The amazing ROMANTIC ROYAL HIDEAWAY designed by an American countess who wed a Portuguese king

Get 60% OFF your Babbel subscription! Click the link:
bit.ly/3SrwzbO
Babbel is one of the top learning language apps in the world. It is scientifically proven to help you start speaking a new language in 3 weeks and offers a 20-day money-back guarantee.
WERE BACK (sorry about the pause)!!! incredible forest Chalet designed by the American Opera singer who married a king Ferdinand II of Portugal and became the Countess of Edla.
The Chalet of the Countess of Ella.
Elise Friderike Hensler was an American opera singer who enchanted King Ferdinand II after the death of his wife Queen Maria II, and who - against all social norms of the time (royals were expected to marry royals and titles) - became his beloved wife and was given the title of Countess of Edla.
It turns out she wasn’t just an amazing singer, she was also a wonderful designer and she took the lead role in building a romantic hideaway for the couple in the grounds of the Pena Palace surrounded by a beautiful and mysterious forest This was their place to try and live as normal a life as possible away from the bustle of the palace above them.
Ollie and Stephanie are using profits from Travels With My Friend to go towards the restoration and renovation of their historic homes - one an Art Nouveau mansion in Spain and the other, a Chateau in France.
To support this work directly, and get behind the scenes stories of their lives, visit:
/ magicalmodernistmansion (Ollie)
/ thechateaudiaries (Stephanie)
We will release new episodes of Travels With My Friend soon!
Subscribe and get notified when the next one is going live.

[@erenareynolds6692]

Happy to see you guys back … love Travels With My Friend … Here’s wishing you the best Ollie upon hearing about your recent diagnosis …you sound and look superb!

[@annettewyatt1433]

The whimsy of having Victorian lampposts in the middle of the fernery and woodland , reminds me of the novel by C.S. Lewis ‘ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’. 😊

[@kimbevan5614]

Lovely to see you both together again. I absolutely love the Chalet inside, breathtaking. On a personal note, Thank you Ollie for sharing your personal health journey, I am so glad you now have a diagnosis, sometimes putting a name to an illness or disease can be quite calming. I wish you all the best. K🇬🇧❤️❤️

[@norabrice]

You could have a forest tea 'hut', or a afternoon nap spot, or a picnic hut

[@EldaMariafly]

You could make a romantic cottage in your woods that you could let guests stay in!

[@lorrainethomas241]

Welcome back, Steph and Ollie.

[@Tomasinasworld]

Marie Antoinette had a small homely cottage built on the estate to have a more family feel and a cottage garden ❤

[@brooke7464]

She deserved 10 medallions. I love the cork greenery, the gothic windows and especially the lace room. The coat of arms is a very nice touch. Stephanie, if you end up making your own retreat will you put up your coat of arms as well ?

[@srqlisa7881]

I love the colors of the pena palace. It’s great to see such happy faces guys. Stephanie piper shoes please, we will never know, take care of those hips.

[@cathyholt5215]

Whoa! I was just sitting here thinking that the path reminded me so much of Queens Park in Wellington, NZ! And then you said it was planted with fern trees from Australia & New Zealand!

[@carynkabat4208]

So happy to have you back. I learn so much. Ollie I saw your announcement on Magical Mansion and I am glad you are getting help. I adore you and love these vlogs both of you are friends to me as I deal with my recent widowhood. I hope you are going to continue with these vlogs. Sending love to both of you from not so sunny Florida.

[@andreacatzel8259]

Sorry for your loss, Caryn. Wishing you long life. These 2 delightful people do bring joy, don’t they? Love to you.

[@talesfromtuscany]

What a wonderful little bit of escapism...just loved the romance and fantasy of that lovely place. Thank you both so much for sharing in your lovely way! 🥰🤗💙

[@colleenwilliams1452]

Colleen from the West Coast New Zealand and I thought the foliage looked familiar. I have those large ferns in my garden. No bright yellow palaces though. Yes it is cool on a hot day in the middle of summer here.

[@carolvosloo1326]

We have visited the Pena Palace but missed the Chalet so I am so happy to visit with both of you

[@yinny11-11]

Those tall fern trees are called Pungas. from NZ.

[@janehealy1956]

Funny, before you mentioned the ferns were from Oz and NZ, I was thinking the lusciousness of the forest was looking rather similar to ours here in New Zealand.

