Our Chateau Life Podcastle with Lionel and Claire

This week on Inside the Château, a perfectly innocent viewer question about white sockets sends Lionel into a surprisingly passionate defence of modern electrics, personal taste, and why we have absolutely no intention of turning our home into a museum.We also chat about Monty the mower’s growing personality, whether robots deserve tea breaks, the impossible business of finding curtains, five years of living at the château, why we need to escape the place occasionally to appreciate it properly, and a more personal update from Lionel about his recent type 2 diabetes diagnosis and the changes that now come with it.Warm, wandering, occasionally ranty — exactly as a bi-weekly château podcast should be.Lionel & Claire xxx👉 BUY US A COFFEE (guaranteed video reply!)Prefer a one-off way to support the adventure? BUY US A COFFEE and help fund the glorious chaos, questionable decisions and next chapter at the château.https://buymeacoffee.com/ourchateaulife👉 PATREON If you would like to help keep the lights on, the cameras rolling, and two slightly over-ambitious château owners out of trouble, our PATREON community makes this life possiblehttps://www.patreon.com/cw/OurChateauLife👉 AMAZON WISHLISTMany of you have kindly asked how you can help us here at the château.We’ve added an Amazon Wishlist with a few useful things for the house, garden, dogs and filming. There is never any obligation, but every thoughtful gift is hugely appreciated and genuinely helps.https://ourchateaulife.com/wishlist👉 This isn't really a renovation project. It's a life. Today's episode is just one page of a much bigger story.👉 Leave us a comment. We read them all, and some of our best conversations begin there.👉 Join us again. The château will almost certainly have found a new way to surprise us by then.👉 Follow along so you never miss a chapter in the ongoing adventures of Lionel, Claire, Mimi, Margaux and the rest of the cast.👉 Between episodes, you'll find the bits we couldn't fit into the vlog on INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK and TIKTOK: @ourchateaulife👉 Our website:https://www.ourchateaulife.com

It turns out that being called “cute” can cause a surprising amount of confusion when you are British.This week, we are under the tree at the château, with the dogs demanding carrots and Margaux attempting to dig her way to China, when we fall into a rather unexpected conversation about the things our American viewers say to us. Apparently, “cute” does not mean quite what Lionel thought it meant… and Claire may have been using “lovely” in ways she should perhaps investigate.From posh voices and proper jobs to pants, thongs and cheeky dogs, we discover just how many innocent British words can become very different conversations across the Atlantic.As ever, it starts with a simple question and ends somewhere completely ridiculous.We hope you enjoy our chats, now go and join Patreon! 😊❤️ Lionel xxx👉 If you would like to help keep the lights on, the cameras rolling, and two slightly over-ambitious château owners out of trouble, our Patreon community makes this life possible: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/OurChateauLife👉 Prefer a one-off way to support the adventure? Buy us a coffee and help fund the glorious chaos, questionable decisions and next chapter at the château:https://buymeacoffee.com/ourchateaulife👉 This isn't really a renovation project. It's a life. Today's episode is just one page of a much bigger story.👉 Leave us a comment. We read them all, and some of our best conversations begin there.👉 Join us again. The château will almost certainly have found a new way to surprise us by then.👉 Follow along so you never miss a chapter in the ongoing adventures of Lionel, Claire, Mimi, Margaux and the rest of the cast.👉 Between episodes, you'll find the bits we couldn't fit into the vlog on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok: @ourchateaulife

This week we found ourselves under the tree, in the heat, with a film crew due to arrive, a drinks party to host, a podcast to record, and the familiar realisation that we only seem to function when a deadline is breathing down our necks.Somehow that led us from château chaos to airport panic, from Lionel’s hatred of last-minute travel stress to Claire being accused of smuggling “ancient artefacts” out of Morocco. There’s also Margot interrupting the outdoor studio, marathon runners being sent round the most annoying path in France, the robo mower finally entering the conversation, and a rather lovely thought about all of you watching us from wherever you are.So this week we have a request: send us a photo of yourselves watching Our Château Life. We see numbers on a screen, but it would be wonderful to see the actual people behind them. Unless, of course, you really are monsters. Nice monsters, obviously.Lionel & Claire xxx

This week on our podcast inside the château, we’re talking about online “twits,” perspective, and one very unexpected Sunday morning in rural France.Lionel & Claire xxxAfter a lovely community event at the château, the weekend took a turn when a closed road, some raised voices, and a very French misunderstanding made a simple trip to the shop far more dramatic than expected. It’s one of those moments that could only happen in everyday château life.We also reflect on how to deal with unkind comments, the small kindnesses that mean so much, and the strange, funny, frustrating realities of living in the French countryside.Thank you for joining us in the château for another conversation. We’re very glad you’re here.

