Would you drop everything to move to France and save a historic chateau? Daphne and Ian Fig did just that.  

When Daphne’s grandfather passed away, he left her a 29-bedroom 17th century chateau just outside of Paris. He'd poured his own life savings into buying the chateau in 1981. However, it wasn’t quite the enchanted fairytale you might expect, because this 500-year-old chateau had fallen into disrepair, and needed huge renovations. Making matters worse, the property had accrued a massive inheritance tax, too. 

Daphne, an organic farmer, and her husband, Ian, a fitness director and videographer, left their home in California, moved to the chateau, and started trying to save the historic property. “It’s not easy, but I love that I’m keeping my grandfather’s dream alive,” Daphne says. 

The main floor of the chateau — which once welcomed guests like King Louis XIII — gives the couple an income stream from hosting weddings, events, and cinematography. But making the other three floors livable takes a herculean effort. Luckily, they each have skills in carpentry, conservation, and landscaping. So Daphne and Ian are uniquely equipped to revitalize this historic home. They've documented their journey on YouTube and now on a new show on HGTV, called Castle Impossible.  

Castle Impossible X RealCraft: The Hunters Lodge Renovation

While the chateau itself is under renovation, Daphne and Ian have been living in another building on the property called the Hunter’s Lodge, since it has operable indoor plumbing and electrical systems. This is also where Daphne's grandfather lived while he managed the chateau, and Daphne grew up visiting her grandfather there every summer. She also stayed at the Hunters Lodge in 2018 to care for her grandfather when his health started to decline.

So the Hunters Lodge was almost as important to Daphne’s family as the chateau itself. And like the chateau, it needed renovations to keep it livable. The lodge is over 300 years old (Ian says it "predates George Washington) and hadn't been updated since Daphne's grandfather moved in. Some of the problems that this renovation had to solve included: insulation problems and dampness, outdated kitchen appliances and cabinets, and a lack of storage space.     

While it can be hard to change a house that’s meant so much to Daphne's family, these changes will add to the home’s longevity. And since it will be years before they can move into the chateau itself, this kitchen needs to be functional--and if you're renovating a space, you might as well make it beautiful, too. 

Swiss Rod Barn Door Hardware: Fit For A Historic Building 

Daphne and Ian knew they wanted a separate pantry and laundry room, partitioned with sliding barn doors. Our Swiss Rod hardware in Solid Brass was the perfect solution for this space. When they reached out to us, we were so happy to be part of the project. The brass metal and sleek cylindrical design of our hardware kit matched the elegance of the surrounding space. The sliding doors are original to the chateau property, lovingly refurbished by Ian and repurposed for use in this space.

We love how it turned out and we’re thrilled to be part of Daphne and Ian’s story.  

Get the Chateau Look 

The Swiss Rod Hardware Kit is regal enough for a French chateau, and practical enough for every day use. Made of 100% true solid brass, this kit is the height of luxury. 

For a more geometric variant, our new Brass Hexagon Bar Hardware Kit brings the luminous warmth of brass to more modern spaces. 

The Swiss Rod Handle coordinates with the sliding track and comes in seven lengths. 

The Brass C Guide completes the barn door hardware set, guiding the door for smooth and safe operation. All of our brass hardware is machined right here in Gig Harbor, Washington. 

If you want the Beau Chateau look, our Colette Sliding French Barn Doors are just the thing. They're made with authentic leaded annealed glass for that Old World look. Built to order to your exact specifications in your choice of over twenty wood options, you can create your own luxurious ambiance with these doors. Browse our complete collection of French style sliding barn doors and get inspired.