Escape to the Chateau

A look back at how the Strawbridge family fell in love with French rural life - their children surrounded by nature and Dick turning the walled garden into a plot of plenty

This episode is audio describedThis episode is subtitled47 mins

This episode celebrates Dick Strawbridge and wife Angel's creativity, with exquisitely designed rooms, stunning bathroom suites, and inspirational design tips

This episode is audio describedThis episode is subtitled47 mins

This special series revisits the epic transformation of a 45-room French chateau from a ruin into a sumptuous family home. How did Dick overcome the enormous technical and engineering challenges?

This episode is audio describedThis episode is subtitled47 mins

Dick and Angel are preparing for a magical Christmas at the chateau, with festive treats for family and friends, including Dick's walnut wine and a super-sized Christmas tree

This episode is audio describedThis episode is subtitled47 mins

It's harvest time at the chateau. But there's still time for family wheelbarrow races, to give the basement a swish makeover, and to convert the old piggery into a chicken coop.

This episode is audio describedThis episode is subtitled47 mins

Before winter sets in, Dick ploughs the wild flower meadow and joins with Angel in bringing the dilapidated coach house back to life, in a bid to create 'Cafe Grandma'

This episode is audio describedThis episode is subtitled47 mins

It's the height of summer and the heat is on for Dick and Angel, with the peak of the events season, wedding cakes melting, school holidays, a boating lake, and a leaky boat

This episode is audio describedThis episode is subtitled47 mins

Angel creates a series of rooms bursting with beauty in the chateau's pepper-pot turret. Dick opens up a parkour fitness trail in the grounds, but he hits an unexpected snag.

This episode is audio describedThis episode is subtitled47 mins

Angel plans a stunning attic studio. She and Dorothy go on a mother daughter trip to Paris. Dick's busy in the outbuildings And there's a surprise birthday event - with popcorn.

This episode is audio describedThis episode is subtitled47 mins

Dick and Angel throw open the shutters of their French chateau for a new season, as they get to work creating a luxury glamping experience. If it can stop raining, that is.

This episode is audio describedThis episode is subtitled47 mins

Dick gets to work on the chateau's crumbling stucco while Angel adds the finishing touches to their floating dome, for the ultimate family sleepover under the stars

This episode is audio describedThis episode is subtitled47 mins

It's harvest time and Dick wants to make jam and turn pears into booze. Angel has big plans for a floating geodesic dome over the moat. Plus - a special birthday treat for Dick.

This episode is audio describedThis episode is subtitled47 mins

Dick and Angel continue their adventures in a dilapidated French chateau, facing a busy summer of weddings and foodie events, while finally fixing the garden and stables

This episode is audio describedThis episode is subtitled47 mins

As the wedding season comes to the chateau, Dick and Angel's lives are about to get a whole lot busier. Then there's the barn, the van and the lime trees, as tensions start to rise.

This episode is audio describedThis episode is subtitled47 mins

Dick buys a tractor, with plans to tame the walled garden. Angel designs a boudoir with black walls and mirrors. The couple explore truffle farming. And there's a wedding proposal in the dining room.

This episode is audio describedThis episode is subtitled47 mins

The couple get cracking on the 20 rooms that still need fixing. Angel buys a clapped-out van. And what have the tree surgeons done to the lime trees?

This episode is audio describedThis episode is subtitled47 mins

As winter descends on the chateau and Christmas looms, Dick and Angel Strawbridge rush to complete a huge to-do list before the arrival of the family from England

This episode is subtitled47 mins

Keen to expand the business, Dick and Angel Strawbridge consider moat fishing, woodland foraging and installing a lift. Will the chateau survive such a monumental conversion?

This episode is subtitled47 mins

It's the first ever paid event at the chateau and Dick tries to make a pig-roaster out of an oil-tank. Angel creates a Versailles-inspired downstairs loo. And it's their son's first day at school.

This episode is audio describedThis episode is subtitled47 mins

In this More4 version with additional footage, Dick and Angel prepare to marry in just a few weeks. But room after room still needs restoring.

This episode is audio describedThis episode is subtitled47 mins

This More4 version contains previously unseen footage. Dick, Angel and the family move into their crumbling chateau with flies everywhere.

This episode is audio describedThis episode is subtitled48 mins

This More4 version of the first ever episode contains previously unseen footage. Dick Strawbridge and Angel Adoree buy a fairy-tale French chateau to bring back to life.

This episode is audio describedThis episode is subtitled47 mins

Dick and Angel are due to marry in just a few weeks, expecting 200 guests. But room after room still needs to be restored, decorated and furnished, and the moat still needs fixing.

This episode is audio describedThis episode is subtitled47 mins

With just £20,000 left in the coffers the refurb problems feel endless for Dick with time running out. But Angel is on a creative roll. And the family buy some chickens.

This episode is audio describedThis episode is subtitled48 mins

Dick and Angel find their fairytale French castle. Dick launches into fitting a monumental heating system while Angel discovers the chateau's vintage secrets.

This episode is audio describedThis episode is subtitled47 mins