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Update from Lalande & Janssen's Temptation!

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 400 Patreon accounts in the world, and have transformed not only our 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!!!

Comments

Anonymous

Ha! Fun...sounds amazing.

Anonymous

I have long wondered how many fridges and freezers you have on hand now, and how you manage budgeting for and purchasing food. We are but seven, but we have two fridges (American sized ones - one is mainly for veggies and dairy - we try not to shop very often) and three freezers (we DO buy in bulk from farmers whenever possible.) We also have two dishwashers, but then we (shhh) own almost nothing that can't be dishwashed. We do cook most of our food at home.

Anonymous

Love the idea of the loo being done as a surprise for Selmar and done by year end!! The idea of the small kitchen being done is excellent and using IKEA is a good idea as much of their products are good quality and do the job. Thank you for a great update Stephanie. Love it!! Bless you and much love to all of the Lalande gang!

Anonymous

You could have washing up sinks at two different heights.

Anonymous

Thank you!

Anonymous

Great update. Question… any update on terrace and steps?

Anonymous

Thank you for the update. Having a master plan is so smart.

Anonymous

Where did Nati and Amoury go?

Anonymous

That’s such a coherent and workable plan Stephanie. It sounds all quite daunting, but slowly, slowly catchy monkey. 🙊 You’ll get there - wherever there will be - and then you’ll have start again😉. Thanks to you, YouTube and the Patreons, a chateau that has been around for a few hundred years, may well be so for a few hundred more. Love to you all over the festive season and a big thanks to Davey. He really is worth his weight in gold.

Anonymous

Hi Stephanie! Would taking away from the bulkhead affect your father's mosaic tile art? Congrats on your progress of the Chateau. The potatoes look DeLish! Can't wait for you all to have a proper loo! ❤🍷 and... some gratuitous woodland animals for Philip 🦔🐿🦔🐿🦊🦌🐇🐁🦔🦔🦔🦔🦔

Anonymous

Thanks, Stephanie. Really enjoyed the update and a yummy new dish to try. Sounds like you are wrapping your head around the number of large projects to juggle - and as you said, prioritizing to make them all come together in the correct order of work. This will optimize resources and move more things forward. Very exciting! Happy Advent - enjoying the daily festive vlogs and reenjoying last year’s gorgeous singing and Advent goodness. Thank you for all that you and all the LaLanders do - it is a blessing to watch and be a small part of. Much love to you all. - Oh, and was wondering if you were planning to update/redo any of the rooms over the break before the new guest season?

Anonymous

Re l’arriere cuisine. Would you consider having the sink facing the window in order to have a long countertop. Maybe the window is too low?

Anonymous

Could you use the paneling you just got a few weeks ago for the doors?

Anonymous

Looking forward to finally seeing a finished loo! Is the architect still liaising with the tradesmen that were working on the terrace?

Anonymous

Stephanie- I have been absolutely loving the advent calendar series. Would love if next year you did a gift guide for us! Would love to hear about your favorite items to give at Christmas. The few ideas you shared were wonderful and I wish I could have learned about them even sooner.

Anonymous

I know that you treasure all those good people around you, We do enjoy your updates . Happy Holidays to you all !

Anonymous

Thank you for the update! All the work sounds very exciting but I'm most looking forward to hopefully seeing Mummy and Percy in South Africa and Davy in Venice!

Anonymous

Does anyone know if the perfumes she is using in the Christmas Crackers can be sourced here in the US? If so, where?

Anonymous

Have a look at https://us.smnovella.com/pages/store-locator

Anonymous

FYI STEPH.........keep your Business Executive Assistant happy and keep her new apartment moving forward. I am quite sure you are currently keeping your Personal Executive Assistant happy. :-)

Allie Murray

Thanks for the update! Can’t wait to see how all the projects get on! Merry Advent.

Anonymous

Thank you Stephanie for the update (especially during advent) and all that you do! Your advent vlogs are so inspirational! I can't wait to see the new apartments for Nati and Jerry! Lots of love to the entire Lalande gang!