A colour decision shouldn’t feel this big… and yet somehow it really does.In this episode of Inside the Château, we talk about finally choosing the colour for the gates, shutters, windows and doors — one of the first truly visible decisions that feels like our mark on the château. It’s a subtle choice, but one that says so much about how we want this house to feel.We also catch up on life at the château in the summer heat: picking cherries, making cherry vodka, cutting secret paths through the long grass, and enjoying the garden with the dogs and cats. Along the way, we drift into the realities of renovation, the things we miss about the UK, the quirks of French life, and why progress on a project like this rarely happens as quickly as people imagine.This is a quieter, more conversational episode, but full of the small details that make château life what it is.

Tea is poured, notes are out, and it is time for another catch-up at the château. In this episode of Inside the Château, we talk through everything that has been happening lately — our trip to London, a special family surprise, Audrey going missing for over a week, Chateau DIY filming, the mysterious dowser’s visit, ongoing projects around the house, and the general chaos of life in rural France. It is very much one of our sit-down chat episodes: part podcast, part château diary, and a chance to share the smaller stories that do not always fit into the renovation films. There is talk of tools, tractors, television crews, animal adventures, hidden spaces beneath the house, and the everyday realities of restoring an old French château while trying to keep up with normal life. So wherever you are listening from — driving, cooking, folding laundry, or simply taking a quiet moment — thank you for spending some time with us.

Tea is poured, notes are out, and it is time for another catch-up at the château.In this episode of Inside the Château, we talk through everything that has been happening lately — our trip to London, a special family surprise, Audrey going missing for over a week, Chateau DIY filming, the mysterious dowser’s visit, ongoing projects around the house, and the general chaos of life in rural France.It is very much one of our sit-down chat episodes: part podcast, part château diary, and a chance to share the smaller stories that do not always fit into the renovation films. There is talk of tools, tractors, television crews, animal adventures, hidden spaces beneath the house, and the everyday realities of restoring an old French château while trying to keep up with normal life.So wherever you are listening from — driving, cooking, folding laundry, or simply taking a quiet moment — thank you for spending some time with us.

We’re back with another Inside the Château chat, catching up on life in rural France and everything that comes with it.In this episode, we talk about the strange reality of being stared at in France, local village events coming through the château grounds, daily life behind the scenes, and the comments that made us laugh, think, and occasionally panic.From French administration and visa renewals to marathon runners in the garden, hunting horns at the front gate, Margot’s recovery, robot mower dreams, and the surprising warmth of this community, this is a more personal episode about the rhythms of château life as it really is.It’s less about big reveals and more about the character of this life: the oddness, the humour, the practicalities, and the little moments that make living in an old French château feel both absurd and wonderful.Thank you for being here and for following along with our life at the château.

Bienvenue to our 10th Podcastle – the audio companion to Our Chateau Life! This week, we introduce ourselves and what this podcast is all about: life in France, living in a château, navigating renovations, and embracing the beautiful (and occasionally baffling) realities of our new life.We dive into our take on château interior design—why stick to one era when you can blend timeless elegance with modern flair? There’s also our fantasy château gig lineup (Claire: Ghost, Muse, Bon Jovi. Lionel: Bowie, Queen, The Rolling Stones… and yes, even Meute).Plus, we reflect on the surprising changes in our tastes since moving to France (we love French bread—but don’t eat it as often as we thought we would!), and, coming soon! the story of Ludovic’s family, who used to play in the château grounds.We also talk about the fallout from being badly let down by a carpenter, and yes… Lionel has a boiler meltdown. Literally.👉 If you enjoy this glimpse into château life, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and tap the notification bell so you never miss an episode.🔗 Stay Connected with UsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourchateaulifeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourchateaulifeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourchateaulifeWebsite & Blog: https://www.ourchateaulife.comSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ourchateaulife✨ Welcome to Our Chateau LifeJoin us, Lionel and Claire, as we share the real-life joys, challenges, and charm of restoring and living in a historic French château. From renovations and decorating to exploring local traditions, French lifestyle, and beautiful châteaux for sale, our journey is all about finding magic in everyday life.Each week, we bring you new episodes packed with heartwarming moments, stories from our past (including Lionel’s years photographing the British Royal Family), and behind-the-scenes glimpses into our evolving dream.🎥 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to follow our adventure!#OurChateauLife #ChateauDIY #FrenchChateau #ChateauRenovation #LivingInFrance #LifestyleVlog #BritishRoyalFamily

