The Chateau Diaries: I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW!

[@jannevils1526]

The improvements on the chateau are getting so exciting! Great work crew!!

[@FaithfulCatholicIN]

I've come to the realization that at the end of each filming segment i have been grinning and laughing the entire time. Thank you for that.

[@gglydie4242]

Same!! :D

[@chrismaraccini8108]

Same here.

[@celtglen]

Oh yes, SO MUCH So needed!

[@LotusSun639]

I concur😁 Invoking that 3 yrs later❤ I’m here watching for first time these older ones.

[@JackL75]

Over the past four or five months, I have enjoyed most of your videos. Beautiful all! In four or five videos however, I have noticed something reminiscent of the problem you learned of in mounting pictures with non acid-free paper and this may be one of those better-late-than-never suggestions.' Whenever wood is applied over any type of masonry product be it stone, brick, concrete blocks or whatever, it MUST be pressure treated lumber which is a medium brown color and not ordinary Whitewood, Red Oak, Elm or even Ipe. If not, it will mold and then rot. Without fail. Here in SW Florida, most all buildings are concrete, Always, the interior wall treatment (in order) is concrete block, pressure treated lath (the vertical strips of wood used to fasten drywall), insulation the thickness of the lath (usually 3/4" or 2cm), a vapor barrier of thin, clear plastic in large sheets stapled to the lath and finally drywall/plasterboard over all. This ensures that moisture does not come through to mold the paper of the drywall and show through to the decorative interior finish. In four or five videos showing you and usually Selmar in the downstairs loo, there is no evidence of a vapor barrier or insulation and the wood on wall looks unlike any pressure treated lumber I have seen. A recipe for disaster and one not easily corrected later. Insulation, even on the interior walls would help provide a level of comfort (read heat) and resistance to condensation. Those thick stone walls are going to retain cold and moisture until the second coming. I would also check the attic when it's raining tp see of there are any remaining leaks coming down on some of those thick walls and running straight down through the stone then bleeding outward as it descends. I don't think that is the case. I think is is just condensation much like the exterior of those new Waterford crystal martini glasses when filled with an icy libation. Did I mention insulation? Lastly, on a heat related note, I have noticed in some of the vids, especially at cadeaux time when a fireplace is lit, even if a small fire, it seems to be a roaring inferno which indicates a lot of air going up the flue and no way to control it. I think someone asked at some point if you had dampers in the chimneys to regulate airflow. if not, you need to have them put in close them when there is no fire. Keep the warm in the house, not the chimney. Sorry if this sounds a little preachy. I hope you have it in your heart to forgive me. I'm working on my second calling. With Love and Comfort to All Jack La Forge

[@taitweigel64]

I couldn't love Philip more than when he takes care of you, Stephanie. Taking you to the optician. He's a good friend. Selmar cutting down the old box mattress holder, quite thrifty and sensible. Good looking new frames.

[@debbie74dj]

I'm waiting for her to announce she and Philip are married. They are always joined at the hip.

[@theboy.inblack]

@@debbie74dj Why some people has to always go there when Stephanie has a friendly relation with a male, I have seen this kind of comments a lot when Michael was in the videos, then when Selmar came into the picture and now with Philip! Come on people get a grip!

[@debbie74dj]

@@theboy.inblack I wasn't being mean about it. I truly believe she found her soul mate. All love all the time for Stephanie and the Lalanders

[@mohammedyasser1443]

@@debbie74dj Lol what are you talking about Philip is very obviously gay😂

[@carolweaver3269]

Selmar keeps all going well with this lovely home and all that surrounds it. He is very busy doing so much around the house and outside of it too. Selmar knows the house backward and forward. He does take part with the other employees as well. They all work well together,

[@PinkRose_1]

Lots of love and respect for all of you, especially Selmar! Such a good man!

[@trackqueen42]

I loved the ‘getting ready’ sequence with Stephanie! She always disappears and comes back fabulous but it’s nice to see the process! 👏🏻❤️

[@meanwhileinindiana8107]

I haven't read comments to see if anyone else has said, the warm moist air from the heated part of the Chateau is escaping into the hall and condensing on cold surfaces is all you have. If you turn on a fan and circulate it will remain dry. Nothing can be done but heat the area in my opinion. Heat always chases cold.

[@marionchanson5479]

I agree! I had the same problem in my kitchen due to bad insulation of the wall and poor ventilation.

[@robwestley7370]

There’s no damp proof course in old buildings of this age so damp travels up the walls, and it’s coming up through the floor.

[@meanwhileinindiana8107]

@@robwestley7370 I politely disagree with your theary having lived this very problem. Peace

[@vfl5211]

@@robwestley7370 I also politely disagree, also having had the same problem. The damp is condensation.

[@jillipepper5353]

Soon it will be Stephanie asking “ have you seen my glasses.”.🤣😂🤣

[@helanalurie9962]

Excellent!!!

[@AslansAngel1]

And if she's anything like me--- they will be on her head!!! LOL

[@salt8661]

‘What villa? What roundabout?’. Too funny Steph! I’m glad you’re getting glasses for everyone’s sake🤓💖💫🦋🌱💫

[@bellaluna321]

Philip is a very good friend to her.

[@casmijnheer]

There is an arch in the stonework above the hole outside.😊

[@chasethecat3839]

As in an old doorway/entrance? I didn't see it but I don't see well 👀👁

[@casmijnheer]

@@chasethecat3839 yes I think so, it looks like that.

[@colleenrose5355]

Perhaps the underground area was a secret escape from the Chateau to one of the long gone out buildings and the Lake for a quick getaway?

[@rosewright1410]

Yes... a lover's escape!

[@BiancaMH]

Watching in October 2023

[@jimm8682]

So exciting to watch all the new things that are happening at LaLande, the bed frame getting fixed by Selmar, and the mysterious big stone, the mapping of the lake bed, and the water issue in the hallway, the funny blue China turned around and again Selmar keeping the “joke” respectful. Cannot wait to see the next episodes filmed at the chateau (British TV?).

[@dashaway1460]

What fun! Each new day brings another challenge! Go forward and solve them all!!!!!!!!!

[@gertsgarden]

I’m so excited. I wonder if they found the tunnel. Selmar showed how he cut those big stones down on his channel. Oh I love this channel, they have so much going on all the time.

[@beccasbeauty22]

I don’t know what it was- maybe the makeup tutorial- but this video in particular made me very happy and I appreciate you all.

[@AslansAngel1]

Can you imagine Mummy's reaction if she walked into the kitchen and the plates were like that? LOL Oh, how I miss her!

[@TheA6P]

You will need new aerial footage for the intro this spring, with new courtyard! :)

[@peggyvick935]

I hate cloning, but I want a Selmar ‼️ Maybe he could be a “Rent a Husband “! I just adore him.

[@mocarra100]

You know Selma got a pair of black female high heel dress shoes for his misses you could be the one haha

[@davidmadison5582]

It's Gwenda! Put me in the list! I want him, too!! What a blessing!! I need you Selmar!! Bring Diesel, too! Lol

[@nicolawilliams1491]

Is there nothing that selma can't do xxx

[@colleenthirkell9066]

If it’s only a few times a year it’s more likely you have problems with condensation. Try a dehumidifier for a few days.

[@vfl5211]

Yes, I agree, it's condensation. If Stephanie were to put in a constant low level of heating it would disappear.

[@jourdainjardin846]

A radiator would help a lot more than a dehumidifier.

[@vfl5211]

@@jourdainjardin846 Yes, it really would - I hope Stephanie sees these comments!!

[@gliderpilot02]

@@vfl5211 There is already a low level of heating but it's throughout the rest of the house. That's why it's so cold there and the B&B cannot function 6 months of the year.

[@vfl5211]

​@@gliderpilot02 Yes I agree, and that's why the rest of the house doesn't suffer from condensation or mould. If it was possible for Stephanie to extend the heating system it would help the fabric of the building a lot. But I do appreciate that's a big task.

[@SJFoss]

All of the glasses looked fantastic, and the makeup scene was so fun to watch!

[@oceanbrzzz]

I might as well click like now. I know I’ll be smiling and laughing throughout the event. 🥰

[@tinathene]

So many click early, it’s hilarious! Best content out there in my book.

[@isabellabarstead4552]

That’s what I do also! 😂❣️

[@michellezevenaar]

I think that it would also help to move the roof water away from the house. I see that the rain pipe drains strait onto the ground. A few extra pipes that lead it away from the house will help.

