HGTV’s New Show ‘Castle Impossible’ Features High School Sweethearts Who Inherit Dilapidated French Chateau
HGTV is heading to a chateau in France for its newest series, Castle Impossible, which will see high school sweethearts Daphne Reckert and Ian Figueira attempting to renovate a 500-year-old castle.
The network unveiled its spring lineup on Thursday (April 3), which includes Castle Impossible, premiering Tuesday, April 29, at 9 PM ET. The show follows married couple Reckert and Figueira as they abandon their plans of living in California when Reckert inherits her late grandfather’s 130-acre estate just outside Paris, France.
According to the official description, the castle once welcomed guests like King Louis XIII and now hosts weddings on its main floor. However, Reckert and Figueira will be taking on the daunting task of restoring the remaining dilapidated floors and buildings on the grounds.
The young couple, who have been together since high school, have experience in carpentry, conservation and landscaping expertise, as well as having family members with backgrounds in construction, design and renovation.
“With passion, determination and grit, Daphne and Ian will confront budget constraints, battle bug infestations, hunt for rumored hidden treasure and tackle a seemingly endless list of projects head-on to breathe new life into the historic estate and preserve her grandfather’s legacy,” the synopsis reads.
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While Castle Impossible is new to the HGTV lineup, Reckert and Figueira have actually been documenting their renovation attempts on YouTube since 2022. Per the channel’s official description, the castle includes a “500-year-old medieval dungeon, hunters lodge, 18th-century farmhouse, 28 horse stables, and a large forest with two lakes.”
“Our lives changed forever when I inherited my grandfather’s 500-year-old chateau in France,” Reckert said in a statement. “If we don’t keep up the renovations, the chateau will become a ruin.”
“We don’t exactly have a financial safety net,” Figueira said.
Reckert added, “If we lose the chateau, we lose everything.”
The April 29 premiere will see Reckert and Figueira transforming the castle’s bell tower into a luxury bedroom suite. “With the tower in a dilapidated state, rotten roof beams and a windstorm could turn this project into a catastrophe,” the episode description teases.
Are you excited for this new show? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Castle Impossible, Series Premiere, Tuesday, April 29, 9 pm et, HGTV
Conversation20 Comments
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O
I'm intrigued by the show and I thought the first episode was good so I watched the second. While watching episode 2, I realized what a workhorse Ian is. He can do everything and does it with a smile on his face. Bravo to Ian and thank you for your service.
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C
Looking forward to watching this!
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P
I watched episode one & it looks like it’s definitely worth watching
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R
Love it, cant wait to watch all the transformations
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R
I absolutely loved the first episode and I think they are an adorable couple! I love that they speak fluent French and was very impressed with his military service. I think it is brilliant and I think this could go on for years as they renovate each room in the Château! Love it!
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O
I couldn’t agree more. I was very impressed by his military service and the way in which he treats his wife. They seem like an absolutely adorable couple and I enjoyed watching the renovation of the Belltower. I definitely added the show to my DVR.
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O
Love this show, the couple & the chateau!!! can’t wait each week for a new episode!!
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G
I love everything about this show. Daphne and Ian are fun to watch and seem to have a good solid relationship. I can’t wait for the next episode to air!
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G
I love the show and the couple. I know it's far from perfect but its still enjoyable for me.
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G
I really like the show. I like the part that they do have a budget so it makes things more real. I am looking forward to there new show. Good luck.
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G
I love the show and the adorable couple. I hope we get to see a new season. I wish them success in their future renovations.
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P
Absolutely love this show, please please have a second season
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G
I am addicted!!! Cant wait for more episodes PLEASE!!! This darling couple has taken on a daunting task and they do it with hard work, creative solutions & really seem to adore working together! LOVE THIS SHOW❤️
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R
What a treasure of a show!! Daphne and Ian are the kind of people you would want for every historic home renovation! Wonderfully tasteful and creative interior designs and gorgeous renovations, combined with their heartfelt desire to create a home while honoring their grandparents is wonderful to watch. Intriguing history and travel show combined with a refreshing modern day love story. Can’t wait for the next episode!
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O
I LoveLoveLove everything about this show. It’s amazing what I've seen in only 2 episodes. Daphne and Ian are making Grandpa proud, Granny too!
It’s a must see renovation show and it’s an actually castle with a moat!!. We’re excited to watch the transformation!
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G
I loved the first episode and enjoyed the shopping trip in the flea market. I wonder how they are financing the renovation- hopefully they are paid by hgtv.
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P
I love this show! So cool that fairy tales really can be real!
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G
I enjoyed the first episode however, started to feel everything was rehearsed by second episode. Nowhere as good as the show a few years ago Escape to the chateau.
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O
First episode 👎🏼. The idea is fabulous but I don’t think they have the personalities to entertain. I’ll give it another watch for episode 2.
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G
I agree
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