This week on the podcast: Lionel & Claire battle a bug with the help of a legendary Magic Chicken Soup, we visit the stunningly finished Château Bierson for a new episode of Our Chateau Life out on Friday, and the epic task of mowing our enormous lawn begins! Plus, we share our thoughts on the new series of Chateau DIY, and Lionel makes a big decision—selling all his camera gear. Grab a cuppa and join us for a cosy, chateau-filled chat!🔗 Stay Connected with UsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourchateaulifeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourchateaulifeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourchateaulifeWebsite & Blog: https://www.ourchateaulife.comSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ourchateaulife✨ Welcome to Our Chateau LifeJoin us, Lionel and Claire, as we share the real-life joys, challenges, and charm of restoring and living in a historic French château. From renovations and decorating to exploring local traditions, French lifestyle, and beautiful châteaux for sale, our journey is all about finding magic in everyday life.Each week, we bring you new episodes packed with heartwarming moments, stories from our past (including Lionel’s years photographing the British Royal Family), and behind-the-scenes glimpses into our evolving dream.🎥 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to follow our adventure!#OurChateauLife #ChateauDIY #FrenchChateau #ChateauRenovation #LivingInFrance #LifestyleVlog #BritishRoyalFamily

This week on Podcastle, we’re back with more behind-the-scenes stories from filming Chateau DIY, including a hilarious response to an absurd comment about Claire’s craft room. Lionel takes a nostalgic trip down memory lane, comparing our latest paint choice to the iconic Biba store of the 1970s.We also reflect on how our perspective on grand properties has changed—once an enthusiastic yes, now a panicked run away! Plus, we discuss the beauty of keeping furniture minimal for an uncluttered feel, Claire reminisces about her very first handshake with Lionel in London, and—after much anticipation—the long-lost toilet finally arrives!Whether you’re here for the renovations, the laughs, or just a taste of life at a French chateau, this episode is full of fun, surprises, and the kind of stories you won’t want to miss.📌 Subscribe for more château stories, renovations, and behind-the-scenes updates!🔔 Don’t forget to like & hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode!

This week at the chateau, we’re sharing all the latest antics and unexpected moments from life in rural France! From the excitement (and slight panic) of a visit from the maids to Claire's creative flair - we take you behind the scenes of our colourful, chaotic week.We also dive into Lionel and Claire’s most memorable fashion disasters (spoiler: there were plenty), and the sheer shock on the faces at the paint shop when Claire revealed her bold colour choice for the craft room! Plus, we reflect on the idea of moving to warmer climates and share some hilarious moments from the visit of Big Rob the Roofer and his colleague Michael, a proud Lancashire lad with an accent to match.Whether you’re here for the renovations, the laughs, or just a taste of life at a French chateau, this episode is full of fun, surprises, and the kind of stories you won’t want to miss.📌 Subscribe for more château stories, renovations, and behind-the-scenes updates!🔔 Don’t forget to like & hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode!

Welcome back to the Our Château Life Podcastle! In this episode, we’re diving into some of the best (and worst!) comments we’ve received recently and sharing our reactions. Plus, we had a visit today from a former maid who used to work at Château de La Vergne—she had some fascinating stories to tell!✨ In This Episode:🔹 Responding to comments – the good, the bad, and the funny!🔹 More ensuite planning – will we finally make a decision?🔹 Stripping paint with a crock pot?! A tip from our followers! 🏺🔹 A royal story from Lionel you won’t want to miss! 👑💬 Join the conversation! Have you ever tried the crock pot trick for paint removal? Do you have any questions for us? Let us know in the comments!📌 Subscribe for more château stories, renovations, and behind-the-scenes updates!🔔 Don’t forget to like & hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode!