[@elewysoffinchingefeld3066]

I love that you called it an "intervention" to go to the optician!

[@ingridbiagiacarlino4351]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Grazie

[@kathleenclark5877]

What DOESN’T Selmar do?

[@debbief5594]

X

[@jiminhart]

Cure diseases? Other than that I can't think of anything.

[@chasethecat3839]

Dishes lol

[@chasethecat3839]

@@jiminhart dishes

[@jimm8682]

Indeed...🕺

[@rontencati1027]

We only recently found Escape to the Chateau DIY and fell in love with your chateau and your mom! So glad to find your channel! We have a lot of viewing to catch up on now! Best of luck!

[@cliffhorman6846]

So much going om as ever. It really is exciting.

[@judithschrim145]

So happy that you have your glasses - took time for YOU ...thank you Phillip and any others that encouraged this - take care of the "happy, kind, loving and entertaining lady of the chateau" for all of us !

[@FrugalOverFifty]

I know these are about 30 minutes, but they feel like just a minute. I love your vlogs so much!

[@anne1706]

What a wonderful episode! Anyone else catch in one of the first scenes the 2 peacocks on the well- I think?? Pretty sight!

[@mariak9727]

🥰Yes, Stephanie received them on one of the Cadeaux at the Chateau episodes🥰

[@djinna6661]

STEPHANIE - THE WATER ON WALLS LOOKS LIKE CONDENSATION TO ME.

[@vfl5211]

Yes, I totally agree. Stephanie should just put heating in and it will evaporate!!!! No DPM. Chateaus weren't built with them and weren't meant to have them. They need to breathe.

[@mharrisona5526]

Absolutely. When those thick walls and floors get cold and then the weather turns a bit mild and more humid....voila! A brisk cold front comes through and all becomes dry.

[@vfl5211]

A DPM will just push damp into the walls from the ground, creating a damp problem where there isn't one! I would hazard a guess that at the moment the damp on the walls and floor is indeed just condensation and a low ambient heat would get rid of it - as it has in the rest of the chateau.

[@thecharminghodgepodgecotta8363]

Really like the second glasses, it gives a very smart look.

[@theresaromero2855]

I so enjoyed this. You make everything delightful. 💗 Thank you for the peace and joy. 🙏

[@ruthcarter8895]

What a huge plumbing problem! Wow! This is a job for an expert!

[@tammydylanbaby5455]

Yeah and there is one 😅

[@wendylinsen3900]

Did you notice the arch in the stonework near the slab?

[@michaeljohnson4636]

Its help support the wall over entrance to the cellar, and nice to see the dried up lake bed flooded it gives some idea what it will look like when restored

[@deebowker768]

Yes, it’s probably there to support the wall over it as Michael Johnson mentions, but must mean a doorway/entrance of some sort was under it once.

[@patdowney4984]

Glasses look fantastic on you Stephanie ,Phillip is a good friend x

[@celtglen]

@5:21...OMG I can imgaine the pond in Spring and Summer. I wish I could fly over there to paint it!

[@nancycowan6109]

I’ll let you into my little secret of Valentine magic (at least for my girls). I cut off branches of our lilac bushes (pretty sure you can do that to apple or any tree) and put them in a vase of water. Magically they sprout green leaves. And you can hang little ornaments off of them. By Valentine’s Day or really by Easter, they are so sweet. Try that. And I wish I had a friend like Phillip. ❤️

[@VALERIECASSON]

Loved hearing you sing together! More please!

[@Timhey0912]

It's been a rough day. But you have brightened it up! Thank you Stephanie! :)

[@bigboy77dk]

I think I might have already guessed, what the secret project was. And by all the happy faces, I will also guess it ended up looking really beautiful, which is good news for the downstairs loo, when you are able to do it. Can't wait to see Selmars work 😁 I think we need a few more episodes a week!!

[@imhappy3093]

I can’t wait for a year! Please tell us what your thoughts are!

