The Chateau Diaries: NEW YEAR NEW LALANDE!!!

As our lovely Christmas guests leave, we find ourselves in a very quiet chateau, facing an exciting new year. Selmar launches back into renovations, whilst I start on a epic deep clean and sort out of Lalande, beginning with the most challenging project of all - sorting out my epic wardrobe!
The Chateau Diaries Episode 182 ✨🏰✨
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 500 Patreon accounts in the world, and have transformed not only out 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 become a Patron of The Chateau Diaries, click here: / thechateaudiaries

[@riomcgonigle]

Selmar- melted my heart when he stopped to stroke ruby the cat and of how genuine he is when speaking about Jesus. What a kind man, the way he helps Stephanie without trying to take the limelight, and is such a gentleman. Well done Selmar and Stephanie

[@indirajane]

Agreed :)

[@PetraLemié]

💖💖💖💐😊

[@lilkirsche]

Beautifully said. 🤗 ❤️

[@davidmadison5582]

From Gwenda- I love Selmar's gentle and kind ways!!

[@reeree1972]

Thank you for putting into words what I feel about Selmar. His quiet ways are inspiring.

[@rosemarieberry9804]

I absolutely love Selmar. He epitomises the very best in human nature, and that little clip of him in the chapel with the baby Jesus just washed away all the fear and horror that’s around at the moment. A truly gentle gentleman.

[@okienana11]

My thoughts exactly.

[@arlenaroche4960]

Natalie saying all the clothes looked like Disney land 🤣🤣 I gotta say the clip of Selmar putting Baby Jesus in the manger got me alittle teary eyed 🥺

[@labcat2322]

So touching and beautiful when Selmar placed Baby Jesus. He has such a beautiful soul and works so very hard. 😇😇😇

[@andreagoodman1636]

Yes!! Worked to not cry!

[@thethreemusketeersvanlife]

I was going to say the same.....it actually touched my heart .....i love Selmar he is such a lovely gentle soul ..

[@banitesscruz9771]

I think it was Selmar's version of a prayer to Baby Jesus on Christmas eve. It would be been beautiful if there were Christmas carols being sung while he was doing that. God bless to all!

[@carolweaver3269]

@Lynn Kornegay i agree with that. He is soft-spoken and when he said the words in prayer, it truly was from his heart. When you think how Saint Joseph (Jesus foster dad) was a carpenter, it makes you think how Jesus would have learned so much from his dad, so could also do this for a trade had he wanted to, and if it were his life direction.

[@carolweaver3269]

@Lynn Kornegay Oh my yes, can see what you mean! He does really.

[@julielangenberg3264]

I apologize if someone already made this suggestion: When doing a giant downsize, I realized that I could preserve the memories associated with clothing by taking a photograph, and that made it easier to pass things along to others. (And it can be fun to sort of stage the photos....some outfits photographed outside, some done with props such as a particular book or food or decorative item.). What an album of memories that can make!

[@sarasasa]

That is a great idea, I have found it very hard to let go of my mothers belongings so if i make a photo album of them that might make it easier.

[@chasethecat3839]

TY for a great idea that I am going to pass on to a semi hoarding neighbor too. TY very much! 😊

[@sarasasa]

@@itsmyparty4637 Thank you for that wonderful idea, I love it. ♡

[@jimm8682]

Selmar saving the floors of La Lande of course, he is always thinking and planning for the beautification of the chateaux...

[@designer-jocks_mc965]

“You just make it good” Selmars motto ;)

[@paulabrown3075]

I think Selmar and Stephanie might have deep feelings for each other. wouldn't they make a great couple.

[@designer-jocks_mc965]

@@paulabrown3075 I dunno I kinda feel like Stephanie needs a toy boy ;) lol #LoveForever #StaySafe “The Lady’s Timeless”

[@designer-jocks_mc965]

✌🏼❤️

[@designer-jocks_mc965]

LivingLife

[@suzannetownsend1757]

Selmars face when Philip says he's cooking 🤣

[@TheresAGirlInTheGardens]

😂😂

[@tinagates6835]

Selmar, you are such a beautiful soul - your words in the chapel brought tears to my eyes. I couldn't help feeling you were describing yourself as well as Jesus. Thankyou all for the joy you have brought me these past months. I lost my father in July last year during extremely strict lockdowns in Melbourne, Australia, and it was the saddest and hardest time of my life. Watching you all brought me some calm and some joy amongst the trauma. Happy New Year to you all, and I look forward to following along this year, as I switch off the mainstream news. If this past year has taught me anything, it's to live in the moment and to spread as much love and light as possible. And to hug your loved ones close xxx

[@chasethecat3839]

So very sorry for such a deep loss. I so understand.

