Chateau Restoration SPECIAL: 1 Ruined, 1 Private & 1 Public! 🏰

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The Chateau Diaries Episode 581 ✨🏰✨
Escape to the chateau with ’The Chateau Diaries’ 🏰
This channel follows the adventures of chatelaine Stephanie in her French 16th century home, the Chateau de Lalande, in the heart of rural France ❤️
We share our life in this ancient chateau in the heart of the French countryside, and show you the diy, renovations, crafts, cooking and gardening that are needed to bring a home like this to life!
A very special thank you to all of you who have become Patrons of the Chateau de Lalande. You have made The Chateau Diaries one of the top 400 Patreon accounts in the world, and have transformed not only our lives here, but the future of this beautiful chateau! I’m overwhelmed by your kindness and generosity. On behalf of this beautiful chateau that will continue to survive and flourish because of you, thank you!!!
If you're interested in becoming a Patron of The Chateau Diaries, click here: / thechateaudiaries
#chateau #chateaudelalande #château #chateaudiy

[@Adriana_mg]

Stephanie, please interview John! I’d love to know more about him and how he got his chateau ❤

[@Miranda_Jane]

Yes 👏

[@Theteresamaria]

Yes, please! He is amazing!❤

[@Sparrowdean]

John is such a wonderful person, gracious host and friend. You are very lucky to have found each other.

[@normamurray4450]

Amen to that!

[@sophiewheatley]

He's such a gentlemen

[@nataliaharvey9556]

What is the name of John’s Chateau? It is so beautiful

[@normamurray4450]

@@nataliaharvey9556 I believe it's Chateau De Valencay

[@kindlydude]

I'm pretty sure Chateau de Valencay was where the flower festival was being held where Phillip showed up with Lancelot & then John took over dog-sitting duties. Also, it was owned by the famous French diplomat Talleyrand, who stole stone from the (now)-ruin Chateau de Veuil to build his outbuildings. I'm not sure what the name of John's chateau is ...surely it was mentioned. @@normamurray4450

[@jampuppy]

John is a pleasure to listen to. He’s so well spoken and has a lovely calm demeanor about him.

[@caronich]

He really brings out the best in Stephanie, unlike...🤐

[@lisaakinlabi]

I would love to know Johns full story, he's such an interesting guy. His property is wonderful and perfectly enormous. It makes me so happy that the chateaus of all the chateau friends are in the perfect hands for a wonderful future. Even the ruined remains are stunning and in good hands! The story is wonderful and it pleases me that you share all that Stephanie. I really praise all for taking on such overwhelming projects. In my next life I hope I am a chateau owner. 😁

[@marierisdon8894]

I would like to know his story as well. I've watched (I believe) every one of Stephanie's vlogs and don't remember an introduction to John in any. Stephanie, could you share?

[@maryannchaisson6742]

Me too!! 🇨🇦❤️❤️🌹🇨🇦

[@robynhudgens7820]

Me too

[@ceeblazuk7816]

Yes, he seems so interesting!

[@lindarodd814]

Me too!

[@susanneking2524]

I'm curious about John's back story, how did he arrive in France and become a Chateau owner? Such a nice man and it's fun to learn about the history of the area. That ruined Chateau is charming and what a lovely little stay that would be.

[@mireille4751]

He bought the chateau with his wife in 2001. It had already been restored by the previous owners.

[@lorassorkin]

John's version of retirement is quite enviable! I'm so glad he's allowing us to follow along with his restoration project.

[@kathyevans2968]

I love what John says about figuring out how to repurpose each historical chateau and buildings, so they live on. I can see why you are friends as you are so passionate about preserving,as Stephanie put it, these incredibly charming buildings!!

[@Dao0253]

Stephanie. You are a real gem ❤

[@del_ecuras1836]

It’s huge and John obviously has extensive pockets .

[@jaysmith8199]

John's chateau is beautiful and to know that these buildings will be preserved and used warms my heart. The ruined chateau is wonderful, how good to know it won't fall down. Talleyrand is a fascinating figure in French history. A born survivor. The flowers! Magnifique! 🎉

[@tamarathomas7374]

I say this in my head all the time…John, you are so right. These Chateau change so much over the years. Dont get so caught up on wallpaper etc. Make it yours. I get being sympathetic but remember every owner created a stamp.

[@lolodee3528]

All these chateau could easily have fallen to complete ruin. It is a good break for them that all you various expats & history lovers have taken up their care.

