The Chateau Diaries: MUMMY DES SOURCES!

[@sylviemacfarland8503]

Dan the shy Gardener has become brave enough to be the leading man today on the Chateau Diaries cover! I think Isabelle and Stephanie have a way of making people feel loved and confident.

[@JudithBisson]

Sylvie MacFarland so true Sylvie. What a French name you have, I do you speak French? Living in Canada and having French parents has allowed me to keep my français for 50 plus yrs. while many of my primary school classmates cannot speak it any more. Now that’s sad.

[@shoshanabloom8669]

How come you have seen it and ima, waiting for it

[@Natalyaandall]

I wish they would make me not to be shy😊

[@-AuburnWaves]

@@Qwertyuiopclub which Marie do you mean?

[@hackneybitch]

Sylvie MacFarland you are absolutely right!

[@mamazeno1672]

I think Selmar is a Blessing for the Chateau 🙂♥️🐞

[@rosymylene1878]

He totally is!

[@FunkyBear2]

Absolutely, theres nothing he cannot do - he's just amazing :-)

[@debralpateart8862]

The look on his face when he saw the new pews in the van looked like -oh boy! He has lots to do already, good thing his stay is open ended.

[@kathrynarnold821]

Selmar is the McGyver for chateau Chateau de la Lande. He is so talented!

[@kaarenjukes8308]

Who is Mcgyver?

[@Madhaggis]

Yes. If Selmar can't do it, it can't be done.

[@michaelwoodbodley8099]

Kaaren Jukes He was the handsome Mr Make-plan hero of a TV series. You might find something if you google his name.

[@AslansAngel1]

Bravo, Selmar. SO impressed. You are a genius!~

[@vikivictoria7343]

Michael Wood Bodley morning

[@chantaln6843]

Antoine dragging the vacuum cleaner was absolutely PRICELESS… mom’s got him well trained, indeed… 😂😇😂😇

[@josephinedavidson5968]

That is something these two women do, they inspire others and help them grow in confidence and we can all see how Marie absolutely blossomed from the influence of encouragement, it is joyful to watch both Isabella and Stephanie doing what they both do best, appreciate people and just look at the response, just look at the team around them as volunteers , plus all these Patreon eager to encourage, I know myself what joy it brings me personally and I shall be in for the long haul just for the pure pleasure of seeing that Chateau brought into the 21st Century looking resplendent with Style and taste, oh and a Lake also. They take absolutely nothing for granted and are so grateful for all the gifts, they are simply gracious. Can’t wait for the Vlog on Fortuny x

[@nomebear]

There is a magic and a vitality about the Chateau that breaths new life of youth, beauty, and talent into it's denizens.

[@eileeng2492]

Me too! Long haul

[@bernadettewatts3975]

Totally agree, Jo. Well said. In for the long haul as well. It is lovely to know they are there working and inspiring and spreading joy.

[@mattneillninasmom]

So many parallel projects happening...always, maintenance to be done, just to keep functioning, never mind future projects like the fountain resurrected and the water system made to work to the garden's advantage. Stephanie has an unerring instinct for finding people who are multi-talented, with skills they can apply to the many needs of the chateau and its inhabitants.

[@angelakilroe3271]

How funny is Thomas, his humour is priceless!

[@jourdainjardin846]

I love Dan ❤️ such a hard worker!

[@lw7240]

Gorgeous x

[@lesleythomson2823]

Jourdain Jardin Dan and also Selmar

[@whatzupLizzy]

He works hard, knows lots and is a sweety!

[@escapetoruralfrance]

Thanks guys, I try 😊

[@teresacarle294]

💖 My hero💖. He performs all this hard outdoor💪labor around the grounds. And, goes 🏡home to work more around his own 200 year old property. Stays on an even keel no matter how tired or cranky he feels. Never seems to snap @ his little boys. ☮💛🌼

[@trixiegirlism]

Selmar does everything with such flair ... Diesel wearing his smart kerchief, sleeping in the basket adorned with peacock feathers. Love this guy!

[@ninianmacmillan-keith7435]

Nice to see Dan in the lime light.

