Chateau de Purnon
Aussies restore their 18th century chateau in France and bring back to life rare wallpapers uncovered during the works!
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Felicity and Tim know that restoring Chateau de Purnon will take them years.
Photo credit: Laura Edwards for Chateau Reawaking
Photo credit: Laura Edwards for Chateau Reawaking
I've sat down virtually with Felicity Selkirk and Tim Holding from Australia, who have embarked on an exciting journey to save Chateau de Purnon in the Vienne department in southwestern France. It was love at first sight for the Aussies, who had checked out some 15 properties before seeing Purnon, which stole their hearts. The Louis XVI-style chateau was completed around 1791 for Antoine-Charles Achard, Marquis de la Haye, and managed to retain much of the original furnishings and interiors. It was more or less intact from the outside, but needed urgent attention. Tim and Felicity had to deal with a leaking roof, broken shutters, and fix tuff facades. But they were rewarded with fascinating discoveries: from abandoned royal busts to authentic wallpapers to an original billiard table! The owners estimate the total cost of the restoration to be in the millions of euros–the first phase of the works alone will cost around 2.8mn. But they don't want to eat the elephant all at once. The couple have pledged their life savings and are raising money through donations and fundraisers. You can also chip in by buying Tim's book about their Purnon project.
AUSTRALIA–FRANCE–PURNON
Castles and Palaces (CnP): Felicity and Tim, thank you so much for agreeing to share your story with me! Firstly, why were you looking for a property in Europe, Australia is a bit far away.
Felicity Selkirk (FS): We were living in Paris and looking for an exciting and challenging project that we could share together. We both have a passion for French culture, history and architecture and so saving an old chateau seemed like the perfect plan.
CnP: And what you do for a living?
FS: Tim was a retired government Minister in Australia and I had a successful online business building digital platforms. We both now work full-time on the restoration of Chateau de Purnon.
Felicity Selkirk (FS): We were living in Paris and looking for an exciting and challenging project that we could share together. We both have a passion for French culture, history and architecture and so saving an old chateau seemed like the perfect plan.
CnP: And what you do for a living?
FS: Tim was a retired government Minister in Australia and I had a successful online business building digital platforms. We both now work full-time on the restoration of Chateau de Purnon.
Fixing the chateau's timber roof truss
Photo credit: Laura Edwards for Chateau Reawaking
Photo credit: Laura Edwards for Chateau Reawaking
CnP: How did you come across Chateau de Purnon?
Tim Holding (TH): We had looked at 15 different chateaux all across France–Chateau de Purnon was suggested to us by our real estate agent. The chateau had not been advertised publicly because of some complexities around the sale process and we loved the photos despite it being very clear that she required a massive restoration.
CnP: But what made you think she was the one?
FS: As soon as we got out of the car one wet and cold morning in November, 2019 we knew that we’d found the project we’d been looking for. The spectacular Grand Allee that extends out in front of the chateau, the harmony and elegance of her 18th century neoclassical design and the sense of tranquility that echoed around the estate really spoke to both of us.
Tim Holding (TH): We had looked at 15 different chateaux all across France–Chateau de Purnon was suggested to us by our real estate agent. The chateau had not been advertised publicly because of some complexities around the sale process and we loved the photos despite it being very clear that she required a massive restoration.
CnP: But what made you think she was the one?
FS: As soon as we got out of the car one wet and cold morning in November, 2019 we knew that we’d found the project we’d been looking for. The spectacular Grand Allee that extends out in front of the chateau, the harmony and elegance of her 18th century neoclassical design and the sense of tranquility that echoed around the estate really spoke to both of us.
Chateau's grande allée
Photo credit: Laura Edwards for Chateau Reawaking
Photo credit: Laura Edwards for Chateau Reawaking
CnP: What did you feel when the deal was done and you got the keys?
