Somehow, despite all of the drawbacks, the massive problems that they realised they would face, the Chateau ensnared them. They knew that if it could be restored it would be incredible and with five cottages on the land, originally built for servants, there was sufficient living space for the whole family. There was certainly plenty of work to go round.
Gerald is a specialist plasterer who had worked on important buildings around the world, a master craftsman with a strong work ethic. Sheryl is no different. A trained chef, she had just completed a four year long Masters course in plastering, the only woman amongst 160 men, and to say that she is a determined lady is an understatement.
The specialist experience that the pair had, enabled them to envision the deserted rooms as they could look. They could “see” grand cornices on the ceilings and authentic style fancy plasterwork. The original tiled floors that were still there could be cleaned and restored. There was enormous amount of work and it would not be easy “But, we knew could do it and by then we had fallen in love with the place”.