OUR 80s THEMED VALENTINE’S DAY - Barbara Cartland comes to the chateau

The 1980s come to the chateau in Barbara Cartland saccharine splendour as I cook a Valentine's feast for all of the inhabitants of Lalande. But it wouldn't be typical Lalande life if we didn't mix our celebrations with some administrative frustrations and spot of forestry...
The Chateau Diaries Episode 289 ✨🏰✨
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

[@roannecampagnolo4629]

It was so wonderful that Nick left the tree standing for the woodpeckers! Nick is doing an awesome job taking care of the woods!

[@dianetipton6040]

It is really fun to see how even the most shy and reticent, like Nick the forester, once they have been on camera a bit just give up and become their delightful selves. Gradually, person by person our lives are enriched as they become more comfortable being themselves. What a gift! Happy Valentine’s all!

[@sarahblue1914]

Diane, I was thinking the same thing. 😊

[@sabrinasouth7317]

Nic the tree surgeon has really come out of his shell.

[@nicolabetney4373]

Came to write the same thing!

[@pdq5465]

I agree. And I love getting to know them all.

[@jomeyer13]

like the artist in africa said, give them confidence and they bloom

[@eledatowle7128]

I respect your forester more every time I listen to him. He's doing a superb job! Leaving a mix of ages of trees, nurturing the redwood sprouts, and leaving dead-standing trees for the woodpeckers... He's going to help make your forest much healthier, which will increase your fauna diversity as well, over time!

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hi 👋 dear, how are you doing?

[@mariamzaeem6108]

I couldn’t agree more! x

[@soniaclarke2804]

As a nurse I was working and came home totally exhausted and fell asleep forgetting it was Valetines day. Lucky I live alone and the dogs didn't care. But I loved watching this and all that yummy food looked so delicious.

[@pattimuscarella6369]

Dear Stephanie, I'm 78 years old and I live in central California just 45 minutes from the oldest and largest redwood trees on Earth. One of the fascinating things about redwood trees is when you cut them down new life begins. Once these baby trees get taller and reach 100 to 200 ft tall they are referred to as a cathedral of redwood trees. Years ago we lived in the Central Coast of California where we lived in the Forest of Santa Cruz, CA. We had redwood trees in our yard. One portIon of trees were a cathedral. In 1981 we had giant floods and the pine trees were falling all around the mountain. The cathedral of redwoods began to twist. What they were doing was getting their balance much like we do when we're standing on a hill. The ground was so saturated it was beginning to slip. Unlike pine trees, redwoods won't fall even though they have shallow roots. That's why the trees in Kings Canyon National Park are more than 2000 years old!They were growing before Jesus was born! I'm so happy that you will be able to experience this wonderful creation of God. Much love! I watch you all the time!

[@shwoou9448]

I really enjoyed your comment, thank you! God bless and keep you. 🥰

[@helenahandebasquet]

Love the walks with Nick, his love of trees is infectious. Would love more 'days in the woods' with him looking at the La Lande flora and fauna. And I confess I rather love the 1950's kitsch roses plates.

[@vivalila123]

Yes I agree with both points!

[@janeb.1678]

The melon baskets are "fantastically horrible". Philip you are so funny!!

[@tevans3532]

You have the absolute best forestry person. His work is amazing.

[@elizabethcoffee8436]

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I hang on every word Nick says about tree artistry! So thoughtful, insightful and generous to all the woodland creatures. So effortless!

[@cynthiamckenzie1462]

Wow! I love how much Nick understands the forest!😍🤗♥️

[@tallulahmontegue8839]

Stephanie, you are hilarious. Barbara Cartland as your guide for Valentine’s Day is just divine.

[@sindysimms4001]

You all make me smile. Much love.

[@lindawentink2725]

Love the way you celebrate occasions so beautifully. Stephanie, i know its an old fashioned word, but you are truly delightful🤗

[@dees3179]

Nick in the forest and all the tree updates really made my day. That man is an absolute star. So pleased to see the forest getting the help it needed.

[@dees3179]

Also, thanks for giving him a microphone, could hear him much clearer.

[@sarahburton3110]

Fantastic fun!! Love rewatching this awesome channel!!❤

[@KH-nn6kh]

It is nice to hear the excitement and energy Nick has for the forest and the wildlife

[@ProfNic1]

My fav vlogs are your holiday or themed ones! Nick, tree surgeon & team, always amazing!🫶

[@aleta5873]

Oh, I'm so happy the baby Redwoods are coming up and survived. I love them. I'm from California and have always been drawn to them. I've had a 'coffee table' made from some left over burned wood that survived fire in Big Sur many years ago...cleaned up nicely.

