Buying a historical monument by ACCIDENT!!! 

You can see the movie here (in French) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-AYEjRLYKOMc.html

Your thoughts on the importance of this site were very moving, Dan. The history of the château as a place of refuge and safety for Jewish children during the war needs to be preserved. Thank you for taking this huge project on! ❤

Maybe, one day, you could bring the family members of these children together in the chateau! That would be a historic and great moment!

Learning about a 13 year old girl, leading even younger children to sanctuary at the chateau; is enough to make anyone wax philosophical & get a wee bit soppy. I am honored to hear this brave youngsters story: it is epic.

Nothing can STOP an intelligent, talented man or, woman with a DREAM.

Excellent video, Dan. I really felt for you when you said you had a massive burden in preserving what the chateau really stands for. I understand where you're coming from. But don't put too much pressure on yourself. Don't let this project swallow you up. You are just one man with a family to support. Make sure they come first. Work away at the chateau as you can. I hope I speak on behalf of most people watching your journey. We certainly don't expect you to restore the building in a matter or months. Or even years, to be honest. Enjoy the process. I may be coming off a bit preachy, but I don't mean to sound that way. These are probably things you already know. I just want you to remember you are not alone. You have all of us, your viewers. Keep up the good work!

I am French and I think what you are doing is just amazing ! We need so many people like you to help keeping those monuments alive ! Big thank you

I am floored by Bill Graham’s connection to the chateau! As a teen in California I remember the ads for lot of big concerts beginning with the words “Bill Graham presents…” 4:33

Beautiful Dan! I've been a fan since your first appearance as a rather quiet shy gardener at Le Lande. I was thrilled when you started your own channel giving us all a glimpse into all things Dan. I have celebrated your many accomplishments. Who knew you'd be great at everything?!!! Your humility and self deprecating humor have kept me and my husband cheering you on. I'm a died in the wool Dan Fan!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

Dan my love. Yes you have bought a massive monument to hundreds of children who took refuge in your chateau. It’s a memorial to the past. The love and courage within the walls is a blessing in disguise. Honor their memories and the history by bringing back to life this beautiful chateau. Love ya. Take care and stay safe 🍺🌹🎈🌞😇🇺🇸❤️👍🙏🕊🌈

That was one of the things I loved about living in France during my teens. Everywhere you turned there was a story about its history, and at that time, there were still many survivors of WW2 living about, ... My mother was Belgian, yes, a war bride, and every chance we got we went to visit her family. One time we were driving thru a forested area and I had to go potty. Naturally, we pull over and I went into the woods to find a friendly bush. Returning I found a German helmet, swastika and all, and showed it to my parents, asking if I could keep it. To this day I can not forget the look that crossed my mother's face before she shook her head. ... There are a lot of stories that never got told.

Profoundly moving, Dan. Rightfully so. Proud of you. The children the Chateau sheltered mattered. The people who risked everything to save them, mattered. Greatly. They have touched our lives in ways seen and unseen. You mentioned Bill Graham, the music producer. He gave us music that defines an era including acts like the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, and Janis Joplin. Filled stadiums with the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. He produced shows with poets Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Alan Ginsberg, and improv group The Committee. Would there have been a "counterculture" without him? Would there be music that has spanned time? And he was just one of the children the chateau sheltered. Perhaps one day you will learn more about the others. Who went on to be a scientist and saved lives? Who went on to build a business. In honoring the history of the chateau and the children it sheltered, you honor the future we exist in. The future they helped create. Thank you.

This was the most touching video. I’m Jewish and you touched my heart, Dan. Thank you❤

If I never watch any other youtube channel, this will be the one I keep. Long journey ahead but worth while for various reasons.

Dan, what an inspiration you are to those of us who try to make a difference in this world.! Maybe you can get a group of people together to raise money for the work that needs to happen, or inspire a local historical society to help you put together a plan of action. I predict great things are ahead!

"Refuge" was one of the words you used to describe the chateau. I think that's what you're feeling. You have become a Refuge for the chateau. You are living the spirit of Refuge the chateau had for the Jewish children.

Amazing stories. While that group of teenagers were fleeing Germany, my teenage father in the occupied Netherlands was fighting with the Dutch Resistance in 's-Hertogenbosch. I found out many years later he was considered a hero for his covert actions.

