I absolutely love this programme, not just for the inspiration it gives me while suffering with severe depression which drains the life out of me, but also for the banter, love, frivolity, passion and laughs that the family has. I think its just wonderful to see as they carry on fulfilling their dream in France. I would recommend this programme to everyone who loves some lighthearted relief :)
40 Reviews
I love this programme
minesapint-9161118 March 2018
Just magical!
andrea_paws11 October 2018
Great show well worth watching.
davidhiggins-8975620 April 2018
One of the best series I've seen this year. I quite enjoyed every episode of the too short seasons. Harmless enough entertainment.
Wish the production company wouldn't have those 'coming up' spoilers shown throughout the show.
A common trait now on most modern reality shows that takes away the surprise element.
Good to see some people enjoying their lives through the effort of hard work, creativity and that 'get up and go' that some viewers wish they had more of. My get up and go has got up and gone ages ago. Wish it would come back. Thing is when you've not got the most enjoyable life in the world it can pick you up to see others enjoying theirs. That's what you can get from this show.
Edit: Update. Just seen Series 5, more episodes per season, great. I enjoyed this one a bit more with the better format of no 'coming ups' during the show other than the acceptable first minute recap and the last minute what's on next week. More suspense and surprise, it made the show flow a whole lot better, worth another 1/2 a star, so now its 9.5 stars. You just can't get enough of the Strawbridge family can you.
Good to see some people enjoying their lives through the effort of hard work, creativity and that 'get up and go' that some viewers wish they had more of. My get up and go has got up and gone ages ago. Wish it would come back. Thing is when you've not got the most enjoyable life in the world it can pick you up to see others enjoying theirs. That's what you can get from this show.
Edit: Update. Just seen Series 5, more episodes per season, great. I enjoyed this one a bit more with the better format of no 'coming ups' during the show other than the acceptable first minute recap and the last minute what's on next week. More suspense and surprise, it made the show flow a whole lot better, worth another 1/2 a star, so now its 9.5 stars. You just can't get enough of the Strawbridge family can you.
Awesome
beatnik-497794 November 2017
This show is so sweet and nice. I love it and can't wait to see the next season. They are so resourceful and hard working. I think it amazing that they are renovating this huge home, raising 2 kids and also holding down their day to day jobs also. The pacing and editing are done well and the camera work makes you feels very natural and non-intrusive.
Fascinating, heartwarming and delightful.
kmcorrigan9 February 2020
This program both fascinates and delights me. I am amazed by Dick and Angel's transformation of the dilapidated, abandoned Chateaux into a beautiful and loving family home and sucessful business. I am absolutely delighted observing their relationship with each other, their two children and Angel's parents. They appear to be a model of how to raise a loving family in a fun-loving way.
My favourite series .
michellemattukat30 October 2018
Enthralling
pipedpiper4 November 2019
Dick and Angel are what TV has been missing
elizabethcaroline20 August 2020
This couple are so creative, so unafraid of the unknown. They make it seem as though anything is possible. It leaves me with such a sense of accomplishment! Whether they are renovating the chateau or hacking/engineering a new heating system, smoker, wedding invitation or urinal, I can't wait for the next episode, and the next, and the next...
One thing brings it down
Goloh12 December 2021
Where I live, Season 2 has just come on air, and we're part way through it. The family, the kids, the in-laws, the vendors, the chateau itself ... all most endearing, and fun to watch how they think something is done and then three more crop up. I loved watching them explore the moat.
But as other reviewers also mentioned, this whole premise that they "have no money" and are "saving money by doing everything themselves" (which may be partly true) is wearing thin when each programme also stresses how expensive the materials are. Not to mention how much the contractors and builders must cost -- even if they are relatives.
Yes, I look forward to see how they turn this into a fabulous money-spinner, but at least at this point in the series they are definitely not doing it without help that never gets acknowledged.
But as other reviewers also mentioned, this whole premise that they "have no money" and are "saving money by doing everything themselves" (which may be partly true) is wearing thin when each programme also stresses how expensive the materials are. Not to mention how much the contractors and builders must cost -- even if they are relatives.
Yes, I look forward to see how they turn this into a fabulous money-spinner, but at least at this point in the series they are definitely not doing it without help that never gets acknowledged.
