That's what we do. Flat sheet, Duvet, Quilt on the bed and then a large (bed sized) blanket and a throw blanket in the cupboard they can add. And a plug-in heater. We also warn them in the description and again in welcome packet that it is an old house and so we provide these extra things, blah blah.

Karen your doing great and I can see in your face your feeling disheartened, don’t be there are always solutions, in my Bnb I have an electric over blanket that goes on top do you think this may help? Keep smiling I’ve learned you cannot please everyone xx

It may be worth investing in down beds. They are very common in Northern Europe. We don’t use top sheets. We use fitted sheets and a duvet cover for the down bed. It’s a lot easier to wash than an American style down comforter. In B a Germany we have Summer and Winter bedding. Ikea has some reasonable down duvets and the covers. You could also order some from a hotel linen supplier, cotton with some damask. They have a bit of an elegant sheen and are easy to iron. If insurance permits it, you could offer heated blankets. Maybe charge a rental fee for them ( 5 Euro/night) Additionally I would create a handbook for each room and have a section regarding heating, recommended radiator settings and politely hint that these old buildings don’t heat up above 68 F. You know that when you stay at a chateau.

I would use duvets on the beds in the winter. If you use something like a 12 or 13 tog goose down duvet it will be toasty but light weight, but of course you will also need duvet covers. We use duvets in the winter and a lightly padded quilt with a flat sheet in the summer. We did the same in our rental property in Spain, in a mountain village that got cold on winter nights and didn't have central heating and it was lovely and warm.

Loving these episodes. Instead of heating the rooms more , i suggest you get some good duvets. The body generates heat under the duvets and moreover, make the beds looked much more inviting and cozy.

Beautiful. Never mind the negative, you're offering the public time in a mansion! A down or down-like comforter is my bed topper in our northern climate. :)

There are a lot of cycling that goes on in france. Perhaps your cow shed can be set up to accommodate cyclists. Wall hooks for bikes, a work station for repairs an air compressor Perhaps, you get the picture. Clubs will then book accommodation on regular bases. Just a suggestion.

Karen you looked very discouraged this video, remember you haven't lived at the Chateau very long much less run a bed and breakfast. You have been doing a good job just remember it won't always be so overwhelming to you when things go wrong. Hugs, Kathy USA 🇺🇸

Hi Karen & Bo, Your bedroom has a fireplace, this can be used for a small stove. I heat my home with a pellet stove. Your wood source may be on your door step, you live next to Nut Trees. There are probably walnut shells available and or pruned limbs. Using a small certified wood stove would fill the bill and the firewood/ shells are probably free. What a cool thing to have a bucket of walnut shells to scoop into a small wood stove, bet not many have that! Great ambiance. A beatiful mountain lake area I visit each summer is surrounded by fruit orchards. All the guest homes have fireplaces & provide wood from pruned orchards, why not you guys too ! Your doing great work, making progress toward your goals. Thanks for letting us come along on the journey, Best, Brain

Karen don't beat yourself up. You are both doing a great job and it's a learning curve living in a new county and trying to figure out heating in a chateau! I think most people would fully understand issues that come up. I know you will be able to provide a wonderful and elegant Chateau experience for almost anyone who stays. My partner and I are looking forward to a visit as soon as we can. Cheers for Toronto!!

I would suggest heated blankets, they’re not our grandmother’s kind. They come with multi settings and two side controls. Each person can set their desired temperature. They are also an inexpensive solution until windows are replaced! Good luck!

I rent out rooms in my big old stone house here in Greece. The house is impossible to heat properly so I have electric blankets for winter. They are cheap to buy and run and the guests never complain about being cold at night.

It looks absolutely AMAZING from The outside, I can't wait tô see all the improvements you plan tô do in the façade. It's one of the most BEAUTIFUL properties I've seen so far. The Waiting and the previous failures payed off so well in the end. The Best came tô you.🎉❤

I like to sleep in 65 degrees Fahrenheit - my sister keeps her house at 78. I can’t stay there because it’s impossible for me to sleep at that temp - some people need electric blankets so having options is a good idea. It’s actually good feedback to have - so you can make adjustments. I can’t imagine taking on all that you are doing at the moment. I’m sure it will get easier. Bon courage!

