I just bought a HIDDEN ABANDONED Chateau ruin 

Billy was so kind to mention you to his viewers. What an amazing project. Can’t wait

I remember you showing us this chateau when you first started the channel. I’m so delighted that you’ve bought it, even though I think you are utterly bonkers for attempting it! We’ll definitely be watching your escapades

I love how Mother Nature is always there to gently remind us…”I was here before you, and I will be here long after you are gone.”

My wife's family lives in St Francois Lacroix. We've spent a lot of time over the years in this part of the countryside of France. She's actually there right now and I'll be there later this year. If you need an electrical engineer for the project, let me know :-) Good luck!

This chateau may look hopeless to most people, but not to Dan the Man. You have been showing us your countless skills over the past year or so, and your ingenuity to get things done is unsurpassed. Being unconventional has paid off big for you, so why not tackle a dream like this one if the stone structure is solid? Yet another twist in the path that we so enjoy sharing with you!👏🏻👍🏻❣️Congrats🎉🍾

I have subscribed to your channel since the beginning, as well as Stephanie's, Michael Petherick and Billy Petherick's. Was just watching Billy's vlog and it was so lovely of him to mention you and your new project at the end of the vlog. I think you will get even more subscribers now. Billy was right when he said what a hard worker you both are and this new project will certainly keep you busy. Can't wait for the next vlog.

Hey mate, you are one of the craziest human being I've seen on my not too long life (50 Y old) . You've been taken a really big challenge and I subscribed to your channel when I have seen 10 minutes of your first video regarding the Chateau . The unit is in really bad condition but you could be the only person who can save it and you probably are the last chance for the house. Im really happy to have found your channel and i can't wait for the next video! Be proud about what you are doing and I sure it will be huge success!

Vu que c'est en France je vais commenter en français et vous épargner mon anglais de collège! Cette vidéo vient d'apparaitre dans mon fil, je n'avais jamais entendu parler de vous. C'est juste incroyable le boulot que vous abattez, et je suis admiratif des gens comme vous qui sauvegardent notre patrimoine! Au delà du bravo, surtout merci pour ce que vous faites, vous êtes géniaux! ❤

Dan, you have always been my favourite ‘living in France’ vlogger, for your work ethic, humour, family mindedness, sincerity and lack of pretension, amongst many other qualities. I’m now remembering you gave us a hint of this ages ago. It looked like a huge project then. It looks like huge project now. But if anyone can do it, you can. I look forward to future videos. I’m sure they will be fascinating and, as ever, beautifully filmed.

Billy sent me over. Said that you are a hard working person and loves restoring like he does.

It’s sort of lovely just as it is, falling apart and completely hugged and embraced by nature. It looks like something out of a fairytale. I can’t imagine how incredibly stunning it will be when restored to its original beauty, surrounded by green with sunlight streaming through the windows. ooh- it makes me excited and so happy for you : )

France is incredibly lucky to have people like you who are interested in saving their heritage. Well done, and we look forward to seeing your journey!

Holy cow, Dan! That is a monster adventure and I am all in for it. So many questions but I think I will just hang out and see how this goes.

Hi Dan, Wow congratulations on buying, currently, half of this magnificent Chateau with, despite the damage, which you will restore to its former glory and not least the forest and grounds. My goodness Dan what a huge project but your love for this Chateau shines out from you in every detail you showed us with such awe and appreciation in your voice. I was thrilled to see photos of the Chateau as it was before the devastating fire and how heartening it is to know it was used to hide and care for children who escaped the holocaust. I hope you will be given grants from the French government and heritage associations with your restoration costs. I am beyong excited for you and your family. I wish you great good fortune. I can't wait to follow your progress and to learn more of the Chateau history. Xxx🤗

How brave must you be to tackle such an enourmous project by yourself; if you are capable of such challenge , then you must know that there will not be in your life anything that you cannot do!!! What a role model for your children you are; what a legacy you are for them.

You have to be determined and a visionary to look beyond the decay and embark on what will be an incredible transformation. I’m absolutely enthralled in watching your accomplishments and bring this beautiful building back into use, a fabulous home for your family and boy what a story and legacy you will create. ❤️

I'm just so happy, that the plan is to restore it back to its original beauty and details. Too many of the people, that restore old places, tend to modernize and make it look like a newbuild on the inside. This is a huge project, no doubt about it. I wish you lots of luck, and I hope you will make it, so that Miss Coco Chanel herself would feel at home 🙂 YUP, I'm on hooked, Dan! See you Sunday!! 😁

Wow! What a project and a place for you and the boys to enjoy in years to come. I have a feeling there will be a need for you to have a number of volunteers over the years to really help make a dent on the clearing the needs to happen. A roof, windows and doors will obviously be the priority. Time for everyone to watch the adverts all the way through to help fund this. It was also great for Billy Petherick to encourage some of his viewers to support you. Great work Dan and good luck

I applaud your determined courage to buy and renovate such a property. It seems like an unimaginably daunting, Herculean task. Good luck. Best regards from the US.

I like people like you that can see beauty and symmetry beyond a carcass chateau the entrace to the chateau is enchanting as well as the surroundings and the facade is lovely. I'm going to follow you on your journey to see how your project evolves. The chateau is empty inside but your beautiful mind is full of wonderful ideas.

Dan, I am thrilled for you! If anyone can pull this off, it's you. No doubt you'll be getting some help as time passes. If I was younger and lived close to you, I'd be there to help! You deserve this gem! I am so looking forward to seeing the progress....I know it will be a gem in the making!

Wow Dan, you will have enough new content to film for the rest of your life. I can't wait to come along for the journey.

I am so happy that people like you are restoring these beautiful buildings. God bless you!

Looks like the castle in Stephanie‘s fathers painting in the new bathroom at lalande with the red blocks! Simply marvelous , looks meant to be ,good luck Dan!!!!

This was meant to be!!!!!! Totally gonna be clued to Sunday night vlogs. Congratulations Dan, what a magnificent chateau. You are just the guy to restore it and it'll be our joy to share. Go Dan 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

WOW!!! I’m so glad!! I was having serious Dan withdrawal 🥰 I remember when a longtime ago you visited this without a drone. We just got a sneak peak. I cannot wait for you to get started and and take all of us along! Autumnal greetings from Alabama 🎉

Hopefully, there are not too much obligations to it. If the "bâtiments de France" control the rehabilitation, it might be very difficult. I wish you much courage and the passion, and projects to finance this miraculous castle.

This is remarkable. Thank the youtube algorithm for bringing me to your channel.

The forest is as impressive as the shell of the magnificent Chateau! Just goes to show us that the builders of days past knew how to build things to last. The exterior is beautiful even in this state. I'm glad Billy plugged this video and even linked it! Sundays are going to very exciting for the next few yrs💜

It is a privilege to be able to accompany you on your journey since you started and Stephanie announced that you had a RU-vid channel. This is great, super great news. Congratulations, dear Dan. Every time a person progresses, we all do it in some way. It is absolutely wonderful. Tons of congratulations! Enthusiasm is something contagious, a good virus that fills us with life and without a doubt, both you and Stephanie are capable of spreading it. Thank you from my heart. Heap, heap, Hurrah!!! 🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾

Just watched this again… it’s been a year, the changes are more than amazing! You’ve accomplished SO MUCH in so little time! So happy for you!

I'm becoming addicted to watch about the château.

I am so excited I am literally bouncing in my seat. If this were anyone but you who did this, I would think they were nuts. But Dan, who is so much more than a gardener, can definitely pull it off. They are just big Legos after all. Oh my goodness, you totally made my day!!! 🧡

Dan, you never cease to amaze me - I had no idea what surprise you were going to spring on us today! Seeing the current state of the château made me tremendously sad because it was such a magnificent building in its prime. I eagerly anticipate following your adventures as you bring it back to life.

WOW! Just went back through your vlogs & realized you've already seen the chateaux, a year ago, that you've bought. If anyone can restore it, you can Dan. Can't wait to see what you've already done to restore it. Love it!💖🙏

Absolutely stunning, in such a beautiful setting too. You'll have your hands full there for sure. Bonne courage! 👍

Billy sent me too!! Can't wait to see what you do. What an incredible history. I actually worked for Chanel cosmetics here in the U.S. at one time. It warms my heart to know that the children were cared for there. Hello from Nashville, Tennessee!!

You did it! I'm so happy and excited for you! I always secretly thought you deserved a chateau of your own. Congrats Dan!!!

Keep coming back to this video to see how things have progressed the transformation is amazing 👍😊😊👍

Love all the woods and forest around the chateau. So serene and comforting. You have a huge job ahead of you but it will be so worth it. I am sick to death of all the stark cubes that are slapped up, cheek by jowl, and deemed architecture.

The shell is stunning. The history accessible. The restoration will be phenomenal. What a dream come true.

Started with a "derelict farmhouse" and look at that beauty today. Never thought you would ever own your own chateau? I send you warm regards, and lots of strength, you can do this young man!!! very proud of you. Well done!!!

This 1st video,of you showing your chateau, along with the music,and scenery ,was impressive. Beautifully filmed!

Oh Dan I am so excited and scared to death at the same time! What a stunning grand old lady just waiting patiently for her turn to stand in the light again. Dan only you could see her beauty and commit yourself to restoring her. So proud of you. ❤️

What an exciting project, can't wait to follow Dan, bon courage!

Exciting project! I hope you can find and share photos of the former Interiors. Neat history. Can't wait to see this Chateau come to life to its former glory!

I'm here because Billy mentioned you in his video today. He mentioned a huge project you were taking on, his deep respect for your work ethic, etc. Of course I've been watching you for months on Stephanie's channel. But it's all thanks to Billy's comments that I came to check out your project. So glad I did! What a fabulous project! If I could make one small suggestion please .. there was a point in this video where you said "oh my! Look at that!" Then you panned over and I had NO IDEA what you were referring to lol. Hope you can please dumb it down for us as we may not be looking at things, thru your eyes 💗 Excited for this project. Thanks for taking us along.

Your reverence for the architecture of the past, and your joy in these projects is wonderful to watch. Thanks for Billy for mentioning your blogs again, subscribed this time.

I’m so glad to see someone bring a once fabulous place back to its former glory - as original as possible! So excited for you!

Coming from your latest video.... man, what a difference

You are just the person to tackle this Dan! Congrats! 🎉

This is gonna be awesome Dan! Cant wait to discover everything! Your channel is gonna grow a lot witht that project!! Good luck!

Amazing how far this has come already, just looking back from where you are at, almost at roof level in only 11 months, what a journey so far

Sheer genius or insanity? I’m so excited for you Dan, I’m looking forward to supporting this in any way I can.

Dan you certainly are the man…..and I am overjoyed at this beautiful project. If anyone can restore this beauty it’ll be you. The chateau must surely feel loved now that you have rescued her and we await to see her come back to her magnificence. And she will. Hearty congratulations warmly 💐🐨

Excited!!! I am blown away Dan! The history alone so far is stunning to say the least. What a pedigree the Chateau has! Super-Dan to the rescue I say!

Not wild, crazy, and definitely not stupid! More like exciting, adventurous and brave! You're the hardest working man on RU-vid. You'll do great!

Billy recommended you channel so here I am!!!! Oh my word - YOU are an amazing VISIONARY!! You should have considered TWO youtube channels, one for your regular farmhouse channel and a second one for this incredible project! The history of the building alone sends shivers up my spine!

Truly a man that loves structures, as you see him caressing the features. Amazing, good luck Dan. She's a stunner and I can't wait to see the restoration as I also am a structure junky. Best to you and what a fantastic find xx

Such a beautiful place. Makes you wonder who built it and who lived there. The memories of those people could be felt in that building.

Wow the idea of restoring it is fascinating .You deserve a recognition from local authority at least

BEST BUY EVAH! Seriously, I'm so excited I could POP

I cannot imagine these lovely chateaus being lost forever. So I am very pleased people like yourselves are dedicated to restoring and bringing back the grandeur of such amazing buildings. Top that with sharing so much of yourselves with the public. Huge Kudos!

The history is something else this Chateau was a sanctuary for children to safely stay during the Holocaust &Coco Chanel lived there .. the parties must have been grand. Happy for you Dan and your family. You have worked hard in your life and it is paying off✨ You will restore her to her glory🌻

Amazing. So happy that there are people like you in the world willing to bring a grand, older lady like this back to her glory!

I’ve just rewatched the video when you, Annalise & the boys first set eyes on this beautiful ruin, glowing in the autumn sunshine a year ago Dan Daily 🍁 I think you fell in love with it there & then 💕.. & now … ☺️

Congratulations and best of luck with your new venture. Thank you for taking the rest of us along for the ride! Looking forward to seeing your boys explore the property.

Pure happiness that someone will love this place again. Thank you.

Congratulations Dan! With all the work you’ve done in Lalande, I think it was just a matter of months for you to find your own chateau. It definitely looks like a challenge and I hope that the structure is still strong enough so you can just add the missing bits. Fighting.

Dan, this is such a monumental undertaking...and I could not be more excited to see this journey unfold! If ever there was a person who could tackle this job, it is definitely Dan the Man! I don't even know how you go about starting something this big, but...you never cease to impress with your hard work and skill!

I found this video, and must say it is wonderfull and so inspirating. And that story of this building makes me cry.

Amazing property with an incredible potential. I looooove the forest and the trees surrounding the building. I can't wait to see what you do with it. :-)

I follow you from your first day gardening at La Lande, and now you bought that chateau to restore, congratulations Dan, you are so courageous, no doubt this building will shine again thanks to you. And... In 14 years time, kid number one will help you, he promised lol xxx

What a grand adventure, Thank you for having us all along for it! *Cheers

Wow! Just a shell. But hopefully the shell is in great condition and you’re a young man who looks able to build! Can’t wait to see what you end up with.

This popped up today and I had to watch it again. The progress since this video is amazing, the resurrection is moving faster and faster with every day.

Oh Dan so excited for you. What a lucky Chateau it is that you are going to look after it again. Wishing you loads of luck x

Good for you Dan. Like most people commenting here, it looks like a daunting task but you are definitely the one person can pull it off. As you walked us through it I was “seeing” aqua props all over the place and imagining you doing it all single handed. Look forward to watching your progress. It’s gonna be amazing!!

The fact the walls are still intact, says a lot about the craftsmanship of them.

The forest moved in, because the lot was improperly graded, or, the builder didn't understand how vital gradient is, to the survival of a structure, necessitating building uphill, not downhill. Be sure to get that regrading done as #1 or #2, the roof being first. And while masonry can outlast wood, I'm sure you'll find that with that rainy climate, all of the wooden support beams require changing, as well as other things LIKE CONCRETE. The problem is, that everything in a structure, needs to breath, and is still alive. When it's constantly nonstop inundated with moisture, the wood mildews out, termites move in, but also, concrete and mortar, dissolve, fracture, shift, etc. They just cannot take the nonstop rain, flooding, river areas, then cooling or freezing conditions, mildew induction, and then keep on going strong. In the wrong climate, even metal and plastics mildew, which means...dissolve. You're going to need to clear that lot adjacent to the castle, with a good 50 foot perimeter, maybe more, to make sure that this structure sees sunlight, and can use the winds and sun, to dry out and begin breathing again so it can get healthy. I'm not too sure that this can be accomplished, with what I'm seeing here, which is, that you're likely on a water table, with a sinking structure, in which, negative gradient has occurred and contributed to more sinking, evidenced by soot flow even on ground level. This cannot occur, unless rain is running downward toward that structure. That's your biggest clue here. That water well is adjacent to the property for an important reason; because water is too near by, already under you, soaking your foundation, rwmoving soot in flow, and you're obviously on a water table. This means, that your structure is already doomed, and it will never dry out and breath correctly, plus constantly be damp, musty, moldy, and unhealthy to even breathe. It's a grave, essentially. Plus, your newly installed wooden investments will break down again. Having forest right up to your perimeter is never a good idea because it locks in stale, heavy, wet air, that creates havoc on building materials like wooden beams, windows, roofs, etc. which ALL need to dry out in order to last. But the soil flowing into the house at basement and first floor levels, is chief indicator here, that your real issues, are that you're on an underground river, or lake, or cave, and that the structure is vertically heavy enough, to sink it's way right down through it. You just cannot build on a bog, or marsh, or river, and expect all is well. You build uphill, not downhill. Maybe, the former owners figured this out, and set it afire, to collect insurance? It wouldn't be the first time. Foundations are everything. You are also likely in a "flood plain," which can trigger uninsurability, inability to get insurance to pay, or even get a policy at all. This could be your chance to shop them out, use their inspectors to give advise. Be careful about this aspect. I hope this helps! -Experienced. By the way, I've owned, and worked all of this, and learned and lost.

