The Before & After of our Chapel Renovation so far | Michael sees it for the first time this year!

[@prettyinspireddecor6787]

The chapel is a true work of art. The artists who are restoring her are amazingly talented.

[@maryhollenbach4966]

I forgot how terrible the damage was before you started, this is so wonderful!

[@cathleencumpton779]

Same. So stunning!

[@1Waarheid]

The chapel looking as if it's build yesterday, especially that mural painting, is a terrible thing to me. When something is restored in the right way, it still looks it's age.

[@brookebaxter8742]

Can I just say that Michael Potts is so precious. So adorable.

[@stephaniesharkey3538]

But wrong shirt!!! From Bills Mafia!!!!!

[@corricatt]

😂

[@Sue-u6z]

I wanted to donate to the Chapel restoration, but am unable to spare anything. All I could offer were prayers that God would petition those who could financially donate. I personally want to THANK YOU to all who donated. ❤️ This beautiful Chapel will live for 100+ years again.

[@rebeccahickman2713]

Stephanie, Phillip, Nick and family, Michael Potts, Muumy Percy, The Scotsman. I wanted you all to know you have brought such a gift to thousands world wide. Some of us who may never get to LaLande. I not only watch, but choose to contribute financially when funds are needed for historical restoration. I do this because no where else am I able to help out even in a small way to help keep intact historical buildings that hold such historical, artistic, as well as personal stories that weave through history, and often leave such a profound mark. Having restored many a historical old home myself, I can appreciate the huge task and never ending job. I am sure it can be exhausting, but at the same time rewarding. Being able to watch this is such a joy. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this process.

[@jbart5260]

This non religious viewer finds the restoration beyond stunning. I love all the beautiful colors

[@belindaulibarri2260]

Same.

[@corricatt]

yes, me too

[@thesecretwindowspot1298]

Same non believer here. But stunning to see the transformation.

[@lindastorey6685]

I'm an atheists, butcan appreciate thecraftmansship of the restorers,the chapel is beginning to look stunning.

[@vickirickman5828]

Hate that you know the love of God.

[@xonoelljox]

Same here 😊

[@rayleneertle951]

I hope you get to know him

[@wendymorrison5803]

Art is always more than subject. These crafts are wonderful.

[@GenaF]

I am the same as you Linda. The beautiful work which has gone into colour matching and then into the statues is stunning. I don't need to be a believer to be able to see the top quality artwork.

[@GGOAT2019]

I am not religious by any means but as an educational historian, this is truly a miracle.

[@annetteenchelmaier2474]

The work on the Chapel is truly remarkable. Hats off to the very skilled restorers for their pains taking work.

[@PeterPaul175]

The chapel restoration is a truly worthwhile project. It is saving an extremely important part of France’s history and heritage. Stéphanie deserves the Légion d’honneur for what she has done.

[@corricatt]

Keep in mind they solicited for funding to make this happen (buy a star), it might not have happened if not for the viewers/patreons/star purchasers.

[@christikapa3856]

Seeing the before & after of the Death of St Joseph is amazing!! Thank you, Stephanie & your amazing viewers to help in this wonderful historical restoration! Wunderbar❤

[@claraisely9397]

@@corricatt Her willingness to share her asset with the world in order to save it is inspirational. That generosity is what the world needs now. Our chapel in Nature needs the same dedication and generosity to gleam with health again. Love Gaia well🌏🌎🌍 Thanks Stephanie for all your love, light and laughter

[@yolandagofigure]

The Pope needs to see this. I'm not Catholic, but a born-again Christian and I can't appreciate this as well it's beautiful. ❤️

[@banjiegirl2001]

It WOULD NOT have happened at all without the viewers, patreons and star purchasers ​@@corricatt so thankful for that

[@barbaralamoreaux328]

I hadn’t realized what terrible condition the chapel was in until you showed the before and after. Wow. The repairs are dramatic, but the level of detail and color are just breathtaking.

[@midnightdreemz1509]

You can tell this chapel was originally built to honor God in memoriam of the dead child. All the colors and so many statues of saints. A child would be so taken by it. I hope the beautiful chapel gave some comfort to the grieving family. It was decorated in the best work of its time. Please retell the story of the chapel, and thank you so much for this restoration. 😊🙏😊

[@carolineallen2285]

What a lovely comment! I often think of that little boy falling into the moat. Can you imagine that day. I would love the story of the chapel to be told again, the dates, etc. I wonder where the family is buried. Wouldn't it be nice if they took flowers from the garden to their graves to honour them.