[@louisedouglas8089]

I am so sorry for your loss, I lost my beautiful dad in 2019 and miss him so much, but he has given me such lovely memories, with time that’s what will make you happy

[@jeanninef2110]

How sad. Losing your father is a hard one....I lost my dad 18 years ago and I still miss him. Keep him close through your memories. Big hug from Canada.

[@42apprentice]

Selmar is a gentle soul, which is so nice to see in a man in these troubled times

[@JH-sp5my]

I did a big clothing purge 10 years ago and regret it. I often think to myself, I want to wear that, and its gone. Keep all of your classic outfits. And fun ones and silly ones. And beautifil ones. Just get rid of frumpy dumpy stuff. You have room to keep all of your clothes. You could have a dressing room upstairs somewhere. Just pick a room and transform it. A better use of your time than carrying your clothes downstairs and messing up a room. Just a thought. J

[@suzannematthews1307]

Stephanie you are so lucky to have Selmar in your life, he is such a lovely and kind person God bless 🙏🏼

[@hilarysouth1122]

Tears in my eyes when Selma put Jesus in the manger very moving x

[@aleta5873]

Me too. Surprised how my heart felt the old love for baby Jesus. Loved what Selmar said about Him.

[@kathybrown6815]

“Christmas Rabbit!” “He’s taking care of baby Jesus.” “Yes he is. They always hang out together.” “What a duo!” 😍😍😍SO SWEET

[@luckeytexans7287]

Selmar made me tear up. So beautiful his words of Jesus.

[@jeanieallison4899]

A man after my own heart... Selmar stopping to pat the cat on his way to doing a job💕 I love the people of La Lande- all sweet and caring!

[@hollyssimplelife1634]

Yes, I know. So sweet the way he stopped to pet her.

[@beckytalhelm6415]

Selmar’s tribute to Christ Jesus was so full of love and faith! Thank you for including this because it radiates in my own heart each day of my life!!

[@Anna-ky7ix]

Selmar made me cry with his beautiful ceremonial placing of Jesus💝 I’m not particularly religious though I am a spiritual person with no religious attachments I loved what he said so appropriate in these times particularly. 💗

[@janetburridge8423]

I so totally agree.

[@FolkFaninMA]

Yes, it was a much needed reminder that I wish everyone could hear.

[@scpmdt]

He is such a gentle genuine soul.

[@carriematthews7991]

Selmar, you have such a special spirit, your words regarding Jesus brought tears to my eyes. Blessings 🐶🐾🐾

[@edsamson8916]

You have a lot of clothes, but the fact that your sharing with others shows your willingness to give to others.

[@teresamartins3551]

Selmas prayer in the chapel is beautiful.

[@waughzee]

Yay! With everything happening in the US, I've been a bit down. So happy to have a little LaLande today!

[@marlenesistrunk5300]

Here here 🙌🏼

[@ellepienews6249]

So nice to hear that the “world “ is feeling our pain. Thank you

[@francesaggarwal22]

We are all thinking of you here in the UK. My father was American, I have family there and I love the US, so sad to see the scenes yesterday. 😢 Hopefully things will change for the better🤞

[@marlenesistrunk5300]

@@angelhelen84 words are hollow after you’ve encouraged a riot #riots please tell me where you read Ms Harris bailed protesters out..little girl died?

[@janetthomas8244]

@@marlenesistrunk5300 She bailed out rioters. It's true. Over the summer.

[@Natasha-oz6ik]

Thankyou for the Christmas message Selmar, that was too sweet.