Karen, you looked so discouraged that I wanted to reach through the screen and give you a big hug! Please know that you are doing an amazing job!!!

Try filling hot water bottles to warm the bed before the guests get in. Some its just the cold sheets being warmed up that makes a difference. We have a cold house. We sleep in at about 65 degrees under a fluffy comforter and flannel sheets and it gets 2 hot with 2 people under the covers. Sometimes I put socks on if my feet are cold . The floor since it's a gym you can use the interlocking mats or the mats car park on to cover the area to keep the dust down. The place is looking great. You are being great stewards to the chateau.

The duvets are a great idea. Look luxurious and mine would keep me warm at the North Pole. Bought it when I lived on an island in Maine. It would keep ANYone warm. Also - better wear a mask while sweeping in the basement. You were coughing. Not safe. We love you. Stay well. And guests. I waited table while I was in college. One morning a guest sent me back to the kitchen with their fried egg because the yolk was not exactly in the center of the white. You are not alone.

Suggest looking at leveling compound to seal the floor. Interlocking rubber mats for the basement flooring

I guess people want to have the illusion of chateau living only. I always thought that in winter you dress like winter which includes winter bathrobes, winter slippers/socks, winter nighties. However, getting into a cold bed is tough. I agree with another comment that providing hot water bottles would solve the problem and could be cute. Place it were the upper back would be and move it to the feet when you get in the bed. I also agree with the duvet idea. The ones from ikea are actually not bad at all.😊

Please do not be discouraged. You are doing a great job 👏.

As for the ivy growing up into the trees...ivy will kill the trees. Its extremely invasive. Would recommend cutting it all off and allowing the ground to be covered in pine needles. Looks nicer as well. Good luck you're doing a great job.

Karen I love your idea of planting a tree for each family member visiting! Florence

When I stayed at Lalande last year & the heating went out they supplied hot water bottles & down comforters ... they were totally toasty... the guest just accepted it as part of the chateau experience ... xo

We stayed at a chateau in southern France a couple of years ago, and I was absolutely enchanted with the place. If I was to receive a gift from there, I would love a mug with a watercolor/painting picture of the chateau. It's really easy to do, not too expensive, and the guests could bring home something useable 🍵

Electric blankets work well for those extra cold nights.

I was so happy to see another video!! I could tell you were really upset about the guest being cold, please, take it as a learning experience, fix the issue and move on. You got this! It’s such a joy to see your flowers popping up out of the ground, Spring is just around the corner!!

Karen here in Australia you can buy black rubber sheeting ( not very expensive) there is probably something similar over there. Could you lay that over your gym room floor and join with black duck tape? To add warmth to your quest rooms, you could line the drapes, also put a large rug on the floor, (the larger the better),down doonas on the bed, always a size up from the bed size so there is plenty of over hang on sides, blankets can be left in robe if needed.The use of warm colours would also add to the warmth and comfortable ambiance of the rooms. Blankets on beds can look quite clinical and uninviting. A couple of nice big comfy cushions can also add to the overall warm, cozy, inviting and relaxing feel of the room. hope you don’t mind my suggestions. They work, trouble is to well sometimes. B W from Australia (another cold frog) xx

How about a duvet for the guests , it would be simple ..Love your gym place !

When you wake up in the morning and step on the floor and both the floor and bedroom are cold it makes for a very unpleasant experience. Then you wonder if there will be hot running water and a great shower. If you turn the radiator on in one room at 68 deg F, and the other rooms around it are not heated it stays cold.

Karen & Bo Thankyou For Sharing Lovely To See You Both And The Amazing Chateau It Is Hard To Please Every Body 💕🏰

Hey Karen, just a suggestion maybe put a disclaimer on your website for those who are prone to feeling the cold to let you guys know and invest in electric blankets and put them as an option on your website so for them. And also you then, for yourself, know in advance and maybe the heating in their room can be turned up before they get there. That way your not having to go to extremes at the last minute. And also if its too hot for them they'll be able to regulate it out as most do. 💖💖 your doing an amazing job.

