Rare treasures discovered in the château attic by the architect from Château de Versailles

This week our architect takes you on a tour of 250 years of discarded treasures found in the château attic helping us start to slowly piece back together the original decor of the château.

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[louiselewis]

Treasures everywhere. Even the architect himself is a treasure with his expertise. It’s all so interesting and exciting.

[esmeraldagreen]

My great grandfather had a lit de camp when I was growing up. During WWII they were given to refugees, whose furniture and home were destroyed in the bombings. It had casings on the short sides. Before the bed was fully opened, you threaded 2 pieces of 2x4 wood through the casings. These pieces were hooked on the corners of the frame on the short sides . When the bed was fully opened, the head and foot pieces made the frame into a full rectangle, which helped keep the canvas taut as a drum. My grandfather had a special mattress that could be placed on the bed for maximum comfort. The bed had hinges with a locking mechanism in the middle of each long side. When it was time to fold the bed, the mattress would be removed, then the head and foot pieces were also removed from the casings, the hinges would be unlocked, the long sides were pushed together, then the long side could be folded and the closed bed ended up looking like a folded umbrella, the kind that fit in a briefcase. There was even a strap sewn that went around the bed to keep it folded like an ombrella. It was an ingenious piece, very sturdy and heavy.

[memikell]

The shear scope of the restoration boggles the mind! To undertake such a project takes far more guts than most of us have. You have gone to war against the decay of time and the elements. My hat is off to you and my wishes for your success!

[goldenineke]

I can’t imagine what it would be like having a chateau full of so many treasures - daunting but exciting!

[lyricsdebra]

How incredible to see older than the Chateau furnishings and the original furniture to the Chateau. I could spend forever looking through all the historical pieces

[belindanoonan]

Clearly I’m in “commenting overload”. I love your architect’s passion and knowledge. He is bringing all his experience and immense wealth of education to Purnon.
And Flick, your French vocabulary is outstanding. The architect is explaining complex, intricate details and you understand it all. ❤

[debbiecagliarini]

Wow, they really are some treasures. What great advice "don't throw anything out". I bet there are some other chateaus that wish they were given this advice. What an extremely knowledgeable gentleman, how lucky are you to have him.

[ValerieDee]

I'm so happy pernon is in safe hands. Last year we lost my husband's family home and land. It is in safe hands. It had been in his family for approximately 250 years.

[kathyevans]

What a font of knowledge and passion you have in your architect. I can see Frederick feels like Purnon is in safe hands with both of you as worthy custodians. I’m appreciative that he let you share his knowledge with us. Thank you.

[brettkruempel]

How marvelous it is that so many bits and pieces were kept and wonderful that so much of it can be restored. This is a lengthy and arduous task that I am glad you have undertaken.

[rowandowland]

Those opening shots of the chateau again had us in what is it about Purnon? We can't imagine what must have been in your minds and hearts the first time you saw her. To see something so beautiful in such a poor condition and all the circumstances that led it to being in this state. And then you come along to reawaken her. She must have cried herself with joy and relief. So many fascinating pieces but that billiard table is beyond belief. I hope there will be someone out there with a love of billiards and deep pockets who can fund its restoration for you. Incredible. M&R

[kayschwartz-pqkx]

I have just found this vlog and been Aussie, ofcourse I've subscribed, and trying tocatch up and watch all of it, unfortunately I keep losing my place, put it down to old brain😊.
What a beautiful chateau she is, and Thank you both, Flick and Tim for taking her on, she is a challenge thats for sure. Love seeing your Dad helping ❤️ both sets of parents have got to be so proud, and Tim thank you for writing the diary so your Mother could follow your progress easily.
Sending much love from Western Australia ❤

[chellerowe]

Just amazing the history in Purnon. How exciting to be able to touch and see the history you are uncovering. What an honour to be able to restore it.

[stephaniegaromon]

What an excellent piece of advice the architect gave you, to not throw anything out. He’s a treasure as well as everything found in Purnon. Even discovering items older than Purnon is truly exciting. The architect said they would have brought things with them, thus older than the chateau!! You are both the right people to own Purnon and be guardians of it for this century. ❤

[jefflawrentz]

That was great fun seeing your treasures through a connoisseurs eyes and hearing him explain the purpose of them. How lucky you are to have such a competent guide for these projects. Thank you for sharing this!

[Aussieroo]

You have just got another Aussie subscription. They sheer joy of seeing this beautiful old lady coming awake! Just breathtaking. ❤❤❤

[biche]

Votre choix d'un architecte aussi connaisseur du 18ème siècle est crucial. Le réflexe de beaucoup de gens qui rénovent est malheureusement souvent de se débarrasser de tout ces vieux morceaux de bois et de chiffons ou papiers. On les voit tout contents d'avoir "nettoyé" l'intérieur. Vous allez être plus tard récompensés par l'authenticité de ce que vous pourrez présenter comme cet extraordinaire billard. Merci de respecter ce patrimoine.

[MB-mweb]

I think this was the most interesting vlog about the chateau. F.Didier’s knowledge makes him able to ascertain the most minute detail of what looks like a pile of lumber or an unknown frame of fabric, or a simple table. Incredibly interesting and impressive. It’s so important that you did save everything. Well done.

[wendywalsh-pardey]

Love your Hard Yakka t shirt. Only Aussies will understand.

[megbond]

That billiard table may just be an old frame now, but to be the only one known to be of that age in France is amazing! Fairly hopeless to play on with a parquetry table top instead of slate, but oh the incredible history of it... What an absolutely priceless treasure!