Hello fellow chateau lovers! This is the first time that I'm making a video to answer your questions directly, so please feel free to leave (constructive!) feedback, and let me know if there's any chateau-based subject that you'd like me to talk about in a future video. Thanks for watching! 💛
The Chateau Diaries Absolutely love this , what would I like to see is your rooms and the stories behind them , your gardens and showcase your beautiful furniture , we will live our fantasy through you 💛💛💛
The Chateau Diaries I am up with the dog at 3am and your channel came up on my recommendation list- and I’m afraid I’m going to be up the rest of the night catching up on episodes! Thank you for sharing your home and story ❤️
If I am honest, I used to be sad that French chateaux were bought by foreigners because I thought maybe we, French people, were loosing a little bit of our culture and patrimony in the process. However, seeing you so in love with the place, honoring it, restoring it. It completely changed my view on things. Chateaux belong to passionate people who can preserve this heritage. Thanks for doing it
She is half French, her mum is French and she spent school holidays in France with her mother's family. But, I think anyone who will take care of these homes and can afford them should own them. The world is not flat, it is round and so.....
@@lorrygeewhizzbang9521 Yh I’m part Irish and the rest is welsh and English, the castles are beautiful, and I’m my town some Americans wanted to take our 600 year old market hall and put it in America!!!!!!!!!!! Luckily national trust saved it, but maybe some charities could buy up the castles and help save them?
@@lorrygeewhizzbang9521 I’m American and I don’t have that viewpoint. I could understand totally about preserving one’s history and culture. And “keeping it in the family” so to speak. And it’s also about practicality. There’s millions of us. We don’t all think the same.
@@GEJ310 oh my gosh just last night i was googling if there were any old manors or historic homes where I live, (washington state US) and i found ONE that was built in 1901 by a wealthy financier that bought a stately home in ENGLAND and had it dismantled and brought over on SHIPS.. AHHHHH!!! The original building was much much older by a few centuries. It looks a lot like the red brick house in this video. The home is Called thornewood castle. I’m sorry on behalf of America.
What an inspiring story. It was very French for the former owner to invite you in to stay in the home before buying. That was very honourable and kind of him. I'm glad you got it! What a gem.
@@Elberouge I know I'm way late to this video, but I wanted to make the same comment hahaha Stéphanie wants to be kind to this marquis & his legacy, but 1st offer + asking price = he had no other option & a bidding war just wasn't an option.
You should create on online course teaching other wanna be chateau owners how to buy and renovate. It could bring in the revenue you need to restore the place!
That’s a wonderful idea, but I’m not sure how I’d find the time! Maybe once I’m less busy in the winter I’ll be able to sit down and think about it, because it would be a lovely thing to do. 😊
Stephanie, your honesty and transparency is what makes your personality so likeable. The information you shared with us about how you came to purchase this lovely estate is personal. Yes, of course everybody was dying to know how you pulled it off. Most people (me included) believed that you just came from a wealthy family. The truth is that you came from humble means and you are still grounded although you live in grandeur. Congratulations! Americans like me would call you the "unicorn" which makes you one in a million. Take care, David
I thought I have seen all of your videos. I don't know how I missed this one Stephanie. You brought me to tears to my eyes. I could feel the love you have for the Chateau. you're precious, absolutely precious and Nick for being brave enough to take on a chateau. thank God for Michael for pushing you to start a RU-vid. it's benefited so many people. A "HUGE! HEART FELT THANK YOU FOR BEING BRAVE ENOUGH TO ALLOW VOLUNTEERS & "ALL" OF US RU-vidRS IN EVERY WEEK! Thank you from Ohio
Stephanie, this video made me cry tears of joy. As a 27 year old woman I am so proud of 29 year old you for making your dreams become a reality. You are so inspiring and I absolutely love your outlook on life. Thank you for sharing it with us.
My mother just died of Alzheimer’s. Your parents were right that living in a beautiful place really helps them. It was so nice of your parents to devote so much of their lives blessing those residents.
You my lovely Stephanie, are the sunshine, the soul, and the glue of this wonderful chateau family! Your personality is a balm for the soul. Love your videos so much!