Honestly you have gone above & beyond in the accommodations for your guests. I don't know of any public or private place that would have gone to the store to purchase an extra portable heater. We live on the northern Pacific Coast and our home is always set to 65F at night. Our personal house guests are shown where they can get the extra blankets, pillows, robes and socks, slippers, tea(s) & hot cocoa. Your home & gardens are absolutely beautiful and it would be a treat to stay in such a lovely place.

Lovely video, Karen and Bo. I enjoy seeing your plans and dreams coming to life. The tree planting for family members is tres bon. Perhaps your cold guests would enjoy a snuggly feather duvet if the plug in heater and extra blankets and the central heating aren't enough. Or winter sheets. Love your work. ❣️

Spring is on the way! As for the floor in workout room, there are heavy foam/rubber mats that are often used in horst stalls to cushion the floor for the horses. You might think about covering the floors with these heavy mats as they would cover and protect the stone floors.....plus would be a great base for workouts. I have a friend who did this in his large garage for a workout area.....works great without putting in a completely new floor...... Cheers!

Just wanted to say I found your channel yesterday, subscribed and pretty much binge watched from the beginning. I have really enjoyed your story and intend to follow your venture as you establish your B&B and your wedding venue. I sensed you feeling a little overwhelmed with the heating problem, but you worked it out and happy to see you aren't letting it get the best of you. I am sure not having Bo there when he is away at work is going to make it harder for you at times, but you seem to have what it takes to overcome the challenges of this new life you have chosen, even when going it alone. Thank you both for sharing your life with us, I look forward to your future videos and a chance to go along for the ride as you fulfill your dream of owning a chateau and living in such a magnificent place.

The well is a brilliant find. Great team work again with the flower bed dirt retrieval. With regard to the chill factor for sleeping, my mother always believed that a mattress should be covered with a blanket then the sheets go on. She was convinced that the cold seeps up through the mattress. Guests may manage the cooler room (cooler to them I mean) if the bed is definitely warm. Just a thought. The tree idea is fabulous. Best wishes.

We feel your pain when it comes to heating the living space. We have owned a château in the Dordogne since last May and the winter cold in a stone building was a shock. You have a real challenge to get non-European guests to understand the reality of attempting to ‘heat’ a building this large.

Consider down comforters on bed. They are washable and are what I use in winter. Also discovered plush fleece sheets and omg is that comfy. Blessings

Karen, you must wear a mask, when sweeping! Under no circumstances must you inhale that dust! Sorry, I speak as a microbiologist!😉 Rikki Biermann, Pretoria, South Africa 🇿🇦

To solve the cardio floor issues, you could use self-leveling concrete on the old floor can save you a lot of work. A 1/2 -3\4 inch of it should do the trick. Best wishes on all of your endeavors..

Please don’t lift the floor, dig out the lose dirt and fix with lime mortar so the floor can breather, and you can then keep the floor clean. Don’t take it up, it’s part of the heritage of the chateau, like your cobbled paths, and are part of the value of your chateau. It matters to many of us, the authenticity of these old buildings.

I am a northerner and I cannot sleep in a warm room, personally keep my bedroom as cool as possible. My wife is the opposite she likes a bedroom that is boiling hot. Needless to say we have separate bedrooms. Grin. Everyone is different. C'est la vie.

Flannel sheets, duvets ,snuggly blankets, and offered large sweaters

It may be worth it to invest in down comforters for the beds. They will keep you warm. I love your videos

I love your tenacity to find solutions to your challenges. I also enjoy the way you showcase and explain different jobs you undertake. Thank you for these insightful vlogs. Keep up the good work.

Running a guest house is like this, there are a ton of options within the market and getting perfect can take time. And you will have complainers always! Impossible to make 100% happy! Your doing it right and addressing the issue.