[@Premarteau]

Love the singing. More please x

[@escapetoruralfrance]

😯 I think you mean innocent dan was corrupted by selmar and matt 😉

[@karolinag2012]

Ha ha ha we all know that Dan is a good boy...now I am dying to know what mischief 😉he did. See you in 4h...Can't wait.😘

[@helenstella2666]

Dan....don’t let them lead you astray...😏😆

[@johncarolrenner6788]

@@helenstella2666 Maybe too late ...giggles

[@annbardue3473]

We need pix!!!

[@tammydylanbaby5455]

🤣🤣 well I have actual inside telling me them three were all up to mischief 🤣

[@monicack523]

OK...so funny with the dishes !!

[@johncarolrenner6788]

I've been thinking it was a door leading down to that room and they patched it over when they cut the wall to build the window and great job finding that stone slab Selmar....sarcophagus lol good one Steff ...wtg Phillip getting her to do an eye exam you so rock. nice breakfast Marie.I so hope you get your lake back and soon Love To All Of You, Carol xoxoxo

[@sarapanzarella97]

The courtyard is looking beautiful!

[@elewysoffinchingefeld3066]

When you were looking at the big stone slab where the hatch should have been, it looks like there was some kind of archway on the building, under the window. Gotta get the Time Team in there to geophys the yard!

[@Pentax47]

yes i noticed that too!

[@marionchanson5479]

Me too.

[@jillfoster6369]

I think everyone has noticed the arch on the stonework. Great entertainment - thank you 👏👏

[@sharongruener6078]

I can't wait to see what is down there. Blessings.

[@Valerie-xx2fy]

The Arch on the wall!! ahhhh so cool

[@TheBTG88]

Make sure you use a good primer on that ceiling stain before you paint it, otherwise the stain will bleed through. A good primer will stop further stain migration. Don't worry if you can still see the stain through the primer coat - that's not the test for efficacy. The primer coat provides the environment for the paint to be able to cover completely.

[@robwestley7370]

Yes you need some special paint for damp patches, we have used a whole can on ours, and the stain in places has still come through.

[@J.Cameron.Stuart.Adams.]

Indeed that is the old cold store for the original château. It was very near or under the original unattached kitchen. The slab of stone is likely covering the old stairs. The arch visible under the window is an obvious sign of an old entry. You wouldn't normally find a weight spreading arch that low on the wall unless it was for a doorway. Similar arches found near the foundation elsewhere on the structure would indicate previous subterranean spaces. Some châteaus had multiple ancient cold stores for different foods. An exciting find indeed. This particular cold store was likely converted to a waste tank when the château was rebuilt or when block ice was easily obtained. It's nice to see water in the lake; even if it's just seasonal and not technically a lake. So exciting to see the survey happening. I look forward to seeing a full lake when I am able to book a stay..... in two or so years. I agree with others on the damp. This is nothing more than warm humid air cooling in the corridor. Adding an exhaust fan over the cooker (if there isn't one already) and a dehumidifier at the end of the corridor is all that would be necessary. In addition to running the gutter down the lawn a good two meters. Any structure with earth under the stone floors must have the gutter emptying a minimum of a meter away from the foundation. If grading prevents water from draining away from the structure, one must install a weeping drain (French drain) around the foundation where water flows toward the structure. This water trickles through sand and gravel, collects in the perforated pipe (French drain) and is carried away. This is the best solution and will ensure the earth beneath the stone floors remains dry at all times. That is if water isn't wicking from the moat.. If the moisture is wicking up from loose fill where the old section of the moat was, a cement slurry can be pumped into this loose fill to stop water from the existing moat from entering the loosely filled old moat. If you simply lay a membrane over the earth without address the any moisture issue, the moisture will simply collect and travel under the membrane until it finds dry earth to soak it up like a sponge. In which case you'll have a damp issue in the surround rooms with original stone on earth floors. A membrane may be the quickest and least costly method. However, if the source of the moisture is not corrected the damp will just radiate out beyond the membrane to other rooms where it can escape. I suggest, extending the gutter drains down the lawn on the back of the structure, installing a weeping pipe (French drain) along the front to carry rain water from the courtyard away from the structure, add a dehumidifier to the corridor, and an exhaust fan over the cooker. If the floor continues to have a damp problem next fall when the rains return, you'll need to address the old filled moat section running under the structure. I'm certain you've already discussed these options with the expert you had inspect the damp. This was another enjoyable vlog. Thank you for the escape. Cheers from Seattle.