[@marlenesistrunk5300]

Ninian MacMillan-Keith remember Dan is a Chateau paid employee

[@frangeorge5962]

The fountain looks fantastic after all the efforts by Thomas and Emily. Wonderful job!!!!!!!!!!

[@kateross9236]

Marie in stable with the birds reminds me of Snow White with her blue birds!! :D

[@debralpateart8862]

Marie needs some coolers for her flowers!

[@teresacarle294]

🐦 Too true. Very sweet picturing Marie as a shy princess in hiding. A ❄cooler❄ would extend the life of her flowers💐, esp. in the high heat☀️. ☮💛🌼

[@pamelamcfadden337]

Selmar must never leave..he is invaluable beyond words.

[@radicalmama135]

i cannot agree more... he cannot leave ... even if he wants to🤣🤣🤣😜

[@leanndelosrios1616]

Pamela McFadden very true. He needs an apt. at the Chateau so he can’t leave.

[@dotell8925]

Selmar is a Jewel! Dan-IS-THE-MAN.

[@Hellyers]

Good old Selmar, what a legend!

[@radicalmama135]

omg..selmar... nobody but selmar could do this

[@whatzupLizzy]

Selmar is the man with the plan to restore just about everything. Amazing skills. Hello from Amsterdam.

[@MsCanadianpie]

He solves everything!

[@francespietri824]

“It’s not Henry, it’s me... I’m looking ghost” 😂 Thomas, the best one liners today 💛 Great job on the fountain ⛲️

[@Hellyers]

22:18 had to come back again just to watch Selmar riding off into the distance with Diesel in the front basket as if 2020 wasn't even happening. That's a properly care-free life right there!

[@hatshepsut8329]

I love Diesel!!! He looked so cute in the bike basket sporting his new scarf! The pea chicks and mom in the kitchen was pretty cute too. They obviously feel right at home there at Lalande, but who wouldn’t?

[@radicalmama135]

he was INSANELY CUTE!! And how great is a man who will put his cure doggie in a basket!!

[@nicolemulready6329]

Dan is just completely fearless, incredible

[@jakequenet]

Stephanie! I (and many others) would absolutely love to see Selmar have his own segment or videos going through his restorations, showing the process ect , even if he had his own channel! Would be a absolute joy to watch!

[@1jmass]

Jake Quenet If he worked with Dick and Angel, there is absolutely no problem the three of them could not solve.

[@UltraHanisah]

I really cannot say this enough, Selmar is a genius and an irreplaceable treasure to Lalande!

[@pussygalore5947]

Excellent job on the fountain!.....People work so joyously - it's like a Disney adaptation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs! "Hi Ho Hi Ho, it's off to work we go..."

[@lisamarutz9772]

Every time we meet a new member at La Lande, from Selma, Thomas, Emily, Dan, the return of Marie, the Ian’s, and so many more, I wonder how the Chateau ever worked without them🥰 They are ALL such a blessing😊

[@cynthiachristensen8819]

.......loving me some Emily! What a wonderful spirit she has! You go girl.

[@patricialevi3190]

I adore how isobelle and Stephanie are such opposites but work so wonderfully together! They sure compliment each other and each other’s talents, don’t they?

[@cynthiachristensen8819]

Stephanie is the Bichon and Mummy is the Aussie Shephard! LOL!

[@nashvilleKatt]

I wish I could find a “Dan” to help me with my gardening! LaLande is so lucky to have Mummy and Dan to lead the hunt for the water! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@mcharlie260]

Antoine grumpily cleaning made me laugh so much 😂

[@MicheleLRid]

Be still my heart, I love Selmar and Diesel!

[@letitiahansford307]

As a back up, get plastic rain barrels to collect water off the roof to use in the gardens.

[@sksbc3895]

Dan works so hard ... it's good to see his face on the thumbnail! :)

[@hectorbrown656]

Yes I agree with you he is hard working , but then he is being paid for his work whereas Selmar , Thomas , Emily are all unpaid , Bonjour de la Charente Maritime .

[@robinsonrobinson2854]

Just the right people working in the right place, great.

[@mariavanbroeck4870]

they must put more time on they talented people who all the work.

