’s presenting and Philipp’s editing are also incredible, compelling and seamless. It’s easy to take for granted how great you guys are at this. This video is art.

You flipped multiple properties on your way to château, pouring your hearts, money, time and DIY skills into every single one. You honestly deserve everything good that comes your way in the future. Very well done!

I really appreciate the transparency about how much you profited from each renovation and how much liquid cash was actually required to start a project like this. Most would glaze over the actual numbers but it helps put everything into perspective. Congrats!

THANK YOU. So many property flippers and restoration channels and others in this community say almost nothing about how they made their renovation dreams a reality. You clearly laid out how you climbed the ladder and unsurprisingly it was by starting small and learning DIY skills and then graduating to successively bigger and more ambitious projects. Using the profits from previous flips as stepping stones to the next level. I especially appreciated the fact that you admitted at one point that you had 800K Euros ready to spend. Good stuff guys. Congrats on all your success.

Anna and Phillip, please accept my admiration and respect for your nearly superhuman work ethic.

Anna, thank you for sharing this hair-raising and “almost” heartbreaking story of what you and Philipp went through to acquire LaFleur. We, your fans and patrons, are very grateful indeed that it all worked out in the end. It obviously was meant to be!

You two are absolutely incredible. I'm impressed... Completely renovating and transforming two homes,... And then a Chateau. It really takes stamina, persistence, strength, creativity, skill, a very solid relationship..and so much more I cannot even imagine 😍 I just wish you so much happiness

Haha she said “I was weak and desperate enough” to agree to buy a château and agree to Philip. Maybe you should get weak and desperate more often because it turns out it was one of the best decisions you made haha!

Thank you for sharing this. When I met my husband, we were both divorced and in debt (from helping partners in the past). But we were hard workers. We got together and did nothing but work and throw money at our debt. After we paid that off, then we got a small savings together and bought a single-wide mobile home in a park. We fixed it up (new kitchen, shade trees, landscaping, painted the inside and outside, and sold it for a little more than we bought it. We found double-wide modular home on a piece of land that was in foreclosure. It had been listed incorrectly, so no one else could find it, and we were able to buy it undermarket. The walls were painted hideous colors (teenager's choice), and the shag carpet was destroyed from their herd of little dogs. We repainted the whole inside with light colors, put down pergo floors, and landscaped the bare yard with irises, flowering trees, fruit trees and shade trees. We were able to pay off the house, and then the housing prices went WAY up. We sold it for a good price, (everyone gushed about the garden) and we used the money to buy a real, two-story house in the country, where prices were cheaper. People think we are "rich". No, we are hard workers. That whole time, we did not take vacations, rarely went out to dinner, didn't buy new cars, we worked day, evenings and weekends, and put every extra dollar towards the principle.

Very impressed with the property ladder you climbed and the risks you took to make the Chateau a reality. You two are people who MAKE THINGS HAPPEN. So much admiration for that!

I think this is one of the most important videos you've produced. Because it's very easy for people to just assume you were born to privileges leading to Chateau life on a smooth trajectory without much hoopla. People assume ALOT of things about people they see in media, social media is no exception. I know you've mentioned on more than one occasion you had a journey of buying and renovating flats in Paris, but it was really interesting to see your previous homes and results, and it's clear you didn't have a fortune to begin with but your ambitions and hard work payed off. It's also really interesting to hear how close it was to the dream being shattered. It takes some real perseverance, love and a supportive relationship to not lose faith when the cards are stacked against you that tall. Like other stories of friends of mine, it's also an interesting reminder of how if you do hang in there, only one person, the right person, and a bit of luck can help turn things around again. You've certainly had many lessons learned but mostly with positively enforcing experiences that enabled you to trust in yourselves and your visions and think big, even when nobody else did. I'm 100%certain you gained more respect from many viewers for this backstory and your total candour. It's a lovely love story as well, and tbh talking property aquisitions and financial advancement very seldom is, in fact it's more often a story of losses and shattered relationships than not. Inspirational! ❤️

