I'M EVICTED FROM THE CHATEAU! 

Hi Stéphanie, I'm French. What I understand from the document you have is that it is not written "néanmoins différents objets qui tiennent plus à la décoration qu'à la défense sont *PROSCRITS* par la loi (=illegal)" but "néanmoins différents objets qui tiennent plus à la décoration qu'à la défense sont *PRESCRITS* par la loi (=recommended by law)"... It is the perfect opposite. I think that some work on the Chateau was prescribed by law. That traduction, explains why right after this sentence the author explains how these modifications can be made without "damaging the castle". EDIT : I now have the answer ! During the French Revolution (1792), a decree of the National Convention, ordered the destruction of the fortified castles and fortresses of the interior to preserve public peace. It excluded from this destruction the castles which no longer carried "means of resistance". So they imposed structural modifications which led, at Chateau de La Lande, to tear down the drawbridge and fill in the gaps (also called "chemins couverts"). The document you have is a report from a military engineer who prescribes to the local directoire the modifications to be made to La Lande so that it is no longer a fortress. EDIT - EDIT : Hey it's me again ! (lol) After a night of reflection, my opinion is that it is probably written "proscrits par la loi" (=illegal) but the author (the military engineer) admits that these fortifications were certainly more aesthetic (to give La Lande the appearance of a fortified castle) than operational. However, their destruction were still necessary to comply with the decision of the National Convention for the preservation of public peace : a drawbridge that is not or cannot be used remains a drawbridge in the eyes of law, the same for covertways.

I love the way your architect thinks. A moat of blue flowers sounds magical.

I don't like the mirror idea. It can distract birds or, worse, might burn something with the light in an unfortunate angle. I really like the idea of blue flowers!

A tip from someone with chronic fatigue to anyone who needs it - Start trying to identify the things in your life that give you energy as well as the things that drain you. It can be anything - big or small; an activity, a person, a pet, a place or hobby etc. Reflect on how you spend your energy and what you get in return. You can even make a spreadsheet or write a diary and divide things into plus and minus (or gain vs. drain). If you find yourself doing things that drain your energy faster than you can replenish it (or if you suffer from an illness or disability which affects your energy reserves) it's important to cut down on those things and replace some of them with things that give you some power back. Remember that you are enough and that your worth is "not" related to you productivity level! You are allowed to just *be* and there is value in that too. It takes time and things may change a lot depending on different circumstances, but knowing yourself and your limits is always valuable! Energy balance can help prevent burn-out and help with many kinds of recovery as well. Don't forget: Self-care and self-love is not selfish. If you are not well, it affects your loved ones as well as you. And actually, there's nothing wrong with being a bit selfish - you can't live life solely for other people. As Oscar Wilde said: 'Everything in moderation, including moderation.' Nobody has a perfectly balanced life and that is perfectly human. Be kind to yourself - you don't always have to try your very best.

What Charlie said. Take of yourself-you are the real treasure of Chateau.

Some years ago, I had a forced rest after being crushed by a car. It was very hard for a “do it all” person myself. Once my body had recovered enough to walk again, I found myself doing to much once more, to the point of exhaustion. That was when a friend told me that “ A tree does not grow strong without being content to stay in one place. It reflects on the sounds and sights around it. It weathers the storms and heals it’s broken branches by taking in water, sun and earth’s nutrients. It never feels that time is wasted by just being still.” Rest well Stephanie.

Thinking of the flower moat, there is a private garden near Brive la Gaillard that has Verbena Bonariensis, lavenders, ceanothus, Vitex and caryopteris. The wonderful movement and heights look just like water from a distance. Most importantly the bees love it! All the ‘blues’ are slightly different and just look stunning. Plus they dont present a ‘damp’ problem next to the house. So clever!

Oh, I just loved the idea of a moat of blue wildflowers!!

Dear Stephanie, would you please, please take some time off and really rest and relax? We don't know what happened prior to the hospital stay, but please take your time. Even if that means no videos for 1 or 2 weeks. It must be really hard with a huge chateau to stop working, but the world needs you as healthy as possible. We do care for you very much!

