Advertise on podcast: French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED

French chateau renovation is a *thing* - and in many cases, filming it for YouTube is too. On the surface, it looks like the dream lifestyle. But is it? In this episode, Rosie and Sue meet Morgan Lawley, an American entrepreneur, former music video director and the creator behind GoGo Chateau - one of the most entertaining chateau renovation YouTube channels out there. And they were NOT disappointed... For a written summary of the episode, along with a mini glossary of terms used in the show, head to the French Reno Diaries website and look for episode #20. What we talk about: Morgan's extraordinary backstory: from LA Laker girl to Janet Jackson music videosHow Morgan found her chateau - and why she bought it without even seeing it The reality of chateau renovation costs in FranceFinding tradespeople in France as a non-French speaker The isolation of rural FranceYouTube chateau renovation - the business model and the mean comments Ghosts, creepy basements, and the ever present spirit of Henri Latour Advice for anyone thinking of buying a chateau in FranceResources mentioned: GoGo Chateau on YouTubeGoGo Chateau on InstagramGoGo Chateau on TikTokStephanie Jarvis / The Chateau Diaries 🪟 Special offer for French Reno Diaries listeners: Renovating in France and need new windows or doors? Haute Gamme Fenêtre is offering a 7% discount to the first listeners who order made-to-measure replacement windows and/or doors through either S.R. Charpenterie (Sue's company, based in the Gers) or Maison Bretagne (Rosie's company, in Brittany). Quote FRENCHRENO7 when you get in touch. Connect: Facebook | Instagram | website [email protected]

Thinking about buying a property in France and turning it into a business, such as a chambre d'hôtes, gîte complex, wedding venue or retreat centre? In this episode, we hear from Lisa Clapisson, a former French accountant turned business consultant who's spent years helping people navigate the reality of starting a business in France For a detailed summary of the episode, along with a mini glossary of terms used in the show, head to the French Reno Diaries website and look for episode #19. What we talk about: The biggest mistake people make when buying property in France for businessWhy running a gîte business isn't as easy as it used to beWhy running a business as a 'micro entreprise' is often a very bad ideaWhy running a property-based business in France works better as secondary incomeThe retreat business model and why renting a venue might be wiserThe Capital gains tax implications of running a business from your main residenceThe importance of planning an exit strategy for your businessRenovation tax deductions in France - and why artisan invoices are essentialSCI, SARL, holding companies - choosing the right status for your businessThe most common myth about running a business in France 🎁 Exclusive special offer for French Reno Diaries listeners: Haute Gamme Fenêtre is offering a 7% discount to the first customers who order made-to-measure replacement windows and/or doors through either S.R. Charpenterie (Sue's company, based in the Gers) or Maison Bretagne (Rosie's company, in Brittany). Quote FRENCHRENO7 when you get in touch. Resources mentioned: Lisa Clapisson - contact Lisa via her website www.abcaccounting.fr, and get free advice from Lisa on her YouTube channel and Facebook pageChic et Unique Events - Sue and her business partner, Louisa's wedding planning business, which includes wedding venue business consultancy services. Contact them via the Chic et Unique website, Instagram or Facebook.Connect: Facebook | Instagram Subscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.com Email: [email protected]

Ever wondered why your beautifully renovated French property isn't getting the rental return you expected? Or why sourcing affordable decor in France feels so much harder than it should? Brittany-based, American-born interior architect Christina Rougerie reveals all in conversation with Sue and Rosie. For a detailed summary of the episode, along with a mini glossary of terms used in the show, head to the French Reno Diaries website and look for episode #18. What we talk about: Interior architect vs interior decorator in France French interior design vs AmericanCommon French property renovation mistakes expats make Renovation for rental and resale in FranceThe mid-market decor gap in FranceDecorating on a budget in FranceFrench-style interior designLighting, layout and colour: essential interior design principles Why anthracite grey (RAL 7016) on everything needs to stop! Resources mentioned: Christina Rougerie Design Instagram: @christina_perez_rougerieLa Redoute / AM.PM Maison du Monde Cdiscount Lights.ie Plum Living 🎁 Exclusive Plum Living offer for French Reno Diaries listeners Use the code FRENCHPLUM5 to receive 5 free samples - you just pay €3.50 towards postage. We earn a small commission on orders placed with this code, which helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for your support! Connect: Facebook | Instagram Subscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.com Email: [email protected]

