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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
The Hildebrands take one day off a week during offseason to enjoy the romance of the castle. “The château is highly regarded by visitors and has a great deal of beauty despite the vast amount of work yet to be done,” Mr. Hildebrand said.
They document their journey online and found that “reactions from YouTube have been extremely encouraging,” he said. “So many good people offering us well wishes and kind thoughts.” Some have helped in “very tangible ways,” working on projects with them at the château, buying them tools and supplies.
The interior is furnished with crystal chandeliers, classical oil paintings, ornate fireplaces, and suits of armor. There are floors of hard wood, wrought iron stair rails, and flowery rococo wall panels.
The château is the Hildebrands’ home. It’s also a study abroad program where 20 to 25 college students stay for months on end, explained Mr. Hildebrand, adding that it’s been “an amazing journey full of joy and growth.”
Each student pays $4,000 to $5,000 and stays 6 to 8 weeks, during which they will gain 9 to 12 credits.
The Hildebrands do not take a salary or rental income from the château, “partly because we are on a ‘visitor’ visa, but also because we’re not doing it for money,” he said.
Their group, a nonprofit, is called Two Talent Ministries. “That comes from a story in the New Testament where three different servants were challenged to use what they had faithfully,” Mr. Hildebrand said. “That’s what we’re trying to do.”
The endeavor has been fruitful so far. Students love attending the château’s study abroad program, exploring their Christian faith, and learning about Europe. “The last six weeks have been the most impactful and life-changing experience of my life,” one student of the program said. “These memories will stay with me forever.”
The Hildebrands have big dreams for the château’s future, including possible marriage-building classes. As Christians, they are grateful to God for what was made possible and look forward to the road ahead.
“It’s been scary, it’s dangerous, and it’s physically demanding,” Mr. Hildebrand said. “We may yet lose our shirts. But ultimately, it’s wonderful to give your life in the pursuit of something bigger than yourself.”
