We have major STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS at the CHATEAU... 

I love how the chimney guy has fallen down the Chateau Lalande rabbit hole… first he’s just there to do a job, then he’s there singing Christmas songs, has a refreshment, now he’s joyfully following Stephanie along helping with little projects. He’ll be wearing a Thousand Stars robe in no time! Everyone gets swept up in the magic of the Lalanders.

Its admirable that Stephanie accepts and acknowledges the gravity of setbacks but then is proactive and moves forward.

Ignorance may be bliss, but either way the lion still lies waiting to strike. The burden of knowing may be frightening but it is far less devastating than being taken by surprise in one disastrous moment. Take comfort in knowing that you have the opportunity to plan the engagement much more on your own terms.

It was a wonderful visit. Thank you for having us and treating us so well. It’s a remarkable project you have at Lalande. And thank you to Philip for helping to film our chateau advent series when you were here. (Was that a subtle enough plug for our channel?!)

The bright side is that you caught it before it fell on its own and caused more damage. ❤

💕It was so lovely seeing children at the chateau💕It was lucky that Phillip was so insistent on asking the architect to look at the walls within the Château💕

That little boy Clément is adorable!

Thank goodness Amaury and Philip were so insistent about the beams in the grand salon. Although it started an avalanche of distressing news at this point, it will be information much appreciated before any more significant damage occurs. So sorry that you were set back, but I know your supporters will rally around you! ❤😊

My uncle an architect guided me to have weak beams sistered, instead of demolished. You sandwich the old in new on both sides, instead of tearing it all out. That was in 1986. Nothing in that part of the house has shifted, since.

I so admire your ability to stay positive despite the terrible news.

APPLE TREES ARE STUNNING. EVERYTHING WILL WORK OUT STEPHANIE, RESTORATION IS NEVER STRAIGHT FORWARD BUT WORTH THE HARD WORK AND TEARS IN THE END ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Look how far things have progressed in the last year. Wall fixed, chapel being restored, 2 couples are engaged. Stef/Phillip and Matty/Amaury and Dan has his own chateau to rebuild.

The chateau is telling you it needs help. It trusts you all to make it better. It wouldn't ask for help if it didn't trust you Stephanie. It recognises that you are the one. Sounds bonkers, but it could and should have collapsed by now, with all that weight and bowing, so it has waited for the right time and the right people. Simples! 🌠

Stephanie I'm just broken hearted for you hearing the news about the beam needing to be replaced & the walls needing to come down in the Chateau, you have worked so hard renovating the Chateau I know you must be devastated. Thank you for all the joy you have given us all over the last several years. God has taken you this far so never give up. God Bless you & your Chateau friends. Kathy 🇺🇸

Hang in there, and carry on! This is a life's work for all of you. It will happen, especially with all your great Patrons. Take one week at a time; try not to get overwhelmed.

Only Stephanie can deal with so much and still have a beaming smile. 🙂🇨🇦

I am so very sorry for the troubles with the Chateaux and the Chapel . But I have the utmost faith that it will work out and be perfect for both structures . After all , good thing happen for good people . 😉💖

You can always propagate your roses instead of buying more! Just like you did with Michael's cuttings :)

Stephanie, setbacks are only temporary. If there's anyone that can get through this, we know you can. Your supporters have your back and will help see you through this. Much love from all of us to you.

So nice to see Amy, Marc, Juliette and Clement from @The Great Chateau Restauration Project❤❤❤

The good thing is that you discovered the problem of the structure before the paneling is install. Of course I am sad about the structures problem. But I am confident that at the end you will fix them. The garden will look really stunning in spring. The courtyard as well. I cannot stop whatching your videos as the smiles of everyone in Lalande bring me joy. XXX

I am.... distraught. I can only imagine how upset you are. I have such an emotional connection to this building. I love all who live here and the life and laughter. However; this home, this chateau invigorated so much love in me, so much passion that I had thought I'd loss through depression. Your attitude towards the whole situation has lifted me up so much. You are so positive and bright and it gives me hope for not only you but for me and my life problems. 🥰