[@infectiousmirth7125]

Nick the tree artist is my absolute favorite. I love seeing him and his work. Thanks for sharing him with us! Happy valen-dines day all!!

[@mariaganis1204]

Oh my goodness what a great Valentine’s idea. Very creative and fun night. I love pink. The forest looks so beautiful and healthy can’t wait to see it in spring!! Looking forward to seeing Davy,s work.

[@MidnightMelodie]

What a wonderful surprise to see that the redwood is growing new baby trees!! I’m always amazed at how much effort you all put into cooking. “It’s really a simple meal” she says as she proceeds to delicately carve and hollow out three melons just for an appetizer. 😆

[@jennifercampbell7698]

What fun Steph! Love Lalande’s Valendine event! I remember my father cutting melons in that diamond pattern so brought fond memories for me. Loved your Barbara Cartland theme too! Well done! 🥰😍💞 Also enjoy seeing the forest come back to life! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@tkucey8689]

I mean...a man who covets figurines of porcelain vs one who loves football bobble heads. I think you're on top. hahah. great vid as usual, thanks Stephanie and everyone!

[@catherinesloan4955]

Thank you all so much, a big thank you to Stephanie, I have had such a good time laughing through this video. Wonderful. Much love Catherine

[@mariacanto1871]

I completely agree with you Philipe, we should cherish things that our grandparents gave to us! Like you, I love my figurines!

[@rhondathomas7952]

I actually had to stop the video in the middle of it and say how much I admire Nick, the tree surgeon. He really has a love for the forest and the chapel. I adore him! What a blessing that you have him Stephanie! He has really become more comfortable in front of the camera. I believe he likes educating us. Thank you Nick! Ok. Finished the vlog! Loved the Valendines meal. So fun and creative!

[@livingthegoodlifechannel]

What memories Barbara Cartland brings back! I read just about all of her novels. I think that it's why I'm an Anglophile and a lover of country houses. She was bigger than life, and the step-grandmother of Diana, Princess of Wales.

[@charlenelindsay2019]

Stephanie, what passion you put into a dinner gathering. I'm thinking more households and families would benefit from their own participation. I think turning a meal together into an event, is life changing. Thank you for including all of us. 🌹💞🌹Hugs💞

[@christinebarnes3493]

Gorgeous food, gorgeous people ♥️💖♥️💖

[@leslikuyweski4576]

A lovely dinner! We can always count on Dame Barbara Cartland!♥️

[@normamurray4450]

The forest is looking fantastic! Thank you for allowing us to watch you make and enjoy such a lovely, elegant dinner Stephanie!

[@frankgyori2740]

I really enjoyed this. Incidentally, if you do decide to plant any trees, please consider Cork Oaks. The bark is removed every few years to make cork products without any harm to the tree.

[@lauramclaine504]

What a wonderful beautiful video sharing Valentine’s with the one’s you love and Cherish in life 💕🦋

[@angelapa9513]

Yay ! Best vlog on KZbin ❤️

[@joanmuthra9263]

Ive watched this a couple of times and i must say Amaury is ideal for the cover of Barbara cartland and Mills and Boon (have many). Nick is making the woods come alive again....life 💕love💕 laughter💕

[@sillybeeful]

Thank you all for sharing the love 💕❤️💓💐🦚🦔

[@hatshepsut8329]

The woods are looking so wonderful and by this time next year we are going to see much improvement in the health of all the woodland plants. I hope that Nati got a good nights sleep in and that the wrist is on the mend! ♥️

[@vlink4071]

Nick is absolutely amazing! How lucky you are to have him work on your trees! Your meal looks delicious, especially the duck and stuffing.

[@thaliha4411]

I just realized that my first video I watched on this channel was the valentines day Vlog from last year, the day it came out! Since then I have watched every last video on this channel and fell in love with it. So for me, this is also in a way my one year anniversary with the Chateau Diaries

[@klt03]

Your forest will have such a beautiful walking trail soon! Then onward to the new/old lake!!

[@shangrila9745]

Great that you went out to see and film Nick's work, it will make a big difference towards having a healthy forest. He knows every one of those trees, and I enjoyed listening to him talk about them.

[@staciamartin923]

Love that you pulled out Barbra Cartland!!! . My sister and I are a writing Team. I love listening to your Arborist and Gardner very educational and fun.