So interesting, you talked about old French.....when I was in high school I took French and did not do well, so my Grandmere helped me and I did worse❗️ Grandmere was very upset and went to meet with the teacher, after the meeting the teacher had a talk with me , she understood the problem, Grandmere was speaking old French or a different kind of French and we were being taught the new French.....I passed because the teacher thought Grandmere was so sweet❣️

Please take care of yourself (this is for the whole team!). I believe live TV production companies take planned “off air” breaks. Perhaps you could also make sure to schedule a week or two-week long break from filming each quarter to give you all some time off / lessen your load. And certainly no filming / editing over weekends / week nights! We are here for the long haul and really I hope you can find some balance. Sending warm wishes 💕

I wonder about shallow rectangular pools - like reflecting pools -- of water, as a replacement for the moats. They could be quite shallow, but would still be water. And you could paint the bottoms of the pools in such a way that they appear deep. This is so exciting!!

Hey Stephanie what about reflective solar panels for the moat.....fuel the home while creating a moat illusion.

The moat at Angers which was once wet is now planted with the most beautiful beds. Could you imagine yours planted with bluebells, hyacinth, lythodora and creeping phlox? I'm getting my gardening gloves and driving to the airport.

You are so personal and personable. I lost my husband a long time ago, my kids are all grown and with their families, which is good, but, I do get lonely sometimes, and I get hooked in with your blog cause you talk into the video as though you are taking to me or at least including me in your plans. I love your interior design, your sewing skills, your beautiful bedrooms, and your baths. all of your decorations, you always chose what I would have chosen. You are very unique in your presentation and I love your blog. Thank you for being so wonderful, but, please take care of your health.

A shallow reflective pool would be a good replacement for an extended moat. Cheaper and duck friendly. ❤❤❤

I discovered your vlogs last March 2020 when Canada went into lockdown. Watching you live my dream, truly helped me through these difficult times! Bless you young Lady!❤

Stephanie do take care - I love the vlogs, they are so appreciated but take care!!!!

How exciting to put the moat back in! All good ideas. The problem with mirrors would be having to constantly clean them, and replace them when they break.

Having an apartment for the manager within the chateau is a good thing, but it’s unhealthy and stressful to put an office in the same space as one’s apartment which should be their place of Zen and peace. Even Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson (Downton) had their own offices far from their bedrooms.😅😅

The horse names above hayfeeders are adorable. 🐎🐎

Stephanie STOP!!!!!! Yes I yelled, I'm sorry, so Please stop for just a few days, Lalande is nothing without you but, We love your spirit, your courage, You. So please from somewhere in the United States, take a breather, rest, smell flowers, do not go against mommies wishes. The Chateau will still be there when you return.

I like Ian's idea of an angled wall. Like a mansard roof inside. Also bringing the moat back--awesome idea, even if it's with blue flowers.

LOVE that Nattie will be having her own space!

Stephanie I am a counselor with more than 34 years of experience Since two months ago I had been a little concerned with your health Please follow the medical instructions Too much energy at a fast pace will not be good for you or anybody I know that from personal experience

Ian is such a jovial chap. I really do enjoy seeing him on the channel.

Good that you are making Nati a space for herself. And so much to think about for future. Take care of yourself dear.

Could just imagine bluebells or muscari in the moat!

I love seeing the hum of activities and everything waking up in the Spring, but you need to rest and be away from the dust and noise. Your team may actually be better able to focus if they aren’t trying to keep you in your rooms resting. A change of scenery might be just the thing to inspire a spark of new inspiration. Not that you need new projects, but sometimes stepping away can suddenly crystallize exactly how a thing can be best accomplished. Relax, Enjoy and let the universe work its magic.

Stephanie, Ian is a very generous person, he often buys you folks breakfast chocolate Croissants. So I’m a few Jaffa cakes won’t go amiss! 🤣

Stephanie you look so pretty sitting in the chair in that beautiful country setting. Looking forward to seeing it all, but please take care and rest while you are there!!

