Opening our Chapel to the Local Community & Drowning in Mince Pies!

The Chateau Diaries Episode 739 ✨🏰✨
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

[@kimberlyobrien4677]

As I was watching the video tonight okay I started to cry. Seeing the beautiful chapel made me very emotional. Watching your show this week has brought the Christmas spirit back to me and I actually put up a tree and decorations for the first time in 5 years, since my husband passed away. I love watching you and sharing your time with everyone there. I have a dream of someday being able to go visit you. But, I am in the United States and am a retired disabled widow on a fixed income so I know my chances are slim of making that dream a reality. But don't count me out 😊, I'm saving up and still trying. Thank you again for sharing your wonderful family and friends with all of us. 🩷

[@EmilyBoltz]

Kimberly- I share your wish. I probably will never afford to get to France but I am on day 670 non stop of my duo lingo French lesson! I’m not giving up! ❤😊

[@roseb7525]

“Nothing happens unless first we dream.”

[@beautyallaroundme724]

I'm also in the US, retired, disabled, & on a fixed income; so I can relate. But I don't have a tree, and never married (unfortunately). I also became teary-eyed.

[@danidagenais9969]

It's my dream also! Keep up with Duo lingo, I'm doing the same it's a lot fun!

[@predatornz.5493]

Hugs on to u , pleased that u have gotten some Christmas Spirit back . We all dream of getting to France and visiting this amazing Chateau and the people with in it . Never give up . ❤

[@dr.susanchaudoir8576]

How lovely to coincide with the grand re-opening of Notre Dame in Paris especially when so many of LaLande's chapel restorers worked on both cultural treasures! The chapel comes to life with the love and joy from the local community who celebrate it. ❤

[@Ida-fz3ir]

stop! ...don't compare the really heartbreaking situation and restoration of LaLandes chapel with the evil "accident" and renovation of ND! Inform Yourself, what's going on there!👹🎃

[@vanessajamieson7420]

I for one would like to know what you’re talking about, here in Johannesburg, South Africa, I don’t know anything other than that there was a terrible fire at ND - oh & that the restorers said LeLande’s chapel was in a class of its own. Looking forward to your answer please?

[@joanies6778]

​@Ida-fz3ir Goodness, gracious... no one compared the causes of restoration. Of course, what happened at Notre Dame was horrific. No one insinuated that they were the same on any level. That's no reason to not celebrate the coincidental timing of viewing or that the same artisans happened to work on both.

[@tanon823]

I find it incredibly beautiful that this piece of French culture could be restored because thousands of people from all over the world contributed. That is amazing! ☺️

[@SylviaSchenkelsvan57]

Andrew is such a lovely man! Always buysy with pleasing evryone!

[@GailRomig-h5j]

Absolutely beautiful. It was wonderful to open the chapel to your community. I enjoyed being there by video. And I would have eaten a minced pie. My grandmother used to make them. That was 70 years ago. Thank you for this wonderful post ❤️🌲🎄♥️💖😀😃😄

[@janefreda7034]

The chapel restoration really contributes wonderfully to maintaining the local history of your beautiful town and area. And my Andrew is an absolute gem.

[@lynnralph8373]

Yes Andrew is fascinating, you should interview him Stephanie.

[@aupaysdenanouch]

Les mince pies étaient délicieuses ! J'en ferai pour Noël dans le bourg de Crozon-Sur-Vauvre !! Merci beaucoup pour cet après-midi 😍

[@tracybercegeay4264]

I just have to say how much I love seeing Andrew! His smile alone is enough to cheer anyone up, but then he starts talking and laughing and joking and I just want to hug him! ♥️

[@KelliBronxGirl]

The chapel is truly a work of art and the workmanship of the restorers is just incredible

[@dianayavetz6286]

Andrew’s giggle just makes me so happy.

[@daniellefarrelly5202]

The nativity with the candles is breathtaking! Beautiful restoration so far!

[@JulieGraham-u7b]

Andrew's a great guy.

[@trixiegirlism]

Offering food and drink to your chapel guests through the kitchen window was so charming. And the altar nativity with candles was magnificent to behold.

[@nicolesinclair5184]

Your decision to share the chapel with the community is brilliant. kudos!

[@Goldie-ANNEFARGO]

I would love to hear Philip sing a Christmas classic in the chapel.