[@mindakahn9964]

20 years? When I was in retail I used to say if you haven’t worn it in 5 years it’s history. Well I did a clean up and found 40! Year old gold in my closet. Real 80’s Laura Ashley. They look so good at my country house with my wellies. People stop me as I walk the dog and ask where on earth I found them. “In my closet.”

[@nicolecouture4514]

I was so touched when Selmar placed Baby Jesus in the crib. He is such a beautiful and kind person. I was also sad to see Michael Potts leave, he should be staying at the chateau with Stephanie. Super LaLanders - love you all.

[@chrislarsen2684]

Selmar you are such a blessing....

[@imhappy3093]

Selmar is just the best!!!👏👏👏. He has such a beautiful heart ❤️

[@michelerandall123]

That was so sweet when Selmar took the Baby Jesus to the Crib in the Chapel.

[@cherishandglowyourskinforwomen]

I loved the prayer in the chapel. 😃❤️

[@cynthialuna5786]

Selmar is so sweet. His heart is made of gold. He feels and knows the true meaning of what Jesus Christ stands for. Love his words in the Chapel. You have a wonderful group staying there with you. You are so blessed Stephanie. God bless you all.

[@nancyhelgeson9934]

I cried as Selmar celebrated Jesus. Yes, I will be keeping a focus on the kind, caring, wonderful man and the role model he was. You have motivated me, Stephanie. Starting the new year with a clear out. Thank you for sharing the beauty of the nativity sets, and packing them away with such care.

[@carolflynn7933]

Salmar at the church with baby jesus, made me cry, beautiful,xxxxxx

[@G.A.1024]

I cried during the moment Selmar placed baby Jesus and shared what he means to him. So beautiful and touching.

[@suring2000]

Time for Selmar to build a walk in closet for you and a massive cedar closet in the attic for costumes and winter items!

[@hasret2096]

Great idea!

[@cate4338]

Selmar appears to have a full calendar

[@aimswanson1]

One of the adjoining rooms should be turned into a walk in closet.

[@maggiefrancis3300]

I wish the 4 of you could stay what a team.please dont go Selmar,u r so special,and Phillip,such charisma,Marie,so gentle and lovely, and dear Natty what a rock,.i miss isabelle,but you Stephanie are the Queen of the Chateux.Thankyou for your wonderful blogs.xx

[@debimacinnis5548]

Call Dan........ his dad is a mason and he would know the best way to cut or chisel the stones. It is so wonderful to see Selmar again. Of all the rooms I am most excited to see the china room come together. Happy New year

[@donnaterry9073]

Oh my goodness Selmar Is a Saint . I cant believe he is going to attempt to use that old stone to replace the floor . It would be so much easier to find something new that has a old look to redo it with. Love this all the best site on you tube !!!

[@jourdainjardin846]

If that was easier they would have done that. It has to match the flooring that’s already there. Nothing new/modern matches that. It’s also better to use existing flooring anyway.

[@thethreemusketeersvanlife]

Stephanie said they have been searching for a long time to find tiles to match and because they are so old they cant find any ......the room they are re -using the tiles from isnt greatly seen by anyone so they can put a new floor in there instead

[@donnaterry9073]

Yes I have watch the video LOL Just my opinion and wanted to point out just how wonderful Selmar is . I see the point of using the original stone floor.

[@jennymay4720]

So touched by Selmar and the crib scene. Hope Philip is there next Christmas, and thank you for this on a dark day in Us history,. I hope we can be kind...as Selmar suggested. Thank you Stephanie.

[@sarahburton3110]

Indeed. My thoughts and prayers are with you 🙏🏻💗

[@0999milky]

Selma put a whole new take on Jesus for me that I will now take with me through my life His words really struck a core and if we all took that kindness and love through life the world would be a wonderful place to live in Sadly that won’t happen .Thankyou Selma

[@sarahyates6055]

Bless you Selmar you work so hard, you’re doing an amazing job as always. Please be careful lifting those stones especially take care of your neck.

[@murielanne57]

If I had a whole chateau to fill I would happily keep all the clothes . . .

[@wimvanmoerbeke]

BEWARE !!!! check very well that by putting dampproof membrane that you don't cause problems to the walls. There are people renovating their castle and they put concrete in, the damp (water) has no way to go up through concrete, so it goes up on the walls !!!

