ABOUT THE PROJECT
Once upon a time a thirteenth century fortress, a fifteenth century castle, and then an eighteenth century palatial château, Château de Gudanes still stands proudly in the south of France in the small village of Chateau-Verdun.
The Class I Historic Monument, sharing the same designation as the Palace of Versailles and the Eiffel Tower, was designed by Parisian architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel. Today, Gabriel is considered one of the most famous French architects of the past and is also responsible for other notable architectural works including the Marie Antoinette’s Petit Trianon and Opera House, as well as Place de la Concorde in Paris.
In 2013, Château de Gudanes was purchased by a West Australian family, the Waters, who have taken on the responsibility to awaken this sleeping beauty after years of neglect - at the time they purchased the building only a few of its ninety-four rooms still had floors and ceilings…
Since stepping over the threshold, they have embarked on her restoration despite numerous setbacks, challenges and bureaucratic processes.
Upon hearing the story, this labour of love has graciously been felt far and wide.
The family were awarded a Medal of Honour from the Prince Louis de Polignac Foundation to celebrate the restoration so far, which was presented by Prince Albert II of Monaco in Paris at the Institute of France.
“When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let is not be for present delight nor for present use alone. Let it be such work as our descendants will thank us for; and let us think, as we lay stone on stone, that a time is to come when those stones will be held sacred because our hands have touched them, and that men will say, as they look upon the labor and wrought substance of them, “See! This our father did for us.””
CREATING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
The restoration journey of Château de Gudanes continues in 2024.
But, although not completely restored the beauty held in the Château’s patina and age is felt and appreciated.
And so, each year the Château opens her gates and her heart to share her long history with the world, whether it be by tour, as a volunteer, or as a guest to stay within her walls.
For those who cannot join us in person, but who would so graciously and kindly wish to help to support the project, we have opened Shop The Château sharing timeless treasures both old and new, including the Château de Gudanes Book.
All proceeds from these endeavours, whether onsite or online, directly and fully assist in helping to financially support the continued restoration.
And so in this way, all of these things help to ensure and build a financially sustainable future in the belief that the legacy of the Château may continue for just as many years as it has already stood.
As a family we believe that to secure the future of the Château it is necessary that it becomes financially self sustainable so that it is not reliant on the financial contribution of a particular individual or family and can continue to be maintained, grow and evolve even in the absence of this.
The Château has lived many lifetimes and lovingly been a place to call home for centuries of families. We believe that we are just one part of the Château’s story and that the greatest way we can contribute is to help safeguard her future in this way.
OUR MISSION AND LOOKING AHEAD
The philosophy of the Château begins with our end intention to have created something that is both respectful and sympathetic to not only the Château herself, but also the region of France that she finds herself in. Our mission is to tread lightly and gently - to preserve the atmosphere, authenticity and integrity of the Château in everything that we do.
We hope to share a story that is connected and authentic by incorporating the entire history of the Château, not just her most prestigious decades. The Château will be renovated but her patina and age will not be erased, and instead will become just another part of her history.
Ultimately, we see the Château as a keeper of memories. Whatever we endeavour to do in the future will be about passing on and sharing these memories, and the past itself. It will be about communicating history through feelings rather that words or things.
The Château will not become a museum piece. Instead, we hope to share her history in a way that engages with the multi-vocality of the imagination - so that when you visit you are able to choose what stories resonate with you personally. We hope to merely set the scene to help you along a journey within your own imagination, encouraging you to picture your own version of the past and what life was once like at the Château.
mERCI BEAUCOUP
As the journey progresses we sincerely hope that the restoration will develop into something that we can be proud of and that gives justice to the Château and her history.
And so, this website we have created shares the story of the past, present and future of Château de Gudanes.
The past - clear and defined, the present - expect chaos, and the future… a surprise!
On behalf of our family we would like to thank you for reading this page and for supporting and being part of the journey of the restoration of the Château. We feel exceptionally grateful to be part of the Château’s history and sincerely hope that with gentle stewardship that we are able to make a positive contribution to the future of Château de Gudanes.
“This fairytale is only just beginning!”