Thinking of buying a renovation property in France? Before you fall in love with a ruin on the internet, you might want to hear what someone who's been selling French property for 40 years has to say. Dan Newton - director and co-founder of Agence Newton, the first British person to hold a full real estate licence in Brittany, and the voice behind the popular French Estate Agent YouTube channel - joins Rosie and Sue for a frank, fascinating conversation. From budgeting realities and DPE ratings to 'vice cachée' claims and unlicensed property finders, this one is packed with things you didn't know you needed to know. For a detailed summary of the episode, along with a mini glossary of terms used in the show, head to the French Reno Diaries website and look for episode #17. What we talk about: Why two thirds of buyers walk away once they get proper renovation quotes.Whether flipping property works in France (spoiler: not really) and the official status that exists if you want to try.Location, location, location - why where you buy isn't just about where you want to live. DPE ratings explained - what they mean for buyers, sellers, holiday lets and long-term rentals, and why old stone houses are often unfairly penalised.The French buying process from start to finish - why the three-month silence is normal and what the 'compromis de vente' actually protects you from.Vice cachée - what it actually means legally, and why it's becoming the latest fashion in buyer complaints.Why property finders may need a licence too - and what to check before using one.AI-generated property adverts and unregulated property portals - what's legal and what isn't.Dan's rant: why he'd like to see full structural surveys introduced into the French buying process.The ghosting problem - and why it goes both ways between agents and buyers.Resources mentioned: Agence Newton — Dan's estate agency, specialising in English-speaking buyers in west and central France.The French Estate Agent on YouTube — Dan's YouTube channel, full of essential advice for buyers.French Homes for Sale — Dan's Facebook group, open to private sellers and registered agents; 55,000 members.Connect: Facebook | Instagram Subscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.com Email: [email protected]

Wooden pallets for a bed. A family flannel. A toilet that froze solid. A husband sleeping next to the Rayburn all winter so it didn't go out. Nobody's Instagram feed is showing you this - but Rosie, Sue and Micala are! In this episode, all three hosts share their own living-on-site stories, and they've asked listeners to do the same. The results are equal parts hilarious, grim and genuinely inspiring. Expect to come away knowing how to make living on site work - without getting burnt out, destroying your relationship, or going without a wash! Resources mentioned: Renovations in France — the Facebook group where listener comments were gathered for this episode.A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle — referenced by a listener as the root cause of many a French renovation pipe dream.Mini glossary: Fosse septique — a septic tank; the standard wastewater treatment system in rural France where mains drainage is unavailable.Ratafia — a sweet, fortified fruit liqueur traditional to several French regions, often made by local farmers.Rayburn — a range cooker that also provides central heating and hot water; popular in older rural properties but notoriously demanding to keep running.Franglais — a casual mix of French and English, often used by anglophones living in France when their vocabulary runs out.Lieu-dit — an informal place name used to identify a hamlet or locality in rural France, often used as an address where no street number exists. Connect: Facebook | Instagram Subscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.com Email: [email protected]

Micala's back - and there's lots to chew over! In this episode: a Facebook post about deposits that had Micala seething before 4am, the growing crackdown on cash-in-hand work in France, and a very public social media post from some new arrivals that raised more than a few eyebrows. Plus, working from home in your pyjamas, the French social system defended, and a lovely shout-out from a well-respected voice in the renovating-in-France community. Resources mentioned: Renovations in France — Professional tradesman, Peter Gerrit's well-regarded Facebook group.Fix Radio — UK radio station and podcast for the trades, referenced during the episode.CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales) — the French family allowance fund that provides housing and other support. Mini glossary: Devis — a formal written quote that, once signed, forms a binding contract. Should always include payment terms.Travail au noir — cash-in-hand work that is undeclared to French tax and social charge authorities. Both the worker and the person employing them can face serious penalties.BTP (Bâtiment et Travaux Publics) — the construction and public works sector; one of the top three sectors targeted by French anti-fraud authorities.Cotisations sociales — social charges paid by businesses and workers in France, funding healthcare, pensions, unemployment benefit and more.CAF — the French family allowance fund, providing housing aid, apprenticeship support and other benefits.Mairie — the town hall; local planning and governance authority. Connect: Facebook | Instagram Subscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.com Email: [email protected]