[@skdoremi6666]

In deutch...Philip is from Holland 🇳🇱

[@ronnielola6594]

@@skdoremi6666how is it connected to her comment ??

[@NaeNae475]

The chapel opening was truly a beautiful and touching experience. The atmosphere was filled with warmth, community, and a sense of peace that left a lasting impression. The mince meat pies and sausage rolls were such a thoughtful and delicious addition-they added a comforting, homey touch that made the event even more special. Thank you for creating such a memorable and heartwarming celebration and sharing it with those of us who can't be with you in person.

[@a_highland_life]

I’m an emotional old thing and I was gulping back the tears when you played the reel of the chapel to beautiful music. So proud of you and our whole Lalande family.

[@katherandefy]

I rarely use the word divine except looking at some beautiful human but that chapel deserves such an expression. It’s overwhelming what a work of art it is. Jaw dropping. Heart melting. Those stars in memorials to so many beloveds. Truly it is divine.

[@ksinks2009]

The chapel, classic nativity, music, and candlelight all made this a perfect part of advent for me.

[@gasparocelloman9852]

Bernard’s smile and reaction when you greeted him in the chapel was worth a million mince pies 🥺

[@BrenSchilling]

IDEA: Print out a map of the Chapel showing wihee each of the saints are located, a history of the chapel, and information about the restoration. Laminate the Chapel Map so it can be used over and over. XOXO Love Bren

[@WinryLive]

You can make brown sugar. I TBSP of Molasses to a cup of sugar, and stir until well mixed. Double the Molasses for dark brown sugar.

[@Elwene2fr]

Molasses is as hard to find in France as brown sugar x) I don't know why but it's not really a thing

[@janegendreau6595]

Thx for the tip! Never knew this! Blessings!! 🇺🇸

[@donnaschmink1801]

Thank you so much!

[@lenoxlenox9447]

Excessively sweet

[@blairwarren5418]

The Chapel is beautiful. Without you, Stephanie people would never of been apart of this restoration of France’s history and one little boy it was built for it.

[@martinethevenau69]

I have no words to express the magnificent chapel restauration. The colours on the pillars, stain glass windows and the beautiful nativity scene are just breathtaking. Such a warm welcome with sausage rolls & mince pies. Happy there were many visitors. ❤💒

[@joyceannrunions4127]

After watching this beautiful video tonight, my heart is full. I feel so honored and so pleased that I bought a star for my daughter in memory of her father and my late husband and another star for my best friend since we were 4 yrs old , for her 70th birthday. I hope someday to visit in person. Congratulations on the first public peek and for all the hard work everyone did. Big hugs!!!

[@Tinrebel]

That chapel is so beautiful! What a treasure! Wish you hadn’t stopped Phillip singing Stephanie! So happy you are digitalizing your fathers art, every time I see one of his paintings I’m am in love with his style and colors he used! Thank you all!

[@milliway2010]

Me too! I adore your father's art Stephanie! The downstairs loo with his painting transferred into a large scale wallpaper is magnificent, and am impatiently awaiting the arrival of the silk Tea Party scarf...then a dilemma will rise, wear it or frame it. I may need two!

[@joymichels]

Yes. Would have loved to hear more of Philip singing. Glad you are digitizing your father's art. He would be so proud of you!

[@janetg1691]

How wonderful to let the locals see the progress of the chapel restorations. You are making history at Lalande that will be around for centuries to come. Thank you everyone for being part of this restoration.

[@dwlee9138]

So magnificent a restoration! So glad the community could come and see it! The timing with Notre Dame re-opening is wonderful!

[@annettemirva5086]

You certainly kept your promise to the former owner. Beautiful

[@carolann6072]

Oh my... total melt down in tears. Absolutely beautiful! I do hope you and Philip treat us to some Christmas Carol singing in the chapel this Advent season. Much love to you all!

[@kathleenesmith204]

There are no words to express how beautiful this chapel is. And adding the music made it exquisite.❤❤❤

[@trishr2081]

Your elderly gentleman, (the Marquis) would be delighted with the Chapel. It is so nice to think he has-been in to see it. Even if you can’t see him…….

[@poco3219]

Stephanie and Philip you are pillars to the community and beyond. It is such a pleasure to watch another year of life at the chateau and I look forward to seeing another.