[@rowandowland1391]

It's a bit like having a chateau in France as well as an apartment in London to escape to. Ollie really enjoyed your travels with family over the past month.. M&R

[@mariak9727]

😮Wow! That chalet is really over the top!!

[@rayn8740]

I could be wrong, but I think Lalande's winters might be too cold for tree ferns. Your winter lows seem to be about the same as ours here in north Texas. We can manage to grow a few species of cycad and palms and even a few Aechmea bromeliads, but tree ferns are just too cold sensative.

[@katehobbs2008]

We have actual forests of those tree ferns in some parts of Australia. I love them.

[@judithmccartney1045]

I live in the spectacular Deep South of New Zealand in the southern hemisphere and wish it didn’t take so long to travel to the amazing places you show us. Wonderful to see you return to my living room ❤️

[@carolesmith6620]

Great to see you both back, you are looking a lot better Ollie after your recent diagnosis, thanks for sharing your trip with us it was lovely take care and see you both soon 💕🤗

[@mariadilella]

LOVED this. Well done both of you! It was a lovely little vacation for me, away from freezing temperatures and gray skies.

[@karenbrindley7170]

The Faux Bois on the Petite Chalet was fabulous. Thanks for sharing fabulous travel destinations.

[@carolinegooder7091]

My sister had cork over paint in her kitchen, and it was fantastic looking. Stephanie needs a tree house in her woods. A one bedroom romantic getaway for rent or staff or Stephanie and Philip at times. ❤

[@SHYsArt]

Gorgeous hideaway!

[@margaretglaser6227]

merci love your visits

[@lyndalouise3480]

Wonderful to see both your Lovely faces, Beautiful vlog.❤️🕺💃👏

[@andreacatzel8259]

Gorgeous! Thanks for taking us with you. More…more…more, please! ❤

[@dennispatrick4999]

Stephanie is wearing her NON-WALKING shoes again. 😂😅😮

[@lynnralph8373]

Ha ha she is truly one of a kind.

[@dennispatrick4999]

@@lynnralph8373 Mic Drop 🎤

[@kbtubist]

Her concession is flats as opposed to her former high heels!😊

[@margielynch7196]

Loved the walk along the tropical path. You sound good Ollie and I love the dress Stephanie. Don’t listen to the sensible people Steph. you must wear the proper shoes to match your dress.

[@dianegriffith3006]

Agree, Stephanie do wear special walking shoes for those cobblestones.

[@renahere1885]

Hey you two! Happy New Year🎉 from the USA (Florida) . We've been enjoying both of your channels through the holiday season; seeing all the goings-on. Fun to see you back together!👍👏

[@lindagage7315]

So happy to see you back,love you two,such good friends! So cold here in Canada, loving this!

[@blakehahn-atlantaga8510]

Loved this especially the fern garden on the walk up! So glad you are back!

[@jillgaddis3889]

Thank you this extra special tour. I am enjoying all of your travels. Best wishes to both of you.

[@LitHouseTieDye]

There is something about being in a smaller space. I can feel every part of my house. No matter where my loved one is in our home, there is an awareness of his presence. I'm sure in a massive palace there is never the sense of closeness. Even when someone is in the next room. What a wonderful little place this is. Thanks so much for telling me it's cork. I was wondering. That's so cool.

[@rosiebeardshaw658]

I saw your vlog, I'm so glad you're feeling better able to deal with everything! Good to see you back with your mate!😀

[@IRSA1]

What a treat !

[@dianaelizabethbashford3797]

Thank you Steph and Ollie for another fantastic video. Glad to see you back. Can't wait for the next one. X

[@beautyallaroundme724]

Love all the intricate designs, especially like the ivy room design. Also like the romantic dress Stephanie is wearing.

[@radar2ana]

Mr. Oliver, and Stephanie, vocês serão bem vindos ao Brasil! ❤❤❤

[@michaelt8727]

Thank you for the delightful tour and the history and royal couple behind it. I agree with Ollie…. Checking out the private bits at the romantic getaway Alpine chalet was truly inspiring…. And to escape the rigors of life at Lalande, or for no reason at all, you might consider adding a little chalet of your own nestled in the forest wonderland beside the babbling brook. Once the old mill is renovated you could grind your own wheat, bake your own bread in the bread oven, gather honey from the nearby bee hives, milk cows in the field to churn into butter and have milk for the very richest hot chocolate on winter days. Don’t forget to bring along some fresh eggs from the Chateau. Even Marie Antoinette would be envious.