Loved seeing Marc, Amy, Clement, and Juliette from @The Great Chateau Restauration Project ❤❤❤

Yes, this news is so devastating but like you said in the Patron videos....there is a lot of good coming out of it, like safety, stronger and better walls, insulation, new wiring, the chateau will have more integrity and the list went on, plus a chance for any updating. It is definitely unfortunate for sure. We are all here with you Stephanie as you brought many of us through a few years of hardship, and we will continue to support you!! The new plants in the gardens are fabulous and can't wait to see them in the Spring!! So exciting!

It was nice seeing Amy, Marc & children from Chateau de Rosieres catching up on the Christmas fun at Stephanies. They also have an interesting RU-vid vlog. 🇬🇧🇬🇧🍷🍷

It is scarier because the repair process is a little mysterious. Once the professionals get in there it will be made right very quickly.

I love the new trees in the Olive garden they are absolutely magnificent. I'm sure you will find people who will give you the best advice on how to deal with what's going on in the chateau. I'm glad that Phillip bugged you to have the architect come in and look at it

They need some steamer kettles on their wood stoves so the air doesn't get too dry. They are essential for wood burning.

Maybe the structural engineers should look at the whole chateau. Surely such severe damage can't be limited to above one room ( grand salon). Statistically, that doesn't seem likely, although for your sake, I hope the damages are limited to what's been discovered. So sorry for your news. Good that it was discovered before Amaury began installing the panels.

I was sad to see you so upset, but your ability to rally every time you have a set back is awe-inspiring! I have no doubt that you will tackle these problems, as you have all the previous problems, and come out all the better for it. And I must give credit to my two favorite LeLandre’s ( besides you of course 😊) for continually having your back. Amaury and Phillip are your two knights in shining armor. You have so much more support than, possibly, even you know, as I’m quite certain you have touched everyone’s heart that have ever set eyes on you. I know you’ve touched mine. Please take care yourself. Love and admiration

This is a matter for prayer and more so at this time of year it is daunting to think of this structural work. So nice to see Amy & Marc and family from Château de Rosières of the The Great Chateau Restoration Project♥🌲🌲🌲🌴🌴🌴Maria's playing is so exquisite♥

Love the new apple trees.

Dear Stephanie, after thanking you for all the joy, I just wish you all the best for your tremendous journey. The chateau is in the best hands. 💝💞💝 Without you, it’d be a ruin, please remember that. 😘

Loved seeing Marc, Amy, Clement and Juliette from @TheGreatChateauRestoration at La Lande. They have a great channel where they are currently showing the rooms in their impressive chateau as their Advent calendar.

Stephanie, please space out the espalier trees so strollers will have a peek of the beautiful countryside view from time to time. Remember the leaves & fruit will block out the view. Plant other fruit trees in a different spot if you want more.

One step at a time, you will get through this. Chin up and carry on knowing we support you all

Sorry Stephanie, that sounds rough. I hope all goes well

Davy, Kirsty and Pavlina are really working wonders with the beautiful gardens at the chateau. I take my hat off to all of these talented people. They're marvellous. Won't it be wonderful when you have the first apples and all the roses? As for the structural issues it sounds pretty good to me that you have received the independent advice. Everything happens for a reason so it is said. No doubt much good will come from all of this once the necessary repairs are done.

Stephanie are there any grants you can apply for to help with the structural problems? Your local MP seems really supportive, perhaps he can help.

Wow, at least you had a smile when you saw Davey's work in progress, along with Kirsty's gardening abilities. I do hope that a less expensive fix will occur with the Chateau and Chapel. You do so much for everyone Steph, I hope you get some help with the cost.

You are surrounded by and attract all the right people, professionals who know what to do. They will fix it all in time... AND the ghost of la lande will help! My husband's a carpenter and whilst I have to wait to get things done, when he does do it, it is the most perfect job....Be patient, 'It'll all be alright on the night!' Big Love and THANK YOU! From Oz🥳🎄🧑‍🎄👏👏🐝🐝🌼🌻

Thank goodness Amoury made you check up on that sagging beam, and Phillip made you get that surveyor who was checking the chapel, to come and check the sagging beam, and look what he found! At least things will be put right now, instead of a terrible disaster happening at the Chateau. Good Luck with the work that must now happen to make it all safe. You work so hard Stephanie, thank goodness the Château has you as it's owner, along with your business partner. Thank you for taking us all with you, on all that you are doing. Love to you from a freezing, beautiful Devon, England, today - 3 degrees c. Snow on the way at the end of the week here I think. xxx

As it seems the current damage is the result of Stephanie combining two rooms to form the grand salon years ago. At the time, they seemingly remowed a load- bearing wall without ( or not enough) underpinning the structure work above. What Stephanie needs now is a structural enginner to calculate exactly how much weight is on the beams of the grand salon ( there are several levels, not only the two rooms above) and how to support the structure work correctly. Maybe Stephanie can still hold the architect , she hired at that time, accountable….

I am so glad you have a lot of people around you when you are under such stress. I remember the earlier blogs where you talked about being alone in the chateau much of the time. That would have been horrible to receive such catastrophic news and have no one around to help you cope. Here's to you growing Le Lande family. Good luck with all the needed repairs.

I am so sorry that you've had so much bad news about the house and the chapel. It's hard to remember at those times how many wonderful people and things you have in your life but knowing you it won't take long for you to bounce back and get your fighting spirit going again. La Lande is lucky to have a whole group of people who want to help keep her sturdy as well as beautiful and most of all she's lucky to have you Stephanie.

As hard is it to hear about the grand salon and chapel, it is better to find out before the wall collapses. Prayers for your mental health.

Love to see Marc and Amy from Château de Rosières en Vivarais along with Clement and Juliette enjoying the hospitality at Le Lande🎉

I just LOVE to see children at the Château. Children bring their own magic and blessings 💚

Even though there are major setbacks. There are solutions. I think it's better that you know about them before you have the paneling put up and then discover the issue. Yes it will take time to restore them but better to be safe than sorry.

I'm ready as usual but this is heart breaking..... You're not alone Stephanie we are hear with you.

I am positive, that there is a way to repair the damage without tearing down the walls themselves. You should be able to jack the main beam up, albeit gradually, untill it is back to its original position. After that, you will have to support it in it's new position, by either adding a large support post in the middle, or, possibly sistering new beams along the sides of the old beam, and bolting them all together. Another option is to combine the two, with the sistering, and support posts at either end of the expanse. Obviously, the middle post is the best option, in terms of solidity, however, if it impedes the egress, or doorway of the room, you might consider the other methods. Good luck with your beautiful home... 💜💙💜

I agree that the wood stoves don’t detract from the romance of a fire. They are beautiful and cosy and one can choose from many sizes and styles for the room it’s in. They not only hold and throw out heat, they also can burn much more efficiently than a fireplace. Think about it, fireplaces were meant primarily for cooking originally, and things that kept people warm were heated IN it or in the coals, but to avoid the smoke filling the room, you must get a good draft where almost all the heat rises up the chimney, not into the room. The chimney can heat up and heat floors above, but you get that with a stove as well. And when the stove is designed so that it gets the fire very hot and recirculates a little before drafting up, the smoke particles themselves burn, and you can end up with a much clearer smoke. This is less polluting, better for folks with asthma and allergies, and all of our lungs even without those conditions. Less fuel is burned and wasted when it burns completely, you get maximum heat for the amount of fuel you use as well. Just much cleaner. I know a lot of the home performance and air quality people say we shouldn’t be using fires for heat at all, health wise, and I fully support restrictions on densely populated or over-polluted areas, but I think that an efficiently burning stove is the ideal way to enjoy a cozy fire or use fire as a heating source in all other areas, from town to countryside.