Anonymous

Stephanie, many thanks for this very exciting and informative update. That Davie is quite a guy in his quiet way. Funny you should be making Jansson’s temptation. I recently ordered some Swedish sprats online to try to make that dish, and now I definitely am!

Anonymous

Awesome update, Stephanie! You looked beautiful, as always. Very bright-eyed and bushy- tailed. I hope that means you are getting lots of rest and taking good care of yourself. I think having a global plan to work off of will make things much easier to keep track of, and leave you with more time to have fun and travel. I'm really excited about your channel with Oliver. The two of you are so much fun! In the new year, would you consider doing a poll with your patrons and subscribers on what sort of things they would be interested in doing when they come to visit your area? Your little community has so much potential in terms of offering accommodations and experiences. If your community knew what people were interested in, maybe that would help them determine where to invest their dollars. The heart of Lalande in beating strong once again, and it will pump new life into the local area. Preparation is definitely key to success. Sending you all hugs and lots of love. <3 <3 <3

Kelly S Larson

This was a great update and the potato dish looked yummy. I'm most excited to see the facade repaired. Merry Advent

Anonymous

I thought the lake survey had already been done?

Anonymous

Thank you for the update and for keeping it seasonal, as well! :-) How you manage to juggle all of this is beyond me! Getting the downstairs 'loo' completed would be a major help to the staff (and everyone). It would also show your appreciation for their support. Sometimes those little things have meaning way out of their proportion.

Denise Behrends

QUESTION: Is l’orangerie just off the kitchen that you discussed last January still part of your eventual long-term plan? Your vision for a light-filled glass room to enjoy morning tea or coffee sounded so delightful when you described it. I recall you indicating that this would allow people to still gather together in the kitchen area, while giving more space for those who are cooking.

Anonymous

Wonderful to hear about all the progress! You are so lucky to have such talented people in so many areas! Davy is just fantastic! Yes, do finish the loo! In the Advent video I was amazed that Amary had taken a bee class and has all the equipment! LaLande Honey in the future! It is nice to be apart of the evolving progress of the Chateau!

Anonymous

In addition to Selmar cutting a ribbon at the grand opening of the downstairs loo, perhaps he should also have first dibs on “christening” it?

Julia Cobb

As always really enjoyed the update. I’m especially interested in what I call the pantry where the washing up and utensils are stored. Honestly, I’d like to see that done next year. If only for those who volunteer and do the washing up and storage. I’m so excited about the downstairs loo being finished, too. Poor little thing has been sitting there also most finished for a long time😕 (Probably quite lonely 🚽) I really hope that we get an update on Gerald and Nati’s apartments soon. I’m hoping they weren’t filmed for the English TV show so we won’t see them until next fall.😢 Really enjoyed this update. I’m so happy to see Davy bloom. You have such a positive affect on all who come to Lalande.

Anonymous

One little note. I'm fairly certain that sinks don't fit into the 37.5cm depth kitchen cabinets from IKEA.

Julia Cobb

I love the idea of a community guide. Where the fabulous brocantes, little lunch/dinner places are. I’m always on Google Earth whenever you visit a small town seeing where it is.

Jodi and Scott Barck

Amaury is a godsend to the Chateau!! My husband always stops to watch when Amaury is on, laughs and says I like him haha.

Anonymous

Great video Steph! Would it make sense to have the dishwashers on the same wall/right next to the sinks? When you were in the cellar the other day you could look out thru the grotto... any chance they used to use the grottos as a means to bring things in/out of the cellar?