TH: We felt a deep sense of responsibility. We are the custodians of a piece of history that we must care for and protect. First, we had urgent work to start immediately to save her from ruin. But we also wanted to tread with respect–to restore the chateau in a way that honoured her 18th century spirit. We wanted to share the journey with local people and we wanted to uncover her stories and mysteries and retell them respectfully to others who might share our passion and interest.
TH: We felt a deep sense of responsibility. We are the custodians of a piece of history that we must care for and protect. First, we had urgent work to start immediately to save her from ruin. But we also wanted to tread with respect–to restore the chateau in a way that honoured her 18th century spirit. We wanted to share the journey with local people and we wanted to uncover her stories and mysteries and retell them respectfully to others who might share our passion and interest.
CnP: Do you remember your first night in the chateau–what was it like?
FS: We remember it very clearly. After having lived in Paris with its noise and sirens, we could almost hear the deep silence all around us. When we woke up the next morning, there were roe deer grazing nonchalantly outside our bedroom window.
TH: It was a special moment for us to realise just how much our lives had changed.
FS: We remember it very clearly. After having lived in Paris with its noise and sirens, we could almost hear the deep silence all around us. When we woke up the next morning, there were roe deer grazing nonchalantly outside our bedroom window.
TH: It was a special moment for us to realise just how much our lives had changed.
CnP: What a change indeed. What did your friends say when you broke the news?
FS: They were quite amused–it was not something that they expected from us. But they were positive and enthusiastic. With a project like this it’s easy sometimes to get overwhelmed by the challenge you’ve taken on. Our friends help us to stay optimistic.
FS: They were quite amused–it was not something that they expected from us. But they were positive and enthusiastic. With a project like this it’s easy sometimes to get overwhelmed by the challenge you’ve taken on. Our friends help us to stay optimistic.
CnP: Actually, how easy is it for Australians to buy a listed chateau in France–what sort of commitments did you have to make?
TH: It’s not that hard for Australians to purchase property in France. Obviously, it’s really important to overcome the language barrier–not just for the legal transaction but more importantly for life here in France. Property prices can be a little lower than in Australia but you must manage exchange rate fluctuations. And finally, if you’re moving to France you will have to address visa and residency issues. But, with careful planning, these things can be managed.
TH: It’s not that hard for Australians to purchase property in France. Obviously, it’s really important to overcome the language barrier–not just for the legal transaction but more importantly for life here in France. Property prices can be a little lower than in Australia but you must manage exchange rate fluctuations. And finally, if you’re moving to France you will have to address visa and residency issues. But, with careful planning, these things can be managed.
'What the hell did we do?'
CnP: Could you tell me a few words about the previous owners: who were they and why was the chateau neglected for so long?
FS: The chateau has been owned by three families throughout its history. The Achard de la Haye family built Purnon just before the Revolution. Their descendants sold Purnon in 1893 to the de Rochequairie family and Tim and I purchased it from them in 2020. When the de Rochequairie family acquired Purnon at the end of the 19th century they invested enormously in modernising the chateau. But chateaux are complex and expensive estates. Purnon was badly neglected for quite a few decades by the time we found it.
FS: The chateau has been owned by three families throughout its history. The Achard de la Haye family built Purnon just before the Revolution. Their descendants sold Purnon in 1893 to the de Rochequairie family and Tim and I purchased it from them in 2020. When the de Rochequairie family acquired Purnon at the end of the 19th century they invested enormously in modernising the chateau. But chateaux are complex and expensive estates. Purnon was badly neglected for quite a few decades by the time we found it.
CnP: I've read that the chateau was in a terrible state when you bought it. The roof was leaking, the shutters were broken. The tuff facades were badly damaged–but what was the biggest challenge you faced?
TH: The roof is always the biggest threat. Once the roof starts to leak, everything else declines very rapidly–the oak frame, interiors etc. We knew when we arrived that restoring the roof would be our most urgent priority.