[@radicalmama135]

just like the ghost said he would do!😁🥂

[@metropcs7560]

Selmar and Tomas are so funny together, they could make their own TV show. Thanks for sharing how people are suppose to work together, there is nothing like it.

[@bambiborel6837]

OMG I just realized I have a crush on Selmar💕 love that lion man

[@1jmass]

Bambi Borel I am pretty sure there is a line forming.

[@bambiborel6837]

jean massey you would be crazy not to line up. Lol and I have a husband who makes me believe I’m a queen since we were 17 and I m I’m my early 50s . You have to love a man who can wood work, cook, dance, and loves all creatures big and small 💝

[@annawright8277]

Oooh la la shutter man !! 😉🍊. Selmar is a God send. You just can't do without him. Isabel, you are so full of life and energy for your young age!🤗. Such a nice gentle rain. Tomas did a good job on the fountain with a little bit of friendly help. And bless Dan with working on the water.

[@joelvillamil8005]

I’m glad Dan gets recognized too! I know he’s such a good worker helping mummy in the garden in this scorching summer heat. Would love to help out with the restoration when this pandemic is finally over - maybe with the restoration of the lake.

[@veronicamarco9111]

L

[@cynthiachristensen8819]

First the water pipe was unblocked, then the sky opened up and poured it's sweet blessings out on LaLande!

[@eledatowle7128]

The man with his dowsing rod is very talented. My dad used to dowse - He taught me to cut a forked stick from an alder tree, because alders love water. He dowsed all the well locations in their neighborhood as each house was built, and no one ever had a dry well. An old fellow from our town dowsed my well and again, never had it run dry. I've felt the stick turn in my hand, sometimes hard enough to make my hand sore, so although it doesn't make "logical sense," dowsing can certainly work. Maybe he can find the leak if he walks the length of the pipe.

[@wilykat21]

Without casting any aspersions on the people involved, who no doubt are sincere and trying to help, dowsing is bunk. www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/22/water-divining-bunk-popular-myths-science-sally-le-page

[@eledatowle7128]

@@wilykat21 I like The Guardian, and as I said, it makes no logical sense, but I've felt a forked stick (held with one branch in each hand and the main trunk pointed forward, twist in my hand hard enough to make my hand hurt. I'd have never believed it if I hadn't had it happen. I do wonder about people using metal rods or just a bent stick, since I haven't experienced those, but some seem to have better results than others. And isn't it nice to believe in a little "magic now and then?" Whom is he hurting by dowsing their water pipe? Science makes life livable, but magic makes it worth living. :-)

[@300books]

@ Eleda: Lots of things don't make "logical sense" when they are not fully understood. Dowsing is perhaps a sort of energy that current science can't detect. It wasn't that long ago that doctors delivered babies without washing their hands because they couldn't imagine that microscopic germs on their hands infected their patients. The idea of invisible germs didn't make logical sense back then. Not understanding how something works does not make it invalid. This reminds me of the strange invisible "sense" that migrating birds have that allows them to travels long distances without getting lost.

[@dantherrien341]

Best episode ever! Mummy & Dan fixing water issues, Tomas and Emily in the fountain, sheep running amuck, Selmar fixes everything!!! Omg, so much happens at La Lande. Bravo.

[@rebekkahaas9686]

Dan was savage with that stinging nettle. All kinds of wizardry in this episode.

[@escapetoruralfrance]

After spending years of clearing nettles iv become immune now 😂

[@rebekkahaas9686]

@@escapetoruralfrance Very cool Dan! Following for more of that. Looks like you have your work cut out for you.

[@42apprentice]

Yay, I love the water diviner & Mummy sleuthing the water course

[@catsinhouse]

@Frank Johnson I remember my Swedish grandfather hiring a diviner to look for water on his property across the street from our home. We kids thought he was a magician. (Don't think he found any water, though.)

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

It is totally amazing how the trivia of someone else's life can be so riveting when made up onto film format. Thank you for another epic installment! (Find a way to keep Antoine and his family at Lalande permanently! He is one of the stars of the show!)

[@RolaCaro]

Nic is part owner of the chateau. He andd fanily live right next door in Belgium.