What do a Bulgarian holiday from hell, a suspicious YouTube arrangement, the rise of eco villages, and an 18% energy bill discount have in common? They're all on the menu in this 'Rants and Bants' episode of French Reno Diaries, brought to you by Rosie and Sue (Micala is off doing charity work - more on that soon). Resources mentioned: A New Life in the Sun - C4 series following people starting new lives across Europe.Le Manoir Cachet, Merdrignac - a beautifully renovated manoir in Brittany.Label Energy - the green energy supplier Sue mentions as a good alternative to EDF.Mini glossary: Lotissement - a planned housing development where a plot of land is divided up and individual plots sold for self-build. Often referred to as a pavillon lotissement when the houses built are pavillons (standard new-build houses).Pavillon - a modern, detached new-build house, typically fairly modest in size and style.Pompe à chaleur - an air source or ground source heat pump; a popular and government-subsidised heating system in France. Has been the subject of some mis-selling scandals.Mairie - the town hall; the local administrative body responsible for planning permissions and local governance.Maison de maître - a large, elegant townhouse or manor house, typically 19th century, associated with the professional or merchant classes.Maison de caractère - an estate agent term for a property with distinctive, original period features. Connect: Facebook | Instagram Subscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.com Email: [email protected]

Think you can save money by managing your own renovation project in France? You might want to listen to this first. In this episode, Rosie and Sue (Micala is off running a fundraising event - more on that next time) get into the detail on project management: what a professional project manager actually does, what it costs, the legal framework you need to understand as a homeowner in France, and the red flags to watch out for when hiring one. Frank, practical and - as ever - unfiltered. For a detailed summary of everything discussed in this episode, go to www.frenchrenodiaries.com. Resources mentioned: Chambre de Métiers et de l'Artisanat - the body responsible for artisan accreditation in France.URSSAF - the organisation that collects social charges from artisans and businesses in France; issues the attestation de vigilance.French Reno Diaries - How to be a good client - referenced during the episode and well worth a listen if you're thinking about managing your own renovation projectMini glossary: Maître d'ouvrage - the project owner; legally remains the homeowner even when a project manager is hired.Maître d'œuvre - the project manager; contracted to coordinate and oversee works on the owner's behalf.Devis - a formal written quote from an artisan, which becomes the contract once signed.Décennale - compulsory ten-year structural liability insurance required of all artisans in France.Attestation de vigilance - a certificate from URSSAF confirming an artisan is up to date with their social charge declarations.ERP (Établissement Recevant du Public) - classification for any building open to the public, triggering specific fire, safety and accessibility regulations.Gîte - a self-catering holiday rental. Chambre d'hôtes - a bed and breakfast.Connect: Facebook | Instagram Subscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.com Email: [email protected]

Ever watched a YouTube home renovator call themselves an "expert" and felt your eye twitch? You're not alone. In this week's Rants & Bants (the shorter, free-flowing episodes where Rosie, Sue and Micala get everything off their chests) the hosts take aim at the growing army of self-styled renovation gurus online, question whether Facebook is ever the right place to ask about electrics or insulation, and commiserate over the unique hell of waiting for deliveries in rural France. Will you learn something? Probably. Will you laugh? Without a doubt. Resources mentioned: Chambre de Métiers et de l'Artisanat — the body that accredits artisans in France.Leroy Merlin — French DIY and home improvement retailer (mentioned in the context of delivery logistics).Colissimo and DPD France — parcel delivery services operating in France. Mini glossary: Artisan — a qualified, registered tradesperson in France. To gain artisan status, three years' experience is required; master craftsman status requires ten years.Chambre de Métiers et de l'Artisanat — the French Chamber of Trades and Crafts, which oversees artisan accreditation and apprenticeships.Notaire — a French notary; a state-appointed legal professional who oversees property transactions in France.DPE (Diagnostic de Performance Énergétique) — an energy performance certificate required for properties in France, which affects resale value and rental eligibility.Voliage — the timber sarking boards laid across roof rafters, beneath the roofing felt and tiles.Charpente — the roof timber frame/structure.Colombage — a traditional half-timbered construction style, common in parts of France, featuring a timber frame with infill panels.Torchis — wattle and daub; a traditional building material made from a mix of mud, straw and other natural materials, often used as infill in colombage structures.Lodie — a lieu-dit; an informal place name used to identify a hamlet or locality in rural France, often used as an address where no street number exists. Connect Facebook | Instagram Email: [email protected] Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis) S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell) Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins)

What unique challenges - and opportunities - do women face in the traditionally male-dominated renovation industry? In this empowering episode of French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED, timed to coincide (almost!) with International Women's Day 2026, Rosie, Sue, and Micala share personal stories and insights in a typically unfiltered and lively discussion. What we talk about: Celebrating women artisans in the renovation sector.Misogyny in the construction industry and social media dynamics.The importance of creating safe spaces for women to ask questions.The impact of visibility in traditionally male-dominated fields.Personal stories of navigating challenges as women in trades.Initiatives and statistics about women in French construction.Strategies for supporting and uplifting fellow women in the industry. Resources Mentioned: International Women's DayChambre de Métiers et de l'Artisanat - French Chamber of Trades and Crafts.Le Compagnon du Devoir - An organisation promoting craftsmanship and training. Mini Glossary: Conjugal collaboratrice: A spouse who works with their partner in a business but may not receive formal recognition or compensation.CAPEB: Confédération de l'Artisanat et des Petites Entreprises du Bâtiment - a French confederation for artisans in the construction sector.Apprenticeship: A system of training where individuals learn a trade under the guidance of experienced professionals. Connect: Facebook | Instagram Subscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.com Email: [email protected] Find out more about us and our French reno businesses: Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis) S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell) Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins) Credits: • Produced & mixed by: Katy Wright • Music: Grand Project

Win a château? Sounds dreamy. Until you realise you might also need a business plan, a visa renewal strategy and enough income to satisfy the prefecture. In this Rants & Bants episode, Sue, Rosie and Micala chat about the Win a Château TV show, the realities of post-Brexit life in France, language requirements, titre de séjour delays and yet another heated Facebook debate about décennale insurance. It’s lighter than our chunky episodes, but if you’re renovating or planning to move to France, there are some important realities woven in. As always, we’ve pulled together the key points on our website if you’d like to revisit anything - www.frenchrenodiaries.com Resources mentioned Château DIY: Win a Château – Channel 4 spin-off competition showThe Connexion – English-language publication covering expat legal issues in FranceCAPEB – French trade body representing building professionals Mini glossary Décennale – 10-year structural insurance required for artisansPréfecture – Regional administrative authority handling residency mattersTitre de séjour – Residency cardDCEM – Travel document for minors residing in FrancePompe à chaleur – Heat pumpRaccordement – Connection/fitting (e.g. around a Velux window)SMIC – French minimum wage threshold used for visa income assessmentsConnect: Facebook | Instagram Subscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.com Email: [email protected] Find out more about us and our French reno businesses: Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis) S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell) Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins) Credits: • Produced & mixed by: Katy Wright • Music: Grand Project

What makes a French renovation project run smoothly? And what quietly destroys trust between a homeowner and their artisan? In this episode, we reveal the secret to being a good client in France - and what it's fair to expect from your artisan. From communication and paperwork to boundaries, payment terms and unrealistic deadlines, we share what actually helps a project succeed (and what makes trades walk away). If you’re renovating in France and want better results, fewer delays and a more positive working relationship, this episode is essential listening. We’ve also pulled together the key takeaways on our website if you’d like to revisit them. Resources mentioned: Artisan Central – Trade mentoring and marketing platformOBAT – French quoting and invoicing software for building tradesPenny Lane – Accounting software used by French businessesQualibat / RGE – French certification bodies for building professionals Mini glossary: Devis – Formal written quote (legally binding once signed)Facture – InvoiceDécennale – Mandatory 10-year building insuranceSIRET number – Official French business registration numberRGE – Government-recognised environmental certification for tradesAvenant – Written amendment to an existing quote Connect with us! Facebook | Instagram Email: [email protected] Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis) S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell) Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins) Credits: • Produced & mixed by: Katy Wright • Music: Grand Project