TH: The roof is always the biggest threat. Once the roof starts to leak, everything else declines very rapidly–the oak frame, interiors etc. We knew when we arrived that restoring the roof would be our most urgent priority.
CnP: Do you know how much the restoration will cost you in the long run?
TH: It’s impossible to say. The entire estate is heritage protected. The first stage of works to save and restore the exterior of the chateau is costing about 2.8 million euros. But, until we complete diagnostic studies on other buildings we won’t know the full cost. It will be millions more. But we don’t have to restore everything all at once. We’ve broken the project up into phases and we will work through it one phase at a time.
TH: It’s impossible to say. The entire estate is heritage protected. The first stage of works to save and restore the exterior of the chateau is costing about 2.8 million euros. But, until we complete diagnostic studies on other buildings we won’t know the full cost. It will be millions more. But we don’t have to restore everything all at once. We’ve broken the project up into phases and we will work through it one phase at a time.
CnP: Got you! You'll be eating the elephant one bite at a time. Are you financing the work on your own or is the French state somehow involved?
FS: We have committed our life savings. But we are being strongly supported by the French Government (DRAC). It would be impossible to save Chateau de Purnon without that support. And we are also fundraising–through YouTube and the Fondation du Patrimoine.
TH: We’ve released a book ‘Chateau Reawakening’ and we’ve received several philanthropic grants and support from the Lotto du Patrimoine through the Mission Stephane Bern.
FS: We have committed our life savings. But we are being strongly supported by the French Government (DRAC). It would be impossible to save Chateau de Purnon without that support. And we are also fundraising–through YouTube and the Fondation du Patrimoine.
TH: We’ve released a book ‘Chateau Reawakening’ and we’ve received several philanthropic grants and support from the Lotto du Patrimoine through the Mission Stephane Bern.
ROYAL BUSTS
CnP: One of the most interesting things about restoring old chateaux is the amazing discoveries you can make. What did you find during the works?
FS: Thankfully the chateau had never been emptied–so we found many original pieces of furniture in the attic. Perhaps the most extraordinary discovery was the original 18th century billiard table. We found various pieces and, with the help of our architect, we have reassembled it. It’s one of the oldest billiard tables in France and we can’t wait to restore it.
FS: Thankfully the chateau had never been emptied–so we found many original pieces of furniture in the attic. Perhaps the most extraordinary discovery was the original 18th century billiard table. We found various pieces and, with the help of our architect, we have reassembled it. It’s one of the oldest billiard tables in France and we can’t wait to restore it.
CnP: You've also posted quite amazing discoveries on Instagram: a couple of busts and an old chair in the attic!
TH: We were amazed to find the vestiges of two royal busts that originally sat on the chateau roof–Henri IV and Louis XV. They have been meticulously restored and now these two French Kings sit atop the chateau roof again. Putting them back after more than a century was a great milestone in our journey to restore Purnon. But the mystery remains… why these two French kings in particular?
TH: We were amazed to find the vestiges of two royal busts that originally sat on the chateau roof–Henri IV and Louis XV. They have been meticulously restored and now these two French Kings sit atop the chateau roof again. Putting them back after more than a century was a great milestone in our journey to restore Purnon. But the mystery remains… why these two French kings in particular?
CnP: Oh, this is truly intriguing: both of them had died before the chateau was built. So, what period do the interiors date back and how authentic do you think they are?
FS: The interiors date from the era of Louis XVI. Despite some changes in paint colours and wallpaper tastes–much of the original colour scheme can still be found. We are still discovering little details–such as the bells that summoned the domestic staff and some of her original 18th century wallpapers.
FS: The interiors date from the era of Louis XVI. Despite some changes in paint colours and wallpaper tastes–much of the original colour scheme can still be found. We are still discovering little details–such as the bells that summoned the domestic staff and some of her original 18th century wallpapers.