[@fionamaffeo3838]

This is totally darling💖💖💖 when I was younger and studying beauty therapy at Steiner Barbara Cartland used to come in to have her facials I remember seeing her elegantly stepping out of her Rolls Royce to come for her session. Can’t wait to see the cookery treats . Thank you for sharing 💖💖💖

[@jonassteiner3532]

Welcome to this 16th century chateau filled with fun, food and forestry! 😂

[@LC-bb6jd]

Nick is a tree whisperer!! Love to hear the info of forest health. We could all use this knowledge.

[@ehpeachylove]

Your forester is so passionate and wonderful for his love of the forest. What a blessing to LaLande. Beautiful job and love the way the woods are looking. Such a wonderful meal among lovely family and friends. Happy Valentine’s Day beauties. Love the frog broach. 🥂❤️🍾💐🍷🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@luciaroslingshaw2112]

Please, please cut the Ivy at the base of the trees. It is a noxious weed and can kill trees. No need to strip it - just cut it and it will die off.

[@DavidAdam666]

@@luciaroslingshaw2112 yes I agree I noticed them .I wonder if Nick will?

[@laurel7570]

The figurines topped it all off! Your forest will be lovely. Thank you for the Valentines!

[@carlaandrews5376]

Nick needs to be a permanent addition to your crew! He's awesome!

[@carolinejobe9346]

Nick is great and wise about how to look after a forest...

[@jenniferkessener1111]

Fun Valentine's day theme, Stephanie.Well done with your dinner. Enjoyed Phillip's puns and use of figurines. My grandmother let us play with her Royal Dalton figurines when we were little, so I am fond of some. Your cousin really gets you, and seems to enjoy some of the same things. It is fun to see. Exciting to see the Forrest being cared for, can't wait for Spring.

[@larissap6586]

The woods look amazing! ❤️🇨🇦

[@tropicalmom2468]

Oh goodness! I absolutely loved watching. My mom made quite a few melon baskets back in the day. I miss her so much and wish I could share your channel with her. She adored French country decor and would have a great time watching all your adventures.

[@pennyhoward3438]

Thank you for sharing, lots of love💜⚘💜⚘

[@lynnesmith6827]

I am so very happy to hear you aren’t going to cut down all the dead wood in your woods behind the chapel. The woodpeckers will be thanking you for leaving a few natural cavities for them to nest in and you could always make a few boxes with squirrel baffles to place in the deeper woods along the walking paths.

[@lutherray7707]

Such a beautiful Valentine's Day.

[@lovereikiASMR222]

I LOVE this video! Thank you so much for sharing your Valentine'sDay with us! Much love to you all xx

[@juliehardy7510]

So much love in the air! I love Nick he is so knowledgeable 🥰

[@cagnaefetchison8075]

The tree work has really opened up such lovely views! Oh and that cake!!!

[@jeanmkaufmann]

This was such a lovely day. The food looked amazing. Nice to see Dan and Davy. ❤🙂🇨🇦

[@christellebilodeau]

Nick is such a gem !!

[@SetCCC]

I love listening to Nick talk about the trees, the woodpecker, the deer etc. Love hearing how a tree that naturally propagates will do better than a planted one. So interesting. Walking paths through the trees will be great for people to enjoy the woods!

[@peterolsen6454]

Your laughter can brighten the greyest of days.

[@endeavouringit]

It was lovely to see you all enjoy Valentines day 💗

[@karlayork877]

I had to pause the video for a moment to go get my copy of Barbara Cartland's beautiful cookbook so I could read the recipes as you discussed them! And I love Phillip's figurines.

[@andrewford9287]

Hello Stephanie What a fabulous homage to the wonder that was Barbara Cartland I loved your grifts for each other Philip the lamp was lovely & the frog broach is adorable Love to both of you Andrew 💐💜xx

[@kimbid44]

I’m so happy this video is over 30 minutes!! Yeah! I watched it twice. I can’t get enough of Lalande!!❤️

[@justinelord95]

Me too Kim me too 😊👍🌼

[@marisaconner628]

Always so much love and laughter!

[@lyndablack3438]

Thank you for another amazing vlog. Loved your link frock. Barbara Cartland would have been proud of you x x ❤

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello dear, how are you doing?

[@lindawentink2725]

Lovely, as always🥰💝 so great watching the forestry, seeing how the natural forest opens up

[@annettetoohey8934]

Thoroughly enjoyed the vlog! Lots of love on display ❤️ Thank you 🙏

[@Fubs_the_queen]

Cote du Rhône is always the best. My go-to is always something from there.

[@janeharris6925]

It is amazing how you transfer so many holidays into celebrations and always fun. What a gift to have!

[@pamelas1561]

Where's a video of Nattie's apartment? I'd love to see how it's coming along.