In this Rants & Bants episode (our shorter, more spontaneous, but always - okay, mostly - reno focused chats), we get all het up about everything from being ghosted after sending detailed quotes, to Facebook “expert” opinions on pricing, to the realities of buying and flipping property in today’s French property market. Most importantly though, we discuss Mr Kipling cakes and Burger King. Plus, the chic brackets we're importing from Poland... Resources mentioned: The Connexion – English-language newspaper covering French news and current affairsLeroy Merlin – Major French DIY and renovation retailerBrico Dépôt – Budget building supplies chain in FranceCastorama – DIY and home improvement retailerCauston – Decorative hardware and electrical fittings supplierMini glossary: Devis – A formal, legally binding quoteArtisan – Registered tradespersonAttestation d’assurance – Proof of insurance certificateMarchand de Bien – Property trader who buys, renovates and resellsTaxe foncière – Annual French property ownership taxConnect: Facebook | Instagram Subscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.com Email: [email protected] Find out more about us and our French reno businesses: Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis) S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell) Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins) Credits: • Produced & mixed by: Katy Wright • Music: Grand Project

Planning rules can make or break a French renovation. So, in this episode, we unpack how planning permits in France actually work, why the mairie should always be your first stop - and what can go wrong if it isn’t! If you’re renovating (or thinking about buying) property in France, this episode will help you avoid expensive mistakes, delays and legal headaches. We’ve also pulled the key concepts, definitions and resources together in written form on our website, so you can revisit the details whenever you need to. *** www.frenchrenodiaries.com *** Resources mentioned in the episode Service-Public – Official French government guidance on planning and permitsLocal mairie – First point of contact for planning rules and applicationsPLU (Plan Local d’Urbanisme) – Local planning framework for each communeGéoportail – National mapping tool showing zoning, flood risk and boundaries Mini glossary: French planning terms PLU (Plan Local d’Urbanisme) – Local planning rules set by the communeDéclaration Préalable (DP) – Simplified planning permission for certain worksPermis de Construire – Full planning permission for larger projectsCertificat d’Urbanisme (CU) – Document confirming development rightsBâtiments de France (ABF) – Authority overseeing protected and historic areasAffichage de permis – Mandatory on-site display of planning approval Connect: Facebook | Instagram Subscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.com Email: [email protected] Find out more about us and our French reno businesses: Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis) S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell) Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins) Credits: Produced & mixed by: Katy WrightMusic: Grand Project

What are you really paying for when you hire an artisan in France? Why do two quotes for the same work look so different? How much profit do artisans make on renovation work? If you're asking yourself (or Google) these questions, you'll find all the answers here! In this Rants & Bants episode, Rosie, Sue and Micala talk openly about the realities of running trade businesses in France - and what homeowners often misunderstand about how those businesses work (spoiler: we’re not milking you for all you’re worth and driving around in Ferraris). We also hear about Sue's upcoming adventure in Kenya, where she’ll be building a mud hut for a family. Please consider supporting the project via Sue’s Just Giving page - even the smallest contribution will help provide tools, classroom resources, hot meals, and support for families who have so little. 👂If the money-talk in this episode grabbed your attention, make sure you listen to Episode #2 Why budgets blow: The brutal truth about renovation costs in France. Resources mentioned in the episode Nasio Trust – UK charity supporting communities in Kenya through housing and education projectsFacebook expat and renovation groups – places where renovation questions are often asked (and misinformation spreads)Riot Women (BBC One) – TV series about women finding their voice later in life Mini glossary (for new renovators in France) Devis – a formal written quote for worksArtisan – a qualified tradesperson operating in FranceTVA – French VAT BTP – ‘Bâtiment et travaux publics’ (the French construction and public works sector) Connect Facebook | Instagram Subscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.com Email: [email protected] Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis) S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell) Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins)