Our Engagement Trip with my Mother: An Orphanage, an Accident and a Safari

For more information on how to support the wonderful El-Roi Baby Home, contact Zanele at [e-mail]
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The Chateau Diaries Episode 529 ✨🏰✨
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

[@eileeng2492]

Percy is a new man So happy for him

[@elisaesskew6954]

Jerry singing Jesus Loves Me with the little boy🩷🩷🩷 Just when you think you can't love him more🩷🩷🩷🩷

[@mparker6823]

My heart MELTED when Antoine talked about holding the baby for the first time...❤❤❤

[@sonnykat462]

Antoine is getting more and more fluent in English every time we see him. What a lovely young man.

[@user-fx4jp9wv3l]

I’m sure others have commented Antoine is so tall now!!! It’s been a pleasure to watch him grow up.

[@baylorsailor]

I just commented the same thing. It's amazing how quickly he shot up in the last year!

[@tinaclarke704]

Honestly Stephanie, no other channel is as articulate as yours. You could do travel shows. I'm only surprised you haven't.

[@amberroberson883]

She does Travels w/ m fiend on YT. With Oliver.

[@leetawitham3619]

Stephanie has done many travel shows and is very knowledgeable about many things.

[@rayn8740]

​@@amberroberson883Yes, Travels with my Friend is wonderful. They go to some wonderful and romantic places. I love going along with her.

[@lizamartin4705]

She does do travel shows! Lol 😊

[@rolo4945]

Hippo kill more humans than lions

[@rsmith1820]

Brave is all I can say. As a woman Brooklyn born and raised, I'm barely fond of the pigeons here. I would have fainted at the sight of one sleeping lion let alone the FULLY AWAKE, OUT FOR DINNER pride. Stephanie how you do spoil some of us with your life

[@kindlydude]

Right!! One swipe of a paw or one small bite & you're a goner! I think I'd prefer some sort of cage over my jeep if I'm out perusing lions in the wild!! Saw a video where one lion actually opened a car door with its teeth!!! 😲😳😧😨😰 ...and yet they are some of the most magnificent of God's creatures on earth! No wonder royal arms used them as an emblem so much. I wonder when the last lion was hunted down in England or Europe as a whole. When they roar is it absolutely spine-tingling... I've heard them up close in the zoo & nearly fainted... can't imagine being in a forest... or in the African bush with them!

[@mariahoulihan9483]

lol.bless you. sorry, I did giggle abou the pigeons. lol. i know a lot of people cannot handle the flapping wings.

[@gaylehill6165]

So great to hear Percy’s spunky attitude! And congrats to you all!

[@randyrice1429]

Thank you so much for taking us on safari with you! South Africa is so beautiful.

[@hsimpson6581]

Antoine is growing up so wonderfully. He will make a great ambassador for the Château.

[@hahna77]

Indeed he will. Such a clever, handsome and gentle young man. He is a great credit to his parents & upbringing.

[@priyankab3097]

How is Antoine related to Stephanie ?

[@rhondathomas7952]

@@priyankab3097he is the son of Nick and Marie, the other owners of the Chateau. Nick, Stephanie and Michael Potts bought it when they were 29. Nick is a computer programmer ( rumor has it that he has something g to do with Zoom, but who knows. He is very private and prefers not to be filmed. )

[@Sgirl]

​​@@rhondathomas7952 He's actually Nick's stepson, and Stephanie and Nick bought the château together and Michael Potts bought into the ownership many years later and at a smaller ownership portion.

[@gnarbeljo8980]

​@@priyankab3097what the others said. You'll have seen him as the Lalanders with a paper bag or something over his head when on camera. I really understand and respect his desire to remain anonymous. They are a lovely family and Antoine is growing up fast into a truly rare young gentleman. ❤

[@lululand1653]

What an exceptionally blessed life you all lead and yet when there are downsides you accept them with dignity and grace, I wish long lives' and continued love and peace to each and everyone. Thank you for showcasing the orphanage and blessings to all the wonderful helpers and may they get permission to keep the older children with their siblings. Steph you continue to share the different aspects of your life and I know you do so much giving to others quietly behind the scenes, thank you for everything.

[@christinepratt5120]

What an ideal time to go stone shopping for your engagement ring South Africa the home of diamonds.

[@denisedecarlo9311]

Antoine just sprouted up...he's so handsome and lovely

[@hanneliewiese3477]

Despite the many many problems in our country, especially with our government, we have a stunning diverse country and incredible wildlife animals !

