Ep 3. 19th-century Folly Retreat

Escape to the Chateau is a British reality TV series that follows the story of Dick Strawbridge and Angel Adoree as they restore and renovate their gorgeous 19th-century French chateau, Château de la Motte-Husson. In the show's ninth season's third episode, named "19th-century Folly Retreat," Dick and Angel take on a new project to restore an old folly on their estate.

In this episode, the couple begins by exploring the abandoned folly, which has been neglected for decades and is now in a state of disrepair. The crumbling structure, a cross between a French chateau and a medieval fortress, once served as a romantic retreat for the original owners of the estate. The folly is a significant part of their property's history, and Dick and Angel are excited to restore it to its former glory.

The couple enlists the help of local craftsmen and builders to help with the restoration, which proves to be a challenging task. They have to carefully navigate the structure's intricate masonry and design, which includes intricate arches, stone staircases, and a beautiful rooftop terrace with stunning views of the estate and countryside.

Meanwhile, Angel's creative genius comes into play as she begins to design the interior of the folly, which will serve as a unique guest retreat. She envisions a luxurious and comfortable living space with a mix of vintage and modern elements that will reflect the building's history and character. She decides to keep the original stone walls and add a contemporary kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom with a stunning four-poster bed.

As the project progresses, Dick and Angel also have to deal with unforeseen challenges, including a leaking roof and a bat infestation. But with their determination and skills, they manage to overcome these obstacles and restore the folly to its original splendor.

The episode also features the couple's everyday lives at the chateau, including their daily routine of tending to their animals, preparing meals, and managing the estate's operations. Their interactions with their children and neighbors provide a glimpse into the reality of living in a French chateau and the challenges that come with it.

In summary, "19th-century Folly Retreat" is an exciting episode that showcases the couple's restoration skills and creative vision as they take on a new project. The folly serves as a symbol of the couple's love for history, architecture, and design and their commitment to preserving the Chateau de la Motte-Husson's unique character. The episode provides an excellent mix of drama, humor, and inspiration and is a must-watch for anyone who loves architecture, history, or design.