← Back to Stories

Australian couple renovates a French chateau for the price of a Sydney apartment

3 hours ago2 articles from 2 sources

Consensus Summary

An Australian couple, including a handy husband and a wife with architectural skills, embarked on a decades-long journey of renovating properties starting in 1992. After purchasing and renovating multiple homes in Sydney, they turned to a new project during the pandemic: buying Château de La Roche-Joubert in France’s Dordogne region for the price of a Sydney one-bedroom apartment. The chateau, initially sold privately, became available again after the sale fell through, allowing the couple to finalize the purchase. Their renovation began with essential repairs like the roof and septic system, with the kitchen and laundry completed after four years. The couple describes their passion for architecture and history as ‘amoureux de belles pierres,’ embracing the challenge as a second life. They now live in a small French village, immersing themselves in local culture while inviting friends to help with the ongoing labor-intensive project. The story highlights their reinvention at an age when many turn inward, choosing instead to embrace adventure and community.

✓ Verified by 2+ sources

Key details reported by multiple sources:

  • The couple is named ‘Richard’ (husband) and ‘[unnamed wife]’ (referred to as ‘I’ in first-person narrative).
  • The chateau purchased is Château de La Roche-Joubert, located in the Dordogne region of France.
  • The purchase price was equivalent to the cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Sydney.
  • The couple first discussed renovating a property together as soon as they started dating in 1992.
  • They began renovating a one-bedroom Edwardian flat on Sydney’s north shore, later expanding to a three-bedroom house in Fairlight.
  • The couple purchased the chateau during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Richard having stopped work.
  • The chateau was initially sold privately by its owner, then the sale fell through three months later, allowing the couple to buy it.
  • The couple visited the chateau in person the day before receiving the keys, confirming their purchase.
  • The renovation began with fixing the roof and making the property watertight, followed by septic tank repairs and rewiring.
  • Four years into the renovation, the kitchen and laundry are the first fully renovated spaces.
  • The couple lives in a village of 160 people in the Dordogne region.
  • The couple describes themselves as ‘amoureux de belles pierres’ (lovers of beautiful stones).
  • Friends frequently visit to help with renovations, including demolishing walls and mowing the garden.

Points of Difference

Details reported by only one source:

SMH
  • The article mentions a Channel Nine TV show titled ‘Château DIY Australia’ screening later in the year.
  • The wife references her father teaching her to draw up plans as motivation for renovation projects.

Contradictions

Conflicting information between sources:

  • No contradictions found between the two articles as they are nearly identical in content.

Source Articles

SMH

For the cost of a one-bedroom unit, we bought a French chateau. It’s a labour of love

We’ve been renovators since we got married. Our toughest project is also our most thrilling....

Yesterday
THEAGE

For the cost of a one-bedroom unit, we bought a French chateau. It’s a labour of love

We’ve been renovators since we got married. Our toughest project is also our most thrilling....

Yesterday