[@danellis-jones1591]

It's strange how, as in life, my appreciation and connection with people at the Chateau changes as I get to 'know them' more. Well, through this video. I was ambivalent about selmar to begin with. Now I wish he was my uncle or brother (additional). He's just got a wonderful energy and incredibly talented. I hope he doesn't leave, but I guess he'll have to one day! I want a drink with him and Micheal Petherick. Although I'll feel totally inadequate!

[@bonniesteinke6624]

Diesel is so cute😍!

[@cyndeeratledge3093]

Yes he is and takes everyone and everything in stride!!! Such a get along easy little doggie.....

[@debralamb1289]

Stephanie, I so love ALL that you and your delightful family and team of volunteers, and friends are doing at LeLand. Collectively you are truly not only bring back the original BEAUTY of LeLand, but, you are breathing new life into your AMAZING Chateau. Thank you for sharing everything with us

[@annettecurtain5052]

Got to say that clip of Antoine with the vacuum was comedy gold 😂

[@organicdelights6049]

Practical Dan! He gave mommy chicken poop for the garden on her birthday 🎂 Lol 😂 lovely people!

[@cornishcoves9399]

🏰 lol YES & 🥒we forgive that ♥ because Dan is such a caring and hardworking person & Isobel appreciated it too...🧄🥕

[@ta3970]

She was thrilled with her gift too...🥰

[@ShipCreek]

Dont forget the garden sign he made her. And he didnt find out it was her birthday until the day before. 😁

[@organicdelights6049]

@@ShipCreek Yes of course he is a very hard working guy...

[@2Sugarbears]

Isabelle is amazing. A few more of her and you could run a country. Remarkable. Loved the dowsing.

[@xingcat]

Diesel in the basket is the cutest! The fountain looks amazing. Why can't I spend the rest of this year at Lalande with all y'all?

[@chrislarsen2684]

Oh Selmar....Your Diesel dog looks soooo sweet....He is so comfortable he went to sleep....How adorable!

[@jitaamesuluma9730]

i swear Henry was so busy , he sent you Tomaz and Selmar , he really loves you , he is helping a lot

[@suecollado8696]

💓Selma Diesel looks magnificent... Mummy is doing fantastic commentary whilst Dan works hard, well done to you both... The pea chicks are being taught how to get food from the kitchen... Marie is surrounded by bird & flowers & all is well with you all💓

[@kellicooke8188]

Just a little suggestion: Paint the ceilings of the rooms that are open a sky blue to dissuade birds and bees from nesting in those areas.

[@Vee-zx6eh]

Wow thats a great idea! We have a bird nesting in the wrong spot issue. How does that work? Do they think it is the open Sky and therefore dangerous to nest in the open?

[@kellicooke8188]

@@Vee-zx6eh I believe it does make them think it is open sky. I know it was a common practice in the coastal regions of North &South Carolina, Georgia, etc for a long time.

[@Vee-zx6eh]

@@kellicooke8188 Its a great idea. Makes sense. Thank you for sharing!

[@Louisefenner]

Dan finds fame in the thumbnail!

[@makeuplover6852]

" that's not a reef knot!, shall I tell you how to make one?"... Isabelle is such a delight !!

[@vivianlloyd4755]

So love Diesel too, wish I could give them both a big hug 🤗

[@joechristmasdk]

Very exciting jubilee episode finding water, fixing doors, shearing sheep, chasing Pea chicks from the kitchen and cleaning the fountain, congratulations Stephanie, you are an excellent editor :)

[@LostwithLaura]

I love Mummy's water mystery adventures! I hope it get solved soon!

[@Vee-zx6eh]

Stephanie, my husband is watching your show over my shoulder and said " can you write to her?" Tell her about the blue stuff you can put in the fountain to stop the algea from growing. He means Copper Sulphate. It is blue powder. A couple of handfuls but not too much because it can poison animals if they drink out of it. A little bit is good for animals but too much not good. .....Add a handful every couple of weeks. Wear gloves - don't get it on your skin. You can usually buy it from a livestock produce store. Husband says you can also buy it as a water trough block for livestock watering troughs. It will have instructions on how many litres of water it can treat. We put copper sulphate in our horse troughs which are old bath tubs. We usually put in a tablespoon per tub. It sure does keep the troughs clean.