They say old buildings “speak” to their owners. It’s clear that not only has your lovely chateau fallen into the hands it’s meant to be in, but also that it speaks to your heart and soul. ❤💙 Thank you, Dan, for sharing this journey - past, present, and future, with us all. 🥰🌼

I always had a good feeling about you buying this chateau. And you're right. It's a monument. We have to keep the history alive, and this definitely has the most amazing history. Maybe you could dedicate one of the rooms as a mini museum (maybe one of the basement rooms). And put all the photos and stories in there? Well done Dan

I live in Israel. It's a part of our history. We hear those stories all the time. Unfortunately , they are not too many holocaust survivors left so it is crucial to continue telling those stories for the future generations to never forget the horror.Great job ,Dan!

We never know the story until we ask, whether of a person, a place, or a time. Thank you for saving this important space that stands for those who chose to do the right thing despite personal risk and save others. It is a monument to their humanity.

I hope this place will be the refuge YOU need in the years ahead. “Sometimes it's the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination.” Merry Christmas!

The music is so evocative. It’s so sad and fits the atmosphere.…..In the bleak midwinter, many years ago.

The emotion you so obviously felt while telling this story is felt by so many of us too, Dan. It is such a privilege to follow you along on this journey you're on to save this old beauty. I hope you hear us cheering you on!

Please don’t look at restoring this Chateau as a burden - you are where you are meant to be! It takes a special person to bring this historical home back to life and that’s you Dan.

Such wise human you are but don't think it as a burden but a joy to enlighten the world how special this home was and will be again Dan !

I would love it if any of the children who found refuge in the chateau could visit it now speak to Dan about their memories ❤

When you mentioned Bill Graham, I broke into tears! The man who fostered so many talented artist at Fillmore East and West! Well done as you begin your journey!

Bill Graham became a huge part of rock history in America. His work in music is iconic. We are all like pebbles dropped into still water, the rings moving out into the world. If Bill had never arrived at your chateau, he probably would have never had his chance to shape a whole genre of music.

I was thinking, if you build a cabin, you should try to plan it out, so that it can become part of the estate later. I imagine a sort of tiny home, but then built as a gate house, or garden folly, or something else, appropriate for the place. And since it is not going to be immediately beside the main building, it could then later become a gite, or a fun guesthouse?

You are the right person to restore this amazing place to make it a happy place for children. Can't wait to see your progress one day at a time. Each thing you have done so far is making so much improvement well done.

I feel like that is exactly why you are the soul that was called to restore the building. You are already doing so much to help. Just with your Movember charity you showcased the importance of helping others and looking out for each other. You are a great inspiration. Thank you.

Todays flog is incredibly moving and clearly you are very emotional about the chateau and the story of the Jewish children who came to call it home. A truly historical building and I cannot wait to see it brought back to life!

You’re a good guy Dan. I’m very glad I got to meet you last April when my husband and I stayed at LaLande. You’re as genuine as you seem in your videos.

🇨🇦 Dan, have you thought of getting a small caravan (not a travel one but a home one) it's an instant build you can set up with the amenities and you crack on with the chateau sooner.🇨🇦

I love that you’re keeping the stories connected with the chateau alive. ❤️🇨🇦

What a great adventure for you. Anything with Nick cutting down trees catches my attention. His extra sense of gravity is amazing. You have found quite the historic piece. Your videos will help preserve these memories. So fortunate this is in your hands. Build cabins for volunteers…..maybe?

It's in good hands Dan. I'm sure you'll do it justice my friend. Much love to you and your family. Happy Advent!

You brought tears to my eyes Dan you can be as philosophical as you like I can see your heart has been touched by the history of your chateau. I am so pleased it has fallen into your hands .

The chateau has definitely made its mark on you Dan - a lifetime’s mission to restore what looked like a ruin on Day 1 but already through the mist has become something far more dignified. I am pleased you have been able to find stories, photos and documents to share and round up its legacy. Good luck with everything you do. 🍀

❤️ I love the back story on this chateau, and how you’ve been affected by it. Thank you for sharing the background of the kindertransport with people who may not have been exposed to that history.

Thank you, Dan, for such a great video. It gave me goosebumps when you talked about the importance the chateau & locals had in saving these kids' lives. It's probably your life's purpose to bring this inspiring building back to life. It couldn't be in better hands. I like how humble it makes you when you talk about it's history.

This journey you are on is fascinating. The music the filming, the history. Thank you so much. I want to read the book and watch the movie. You sir know the true meaning of Christmas ...

Dan your passion for this project has infected all of us. That photograph of the children is so touching and the story about their journey amazes me. Good luck and God Bless you Dan.

I found your channel today and have already watched 11 episodes. As a German who knows what horrors the Nazis were and what they did to the people of Europe, I am particularly glad that the Chateau is being brought back to life. I'm looking forward to the next 100+ episodes. Bon voyage merci Dan!

