It absolutely thrills me to see people who were still involved in hands-on artistry such as stone carving and individual roof tile laying in the fashion that it's being done. This is such a marvel to watch, thank you for bringing us along! Have an amazing week!

Massive respect to those artisans/craftsmen!!

Also the expertise of the crane operator raising and lowering the stone so precisely is awesome

Kudos to the crane driver, that was some precision lifting.

It’s is a privilege to witnesses this restoration; the saving of a unique treasure.

Les commentaires de l’artisan mason sont précis, instructifs et intéressants. Bravo pour la pédagogie avec laquelle il décortique des procédés complexes et nous les rend accessibles. Merci 🙏🏻

Thank you for letting us be a part of this monumental event. The restoration of this chateau is fascinating, awe inspiring, full of history, and a pleasure to be a part of.

had tears in my eyes what a beautiful chateau.

When you look at the aerial shots and see the restored part of the roof it is so magnificent . The craftsmanship is amazing. So many people taking Purnon under their wing. Thank you for taking us along.

Great to see all required trades are still existant. Nice progress.

It’s hard to believe the roof is so close to being done. That at one point sooner than later, the entire exterior facade will be watertight and only the interior will be in need of attention. Still a lot of work but a lot of pressure off, I can imagine. Every chateau really does have such unique features in looks and in its story to tell. And I’m learning so much from this one.

What is mind-blowing to me, Felicity and Tim, is your level of dedication and care that you have taken in truly restoring this Grand Old Lady Purnon. I daresay there are few alive in the world today who could have taken on the job and done so well. There are tons who would have swooped in and started tearing stuff down and throwing precious things away...and I shudder saying that. Pat yourselves on the back!

I caught myself holding my breath as the cornerstones were raised and lowered into place. Great work.

Wow, i found myself holding my breathe and watching the guy giving the hand sjgnals to the crain driver, amazing. Half way there and 47k of tile. I did the math, ouch. This is such a life journey for you both each piece of progress is adding to your footnote to history and this too shall be passed on, congratulations have a great week, 17 days to go.😊 take care.

Trimming and placing those 47,000 slate tiles takes such patience! Its amazing to see the progress.

Your chateau's restoration is so emotional. None of the others come close. The men involved in bringjng this beautiful lady back to life are masters and mesmerising to watch. What would this world be like without such dedication. So pleased Purnon is in your collective hands.

What is amazing about this restoration is the level of detail and craftsmanship that is being employed to bring this into authentic preservation. It would be so easy to "cheat" and to "chinese" this by employing foam and faux stone covering. When I was watching this my head was spinning on the cost of the stonework AND the hourly fee of the crane to get the items to the roof. First rate job! And the roof work watch each touch of the tile being precise in shaping and nailing is stunning.

How lucky this magnificent French jewel is to be cared by you two, and what a beautiful work has already be done. Bravo !!

Merci beaucoup de sauver l’histoire de tous ceux qui ont anciennement vécus dans cet incroyable château 🏰 Vous êtes des amours !!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Those artists are amazing and so fascinating to watch work their magic in this restoration. Thank you for sharing this incredible journey 😍😘

My immense appreciation for the true talent of the slate team and the stone masons!

Truly incredible and inspiring! Thank you

I still can't get enough of that finished roof , what a masterpiece.

The artistry of your stone Masons is thrilling to watch as they carve the stones and then put them into place with the crane and you watch the man standing on the scaffolding directing him with hand movements until the stone makes contact...you are right when you say your heartbeat goes through the roof when they are making contact... exhilarating!!!...then to watch those roofers first to make the necessary repairs to the wooden structures and then the tile artisans lay the tiles on the roof... exhilarating!!!...the cost of doing that with the crane and the artisans must really keep you awake at night...you and your husband are exhilarating!!!!...I don't think there is anyone else in the whole world that could do it!!!

terrific to have the explanation about how to lay the slate tiles - all 47K of them!

I still can't believe that these huge stones are put in dry and not bedded into mortar, blows my mind

Hats off to that crane operator. Wow!! Those cornerstones are just incredible. I am amazed each time you show the craftsmen. They are the best.