Absolutely just learn and move on its great when we can learn because maybe everyone else was cold but didnt want to say. Ok one thing when I saw your room tours I thought those were super thin looking bed spreads. We dont heat our side of house and it gets cold but we have thick comforters. Your guests will never be cold if they are snuggled in thick down blankets. They are breathable for summer evenings as well. Just a thought We also have a thick European chenille under that that we use and fold the other back. yes American but our room is 50-60 degrees. We stay toasty. might be cheaper than a heater! Also ppl who stay in a chateau should know its cold, make no excuses. love your vlog !!!

I just found you yesterday and have enjoyed catching up with your journey . You guys have good ideas and big dreams. You inspire me.

Why don't you ask a tile specialist or an architect specialising in period buildings to advise you on the gym floor, etc. Do have a nice little stock of hot water bottles at the ready! Living in or staying at an old property is not like staying in a new built place. What were these people expecting? It can not be easy to deal with people's complaints. Chin up. It is all a learning experience. You are doing great! Well done.

You might consider an electric mattress pad. Those are really nice.

During winter we put electric blankets on the matras and use flannel sheets. We also use goose down duvets with 'n warm but light blanket on top to keep the heat cirulating en not escape. A warm water bottle is also available in the room. Regards

If the basement is prone to moisture, can you pick up some crates to lift the wood for storage? With all the work around the building I bet you get a workout everyday.

Such a difficult situation keeping your customers happy. Your doing so well, don’t be down hearted. High tog quilts 10.5 + are great to keep you warm when outside temperatures are low, or at chateau temperatures. (caravan experience) a relatively cheaper expensive, but warm as toast. Easy washing too as long as your washing machine has a large drum. I love how you ask the questions in writing then give the answer, a different set up compared to other chateau vlogs. Keep it up 🥰🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇬🇧

I just found your videos. I love them. You are doing such a fantastic job and seem to remain positive even when faced with challenges. Keep going. It will get easier. You are living your dream!!

What doesn't look great is when the horrible ivy starts climbing up trees. It's bad for them and looks untidy

All you can do is your best. You went out of your way to fix it, and you did. You're both doing great. Criticisms will come, but you got this. Your vlogs keep improving. I hope you get your floor and your gym. Best wishes.

Invest in a really good shop vac. Can probably find inexpensive indoor outdoor carpet for the floor. Electric blankets and hot water bottles on hand. The oil filled radiators work really good for supplement heat but they use a lot of electricity.

Love your videos and the Chateau progress! Would be cool to coat the basement with clear epoxy over the floor so you can lock in that history forever without covering it up. Maybe even the walls too. Wish you the best!

Lovely place!

I really enjoyed seeing you both ❤

Finally I get to watch yr video , can u put electric blankets on the guesses beds ? Plenty of blankets and a quick heat heater if they feel the cold . Roll on spring to summer for u ❤🌺. Bo on a roll with his sheds he knows what he wants and gets the job done good for him . I get a large mat for the mean time for yr gum, to stop any dust because that dust mite not be to good for u . Bulbs will start to come up now they going to look very pretty . What a stunning place .U both have been full on since u brought the Chateau and the amount of work u done is outstanding.

I know this sounds strange, but it works perfectly. Take your sheets out of the washer and if they are still fairly wet, just put them in the dryer for a short period of time and then make the bed while still damp. Let them dry and they will be wrinkle free. It’s important to take the damp sheets out of the dryer and onto the bed right away. We wait until dry to put quilts, etc on. We have had no problems with mattresses being damp, etc. I have before and after pics, if interested.

Get the floor as good as possible and then ask maybe ask Adrian and Carole (Chateau de la Ferte) if they have any of their ex-event carpeting spare and just cover it with a super cheap carpet square until the project comes up your priority list

The squirrels were coming in and stashing them there.

Down comforter should do the trick. They are toasty warm.

Absolutely down comforters are the best. It's pretty impossible to be cold with those..