[@vfl5211]

Yes, this is so true. Please get some advice from a heritage expert before putting down a damp membrane. Check out lime crete.

[@melaniemarlane3887]

Loved the Advent series, but also loved having "Hi, I'm Stephanie" back!!!!!!

[@mariamrobertson7553]

Steph is so lucky to have those nice people around her. I love Philip. He is such everything to steph.

[@rejiestage8749]

And then there were five..seeing the file of clothes Stephanie have made me think that we all have to somehow let go of the past and accept changes for the better.

[@AvaT42]

Oh I am I glad to see Stephanie! With all the awful things I watched happening in the States and the pandemic and, it all just gets to you sometimes. Stephanie and Selmar and everyone else at our Chateau Lalande. They will all cheer me up!❣️💐🌞🌈

[@theresaromero2855]

Yes, Stephanie and the LaLanders are a very helpful dose of sanity, and a reminder of the wisdom of making the most of even the simplest joys of life.

[@nancycowan6109]

Being a citizen of the US, yesterday was truly horrifying for most of us. We look forward to a new administration. And yes, watching this particular channel gives many of us peace and a welcome break from what is the most disturbing four years.

[@nancycowan6109]

@@angelhelen84 If you believe this to be your truth, then I pity you. Don’t respond.

[@robwestley7370]

@@angelhelen84 Sandra Westley UK there are no excuses, for people that don’t accept the outcome of a ballot, with good grace, we had similar problems with Brexit, those that wish to remain took it to court as well, and spent 4 years trying to overturn the will of the people, shameful. We need to remember that God is in control of the Nations and he raises up to power whom so ever he will. Selmar s remarks says it all, love one another, as I have loved you.

[@bernadettehooper4318]

​@@nancycowan6109 Amen. For me, the new year begins on January 20. We need to seek the positive during difficult times. Stephanie always delivers that.

[@hematite2588]

Doing purges of “things” , and how we normally do things, is so beneficial for our spirit and it benefits so many other people. Excellent! Stephanie, this is a great beginning to make these healthy changes for 2021! Super!

[@kasisatya5448]

@@gardenroom65 Yep thats the problem isn't, when things are good lets buy STUFF, then a year down the road all that junk & plastic gets tossed into the landfill, wonderful. Try to simply stop buying junk!!!!! But we in the USA just LOVE our stuff.

[@edsamson8916]

Selmar shows his experience with conversions. Great characteristic of a man with ideas.

[@chasethecat3839]

I found your comment to be profound and true. Nicely said

[@kerryncolin-thome2343]

I agree, Ed that was a very profound comment about Selmar. I loved Selmar’s simple yet enlightened comment about Jesus. Selmar is such a modest and humble teacher. 💕 🕊

[@judithschrim145]

Enjoyed the vlog...and I, just like "R Mc" below my comment stated..."SELMAR in the chapel...melted my heart also...stopping to touch Ruby, and then when he placed Jesus in the manger in the chapel with Phillip, I CRIED....his words, his presentation were so touching....and he seemed to be soooo honored to place Jesus in His bed...he's a tender hearted, devoted and kind man...Loved the vlog...love to all...and "good luck in organizing and creating some smoother moves to make all that experienct LaLande more relaxed...Love to all Judy

[@marykelly9698]

Omg selmar very touching 💕 god bless you always

[@monikastuckey8737]

Nice job organizing all the things! Hope the clear out goes well! Amazing flooring plans, too! Loved Selmar’s baby Jesus segment.

[@rachelleenderle1326]

Turn all of your hangers backward. At the end of the year what is still backwards should go!

[@piperuk5366]

Ooh nice 👍

[@ShipCreek]

Wont work. The wardrobe is communal

[@neenmach]

Great idea! But some things must stay??!

[@poodlegirl55]

I did the hanger trick for three years in a row and I had less than half the clothes in the end. I have kept it that way for five years by getting rid of one thing if I brought a new one in.

[@chasethecat3839]

Another GREAT idea

[@mcharlie260]

I recently watched Trinny Woodall go through her immense wardrobe (16 wardrobes) and explain how she was saving pieces for her daughter to wear. I love that you still have dresses from when you were 16, what memories ! ❤️❤️

[@kimcrofoot8517]

You need to get Michael to shoot some new arial footage of the chateau's courtyard for your intro. It is so lovely.