[@mavep2855]

John is a very interesting gentleman and his chateau is charming. The chateau ruin would be lovely for a wedding, especially when lit up at night. Lancelot and his Papa were dashing as always. 🙏❤️

[@gayleraven1559]

I get such a kick out of watching Lancelot playing with the big dogs. That is a beautiful Chateau that you're visiting. Fabulous!

[@VivPhotography]

John is hilarious. He also shares your passion of chateaus and renovating them with care, so I can totally see why you two get along so well.

[@jamesthurber4730]

It's heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time, life continues despite our best efforts to stop time.

[@dianefarnden8577]

My late partner and I actually stayed in that village for a few nights and ate at the same auberge. The village is so lovely and the food was excellent. Brought a tear to my eye.

[@michaelt8727]

I've always been fascinated by Europe's historical buildings from cottages to castles so this video on the tale of three chateaux was of great interest to me. As to the question of personal longevity, whether your goal is living to 125 or 140, when I'm asked to reveal my age I just say, "Well, I'm already over the speed limit."

[@lyricsdebra]

John’s chateau is stunning. So happy for his plans..which are many 😊. the lid is for putting on top as soon as it comes out of the oven to keep it warm. Not to cook it in

[@valkennedy4822]

Love. John’s buttery leather coat and scarf are a beautiful combination!

[@randyrice1429]

The flowers! OMG! Such beautiful arrangements in every room - even in the bathtub!

[@paulinewilson613]

It was lovely seeing tiny Lancelot running with the Old English Sheepdogs, he looked so happy despite their intimidating size for him. Marie is truly excelling herself with her fine dining recipes and doing an outstanding job, well done Marie xxx

[@charmees6637]

John is such a hero to me. The fact he’s got plenty to do and then he buys the farm /buildings that were previously part of the Chateau and has plans for them. What an amazing man. Loved every Veryth8ng about this video. Thank you so much Stephanie ❤

[@thesecretwindowspot1298]

Love how John want to restore it all, not just for him, but for the future people. What you all Chateau people are doing is saving history and beauty. So imortant :)) Steph is the perfect guide!

[@jenniferkessener1111]

Seeing the flower festival in the peek at the Chateaux helped me realize what is missing in most historic tours. The flowers really bring life to the spaces. The ruined Chateaux is beautiful, so happy they can make use of it for weddings and the one gorgeous room! Lovely to see and hear about John's plans!

[@lorrainel2314]

The gardens at John’s chateau are gorgeous. Thank you for the tour 🌟

[@caronich]

Stephanie, this post is incredible!! You and John really mesh well together. The chateau history you presented was so intriguing! Your meal at the cafe made me want to be there. So looking forward to your floral museum/castle presentation. Again, an exquisite presentation ❤

[@RhondaBAZ]

What a beautiful history lesson..John is as enthusiastic as you are Stephanie..he is so sweet and we all enjoyed his chateau as well..lovely!

[@michaelt8727]

Looking forward to next week's glorious tour of the Château de Valençay in Stephanie's upcoming Grand Tour of Europe video.

[@patriciah3779]

John's re-purpose is so right - specially the 'new old library'. That is a huge area and can't image where all the books will come from. A dream library but with 'real books' -not ebooks.

[@Tea-nOpals]

Your tour of John's home and the surrounding area was amazing. I always enjoy your grand adventures.

[@beautyallaroundme724]

I liked the idea of converting the pigeonry to a multiple story dwelling with a glass elevator.

[@carolinegooder7091]

I and my friends designed a house in a grain tower during high school. The swimming pool was on the ground floor. Huge library included. I look forward to how John's projects turn out.

[@beautyallaroundme724]

@@carolinegooder7091 Cool. I've designed a bunch of different houses over the years just for fun, as I don't have a way to actually have any built. I also designed a town one night when I couldn't sleep. I found out a few years later that someone else made this same design & won best designed town on earth! I felt like they had stollen my idea. But they came up with it on their own, too.

[@teddieryan2288]

You are all doing such a service to this world preserving these for future generations. We all owe you a great debt. Thank you.

[@JudithBisson]

Does John have children? He has the air of patience like that of an amazing parent.