[@lesliesolwayboyd689]

Everyone at the chateau is just wonderful. Such beautiful personalities! Love you all!

[@CrowShadow]

So much down and dirty work at the chateau and grounds today! Real behind the scenes running of the property; and you all do it with aplomb and joy ... and then, IT RAINS! You are blessed by the universe!

[@frangeorge5962]

Loved Mummy showing Selmar how to do knots.

[@ladyjane8855]

She terrifies me sometimes - inserts herself into the most dangerous situations. I was shouting "Get out of the way, Isabelle!" How Stephanie hasn't locked her in her bedroom I'll never know 😂

[@richaelblewett5068]

I'll bet Isabel was a formidable Charge Nurse.

[@cynthiachristensen8819]

@@richaelblewett5068 She is a force to be reckoned with.

[@carinemunro1077]

there is always room to learn something new!

[@raphaellabella1476]

Richael Blewett Nurse Rachett comes to mind....

[@charliebrown5755]

If you put a cup of baking soda in your fountain once monthly algae out and you water clean

[@barbaralemere5183]

Monsieur Diesel was looking especially dapper today! Tres chic!

[@27Spiritgirl]

And Dan is adorable with his new look and new confidence! ;-)

[@dearmaria4654]

Another interesting vlog Stephanie, great editing, how you managed to "surgically" put these videos together so it captures the stories around the chateau. Everyone is great at what they do, you are blessed with good people. 💖

[@lorileenew1211]

Isabelle does a great job behind the camera!

[@chrislarsen2684]

Mummy you are so intelligent and a brilliant problem solver....I can only imagine what you managed in your nursing career..

[@patriciaodoherty5202]

The thunderstorm was glorious!

[@michelerandall123]

The fountain looks so nice and clean Tomas & Emily!

[@debralpateart8862]

So many great things are getting done now, its wonderful to see repairs and improvements! Each helper has their own talents that blend to success. Blessings from all directions makes for a happy crew!

[@LaReynedeNeige]

Forever doing projects myself and there is always the satisfaction of knocking another one off the list 😁

[@TheFiown]

I received my Lalande photo card today complete with perfume !!! Thank you xxxxx

[@vanessaschofield7927]

selmar is amazing give him a chalenge to fix something and he comes up with a fix. its what i call thinking outside the box. the fountain was amzing and such fun a jollarity so wonderful. then theres dan dan the water gardening man . what a great member to have on your team and such a help for mummy. I was just thinking they need someone with a divining rod and then he appeared. its amzing the divining rod. maybe a good idea to pout in some markers where the direction of pipes were so if theres an issue and you had to dig up the pipe to fix it then you would have markers for the direction. you do have it on cmaera so you can look back to see where it was. mummy is so helpful and knowledgable what a great lady. diesal in the bike basket was so lovley

[@wandamackenzie144]

Good heavens what a masterful job on the fountain Tomas and Emily !!!

[@PL-mu1cp]

When I had a fountain I used to put some "Spa Shock" in to the water to keep if from going green. Pool chemicals also work to keep the water clear. IT's not expensive and saves lots of work cleaning.

[@marlenesistrunk5300]

P L animal safe?

[@PL-mu1cp]

@@marlenesistrunk5300 not 100% sure, but same as if they drink out of a swimming pool if you put in the rite amount of it. In my area we have Coyotes and other animals that drink out of swimming pools, Part of living in the hills.

[@marlenesistrunk5300]

P L csoutheast coast here it’s alligators & snakes

[@lindasnelson7036]

Selma is amazing. He can put his hand to everything. You’re very luck to have him.Enjoy your holiday at lake Garda Stephenie.😀

[@MDeanrecipes]

Selmar and the doggie basket.... Adorable - Stephanie I love seeing what you wear on a daily basis - it makes me look at my clothes with a new eye! Love the videos!!

[@jenlawson8955]

Simply French country life at its best. Just love your vlogs.

[@janetnash]

Mummy and Dan are determined ! Keep going you’re like eater detectives x

[@TallieBear]

Could almost feel that rain! I hope it has managed to break the heat wave. Sending cool thoughts and lots of love to everyone at Lalande. ❤️

[@sorchaliving]

The view from Stephanie's window is everything. Reminiscing great spirits of all who lived before.