[@gglydie4242]

I had the same thought, and it would be great to see the LaLande sparklers photo included :-)

[@jourdainjardin846]

Maybe he could in the spring when there are flowers

[@leisafloyd6933]

Agree 100% - to see the changes within the gardens & the Courtyard xx

[@lindastansfield1536]

Thank you all for making life fun again. Kisses to everyone. A bien tot.

[@Faithful10415]

I think you should open up a resale shop on the premises and resell your clothing or items. It would be a hit. Or as someone in the comments below mentioned make one room at the chateau “The Dressing Room”. And open it up to guests just for the fun of it. Or have an online auction to raise money. Stephanie you are such a personality with such unique taste that could be a success. And I bet there are people out there willing to support Lalande in that way and share a piece of your personal history.

[@designer-jocks_mc965]

Stephanie looking as angelically gorgeous as always.

[@LovefromCassandra]

I cannot wait to see how Steph’s closet situation turns out! 😂👏

[@sarahburton3110]

Happy New Year everyone 💝🌹⛄️🌟

[@tinak5765]

Selmar’s reflections of Jesus was very touching. So lovely to hear his calm voice and reminder of why Jesus was born.

[@jillfoster6369]

Yes tears in my eyes watching Selmar place baby Jesus in the crib. Love the clear out you are going to have Stephanie. Well done and Happy New Year to everyone.

[@leahhamdaoui7755]

Thank you for sharing this Stephanie and your cheerful, bright self to inspire us along the way. Selmar I love that you wear a leather jacket when digging up old flagstones and also your words in the Chapel. Sad to see Michael Potts leave! Missing Isabelle's presence in the vlogs and also SCOTMAN :-) 🏰🦔⭐🌹💖🙏

[@pattiearehart118]

Selmar epitomizes Jesus spirit of kindness! Very touching when he placed baby Jesus in the manger.

[@hatshepsut8329]

I see that I am not the only one who shed a tear or two listening to Selmar as he placed the baby Jesus in his manger. I am glad that Stephanie included this footage. It was nice to see Ruby too! He and Selmar and Diesel make the place seem more homey I feel. They are a good fit!

[@frangeorge5962]

Really glad to see your vlog. Jan 6 here in the USA was astonishing sad. Glad you're all back.

[@peterwhite9261]

Beautiful tender moment with Selmar and baby Jesus.

[@FolkFaninMA]

Ruby has such a cute meow, it’s more like a chirp. Good luck with your clothes purge Stephanie, it will feel really good once it’s done. I actually love purging, but I’ve gotten to the point where there really isn’t much more I want to let go. Stephanie, Nati, Marie, Selmar and Philip. Sounds like the Chateau dream team to me.

[@edsamson8916]

That yellow dress is a masterpiece.

[@johnsoran701]

It's always a sad time when the Christmas decorations come down. Everything looks empty when it's all gone. . watching from the southern tier of the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York USA 🎅🏻

[@debshaw680]

I wish I could fit into anything I owned when I was 16! 😆 I have one jacket from my youth that was actually part of my dad’s military fatigues from the 40s. I lived in it for years until I had three kids that radically changed my shape. Now my daughter wears it.

[@beeabser]

Selma, you are such a special soul. You have spread the message of the Christmas spirit of Jesus Christ. So very important in these dark days. Thank you Stephanie and all of your chosen Lalanders. You all spread joy to the world. Bless you all!

[@lafranglaise3399]

How incredibly moving and apt that Selmar, the gentle giant who watches over all of you at Lalande, tenderly took baby Jesus to lay him in the manger. Selmar's speech about Jesus brought tears to my eyes. You are all very lucky to have such a pure, kind soul amongst you. Then again, Lalande appears to the best people. Grace à toi Stéphanie. Looking forward to the day when we can at last come & meet you all. Bisous des Pyrénées Orientales, Michele

[@aimswanson1]

I agree. Selmar is a pure soul and I wish for the lovingkindness of Jesus to reveal itself in the churches here in the USA. It would be a welcome change.