[@midnightdreemz1509]

@carolineallen228Thank you. Everytime I see how beautiful this chapel is, I think of that precious child. Maybe when the chapel is finished, S&J will place some flowers in memoriam of the family. They must have cared about that chapel very much, cuz it was never deconsentrated.

[@carolineallen2285]

@@midnightdreemz1509 That is so sweet. I'm sure his Mother was in the Chapel everyday praying. I would love to know his name and his date of birth and passing. I wonder if there is a photo of him or perhaps he passed before there were photos. It's all very interesting and sad at the same time. There's a lot of history to be told. I believe at one time I tried looking up the family--I can't think of their name right now, but I didn't get very far, if I recall correctly. I'm sure Stephanie has lots of information on the family. It would be nice if she had some old photos displayed to honour them.

[@midnightdreemz1509]

@carolineallen2285 I would live too! Also she said,that the marquise that she bought the chateau from had 11 children. They would know a lot of the history of previous family. It's really personal so I doubt if they would want to much of it shared. But I would love to vist the cemetery. 😊

[@carolineallen2285]

@@midnightdreemz1509 Yes, I agree--I'm sure they wouldn't want too much information shared. I just had a thought. To honour the little boy, they could place a plague in the chapel with his name. I too would love to see their headstones. I'm sure they are beautiful.

[@doloresdickey4468]

You could make a booklet about the restoration of the chapel and sell it for those interested in buying when they visit the Le Land. It’s so remarkable how well the restoration has gone.

[@leighcairns2601]

What an exellent idea

[@tc7486]

I thought the same thing. It should be well documented.

[@pandoraysucaja10]

The statue with the seashells is without a doubt Santiago de Compostela or as you know him in English James of Compostela. The French Way of Saint James goes pass the place where the chateau is placed. It was called the Paris Way and it was one of the most important French Ways during the Middle Age. It goes all the way down in the west from Paris to the Spanish border, passing next to, if not through, Bordeaux. So yes, I think this statue represents Saint James. The chapel has become an incredible piece of art. Congratulations to the restorers.

[@donnawideman9082]

All of God’s children are so happy with the chapel renovation! Remember, a church is not just the building, it’s the people who worship there.

[@roseb7525]

As a practicing Catholic, I am in awe of the beauty of the restored chapel & the statues. Love, love, love the death of St. Joseph mural. I can't wait to see your plans for the altar. I wouldn't mind celebrating the renewal of our wedding vows in the chapel. Next year will be our 35th anniversary.

[@corricatt]

practicing?

[@luceaschild]

Same feeling here. It is amazing to see the amazing transformation. Deo gratias!

[@leonk8875]

​@@corricatt It means they are an active member in church activities and going to mass

[@lizf506]

@@corricatt We Catholics are all practicing. Nobody is perfect and we are working towards heaven. Not practicing means away from the Faith. It's a common way of putting it.

[@mariahoulihan9483]

@@corricatt don't be rude. You do know what it means.

[@sandywallace218]

I showed this vlog to my 92 year old mother in-law a devoted Catholic and there were actual tears in her eyes when she saw it. I bought a star in her name and she loved the rose window restoration and the painting of St Joseph. She has a problem with the British accents but I can translate for her.

[@mariahoulihan9483]

I was born to an Irishman.. and Mum was Welsh. in England. As a tiny child when visiting my grannie in Ireland we would go to Mass in the village. The old church had a ceiling just like the one in the chapel. As a tiny one I can recall looking up.. back then the Mass was read all in Latin. later on, in the 60s, I think atrer Vatican II, it changed to being read in the language of the country in which the church was situation.. So.. not only was I aged 3 or 4 so everyone towered above me in the pews.. but I couldn't grasp one word of it.. so my eyes were everywhere.. That ceiling is etched onto my memory now. I asked my Dad.. Daddy, is that heaven up there.. He gave me a big hug and said.. No Darling but its meant to look like it in a way. I was so very sad to hear that int he 1970s the local rural community could not raise enough money to renovate the church.. so it was raised to the ground and a modern one put up. such a loss. it was no where near as decorated as the Chapel at La Lande.. but that sky depiction on the ceiling.. whenever I see it on screen I am transported back 64 years. the chapel My Dad and his siblings and parents worship in. He was born in the 1920s.. and my grandparents graves are there in the cemetary next door to the new chapel. What you are doing at La Lande - and i know you know this.. is a gift future generations. Plus all those who donated or purchased a star in remembrance,. Well done to you all and to the restorers.. artists and experts in their fields.