CnP: I actually wanted to ask you about them. You've mentioned on your website that you've redesigned the unique wallpapers found inside the chateau in a modern way. Anyone can order them now–what's the story?
FS: One of Chateau de Purnon’s most remarkable features is its collection of late 18th century and early 19th century wallpapers. Several of them were hand block painted and are believed to be the last surviving examples of them in France.
FS: One of Chateau de Purnon’s most remarkable features is its collection of late 18th century and early 19th century wallpapers. Several of them were hand block painted and are believed to be the last surviving examples of them in France.
FS: We partnered with Farrow & Ball, the luxury UK paint and wallpaper manufacturer to recapture some of these motifs and bring them back to life. Their creative team has done an incredible job creating designs called ‘The Purnon Papers’. We are so happy that people will be able to add a touch of Purnon’s elegance to their own homes by purchasing these wallpapers.
CnP: And the wallpapers aren't the only thing you found during the restoration. You also stumbled upon a menu from the early 1900s, that led to an unusual reawakening dinner! How did it go?
TH: We discovered two menus from events held at the chateau during the Belle Epoque. We partnered with a French-trained Australian chef Scott Pickett to recreate these menus. It was an incredible experience to reawaken ‘Favorites Maintenon’, ‘Poularde Truffee’, ‘Fois gras Bellevue’ and perhaps the highlight ‘Glace Nelusko’.
TH: We discovered two menus from events held at the chateau during the Belle Epoque. We partnered with a French-trained Australian chef Scott Pickett to recreate these menus. It was an incredible experience to reawaken ‘Favorites Maintenon’, ‘Poularde Truffee’, ‘Fois gras Bellevue’ and perhaps the highlight ‘Glace Nelusko’.
CnP: Now, the chateau is a listed building, which means you can't restore it yourself without a registered architect supervising the works. Sometimes it's a bit of a challenge. How do you get along?
FS: Our heritage architect is Monsieur Frederic Didier. He is the architect-en-chef at the Chateau de Versailles. He has transformed our journey. We have learnt so much from him. He has such a deep commitment to ensuring that we uncover and protect the original elements of Purnon.
FS: Our heritage architect is Monsieur Frederic Didier. He is the architect-en-chef at the Chateau de Versailles. He has transformed our journey. We have learnt so much from him. He has such a deep commitment to ensuring that we uncover and protect the original elements of Purnon.
CnP: Such a large restoration project is certainly not something anyone can do alone–who are your helpers and what do they do?
TH: As well as our architect, we have the most extraordinary team of artisans working on the stone facades, the slate roof, the oak frame, the windows, shutters, doors, the statues etc. Their skills are remarkable. Our neighbour José has also helped us tirelessly–particularly as we clear the parks and gardens around the property.
TH: As well as our architect, we have the most extraordinary team of artisans working on the stone facades, the slate roof, the oak frame, the windows, shutters, doors, the statues etc. Their skills are remarkable. Our neighbour José has also helped us tirelessly–particularly as we clear the parks and gardens around the property.
Orangerie of Chateau de Purnon
Photo credit: Laura Edwards for Chateau Reawaking
Photo credit: Laura Edwards for Chateau Reawaking
DECADES OF WORK AHEAD
CnP: You've mentioned the challenges you faced. What’s the progress of the restoration?
FS: We have almost finished the exterior restoration of the chateau, we’ve done several rooms inside and we’ve restored the old Chai (or wine barrel room). We have decades of work ahead of us but that’s part of the adventure.
FS: We have almost finished the exterior restoration of the chateau, we’ve done several rooms inside and we’ve restored the old Chai (or wine barrel room). We have decades of work ahead of us but that’s part of the adventure.
CnP: Do you keep in touch with other people who have rescued their dilapidated castles?
TH: Yes, we belong to several associations that support owners of heritage properties. We also have a growing informal network of chateau owners that we can call on for advice from time to time.