As someone who had worked for almost 40 years in fashion I can attest that the hours are extremely long ! We worked 5 saturdays and 3 sundays per collection and many many long hours to prepare the shows and then the inter season collections began along with the industrialisation of the main collection and that didn't count the prototypes needed for the licences or the knitwear or even preparing things for the window dressing or personal wardrobes for models or staff. I couldn't have a personal life, no kids were possible, holidays were whenever possible and on one of my jobs I didn't take a holiday in three years so I can fully understand Anna not being able to juggle all that with three children ( counting Philipp) xoxoxo

Your channel is so fascinating to me. I grew up in a second empire Victorian home built in the 1860s. My family had to move when I was a kid due to my mom's health, but restoring it was my dad's passion project for 30 years. I only wish I could have lived there longer. You're doing a wonderful thing for your children, and I couldn't have asked for a better place to grow up myself. I'm currently in high school in southern California, which is the opposite of historic, but I'll treasure my memories in that house and will love everything 19th century for the rest of my life.

Aw, poor Philip!!! :( He always seems so happy-go-lucky, optimistic, humorous, and so humble about this journey! Like others, we just simply believed you guys had the money for the property. I am so glad that Philip is alright and you both made it through!!!! Look at this chateau. You certainly proved the friend and that bank right that your business would be successful! Plus, when you have Anna on the team, things will surely go to plan ;D Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful story. It adds 100x more charm to this masterpiece 💖🌟✨🎉

Wow what a story. I'm so glad things worked out well for you both. You and Philip have such great skills and innovation to do what you did. Well done!

Wow - you guys have been at this renovation stuff for a long time. I would be exhausted but it seems to have inspired you to do more and more. You’re a great team and have already achieved so much. I’m so glad that you realized the dream of getting your chateau and have been sharing your journey with us. Philip is a gem ( as well as being an influencer) and you Anna have really become such a professional at presenting! I can’t wait to see the renovation of the dining room and what you decide to do for the wall paper. You’ve built a wonderful life for yourselves and your girls. Congratulations!

Thank you guys so much for your transparency. It’s very rare that people are so honest with their finances. Your story motivates others to reach for the stars and make smart financial decisions in order to obtain their goals! All the best 😊

Your MAIN bussiness should be flipping properties,you are so so so good at it !!!!

Thank you for the back story. It explains your journey. We, as your public, just love to see old history refurbished and brought back to life. I never would have thought I would be watching a chateau being rebuilt. It’s because of your creativity and Phillips DRY humor. You both are so endearing. We all wish you joy and years of happiness. Ziggy is a lovable hoot. He fits right in. ♥️

I absolutely loved watching this back story,seeing your previous homes,all the beautiful work you put in and your perseverance throughout.WOW!!I always enjoy your content. This video just deepened my appreciation for you both. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Wow, what a journey! Didn't know that you had renovated so many houses already before tackling this beast. Much respect for this long breath and commitment to beautify this planet! Apart from world peace and healthy food this is maybe one of the most important things right now.

What an astounding amount of different talents are possessed by the two of you! For starters (most important first), you are wonderful parents. Secondly, you have the knack of successful partnership and collaboration under stress. Then add vision, creativity, superlative design skills, writing, film direction and editing, story telling, hosting, business acumen, work ethic, carpentry, electric, plumbing and gardening know how. And if all else failed, I'm convinced Phillip could have a stand up comedy career. : ) You bring so much beauty and joy into our lives!

Really interesting to hear about journey in purchasing the chateau. Really loved the renovations that you both did on the house in the suburbs, what a transformation! Been following all the work transforming the chateau and all its grounds too! Such hard work but so worth it. I wish you all the best for the future.

