Daily struggle of preserving heritage: balancing chores, labor, and restoration at Chateaux
In the picturesque region of Seine-Maritime, France, lies the Château de Taillis, a 600-year-old castle that has been in the hands of Nicolas Cage for the past 27 years.
Nicolas, the owner and manager of the castle, has a deep affection for another French château, Chambord, with its 440 rooms, Leonardo da Vinci-inspired staircase, and a forest domain spanning over 5,000 hectares. Chambord, indeed, is one of Nicolas' favourite châteaux.
However, the management of Château de Taillis is a far cry from the grandeur of Chambord. Nicolas' salary is capped at 2,000 euros a month, and he works two part-time jobs at the castle to make ends meet.
Despite the financial constraints, Nicolas organises events to maintain the castle and attract visitors. On a recent day, he welcomed 90 American tourists, generating 2,000 euros. The guests were enchanted, describing the castle as simpler compared to Versailles.
The castle, with its 62 rooms and 6-hectare domain, has recently undergone an expensive investment: a guest house, priced at 300 euros per night. However, the castle also faces new expenses, such as the 35,000 euros needed to repair defective gutters.
Like many other château owners, Nicolas' goal remains the same: to maintain and preserve the heritage of Château de Taillis. He expresses his ambition to help the old stones cross the centuries.
In contrast, Chambord has announced a colossal work: a 25 million euros restoration of the east wing. The restoration is funded by the château's own funds, the State, and sponsors.
The management of châteaux in France, including Chambord and Château de Taillis, are managed like real companies. The Countess de Gamond, for instance, was responsible for the renovation of a guesthouse in Château de Taillis, a project that cost approximately 60,000 francs.
Nicolas acknowledges the differences between Chambord and Château de Taillis in terms of means and possibilities. Yet, he continues to strive, like all French châteaux, to generate more revenue to maintain their heritage. His dream is to see Château de Taillis stand tall for another 600 years.