I was very touched by your explanation about why and how you bought the castle... Because I've experienced the same to a much smaller scale as a single mother restauring a 'grange-a-porteau-indre' farm.. Nobody wanted to follow me nor had the same dream so... I've been doing it on my own! Never give up dreams.. Well done Stéphanie
Wow, I'm absolutely honest here I never got so excited watching other people's life. All the things that you said in this video is damn very inspiring and encouraging! I just discovered this channel yesterday, and without even thinking so much just pressed the subscribe button. I'm right now just turning 18 this year, unlike the other friends and classmates, I have an unique goal that I have this kind of fairytale vision of life too. I told this to many of my friends, and usually the responds are always the same, either they think it's very fancy or they say they prefer to buy the modest items rather than just live in a fairytale story like my dream. Some also say that when it comes to dream, some people will make it and some will have to be sacrificed in order to help the lucky one, a simple matter of working hard play hard is a thing that we can't rely on. After listening into your story, I'm very happy because there's any in other side of the world who already succesfully made my dream comes true. I do believe that all the hard works would probably not always pay me well, but I think if I never try then I'll never know. Since the beginning of this year, I have been busy making money, you know college is about to come and I bring so many expectations from fams and friends, but rather than studying so hard for college I would prefer to learn skills that can bring me money. Thank you so much for sharing this to us, to me especially Stephanie! You're very charm, great story-teller, and beautiful. Always love the way you talk. I hope all goes well, and I'm really hopeful when I'm eventually in my 25 or 26 , I will have enough money to give a visit to your chateau and be a volunteer there! Keep up the great work, I'll ask my friends to subscribe to this channel so that you can generate more income! Lots of LOVE, can't wait to see your channel reach a larger audience :)
One would think that when one is faced with a beautiful, spirited and lovely girl with her own fairy tale castle, one might feel a little stab of the green eyed monster but you my dear girl are bright as the sun and so naturally warm and engaging. What a fabulous chateau you have and so pleased it went to someone like you who fully deserves it. I wish you all the happiness and success in the world. Love your chateau vlogs as well. x
Yes, I love her and her mum! In fact, I am a fan of the whole show, and all the Brits who have their own Chateau- their stories and journeys are incredibly inspiring. During this Covid-19 pandemic; I'm strongly considering using my savings to buy a chateau instead of saving ridiculous amounts just to be able to afford to buy a small house in London!
What a wonderfully special comment, your way with words is delightful. This is the most expressive comment I have read to date online. Not only was the spirit with which you wrote so very evident but I am so very sure you were smiling as you typed.
@@suzanneedmonds1566 Thank you so much, you are very sweet! Yes this family certainly makes me smile. They are warmth, light and life in a world that is falling down around us. I love them, especially Mummy! x
I stumbled into this video totally by accident and I watched every single second, enraptured by your enthusiasm. You are remarkable, Stephanie. Not only are you one of the most passionate and charismatic people I've ever seen, but your love for your home is infectious and inspiring. Thank you for being you.
That's how I came to start watching Stephanie too. Love the family atmosphere where everyone is welcome, loved and honored for the talents they bring to the table.
Their friendship and enthusiasm is catchy. I'm very glad they share their lives. One more elusive and silent "friend" who wishes them luck and joy in all they do.
I’ve never commented on a RU-vid video before but I loved hearing your story so much, and I very much admire your passion and what you have done and your wonderful attitude to life.
Gorgeous! You're living my dream life! I fixed up an old farmhouse and it was amazing. I feel your pain about running out of money, that little farm ran me out of $70,000 pretty quick. My partner was cheating on me at the time and ran off with the girl so repairing the home helped repair my self esteem as well. 590 000 pounds is a good deal for that home, most chateau's are in the millions and in desperate conditions not worth repairing due to the intense derelict conditions. Congratulations!
I said this elsewhere, but I love the situation you're creating. Especially a family of friends. That is obviously a joy. I hope you continue to welcome volunteers. You people make me forget the every day and realize there are ways to escape it.
You are absolutely delightful. We bought a rundown farm house when we were young in Abbotsford BC Canada and have been working on it for 34 years. I don’t think we’ll ever be done even though it’s a small house. I have a passion for history, antiques and gardening. Come visit us if you’re ever in Canada. I’d love to sit on the porch, sip tea or coffee and get to know each other
I love your story. I always wanted to live in France from the time I learned French in high school (in Canada). Several years later, with a husband and two children, my dream came true at an 18th Century estate in Provence. Bravo, you, for living your dream.
I had a prejudgment when I first started watching and like you with the house I felt something meaningful and carried and watching. I'm glad I did. Fabulous story - so pleased you share it. All the best. Mark
She could have inherited from her parents or relatives, or purchased it long time before it became outrageously expensive. She also may have had high paying jobs, or made money through investments and purchased it completely on her own.
@@is8249 Completely plausible! I know the many ways she could have done it but it would add to the explanation of how she managed to buy a chateau at 29! As even in the 90's house prices in London were still expensive at that time and how many students do you know that could buy a two bed flat in London not long after graduating??
@@hammyham100 I agree with you. Honestly, young people don’t usually like to discuss the topic if their family helped out with the purchase. I have friends who pretend to rent, when in fact, they own the apartment... To avoid some jealousy and hate, perhaps. In contrast, they tend to be more vocal if they bought it completely on their own. London real estate is so insane that even an American is aware of the nightmare situation.