[@pdq5465]

The chapel restorers are worth their weight in gold. They’ve done astonishing work. What an incredibly gigantic task.

[@merlinsowl9458]

I hope Philip writes the book and puts Michaels gorgeous before and after photos in the book with the stories of why chapel was created, family of priests etc. I’d buy the book for sure! Love history being protected and looking forward to your wedding being first in it❤️❤️👍👍👍🙏🙏

[@cwhite5015]

You don’t have to be religious to recognize and respect the craftsmanship. Thank you for the recap of the work (we do tend to lose sight of how far it has come). I am absolutely in awe. You’ve breathed new life into the old soul.

[@tropicalmom2468]

The chapel was always amazing, but one had to imagine what must have been. Now, we can actually see it in all its glory and there aren't words.

[@lizf506]

It's need the TLM.

[@kimberlyearly8918]

TLM?

[@song4568]

Stephanie, Michael and every person who donated. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Et merci à tous les artistes qui ont aidé avec tout l'art de la chapelle!!!!

[@michaelt8727]

The Before and After intro photos alone are absolutely unbelievable!.

[@pglenn8531]

This vlog was quite moving. Michael must have marveled at the transformation of the chapel. I had almost forgotten the darkness and damage occurring in the chapel so it was great to see the before photos. Truly a worthwhile use of funding.

[@galenklisch4354]

Nice to see Potts back, it's been a while.

[@monikastuckey8737]

The portrait of St. Joseph is beautiful!

[@RestorationDream]

This Christian finds the chapel restoration absolutely stunning.

[@clairemoniz4341]

I’m so glad to have “adopted a star” in the chapel. It’s a joy to have been a teeny tiny part of the restoration. The chapel is absolutely breathtaking so far!

[@gilliantiplady2769]

Stephanie I admire what you have done so much. The ability to see behind the damage and the drive to reinstate the chapel in the face of the cost is so rare and amazing. Really well done, you have saved the chapel for the future. A little piece of history has been saved for Lalande and France. It’s beautiful ❤❤❤

[@Grete-x2g]

Every time I watch this I am in awe. This chapel is a jewel

[@owenwitherell9969]

The Chapel Restorers need to be publicly recognized by French Government!! Simply stunning - the before and afters showcase their artistic abilities & talent!

[@YM-rt1jy]

Hundreds of highly skilled restorers and tradesmen/women (i.e. Compagnons du Devoir) restoring French Heritage for decades and decades in France.

[@joanmacdowell4457]

Stephanie, I am in awe of your vision & determination in getting the chapel restored, It looks stunning and I feel so lucky to have my parents remembered with a star on that heavenly ceiling!

[@hopegrable]

It's so wonderful seeing Michael back at Lalande again, and seeing his reaction to the chapel restoration work so far was amazing. The transformation is truly awe-inspiring to say the least, and it's hard not to get emotional when members of the Lalande family get to see it for the first time since the work started. Thank you for sharing that moment with us. I hope you've been discussing the restoration of the terrace and possibly considering setting up a fundraiser for it. If you can let us adopt stones to repair it I think it will be as successful as the Adopt A Star fundraiser. Please give Michael a big squeeze for us. I know he loves to travel and follow F1 racing, but he is sorely missed at Lalande. 🥰🤗😘 💖💗💕

[@dianayavetz6286]

The before and now photos are just so amazing. Stephanie, your grandmother, who I know was very religious, is smiling down on you and everyone who has made this work possible. It truly is something to be extremely proud of. Each new visit brings us more excitement.

[@lisaakinlabi]

I am a highly spiritual and empathic person. Not religious by denomination, but believing in a source, known to many as Jesus. I find that your chapel is truly full of the energy of kindness and love which encompasses ALL, regardless of denomination. I know for a fact the final reveal will have me shedding tears of joy because it's already so bright and welcoming.

