Australian couple renovates a French chateau for the price of a Sydney apartment
Consensus Summary
An Australian couple, who have been renovating properties together since their marriage in 1992, bought a French chateau named Château de La Roche-Joubert in the Dordogne region for the price of a Sydney one-bedroom apartment. Their journey began with small renovations in Sydney, evolving into larger projects, and culminated in this ambitious chateau purchase during the pandemic. The couple initially fell in love with the property online but secured it after a stroke of luck when the sale fell through. Their renovation efforts have focused on essential repairs like the roof and septic system, with the kitchen and laundry completed after four years. The couple describes their passion as ‘amoureux de belles pierres,’ embracing the challenge as a second life, filled with cultural immersion, community, and shared labor from friends. Their story highlights a lifelong commitment to DIY projects and reinvention, blending practicality with romanticism.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- The couple is named the wife and her husband Richard (no first name provided).
- They purchased Château de La Roche-Joubert in the Dordogne region of France.
- The chateau was acquired for the equivalent price 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 with renovating a one-bedroom Edwardian flat on Sydney’s north shore, then progressed to larger homes.
- The chateau purchase occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic when they were eager to travel.
- The couple visited the chateau in person the day before receiving the keys, confirming their purchase.
- The chateau’s sale initially fell through before they secured it three months later.
- The renovation began with fixing the roof and making the property watertight.
- Four years into the project, the kitchen and laundry are the first fully renovated spaces.
- The couple lives in a village of 160 people in the Dordogne region.
- The expression ‘amoureux de belles pierres’ (lovers of beautiful stones) describes their passion for architecture.
- Friends often visit to help with renovations, including demolishing walls and mowing the garden.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- The article mentions a TV show titled ‘Château DIY Australia’ airing on Channel Nine later in the year.
- The article includes a subscription link for Sunday Life magazine at the end.
Source Articles
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....
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....