It's great that you are piecing together the history and importance of the chateau. Having those photos is great.

Such an amazing adventure…and you have the heart to do justice by this Chateau and honour it’s history and make it complete again. Superb Dan… see ya soon…Dottie x

You are the right person, at the right time, to save this beautiful and poignant monument to the spirit of human kindness. Listening to you share, tears came to my eyes. Thank you for what you are doing.

Whether it’s a chateau or a monument with historical significance, you’re the man that will get it done and done right. What an incredible story about the difficulties crossing the border to safety. Thanks for sharing and I hope you will learn and share more stories about the historic events associated with this chateau/monument 😍😘

Yes Dan! Let the vibe and spirit of this property touch your purpose and motivation as you toil to bring it back to life. It’s about the journey and all you learn, grow, and embrace in this phase of your life. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Many of us will be touched too! 🥂🖖🏼🤭👏🏼

This project gets more and more interesting, exciting and inspiring with every video. Thank you, Dan.

What a historical place and I love the stories you tell us about the chateau Dan, you are a very good story teller. The chateau could not be in better hands.

I’m sorry the Christmas tree fell (again.). Your story is of safe harbor for children in times of grave threats, not unlike what we are living through now. Let your restoration and vision shine on! One day a Christmas tree will stand there thanks to you, symbolizing the hopes of all of us. Go Dan! ❤️ to you.

Such courage those young children had to undertake what must have been a treacherous journey. It's hard to comprehend. Would love to know what the film is called and if it is still available to watch. Looking forward to seeing your cabin in the woods 🙂

What an inspiring story. Thanks for sharing. 🌺

The opening of the space is very important. This jewel deserves an equally fine setting.

Its a heavy weight to bare Dan, but you can do it as a tribute not only to the people who ran the Chataeu but all the children. Its going to be an amazing journey, but so worth it. Sadly it reminds us that there is a War going on at the moment and children are still suffering. The history must be told as its so important. Well done and thank you. 💕🇦🇺

Absolutely inspired by you, your family and the history of your Chateau. Thank you for sharing.

I'm so loving this! I feel like there was almost a calling for you to do this project on so many levels! ❤❤❤⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

You were right Dan, so important to save this amazing piece of history. You did a wonderful thing, a lot of hard work ahead of you but what a wonderful memorial for all of those children.

I love this story Dan. Amazing to know there are so many good people in this world that still care. We are once again, living in a very crazy world and I can see your light at the end of the tunnel for sure. Keep on keeping on my friend.

Thank you for saving this old gal. People need to know of her legacy.

So amazing to see young Dan and today Dan talking about the history of this place and how you’ve found a sense of purpose here. I have no doubt that you, like your friends at LaLande, can help a lot of folks along this restoration journey. Sending love. God bless your generous heart!

We have all fallen in love with this chateau and the history you have brought to the forefront. Watching you rescue it is such an inspiration.

Dan thank you for telling us the history of your beautiful Chateau, I can see your children living in this historical building telling their friends the stories of all the children living there during the war saving them from being killed by the Nazis. Their children & their grandchildren in the future will tell people the story of their grandfather saving this place from ruin. God Bless you as you tackle this tremendous undertaking. Kathy 🇺🇸

Thank you Dan for speaking about the stories of this chateau and especially of the children! It's a really awesome journey you are on and I love that you are bringing us with you!! Wishing you so much success with however this wants to unfold!!

This chateau is a monument to the safe, warm sanctuary it offered all who needed it. Such contrast to what the children were experiencing at the time. You are enabling this majestic chateau to continue its legacy of welcoming and will be sheltering lovely souls in the future.

Dan the story you have told today is very moving. This château became a safe haven for children, and you are on a journey of restoring this home for all the right reasons. Warmth and loving care will lead you forward each and every day.

Nick is amazing. You are doing such a good job - there are older and more famous chateaus, but yours still has an amazing history and legacy. Wonderful that you see that and are working so hard to make sure the house lives on!

Dan you had me in tears hearing your passion for restoring such an important part of history and the memories of a hateful time in the world when one young girl stepped up and made a difference in the lives of many young children when she herself was a child!! It’s a property that gave hope , refuge and safety to many and deserves to have happiness run through its grounds once again.. it is indeed a passion project and it’s wonderful to see and hear your passion for it! ❤

You know Dan, There is a good possibility that you are one of those saved children reincarnated and back to save the chateau that sheltered you so many years ago. Blessings to you.