The French health system is fantastic, You two did not need the levels of stress to get a loan. You have made a journey together through the rough and have come up trumps. Yes there are still things to be finished, but what you have both achieved over a couple of years is amazing. I love the new kitchen and everything that you have both worked on within the mansion/Chateau. Love your vlogs 💛

Thank you Anna, for this background story. You two are go-getters. Giving up is not an option. You can be so proud of what you achieved in a relatively short amount of time. Chapeau for your chateau!

Thank you for sharing your story, it helps to dispel the myth that only millionaires can carry out great projects, such as this monumental renovation. Your story shows us that love and family are another type of wealth that greatly contributes to people reaching their goals. I have no doubt that you are great and beautiful people, you have formed a beautiful family, moved by love, work discipline and a great spirit of improvement, that is the key to your success. God bless you!

That was such a beautiful renovation on your house, really lovely; glad you were able to sell every property for a profit. I'm so glad you finally got the loan and you're where you are today, in your beautiful Chateau! So sorry that Phillip went through that, hope that all is well now with his high blood pressure. I just can't picture him having any problems, he's such a great guy and I love his sense of humor. I'm so glad that you're both doing well and I hope you have a wonderful week. Hello to Ella and Lily and you Anna and Phillip. (from Sandi)

I love that you guys made this videos. To see that you didn't just pick up and buy something on a whim but had a whole journey to get to this spot is inspirational. You both are so talented and balance each other so well. I love seeing how this journey continues.

You have to pass a heath test to get a loan in France? I am constantly amazed at how insane the rules and paperwork are there. Good job being persistent. 🧡

I just stumbled upon one of your renovation videos of the Château and then this one came up next. I’m so thankful that you guys were able to realise your dream. Thankful that that one right person stumbled in your path and was able to open that door of opportunity for you all. And their faith in you both has been amply rewarded. Well done indeed!

After seeing your previous renovation work, how could anyone doubt your ability to transform a location?! I’m so happy for your family (and viewers) that things fell in place and allowed this channel to happen. Also, please please tell us the story behind the Giant Sweetlips sign!

Run down chateau on the market for 2 years. Then when someone shows interest in buying said chateau, miraculously another buyer comes in to start a bidding war.

Wow! So inspirational, you can really tell the hard work you both put in to each project and home you owned previously. Each testing out and developing your skills for the next big thing. Thank you for documenting your progress and sharing with us. It must be great for you both to look back on the journey too. I’m also so impressed how you’ve managed this all with 2 young kids, what a whirlwind! It makes me believe I can also manage my old home renovation alongside the thought of growing our family.

Love hearing your story. You've worked your butt's off doing renovations to get to where you are now. You guys should certainly be very proud of your achievements and deserve every bit of happiness in your beautiful château. I hope you and your family have many years of happiness and amazing memories there. 😊

When you know something is the right fit, you make it happen and never give up. Your story is one of perseverance, determination, intelligence, desire and trust with a bit of luck. I’m so happy you were able to succeed, and if your walls could talk, the chateau is happy also. xx

You've both worked so hard, and having a design and a film background has led you to the perfect job of showcasing your renovation project on KZfaq.

Oh. Wow. Thank you for sharing your renovation history and your transparency about how it profited for you. I also see and understand your style so much more now, and how your clean taste improves the spaces, makes them look much more luxurious, expensive, and increases the living area. The very definition of adding value!

You guys story together is a true testament of growth through experience and sacrifice. If you go through life striving to improve, do better, learning as much as you can, being thankful, and building a healthy community around you it will pay off in the end. And as always paying it forward is a great part of that process as well :) Thank you for sharing your story with us!!

Thanks you so much for watching!! Without our patreons and our viewers, we couldn't make these videos. If you would like to watch some bonus videos and exclusive live streams, check out our Patreon page for all the latest from us: www.patreon.com/Howtorenovateachateau

They say that hindsight is an exact science ! After hearing your story we now know why you two are such experts at what you do.. You Anna painting room after room, no small task, and Phillip the influencer with His camera work and editing skills, among many other talents. There could be a problem for other people wanting to do the same thing, it is definitely not as easy as it appears

Loved hearing your history and journey to the chateau. So glad you made it and fulfilled your dream and your family seem so happy. You deserve your prize. Enjoy your home.