Anonymous

Thanks for this update S. That was fun 🥂

Anonymous

Had a wonderful evening watching thank you 🎄🐕❄️

Anonymous

The updates are always fascinating - so much going on. This time you were cooking too so I can't resist letting you in on a way to avoid crying whilst chopping onions. I happened upon it quite by accident. I put a cut-resistant glove on the hand holding the onion. "Look Ma - no tears!" I thought, how strange. How could a glove prevent tears? It must have been a coincidence. That was two years ago. Every time I handle an onion I put the glove on and not once have I shed a tear! The glove is made by Cuisipro, fits either the left or right hand and comes in one size that fits most sizes. It doesn't say what it is made of that prevents cuts, but it looks like it might have some metallic-like threads woven into the others. It is machine-washable. Although it is made in China, it is designed in Canada BUT is likely available in France too as it says: Browne Europe, Les Hauts de Serre, 26190 Ssaint-Laurent-en-Royans, France. 🇨🇦

Anonymous

In FInland We eat also Janssons temptation ! My mothers favourite !

Anonymous

I saw another patron ask a question about the impact moving the bulkhead would have on Stephanie's father's art for the kitchen. That was the first thing that popped into my head when Davey mentioned moving the bulkhead. Perhaps, if it's not yet been digitally printed, it can be sized onto a smaller size of tile/smaller scale and still fit into place with the adjustment? It's definitely something to investigate before making a decision that makes it difficult to use his design.

Anonymous

Fab update thank you - I'd like to see the heating project ahead of any facade spend, but that's because I'm a very practical person. It sounds like it could run alongside however, which is great news. Much love, light and happiness.

Anonymous

Thanks for update- just to pass on advice given to me when fitting a kitchen in an old house I was told by a pest control chap to tank or seal the walls and floors as much as possible before fitting new cupboards. Makes it just a little harder for little visitors to share kitchen delights! I’d also sing the praises of drawer storage rather than cupboards as it so much easier to see what’s there as well as saving backs and knees! Well done!! Keep going!

Anonymous

Thank you for the update!

Anonymous

Stephanie, I would love for you to do a year in review/2021 Patreon recap in January! I think it's always helpful to take a moment to reflect and appreciate what has happened in terms of work around the chateau. It can also be a learning opportunity to identify what you want to do differently in the new year. Lots of love!

Anonymous

Hi Stephanie, what are your plans for the doors and windows of the chateau, are you continuing to replace on a rolling basis or will you restore and keep certain areas as single glazed going forward. Also it would be great to see a project such as restoring the cinema room on the top floor on a budget using things you have to make a room for very little cost functional.

thechateaudiaries

We have two fridges in the kitchen and one freezer in the laundry room. We also have four more fridges in the apartments, so at a pinch we ‘borrow’ Mummy and Nic’s when we need extra space!

thechateaudiaries

That’s a good idea, but I’m concerned that the worksurface wouldn’t be in an unbroken line. I want it to be as easy to clean as possible!

thechateaudiaries

The architect is liaising directly with the builders for that. I have given the go ahead for work to continue and it is scheduled in, but she doesn’t think it will be until the spring

thechateaudiaries

Yes, it would affect the width of the mural. But as he hadn’t finished making all of the tiles, they should still all fit!

Anonymous

Such exciting projects and prospects for the new year!! I am genuinely happy for you, Stephanie!! But the poor chapel restorer, one calamity after another. You gotta feel for the man… when he’s been on camera, though, he does look lovely, and so passionate about the work. All in good time!! 🎄🎄

Anonymous

What's nice is that there was a time when you had to choose between paying taxes and services or buy food and petrol ! Now you can plan and finance your dream which has also become the home and dream of so many around you. You actually live at Lalande as people did back in the 18th and 19th centuries with lots of people and although your workers are paid in todays money the principle is the same, giving employ to so many. Happy to be a tiny part of that xxxxx

Anonymous

Hi Stephanie. Perhaps I missed an episode, but I remember that a wall was taken down in your boudoir so that light came from two sides. I think this was going to be your office. However the floor was uneven and your were going to live with the situation to decide how to decorate. Did something happen? If so, what episode was that?

Anonymous

Hi Stephanie thank you for the update, love these. A question I have is, regarding income from vlogs, does it have much difference if one watches a premier or later on, as there are no ads in the premiers?