[@jot4336]

Captivated by your vlog as usual. The footage by Isabelle was better than she led us to believe during the live on Sunday. The man with the divining rod was interesting to watch. Thanks for filming it! Such a great insight into the water system of Lalande.

[@mystrength5640]

Selmar your Dog Diesl, is so so gorgeous!

[@-AuburnWaves]

Ooooh Dan on the thumbnail and I find myself totally digging it 🤗🤩

[@elledammers8]

💜So Cute I LOVE IT 🥰🌞😎Thank goodness it rained ☔️ btw I’m Dutch & my last name is Dammers ~ which means The dam builders 🤣🤣🤣 ha ha I bet my relatives maybe could have helped 🤣🤣🤣 Blessings to all🙏🏼💜

[@deborahdarrellstone6023]

Mummy is very wise and so knowledgeable! And Dan is awesome also, smart enough to follow Mummy, so respectful to each other and great discussion from each other!

[@karenleeduffy2215]

It’s just wonderful how all of you problem solve like a well oiled machine! Fantastic! 🤗

[@goldenineke]

Who was the man helping Selmar rescue Stephanie’s shutter?

[@franj.1461]

I was wondering the same thing.

[@martinwright4125]

so beautiful the chapel, the french countryside, the lovely ominous sky, the thunder, and the sound of the rain...as the gentle rain droppeth upon the earth...i'm so happy for all there. good for mother's beautiful flowers and plants and the vegetables. wonderful to witness. best regards. seeing the water witch, took be back to a time when my brother and i would follow our grandfather, as he used a willow fork, in order to locate water on his farm for the back fields and the cattle and hogs. we saw him use this witch many times, on many different properties and different farms.

[@27Spiritgirl]

And Thomas is just priceless - love him to bits!!

[@miatt8389]

Hi Dan You are an amazing gardener

[@regineruiz3847]

And good looking!

[@sorchaliving]

@@regineruiz3847 I'm more in the Oliver camp hahahaa but yes Dan is a looker

[@regineruiz3847]

Yes I love Oliver also! And Tomas and Selma and I just love them all!

[@sorchaliving]

@@regineruiz3847 a great mix of personalities agreed

[@-AuburnWaves]

@@regineruiz3847 just fyi it is Selmar with an r at the end, which the English don't pronounce, but we Dutch do 😊

[@Ana-Maria-Sierra]

I’m enjoying watching these videos again!

[@arsinlupin5628]

And so do I ⚜️

[@fishermann1102]

I think i am in love with Dan! What a lovely man!

[@Pieter2707]

Loving the explanation time with Selmar! Even the engineering part of my life gets some entertainment here :D Love the videos

[@Jennifer62389]

That was one of your best video's, thanks from Shoreline, Washington USA 🙋‍♀️

[@badapple65]

The scene shown out the window of the backyard landscape during the rain looks like a beautiful oil painting. It just looks French.

[@carolweaver3269]

I do 'Water Witching' too, in order to find water sources. Can use coat hangers you cut with their angular ends. Willows and so much more.

[@headron66]

Isabelle you are a natural behind the camera. I’m loving every bit of your vlogs. Is there anything you can’t do young lady 😂😂❤️❤️

[@arlettedumais5776]

OMG, Stephanie, I just LOVE how you created a family of wonderful people working together to restore the beauty of Chateau Lalande. It's a beautiful thing to see. Also, you are an amazing moderator/commentator. And btw, I noticed one of the horses in the stable was named "Arlette". I feel honored!

[@lisawebb6083]

In the nearly 6 months that I have been watching, LaLande is turning into the grand chateau it once was. The individuals all have unique gifts to join together. The men of LL are so handsome and knowledgeable in what they do. Thank you Stephanie for making my continued lockdown bearable. Much 💙💛 from Austin Texas USA 🤠

[@scpmdt]

Another treasure Dan the man working his magic with maman in the garden. Selmar with the Midas touch as everything he touches turns to gold. It’s turning out to be quite a year with Antoine doing his share of chores what more could one ask for. Thank you Stephanie for another great vlog❤️