Love how open you two are. It´s easy to think you had a ton of money (well, a million) but you both worked very hard for that too. This isn't a moment, it's a process. I do wonder how your businesmodel now has changed as you decided to give up the guesthouse. So hopefully you will enlighten us about that too, one day, when you feel up to it. I have the utmost respect and admiration for you both. It was sometimes almost gruesome to watch how tired you both looked. The mere fact that you were able to keep "agréable" with all people around you and most of all - amongst the two of you shows what a strong bond you have.

Thanks Anna! I had no idea the hurdles of buying a chateau in France was sooooo complicated and nerve wracking! I'm so glad everything worked out and that you have the home of your dreams (even though Philipp complains of too much green....). I will keep you in my prayers so that your business picks up more this year and next than it has ever. Take care.

What a wonderful journey you’ve been on. So much hard work. I’m so glad you started your KZfaq channel so that we can now be apart of your journey. I wish you the best.❤

Thank you so much for being so candid and honest about your journey to chateau life. I watch and follow so many people doing renovations and always wonder how on earth they are managing it, and making it happen (and tbh it makes me feel depressed, for being a failed human who isn’t achieving enough). But having watched this film and through your explanation it now makes sense.

That was a great explanation of all your homes and your success in getting the chateau! Good job and love the work you've done remodeling it.

Wow! What a story. Your journey to the Chateau was amazing my blood pressure was going up just thinking about all the hurdles you went through to get the loan. It’s history now and you can now enjoy life. Well done

Thank you Anna and Philip for being so forthcoming about how you obtained the Chateau. As always I am amazed at your energy and resourcefulness. Renovation is a tremendous amount of work, and now the Chateau will present an endless number of possible projects!

OMG! What a journey you have had! And now, look at the beautiful chateau you have with more plans for the outbuilding to come. Can't wait to continue to follow you on your journey!

Love love how happy your story is. And you carry it through everything you touch!

I love hearing the journey of successful independent ventures. More often than naught it always involves (sometimes just one person) someone believing in you and just never giving up the dream. Hard work and tenacity are powerful tools. You are also a good solid team. Thank you for sharing. Careful about those “weak moments” - there is a boat out there waiting for Papa Philip! ❤️

Anna and Philip you are two amazing, talented, inspired and energetic people. You are well on the way to creating (with a lot of effort!) a fabulous chateau. I hope to visit it one day soon. Thank-you Anna for sharing the story of how you ended up with this beautiful property.

What determination! It paid off. You two are amazing and your chateau already has an amazing back story. Blessings to you and thanks for sharing!

I am so happy for you folks! What a great story and I'm glad it all worked out for you. I love watching you at work and play!

I'm halfway through this video and I GOTTA SAY ALL YOUR DIY PROJECTS ARE AMAZING...THE THIRD ONE BLEW MY MIND! (I literally almost fell from the back of my chair btw we are gonna ignore that) and man I hope Philips health is better now... you guys should look after yourselves....it is a massive project and my father always used to say health is wealth! Your health is very very important! I can't wait to see what happens in the future, the garden, the rooms, and EVERYTHING...I always look forward to your videos! Seeing your videos also inspired me to own a chateau in the future and take a risk! and I look forward to the progress! :D

Wow!!! What an amazing journey you guys have been on. I can see now how much experience you have in successful renovations and, Philip, it is also clear to see that you are a talented filmmaker in this vlog. I am always so happy to see the notification that you have put out another video. Thanks for a wee peek into your history together. Love it!!