🚽 Chateau Secrets, Roadside Peeing & Exciting Plans Unveiled!This week's Podcastle is packed with unexpected revelations and behind-the-scenes updates! 🇫🇷🚗 Why do so many men pee openly by the side of the road in France? It's a common sight, but is there an unspoken cultural reason?🎥 Exclusive update on today's filming for Chateau DIY! What’s happening behind the cameras as Lionel and Claire bring their chateau to life?🚽 Why is there no loo in the bathroom? Discover the fascinating historical reason behind this odd design choice in French homes!🎭 Big plans for chateau events are taking shape! From elegant soirées to grand celebrations, we’re making exciting progress.🧹 The Maid is coming to visit! What does this mean for Our Chateau Life and the latest developments at Chateau de la Vergne?Tune in for a mix of laughter, insight, and chateau charm!Follow us for behind-the-scenes content:https://www.youtube.com/@OurChateauLife

Step behind the scenes of our weekend filming for Chateau DIY on Channel 4! In this episode of Podcastle, we share exclusive insights into the TV production, our latest projects, and a touching upcoming visit from a woman who worked at the château as a maid in her childhood—now nearly 80 years old. Plus, a sneak peek at our next big restoration plans!Love château content? If you enjoy channels like Escape to the Chateau, The Chateau Diaries, Doing It Ourselves, Chateau Love, Living the Chateau Dream, Chateau DIY, Life at the Chateau, French Country Life, Chateau Restoration DIY, and Chateau Life, you'll adore Our Chateau Life!If you enjoy our journey, we'd love for you to subscribe to our channel and be part of Our Chateau Life. Your support means the world to us and helps us continue sharing these incredible stories!👉 Follow us for behind-the-scenes content:https://www.youtube.com/@OurChateauLifeInstagram: https://instagram.com/ourchateaulifehttps://www.tiktok.com/@ourchateaulifeSupport our journey at Patreon https://patreon.com/ourchateaulife

In this lively episode of Chateau Chat Podcast(le), we cover an eclectic mix of topics, from the whimsical to the seriously practical! We reveal how we’ve officially invited Taylor Swift to perform at the chateau—because why not dream big? Then, brace yourselves as we navigate the complexities of French tax and inheritance laws (be prepared, indeed!). Claire shares her experiences with the French government's integration course, shedding light on the realities of settling into life in France. And finally, we offer some essential advice for anyone considering running gîtes or chambres d’hôtes—location matters, and being near a tourist attraction, the sea, or the mountains can make all the difference. Grab a cuppa (or a glass of Bordeaux), and join us for another entertaining and insightful episode! Join us on YouTube for château tours, and restoration updates! https://www.youtube.com/@OurChateauLife 👉 Follow us for behind-the-scenes content: Instagram: https://instagram.com/ourchateaulife Support our journey at Patreon https://patreon.com/ourchateaulife

Are you dreaming of owning your own château in France? In the second episode of the Our Château Life Podcast, (or should that be podcastle?) we talk about the dream versus the reality of living in a chateau. We cover key points about your budget and what extra maintenance costs to expect, the pitfalls of listed historic monuments and how you go about finding good people to do the work for you. Join us as we discuss: ✅ Extra costs to consider ✅ Finding the right tradespeople ✅ Integrating into French life Whether you're actively looking or simply curious about what it takes to buy and restore a French château, this episode is packed with insights to guide you on your journey.

Are you dreaming of owning your own château in France? In this debut episode of the Our Château Life Podcast, we share our personal journey of buying Château de La Vergne, along with essential tips and advice for navigating the process. From finding the right estate agent to understanding the hidden costs and challenges, this episode covers everything you need to know before making your dream a reality. Join us as we discuss: ✅ How to search for the perfect château ✅ What to expect during the buying process in France ✅ The realities of owning a historic property Whether you're actively looking or simply curious about what it takes to buy and restore a French château, this episode is packed with insights to guide you on your journey. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more podcasts, château tours, and restoration updates! 👉 Follow us for behind-the-scenes content: Instagram: https://instagram.com/ourchateaulife Support our journey at Patreon https://patreon.com/ourchateaulife