[@nancyhelgeson9934]

Beautifully said! And I am in the same position and feeling the same..

[@stephenriley9084]

The chapel will be vibrant in the sunshine and uplifting when the weather is dull.

[@libbyrudolph6302]

You should be proud of the beautiful restoration in progress of the chapel!

[@anandhicooray5512]

The Chapel is amazing! 'Death of St.Joseph' is beautifully poignant. St. Lucia's statue is beautifully calm, serene! Wow! Great work Stephanie! Well done! You made it happen. Nice to see Micheal again!

[@kylesmitsdorff]

Watching for years but only when you see the side by side comparison of work being done on the chapel does it really sink in - the absolute magnitude of a task they had on their hands. This is so incredible. Well done Steph and team ❤

[@lrogers707]

love when Michael Potts is in the house [chateau that is]...

[@tc7486]

I’m not religious but I feel like I had a religious experience viewing that magnificent jewel box chapel. The music was perfect and the photography was spectacular! Bravo! Please do that again and often! The craftsmanship is unbelievable! It’s wonderful seeing it close to what it was originally. I’m with Stephanie! Make it look new and let it age for the next generations. Glad Michael has all those shots of the original before. And hope you’ll get lots of shots of it from every angle before everything goes back in.

[@tc7486]

Oh and Stephanie deserves a place of importance in the chapel for her contribution to restoration and preservation. She’s got the perfect look to be placed as a statue on a pedestal somewhere..

[@marioncrichton4387]

The work that has been achieved by the restorers is absolutely magical. What talented artists. Can't wait to see it complete. Could just have to book a room just to view it!!🌈😁👏👏🙏

[@Vee-zx6eh]

The Chapel is magnificent. Huge applause to everyone who have contributed to this project because that is a work of art. Priceless art. Thank you for sharing.

[@thinkerpatriot6308]

I am a Christian and got so emotional when I saw these beautiful images and heard the magnificent background music. It is wonderful what you are doing to restore the Chapel. May God Bless you Abundantly !!!!!!!!!!

[@rupertgale537]

Steph, it's down to you that the chapel has been saved and looks so awe inspiring. It could have been and probably was very close to a state of no return and you saved it. The power of KZbin and the drive and passion of you and your amazing team has achieved this... bravo

[@Lovemy60to70era]

The craftsmen are beyond talented I cannot believe the restoration work they are achieving I am amazed. If I could see it finished and be in this Chapel I know I will cry. Blessings ❤

[@judithmoore3200]

I find myself crying just seeing the results on my laptop!

[@annbardue3473]

Me too. I did this time just looking at the saints. My eyes were leaking! 🙂

[@Lovemy60to70era]

@@annbardue3473 I was so happy to see St. Lucy in the Chapel. There is a Church in NJ with statues very graphic and St. Lucy is there with her eyes on the plate in her hand. I later found out when I grew up my Aunt was poked by a stick in 1923 in her eye and was left blind in that in eye. My mother was just born so my Grandmother named my Mother Lucy for St. Lucy the patron Saint of eyes. ❤️

[@dianac52176]

The before, and during renovation pieces of video are making me cry. Don’t even mention the music. The whole thing is glorious. Thank you for this attention needed to keep the chapel alive.

[@AvaT42]

🇨🇦Watching the restoration I had forgotten how bad shape the chapel was in before, it looked ready to fall down!!!! Such stunning work from the craftsmen. Plus all the work that had to be done to make the chapel safe before the restoration inside could even take place, incredible, all of it!! Dave is such a friendly soul, I like him.

[@rigorramos4288]

Hello, Ms. Stephanie! I hope that this restoration goes beyond not just aesthetically but most importantly, the restoration of faith… God bless and greetings from the Philippines 🇵🇭

[@jaimeochoa7256]

This journey gets better everyday....Thank you for sharing your passion and pride...Congratulations!❤

[@clairecooper9931]

The chapel is just stunning ❤

[@magalisimon494]

Je vous remercie beaucoup pour ce que vous faites pour le patrimoine, en tant qu ' historienne du XIX eme siecle et historienne de l art , et en tant que francaise ( meme si le patrimoine est universel ! ) je vous suis tres reconnaissante de votre engagement et de celui de vos mecenes. Mille mercis et bravi aux restaurateurs , ils ont fait un travail impressionnant.

