Dreams take time, especially when you fail repeatedly – sometimes in spectacular ways. When things don’t go according to plan. When every single task takes longer than expected. When you get sidetracked by the next exciting project. And when you’re juggling countless conflicting priorities. In short, when you’re restoring not just a château and its grounds, but also building a new life and bringing a vision to reality.

Life is not a sprint, but a marathon, this much I know. Still, I had to take a deep breath when I realised that it was back in 2017, seven years ago, that I first wrote about Thomas’s ideas and ambitions outgrowing his workshop. You can read that blogpost here.

But this summer, everything started to fall into place.

WORKSHOP ON WHEELS

With the help of the talented carpenter Bas, Thomas finally set to work on creating his ideal space. First, they cleared out the shed, which had become a catch-all for everything, including our small excavator. Once empty and clean, the potential of the space became clear again, just like it did years ago. They installed flooring – an essential step since all of Thomas’s machines are on wheels. As Thomas finished the floor, Bas revised the table saw and designed a more efficient dust extraction system.

Then came the creative part: designing the workshop and figuring out how to best use the space. A large workbench for woodworking? Ample storage for tools? Maybe even a cozy corner for me to read while Thomas works on his projects? They brought in all the tools and heavy machinery, and once again, the excavator proved useful as a lifting tool. To make the space truly his own, Thomas added personal touches – an old poster, some African artefacts that reflect his life.

PATIENCE & PERSEVERANCE

There’s still more to be done: essential lighting needs to be installed, a woodstove to keep warm, and plans for large storage cabinets with doors made from antique window panes. But for now, we’re taking a moment to step back and appreciate the creativity, learning, and tenacity that went into bringing this workshop to life.

The former workshop in the château now stands empty. It’s time to revive my long-held dream of a library. How many years will this dream take? Who knows, but it doesn’t matter. Inspiration will flow, and when the dream is ready, it will come to life too. And we’ll be here, ready to welcome it with open arms.