Forgotten and crumbling, Château de Gudanes was a shadow of it’s former opulent, aristocratic-self. Until an Aussie family decided to bring it back to life
The 18th-century Château and the Aussie family restoring it
Australian couple, Karina and Craig Walters, had almost exhausted their search to find a holiday home in France when their son came across an abandoned Château on the Internet.
Château de Gudanes was a grande dame in a terrible state of disrepair. Water damage and destruction left the majority of the rooms completely inaccessible as the building literally crumbled away.
But the Walters family fell in love, and after two years of negotiations, they uprooted their life in Perth and began work in 2013 to bring her back to life.
The neoclassical Chateau was built in the 1700s for a prominent member of the Toulouse parliament, and was once a centre for artists, intellectuals and aristocrats.
Karina and Craig are determined to retain the authenticity of the mansion and region and try to be as sustainable as possible with the refurbishment. They up-cycle and recycle most of the materials and décor, and hope to preserve the history and essence of the place by keeping the furnishings to a minimum.
You can discover the restoration process on their website and Facebook page and follow their remarkable journey on Instagram.
Images via: The Château de Gudanes Facebook page
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It was home to Marquis Louis Gaspard de Sales known as “The King of the Pyrénées” who hosted many parties for artists, intellectuals and aristocrats.
The Château takes pride of place in the village of Chateau-Verdun.
It overlooks Midi-Pyrénées in southern France.
The French flag proudly hangs during the Tour de France.
Visitors will be able to stay at the Château in the summer.
Sir Meowington is the King of the Château turret.
Re-laying the original 18th century stone flooring.
Beautiful spring blooms.
The resident Château horses.
Antoinette, the Château cat, tries to get a peak of the breathtaking view.
Tireless work on restoring and preserving each of the 94 rooms.
Delicate detailing.
A pastel painting from a local French historian.
Karina and Craig are determined to retain the authenticity of the mansion and region.
The Château in the Autumn.
Work continues in the Château kitchen.
Afternoon in the old music room.
The 300-year-old Château has seen many seasons.
Gorgeous claw-foot bath.
Extensive water damage and mold left the Château in disrepair.
Old tiles wait for their turn in the restoration journey.
Most of the rooms were inaccessible until Karina and Craig took on the responsibility to repair them.
The decor will be kept to a minimum to retain the history and essence of the building.
Frost in the winter.
Most of the furniture, materials, and decor are up-cycled and recycled.
One of the rooms after an extensive clean up.
Staircase from the Château tower.
Karine rides her bike from room to room to try to keep warm during the winters.
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