[@scrappysoulsister]

I could sit in the chapel for hours. So happy that so many people are a part of the restoration and the chapel can be enjoyed for many many years ⭐️🌟✝️🌟⭐️

[@anuska316]

The chapel looks so beautiful with all the candles and the nativity at the center. Congratulations to the restorers and 5o the La landers for all the fund raising efforts

[@jbart5260]

I am not a Christian. But even I am in awe of the incredible restorations you have orchestrated on-this one- of-- a- kind chapel.And those mince pies and sausage rolls look so tasty.

[@LynnThompsonAuthor]

The chapel is so stunningly beautiful, with the creche and the candles, it moves me to tears. Bless you for restoring this treasure for France, and for the Christian faith!

[@ronelkonig-zg4jj]

That was so special, Philip's singing just made it more special... please sing for us more...❤

[@BethHopkins-dt2yw]

The restoration of the chapel is miraculous. Such beauty. So happy to see all that has been accomplished.

[@FRanceSource]

Yes, we yanks make lasagna with ricotta. Raised in Italian family. Of course provolone and mozzella are also added. Just made lasagna for Thanksgiving (not Turkey). Leftovers in freezer! The chapel is truly magnifique.

[@lindah.453]

I'm coming to your house next year for Thanksgiving! 😅

[@teddieryan2288]

The chapel is wonderful. The world humbly thanks you for your good work.

[@crae3422]

I always look forward to your videos, but this one is special. Greatly looking forward to seeing everyone's reactions to the chapel's beautiful restoration. Thank you so much for taking us along. A small postscript. That was so moving it left me in tears, the good kind. You're absolutely right, Steph. That is what Christmas is all about. Blessings to all.

[@rayn8740]

I'm not sure how to define a successful chapel reveal, but given the rural location and limited marketing, I think you might have achieved it. You seemed to have a finely tuned operation. Kudos, Stephanie, et al. The mince pies and sausage rolls looked very tempting, indeed. I'm surprised that you had any left over. Amaury and Philippe seem to have hearty appetites. Perhaps they could make a dent in the remainder for an afternoon snack. It's the holiday season, everybody goes a little overboard. Thanks for showing off the treasure of Lalande. It is truly something of which to be proud. ❤ from TX!

[@Adriana_mg]

Oh that was lovely! I got a little emotional ❤ Lalande is a beautiful community in itself, and sharing the chapel with the village makes it even more special! Like it was meant to be, back in the day. I hope the town was as happy to see it as we are ❤ Stephanie, I hope when you do the grand opening that the restores can come and be celebrated for their work too ❤

[@trueloveingod2691]

Wow, Stephanie and Phillip, the Chapel is magnificent. It has restored the spiritual dimension to LaLande. What a great place to go in and pray. Wonderful.

[@gordontester6623]

The Chapel was amazing and beautiful. The viewing more me to tears and grateful I have a star for my beloved son who is in heaven. Thank you again.

[@MarySchlotter]

As always your lovely gesture of inviting the community to see the beautiful chapel and everyone at LaLande participating in the preparations is so heartwarming. Stephanie your father is so proud of you. Every time I see the chapel and I see the stars knowing I have one for my beloved mother and her brother (who was a priest) I cry knowing that my love for them has had a small part in the restoration of the chapel . I pray someday to stand there and look up at them. Thank you. 🌟

[@judynail1690]

The alter in that light is just extraordinary

[@rhondathomas7952]

I loved all of this, but especially the very ending when it was night and it was just the candlelight in the chapel with the nativity in the very end where you zoom in on the Christ Child! So moving. Thank you for sharing. I am so proud to be a patron and a purchaser of a star in honor of my daughter, who also purchased one for me. God is so good to have taken us this far and will be so good as to allow you to finish it that is quite an accomplishment.

[@erickoelsch562]

I too wept tears of joy. It’s beautiful beyond words. A real testament of faith. ❤

[@katherinegeddie7687]

Seeing the chapel glowing with candles and the nativity scene just warms my heart with the glory of Christmas. This chapel is positively exquisite! Thank you for decorating it and giving us a glimpse of how it will be when the restoration is finished. 😊❤😊❤🎉

[@lisaakinlabi]

I seriously would burst into teats walking into the chapel because it's so stunning. How very kind of you to welcome people to view the chapel and all it's glory. So lucky for those who attended. Your treats looked so yummy. Again your circle of friends and family truly make everything run so smoothly. 🥰

[@jerrielindsey5939]

It is so lovely. I am so happy I was able to help a little bit with the star I bought in memory of my mother and father.

