OpenTube

Getting the Château Under Control | Garden, Pool Cottage Updates - The Chateau Chronicles-Ep #210

The Chateau Chronicles

16,490 views

This week at Château de Borie, I'm tackling some of the jobs that have been waiting for attention after a very busy summer.

Eva is back finishing the natural plaster in the cottage, Klaudia is experimenting with natural paint, and my new gardener Jean-Marc is helping me bring the grounds back under control. I'm also clearing an overgrown corner of the garden as I continue trying to solve the great château pool dilemma: where can I put one without threatening a beautiful old tree — or a very old retaining wall?

There is also a long-overdue haircut, a thoroughly disgusting battle with pantry moths, and a little news about returning to something I've missed: writing.

I've started reposting some of my early château stories on Substack and, once those are up, I'll be writing new pieces again this winter.

Substack: https://substack.com/@abigailcarter

And, as always, thank you for following along with life and renovation at Château de Borie in southwest France.

Music:
Belle Epoque: (The Devil’s Sway Feat. Roof) https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/f...
Sunny Side (Jörgen Hallberg) https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/t...

20 Comments

@bentekaizer1996 6 days ago

I watch a lot of Chateau Vlogs. They are fully booked as Wedding Venues, B and B's, Film Locations and Retreats. Most do not have a pool! Save yourself the 100.000.00! Your Chateau is fully rentable just as it is.

@joanneshalit8494 7 days ago

I wouldn't want a pool anywhere near that stone pile...

@ElleEG-j7k 7 days ago

The access to the water basin below can you make it a natural pool ? Put the pool below. My reasoning is Wedding venues. Some may wish to set up in front of the overlook. The grassy area can be seating for the ceremony. Also the area you are thinking takes up a great spot for a wedding tent as well. If you plan to use a wedding coordinator to pull vendors interview a few and see where they suggest set up for the ceremonies. The sequoia roots to maintain stability extend very far out. It will not tolerate the pool. Since you have had rock slides...I would be very careful about adding weight anywhere on the property since its terraced with old drainage aqueducts.

@Lilly-iy3ob 7 days ago

You're haircut looks great!! That length is perfect on you!!

@AnnieChapman-j6u 7 days ago

Considering all the hassel you have been through with the "Cliff", consult with a 'local' soil geologist as well as an engineer, before proceeding with the water features. An aborist/landscape architect is also an important key to your decisions.

@zpoppy1 7 days ago

Is it possible to put the pool in the lower garden, below the natal pool where you started a flower garden a while ago, that way it would not impact on your old trees or the retaining wall, I’m sure guest would enjoy the stroll down to the pool and it would look great from the upper terrace. It would also maintain the steps and the event space on the upper terrace?

@dr33361 7 days ago

You are correct salt water pool is way easier on maintenance. If it was me & my property I would add it. It doesn’t have to be Olympic size. It is looking great. Love your hair shape up!

@rosemariedeschenes7013 7 days ago

Love the new haircut ❤❤❤❤❤

@petrekovairena1891 7 days ago

Držím ti Abby palce do všech nových projektů.

@ReneeK628 3 days ago (edited)

I just read your article on business insider. Your article was so beautiful and so inspirational. You are an amazing woman. I will live vicariously through you. I am so sorry about the loss of your husband, but I do believe he is watching over you to make sure you live out your dreams. And a big thank you to your daughter! Recommending you take us us on your journey. So glad I found you. Xoxo Renee-Michigan

@cestISy 3 days ago

J'ai résolu le problème en plaçant des feuilles de laurier dans les placards. 👍🏻

@terimartin291 7 days ago

With the issues with the hillside I would be very careful to dig around there. The liability and maintenance are also a concern. Make sure there are good pool maintenance people in your area.

@RhondaBAZ 7 days ago

As a "pool person" who owns a saltwater pool..I love it..I would advise screening your pool..you have a ton of debris with so many trees ..and mosquitoes. do a hot tub as well..

@dottiebaker6623 6 days ago

One thing that may help you in your decision about the pool is that the roots of trees generally mirror the above ground part of it in their size and shape. If you walk (and mark) the drip line of the widest part of the tree, you will get an idea about how far from the roots you should be if/when you dig the pool. Good luck!!

@soniagallaher3544 4 days ago

Your hair looks lovely

@anna.saga666 2 days ago

I read an article this morning in Business Insider and immediately found your YouTube channel! Fascinating history, a beautiful chateau, and a wonderful woman. Sending you lots of love and I'm so happy you've found your place and path. I'll definitely visit your beloved palace. Warmest regards from Chicago❤️

@melanieward6576 7 days ago

FYI, Oats are vary attractive to the moths. Especially if not fresh.

@jenniferandrews8127 7 days ago

I think you would be doing a disservice to your valuable land in putting a pool in that center area putting it towards the fence in the back would be a wiser use because you can still have it there. It’s just further away. Yes there’s trees around, but you can work with the nonnecessary trees, but by putting it right next to the Sequoia wouldn’t be wise, especially with saltwater pool. Just my two cents you do what you need to do Abby. Thank you Have a great week.