I’m in awe Dan. The chateau deserves to be preserved and you are the man to do it. See ya very soon.

Buying something with so much meaning and history is a beautiful thing, watching you bring this chateau back to life will be amazing, you are saving,/bringing back to life a home that was a wonderful memory to so many young children all those years ago, be proud of what you are doing Dan, you are the right person for the job, best wishes

Love the jazz piano trio in the background, Dan. More of that is lovely, especially for Christmastime. Loving these videos. Can't wait for your cabin to be ready so you can be on site.

Such an interesting and emotional history, Dan. Lovely watching you restore it.

What an amazing discovery about the children. It is so moving. You are just the right person to restore your chateau.

Yes, it’s a historical monument. It was also a safe home for the children to thrive. To be loved, during some of the darkest days in their lives. Isn’t that the true meaning of having a home. A safe place to land. The tranquility of driving through those large gates. You bought a chateau Dan. It just has an incredible story with it. Lots of love! I’m proud of you everyday you tackle a challenge! We get lucky to watch it with your videos…thank you! ❤

As you achieve a huge milestone of 500K and almost all the floors done, I thought it be nice to rewatch the earlier videos that set you on this amazing journey. Congratulations again Dan!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼💛🙏🏼💛🥂🍾💪🏼

Touching video. Hope you can reach out to the families of those children , their children's children , let them know you're restoring their so called home and might offer some way of help to restore this magnificent chateau.

This journey is unlike any other. It’s a massive job that you have taken on. The history of the chateau is fascinating, am so happy you are try to preserve it. Love your videos. Do you have anyone collecting & writing down the history?

So sorry that you stopped doing this video I enjoyed it very much and I will miss you. I do know that life sometimes interferes. I wish you the best of luck

This is getting more interesting as you go on, particularly the moving history of the building. and your ideas for its future. Wouldn't it be easier though, to just get a caravan and conceal it a bit, to save time? Looking forward to seeing the new chapters in this story.

Dan, what a meaningful mission ahead of you. Your words about the importance of a time and the people that were impacted in such a positive way is truly what the Christmas spirit and the human spirit is all about. May the light of Christ always be with you and your family. Peace on Earth and good will to men.

Dear Dan, I join with others in appreciation of your desire to make the history of your Chateau come alive again. Thank you for your dedication. Hugs💞

I’m so touched by how moved you are and respectful of the historical importance. ❤️

I love hearing about the history of the chateau. A grand lady that does need to be a monument to remember the bravery and courage of others in helping each other survive in this world. Prayers and Blessings.

Yes indeed, brings a whole new meaning to “Escape To Rural France”! Sobering. Thanks Dan.

Aww Dan, you showed your softer side in this video. I'm glad you found this special chateau and can't wait to see you bring it back to life.

What a lovely melancholy morning. But your sense of purpose, is so attractive and is a call to the likeminded. You are a good and kind man!❤

I can't get enough of your vlogs. Keep up the good work!

That is so amazing ! To save children ...what a Chistmas present

Dan you soppy ? NAH. You are a good man Daniel. We love you and your chateau. 😊💖

Thanx, Dan. Your ambitions for the house are simply baseline expressions of your natural character. :)

Bravo Dan. I recently inherited a treasure trove of WWII history from my uncle, a 442 Infantry Battalion medic. His brother also fought with the 442nd, but was killed in action in Tendola, Italy. I’m now in possession of photos, diaries, letters and souvenirs tell of that period-the fight for LIBERTY. I, too , feel the responsibility of sharing these treasures as a reminder that soldiers gave their lives for our freedom, even when they and their families, American citizens, were held in American concentration camps. May freedom reign!!!💕🇺🇸🇫🇷💕

You are an inspiration in this world of chaos by recognizing the good hearted people as opposed to "the others!" God be with you Dan!!

Thank you Dan ......... this Chateau's story IS so very important - not just for the local area and your family - to the rest of the world as well. I thank you for taking us on this journey.

Amazing Dan, it is so wonderful to see you respectively restoring and preserving this important part of history. It's wonderful and moving to hear all these incredible stories. Thanks...

Merry Christmas 🎄 please start vlogging again, your missed!

This chateau has taken on a new life now that you are working to preserve her history! An amazing project Dan! Your passion for it is heartwarming 👏🏻🙏🏻❣️

Wow! Dan, this for me is your best video to date. You sure came a long way. Sending you loads of good vibes from chilly Canada. Hopefully you can talk with ancestors connected to your wonderful chateau in the future.