Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
French wedding manor reno has alcohol, mild language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Escape to the Chateau
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Narrated by Tracy Ann Oberman, ESCAPE TO THE CHATEAU is a reality series featuring a British couple that buys an abandoned 19th-century French chateau and makes their dream come true. British Lt. Colonel and engineer Dick Strawbridge (aka "Colonel Dick") and his partner, designer Angel Adoree were in search of a simpler life in the French countryside. They swapped their two-bedroom East London home for a dilapidated French manor in France's Pays de la Loire region. Now living there with their two small children with no electricity, heat, or running water, they plan to restore at least three of the country castle's five floors in less than a year so that they can host their wedding there. They plan to turn part of the home into a professional wedding business once the work is done. The project is much bigger and more expensive than they imagined, but luckily they've got the creativity and family to help them get them through one project at a time.
Is It Any Good?
The fun series follows the British couple over nine seasons while they refit, restore, and reimagine an 19th-century Neo-Renaissance style chateau. As they work on the five floors, 45 rooms, two turrets, and 17 fireplaces (not to mention the outdoor spaces), Dick Strawbridge offers explanations about the structural renovations, much of which he does himself or with the help of family members. Meanwhile, his partner Angel shares details about her design decisions as she makes over each space. Throughout it all they talk about the different ways they are recycling and repurposing to make it all happen. Later seasons also feature the couple running their wedding business, parties, and family moments, which is intended to add to the charm. Some folks may find Escape to the Chateau, like the overall restoration, painstakingly slow. But renovation show enthusiasts, or those with dreams of moving to the French countryside, will enjoy it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the reasons old French chateaus can be cheaper to buy than a city apartment. Can people from other countries purchase these types of country manors easily? Outside of the cost of the restoration, what other expenses are incurred after it's purchased?
What messages does Escape to the Chateau send about refurbishing and recycling? Looking around your home, are these tips helpful, even if you're not living in a country castle?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 5, 2016
- Cast : Dick Strawbridge , Angel Adoree , Tracy Ann Oberman
- Network : Paramount+
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate