HGTV covers all types of home renovations, but their latest project feels like something straight out of a fairytale. Here’s how Castle Impossible starts: Two high school sweethearts leave their home in California after they inherit a 500-year-old French chateau.

Daphne Reckert and Ian Figueira are real-life stars, and the chateau from Daphne’s grandfather sits on 130 acres just outside of Paris, France in Lésigny (how romantic!). The idyllic backdrop is set against the unrelenting passage of time, which has left the majestic estate in a state of disrepair. The new show premieres on Tuesday, April 29—and you won’t want to miss how it all plays out. 

All About the High-Stakes Renovation Series

Now that you have some background, here’s where this story gets interesting: The castle is in a state of disrepair, meaning it needs major structural work, and the ambitious couple has limited funding. 

“Our lives changed forever when I inherited my grandfather’s 500-year-old chateau in France,” Daphne said in a media release. “If we don’t keep up the renovations, the chateau will become a ruin.”

“We don’t exactly have a financial safety net,” Ian said, while Daphne added, “If we lose the chateau, we lose everything.”

The stage is set for significant bittersweet moments that most old house owners can appreciate—restoring a historic property is, after all, the greatest love-hate relationship. Fortunately, the couple has combined knowledge in carpentry, conservation, and landscaping, to be showcased as they restore key areas. 

What We Know About the First Season

Again, this isn’t a production with limitless funds or potential—the couple will be handling real-life budget setbacks, along with pest infestations and near-crisis situations. Happily, the couple also unveils a few hidden treasures along the way.

In episode one, the couple is seen turning the bell tower into an updated bedroom suite, but catastrophe waits at every turn as they encounter a rotted-out roof and an unexpected windstorm.

The massive property once hosted extravagant events with guests like King Louis XII, but now the floors are falling apart. If the couple can steer this project to completion, the venue can host everything from weddings to festivals, helping the couple recoup some of their investment. 

Where and When to Tune In

With how expansive the project list is, viewers will be left wondering how much will actually get done in one season, so you’ll have to watch to find out.

Castle Impossible premieres on HGTV on Tuesday, April 29 at 9 p.m. ET and will be streaming on Max and Discovery+. Get some behind-the-scenes looks at the chateau on the couple’s Instagram, @thewildfigs.