[@janetg1691]

Thank you for including us on your adventure. Thank God that person was alive. The orphanage was a delight to see. Hopefully well rounded patrons will be acquired for the children. See you again Gerry!

[@The_Rising_Phoenix_]

Patrons donated 200k for the Chapel, imagine it would be possible instead of that, to sponsor FOUR HUNDRED children which sounds in my ears like a better desicion.

[@kindlydude]

Yes, of course. But one does not cancel the other... all those who donated to the Chapel can be asked to donate to the orphanage. @@The_Rising_Phoenix_

[@carolynryals4776]

@@The_Rising_Phoenix_ I think that better yet both could be done. Doesn't have to be either or?

[@rubyklumpenhower9491]

@janetg1691 Have you done either? Or do you just like to point fingers?

[@margielynch7196]

I can understand why you are not allowed to go out by yourself. You could be dinner!😂❤❤❤

[@kellyhawes9293]

That's the second time this week that a KZbinr has saved someone, or been there to provide medical assistance. A good reminder to take a first aide course for everyone. What a day you all had, so glad it ended well with sundown lions🦁

[@Elwene2fr]

Cannot second that enough. Take a first aide course, it's quick and so helpful. In the meantime, go on KZbin and check how to do CPR. This can litteraly be life changing and it takes you 30 seconds. Please please please go and do it.

[@snoopybluejeans]

Yes Josie and Charlie saved a women life. Just a mere 6 weeks after they took a lengthy first aid course. It shook them both up, The ambulance was going to take 2 hours. This is in the Cotswold, UK.

[@annemackenzie7295]

Mummy is a nurse 👍

[@doloresdickey4468]

Thank you for the beautiful Safari outing. Thank you Percy for being a supporting member. Safe travels to Gerald.

[@lindamitman4538]

Wow the lions were so amazing. I cannot imagine getting that close to them in the wild it must be spine tingling. Percy really is looking so well. I’m so pleased for him and Isabelle that they are able to get out and enjoy themselves again.

[@user-fu8ub2rj6q]

In June 2024, my sister and her husband are going on a South African safari to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary!!! I’ve been sharing all of Stephanie’s South African trips with her 💕

[@jeanniekartis5916]

When we lived in Greece my parents became friends with the superior mother of an orphanage. We would visit as a family usually about once month, my parents wanted us to see not everyone lived like us. We would bring clothes and toys, it was very heartwarming and to this day we remember it fondly.

[@sharonclarke9928]

Gerald is an absolute natural with those beautiful little children xxx❤❤❤

[@ftwtexasstephens9629]

Antoine is growing into such a wonder young man.

[@sophiewheatley]

I love Gerry so much. He has such a kind nature.

[@spkgrl]

The baby on your mothers lap ❤❤❤

[@lyndablack3438]

My hubby, on test son and I where run off the road by 4 men near Johannesburg. The whole side of our car collapsed. They drove off. Thank goodness for a lady with a young baby who stopped and helped us.phone the hire company for help. We had.gone to Tau Safari near the Gabaron border. It was terrifying. Nowevef, we love South Africa.

[@Alfiezeka123]

Sounds like a wonderful experience indeed. You should go back!

[@lynetteyoung9777]

Thank you for helping these children.

[@rosiebeardshaw658]

It's fantastic to see Percy looking so healthy and well. Thanks for taking us on safari. I feel for the children having to leave a place at such a young age. Even at twelve it would be a wrench.

[@JustSaralius]

Must be so bad for the children to have to be moved at 4 years! ☹ Especially for the siblings being separated. I hope with all my heart that the application is successful!! ❣

[@user-vd2fb3nh4x]

Very sensible to be careful of hippos as they are fast and aggressive. What a wonderful experience. That seemed very close to the Lions

[@margielynch7196]

Way too close for me. I was leaning over to the right, hoping to keep the car further away from the loins. Guess that didn’t help much, considering that I was in my bed.

