As we enter the final stretch of our kitchen renovation at Château de Puy Vidal, we’ve reached that strange in-between stage where nothing happens for a few days… and then suddenly everything seems to be happening at once.
In this episode, we’re sharing the latest progress in the West Wing kitchen as the ceiling beams go in, the fireplace stone begins to take shape, and hundreds of pieces of kitchen furniture arrive in cardboard boxes ahead of installation.
After so many months of stop-and-go progress, it finally feels like this French château renovation is turning a corner — exciting, nerve-wracking, and full of little moments that remind us why we kept going.
We also spend a few quiet spring days enjoying the château grounds, soaking up the longer light, and taking in this fleeting season before our workshop and retreat season begins again at The Lady of the Château.
Château de Puy Vidal is home to The Lady of the Château, where we host intimate creative workshops and retreats in France for artists, photographers, writers, and women seeking beauty, rest, and inspiration in a historic setting.
Music licensed by The Lady of the Château and provided by Epidemic Sound and Artlist.
Music featured in this episode:
ES Happytown — Kikoru
Nobou — Sunrise in the Fairytale Forest
Kobi Salomon — Sicilienne
Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra — Cherubino’s Aria “Voi che sapete” — Instrumental Version
ES Blossom Fields — Brightarm Orchestra
ES One for the Books — Kevin Dailey
Thank you to all of the wonderful artists on Artlist and Epidemic Sound for sharing your music with creators across the world. Our stories would be nothing without your passion and your music.
#FrenchChateau #ChateauRenovation #KitchenRenovation #TheLadyOfTheChateau #ChateauDePuyVidal #CreativeRetreats #WorkshopsInFrance #RetreatsInFrance
32 Comments
A little update from us at Puy Vidal —
We’re now just under 8 weeks from our first retreat, and while the kitchen arrived early, every little hiccup and delay has made that head start feel smaller by the day. Still, we’re keeping our chins up and our spirits high. Even if everything isn’t fully finished by our first June retreat, we’re feeling much calmer now that we can finally see how beautiful the kitchen, colors, and design choices are becoming.
The cabinets arrived ahead of schedule, but delays with the stone hood have meant postponing the delivery of about 7 additional pallets of cabinetry, along with the Lacanche terracotta stove we are all dying to see.
Cabinet installation is now set to begin on April 13, and we’re keeping our fingers crossed that next week will also bring the completion of the fireplace build and the beams in the West Wing salon.
In the meantime, tune into our Instagram Stories for daily updates, and we’ll see you back here in about two weeks.
Cheers,
Caroline
P.S. Many of you have asked about Penelope’s whereabouts — she is still very much living at Puy Vidal, but has decided she’d prefer a more private life off camera and away from social media. She sends her good wishes to you all!
Magnificent design and nerves of steel! Bravo! My kitchen gut job took six months! What was wrong with my crew that took sooooo long?
The beams and color of the ceiling are so beautiful❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Love the colour between the beams it fits the period and that chandelier is amazing 😊
Is the old kitchen still there ? Wondering where you’re cooking . When your done could you show us what changed .
Great video I’m glad to see the new renovations from you guys. I know it’s gonna look great but where is Penelope? She hasn’t been in the last couple of videos.
What’s amazing is it all looks original to the chateau, amazing. 🎉🎉🎉🎉 YOU ARE CARRYING THE CHATEAU INTO THE FUTURE. YOU SHOULD BE SO EXTREMELY PROUD OF THE WHOLE FAMILY!
Those beams are so beautiful! Up against the color of the ceiling makes such a statement! Sometimes a change can work out so much better. Wood is so much more exensive but will last forever!! Chandalier is gorgeous. So exciting seeing everything coming together! ❤
You guys are impressive! So excited to see the kitchen done! 🥰
Stunning ❤❤❤
What a great update! I love your Instagram stories too.
Some plastic wrap on the bottom of those candles will make them stand up straight. Space looks fantastic.
So exciting to see the projects nearing completion.
I love the wall trim and ceiling and beam colors you have chosen. I don’t envy you having to choose colors. I think that’s the thing that is hardest for me. It certainly takes me the longest amount of time! ❤ Margie
It’s sooo exciting! Like Christmas all over.
Bravo. Ladys🌹🩷🌹
Wow…se presagia un resultado excelente de esas obras, y mamá es una mujer muy elegante y atractiva, me quedo atontada escuchándola hablar…❤ Gracias por compartir familia, enhorabuena!!!!❤
Your chateau and landscape is the most beautiful I have ever seen. Sigh And I think that your design choices are stunning. I hope to visit on an art retreat someday and meet Maruka as I love her artwork. I think she's finding it difficult not to paint the beams 😆 Hey, I would!
Cabinet day is always so exciting!
This is so exciting. I am so happy to be on this journey with you. It's a process, as you know, and your guests understand this as well. Looking forwarad to your next video.
The beams are wonderful, but I can’t WAIT for the kitchen installation!
The ceiling color and beams are wonderful. Love the chandelier. Thank you for the update.
I'm loving all the scrumptious warm colours and that very renaissance-y chandelier. It's getting very exciting!
Very exciting developments! I'm so glad you are so happy with the beams! Can't wait to see the cabinetry.
It is just so nice to see projects getting completed at your chateau! I know there will be more in the future, but you've accomplished so much in 4 years by just keeping your focus. Congratulations all!
I am so happy for you guys, you have all worked so hard and it is all coming together beautifully!!!
The ceiling is gorgeous and the chandelier is beautiful….. great choices!❤
It is all coming together beautifully. Lots of planning and great choices. OMG that chandelier! Moah!✨💛
Such a gorgeous chateau ❤
Of all the Chateau shows I watch, yours is the most beautiful chateau. I am so happy for all.of you and your beautiful renovations.
Looooove the ceiling and the candelabra 🥰 – on my screen the colour looks like a burnt orange. I'm like Julia, if I get something new that I adore I can't take my eyes off it and take every free moment to just savour and drool over it… can't wait for the cabinets to placed… cheers, Magdalena
Thank you all for the update…..victory is the word, it sounds fabulous……so happy for you all! 💖Divine intervention is having faith, God will deliver the dream of making the Lady of the Chateau a special place not only for family, but all your guests and the many wonderful retreats on offer to your guests!
This is a special gift you all give to so many people wanting to experience life in France and of course life living in a Chateau …..💖 I can’t wait to see the completed end results! 💖
ahh…the open window with the sawdust billowing out of it….embodies the work of the entire project! The excitement builds! Beautiful choices!