It will all be okay. You now know what needs to be accomplished and your Lalande family and community will be supportive, caring and helpful in every way. This time next year will bring lots of positive memories and good deeds reflected in your December 2023 vlogs. Keep your beautiful smiles and hugs to all from Alabama, USA.

Everything is still standing and it’s fixable. Don’t worry too much. It’s going to be ok.

My dear, look at all you've accomplished and all of the support you have from family, friends, volunteers and realize, this too you can do.

STEPHANIE! I know of a 20 floor building that was under pined and concrete and Steele piles held up the bottom. You need serious engineer to stabilize those wall and not tear them down just slowly prop the wall …. Praying you get a better answer.

Such a beautiful time for LaLande! Food, friends, love, and Dan! Juliette playing Peek-a-Boo was the sweetest thing. When Clement was given the chocolate Bunny and was not deterred was so cute. Thank heaven the wood burners are in and functioning and the roses are in for the Spring. Lots to be grateful for. Love from Texas

I think what I love about this channel is all the wonderful fun loving characters that come and go - always a homecoming and heartbreaking goodbyes. But the smiles are so contagious - watching you all is better than any pretend actors.

I find it quite curious that not a soul was able to tell you about the gravity of the structural problems regarding the walls above the grand salon, specifically the walls between the chambre des oiseaux and perse. In the vlog about re-wallpapering and redecorating the chambre des oisieaux from more than two years ago, clearly there is damage to the wall paper that is identical to what was shown today. So obviously the wall was falling away from the beam then. And no one was able to figure that out except Michael Petheric, who if I remember correctly had just left hours before?

I am so impressed with Armaury's talent and expertise, he knows what he is doing. How did he get such experience? It will all work out as you have contacts and patrons for help.

Your sincere love and passion for the Chateau, will see you through any obstacle and the thousands of people who love and support you, will surely come to save the day! The Chateau will live on, even more splendid, sturdy and beautiful than before for many generations to come, which is a wonderful legacy to leave. Whenever I have saved an ancient building from being demolished, my greatest joy has been the thought that it will live on far beyond me and be enjoyed by many after I am gone. The garden, chateau and community are all benefiting from your passion 🥰😍🤗😘😘😘

Such a lovely delight to see Marc, Amy, Clément (chocolat) and Juliette (peek-a-boo)!!

You're very lucky to have Amoury at the Chateau, his instincts were right, and I can only somewhat imagine the disaster it would have been to do all the planned work first, only to find this out later, OR even worse, if you had one of those walls cave in! 😱 I REALLY understand your emotional reaction Stephanie. But things will work out in the end and all your investments, time, hard work, expenses and expertise won't risk being ruined later and you'll all be safe. I think you should probably deal with this before the back façade. The chapel likely needs polling. The 300+ yo building I live in was in the 80s (still very crooked in some places but reasonably secured from sinking), my mother had to have a 1930s house enforced the same way, also that one close to a body of water, the land likely once submerged centuries ago. It can be done, deal with one thing at a time. I know you'll be heartbroken to see the wallpaper go in the two beautiful bedrooms. There's an exact same (or almost exact) wallpaper to the one in Les Oiseaux by a wallpaper company named Carma, from their "Ceylon" collection in three colorways, one blue&mauve, one cream & red, one cream and yellow. (I'll see if I can find a similar one to your persian inspired wallpaper too, I'm a wallpaper enthusiast like you so with luck I might find it or similar.) The roses and apples will be spendid come summertime. Keep the faith! ✨❤️

Only remeber that old building tecniques with timber is not the same as modern steel constructions. If you replace timber with steel you get a construction that is not flexible that can cause damage.