Wow! You enthusiasm for the place really perspires in the video, that's so inspiring!!! I only have one question, can we volunteer to come and help during the summer? (sorry if you talked about it before, I just discovered your channel with this video, and subscribed at once!)
Hello Marion, je ne savais pas que tu regardais aussi cette chaîne (je ne me souviens pas que tu en aies parlé sur ta chaîne) je suis abonnée à vos chaînes respectives car vous êtes toutes deux inspirantes, positives et toujours enthousiastes pour commencer de nouveaux projets et apprendre en chemin!
You have such a lovely infectious spirit - even if I have no desire to live in a chateau, I instantly knew I would enjoy following you along on your journey.
This is my favourite channel on RU-vid. I love the whole story, your passion, your poshness but so down to earth and real (thats a compliment by the way). Keep doing what you do. You are an inspiration
My father had Alzheimer’s for 8 years until he passed away. We were very fortunate to hire a nurse the last 2 years to help take care of him at my parents home. We took care of him until the last 6 weeks of his life where we found a private hospice to be able to administer pain medicine. He had broke his back when he was in the military in Germany. Your parents are absolutely adorable to help people with Alzheimer’s. No wonder you have such a big heart and your dreams came true. You wanted to bring back life to a Chateaux and have people enjoy your dream too. I cannot wait until a day l visit and stay in your lovely Chateaux after Covid.
All truly great things are usually run by a truly great person, you are that person here Stephanie, I watch lots of RU-vid but your channel is truly great on so many levels. Entertainment, People watching, Decorations, Problem Solving, the list is endless, but as others say you are the inspiration and glue which holds it all together! I just love you, and your dear Mum, plus Philip particularly! I learn so much without trying to, I never tire of your channel because your enthusiasm is like Niagara, it just keeps coming! Love you so much, a very special smile too! x
Almost 20 years now, I am certain the Marquis would be happy now how you have filled the house with family life again. And truly, I believe, that it was the better choice, as I believe you and La Lande are a beacon to help missing French people to remember who they are even if they don't consciously know it. Thank you Stephanie for putting so much love into our world.
Stephanie, I loved your story and the history of your family. I too loved ready fairy tales and the first time we went to France all I wanted was to see were the castles. It was so touching how you were allowed to buy the chateau. I can’t wait to see all your videos. 💜
Awesome story! Edit: The sellers honorable behavior is a baseline expectation as far as I’m concerned. It’s kind of an unfortunate statement that this kind of conduct is so remarkable in the current day.
Wow - what a gift to have found your channel! I live in the desert of Tucson, which does have its own weird charm, but NOTHING COMPARES TO THE BEAUTY OF YOUR CHATEAU AND YOUR ENCHANTING FAMILY AND FRIENDS!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
And they lived happily ever after........more please, lots more, I live a pretty isolated life in a pretty basic two bedroom apartment in the basement of my daughters house and tend my grandchildren all week. Watching you takes me away to where I’d love to be but can’t. I’d have loved to see each room from bare bones to now but hey ho I love living vicariously through your videos. 🥰
I’m happy you enjoy joining our adventures. How lovely that you live with your family 💛 I will try to make future videos showing the ‘before’ photos of our renovations. It’s quite shocking to see how bad it was!
I thoroughly enjoyed this. Your story is not only incredible but full of love and passion. Your mother is so right about beauty being good for our souls. This is a beautiful story. The look on your face tells it all and you had me smiling throughout the whole thing. Thank you so much for sharing.
You are an enchantress. You speak with such enthusiasm and passion, and I could listen to you for hours. What a beautiful story you’ve shared. I can’t wait to hear more.
It takes far more than money to have done and be doing what you are doing Stephanie BRAVA!!. Each and every video holds such fascination and charm. You are a joy and an inspiration :-)
This whole episode gave me shivers! I am so impressed with how you decided how you wanted your life, and made it happen. Well done, you truly are an inspiration to us all.
Your parents seem like really interesting people- the book story is probably a bit tough but the risk they took on that project is inspiring. That painting your dad did- wow.
I have found no greater joy in life than buying and restoring older homes. I've not yet done anything as grand as a chateau, but give me time. Your video literally gave me goosebumps to find someone else as passionate about this inspirational type of life adventure. Your enthusiasm is infectous as you can see from the responses of those wanting to come to volunteer their skills and time. Please keep up your amazing work. I'm not one to spend a lot of time watching videos, but you and Michael have drawn me into Sunday binge sessions. Oh let this awful virus be vanquished soon!
The story of how you came to buy the chateau and also how much you love it just radiants off of you. What a beautiful story and the chateau is like a fairytale castle 🏰 . I think if you held weddings and banquets, you could bring revenue that way. Since I am sure brides would feel like a princess 👸 if they were to say their vows in a place so gorgeous. I am a new subscriber and can't wait to see more of your beautiful home.
