the château seen in 2009
in 1989, estate bought english consortium, sci château de gudanes, purpose of turning luxury hotel. however, renovation delayed, , in 1994 château designated national historical monument, causing administrative delays in planning permission , preventing desired renovations. sci château de gudanes continued fight project until 2009, when abandoned idea , put building on market. house in dire condition 2010, roof in danger of collapse.
in 2011, australian couple, craig , karina waters perth, looking vacation home in france, when 15-year-old son came across château de gudanes online. traveled see in person, , after 2 years of negotiations, purchased , decided move france renovate it, along 2 teenage children.
by time renovations began, house in serious decay: several floors had collapsed, roof had fallen through in 4 places, trees growing inside, , floor covered in rubble of dirt, rotten wood, fallen plaster , mushrooms, , green mold covered walls. house had never been wired heat or electricity. of original interior remained, however, including artisan-carved woodwork, stained glass, gilt-framed mirrors , ornamental plaster.
the waters have documented restoration of building online via blog , social media accounts, sharing progress , finds, including fresco painting behind wallpaper, secret tunnels , ancient artifacts. waters, had assumed nothing remained of original medieval fort, uncovered 2 of fort s towers. discovered hole in floor 10 feet (3.0 m) deep, lead unknown section of basement, suspect may have been meant safe passage during world war ii.
the waters plan open château de gudanes public tours, , offer accommodation , spaces weddings, conferences , music festivals.
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