[@kelliemarquet5125]

How is your mom doing in South Africa? I miss seeing her on the vlog 😀 cheers from 🇨🇦

[@percyattfield3393]

Isabelle is well and happy in the sun.

[@imhappy3093]

@@percyattfield3393 I know I’m not the only one who hopes to see you, Isabelle and Gerry back at LaLande soon! I hope you are all safe and well.

[@chasethecat3839]

@@percyattfield3393 Percy- WE LOVE U GUYS and hope you are happy anx healthy. Love to wife and we all miss you

[@dashaway1460]

We miss you Percy and Isabelle! Come back soon!

[@shelleygrund2615]

I have begun to feel that I am a member of the group at the chateau ... I love joining you on all the projects. I so enjoy the interactions among the residents and the creative solutions that evolve for the assorted problems that renovations can produce. I always look forward to you next video.

[@johncunningham1098]

Did you notice there was a portion of an old arch way under the loo window on the exterior wall. Why would the need to access several steps bel9w the present window?

[@alwaysroomforonemore232]

i noticed it too - looks like an old entry way... the mystery continues.

[@h.b.4058]

I noticed as well.

[@kinou_clem__6366]

You are right ! I’m so excited about this secret space ! I can’t wait to see what it is.

[@rosalindhambleton9012]

Lotsof interesting things are happening at the château right now. Love the glasses that Stephanie got for herself. Hope they have deals as glasses are really, really expensive. Anyway, this was a nice and interesting vlog. Glad for all the positive things happening at the moment.

[@celtglen]

STUNNING, STUNNING, STUNNINNG!

[@bobbydoggle2312]

Another awesome video - thank you for raising spirits!

[@pastorheather]

I love how you and P break into song just like me and my husband do! ❤️

[@kimberlyguerra4283]

Ditto...

[@stefaniesombaty8980]

I'm 4:25 in and am seeing an arch made of bricks underneath the window sill! Of course this is an entrance to something! Just like when Isabelle noticed an archway down the back of the utility wing in the summer. I am always pausing the intro so that I can look at the building and am hoping that you could tell us about all the windows and doors that have been closed up.

[@stefaniesombaty8980]

AND NOW IT'S 10,001!😝

[@gemmacgregor]

I hope the secret filming was doing your room!!!!! I can't wait for you to do all the things that you have been planning for switching your room around.

[@jasondubey8251]

The makeup non-tutorial was the best!!

[@brianashton1428]

(Moira Ashton) Aaawww! These vlogs seem to go quicker every week, I do so enjoy them, there is so much going on, I love that piece of Music (Dansez) it's been used in several other vlogs I watch, 🤫🏰💕💗💕

[@steviefirst]

Dont let the ghosts out under that slab .....lol

[@karinbergman1646]

Hahaha!😮

[@bstanevich]

Stephanie, I know you love yellow, but the plum/magenta colors of your hat and scarf make your coloring look sooooo much better and your eyes really pop. Wear those colors more!

[@karinbergman1646]

Yes, the scarf is beautiful!

[@helanalurie9962]

Always so refreshing to watch your vlogs. Things just keep on happening at De Lalande. Landskaping, the lake, even the plates turn by themselves 😅😉... 😁 (those jokers definitely enjoyed themselves a lot!).

[@Jwls1luv]

I just have to say how much I love this vlog! Absolutely love the warmth, laughs & love you all project out to all! Also absolutely love the comments section!!! Now there's some fun & funny reading! I was literally LMAO at some!

[@JohannaVeerenhuis]

As always, I’ve loved every bit of it!! Thank you so much!! 🤗🥰🤗

[@heidischaller1444]

Stephanie, you look so great in glasses!

[@Lea-bw9wj]

The plate being turned around was hilarious

[@dashaway1460]

Impish little boys with to much time on their hands!

[@SamVekemans]

I understand the points drawn on the page :) And with all the rain, we can finally see what the lake will look like! :)

[@mariagillinson8527]

Stephanie! Would love to see more of your sewing projects around your home!

[@ourfloridagarden4191]

So smart to get a survey done. Elevations change so much over the years.

[@kaywallace6139]

Your makeup looks great. I love the Spode dishes.