I’m so glad everything workout for you two! You’re both so dedicated and hard-working that failure is not an option. It was obviously meant to be. I enjoy watching your progress so much! Love from the U.S. ❤

What an amazing journey you have been on, I would have been tuned in from the 1st renovation you did, wow I'm not surprised the amount of stress that would have put you under, I'm so happy for you that all came good for you, the work you have done in honfleur is incredible and a credit to all your hard work. Lots of love to you all and see you next time.xx

That was an incredible journey! Thank you for the back story! I never dreamed getting a loan in France would be so difficult! I knew it was complicated but your story is so stressful! I’m not sure I would have been able to see it through! Well done!

I love your channel. The chateau is so tastefully done and perfection. Your back story is so heartwarming

I love your family and thanks for letting us in your Chateau reconstruction. Its beautiful because your both talented.

Love the back story, and that your provided numbers so we could understand costs and profits. Bravo on taking such a bold and creative leap!

You guys are AMAZING. Seeing your earlier renovations provides fascinating perspective on how you were able to take on this project. Not surprising, your previous projects were ambitious and beautifully executed. I hope all of those bankers who passed on giving you a loan are aware of your success. I'd bank on you two any day.

you're really good at storytelling. you all are truly blessed!

O my god , what a story ! So happy for you guys that it all worked out ok ! I am happy to follow you till where ever it takes you ! Love the humour and the girls ! You guys deserve this after all the hard work you have put in selling , buying and selling and still have to put in still more work to this property ! Wishing you well with all ! Love your vlogs !

thank you for taking numbers and being so open and transparent! It was certainly a journey!

Wow! How can you doubt Philip's ability after all this? What beautiful digs you two have created!

Ah, that's why you are so good at renovation! You've practised! So much work!

Loved watching so interesting on how you came to get your beautiful Chateau and the painstaking things you had to both go through. I have watched you from the beginning and it such a joy with Phillipe humour and you also Anna for being there. Merci beaucoup😘😘

Anna and Phillip, both of you are an inspiration. You both have worked so hard and ye deserve all the success that has come your way and more besides. Thank you for sharing your journey Anna.

Thank you for sharing your backstory, and showing what it takes. Vision, determination, faith and courage, industrious work ethic, fearlessness, luck, a plan, more planning, expertise, eye for excellence. I'm going to try and do the same for my own dreams in Melbourne Australia. Thanking you again and cheers to you and your whole family and friends who share in your story.

Thank you for taking us along on your journey and describing how your family began with the Chateau. Everyone watching please subscribe and support this wonderful family in their endeavors.

That is an amazing story and experience you have been through to realize your dream, so great that you just kept going...and like I keep hearing lately, nobody said it would be easy, but it will be worth it!

So happy you didn’t give up ! It’s an absolute joy to watch your escapades . The chateau is divine. You both should rest knowing that what you accomplished is very special. You saved a chateau for many more generations to come . History has been preserved. Well done . Much love from across the pond ❤️🇨🇦❤️

Now we know why you two are such good DIYers! You've flipped 3 properties already and you both have terrific taste. I can't think of a faster way to elevate blood pressure than make it a precondition for a loan. I always thought of France as relaxed and laissez-faire, but non! Tres difficile!

So proud for you both! Your story should go into a book about the Chateau!

Thank you so much for sharing your story! You are a lovely presence on You Tube and I enjoy you, Phillip, and your family as you renovate this chateau (and all without killing your partner!).

Thank you for sharing this journey to the chateau. Your renovations prior to the chateau were so beautiful. And after all of the pain and stress, I'm so glad you finally found your chateau home to love and make beautiful again. I hope to visit one day.

The story of the struggles with the bank loan are inspiring. Thank you for telling the story so well, Anna.

This was so good to hear. The earlier renovations which looked amazing (including those beautiful dining chairs I can’t remember the name of), the determination and talent to make it happen and what you’re achieving now. Fantastic.

