Over years of negotiation, they finally became owners of their very own 18th century French chateau. The only catch was that they were never allowed to see more than the front facade.

The previous owners had hoped to turn this beautiful historic building into a luxury hotel. When they couldn’t get the permits approved, they simply let the building go into decay.

Luckily, the Waterses saw beyond potential profits and decided to undertake the massive project of restoring the Chateau de Gudanes.

They hope to preserve as much of the original detailing and paint as possible.

Some features, like this monogramed wrought iron balcony fence, were not part of the original construction. It is estimated to have been added approximately 1870-1875 by Adolphe de Limairac when he inherited Gudanes from his father.

The restoration is no small project, however. Huge portions of the interior were filled with rubble and made inaccessible in areas where the roof had collapsed, and years of inattention allowed water damage and mold to take over.

As builders sifted through the chaos, the Chaeau de Gudanes slowly revealed its hidden treasures.

One day, a mysterious hole was discovered.

They decided it was worth exploring, and had the builders excavate it by hand, being sure not to damage anything found inside.

The “hole” has a vaulted ceiling, and is theorized to be part of a tunnel leading into town.

As they continue to open up new areas of the Chateau, the discoveries also take on a personal nature. Below is a marvelous find on a pillar in the first floor salon.

Slowly, but surely, the Chateau is regaining it’s charm.