C'est toujours aussi impressionnant et spectaculaire de voir les artisans tailleurs de pierre, maçons et couvreurs travailler avec professionnalisme, minutie, patience et maîtrise. Quelle épopée fabuleuse vous avez permis avec l'acquisition et le retour à la vie de votre magnifique domaine. C'est un réel plaisir de vous retrouver chaque semaine et de vous voir tous aussi impliqués et mobilisés pour un résultat qui est à la hauteur de ce que vous tous et le château, méritez. Bravo, c'est réussi et c 'est splendide. Bon courage pour la semaine.

When the outside of the Château is finished, could these KZfaq shorts be made into an episodic venture? Tim could give us the ongoing history, which is fascinating. He could instruct us on how much labor, pulleys, etc. would have had to be employed to get a cornerstone lifted, for instance, when it can be done in less than a day now. For your non-metric folks, could measurements be termed, "this is 5 meters--that's just over 16 feet?" It would be more enjoyable if instant visualization could take place instead of stopping, getting out the calculator. Also, am enthralled with your workmen and their discourse-get Tim to tell us how long they’ve had to train to learn what they are doing. In this last episode, I recognized the cornerstone from last week-it could be merged with this week’s offering to show how the stone was shaped. Keep up the great work-it looks fantastic!

Amazing. I’m awe of their abilities and commitment.

I simply LOVE the sunset, or is it the sunrise...I can't remember which angle the cameras are showing lol...shining on the chateau! I'm sure all the roofers, stonemasons, tilers, woodworkers are all so proud that they get to be a part of this reawakening!

Absolument incroyable de voir de vrais artisans maitriser leurs disciplines et restorer un si beau chateau. La chaine est un vraie bijoux sur KZfaq. Merci du Canada!

Every cornerstone is also a milestone. All of the workers you have are so good at their craft. I could have watched those slate cutters/setters for hours! Fascinating. As always, thanks for sharing this journey with us.

Lets give a shout to the crane operator too. He did a magnificent job flying those blocks right into the scaffolding.

Always a wonderful update. The music is sublime and the work is just stunning. Thank you for the brilliant entertainment as ever ❤

How incredibly exciting it must have felt for you watching the corner stones go into place. Your awe & respect for the stone masons and roofing artisans must be a wonderful feeling for them to watch your appreciation on your vlogs in return. Truly fascinating & monumental!

Ces maçons sont de vrais magiciens! Bravo à eux, c'est un métier génial...

The skill of these craftsmen is a joy to watch. They take pride in their work! Great job!

Really appreciate your cinematic intros. Really beautiful panning and choice of music. Class.

Excellent, excellent video this week. It was so gratifying to see the exceptional skill and artistry of these men. It brought tears to my eyes. Please let them know how much they are appreciated by the people who viewed this video.

It is always a real pleasure to witness this magnificent restoration of your Purnon castle. Congratulations to the companions for this restoration of the superb cornice and without forgetting the slate roofers who do a remarkable job respecting the rules of the art of this masterpiece classified as a historic monument...and i appreciate that..!!! Thank you for sharing these wonderful videos. from Burgundy.

I've been nervous just watching some of the things happening over the entire restoration........I can't begin to imagine how it has been for you two.

These craftsmen are amazing. How proud they should be of the monumental task they are achieving. ❤

Thank you for letting us see the remarkable restoration of your Chateau. Your dedication is awe inspiring.

Well, there's roof tiling. And then there's roof tiling. These guys are phenomenal.

Voilà un moment que je vous regarde sur cette chaîne et que je suis les travaux gigantesques de la restauration de votre Château. Ce travail remarquable effectué grâce à nos artisans mais aussi et surtout grâce à votre pugnacité et votre amour de notre patrimoine me sidère d'admiration. En tant que Français, je ne vous remercierais jamais assez de cet amour que vous portez à la fois à notre pays, ses artisans, ainsi qu'à son patrimoine au point d'investir autant d'argent et d'énergie pour le sauvetage de Purnon.

Today we have the huge cranes to put the cornerstones in place. It makes you wonder how they did it when they were first installed. Takes your breath away.