[@sadielaurentiwhitley3762]

I rarely comment on your channel, which I love to watch however, today was truly my favorite vlog, aside from your cousin and Natalie’s wedding. Such an emotionally beautiful vlog filled with your family, community and sacred view of the chapel. This video has brought me to tears. I was so happy for all of you to have the chapel restored to share it with your community. I love that your family~friends gathered with you and helped you. Blessings to all.

[@joanies6778]

The chapel restoration is stunningly beautiful! Love the candlelight viewing. Hearing Phillip singing in the chapel was a treat. My mom always made minced meat pie for the holidays, which I really enjoyed. Haven't had it in decades.

[@nornayeh9839]

Congratulations Stephanie! I started watching your vlog before lockdown and thinking how impossible it would be to restore the chapel! It’s so beautiful! I remember you mentioning how important your father felt about restoring the chapel….it’s amazing how all the patrons and viewers pulled together to make this happen! This is so emotional…I can’t imagine how emotional you feel! Congratulations again from the bottom of my heart!

[@mariagillinson8527]

Congratulations Stephanie & Phillip and all the friends & family of Lalande

[@banjiegirl2001]

So good to see Ombeline again! Everyone is looking great!❤

[@ruthkendall5486]

Oh,my, how very beautiful the chapel is. Thank you so much for caring to restore it.

[@lorrie5422]

The Chapel is magnificent! A historical jewel!

[@phylliscalkins1607]

It is an honor to have, what it feels like, a personal view of your beautiful chateau, your daily life with friends and family, your trips, the area you are in and of course the magnificent chapel!! What could be more wonderful. I am blessed to be able to see what you put out for us all to watch!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@EmilyBoltz]

It was so wonderful to see so many towns people stop by- great job all. Phillip your voice was beautiful as Stephanie was walking through the chapel door. This was truly beautiful. ❤

[@carolranes91]

BEAUTIFUL. A WONDERFUL WAY TO START THE CHRISTMAS SEASON. YOUR VIDEOS ARE ALWAYS MAGIC.

[@TheSassy1962]

Simply breathtaking.

[@Jennifer-1717]

I enjoy rewatching past Christmas Diaries throughout December and looking back on the chapel it’s such an amazing accomplishment! I can’t wait to see the chapel in person one day.

[@sherryduffenais4815]

I love team LaLande ! Well done. I need an Andrew in my life! What a gem.

[@pattywest1]

Oh my goodness 🙏🏻 how beautifully done. Very touching to see such beauty.

[@judyrocks1000]

I don’t have words to express how beautifully the chapel has turned out and with that theNativity display and the candles it’s just magnificent I am Envy your beautiful chapel but I am so glad to have adopted a star on the ceiling.

[@AvaT42]

The alter looked beautiful and the chapel itself is breathtaking!

[@nancyshogren3457]

I'm not Catholic, and I don't consider myself especially religious, but seeing the chapel in all its glory with the nativity scene lighted by candles made me cry. It truly is a perfect scene for Christmas.

[@h3022]

So gorgeous! Thank you for this wonderful, truly moving vlog.

[@kathleensmith8365]

You will never know all the blessings this tiny chapel will bring to people. Thank you for taking on this huge project. The restorers did magnificent work. I thank your generous Patrons and the viewers who contributed.

[@jillmjohnson4606]

So much love and happiness in your vlogs thank you!

[@peterwhite9261]

I think it is absolutely fantastic that you did an opening of the chapel to start off this Xmas, inviting the local community to see. I am so happy that it was a huge success. Lots of yummy sausage rolls and minced pies to nibble on. I loved the ending with the music.Bless all who helped. ❤❤❤❤

[@Vickie-d7z]

The chapel is beautiful and the music in the background is wonderful. It brought tears . I could feel the presence of our Lord. It was so nice for you to open it up for your village to see the amazing work that has been done.

[@dharper9332]

I can’t tell you how much I enjoy all of this. If only I could see it with my own eyes💕💕💕❤️❤️❤️

[@kathrynarnold821]

The local community needs to support this Christmas open house every year. The restoration is AMAZING!