[@Greet2012]

Stephanie, you can make the mill renovation into your version someday!

[@derekolson1857]

We live in Cascais, why didn’t you come and visit us!

[@katymichalski7244]

Love this video! Thanks ❤

[@lindadarbyfiset]

On my estate 😜, I too have a little get away, its my above ground swimming pool, with all around deck with arbor, trees that block out the house, (not much fun when leaves drop off trees) but provides me with view of trees and sky whilst swimming and catching the sun on the deck. Conjuring memories of past beach hols. I guess we all need time away from our homes, not quite to that extent though. But another wonderful video from you and Ollie, with lots of history and interesting facts and wonderful scenes. Thankyou. Best wishes to Ollie, looking forward to more video's. Xx

[@lorrainel2314]

Loved the tour and the history 🩷 I loved Portugal when I visited a few years ago.

[@marilynwade9448]

Love Ollie

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

I am probably very low class for saying this, but even the chalet is too grand for me to live in! But very beautiful and lovely to visit! Thank you for the video!

[@josephinedavidson5968]

Wow you two are well and truly back ! Thank God 🎉

[@luluandmeow]

Wonderful, I love everything that Ollie and Stephanie do! Stephanie in particular is a brilliant presenter, we're lucky to have you both on YT, thank you for all your content

[@Stephen_A.]

I'm so happy that you are back. How I missed Travels With My Friend. 💝 Ollie, I understand now why you were away. Wishing you continued good health and happiness. 💖

[@eileeng2492]

Love this channel. I hope you keep going. Lets get them more subs

[@luciaroslingshaw2112]

Glad you're back!

[@barbaragrace1992]

This is what my little home should look like inside but doesnt. My hubbt stops me. Please hrlp. Lol. I love that palace. Thank uou for taking us there.🥰🥰

[@julielozano1852]

I love seeing places I would never have even known about ❤️

[@AnxiousKoala]

Sometimes it's the smaller places like this chalet that become the real jewel because the details stand out. Grand palaces and cathedrals are amazing but for me, the details are often lost since there is so much to see. Thank you for showing this amazing chalet!

[@johnvonundzu2170]

What a wonderful place! If the exterior is faux bois, what is its true material (I'm guessing it's another wood - but had to ask.)

[@lisac1110]

❤❤❤ not much words to describe the beauty and the way both of you narrate all just amazing ❤❤❤😊

[@lynnettehall8615]

Absolutely lovely to see you both back together travelling the world and bringing us all the glorious sights. XX

[@LisaVesander.Creative]

So great to see you back on the trail again Olly.

[@gemstonesparkle7915]

It made me so happy to hear Oliver say Brazil is on the bucket list ❤

[@rosemariedeschenes7013]

What an interesting chalet. Love the picnic basket ❤❤❤❤❤

[@cathyholt5215]

Fun episode! ❤

[@lauraclaudia8159]

Pena Palace and the chalet must be one of the most original palaces built, ever! Beautiful! Thank you so much, Stephanie and Oliver!!! I am looking forward to every single episode from this channel!!!❤💫

[@marisaconner628]

What a charming hideaway! So beautiful! 😊

[@janansberry6406]

Absolutely loved this!!! Thank you Oliver and Stephanie for taking us along on this marvelous and magnificent adventure!!!

[@jillphillips3227]

Delightful! SO HAPPY you are back on the path to wellness! Thank you for sharing your story with all of us at it will help others as well! Your courage is admirable! Cheers!

[@Jen-eo1fh]

Glad you’re back I have missed you both. Stephanie I absolutely love your dress. Gorgeous as usual.

[@suzitofonseca]

My counry is so beautiful, saudades, until next sommer❤❤❤

[@elbaortiz-bq9iq]

Love this channel so much interesting information love to see and hear Olli explain everything please keep doing these blogs ❤

[@kathsmith4924]

what a beautifully decorated chalet all of its art is beautiful

[@donnab8205]

I loved this so much! Thank you Stephanie and Oliver.