Hey Karen, I too am a person who is always cold, and I am harassed by my sisters because of it. You are correct the Chateau is 200 years old and it's hard to heat, the fact that you are upset and showed real concern for your guest is what will make you and Bo successful in your business. Maybe on your website you can address the issue, I would still come, I would just bring heavy PJ's. Your flowers are going to be so pretty when they bloom. Well done. Love from N.Y.

Karen, try and Murphy’s oil soap on your wood floors when you go to damp mop them 😉👍🏻

Love to plant trees for the future.

You should see if the kids could build you some racks to hold your hand weights. Put old titles or pavers or pour concrete with sealer. Nice idea on the trees keeps the planet green.

Girl, 68 degrees is freezing. I'm from Miami, Florida....

Oh… I thought you were inviting me to send my kids to your chateau to workout🤷‍♀️😂😂😂😂. I wish you luck with your new business. We thought about doing it as well. I’m happy to watch your success from this side of the Atlantic. I’m happy to give you private personal training, or even iron sheets should you have a need🌸

You seem a bit disheartened, but you can never please everyone. You are doing a wonderful job!

What about an electric blanket which you stick under the bed sheet? Works best for me. If you have one for each person, they can decide how warm they want it to have. They may switch off after a while automatically. Much better then heating the air is heating your back and behind ;-)

To seal the basement floor mix some linseed oil and pva glue .. this is the process for concrete to stop and reduce the fretting and deterioration. Your gym area just eeds a full spray of of white interia paint and mirrors are cheper than usising plaster board with a backing use ... sliding door mirrors they dont break and can be picked up off market place face book ect they are very 80s in bedrooms great for gyms

The videos are very good and the grounds are beautiful. I watch a few chateau channels and I wonder if any owner has put together a business plan to run a business. Good luck.

It already looks like a park and all your hard work shows. I understand how you must have felt about your cold guests. You did all you could do within the time frame. Things happen. I have noticed that your bedrooms are very modest in there decorations. I would image much grander furnishings and fabrics in a chateau bedroom. This is not to imply that your rooms are not neat and clean just I personally would want to have something special if I'm going to splurge on staying at a chateau. Maybe that was needed to get your business up and running. Great idea about having bikes and a storage barn. I imagine one day your gym will look fab. I am impressed with your hard work. Thank you for sharing.

Polar fleece blankets are really warm as well as polar fleece bathrobes. My winter warmth with 68 degrees F. Are the curtains flannel lined? If you have a family member who has an ocean state job lot store in their town the fleece blankets are very well priced as well as towels for guests, shipping might out weigh the savings but worth asking.

Hi Karen. Understand how you felt about your guests' complaint. i would feel the same way, too..expecially when you're trying hard to set up a business in B&B. I've stayed in various types of hotels ( old/new) and even the modern ones I've experienced heat problems either too hot or lacking in heat. So dont overthink it. It happens everywhere. Though as a guest, to me, important is how the owners respond. I bet they could see how upset you were to try and resolve, thats all really any guest could ask for. You did well!! Just a little idea try "thermal" curtains, keep heat in and cold out! Insulation to your windows to reduce heat loss..x

For your upcoming Gym Room, use a Pressure Cleaner on the floor, u will be surprised how well the floor will come up 😊

Hi! What do you think about covering that floor with self leveling cement? It’s fairly Inexpensive and might solve the problem. Maybe something to think about.

I see that space under the door thereby the bed and window as well. Can you move the bed? Maybe it’s just a draft for now. I personally love my bedroom cold at night.❤❤. And some people just can’t be pleased. They won’t change so you need to do what you do and don’t let that stuff pull you down.❤❤🇺🇸🤧🤓

Smart med sykkelrommet 👍😊

I live in very cold house and like to keep window cracked to sleep and have a down comforter that keeps me toasty. Maybe down would help 🙂

Hi guys, could you get more of these soft pads to keep the dust more away in the training room ? And sorry to hear about the heating hiccup. Grts Y

it's a good idea to clean the filter when you empty the bag in the Vaccuum cleaner

Bo and Karen. PLEASE GET A BIG PORTABLE POWER SUPPLY THAT HAS A SOLAR PANEL ONTOP PLUS A CHARGE CORD!! MOST CHATEAU OWNERS USE THESE ALOT OUTSIDE ETC. THEY CAN EVEN CHARGE AN ELECTRICAL CAR.. PLUS INCASE UR POWER GOES OUT A FEW ROOMS CAN HAVE POWER!!