[@rosalindhambleton9012]

John’s chateau is my fav chateau in all the ones I have seen so far. Chic, classic,it shows even in the gardens and the trees they show case in them. Everything is done with great taste and class❤❤

[@justranda1]

Oh John is such a favorite, elegant man! What a lovely visit.. if I could be Stephanie for a day! Thank you for taking us on such a fun exploration. That chateau bedroom was SO dreamy! ✨

[@sineadkelliher1370]

I don’t just think John is an incredible chatelaine, I think he is an incredible human being!😊😊

[@skdoremi6666]

Châtelain 😊

[@peterwhite9261]

John and Camil are lovely gentlemen. I love listening to John. It is fantastic he is building the library in memory of his wife. Stunning properties. Bridgitte, thank you for the tour. Those flowers look incredible. I look forward to the show. The garden at John's is just stunning.❤

[@katherandefy]

John’s vision. What marveling. He said library! 😎

[@SCNYC]

That was great! John's Chatau is fabulous & I have a little crush. I love how he brought toffees to lunch. This man seems to love all the minutes of his life & why not?

[@myrnamcmillan4755]

STEPHANIE thank you so much for taking us on your latest journey absolutely beautiful.

[@hkoepfle]

I love John in your videos. He is such a gem. He’s so kind and interesting.

[@marianapereira2130]

Wow, I am impressed with all that Beautiful buildings including the ruins. John has a wonderful chateau and his brain is so impressive and knowledgeable. I wish I could spend time with all of you guys, I would learn so so much. Stephanie you should be the main presenter and producer of a history channel, your voice is soothing and exciting at the same time, almost like a happy child but with a library of knowledge. Philip, you never fail to impress me, you know how to dress , know everything about porcelain, how to dress a room and many many more things that many wish to know. And let’s not forget how fashionable John looks holding your adorable dog in a Luxury handbag. You and Stephanie are a match made in heaven.

[@kindlydude]

I especially like the way John wears a cravat just like an English Esquire or Lord ...or is it ascot(?)

[@patriciahawkes386]

That loft is what i envisaged for your father's paintings, all together like a gallery.

[@carolinegooder7091]

The room of Isabelle and Percy added to the Tack room could be a gallery. The grain room ceiling is so high that there can be two stories in that space. Think of a ten year plan. ❤

[@Loops25]

I loved this so much. Thank you Stephanie. You have a beautiful chateau John. Thank you for your tour!

[@vivienmcnaul109]

Marie would love the flowers. Such history. 😮

[@mariak9727]

🥰I agree! Hopefully she can visit! Actually Pétales Berry did part of the decor there, (where Marie orders flowers from!)💖

[@karenyuile3446]

John’s chateau is spectacular! Amazing that he has been able to purchase the farm also

[@bridgetevans4978]

What a charming and visionary man!

[@nancycowan6109]

I’m sitting in my little house in Minneapolis and wishing I was there to eat the cheese and tour chateaus with you. But watching it all happen is the next best thing. Thank you so much for all you do. ❤

[@donnaglueck2555]

That ruin is fabulous! Would love to stay there!

[@user-ng8gq7vz9b]

Love visiting John’s chateau. Thanks for the look through and hear his wonderful plans on the wing that he is renovating. I’m loving the little farm that he has bought. It’s gorgeous. Bet Sir Lancelot is thanking you for bringing him along, he is having the best time with his beautiful furry giants ❤️. Wow that bedroom in the ruined Chateau is stunning, the Chateau must have been something in its day. I understand how you can feel tearful looking at the bedroom, I felt that too. Chateau De Valencay looks very grand the wood paneling was lovely. Today’s trip was lovely. X Anna

[@paulineclare5065]

Yes. As another said I would like to know John's story x

[@danascookbook]

How wonderful to see you all together! So happy to share with you my next episode , cooking at that same Kitchen on the occasion of the season opening party , my famous Kniedler . See you all very soooon 🥰

[@kimberly_erin]

So great to see John etc again. I’m so excited to see the update on his project. I was thinking about it just yesterday.

[@kjb9911]

Wow! They lived so opulently in France during that time. I love love love when you tour places like this as I will most likely never have a chance to go to France to see them in person!

[@blakehahn-atlantaga8510]

I just love John. His chateau is beautiful abs he is wonderful.

[@dalelittle3889]

I love you, Steph ❤ would never think, that your updates every day would be my high point of my day!

