HGTV’s newest show is fit for a king — and queen. On April 3, 2025, the network announced that the newest show in its spring lineup is a brand new series, premiering on April 29, filmed at a French chateau that dates back to the 1600s.
“Castle Impossible” will follow married couple Daphne Reckert and Ian Figueira as they renovate a 500-year-old chateau they inherited, according to a press release. The network said the sprawling estate once welcomed royal guests including King Louis XIII.
New HGTV Couple Daphne Reckert and Ian Figueira Left Life in California Behind to Tackle French Chateau’s Renovations
Reckert and Figueira, high school sweethearts who planned to settle down in California, had a change of heart when Reckert inherited her late grandpa’s 500-year-old chateau, per HGTV.
The castle sits on a 130-acre estate just outside of Paris, where its main floor is used as a wedding venue. But according to HGTV, the “young couple” needs to restore “the remaining dilapidated floors and buildings on the grounds.”
The duo does have expertise in carpentry, conservation, and landscaping, HGTV said, as well as family members with backgrounds in construction, design, and renovation. Still, tackling every little issue built up over centuries is a “daunting task,” HGTV said.
Per HGTV’s press release, Reckert and Figueira has the “passion, determination and grit” required to “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.”
‘Castle Impossible’ Renovations Have Been Featured on YouTube Channel Since 2022
The couple, who call themselves the Wild Figs on social media, have been chronicling their renovation adventure on YouTube since 2022. According to their channel’s profile, the chateau they inherited includes a “500-year-old medieval dungeon, hunters lodge, 18th century farmhouse, 28 horse stables, and a large forest with two lakes.”
In her introductory video, Reckert can be seen biking up the path that leads to their chateau’s regal front door with a voiceover that said, “Sometimes, the hardest choice and the right choice are one and the same. I had to choose between the life I had in California and an incredible opportunity in France.”
“Despite the circumstances, I’m happy to say I’ve made the right choice,” she continued. “I am so excited to take on the challenge of renovating and developing this incredible piece of history.”
In addition to serving as a wedding space, Chateau de Lesigny, which the couple casually calls the Beau Chateau, has also been featured in over 50 French film productions over the last 30 years, per the venue’s website.
Among those who can’t wait for “Castle Impossible” to air is HGTV’s own Ben Napier, who commented on the network’s Instagram post, “Well, I’m gonna be watching this”
“Castle Impossible” premieres on April 29 at 9 p.m. Eastern time.
Comments
High School Sweethearts Receive Jaw-Dropping Inheritance in HGTV’s Newest Series