[@jeannie3147]

You put so much into every holiday. I love it!

[@maurawhelan3530]

SUCH LAUGHS…Good lettuce joke Phillip! And the look on Natis face when discussing the other end…hysterical!

[@karlasmit7535]

Yes. Phillip is so quick with puns🙃

[@caroline6057]

Btw. Your dressing gown is fab! And I loved the sleeve details on your dress. Another wonderful video!!

[@ShaheenKhan-xw3we]

What a lovely/creative valentines 💝...thanks to all you la Landers for spreading joy and love all around ❤ 💕 ♥ 💖

[@janicepin3375]

Love Nick. Hope to see more of him.

[@christineh5790]

Stephanie you can certainly turn a book into a production! Barbara Cartland would be proud of you - as we all are. Happy Valentine’s day to you all at la Lande. 🏰💖💕💞💐🍾🥂

[@deniewestover]

I absolutely love the way you love your château and the grounds Stephanie. It’s heartwarming to watch the progress you’ve all made and to see your focus, reactions and joy. Happy Valentine’s Day to you all from very chilly Maine. ♥️

[@ivysavage5569]

Stephanie I’m sure Barbara Cartland would be impressed with your Valentines Day dinner. Wonderful 💝

[@cliffhorman6846]

So much fun as usual. Really retro lol.. "Babs" has a lot to answer for lol... The guys are doing such a fine job on the grounds. I truly cannot wait to walk the forest! Simply magical. Happy Valentines Day to all.

[@caroleharden3055]

That was so much fun! Thank you to all the LaLanders for a great vlog! It was great to see the progress in the forest 🌳! Love it 😍

[@Eric-kf6dy]

Stephanie - your assortment of brooches was a triumph. Barbara would be proud.

[@DavidAdam666]

Yes Nick the tree surgeon is wonderful. I live next to the Haffren Forest in Llanidloes ,Wales and if they are maintained they are fabulous to walk in and be surrounded by. My friend is a Forester and I can relate to all of Nicks large knowledge of trees and nature.Please have more of him in the Lalande vlogs as so interesting how the Lalande grounds are developing. It's my dream to visit one day maybe💫

[@cherylmason3340]

Fabulous 😍❣️💕 such beautiful people all of you 😘💕❣️

[@daycare5881]

Nick is a real gem, quiet but amazing, you can see his enthusiasm for his trees in the forest, I can not wait to see what this will look like. Barbara Cartland who would have thought, the dinner looked delicious I am so going to try those melon balls for Christmas this year, Thank you for a wonderful Valentines.

[@gloriagavaneli9862]

What a perfect Valentine. Thanks for sharing. Also thanks for all the info of the forest. Very interesting.

[@susancollado5290]

💕That dinner is just the best simple 80’s simplicity💕

[@mrs.e3909]

The baskets are adorable, and the figurines are perfect for Valentines Day. You have such fun at Lalande!

[@sunflowershanti4940]

🌻Thanks Stephanie!

[@drusabs]

The knowledge Nick has about the different trees is incredible. Have any of you ever watch Where the red fern grows? Great sad movie about the legend of the red fern. When Nick said Scottish Pine I think we need to show Gerold Scott Man with the Scotch Pine in the next time he is there. The Valentine meal idea is a great idea for those of us next year. The book was publisher the year I graduated from high school.

[@rebekahlow8375]

Wonderful seeing the amazing Nick! Great to see Davy!! Love the melon baskets.Everyone looks wonderful and the dinner looks yummy!! Love from Vermont

[@clausnavarro4507]

When I was 18 years old (1984) I used to read Barbara Cartland novels. So, here in México we know very well Barbara ♡♡♡

[@jillychandler]

Love the fun you have with doing things - from waking around the town and supermarket, to the lovely woods that the wonderful Nick, who is so full of knowledge, is making such a great place for nature and Mother Earth and all her plants, and your fun with food! The great Barbra Cartland! Thank you for such a fun and uplifting u tube, it lifts all our spirits I am sure! Love to you all from Devon. xxx

[@gudeliamorilla1354]

Happy valentine's day, I enjoyed this episode and it looks like every had a great time, too!

[@kerryowen-holmes3719]

Nick the bloke who sorts the trees is fantastic& doing such a great job 😊💯 it’s great he’ll keep on working at the chateau & keeping a check on things.

[@lindavazquez589]

King of puns! You are all so sweet! Thank you for sharing.

[@Marykguise]

So fun! Happy belated Valentine’s Day to you all!! 💗

[@barbaranielsen2888]

Truely a romatic meal!