[@martinethevenau69]

John's chateau & gardens are exquisite. He has impeccable taste. The library sounds like an incredible project and I chuckled at the thought that his wife would not have approved. The chateau ruins with the 1 bedroom was breathtaking. Loved hearing the history around the stones etc. The last chateau with flower exhibition was simply stunning.❤

[@jbart5260]

Don't tell Dan about this ruin, he has enough to do

[@VivPhotography]

🤣

[@lindarodd814]

😂

[@mariac4602]

What a lovely tribute to his wife. Even if she wouldn't have approved ;)

[@mytube-10]

All that history in this 1 video! I loved every bit of it so much that I have watched it 4 times already. I Love the tour of John's castle grounds and the local restaurant. Hoping to see John's finished library. Thank you for sharing Chateau de Valencay and cannot wait to see more. THANK YOU STEPHANIE!💖❤💖💝💖

[@joyabell4420]

What beautiful buildings, rooms and flowers. A delight and feast in every direction. Thank you

[@carolweaver3269]

John is a magnificent dreamer and visionary who can fulfil any one of these roads, tht may lead him, He loved his wife so very much, and although it wil be extravagant, it is a 'Readers' dream come true. They could never leave with the views, and reading material that will be within its walls and even bedroom and bathrom! John is very intelligent and a capable man and very sensitive, and he certainly can get this lovely Chateau up on its feet and even now it is looking beautiful. The grounds look like heavenly paths, as you meander along them. Lancelot will have fun and stand next to any dog of any size. He has full trust that he is loved! Stephnaie Thank you for having so much energy and for showing so much zeal for life. Through it all we get to see places and know people that we would not otherwise! If only people all over could see the world through your eyes!

[@lynnpetti3817]

Absolutely beautiful! Everything. Even the bread at the cafe. Thank you.

[@heidi.a.thomson]

What a beautiful chateau and garden. The projects are wonderful. Love seeing the dogs play!

[@nativetexan6628]

Had to re-run the video, again. I was so captivated I forgot to like and comment. Excellent show!❤❤❤❤❤

[@angieflynn5354]

Those flower arrangements where truly beautiful

[@patriciaatkinson2435]

In another time, that lovely space would be used for wet weather perambulation! AND the library! Your dogs have the right idea. They are using it as a ballroom.

[@newday5]

John seems like fun amazing fun day castle

[@1231ms54]

What a nice Chateau you visited. So sad about the one that the stones were taken from. Hope the family can restore it someday.

[@user-ko1hv7kv2h]

John's vision and passion for restoration is so charming and inspiring. Just seeing the possibilities under construction is amazing. Saving these historic properties and repurposing them is a labor of love and purpose. Kudos Stephanie and John.

[@rebeccafrancis8227]

John is such a sweet person!! Enjoy your visit!!!

[@brooke7464]

Does John have a youtube account ? That chateau is breathtaking, the gardens are also amazing. I cannot wait to see and I hope John is able to restore everything. Also shame on that guy for helping himself to the stones and the villigers too. It's like a massive luxurious palace.

[@jacquelyncorbin8116]

Parchment on top of the cheese before baking or shave top of tthe camambert.

[@joannegagnon-marihart]

Thank you for the Grand tour ❤

[@yvesgonin1958]

What a tremondous day ! All those wonderful places with such a charming person like John. lucky you. XXX Yves

[@stephaniedavis6531]

All Chatelaines should be given tax write-offs for preserving such a Hallmark of French History and culture.

[@del_ecuras1836]

There are thousands the French government couldn’t afford it

[@patriciaarroni2142]

I'm sure they could. It's these chateaux that keep the tourists comming back.

[@tiffytattoo2450]

Pretty sure they had that once and it ended badly in 1789...

[@jpfloru8669]

Hahaha it is France, it’s the opposite: they have to pay to restore a building if it’s on the register of the Monuments Historiques! While publicly this means they get a 50 % subsidy, the exacting bureaucratic standards imposed for the restoration triple or quadruple the cost, thus YOU PAY EXTRA if you restore!

[@tiffytattoo2450]

@@jpfloru8669 rightfully so. There are enough holes in the system for the super rich all over the world... And living in these mansions/castles is a privilege, not a sheer noble act of public service.

[@canderson7923]

Maybe the Camembert cover is to keep the cheese warm when it comes out of the oven? It’s beautiful and so useful.

[@pamorama]

What a beautiful château owned by the American man ( thank you) as well as that beautiful room in the ruin!