[@gnarbeljo8980]

​@@margielynch7196The lions are the least to worrry about really. In these parks they have a life of luxury, safety and are treated perfectly, and as large cats they won't lash out, they can avoid people if they want. With the Hippos and Rhino's it's a whole different story. They are much more ancient animals, keep entirely to themselves and have exyremely defensive insticts, in order to defend themselves from the predators. Once they feel provoked they charge and can't turn off. They've mangled people who have come too close to get a good photo. Lots of stories about Hippos. They've caused more deaths and destruction than lions, they are built like military tanks, fast and furious like an angry bull out of the water. They usually only get out to graze at night though. When they have young it's best to watch them from a very safe distance. They are quite fast in the water too mind you, I've seen videos, but the park I stayed at wouldn't dream of boats in the Hippos water. For good reason. Lions aren't like that. Not likely to percieve people as threats if not cornered or treated intrusively. Even so they'll likely growl and retreat. I supported the efforts against canned hunting for many years. (the kind of stuff Trump and his family enjoy). That's only possible bc Lions are easily raised to be half domesticated then shot at close range amonce they develop their mane by some forreign arsehole willing to pay loads for it. (they only keep the males cubs, hundreds in small fenced compounds, bc thats what the human predators want mounted on their walls. It's a human disgrace and atrocity. Drop them midst a herd of wild hippos I say.

[@pamelahaskell809]

What a thing to see on your way to a Safari. Glad the person who was on the road is alright. OMG the Giraffe is my favourite wild animals.

[@cherrylwegner6292]

When buying sunglasses for children they are often made of just dark plastic and have no UV protection . If they look directly at the sun with these on they can do damage to their wee eyes,,,,I speak from experience ,,, Check carefully for UV protection please......God bless you for such a kind heart towards these children ,,, all angels are not just in heaven for we have many right here on earth !!!! Cherryl from Canada

[@janefreda7034]

Sundowners are my favorite part of safari. The best sunsets in the world are in Africa!

[@jennifercampbell7698]

Yes, I have some amazing African sunset shots!

[@annemackenzie7295]

Me too! 🌅

[@lindabullock6159]

Thank you! I loved going on safari with you. You and your channel bring me joy and enrich my life. ❤

[@michellecook2338]

Owww god bless you . Loving on the little ones. Teaching them about Jesus ❤🎉🎉❤

[@murielwilson3148]

Thank you Stephanie for taking us on your wonderful safari ride fantastic to see the animals up close your accommodation looks beautiful look forward to seeing more in your next video

[@ghettorestoration]

That was pure magic. Thank you for sharing. A true gift.

[@sharongaines3043]

It must be heart breaking to heave your only sibling taken from you at 4, what a heartless government. Thankfull for the wonderful people at that orphanage who only have the childrens welfare at heart. Im so glad I got those safari animals for the christmas tree for you at cadeaux, I haven't seen such nice safari ones since. Im well pleased. Percy is looking better day by day, I think hes perked up with you two being there. I think your mum needed you there as well, even though someone wouldn't admit it. Gerry your looking alot fitter lately. Xx

[@rolo4945]

❤️the babies ❤️. I worked at Pregnancy Crisis and the AIDS mums Tabitha house in Pietermaritzburg. The people are so beautiful. Love hearing Zulu again ❤️

[@leetawitham3619]

What a delightful Vlog. I loved every minute of it. Antoine is delightful. What a wonderful experience for him.

[@emeraldlynx7]

I'm in love with Percy and Isabelle. They are precious ❤

[@stephaniedavis6531]

I remember your previous safari. I remember the dizzing "whirr" of the shutter speed of Michael Pott's camera. I believe the photo of the Lion that Michael gave his mother this last Christmas was from that previous safari. Hope you don't have any rain/thunder issues this time. Both of these lodges appear to be very luxurious.😊❤

[@daphneerler8496]

Thank you Stephanie and lovely group - a stunning vlog as usual but on a deeper note of appreciation, a living loving example of Chateau LaLande's ethic of CARE AND SHARE - just love you guys. Stay safe and highest reiki blessings to all of you and for all that you do collectively 😍❤🧡💛💚💙

[@bigblackdogfiberarts]

I went for safari in Kruger Park back in 2010. Such an amazing experience. I didn't get to see a lion, but I did see a cheetah and we had a momma elephant posturing because there was a teeny baby with the group. We came around a corner and there they were. I don't know who was more startled, them or us, but Momma with her ears out straight, stomping her feet and yelling and you're the one she's yelling at, is a rather unnerving experience. Water Buffalo, Springboks. All the animals. I should go back again.

[@spkgrl]

I went on safari in Kenya in 2008, and amazing life altering experience visiting Africa!!! If you can I recommend everyone make a safari trip.

[@rolo4945]

Next time go to Botswana for safari

[@gnarbeljo8980]

I totally agree! Kenya is on my bucket list, I was supppsed to go decades ago but something got in the way then. I hear it's quite a different experience than the SA one, which is well represented here. I'd LOVE to go!