Like I have said, you can’t keep a good chatelaine down! I can understand Stephanie’s excitement and how hard it must be for her to be sidelined as it were when things are really starting to rock. Hope the time away will be restorative and healing for her and that Phillip will arrive back at the chateau not having torn all of his hair out trying to enforce rest time! 🫖 🌸🦔🐭

Ohhh how wonderful would it be to put back the moat 😍 and please Stephanie, don‘t feel any obligation what so ever to produce new content, take as much time for yourself as you need! Hope you can get that much needed rest ❤️

A darling little digger. We get such charming phraseology from LaLande!

When Phillip leaned out the window I found myself leaning waaay back from my computer as if to pull him back in. 😂 Also, I just realized that it was about this time last year that I discovered The Chateau Diaries, and I started watching them all from the beginning, in order. Thank you SO MUCH for making my year bearable, and for giving hope to me and to so many others. Good health and much love and light to Stephanie and to everyone at the chateau. ❤️

Great to hear French being spoken!The Moat,very exciting,always thought it looked as if it was once with water.

Oh yes, I think that the blue flowers to give the illusion of the moat is a great idea! Think of the bees! :)

I just need to mention once more that when doing the facade of the Chateau, please please please consider building a "FRONT DOOR" facade so the front is obvious when approaching.... I think the front door/vestibule is the "FIRST IMPRESSION" as it were, which we all know is important! It will make a huge difference to the LOOK of the building.... Now, once you're well of course....take care of yourself...YOU are what makes the Chateau & you tube work...Rest Well....x

Bliss.... a moat of blue flowers! Enjoy your few days away... rest well. xx

Loved the bathrobe scene with no makeup! My mother walks around our Inn in her bathrobe with no make up and we were watching and had a laugh together, which we really needed. Thank you.

I love seeing the projects being discussed and taking shape petit a petit. I find it so inspiring. An appartement would be parfait for Natty! Please take good care of your health!

This Vlog was totally unexpected. I assumed it would be a few more days to see your face again. A very nice surprise. So glad Philip and all the La Landers are taking care of you. "Sometimes I feel I've got to.... Run away... I've got to ...Get away ..." A nod to the 1980's hit Tainted Love ... Take care Stephanie enjoy your lil Holiday.

Stephanie, I hope the eviction is to get you away from all the dust with the renovations going on right outside your bedroom door. Mind yourself and only vlog if for medicinal purposes 😁 It's important to balance work, rest and play because it's too easy to get burned out but much harder to recover from it.

Ah the Dordogne! Im sure you will have a delightful time! I too agree-great chemistry with the architect and go with the floral ideas...blue bells??? Its all so exciting and must be painful to leave but more painful to go back to hospital! There will be plenty of time to be the boss. Spring is coming and Easter is a blink away!

Relax girl ! Remember that you are important but not indispensable. What you have recreated is magical but remember to trust the people you love and love you.

Sometime I think that the people that helps you are really concerned with taking care of you Maybe you are so energetic and positive that are not aware but their faces look worried in occasions

Ooo. I love the idea of a flower moat until you could put a real one in later. **Shiver of delight**

Really glad your taking a break! You mustn’t burn yourself out! X🌸🌺🌸🌺

Oh my gosh, you are ME!!! I can't stop when I'm on a roll and excited about something happening that I'm involved in. I CRASHED years ago, total exhaustion and I was unable to do anything for 3 mos and even after that, it took almost a year to get back to close to normal. Although you want to keep going, because your mind won't shut off, PLEASE heed my warning....listen to those who are concerned about you and that's just not your household, but all your RU-vid friends, family in England and South Africa and so on! I've walked this walk, it will get worse if you don't discipline yourself. You are so special to us all and we sure don't want you to become so ill that you'll have to shut everything down! PLEASE HEED THE WARNING LUV!!!!!

I LOVE THIS ARCHITECT. She is so artistic. And clearly appreciates the old quality techniques and history. She reminds me of the kind of hippie-academic types in the Northern California area where i was raised.

I'm very glad your taking time for yourself. But I do feel that you taking anything that has to do with the Chateau is still work.