I’m so sorry Stephanie for this news, but knowing you and your amazing ability to always go for the most delightful energy and vision, something even better, beyond imagining, is absolutely coming to pass! I’m going to hold joyous energy that matches your own, to aid in the fabulous fruition!!! Well done already !♥️♥️♥️

Tell Michael that I can’t get anyone to play chess with me either 😢 I love the game ♟ Also things will get better with the château Stephanie it’s a old building there is bound to be set backs I have renovated before and the older the home the more surprises…A labor of love, you are blessed to have moral support and loved ones to hug.. Sending my Love to all ❤Merry Advent 🥰

Stephanie, I think you should approach David Austen for a collaboration. Maybe he could create a rose like the Contesse de Nadaillac, but name it after you. We could start a campaign! The Duchess of Rutland is receiving help from him in renovating the rose garden at Belvoir Castle. I just watched the video on her Instagram.

I wonder if someone didn't take some support structure out of the Grand Salon under what should be a load-bearing beam. No wonder it's collapsing under all that weight! I hope it won't be too difficult to fix!

How awful to hear the devastating new regarding the chapel and the rooms, I guess that is one of the drawbacks of an old place..... safety is the biggest concern and obviously this can’t wait it needs to be stabilized asap.........take care...Donna in Toronto

You were meant for these chateau challenges Stephanie, it is your destiny, how else does one become a true Queen of her castle unless she earns the respect of all her subjects? Bow down to you, our Queen! You will conquer every hardship and remain full of class, dignity, and loveliness. All the land will adore La Lande forever after because of all the love and care you've done to re create a such a masterpiece.......I can't wait to visit one day!!! Merry Christmas, everyone !

Sorry you found so much structure damage. Hope your Patrons save the day. Hugs to all of them

Keep your chin up Stephanie. You are amazing. The château is very lucky to have you. How you keep smiling, keep putting out your videos is incredible. Lots of love and luck to you.

Let the engineers figure out the solution and plan of attack. A good civil engineer can refigure the load. I doubt the walls will have to be destroyed. A support post also can go up to support the beam. Walls can be Hydraulic jacked up. Just wait for the Civil engineers.

You will get through this and put things right.....I have no doubt whatsoever. It is a huge job, but safety is key. Sending positive vibes to you that all the right people come in to help you along the way....Lots of love and support always!

Glad to see The Great Chateau Restoration Project/Amy and Marc visiting! Check out their very interesting channel!

I'm from South Africa, and love the South African connections!

Stéphanie!! Ça va bien aller😌 respire profondément. Tellement de gens aiment ce que tu fais et surtout qui tu es. Tu auras les donateurs qu'il te faut 💖

Davey has fabulous plans for the garden, loved the apple trees. You have a lot of supporters to help with the current building problems, try not to worry...it will work out. Darling Clement, how exciting for him to have that big chocolate bear.

No, this is a blessing. Finding this out has saved you from the possibility of a terrible accident that might have killed or badly injured someone and caused the chateau to partially collapsed. So just say thank you God and set about solving the problem. You are such a great problem solver!

Thank goodness for Amaury and his insistence.

Stephanie I feel your pain. I’ve bought a large house this year’s in March, and just discovered, that the water system needs to be completely replaced. But that means only one thing. One it’s done it will serve better ten ever before. ❤

Take heart, the beautiful chateau will endure 100's of years longer because you have repaired it properly. I think your admiring patrons will be inspired to support you with extra donations if you continue to ask sweetly.

Its so heartbreaking to hear your devastating news, its one step forward, two backwards. But you have the best person you can on the job, Amaury is a magician when it comes to carpentry, It will just take time. Anything can be repaired, I was watching an old Chateau diy today, it showed you basically on your own, now look at you several years later, the Chateau is doing what it is supposed to do,🎄 entertaining, 🎉partying. And there lots of people. You have created a wonderful, warm, friendly, loving, home. Full of the same kind of family and friends. Thank you for sharing. 💕X

Oh Stephanie, I feel your pain. I'm the minister of First Unitarian Church in New Bedford, MA, USA, which is basically a castle in the middle of downtown, built in 1838. There's always another problem. Always. But we love it and are honored to be stewards of it, as you are. I love your channel and watch faithfully.

