To wonder if you've 'escaped to your chateau' in France and was/is it worth it?

[PandoraRocks]

Rewatching the 1st episode of Escape to the Chateau and wondering if anyone here has actually bought a wreck in France.

I realise that the whole series is kind of fake in that Dick and Angel are getting well paid for the programme. That money has helped with the reno and their running costs. Ordinary mortals don't get such help or such publicity.

It's all a pleasant fantasy but the reality is a hell of a lot of work; and most of us don't have a multi skilled Dick Strawbridge. It seems like a constant grind finding tourists, engaged couples and others to finance the lifestyle.

I did renovate a place in France (not a chateau)! The renovations were one thing. What was more problematic was the aftermath - a constant stream of family and friends wanting to holiday there for free. I felt like an (unpaid) agent and it caused rows between some of the more unhinged elements of the extended family. So in the end, we told people we sold it.