How fortunate you are to have friends who know your need for more rest than you've been getting. They have taken steps to ensure you get your rest by sending you away to relax! That's so wonderful!

20:28 Phillip your little squeak and snort are so funny- I kept playing them back :)

Super excited for Nati's apartment :) and please take care of yourself Stephanie

GOOD JOB Phillipe. NATTIE, please take a rest too!!!

I was landscaper on a Seven acre early ranch, with a pond..there were water hyacinths...I used them for fertilizer...

You are such a beautiful girl Stephanie. Always thinking of others and encouraging and being positive. You deserve the accolades given to you..

All I can think is from "Bob the Builder"...."Raise the Portcullis"! How exciting to think of all that Lalande was and All Lalande is GOING to be!!!! Love!!

What a lovely idea for Nati to have her own place x

I go with the flowers for the illusion of the moat

Hi Stephanie hope your taking it easy! I was thinking about your moat and I think blue corn flowers sown on mass would look absolutely stunning. Also as you know, the cornflower is the symbol of remembrance in France. xx🌷🌼

Please, please take care, with all these workers coming and going and very rarely masks are worn! It is very risky as these people aren’t in your ‘bubble’ or household. It was good to see Stephanie and the architect properly masked up though! Enjoy your break and try to relax x

A mirror shallow waterfall to reflection pools with blue flowers on either side to reflect the moat would be amazing, allow some water but keep it shallow.

I am so glad that Nat and Mummy took things into their own hands and staged another intervention! A few days of rest and relaxation away from Lalande will do you a world of good! Much love to you from Cathy in Victoria, B.C. xoxoxoxoxox

For hedgehog sake Stephanie get well rested so we have you back fully restored. 😤

I'm for the flower moat.

The Dordogne is a beautiful place for a little R&R . Exciting times at the Chateau that's for sure. Stephanie you have such a good caring team around you , you are one lucky lady and an inspiration for many.💖

I always love hearing you speak french! :) Would you ever consider filming more segments speaking french with other francophones at Lalande like mummy?

The idea of a real moat would be perfect for providing security, boating recreation, a supply of irrigation for the gardens and water for wildlife. If that’s not possible, then a lovely lake would be beautiful as well.

I remember watching your vlog where you told us about your multiple channels, the amount of work it takes to produce your vlogs, and wondered how you manage to do everything. Plus, you’re still working on renovating, repairing & improving the chateau, planning parties for everyone who lives & works at the chateau. I’m so impressed that those around you ‘staged an intervention’. You do need & deserve to take care of yourself. Please take care of yourself and feel better.💞🇨🇦

In the future, a moat, wow....maybe if you line it....you could do a swimming pond/moat and stock with some KOI. Just an idea, or you could stock with fish you could eat. Trout and the like. Years away I know. As for fortress or home, on another You tube channel, Chateau De Montmagner, the land owner in the 1800's was ordered by the King to destroy three of the defense towers so they would not be stronger militarily than the King. Something to think about. Wouldn't it be stunning to have a moat and draw bridge again. Thanks for the update and hope you get better.

Such exciting things happening!! Enjoy some rest Stephanie 💗

Stephanie it would be absolutely fascinating to see what the chateau looked like originally in a video form, like a time team episode! Oh wow that would be amazing!!! Thank you for all your videos xx

Get rest our dear sweet Stephanie!

Stephanie you have all the right people in your life now to bring your home back to its former glory and that is all thanks to your determination, love for your home, support of family, friends and youtube subscribers etc and your positive attitute. It is time to take care of yourself: you are financially stronger and have all the right people helping in so many ways. Please take care of yourself. 💐

So many amazing things going on! Hope you completely recover soon! Though I don’t speak French, it was lovely to hear you consult with the architect!

Stephanie - I vote 2 weeks off vlogging! As much as I absolutely love the vlogs and I always look forward to watching them it would be more important that you get a proper rest. I’m sure it’s difficult but do it for yourself. We’ll be here when you come back. I mean you have to come back! 😃 By the way I just ordered the De Gourney book last night and I’m so excited to dive in.