[@annemackenzie7295]

My parents lived in Kenya for several years just two hours drive from the Masai Mara. Going on safari there was an incredible experience which I will never forget - happy memories ❤

[@brittawrolson5936]

What a wonderful trip. Living vicariously through your lovely family and friends is an honor! ❤️❤️

[@ChristineKelly1000]

What other vlog gives such diversity of content? This was Stephanie’s personal holiday and she shared it with us. Any one else would have said “I’m off for a couple of weeks, see you when I get back”. Enjoy your stay with your Mother and Percy.😊❤

[@carolehanrahan]

What an amazing safari experience on day 1!!! Marie really does have a good eye but even the best can be fooled because the animals blend in so well that sometimes the scenery looks like there is an animal there. What a scary experience on the road! I'm so glad to know that whatever happened the person is going to be alright. Thank heavens you were able to stop and help.

[@CuriousCalligrapher]

What a wonderful orphanage. Gerry you are a doll playing with those children, and I am happy to hear that the orphanage is trying to expand to keep children up to 12 yrs old. Thank you Chateau Diaries for showing us such a wonderful home & experience!!

[@jennifercampbell7698]

Thank you for sharing your trip to South Africa. I’ve missed Africa and hope to return in 2026. I did a 42 day camping truck safari from Capetown to Nairobi in 2005 (followed by a knee replacement🙄) and then returned for 2 months in 2007 to volunteer teach in a black township school in Pt Elizabeth for a month followed by a East Cape garden route tour from Jo’burg to Capetown. I love Africa and its people especially the adorable children. Thank you for your kind nature in helping following the road accident and with the orphanage. ❤️❤️

[@isabellejarvis7805]

My goodness! Congratulations!!!

[@jennifercampbell7698]

@@isabellejarvis7805 Us oldies are made of tough stuff eh? 🤣😂

[@Theteresamaria]

Antoine has grown into such a lovely young man! He was so sweet talking about holding the baby! Jerry was adorable with the children and Mummy! Thanks for taking us on your adventures!!!😊

[@margielynch7196]

Sounds like you all have had a very exciting day😂😂❤

[@michaelburne3936]

Merci de partager avec nous ta merveilleuse vie

[@roseb7525]

I love your family's visit to the orphanage and thank you for posting the link to give us more info. I love how Gerry interacted with the children. He is a natural!

[@purcellmandy]

Your estimate per child of £200 is incorrect. The South African government pays R510 per child per month which is£26.88 dollars

[@maryallen6334]

I always wanted to go to Sth. Africa and never got there so I am delighted you are sharing this with us all.

[@mommashawna707]

I cannot believe mommy gets on the ground and sits with the kids. I want to be just like her when I grow up.❤

[@sallysampson628]

Definitely worth staying up for!! Night all 🥰🙅‍♀️🙅‍♀️

[@susansnyder9271]

This was so wonderful in every way. I am thoroughly uplifted! Merci!!!

[@lindataylor5779]

Seeing so many lions close up is really a gift! So glad you and Philip are having a wonderful time with your parents and friends!

[@kathyrogers1703]

What a fun video. I am so glad that you are helping the orphanage! The safari was incredible!

[@1231ms54]

What an adventure, having to call the ambulance and seeing the animals. Thanks again for taking us along.

[@lizstevenson7801]

That was superb! Thank you so much. I loved seeing Gerry and Isabelle with the children, just so much love ooozing around them. The safari was special, and we must thank you so much for sharing it with us. Absolutely wonderful 😊💕🇦🇺

[@mattneillninasmom]

What a lot to feature in one program! How wonderful to be together an share the experience. Stay safe.

[@stephaniedent4833]

Those lions are amazing 😮 you are so lucky to get to experience the reserve. The children make your heartcl melt. The orangy floral dress suits you perfectly, we sent Christmas 22,opened June 23.

[@Kim-J312]

So great to see those beautiful animals healthy and gorgeous environment for them ❤

[@teepeeX]

I can't even afford to catch a bus never alone planes everywhere. Some are so lucky. To be able to go on safari is just awesome, but id want a closed vehicle 😅😅 just beauty everywhere, Phillip is glowing 😊

[@user-yz9kq9nv3j]

Wow! They were close

[@mavep2855]

Safari’s are always exciting to say the least. Antoine is a very handsome young gentleman and watching him at the orphanage was very special. Safe travels to Gerry. 🙏❤️

[@andreacatzel8259]

Spent most of this video tearing up. I miss my homeland so much. So much to be grateful for….Percy’s recovery….the wonderful new house for the orphanage…you all helping at the accident site. Phinda is magical. Enjoy every second. Much love ❤

[@colinbryan333]

Here in Thailand you can make a beautiful salad with banana flower. 😋

[@justinekessner2645]

SCOTMAN , IT IS NOT THE CHATEAU/HOME WITHOUT HIM!!! I AM NICK NAMING HIM FUNMAN !!!!

