In the Burgundy region of France, there is a castle being built. The project is the dream of an architectural historian and conservationist Michael Guyot. The castle, named Guedelon, is co-owned by both Guyot and Maryline Martin.

What makes this building project unique is that Guedelon’s construction began in 1997 and it isn’t expected to be completed until 2023. Why so long? The entire project is being built with only 13^th century materials, tools, and techniques.

The site is open to the public and attracts 300,000 visitors a year. Adults and children alike are engaged in the entire concept as they learn how architectural treasures like Notre Dame de Paris and Charges were built without the modern techniques available today. There are no gas generated cranes, no bulldozers, no power tools, and materials are not delivered ready to use on site.

It is estimated that in the 13^th century it would have taken 16 years to build Guedelon. The reason it will take 26 years in modern times is due to the seasonal work schedule (they don’t build in winter) and the small size of the 50 member crew.

This season, it is hoped that one of the completed projects will be the roof of the great hall. Th9is is requiring the individual hand made fabrication of 50,000 clay tiles fired in an on-site kiln. Stone for the structure is taken from a quarry nearby on the property and wood is obtained from Guedelon’s forests.

When visiting Guedelon visitors not only get to walk through the construction site but artisans give information and demonstrations to explain techniques and how more difficult tasks like making vaulted ceilings were achieved in medieval times.

Nearby a village had been formed for visitors to view life as it would have been in the 13^th century. The village includes all that would have been expected like a blacksmith shop, a tile factory, and a horse stable to house and care for the horses that carry supplies and do work at Guedelon. Children can take part in workshops that are constantly held on site.

An advisory committee keeps track of the building project and confirms the authenticity of the work being done. It is a magnificent educational experience in which a visitor can return again and again to see the marvel of this project take shape over the years. Guedelon is located about 100 miles southeast of Paris.

While building of Guedelon is developing at a 13^th century pace, you can more quickly obtain a quote on a remortgage for your castle.  While your abode may not require hand kiln tiles, a repair or improvement can easily be completed with cash obtained through a  remortgage with Remortgage.com.