My favourite TV programme.. it's a beautiful escape
gym_y17 April 2020
My Mum and I absolutely adore this show. It's our bonding time together to sit and watch Escape to the Chateau. It's a joyful, heartwarming, positive and happy programme, that always leaves me feeling warm inside and stops me worrying about everyday life. Angel is gorgeous, stylish and creative. She's my inspiration for when I can finally afford to move out and buy a place with my boyfriend! I also love her outfits, her and Dick are a fabulous team, and I love their whole family dynamic and positive outlook on life. It genuinely feels like they are friends of mine because of how warm and lovely they come across on the show. I would highly recommend this show, please watch it and let it brighten up your day! it has brought me a lot of inspiration and happiness and I hope that they continue to make many more series! ( I can't wait to see them in real life for their UK tour which my mum and I have tickets for) I give it a 10/10, heaven! X
Once again American TV ruins a British shows
kauaidan20 December 2020
Started out great, but then...
Tomasja5 January 2021
Favorite home renovation show!
alicewcronin5 October 2020
Discovered this show during the lockdown and I'm totally addicted. Absolutely love watching Dick and Angel use their individual skills to transform their chateau. Angel's style is so fabulously unique, I love seeing what she will come up with next.
What makes show so much more enjoyable than others, aside from the fact that they are renovating a beautiful chateau, is that they are actually able to complete whatever project they are working on. And, it ends up so much better than anything I would have thought of!!!
What makes show so much more enjoyable than others, aside from the fact that they are renovating a beautiful chateau, is that they are actually able to complete whatever project they are working on. And, it ends up so much better than anything I would have thought of!!!
Fairy tale
Love_Life_Laughter10 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
If fairy tales included one spell for the development of incredible ingenuity, and another one endowing the capacity for hard work, the result would be this magical family and castle. Preternaturally cheerful, this couple appears to accomplish more in a year than most of us achieve in a lifetime. Their joint projects range from the whimsical to the beyond gorgeous. May a little of their pixie dust rub off on all of us. My favorite part is watching the aptly named Angel quietly cry in a hidden corner at all the lovingly prepared weddings.
Excellent
fridge888826 August 2020
Charm, love and humour
roseofcairo-967972 February 2021
Full of love and fun, this is a beautiful show filmed with charm and good taste. The family always leave us feeling cheerful and full of hope for the future and that's what the world needs more of right now. Not trashy at all but a show that has integrity and sticks to its good bones.
A Fantastic Story of a Dream Home and A Resourceful Couple Who Did It
gregorybmowery6 January 2022
Honestly, some of the reviews for this stupendous reality series, seem not only surly, but jealous too. British couple, Dick and Angel Strawbridge have been looking for a French B&B to restore in France. Dick is an a retired engineer. Angel is a designer. When they hear of a French chateau near Nantes, they eagerly decide to see it. Their first view of the decrepid chateau is pure love at first sight. They determine to buy and restore it and create a series of businesses to support the high cost of maintaining an enormous house. Dick Strawbridge was in the British military. He's a an engineer, which comes in very handy in the restoration of a neglected chateau that hadn't been inhabited in more than forty years. The property is on twelve acres, includes nine outbuildings. There is no modern. The slate roof, with a hair-raisingly steep pitch, needs repairing. Dick, who has found a new career as a producer and presenter of reality TV programming has to go to work in-between restoration projects. The couple plan to create a wedding site/catering/hotel business. While Dick concentrates on modernizing the skeleton of the chateau and reviving the gardens and outhouses, Angel works on the interiors. She has a delightfully original and whimsical nature, creating rooms that are original, enchanting the eye, while creating plush comfort. Mindful of the chateau's history, she adds special touches that make viewers, visitors and family smile. The Strawbridges are an ambiable, resourceful and loving couple who have taken on an insanely ambitious program. Uniting their enormous talents and capacity for hard work, ESCAPE TO THE CHATEAU is highly entertaining
television.
I somehow missed seeing this series when it originally aired on PBS in the United States. I found the first two seasons in reruns, but was frustrated that there were more shows that I couldn't find. Then my sister-in-law told me the entire series and then a DIY spinoff were being offered on the Peacock streaming service and I'm nearly finished. If you like really good home-oriented reality TV series, ESCAPE TO THE CHATEAU should very well be your cup of tea.