Congrats, Dan! As many others have mentioned, we've missed you terribly. Been wondering what you were cooking up for us next and now we know :) Very excited to see you and the boys back. I pray Annalise is doing well! God bless and stay safe on this next incredible adventure!

Hope you can get Nick over to help remove all those trees before they cause any more damage. Beautiful building. Lots of work.

Just wow! We all know that you will put your hard work, skill and craftsmanship into this once stunning building. Each job that you tackle and share with us shows your commitment to doing your best with no shortcuts. Wishing you all the best.❤

Wow, the WWII history of that place is amazing!!

Wow Dan what an amazing building and such an interesting history as well. If anybody that can restore it to its former glory it’s you. So looking forward to seeing the videos each Sunday. You just have endless energy it seems, especially as you are still working on the farmhouse as well I take my hat off to you!

Wow, I watch the RU-vid channels of the Petherick’s and Stephanie and all the other channels that they are friendly with. I had not yet started watching yours. I’m so impressed you have found an angle on this that nobody else is taking. This is truly rescuing it from ruin. I look forward to watching every week thank you for entertaining us all. I started watching “doing it ourselves” sometime back and I am so thankful that that led me to all of you.

Wow! I’ve been traveling so I missed this vlog until just now. SO excited for you!! If anyone can bring this beauty back, it’s Dan!! Congratulations!!

In so glad i discovered your channel! Now I’m hooked.

Good luck Dan, your energy and talent couldn't go into anything better. I'll be watching and cheering you on from USA. It's beautiful and will be more so in your hands.

Wow Dan, just wow!!!! Can’t wait to hear your plans. I will get tucked in and enjoy the journey🤗

I love watching this one again. The dreamer and his dream...and today..you are so much closer to making the dream real. 😊

What an amazingly difficult project you have taken on. I admire your obvious admiration for things historical & I am 100% behind your effort to fulfill your dream of restoring the beautiful piece of the past. Looking forward to seeing all of your videos.

What a treat for us viewers. You are back and with a great prize. Can’t wait!!!!

The moment I saw it remembered you being there previously. Congratulations and I wish you much success. This will be interesting to see. Bring her back to life Dan!!!❤

I am just amazed at how hard you have worked on this awesome project Dan. All the individual changes you have made Dan are mind blowing and now you are putting the beams and the boarding in its beginning to show the real shape of things and all the different perspectives. I can't wait till you can access that balcony the view will be amazing. Can't wait for the next instalment.

WOW ... The Tree looks fantastic growing inside 💚

Stunning building, congratulations Dan, taking on such a fabulous project, look forward to watching your weekly updates 🙂

Your face lights up Dan when you look at this broken Chateau and if any one can bring her back to life then it’s you! It’s a mammoth task Dan your not stupid you know that, but there’s a fire in your belly and a look of awe in your eyes when you look at her, I shall watch in wonder and I have to say I’m very excited for your journey, good luck Dan you truly are a machine, much love xxxxxxxxxxxx😘❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I'm so happy that you've found a chateau with an amazing history. I can't imagine how long it will take to bring it back to life but I know you can do it!

Dan you are a genius for finding this gem there is no doubt in ny mind you can do it .I will watch every episode.