Couple Buy Shabby Old French Château From 1865—Restore It to Glory, Let Christian Classes Stay

A couple from Canada flew far from home to buy and renovate a delectable French château, though living a fairytale romance all to themselves wasn’t their aim.Their faith inspired this European escapade—and their mission to open their French doors to young people in dire need amid the post-COVID era of broken dreams.

Château de la Grifferaie, usually translated as “Castle of the Claw” or “Scratching Place,” was built on a property that has a Gallo Roman well on it, indicating it had been there for centuries. In this century, it was made into an classic-themed amusement park with rides and roller coasters.
Rob and Leslie Hildebrand own Château de la Grifferaire in Echemeire. Their French mansion, built in 1865, was to be part of a solution to ease their increasing worry over the social and spiritual upbringing of younger generations.
The Hildebrands and Château de la Grifferaire in Echemeire, France. (Courtesy of Château de la Grifferaie)Working with youths for decades, the Hildebrands, both Christians, watched in anguish as social isolation and mental health issues struck down young men and women, gutting their worth, stripping their faith.

“Young people are less connected to church than before,” Mr. Hildebrand told The Epoch Times, speaking of their mission. “We wanted to create a place where young people could explore their world and their faith while connecting with others learning in community.”

The castle is about 20,000 square feet. It boasts 40 to 50 rooms, 15 bathrooms (11 of which are in use), and 11 bedrooms, all in use. There are five structures on the property that still need renovation. Now, the Hildebrands want to add 10 more bedrooms to the top floor.
But it all began in December 2019.

The Buy

The Hildebrands were not wealthy when they decided to buy the château. They understood owning a castle would involve tremendous expenses. With this in mind, after prayers to God, they resolved that the money would come if buying the château was their calling.They managed to sell both their beach house and everyday house as well as land they had inherited. They got in touch with the château owner and began negotiations.

The owner agreed on a low offer from the Hildebrands without a bank loan or mortgage if they put down $100,000 and agreed to pay the rest within three months. If they didn’t pay on time, the owner would take their $100,000.
The estate. (Courtesy of Château de la Grifferaie)

The Château de la Grifferaire was built in 1865. (Courtesy of Château de la Grifferaie)This was scary for the couple, as they had yet to sell their properties. Fortunately, the land sold within the three-month period, their home fetched above the asking price, and they decided to mortgage their beach house.

Meanwhile, their workplace at a university allowed them to become faculty-in-residence, living on campus.

After all this, the Hildebrands were still short. The remaining money needed for the château was then lent from friends and a pastor whom they’d never met. From the heart he wanted to lend the money. In all, they raised over six figures. Château de la Grifferaire in Echemeire. (Courtesy of Château de la Grifferaie)

All was unfolding almost miraculously—when suddenly their plan to complete the purchase in April of 2020 was shut down by the pandemic.

But in July, France opened up to Canada again. The Hildebrands, from Saskatchewan, were able to cross the Atlantic and peruse their new home in France.
“We were amazed that we got through,” Mr. Hildebrand said, adding that he gives the glory to God for this miracle.

“A Lifetime of Work”

He and his wife say they have spent over $400,000 renovating the home. There is still more to come. “The renovation will never be complete,” Mr. Hildebrand said. “When you buy a château, you are committing to a lifetime of work.”So far, they have replaced over 50 windows, fixed the roof, and installed 10 toilets. They have renovated 6 rooms in the château’s basement, or sous sol. “Countless projects” have been part of the effort so far, the husband said.

Upkeep of the château involves ensuring that the wooden attic stays dry, battling mold, and keeping animals out. “It’s quite normal to chase a bat, or pigeon, or lizard, or mouse, or owl out of the house,” he said.