Wow thanks for sharing Anna and Philipp 🥰 I love the backstory of your journey to your now beautiful chateau. You are both so very hard working and talented. Lots of love from Central Coast, Queensland, Australia 🇦🇺🫶

What an amazing story! I've only just discovered your blogs and got in a panic at the start of your next one - so relieved you're not giving them up!

Thanks for sharing your story! You are doing the château and the channel extremely well!

What can I say, Wow Wow Wow, you are the most amazing, talented, incredible, inspirational couple, not to mention courageous too. Your journey to where you are now was unbelievable, in so much of the hard work and determination it required. Bravo to you both, I love you and your beautiful family, fan for life.

I loved seeing y’alls story and all the before and after renovations . Y’all really have an eye for redesign it’s amazing work

You guys are so inspiring. Thanks for sharing your story. I’m glad you had that one person who believed in you. Look at what grew since and here on KZfaq from that belief xx

Congratulations guys on your hard work and persistence that is no easy accomplishment! I have done well in property but mostly early on in my life before having children - I can only imagine doing what you have done with two young kids! I take my hat off to you both and wish you all the best in the future

Awesome to hear about your journey from your first apartment together to now! And now we know that Philip might not actually be joking when he talks about ‘your next château’… 😂

I had to stop this video a couple of times because I was overwhelmed by what you have achieved! I am so happy for you!!

Thank you for this very interesting video! I think all of us who watch chateau renovation shows wonder how you do it. Quite a journey and I'm so glad you were able to find and buy your current home. You both are very talented.

You both are born to do renovations together! The perfect team! ❤

All it takes is that one person to believe in you, thanks to that one person for believing in Phillip and Anna's dream. Thanks for sharing those first steps that lead you both to your Chateau and it's wonderous transformation.

What an incredible journey. Love the pictures of your previous renovations. Seems like you’ve been in renovation mode for a dozen years😮😮😮Glad it all worked out in the end. Thanks for sharing 😍😘

❤ Thanks Anna- really enjoyed seeing your previous homes and Reno’s. You did a beautiful job on all your residences. 🌟💕

Ahhh la France. I'm happy for you although it's a bittersweet feeling to see you're clearly in the minority of lucky people who get the access property in the first place. I think there are several factors not to be downplayed for those not in France: - Having the sacro Saint CDI (permanent contract) in a big luxury company is what made it possible to get the loan for that first apartment. Besides that type of contract and unless you got inheritance money as a big upfront, no bank will give you a loan, especially people working in the arts or for themselves. Being a couple definitely helps too because for some reason banks and courtiers deter singles, even well paid executives, from "buying on their own" (because we live in 1950 in France...) - the market in Paris has been in a speculative crazy high these past years. Even with zero enhancements or work done people get a massive paycheck when they resell their flat in Paris and now even the suburbs are insanely expensive. Great for those in the system, not so great for those trying to house themselves even on an executive salary. - you got lucky to be well-connected ang get the loan approved from that banker friend. At the end of the day 98% couples with only one woman working who's on maternal leave (and the other party being either "intermittent du spectacle" but basically on unsteady contract) no matter how much cash they have accumulated, would have been denied that type of loan (even a much lesser one). The French property access is increasingly an exclusionary / exclusive club and the banking system is knowingly risk averse, if not discriminatory. - lastly I can only imagine what tax nightmare you might be in. If banks don't kill your property dreams in France, taxes will. I don't say that to blame you: you don't make the rules but it's important to point out that the system is rigged and that it's not about just "working hard" and being able to flip houses with the YT side income.

Funny how Anna loved his first apartment, raves about his taste, then overrides him whenever there is a decision to be made regarding decorating.

What a journey you've both been on... thanks for sharing!! 👏🏿 Now take things easy and enjoy all your blessings. 🍾🥂

Truly and sincere, thank you so much. This tale proofs that no matter the start conditions, no matter luck, no matter common sense. The only thing that really matters is the conjunction and the mutual trust between you two. Even in the worse conditions, with two little (marvelous!) children you have been able to go through it. Great job!