A very lucky chateau indeed to have been chosen by an intrepid Aussie couple to be saved. You deserve to have so many more subscribers. As do a NZ couple with their channel "Growing in France". Perhaps all the french renovators/rescuers from downunder should have a barbie to advertise their endeavours.

To redo the whole top of the chateau is so much work it's unbelievable how they did it 250 years ago.

Thank you for sharing this monumental achievement! This made me smile, in part for the rebirth of Purnon, but mainly for you and the sense of accomplishment this must bring you both. Incredible content as always - Cheers!

Heart stopping moments but amazing.

Des artisans de haut niveau. Le couvreur est tres fort.

Absolutely amazing Flick, I had goosebumps watching the corner stones put in place. I think I heard the grand old lady make a sigh of relief that her stones were back.

I can only imagine how difficult it was back in the days to put all these stones in place ! can't stop admiring those artisans who made all the work !

Mesmerized while watching the entire video. Awestruck, in fact. 🎉

They made shaping the slate tiles look easy. I am sure I would break most of them. How rewarding to see the progress!

Bonjour Felicity and Tim, I know there is always a chance something can go wrong, but you do have an amazing team of artisans and I knew they could do it without incident. I have enjoyed every video since I found your channel, being able to bear witness to this magnificent restoration and the reawaking of your beautiful Chateau de Purnon. I was hoping to see Kevin, (lol) the way the slate tile is shaped is almost primitive and yet so accurate. I am so looking forward to next weeks video. Love from N.Y.

Breath taking by there talented skills. The crane driver must have excellent eyes, I'm so impressed.🤍 Airhugs and thanks from a hot (at least for me) Northern Sweden.🏗🪨🙆🏼‍♀️

bravo! wonderful to see. so satisfying- and yes... nerve-wracking! congrats on another step forward...

Purnon, absolutely beautiful! 😊

what a precision! it's the best of craftsmenship!

One thing that touches my heart is seeing all the artisans (including yourselves) come together and work your magic and use your God given talents (with bravery) to create such amazing beauty. It gives chill bumps! 😃 Here's to Chateau de Purnon! 🥂

I love, love, love your apartment!! It’s very beautifully decorated. I really love the Pierre Fray (?) chairs, so classic and timeless. 👍🏻🥰🍷🙏

Fantastic!

Such an incredible piece of history I love the building so grand loving all the progress I wish I where a millionaire to contribute to this project,I really love what you have done God bless us all ❤😊

That was really something to watch, it really is going to look breathtaking when it is all finished. By the way its nice and cold here in Melbourne 🇦🇺 tonight.

I fell in love with the Slate gentlemen…. Oh my

Just breathtaking! The Chateau is stunning! I am thrilled to follow your progress from my home in Palm Springs California. Truly inspirational!

I could watch that slate roofer all day. Oh my goodness! Is it hot in here or is it just me 😂🤭

Looking fantastic!

Wonderful job with these corner stones. I look at the crane elevating the blocks and see around twenty thousand Euro's swinging in the air. The full cost of renovation must be huge.

Very interesting watching the experts with the stonework and the roof tiling process. Watching the way the tiles are cut, it's just fascinating.

The positioning of those corner stones is like choreography. If I tried to punch a hole in 100 slates I'd break 100 slates..... (PS you'll soon need a goat to keep all the grass down. Mademoiselle Truffe will love it. :). M&R

true artists doing this amazing work - it makes me think about those who were the original artisans and how much harder it was in many cases. A work of art - congratulations

Is there any record of how the original builders got the stones up? What you've done is astonishing but the mind boggles at the achievement of those long-dead artisans who built the thing in the first place.

This is such an amazing building. I have to wonder how the original builders placed those enormous stones. The workmanship is exquisite.

Another fantastic episode such great production, such great artisanship. Amazing!!