[@Tracy_R]

I know Kat is jumping up and down as you sort throughyou clothes! Lol Wish Selmar had an assistant with the stone floor. Am I the only one who teared up when baby Jesus was placed? Good heart Selmar has. Thank you ALL

[@kathrynarnold821]

Stephanie, please get some unprinted paper that is acid free to pack the decorations. The inks in printed materials can react over time with the figures and leave color on them.

[@Jayrose59]

I buy old dress patterns and use the tissue paper to wrap ornaments

[@lilkirsche]

Today's inks should be acid-free, so this shouldn't be a problem. Also today's print papers have a very low proportion of acid.

[@jourdainjardin846]

I use acid free tissue paper and re use it over and over.

[@designer-jocks_mc965]

That’s why cost so much, live on a farm grown your own food ✌🏼❤️

[@SistersLamb]

Hi, @@Jayrose59. With all due respect, please reconsider buying and using any garment patterns for this purpose. As a fashion historian by profession, patterns are an integral part of my work and the story of fashion. They should be preserved for study and to re-create garments of the past. Using them in any other way is wiping out a huge chunk of fashion, design, art, printing, and commercial history. Best Regards!

[@smd2702]

How can there already be thumbs down when it hasn’t even started yet. Some people are so envious of this Chanel. It’s so bubbly and cheerful it’s impossible not to like!!! Jog on....

[@yvonnesullivan4388]

Steph a man that can make you laugh is a good thing

[@yvonnesullivan4388]

That yellow dress was stunning on you

[@andreagoodman1636]

Stephanie, this was JUST what I needed after the horrific actions in DC. ( US citizen) thank you, Lalande for the heart’s ease! ❤️

[@cagarden8808]

Yes, CD is a welcome break from all of the US turmoil...Yoga breathing and tears... Cheers to the Lalande team and Lalanders around the world! Thank you!

[@aimswanson1]

Yes I watch the news here in the USA and turn it off and go to KZbin which is installed on my smart TV. It's wonderful to watch Stephanie, Michael and the Petherick family and Billy and Philly and Ryan. Quite a fun group of Chateau friends. It helps ease my mind ever since the election and all the foolishness including desecrating the Capitol building the other day. Thank you. thank you, thank you for your great videos that have helped us through the covid virus and the W. H. nonsense.

[@0999milky]

Hopefully by end of year there will be a place for everything and no hallways crowded with things.The attic can be one huge organized storage area that you can just go to and know where all things are . Hope Kat gets back to help .

[@jx3751]

Thanks for including the 16th birthday party photos of you and Scotman!

[@jannamorton1004]

The Chateau Diaries and Marie Kondo is the crossover event I didn't know I always needed!!! I really hope you're filming you going through the clothes! I'd love to see your process and what you decide to keep.

[@estherquezada9054]

The flooring that you will be putting in is absolutely gorgeous!! Also loved the inspiration to purge and move on! Thank you!!💛💛

[@lorileenew9227]

Glad to see you more well-rested, Stephanie. And Selmar - just melted my heart talking about baby Jesus.🥰

[@colleenlawrence6499]

Selma man of spirit and love. So glad you 5 are all together.

[@dashaway1460]

What a lovely way to start the year! Thank you Selmar!

[@roberthossen8354]

Stephanie dear, do not ever think only ladies can drown in their pile of clothes.... so can gentlemen....

[@hootenanny1001]

More so I think.... In the past I’ve tried repeatedly to get rid of some less wearable items that were in the wardrobe and would came up against stubborn resistance each time. There was a particular pair of joggers that were held together by holes that I had to ‘lose’ in a bin while out shopping otherwise he would still have been wearing them out gardening......they were positively indecent!

[@michelefolds7190]

Selma really is a diamond.

[@jdowsett1]

Such a wonderful happy video to watch today! So much better than everything that unfolded here in the US yesterday🥰 Xo thank you for yet another wonderful uplifting video xx Aloha🌼🌸

[@27Spiritgirl]

Loved seeing the 16th b'day pics of Steph with Scotman and family!! What treasures you have! Also agree - Selmar is such a beautiful, gentle soul.