TH: Yes, we belong to several associations that support owners of heritage properties. We also have a growing informal network of chateau owners that we can call on for advice from time to time.
A ruined room on the 2nd floor of Chateau de Purnon
Photo credit: Laura Edwards for Chateau Reawaking
CnP: What's your vision for the chateau–just a residence for you or maybe a hotel and a restaurant?
TH: First and foremost it is our home–we don’t want to run a hotel or restaurant. However it is important to us to share this estate with people who are interested in heritage and history. That’s why each year we open for Les Journees du patrimoine. We normally have over 1,000 visitors and it’s wonderful to see life returning to the estate during these Open Days.
TH: First and foremost it is our home–we don’t want to run a hotel or restaurant. However it is important to us to share this estate with people who are interested in heritage and history. That’s why each year we open for Les Journees du patrimoine. We normally have over 1,000 visitors and it’s wonderful to see life returning to the estate during these Open Days.
Chateau de Purnon, the western facade
Photo credit: Laura Edwards for Chateau Reawaking
Photo credit: Laura Edwards for Chateau Reawaking
CnP: The chateau comes with about 20 hectares of land–what's in store for the land? Gardens, mazes or livestock raising?
FS: Our architect has just finished the diagnostic study for the parks and gardens, which are heritage protected. We are working with an Australian landscape designer, Ian Barker, to design gardens and features that will respect some of the original plans for Purnon that were never carried out.
FS: Our architect has just finished the diagnostic study for the parks and gardens, which are heritage protected. We are working with an Australian landscape designer, Ian Barker, to design gardens and features that will respect some of the original plans for Purnon that were never carried out.
CnP: Tell me, what do you like most about your chateau and why?
FS: We love its refined elegance, its spectacular natural setting and its peacefulness. We love being surrounded by history that we are gradually uncovering.
FS: We love its refined elegance, its spectacular natural setting and its peacefulness. We love being surrounded by history that we are gradually uncovering.
CnP: Many castle owners who have undertaken similar restoration projects have told me that they couldn't have imagined what they were getting themselves into. Many mistakes were made, many lessons were learned, some even said that if they had known what it would be like–they would never have embarked on such a journey. What about your journey?
TH: We have faced many challenges. It has been more complex than we first imagined but that makes it more interesting. We have been blessed to work with talented and motivated people.
FS: We have been warmly welcomed into the local community and we have grown together as a couple. And we have the immense satisfaction of knowing that we are saving something of rare beauty. We have never regretted our decision to purchase Chateau de Purnon and to embark on this journey.
TH: We have faced many challenges. It has been more complex than we first imagined but that makes it more interesting. We have been blessed to work with talented and motivated people.
FS: We have been warmly welcomed into the local community and we have grown together as a couple. And we have the immense satisfaction of knowing that we are saving something of rare beauty. We have never regretted our decision to purchase Chateau de Purnon and to embark on this journey.
Sunlight in the entrance of Chateau de Purnon
Photo credit: Laura Edwards for Chateau Reawaking
Photo credit: Laura Edwards for Chateau Reawaking
CnP: And my traditional question: What advice would you give to a castle enthusiast who would like to save one?
FS: Be patient–it will take time. And maintain your optimism–there will be ups and downs but if plan carefully you can have faith that you will overcome the challenges.
FS: Be patient–it will take time. And maintain your optimism–there will be ups and downs but if plan carefully you can have faith that you will overcome the challenges.
Felicity Selkirk and Tim Holding walking near their Chateau de Purnon, France.
Photo credit: Laura Edwards for Chateau Reawaking
Photo credit: Laura Edwards for Chateau Reawaking
I hope that you liked the interview with Tim Holding and Felicity Selkirk, who are restoring Chateau de Purnon in France.
Don't miss new stories by castle owners!
You can always get in touch with us via castlesandfamilies@gmail.com
Don't miss new stories by castle owners!
You can always get in touch with us via castlesandfamilies@gmail.com