Ep 1. Atelier de Mariage

Escape to the Chateau is a British reality series that chronicles the story of Dick Strawbridge and his wife Angel Adoree as they embark on a journey of renovating a dilapidated 19th-century chateau in France. Season 9 of the show begins with episode 1, which is titled "Atelier de Mariage."

In this episode, Dick and Angel are back again, and this time they're making big plans for the Chateau. They are planning to host weddings in their grand estate and have come up with an idea to create a dedicated Atelier de Mariage or a Wedding Workshop.

As they work on the Atelier de Mariage, Dick and Angel must overcome various challenges, including the fact that the workshop is situated in the basement of the Chateau, which is currently being used as a storage space. The couple needs to decide what needs to be kept, what should be sold or given away, and what will be transported back to their home in the United Kingdom.

As the episode progresses, we see the couple devising plans for the workshop, including designing the layout, picking wallpaper, and creating decorative pieces. We also get to witness some of the challenges they face in sourcing the materials they need, such as chandeliers, lighting, and furniture. Along the way, Dick and Angel receive help from a few of their close friends and family members, including Angel's mother, to ensure that everything is ready for the grand opening.

In addition to working on the Atelier de Mariage, the episode also showcases the couple's personal lives and their relationship with their children. We see Angel spending time with their daughter, affectionately called "Little Arthur," as they work on some fun DIY projects. Meanwhile, Dick enjoys quality time with their son, who is about to leave for university, and they share some heartfelt moments before saying goodbye.

Overall, the episode is an excellent start to season 9 as it highlights the couple's multiple talents, including their impeccable taste in interior design, DIY skills, and ability to work under pressure. It also adds a personal touch to the show by showcasing the couple's family life, which is a refreshing change from the usual home renovation content seen in similar shows.

Escape to the Chateau season 9 episode 1 is a must-watch for fans of the series and those who are new to the show alike. It's an entertaining, heartwarming, and inspiring episode that sets the tone for what's to come in this latest season, which promises to be full of more exciting adventures and challenges for Dick and Angel.