What about electric blankets for the winter.

What about heated blankets? Love the videos!!

Hi Karen. Are you planning on creating an atelier for you? I don't watch reels or shorts. I love to have a guest book. Both as a guest and as a host of my BnB. Coolest gift would be local delicacies or cosmetic set from Rituals.

Will you white wash the bike room and exercise room ?

I think you need heavy down comforters for the beds.

I use an infrared heater that is not supposed to use more electricity than a coffee maker,.

Why don't you have duvets on your beds. People want a luxurious bed especially staying in a Chateau. If I had to sleep in that bed with those thin blankets I'd be cold too. The beds certainly don't look inviting. Electric mattress covers or blankets for those who want to be cozy would be an inexpensive solution. If you have turn down service for your guests, they could be turned on in advance, so a warm snug bed awaits.

If I may suggest, try to find secondhand gym equipment for your gym. Hope that you two are well.

Electric blankets????

You are so refreshing honest. Yes, I had a guest house as well. In a total different climate than yours. Semi desert. Very cold and very hot without central heating systems. What to do if the guest complain it is too hot? The "aircon" just clutched out because of the heat? But the guest keep it putting on 16 degrees Celsius? Instead of listening to keep it at 20degrees. We took temperatures in the flat they stayed in and it was above 25 degrees. But as another said, deal with it and move on. So this is how we handled it: I showed them my cool room at air con being put on 20 degrees. Haha, they got the message. We live in an area without central heating, in winter we are around 4-9degrees Celsius average in the house. I've learned with guests, if things looks warm, it comforts them. Just a suggestion, you have a cool mint room there. In winter you could dress that room up with a nice fuschia or rich purple colour as a bed throw draped at the foot end of the bed and maybe a pillow and even bedside carpets. I have the odd throw over chairs as well. We use fluffy mohair blankets as throws to cover the foot ends to give that rich warmness. We also have small travelling mohair blankets draped over chairs. I had a mother who grew up in Central Africa close to the warm equator. She just got cold because of the idea of winter. haha. One get that type. So warm colours comforted my mother incredibly. If interested, I don't really work currently on orders, but I am prepared to hand weave for you simple mohair blankets which I believe will be inexpensive to you. Our currency are very low compared to euros. If you are interested, You can send me a message with your email and we can work out an inexpensive way. If you really want to go warm, you can also do Alpaca wool throws, but with central heating, I think they might be too warm?. Mohair adjust more and can even keep the chills out of a cool evening breeze and is comfortable to about -2 degrees, up to 25 degrees, depending on the woven structure. Some people love "weight" on top of them before they are warm, then I will suggest pure Merino wool blankets. I also experimented with pure wool, pure cotton, pure mohair compared to synthetic fibers. Really it makes a big difference. I pay that extra for all the expectations on my beds and it really payed off for me to impress my guests and to let them come back. I've learned to make up for not having a fancy house, garden and surroundings, but to really dress my bed well and give personal comfort, and cleanliness. It brought great success here in Africa. We don't have the comforts you guys take for granted. I'm sure you've pleased your guest already and you can forget it and move on. Another way is to tell them to please contact you straight away when they need something during the night. We had once a cat howling 2 o'clock in the morning and that sorted that one out. haha. Always little things with guests. Don't let it upset you. Be relaxed about it and they will take it also in good spirits. Nothing in life is perfect. Haha. All the best.

Space heaters take up a lot of power. They usually have a low voltage setting. It’s usually enough to take the chill off a room. Hang in there!

Does France have electric blankets? Probably not enough outlets.

I dont like "shorts" or Reels or Instagram ,none of which scroll properly on my desktop PC. when I try to see thelower section it just jumps to the next one and I cant see,.. I prefer the longer videos of You Tube.