You can't keep a good woman down for long. Devastating news but great support sees you back to your normal self again. Keep up the good work and happy advent.

Your wonderful circle of people around you is so healing and there is no doubt all will happen as it needs to. I am always so pleased with how everyone rallies around you to make things right and easier to get through. Your dream - your life is truly blessed by the people who love you.

So sad to find out about that beam and how serious it is, but at least its fixable although being a gigantic upheaval. Lovely to see Amy and Marc visiting with you. With Phillip and the Lalande family around you Stephanie you can solve anything. Enjoy every day and laugh away while you can. 💕🇦🇺

Merry Christmas darlings...life is better because you are here!!!

I'd be crying by now knowing what a mess, job and cost to fix everything. I'm like that with just my small house. It can be overwhelming. Good thing you have Amory to be the calming force to come to the rescue, can I have him? 🥴🤪👍😆

You have your good health, and you are surrounded by love, everything else is extra.... things will definitely work out. Much love from Canada 🇨🇦 ❤

When did you notice the walls and the flooring were separating in the room above? Did any guests mention it? I noticed in many of the clips shown throughout the years that the camera was careful not to show the ceilings in some of the affected guest rooms. Did it just happen over night? That was the more obvious sign of serious structural failure over the sagging beam that was unbelievably ignored for over 20 years. When you get an opinion from a contractor it is wise to find out for yourself what the problem might be and possible solutions to the problem. That way you know a little more ahead of having a contractor examine a situation. Do not go on blind faith. The people you asked to offer opinions on the sagging beam may not have been interested in telling you the truth of the matter. Even a contractor with a basic skill set would have gone directly to the room above to see how it was being affected by the sagging beam beneath it. It is glaringly obvious that the room above was in a serious state of shifting.

The roses get big. They need air circulation to keep black spot off of the leaves. Use chicken poop for fertilizer on the roses. They love it.

Wishing you all the best in resolving your structural issues. Had these problems been years ago before UTube, I can imagine how more stressful it would have been. You now have support from so many directions, and hope that makes it not only possible but surrounded by support and positivity to rally behind you & remain proactive! It was also so lovely to see Amy & Marc from The Great Chateau Restoration Project vlog visiting, after your recent visit to them! Life’s joys of friendships and garden projects are so uplifting!

Shame Stephanie. So overwhelming. As you say though, a step at a time. I hope the french heritage organisations appreciate your dedication

Oohhh!…. I’m so very sorry for this latest development … hang in there Stephanie…. One day at a time…. You’ve been a trooper through so many things… this too shall pass ( along with the dollars)…. Just focus on the “ end” game .. sending huge hugs….. ❤️🇨🇦

So sorry, lovely to see all the support you have as heart breaking as this is you will get there but by but xx

You have the best people working with you so fortune shines brightly upon you.

Steph you may want to check old grave yards for the long lost rose because I have found old variety plants surviving there. I read that most of the indigenous prarie plants had been lost here in Canada but conservation groups bent on restoring these long lost plants found them along fence lines where the plows could not reach and in grave yards ,,,,,,also , put out a call to local horticultural groups to see if one is thriving in a backyard near you...Cherryl from Canada

Goodness, you have taken on so much these past few weeks. I hope you're taking really good care of yourself in between filming and editing. I did have a quick question. The crack in the exterior facade of the oldest part of the chateau that you discovered when the terrace wall was being repaired, is it at all connected to what is happening inside the Grand Salon with the beams and walls? It's been a long while since you talked about it because work on the facade has been on hold for all the architectural plans to be approved. I really hope it's separate from the issues inside the chateau. Whatever problems pop up, we'll be here for you, sweetie pie. Love you to bits, Stephanie. Sending you a big warm hug. 💗🫂💗

So excited to see Amy & Marc from Chateau de Rosieres. No mention of who they were, a really nice family with two cute kids.🇨🇦❤️