[@marsan7917]

I can't believe it, I was just listening to the song ", I can see clearly now", can it just be coincidence...it's also feature d in the show Lupin.....

[@peggyvick935]

🤣😂🤣🤣🤣

[@rolo4945]

Near that slab, on the wall under the window, are traces of an arch doorway.

[@mariadigiovanni1168]

I had noticed the same. I think it was an entrance to a cellar which was blocked to then become a cistern for the first chapter in plumbing. There was definitely an arched doorway and perhaps there are still steps.

[@rjrfletcher2355]

Yes, I noticed that as well.

[@LilithLLilith]

Delighted to see the building getting lots of love.

[@peterwhite9261]

Too funny about the plates. Years ago we did similar. I won't go into details but it was at work and it was night shift. Luckily it was all taken in good humor.

[@sweetpeapumpkin1923]

Phillip is such a good sport.

[@maureenreid]

Good vlog, and good to see filming about the improvements to be going in in the Chateau moving forward, was getting fed up with the baking vlogs.xx

[@elizabethzmijak2243]

Just like in France, we've also had a very mild winter here in Toronto Canada...with the promise of Spring, it's so lovely to see the grass getting greener by the day at Lalande. Just a thought about the mystery room...my guess is that it was a "cold cellar" at one time where wine, fruits, root vedges, preserves and possibly ice were kept.

[@Randy8923]

Enjoyed. So exciting the survey is getting done. Love the secret tunnel room. Everything is coming along nicely. Love to all ❤

[@marilynmcpheron3231]

If the mattress base were covered in green ticking -- that would be so pretty. I covered a base in yellow ticking once and everyone always comments on it.

[@wendymarks8655]

After watching Stephanie and Philip singing in the car, I feel an album coming along? X

[@Bammazz]

Those glasses looked fantastic on you! They really made your beautiful blue eyes stand out :)

[@samscarboro6805]

Okay two awesome voices! We need to hear some duets please!!!

[@swishfamilyrobertson3637]

Stephanie, please could you let me know what foundation and concealer you use? Your make up looks so flawless! Thank you

[@ericasunshine8169]

Magnifique lunettes! The red are tres jolli!

[@rebekahlow8375]

Love the video! So many things going on!! Love from Vermont

[@raynonabohrer5624]

Great video! God bless you all.

[@juliehinkel608]

You have so many projects going at once. I love it. Taunting poor Phillip is so funny.

[@chrismaraccini8108]

For some reason I'm not crazy about the taunting of Phillip. Hope he doesn't take it to heart.

[@robwestley7370]

He has a really good sense of humour, and he knows that it’s all in fun.

[@wimvanmoerbeke]

Wouldnt it be nice to re-build the old towers near the lake ;-) ... give a thumbs up if you like this idea !!

[@sandfly60]

Nice yes, but I'd rather have better heating first.

[@jourdainjardin846]

That would be very expensive and unnecessary. They should restore the lake abs boathouse before ever thinking about doing that.

[@wimvanmoerbeke]

@@jourdainjardin846 but its beautiful and not so expensive as you think, they do most things themselves ... so

[@maylisandepoulin3235]

Although I enjoy seeing everything about the Chateau, I have to say I also really liked seeing Stephanie doing her makeup and going to the optician with Philip. I would love to see more things like these in the future if possible, the variety makes it even more interesting! :)

[@shellyshelly1870]

So sorry about the leak. A little tip...before you go to the trouble of painting the ceiling, you might try treating the area with a bit of bleach. You may have to make several passes, but it might just save you the trouble of repainting. Best of luck with the repair. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@cathythompson8734]

Very exciting things happening at Lalande!

[@janamiranda4118]

Under the window of the loo, there is a brick arch. Perhaps over what was once a low door into the mystery space? I think it's possible you'll find a steep set of steps under the slab of rock and a bricked up entry in the former cesspool.

[@MrPrentissDJones]

4:16 there’s definitely something there, look below the window the stones façade has a pattern of an arch! which would suggest a opening of some sort.

[@lydiaschicklin5978]

Hello lovely lalanders ! It is so exciting ! So many things and mysteries are going on! Loooove it! Bisous from Alsace 😙😊🤗

[@juliadouglas872]

Hope you can get that flooding figured out. Another great vlog.