[@KeithWiggins-xc1sf]

I m a New Zealander and the forest did look just like NZ forest , with ferns and the bigger fern is called a panga tree .

[@eyejs]

Do you mean Ponga?

[@KeithWiggins-xc1sf]

@@eyejs yes typo mistake

[@eyejs]

@@KeithWiggins-xc1sf - you do know you can go back and edit your comments!

[@KeithWiggins-xc1sf]

@@eyejs yes

[@happycamper4328]

So good to see another beautiful place with the two of you! I enjoy these videos so much. Your down to earth approach to viewing them and describing them just makes me feel like I am there❤

[@roxanaimam6531]

Amazing!!

[@kathyniedholdt9533]

Thank vou for sharing. Best wishes Ollie.

[@charmainejfritz]

after seeing the outside i did not expect the inside - wow - quite the little hideaway/getaway so crazily sweet! their main house? was just magnificent i would never want to leave for too long anyway.

[@charmainejfritz]

i really wish there were pictures of inside when they had all the furnishings in there.

[@jasondubey8251]

Great chalet. So unusual. I loved the walk through the grounds, the flapping made me laugh

[@supermommaloha]

I love this tour! ❤ And great to see Oliver again! He hasn't been to LaLande in a very long time (that you've shown) It was so fun to see your friends visiting there and the parties! 😂

[@debtheguest3109]

So happy to see you back with these vlogs! I thoroughly enjoy them and the history you share with us.

[@Louis-Philippe75]

Elisabeth Hensler grafin von Edla was not American, but born and bred in Switzerland. Very nice doll house by way. Thank you !!

[@katielee8878]

I'm so happy to see you both back at it! I've missed your videos so much and was worried that something had happened. I'm glad you were able to find out what was wrong and are getting help! Looking forward to many more travels with you and Steph!

[@judithclark2823]

So glad you are back sharing your amazing knowledge with us! I had a little giggle with Ollie’s “private parts” comment 😅 and his embarrassing reaction to his mistake. Too cute🥰

[@ntakovacj3644]

I've never seen anything like it. Your visits beat to hell any other travelogue!!! Bravo Oliver & Stephanie!!!

[@wendylinsen3900]

This has to be one of my favourite channels thanks to you two. ❤

[@aliceprofitt8506]

Wonderful!

[@nativetexan53]

Of course Stephanie loves the yellow palace. 😂😂😂

[@sonyawoodrow9675]

I’m watching from New Zealand

[@peterwhite9261]

I was transported in time. Thanks, guys.❤

[@lynndalgettu976]

Love you two vlogging together! Hope there are many more episodes to come x

[@analourenco4688]

Thank you to clarify to others that's its Brazilian Portugues. Now, just to let you know, although Portugal its a small Country, that's where the correct Portugues are learned and speak. There are a y other Countries which used to be Portugues before 1975, they also speak Portugues, Cabo Verde, Angola Mozambique, Timor and some other Countries , such as Macau, which now its Chinese UK its a small Country compared to the States or any other country which main langauge its English. However, English from UK are considered the correct language.

[@lavonnemountain6133]

So excited you are back. This vlog is my dream! Glorious I watch them over and iver!

[@JLR1957]

I do love this channel Stephanie and Ollie. I looked here the other day to see if I'd missed something and now here you are ❤😊🇦🇺 Love to you both and take care Ollie.

[@sarahhudleston832]

So happy to see you back together. You are the perfect foil for each other!!!

[@ladybarbarapinsonartist4052]

I so enjoyed this episode, I've watched three times. Well done, you two wanderers!

[@margaretpark3494]

Fabulous to see the ‘Dicksonia Antarctica’ and hearing of your fondness for them. I wouldn’t be surprised if @fernsoftasmania supplied them. They are sustainably sourced and salvage harvested prior to logging taking place. Contrary to the misinformation getting around, they are in abundance in Tasmania and are NOT removed from old growth native forests (the industry is heavily regulated, for good reason.)

[@adelemcneil125]

Oh how I’ve missed you two!

[@pamkullman8839]

Such a well done video! I loved the picnic basket too! I would so put the same tiles into my kitchen now!

[@gaisaunders638]

I really enjoyed this episode. Loved the unusual architecture of the hideaway! Stephanie, your dress is beautiful! Please tell me what brand it is as I absolutely loooove it!🙏🏻