I somehow missed seeing this series when it originally aired on PBS in the United States. I found the first two seasons in reruns, but was frustrated that there were more shows that I couldn't find. Then my sister-in-law told me the entire series and then a DIY spinoff were being offered on the Peacock streaming service and I'm nearly finished. If you like really good home-oriented reality TV series, ESCAPE TO THE CHATEAU should very well be your cup of tea.
OBSESSED
luvireland-112538 October 2021
Restore a Chateau only if you have a reality show budget.
rdhoran3 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I have just watched the first episode. I think the audience was told that, after purchasing the decaying French estate, the couple, Dick and Angel, had only 20,000 pounds budget remaining for restoration. Are you kidding me??
The first work shown is Dick, the engineer husband (they make sure we know he's an engineer, like its a badge of honor), hand sawing plywood to repair the entryway because he doesn't have electricity. Cripes, building this main house required hundreds of worker's labor for almost two years. Now the entire property is in decay, and anybody knows that restoration is much more expensive and labor intensive than new construction, and we are treated with the new, supposedly intelligent, homeowner using a handsaw? Any respectable contractor would have a generator and would be using power tools.
We then learn that Dick's plan to restore heating to the place will cost 18,000 pounds. Not bad, except now they've only got 2,000 pounds remaining to restore everything else. And we haven't even got to the plumbing...and there are supposedly some huge open window spaces in the building.
So, those grossly insufficient monies are supposed to provide for lead paint abatement, asbestos abatement, black mold abatement, woefully insufficient plumbing, woeful electricity, delapitated roofing, wall repairs, floor repairs, peeling paint, rotted windows, decaying masonry, window repairs or replacements, and myriad other problems??? In a 45 room, five story 19th century building?
So, Dick had better be Restoration Superman, or have himself set up with a TV show budget to hire the dozens of construction crews he will need. Especially because all his wife does is wander around dreaming of hosting lavish weddings and deciding where stuffed giraffes ought to be placed.
With all that said, its fun to watch.
The first work shown is Dick, the engineer husband (they make sure we know he's an engineer, like its a badge of honor), hand sawing plywood to repair the entryway because he doesn't have electricity. Cripes, building this main house required hundreds of worker's labor for almost two years. Now the entire property is in decay, and anybody knows that restoration is much more expensive and labor intensive than new construction, and we are treated with the new, supposedly intelligent, homeowner using a handsaw? Any respectable contractor would have a generator and would be using power tools.
We then learn that Dick's plan to restore heating to the place will cost 18,000 pounds. Not bad, except now they've only got 2,000 pounds remaining to restore everything else. And we haven't even got to the plumbing...and there are supposedly some huge open window spaces in the building.
So, those grossly insufficient monies are supposed to provide for lead paint abatement, asbestos abatement, black mold abatement, woefully insufficient plumbing, woeful electricity, delapitated roofing, wall repairs, floor repairs, peeling paint, rotted windows, decaying masonry, window repairs or replacements, and myriad other problems??? In a 45 room, five story 19th century building?
So, Dick had better be Restoration Superman, or have himself set up with a TV show budget to hire the dozens of construction crews he will need. Especially because all his wife does is wander around dreaming of hosting lavish weddings and deciding where stuffed giraffes ought to be placed.
With all that said, its fun to watch.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS SHOW!!!!!
slmccrory-8138924 January 2021
This is my favorite program!!!! I love both Angel and Dick!!! Their interactions with each other, as well as their talents, just blows my mind. I LOVE the chateau. I hope when this is finished, they will continue with another show. They are not like the US folks who are just marketing themselves. This is truly a couple of talented folks sharing their endeavors with us. And seeing the beautiful historical workmanship is just great!!!! Kudos!!!!
giggling
asiljegovich-7523110 August 2021
WATCHABLE FOR WHILE ODD COUPLE
mickytanky15 November 2021
We have watched this and had a good laugh ,the hairy old man cooks ,I wonder how much of his grey hairs end up in food,? We are sure occasionally we see food bits in his beard , and the younger but big lady Angela is so irritating living in past ,we can see why TV cameras follow them ,lovely french house but both fit the odd couple.
We love the show!!
gregfraser-700017 March 2021
Love this show
peggyutz28 February 2021
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