[@mireille4751]

Tout à fait d’accord avec vous. Je suis retraitée d’une profession au service du patrimoine et suis émerveillée de voir l’énergie de Stephanie et de sa famille. Son vlog The Chateau Diaries mérite d’être mieux connu du public français. De plus c’est une excellente façon de perfectionner notre connaissance de la langue anglaise.

[@susanedwards4209]

All I can saying is it’s Stunning those restorers are magicians 💕🥂

[@monicariske]

Following the restoration is amazing to watch but seeing it from Michael's perspective is just magnificent. ❤

[@dianehauldren8191]

The chapel is INCREDIBLE. It leaves me in awe.

[@hildaovalle1455]

I have forgotten how much you said that it was costing you to restore the chapel but, I do remember that you said that the people you were hiring for the restoration, were the same who had done some of the important restorations in Europe. The work done in your chapel is absolutely incredible. The expertise of the workers or artists in charge shows 100%. You did well by hiring them. The chapel is truly magnificent.

[@qmanh72]

I am so glad Stephanie held out for a budget that could afford these wonderful restorers. In less capable hands, we could be looking at something along the lines of the Ecce Homo fresco!

[@TheChateauDiaries]

At the moment, the total cost looks as though it will be €550,000 - not including the exterior landscaping 😬

[@Skattie]

Gratitude to everyone who helped the chapel materialise anew ❤

[@DrapersDoingRenos]

What an incredible transformation!!! Congrats on achieving your dream of restoring the chapel!!!!

[@dianebaluczynski9576]

Your perseverance in the chapel restoration is paying off! Thank you for having the vision and dedication to bring it back to its former glory. I hope you will invite people in your area to use it for weddings and other ceremonies.

[@vickirickman5828]

I love Michael potts. He is an awesome person.

[@gracecaron773]

The level of craftsmanship is beyond excellent. Each visit brings more exciting anticipation of what is yet to come!

[@susannoonan1]

It will be great to see images that Micheal will create with his camera in the chapel. Stephanie's videos have been wonderful. ❤❤❤

[@Nickysmom]

The richness of the decoration is truly magnificent. I would never have believed this renovation was possible. Bravo.

[@vickiranyard6552]

I have been hoping you would show before pictures of the chapel. I'd already forgotten how bad it was before the restoration. Wow, it is absolutely magnificent!! The restorers are so talented! You can hear the emotion in your voice every time you visit the Chapel. You should be very proud ❤

[@AnnaAnnaTT]

I am so happy that the chapel renovation is being completed to such a magnificent high standard. It is beautiful.

[@lizpattinson7771]

The chapel is looking fantastic now. The before pictures bring tears to my eyes as the walls looked like they were crying. Your vision has paid off Stephanie.

[@maureensutton1365]

Michael, can see a fantastic book with beautiful photos of renovation of Chapel.

[@lunalouhoo]

The renovations are glorious! I'm so proud to have contributed with adopting a couple stars!

[@ChateauDIYlover]

So much fun seeing the Chapel through Michael's eyes. Just reminds you what a long way it has come. Loving this.

[@michaelt8727]

All eyes are fixed on the chapel as it awakens from its century long slumber and emerges from its dingy, weather-worn cocoon to stun us all as it takes flight with breathtaking beauty.

[@wmomente]

The chapel - truly miraculous - restoration - we thank everyone contributing to let this happen

[@Jasonizer1]

The chapel work is absolutely incredible! I hope you make a separate video dedicated to the renovation once it's complete. Stephanie, what a miracle you've done ❤

[@markr.h.2574]

Absolutely beautiful. I am immensely proud of you all and your achievements.

[@carolineallen2285]

Michael is back at LaLande! All is well again. The chapel restoration is stunning.

[@5578pedro]

The chapel is very, very beautiful and, when it is finished will be exquisite. A lot of money, but worth every single franc. Congratulations.