[@aleta5873]

Suggestion: maybe get Selmar or anyone doing heavy lifting, some type of strong, narrow trolley/roller to transport heavy items. ..it'll save the back etc..

[@cate4338]

not to mention his neck injury that had him recently laid up...

[@Jayrose59]

Selmar is a very capable man who knows his own limits and will ask for help if he needs it. But we are all concerned as we dont want anything to happen to him so he can continue to add beauty to lalande.

[@katieirish5765]

A new year ahead....back to work! Full steam ahead!! Also, I was touched by Selmar's regard for Jesus. You can tell he tries to walk in the way of Jesus; no wonder we adored him so much!

[@paigeg1150]

Loved seeing the photos of you when you when you were 16. Beautiful 😍

[@sheidam5244]

I really enjoy your vlogs. I'm a fan of chateaus and never had seen one before. I would love to be a volunteer but I just can't cause I live in IRan and its hard to get a visa to Europe Thanx a lot for giving us a fantasy tours

[@kateb6866]

Let me just say that Selmar is the most exceptional craftsman/handyman you will ever meet!!! Who on Earth would say yes to taking down a few centuries old tiles and move them elsewhere ???!!! My goodness ! It seems such a non-essential job to do...You are so lucky to have him! I think I slowly start falling in love with him 🥰❤️🥰

[@Wanderful1]

Selmar is a gentle giant.

[@astillnessyoga]

I know it's bit more to manage, but you could create an ebay or etsy shop for all your lovely clothes and knick knacks you're purging. I'm sure a lot of your viewers and patrons would think it's neat to own something that once lived in the Chateau- and it could offset some of the costs of upcoming renovations... just brainstorming! This was a fun and sweet episode (as always)!

[@scpmdt]

Oh Selmar! I rarely cry but this time I did. When you gently carried the Infant’s statue & very gently placed the Baby Jesus in his crib. Then your words praising Him was so inspiring & heartwarming. You endear yourself to us more & more. Wish we can clone you so that there will be more human beings like you in this world. WE LOVE YOU. Stephanie I don’t envy you your task of clearing out all your wardrobes. You have inspired me to make a start soon. Phillip is a real stalwart & such a blessing to Lalande. We love him too.❤️

[@lunatickgeo]

Stephanie, if you follow the Philippine tradition, you can put up your Christmas decorations as early as September and then take them down as late as the last week of January 😁

[@sarahyates6055]

Does this mean Phillip will still be at LaLande next Christmas!! Yay!!

[@joannahartley8174]

You beautiful folk; good to gently wrap Christmas and carefully package things away until late November 2021 when, with luck, we'll all be feeling a great deal more upbeat. Selmar is going to make a super job of the heavy stone flooring (and we can share delight at removing the damp issues of a 17th century 'earth' floor). Just so taken, generally, with all the 'clutter clearing' a la Kondo and more that we're all up to all around the world... a real sense of paring-back, to make way for new things to enter and less 'acquisitive' life-styles. Hope you don't find it all too overwhelming, Stephanie. xx

[@carolweaver3269]

Hope you never get rid of the yellow evening dress! That looks lovely and it is perfect for so many occasions, I am sure! I wish My husband could help Selmar. If only younger He knows alot of carpentry type work. You do not know how happy I was to see ROSEY your Chateau favorite and only' kitty.' Have wondered about her, and she has gained weight and looks so good now. This truly is her home! She even answered you!

[@Sgirl]

I'd say Ruby's actually a bit on the tubby side 😸🤭

[@carolweaver3269]

@@Sgirl Yes a little bit, but so very cute!

[@lilkirsche]

Cleaning and decluttering is sooo good for your soul. I did that last year with the Marie Kondo style as well. It's really great. And Selmar is so hardworking, wow!!!! Nati is like the organising soul of Lalande, it's great that you have such an amazing team. :)

[@luisawinn1428]

[@chasethecat3839]

Itz as if the great spirit himself hand picked these folks to help the Chateau et al and Stephanie which in turn eases mummy

[@michellematthews8332]

Stephanie you have inspired me to tackle a lot of old paperwork that I have been avoiding! 👏🏻 Selmar what a special moment & words while placing baby Jesus in the manger 🤗.