Karina and Craig Waters’ journey with the Chateau de Gudanes began in 2013 when they stumbled upon the dilapidated 18th-century mansion nestled in France’s Midi-Pyrénées region. Exhausted from their house-hunting endeavors, the couple’s luck changed when their son discovered the neglected property online. Without hesitation, they embarked on a marathon drive of nearly 500 miles to see the unloved chateau in person.
After acquiring the house, Karina and Craig faced a period of anxious waiting for restoration permits, with months passing without any response from authorities. The previous owners, an investment company, had abandoned plans to convert the chateau into luxury apartments due to its historic monument status. Instead, Karina and Craig, driven by a desire to restore the 94-room mansion to its former glory, penned a heartfelt letter to the French authorities. Their plea ultimately led to the granting of the permits needed to kickstart their restoration efforts.
These weathered staircases and crumbling walls bear witness to a rich history, once belonging to the esteemed Marquis Louis Gaspard de Sales. Designed by the renowned Parisian architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel, known for his work on the Petit Trianon in Versailles, the chateau was a grand setting for lavish gatherings attended by luminaries such as Voltaire and the French nobility. Despite the tumult of the French Revolution, the chateau endured, eventually falling into the hands of a local family.
Today, the chateau is under the care of a new family, who graciously invite us to join them on their journey with the Chateau de Gudanes. Together, we explore its rich past, navigate its present challenges, and envision a bright future for this historic treasure.
As the restoration project kicked off, excitement surged. Karina assumed the role of chronicler, regularly updating the chateau’s official blog and social media platforms with snapshots of the progress. A dedicated team of six builders tirelessly toiled around the clock, breathing new life into this dormant beauty.
While her husband Craig returned to Australia to care for their children and manage finances (those Aussie dollars are certainly handy), Karina remained at the helm. Her journey as an expatriate in a rural French village, navigating the complexities of overseeing such a monumental endeavor, unfolded candidly on the blog. It captured both her apprehensions and moments of triumph along the way.
As the renovation of Chateau de Gudanes unfolds, hidden treasures emerge with each passing day. Original architectural details and century-old paintwork surface from beneath layers of neglect, enriching the restoration process. Karina dives into the task, combing through discarded rubble on the front lawn, seeking salvageable materials to repurpose as the house undergoes repairs and reinforcements. Each find contributes to the chateau’s rich history, infusing it with renewed vitality.
Recently, the builders made a fascinating discovery—a three-meter-deep hole hidden beneath the floorboards, complete with a vaulted ceiling. Intrigued by this find, they’re gearing up to excavate further to uncover the secrets of where this hidden passage might lead.
For enthusiasts of abandoned French chateaux restoration, such unexpected discoveries amplify the excitement of reviving Chateau de Gudanes. It adds an extra layer of adventure, filling each day of the restoration process with anticipation and wonder.
Following the consolidation phase, Chateau de Gudanes is experiencing a revival, infusing its historic walls with newfound vitality and charm. Karina and Craig approach the restoration process with meticulous care, ensuring each step preserves the chateau’s authentic ambiance.
Their steadfast dedication has garnered recognition. In October 2016, they were awarded the Medal of Honour by the Foundation Prince Louis de Polignac for their outstanding progress and commitment to restoring the chateau’s former grandeur while honoring its rich heritage. This prestigious accolade acknowledges their unwavering efforts in safeguarding the chateau’s character.
Follow the Chateau de Gudanes Facebook page for updates, ogle the Instagram feed and discover the blog to join this incredible journey.