[@monettegregory3166]

You are so right. This Chapel is what Christmas is all about. Absolutely beautiful. The artistry and detail in this Chapel is truly stunning.

[@AnneRoche-dv4uf]

Thank you for the beautiful photography of the chapel and especially the Nativity scene on the altar. As you said this is what Christmas is really about. So glad so many people came to share the magic.

[@cherylclark5975]

The chapel is absolutely gorgeous..the colours are just beautiful..Thankyou for sharing 🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@isnoo1]

I truly love your Advent series this year............. Thank you all for everything you do and allowing us to join in!

[@hollydenning7454]

What a beautiful work of art the chapel is.

[@jolandavanharen2062]

I love your team. You attract the most lovely people, says something about you ❤

[@dorothylaguerenne48]

Dear Stephanie. This is the most beautiful video of you career! I am also watching , from South Africa and want to visit Lalande. Without you this would never have happened. You are l, the biggest star shining;on your chapel roof. You personify love and laughter and your relentless optimism is awe inspiring. You draw people with your personality and are a worthy Owner of Castle. Greetings dorothy laguerenne

[@jacofeneysey1679]

So lovely to see tha work done!!! You should have Philip sing more Christmas music in the chapel!!!❤

[@jennifercampbell7698]

The Chapel looks wonderful, even considering the work still to be done! I’m glad that locals gained a glimpse of the work so far and enjoyed the celebration of Advent. And that some visitors were able to revisit the Chapel after many years. ⛪️🎄🎄😇 The nativity scene is gorgeous and Philip’s work setting up the Chapel for everyone to enjoy is marvellous too. Philip is such a stalwart at LaLande, with his eye for detail, his hard work behind the scenes ensuring everything is welcoming and through lovingly supporting everyone. The acoustics are also amazing, having heard Philip singing there! I’d love for you and Philip to sing a duet at the opening mass. It would highlight your spiritual support of the Chapel and your dedication to its restoration and future as a regional landmark and your ongoing commitment to Chateau de Lalande. Happy Advent to everyone! 🎶🎶🎄❤️❤️🐕 Oh and the mince pies and sausage rolls and mulled wine looked scrumptious.

[@milankrishan2416]

Wonderful and France should be proud of this family.

[@carolelee9238]

I’m speechless at the magnificence of the Chapel 😌

[@Dao0253]

That was a womder video..the chapel, the Christmas scene and candles are extremely beautiful. Well done La Landers ❤ 🙏 🇨🇦

[@sarahofer4368]

Stephanie, your father would be so proud of you and your efforts to restore the Chapel at LaLande. Seems like something he might have done himself, if fate had allowed.

[@lorrainel2314]

Thank you for the close look at the Chapel of St Joseph. This is your most important restoration 🥰

[@suecranfield5546]

Beautiful chapel! Well done all involved and I too cried to see it back in use!

[@barbmurphy3112]

The chapel is stunning on its own, but now with the nativity candles, lights and the music it was surreal. Thank you for sharing the open day.

[@larissap6586]

When you got the 1st stained glass restored I never could have imagined that the chapel would be so beautiful once it was restored. ❤️🇨🇦

[@mariab1429]

It was so nice to see people visiting the chapel! You're right, the best way to start the holidays! 🥰

[@limop20]

I find it absolutely lovely that you made the minced pies with your own hands. It's a testament of your respect towards your visitors and the chapel itself.

[@dougsargent1808]

The chapel is really quite beautiful. It's wonderful it is being restored.

[@kathrynschumann5254]

Stephanie, this is so touching. Im so grateful to have been in the chapel not too long ago. This Advent series is soooo good. Merry Christmas!

[@mkv1783]

Your little chapel is so, so beautiful. I am so glad you have been able to save it.

[@lollygee172]

I was so happy that I was able to visit this year and see my star (thank you Nati!). It really is breathtaking!

[@paulinefriar6916]

The chapel is truly beautiful , topped by the Nativity - wonderful to see❤

[@olgacardoso5767]

Obrigada, Stefanie, obrigada Filipe, Obrigada a todos e todas por este episódio deste seu "Chateau Diaries". Obrigada pela vossa humanidade e pela vossa preocupação em preservar o património do seu castelo. Cada vez vos admiro mais! Continuem assim!