🏰 HGTV’s Castle Impossible Is More Than a Renovation Show — Daphne Reckert’s Emotional Family History Behind the 500-Year-Old Chateau Is Finally Revealed

Married couple Daphne Reckert and Ian Figueira first made their mark on HGTV in 2025 with their show Castle Impossible. The series’ first season featured the couple renovating a 500-year-old chateau in France, which Daphne inherited from her grandfather.

Now, Daphne and Ian are returning for the show’s second season, which will “focus on the revival and sustainability of their historic Chateau de Lesigny.” The duo will be “expanding their wedding and event businesses to finance the much-needed renovations.”

Since the chateau is a family establishment, we’re diving into Daphne’s family history. Scroll down for more.

Who is Daphne Reckert’s grandfather?

Daphne has not revealed the name of her grandfather, but she confirmed in a YouTube video that he bought the chateau in 1981 and is a “self-made entrepreneur who worked his way up in the travel industry, creating businesses and growing his wealth.”

He bought the chateau as somewhere to retire, but “quickly realized the chateau was not sustainable.” Rather than live there himself, he began renting it out for weddings and other events.

Because of the high inheritance tax, Daphne’s grandfather urged her to pursue her own interests, rather than worry about taking over the chateau. However, when his health began failing (more on that below), she moved to France to help oversee the chateau, and when he died, she learned it was in her name.

“There was a crippling inheritance tax I could not afford,” Daphne admitted. “I was faced with losing it all or finding the courage and preparing myself for a challenge, knowing very well I might fail.” Because Daphne saw the potential in the chateau, she decided to stick with making it sustainable again.

How did Daphne Reckert’s grandfather die?

Daphne’s grandfather died in November 2020. “The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 took a lot of lives, and my grandfather’s was one of them,” Daphne shared.

Prior to his death, he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. “His livelihood was put into jeopardy,” Daphne admitted. “As my grandfather’s health started degrading, the management of the chateau became a huge burden, and it was getting neglected, so it wasn’t long before I was called and asked to move to France to help out.”

Who is Daphne Reckert’s grandmother?

After Daphne’s grandfather died, she and Ian moved in with her grandmother in Paris in 2021 while they worked to build the chateau business back up.

In 2022, Daphne and Ian were able to move back into the chateau, and Season 2 of Castle Impossible will feature them restoring the property’s gatehouse so Daphne’s grandmother can live there.

Who are Daphne Reckert’s parents?

Daphne’s father is a painting contractor. She previously revealed that she painted for him in high school, and also learned stone artistry from him, per Action News Now. Her mother is an interior designer.

Does Daphne Reckert have siblings?

Daphne has a sister, who is expected to appear on Season 2 of Castle Impossible. Per HGTV, the second season will feature Daphne and Ian welcoming “special guests” to the chateau, including her father, sister and grandmother.

Castle Impossible, Season 2 Premiere, Tuesday, May 26, 9/8c, HGTV