Stephanie, you could have been talking about me - except that I never got to actually buy the chateau (or castle), but Idid spend seven years of my childhood living in one, AND I LOVED IT. The 72 acre park of beautifully laid out grounds was my playground in spare time, and the spacious rooms, landings, secret staircases, the gigantic entrance hall and walking gallery were ALL great, and so much more. That we were freezing in Winter (no central heating) was uncomfortable, but far from off-putting. We lived with several other families, because my parents had joined a Christian-based commune before I was born. I watch your videos with such fond memories of my years, til I was fourteen, living in such beauty. Now, at 69, I fear I am too old to begin again. So thank you, thank you for sharing your chateau life with us.
Thankyou Stephanie for telling us all of your story, turning your fairytale into reality and right back into a fairytale that we all tune into. It was meant to be. You are a reminder to us of how life should be lived. With love, laughter and the courage to follow your dreams.
Hello Stephanie! You did a wonderful job telling your first adventure at LaLande. I'm so glad you are still happy and stubborn after all these years. You are blessed to have so many loving friends, I think it's your positive, humorous personality that makes others love you. I look forward to each vlog you make! Have a great week! -Debra
Wendy Panozzo I’d love to know more about what percentage she pays in taxes each year and whether the French government allows for a reduction in taxes for rehabbing historic properties.
Being a Christian I do not believe in reincarnation, but if I did it would almost seem like that is exactly what happened and it caused you to continue the search until you found your way back home! Something about the Chateau was calling you and even Nick. It is interesting how your love shows so much and all the time in every word spoken about this home. It is really where you belong and what you are meant to do. Even your parents and how they went about their lives were stepping stones bringing you to this.
You seem like a beautiful person, inside and out. It's refreshing to watch such a well-spoken RU-vidr that doesn't blab on with irrelevant musings. Can't wait to explore the rest of your channel.
Fabulous, Stephanie! I’m so pleased that I am now able to have a chateau fix twice a week. A Sunday cup of tea is a lovely idea, I watched it this morning while in bed with my morning cup of tea, Monday. Later on please show and talk about the linen cupboard/room, I adore linen.❤️ The fabrics of the cushions around you are stunning! I live on 100acres on the coast of the south of Western Australia. I adore rescuing furniture, china, gloves, handkerchiefs.....many things Thankyou
Next Easter I’ll book a room at Lalande and sample that wonderful honey that you mentioned and enjoy the wonderful ambience, the sounds and smells of the beautiful French countryside!
Wow what a lovely story. I have following the current more4 program hosted by Dick Strawbridge and have just watched the episode where you do your Mums wedding, how absolutely fabulous. So much did I like it that I have suggested my future daughter in law and Son to watch your place in particular and have a gander on your website. You have done amazing things, and I cannot imagine anyone saying no to you anyway, well maybe votre Mere/Maman! Who would want their ears bent be that Dame Formidable! Anyway Stephanie I think that you are one amazing Lady. I cannot wait to see new projects at your Chateau. Xxx
I love your story 😍 So touching to see how passionate and determined you were to have a chateau and how happy it made you - and still does. So beautiful and inspiring story, thank you! 💕
I discovered your channel yesterday and I've completely fallen in love with it. You are a remarkable person, your mum is such a character and everyone at the chateau seems unique and lively, just like every room in the chateau. And each individual uniqueness makes the whole magnificent. I love the philosophy in your chateau, your philosophy, the community life, the values. It's given this tired soul of mine a breath of fresh air and hope. Thank you!
I still enjoy hearing this story. You should write a script about your start and evolution of Laland and get it done into a series/ film. At least write it up as a book and self publish on Amazon etc. Even publish a book about your father ‘s art. Loved the Xmas wrapping paper you made from your father s medieval painting.❤️
How wonderful!!! You’re are in fact living a beautiful dream, giving the rest of us hope for the same. I wish you all the best! Please keep posting your lovely videos. 🤗
Please show/tell us about the music workshops etc. I think you’re delightful. I want to know everything about you’re experiences. Thanks lovely lady, Best, Laura
A magical story, Stephanie! Thank you for sharing. I hope the Marquis appreciated that your Mum came to stay with you too and that you can both speak French.
What an absolutely lovely story! I'm so glad you've brought the chateau back to life and also live with your best friend and family without the pressure of having a nuclear family. Back then, having a chateau was a bit like running a small company or startup, you would need a team of people just to keep the place going. I'm very happy you've found a way to do so with your workshops. It's also amazing that you grew up in a renovated mansion that your parents utilised as an Alzheimer's home. Quite unconventional and absolutely fascinating! ❤️
I just discovered your channel and I think I will be busy watching all those past videos ... what a dream and accomplishment! Really interesting to watch and listen to your story. Thanks for sharing! Anne