I am so happy to see where the money is going from your program. Bring back the moat, my mind kept saying while the architect spoke. You all speak such beautiful French. By the way, you are a gem and are looking more yourself day after day. I completely understand the difficulty with stopping to rest. You are wise to take a break from it all.

Stephanie, I totally understand your excitement as there is so much going on at the Chateau, however, you never seem to stop despite being told to rest! I’m so glad you have gone to the beautiful Dordogne for some rest but I bet Philip has a hard job stopping you doing much! Take care of yourself please!

Wow amazing progress going on everywhere! It's all so exciting! The history of La Lande is extremely interesting. Now Stephanie get to bed!! We can't go on with out you. Love to all ❤

I think Steph does not get the point that her followers and patrons actually care more about her than her posts. Steph, we want you to stop filming and posting for awhile and totally rest. All of us need a break sometimes,.... a week of doing nothing and clearing your mind and come back better than ever.

How exciting !!!

Stephanie you are an amazing force for good in the world. The joy you bring to so many is your gift. I am praying for your recovery. I hope you revel in all the things that bring you joy!

I agree... a densely packed carpet of Bluebells or Crown Vetch would create the illusion of water, in a magical, fairytale way and from the sky/drone views it would be simply enchanting and colourful and a more cost effective solution than pools or mirrors that require regular upkeep and maintenance.

That was nice to see that you are employing a French architect and speaking in French , get well soon .

Love all the vilogs the chateau is looking beautiful please take care of your self as you are as much a treasure as all the chateau in France and more muchloveJulia

I believe the illegal part is no one was allowed to have towers taller or fancier than the king. I am American so I don't know which king but I remember another chateau blog mentioned it. Hope this helps. Glad you're taking care of yourself!

I’m always so disappointed when the video is near to the end....I could watch your Vlogs all day !! I always feel as though I am right there with you all ♥️♥️♥️ All of the work being done is so exciting and I cannot wait to see more !! So happy you’re being forced to get away and have a much needed rest !! Thank you for all the joy you are bringing to us all with your lovely videos 💕♥️💕

Thank you so much for yet another beautiful video! Please remember to have a good rest - don’t forget to take good care of yourself! Take care with love from Woodbridge!

Thank you Stephanie.

OMG...the Architect! so cool, so loved her ideas...love that she was thinking outside the box...such a creative thinker

A draft around the broken pipe!!! Perhaps your entrance to your underground tunnels!

Thanks for sharing your journey.

The planted moat os is an excellent idea. Something low maintenance and selfsowing. Thinking various lavenders would gover well. Someone mentioned Bonairiensis(sp) ripples of Alliums in the spring? Oliver could maybe make a color palette and plan. His artistic eye and all. You fo have a lot of work going on, for someone who is supposed to take care and rest! Sending you wonderful thoughts of Peacocks and Hedgehogs!!!

I love all the outside work. Gites for Nati and Gerald, window restored. Possibly restoring of the moat!? GREAT!

Stephanie please take care of yourself - you are the heart of the Chateaux and all it’s inhabitants. I am actually hoping that some of the footage that you have been saving (from last years’ TV show improvements) could perhaps be shared now, so that you would still have wonderful content to share AND yet you will not negatively impact your health, working crazy hours putting together new content. It’s just an idea. But if that footage needs editing or cannot be shared yet- PLEASE just take a holiday and rest. We will still be here when you return refreshed and rejuvenated. ❤️from 🇨🇦... also I vote blue flowers for the moat. I think still water is just a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and mirrors sound out-of-step too contemporary for LaLande as well as potential problem for cleaning/animals getting injured. I hope lilacs will be part of any of your garden designs; the scent is heavenly.

I love all of your vlogs and please take care of yourself as you are as important as much as the chateaus of France and so many people love you Julia

Love all of your vlogs please take care of yourself, You are as much a treasure as any of the chateaus in France and are loved by many HugsJulia

What a BRILLIANT architect 💜💜💜💜

Those beautiful weathered bricks with the shrub you’re sitting in front of is a beautiful backdrop. Rest well, Stephanie.