[@SuperSunshinesue]

Blinkerty blink blink blink ....our eyes are a flutter from the gorgeousness of this place😍 !! 🙂 Wonderful friendship...superb hosts...plus they looked after Lancelot xx

[@aydanmireille3283]

Merci pour vos vidéos qui me permettent de faire connaissance de tous ces magnifiques endroit de notre patrimoine en détail,car il y a longtemps j'ai eu l'occasion de visite.Beaicoup de nostalgie,à revoir un jour avec un regard plus enrichi grâce à vous .❤❤❤❤❤

[@beccazie101]

Everything is so beautiful! The ruins château reminds me of a castle in Ireland called Wilton Castle. That half has been renovated and half is still ruins and it’s got that eerie beautiful quality as well. Thank you for bringing us with you!❤

[@davidpankratz142]

The empty space in the library would make a great Cafe kitchen space for tea and coffee and would make it great to not have to carry things up from the main kitchen

[@jeanetteeast7343]

I like to close my eyes a picture the people living and loving this castle ❤ it is so fun to use my imagination to walk the places u take us❤And I haven’t told you lately but I love this channel

[@dianehardcastle4345]

Nothing better than a Flower Festival- really appreciated as a florist in the uk 💐

[@pamelahaskell809]

Love your morning walks no matter where you are. This is a lovely walk. Oh the flowers that were on display are just wonderful. I feel I can smell them

[@beatriznovoseco]

Beautiful gardens!! 😊

[@user-ru6mz3bm6x]

I love visiting John with you. What on earth did he do for a living to be able to afford to purchase and restore such a magnificent chateau in such an elegant way. Can you please interview him so we get to know him better?! Yes! i loved the flowers. They were colorful and abundant, but, I think Marie has a more artistic flair and has developed a creative style all her own. I would love to stay at Chateau de Veuil because not only is it beautiful, it is handicap accessible-especially the bathroom, which we would need for my husband who has developed a nerve disorder. And we would go every day for lunch at Auberge Saint ? "Flacre"? My husband played a jazz concert in Sydney and a lovely restaurant opened it for the entire band who had traveled from New York for what seemed like days and we arrived tired and hungry and they never said they were closed and hosted us to a memorable evening. Thank you for reading my question about visiting one's stars. My friend was in Bordeaux and wanted to visit right away, but, I told her she would have to wait for the restoration to be completed. Thank you for all you do to fill my evenings with joy!

[@isabelmonday]

More videos with elegant John visiting historic places and lunch together for sure🎉

[@Monitschka]

The flowers 💐🌸🏵🌹🌺🌼🌷o my gosh! What a great choice of music! And each of these different chateaus! Thank you so much for this tour. History, a lovely friend.... 💝

[@sandylmcallister]

I loved this vlog episode!! John is doing great things. That only room bedroom left at the Chateau was Amazing for sure!!

[@normamurray4450]

This video is epic! John is such a nice man. That food! Wow! I have been laughing my head off watching little Lancelot taking John's dogs through their paces.

[@marthacochrane484]

Oh my....you Chateau owners are so amazing.......such love and respect for these beautiful places............and the flower room........oh my......brings tears......such beauty.....

[@BarbaraatQueensAvenueTarot]

John certainly sounds like he's a former mid-west American. Stunning property.

[@newday5]

Great vlog

[@LA-jf1zn]

I really need to come to France for an extended stay. There is so many beautiful things to see and places to stay. Thank you for showing them to us. Because the reality is I probably will never get to see them for myself. 🦋

[@georgeshelton9283]

Loved this vlog. Love the plates and bowls and of course the food!!!

[@lilkirsche]

Oooh can't wait for your new vlog for your grand tour channel 🥰🥰 and John is an absolute jewel. I love how gentle and calming he is but still with a lot of passion and motivation. Exactly how I would love to be at a certain age. 😁😁😁 And his chateau is breathtakingly beautiful. Would also love to hear is background story. I am sure he has a lot to tell ❤ also I got emotional how warmly he talked about his wife who seems to have passed away a long time ago? And thanks for showing other chateaus, also the ruin. Every bit of it was charming and as you said it must have been such a stunning place, which it still is even as ruin. I loooove that you can stay there! The room was gorgeous ❤ and Philip, what an outfit 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@charmainejfritz]

johns chateau is so lovely hope i can see a lot of his new project completed!

[@juliehilton1701]

We stays in the cheveney village and visited the chateau several times but did not know about the ruined one. Lovely memories❤❤

[@kathleenclark5877]

What an awfully big adventure indeed! John is a charming tour guide and visionary. What he is doing with his chateau is quite fascinating and I hope that you, Stephanie and he will keep us updated now and again so we can see the stages of the transformation. I am sure we all enjoyed the tour of the ruin and the “finished” chateau. I do have to say, however, that as John was guiding us through the new projects, the wing and the farm, all I could see in my mind was the vast amount of money it will take to complete them. Do, Stephanie, as others have requested, give us John’s history. Thanks so much for this!

[@sandicarpenter2658]

Exquisite! Everything! John is a lovely gentle, unassuming man....doing a fabulous job...the gardens! WOW. Thank you Stephanie. Sandi x