[@shameronschofield868]

If you do nothing more at Lalande your legacy Stephanie will be the restoration of the chapel! Bless you! I hope one day to visit and gaze up at the stars in St Henry to say a prayer on the one a bought for my late parents 🥰🙏🏻

[@eaccristo]

I got emotional at Michael’s reaction. It is getting close. It’s so magnificent. Bless everyone who bought Stars. ❤ That barbecue looks awesome. I think if I lived there if you couldn’t find me I’d be in the Chapel.

[@endeavouringit]

The before renovations just shows the incredible transformation that has taken place, just unbelievable work, it's looking fantastic.

[@susang1925]

the music is perfect.....the restoration has a dreamlike quality that chapels and churches convey. Through the art, the soul is lifted up to heavenly spaces.

[@hazelmeldrum5860]

The beauty of the chapel now makes me realise that the area around it needs pathways and definition , plus some sort of recognition of the work done, i have visited a couple of restored places and been disturbed by the failure to acknowledge this

[@viking_voyagers]

I just had chills and tears looking at Jesus and all the old to the new I been following so long and have a little star (husband surprised me at Christmas and got me one)I'm so happy for you this all brings so much joy to so many people!! This is beyond what is imagined!!!

[@elizabethheatley22]

The restorers are true artists. Just beautiful!

[@joanoneill381]

The chapel renovation is breathtaking! Your voice changes each time you see more progress…how wonderful!

[@nancyhope8395]

I can’t wait for the Marquis and family to see the chapel!

[@Denika1388]

Sadly I believe the Marquis passed away a few years ago. He sold them the property with the promise to fix the roof immediately to prevent further damage ( the roof had an open hole at that time--very sad. )

[@DanielleGlick]

Of all the restoration videos online, this chapel is the most amazing! It has the beauty and craftsmanship of the most famous cathedrals in the world, but on a smaller scale in a private backyard. 🤯 I'm thankful to all the people who donated to make this restoration possible!

[@mireille4751]

Well said!

[@rhondathomas7952]

So proud to have been a small part of the restoration of the jewel box chapel. My daughter bought a five point star for me for Christmas! I cried! God bless you all!

[@mavep2855]

The before and after comparison pictures of the chapel are truly amazing. Grant’s BBQ, especially the steak looked beyond delicious. Wishing you all a sunny day. 🌞🙏❤️

[@beverlymurray6554]

The chapel restorers are doing an amazing job

[@lplmnl6229]

How fabulous it would be to be married in this Chapel! Chateau de la Lande would be a heavenly place for a wedding!

[@arlinebond3501]

So good to see Michael back at the chateau

[@normkordsmeier6527]

Only in France could you find restorers with such fine artistic dedication

[@kimberlyearly8918]

Goodness, it's hard to remember just what a horrible state the chapel was in before!! The difference is jaw dropping and they aren't even done yet! The music and seeing it all was very emotional. Thank you for showing the comparison! Good to see Michael, as always!

[@selinawilsonart]

Absolutely amazing! Bravo to the artisans and for everyone who made this happen. I’m tearing up and I’m only seeing 50million miles away on a screen😢😂❤

[@metweda]

I just realised yesterday that a side chapel in Roskilde Dome here in Denmark has the same decorations. The same blue vault with stars and same decorated arches.

[@dimiioma]

Hello Stefanie, you deserve a medal for the preservation of this wonderful art and craftsmanship. I had forgotten how bad it was. Regards Mark

[@colmyburgh]

I cannot wait to see your Mum's reaction to the restoration of the chapel. I know Isabell's faith runs deep🙂

[@candicespencer2021]

The chapel restoration is absolutely beautiful! I had forgotten how bad it was until seeing Michael’s photos!

[@paulineclare5065]

The workmanship is amazing! This is going to be a wedding venue of dreams! You surely have to be the first Stephanie and zphillip but by no means the last!

[@zander8018]

Vancouver 🇨🇦 ready and waiting. Early Gray and some biscuits ....take me away Lalandé

[@zander8018]

Sane weather hear...

[@jonimarchese7655]

Bonjour Stephanie and Michael, "WOW" oh my God the Chapel is looking so beautiful. I loved seeing Micheal's face as he sees the renovations for the time. When you showed the before and the during, what a massive difference. I am so, so very happy you were able to raise the funds to preserve this wonderful Chapel. Thank you to everyone involved with making this possible.

[@dmalewski]

Your restorers are true artisans... They have done an amazing job on the chapel!