Brilliant work those artisans perform,, you have both done an amazing job at pursuing the restoration which is now moving forward in leaps and bounds. Congrats Greetings from Château de la Mothe

I’m sitting here in Washington State USA, in my home, Sunday morning, enjoying your video of placing the cornerstones and the slate tiles on the roof. I’m an artist, and I love watching the talents of these great artisans . As I’m watching, enjoying my morning coffee, my mind wanders back in time when this beautiful Chateau was originally built. We have modern amenities now that they didn’t have then like the huge cranes to place the corner stones. HOW DID THEY DO THAT WAY BACK WHEN ???? ✌️❤️🙏🏻 Thanks for sharing. You guys are amazing !

Amazing craftsmanship

I love seeing the progress. It's so beautiful. Your team are all great eye candy as well! Just kidding!❤

FENOMENÁLNÍ.

I was in awe watching the corner stones being lifted and put into place and wondering how on earth this was done originally without the equipment available today.

I would hope that these master crafts men sign their names on the chateau roof, stone work, walls ,floors to be remembered for many generations to come. In our house, as we are remodelling we ask the workers to sign their name on the underside of the roof, baseboards, flooring. and cabinets.

It’s a real treat to watch masters at work. I’m obsessed with how well they observe, measure, observe, measure - to get it just right. That’s quality workmanship ❤. 😊. I’m not a builder or an artisan but I have helped a tiny bit with Habitat for Humanity home building…& I do consider that repairs must be made as the government requires it to be historically accurate as possible. This leads me to my question: since it wouldn’t be seen and it may help prevent future water damage- why no “flashing paper” laid before the tiles go on? Just my curiosity as usual. Thank you so much for your time. Have a blessed day ❤from Texas 🥰

Goodness gracious, well done everyone ❤

Wow! These folks must have such Zen personalities to do this work. Whether moving 900-kilo block high overhead or putting tile after tile on the roof, it would take so much patience and calm. Amazing.

Your slate tiler is very handsome.

47000 Ardoises ! Ça me découragerais avant même de commencer et finirais au bar. Avec une ardoise évidement.

Bravo on your monumental work so far! The thought of what you are undertaking is terrifying and thrilling at the same time! 👏

Incredible all right ❤❤

Emocionante vídeo. Es impresionante y espectacular el trabajo de restauración para devolverle la grandeza y majestuosidad a esta monumental joya de la arquitectura. Felicitaciones por los acertados análisis, comentarios y conclusiones sobre el trabajo que realizan en este magnífico y bello objeto artístico.

Lavoro fantastico. Artigiani bravissimi. Professionalità ai massimi livelli.

Fascinating

Sometime, when you have a chance, please say how the walls are engineered? Looks like the load of the new stonework is passed right down the corner column to the foundation. 👍 But the frame is wood? So had they gotten better at framing strength by 1780? Or is the wall just not tall enough to be a problem? There are lots of windows, and I'm thinking about flying buttresses in old cathedrals. Maybe it's as simple as the fact that there are interior supporting frames, whereas a cathedral was a huge open shell inside, for grandeur and light... and vast vaults... I'm always blown away by how long ago people solved these monumental structure challenges. Hence my questions. Oh! I see in your video #14 about the architect... the roof structure maybe is more weight-efficient than before. I'm trying to see the technical evolution in my head. The Bourgeois guy is, himself, using an arch technique developed two hundred years (?) before the 1781 design of Purnon? That would surely reduce the load in the exterior walls. ...but I'm now thinking about the cumulative load on the lowest stones in those stacked corners... I don’t want to assume anything. I'm curious about the engineering at about the time the US was getting its independence, and only about 50 years after Isaac Newton. 🤔

It looked like on the back of the first cornerstone that was laid into place, there was an Australian convict arrow. In Australia, convict bricks were marked in a number of ways but the most well-known is the broad arrow imprint - the same shape that was printed on convict uniforms. When I say ‘convict’ in Australia we mean from 1788 to the 1850's, the (mostly) British and Irish criminals transported to the penal colonies down under. I assume it is not this marking, but if not, I am interesting to understand what it was for?

💙

🕊️💕🍀

Can’t help but wonder why the corner stones deteriorated and the field did not? JIM ❤

Todo es infinitamente complejo y bello en esta obra, pero además el despertar de Purnon, va a quedar documentado de una manera excepcional. Calidad museo todo. It has been breathtaking today: Congrats!