[@lynetteyoung9777]

What a thrill you have shared with us! Actual wild animals in Africa! Thank you so much.

[@hopehope7696]

Congratulations 🎊. You and Philip are a beautiful couple. Thank u for sharing ur life with us. Love from cape cod mass ❤️🙏

[@tootsla1252]

The guy in the forward seat on the Safari. Is his job title “Bait?”

[@Sparkle.Dammit]

I left South Africa almost 2 years ago now, and when I see you visit, for a moment, I wonder if I did the right thing. But today I remember why it was the right thing to do for my family.

[@jennyhanks6740]

What a beautiful place to be! The children at the orphanage seemed happy and well. The safari looks amazing! Almost felt like I was there with you (I wish!). I'm glad the tumultuous day ended so lovely for you. Hope to see more? 💗💗💗💗💗

[@taitweigel64]

What a wonderful way to spend my evening. It's a varied and beautiful country with animals in their habitat.

[@susiepingleton3614]

I have been to Phinda! Forever memories!!!

[@barbiec4312]

Thank you for everything as always. ❤

[@The_Rising_Phoenix_]

Imagine, with the 200k that you raised for the Chapel, it would be possible to sponsor FOUR HUNDRED children.

[@zeenkosis]

But maybe the chapel can bring more business and fund kids for a longer time ❤

[@Guni6780]

Lovely to watch on a screen ….

[@nancyshogren3457]

I absolutely loved the safari trip! So many animals! I live in the USA in Washington state in Bellingham, which is up near the Canadian border near Vancouver, BC, Canada. It is a very long way away for me to go to South Africa but it is one of my dreams. Maybe one day I will get to see all of these animals in the wild. Again, thank you for bringing us along. One of my very favorite vlogs!!

[@justinekessner2645]

SUNSHINE 🌞🌞🌞 YOUR EYES, MATCH THE WALLS!!!!! I NEVER KNEW U HAD SOO MUCH GREEN 💚 IN YOUR EYES!!!!! PERCEY, YOUR VOICE IS SOOOOO MUCH BETTER WARMS MY COLD HEART !!!!!!!!!❤

[@dianneeverett1633]

Wonderful to help the children. The safari was amazing. What an adventure.

[@cathyholt5215]

What an incredible lion siting! ❤

[@adelemcneil125]

You are all having such a great adventure, thanks for taking us along. ❤

[@lynnpetti3817]

That was delightful. The pride of lions was so beautiful. Thank you.

[@mikewatson5281]

Ok we need to hear the story of your near death rhino experience

[@rayn8740]

What a magical and emotional adventure. You really know how to make the most of your travels. Engagement announcement, reunions with family and friends, parties, the sun, the beach, going on safari, a trip to an orphanage, witnessing an accident, you'll need to go back home to Lalande to rest and recover. Bon voyage! ❤ from TX!

[@DevonaRavenhold]

I hope that everybody is having a lovely time right now, and are just fully enjoying some time with family. :)

[@user-rf2pq3fm3n]

Wow I would be scared being so close to the lions. They can jump very quickly.😮 Great blog.❤

[@RosemaryOltarzewski]

Exactly 😂

[@martieflagg4671]

I've never been on a safari, so thanks for taking us with you!

[@bobclark6703]

I would have felt like meals on wheels going through the safari. 😊 ❤

[@RosemaryOltarzewski]

Yes I would only venture there in a car with doors and roof!😂 too open and close for me . 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@sheilaghk6350]

South Africa is so beautiful.

[@kworthington6696]

How many times can I smash the like button! And where is the love button!? Thank you to everyone for that incredible adventure! And congratulations to a happy future you two!

[@IRSA1]

Gerry is just wonderful with little children !

[@edwardulrich1515]

Well, Stephanie, you spotted my favorite African animal first, the giraffe 🦒. I just find them to be so majestic. Wow to view a pride of lions at that close a range 👏!

[@paulette6087]

I love all the fufu, but the orphanage footage, makes you glow. ❤

[@beautifullydifferent86]

Thank you for continuing to record your lives. I am disabled and can't travel anymore. I watch your channel and others to live vicariously through you and see the world.