Anonymous

I would love to know more about your study/dressing room and what you plan to do there. Thanks

thechateaudiaries

We will be freshening them up and doing some needed ‘snagging’, but there won’t be any full redecorations of the bedrooms this winter

thechateaudiaries

I think that the window lines up with the others on the exterior, and in that case we couldn’t move it, but I will check. But the main problem is that we need two sinks so they’ll probably have to stay along the long wall

thechateaudiaries

As there’s quite a lot of it, I think I’ll keep it for a longer run (a bedroom or maybe the back kitchen corridor). But I like the idea of the doors being made in a similar style!

thechateaudiaries

No, the land survey was done, which has provided many of the measurements needed for the lake survey, but the specific lake survey is yet to be done

thechateaudiaries

Yes, I think that Davy planned that side of the room to have deeper cabinetry, but I’ll double check

thechateaudiaries

It’s hard to tell as there’s just a little window going through, I don’t know if the opening was bigger in the past

Anonymous

Stephanie, you're not used to getting compliments from me about your appearance, but I must say you looked adorable in your red (Latvian?) cape. Also, did your aunt arrive already or might their visit be scuppered by the new restriction France has announced this morning for arrivals from the UK?

Anonymous

Did you see that Billy Petherick has bought a library ( not the books) that came from a Roth holds building in Paris. Shame you didn't get to see it first. Although it might have been too big for you

thechateaudiaries

We’re still planning on replacing with double glazing bit by bit, but it will be a very long process. And I love your idea for the cinema room!

thechateaudiaries

I am using the room as it is. I definitely want to replace the floor and decorate (and remove my dressing room so that the room becomes square) but it’s a big job and lower in priority than the grand salon, china pantry and facades, etc

thechateaudiaries

They should be ok as they’re arriving before the new rules come into force (and my aunt is also French and, if I’m understanding correctly, the French and their spouses are still allowed to enter)

Anonymous

Totally second the drawers. I completely redid my kitchen cupboards and had large pot drawers inserted except for one which was narrow and perfect for storing chopping boards and trays.

Anonymous

Sooo exciting!! Thank you for the update🤗😍

Anonymous

I’d love to learn more about the lake restoration when it’s timely.

Anonymous

Stephanie, Thank you for the wonderful update! It's so nice to hear about all of the things going on now and in the future. Great that you're working on a plan, like all of the gardens, for the interior jobs to be in a good progression order. Davy, like ALL of you have so many talents! And thank you, I have always wondered how you can function with such a small refrig!!! I hope we will get to meet Amaury's parents. I'm loving Advent. Thank you so much.

Anonymous

Thank you for all the updates, Stephanie! Exciting times continue! So lovely to be a little part of these wonderful projects!

Anonymous

Hi Stephanie and/or Philip. I don't knowvif you have thought of the space inder your blue dishes. You could get 3 or 4 half size fridges all lined up and have the amazing Amaury build a counter over them. That way tou could keep your wall of ranges for they are special.

Anonymous

Another fascinating update- thank you Stephanie- i continue to be a bit surprised as to how much i appreciate hearing all the detail of the planning and watching how it unfolds at varying speeds :) I think it is because although i have never met any of you or visited yet having watched for nearly 2 years i do feel as if i do (and i do not really follow anyone else on You Tube- tried a few of varying sorts but NO ONE is anyone near to your standard of interest, humour and loving warmth) AND on this thread i am appreciating you being able to write some answers to our questions -sooo interesting and quite how you found the time - you astonishing multi- tasking talented lovely woman that you are xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Anonymous

Loving all the updates as usual. You manage to give us all such a sense of belonging to the Lalande family, even if we live half a world away. My questions are all about Davie. How did you meet him? Is he employed by you? What are his specific skills/qualifications etc? What is his work when he is away from Lalande, in Belgium? He seems so talented and his contributions to all the plans are exciting to see unfold.

Anonymous

Light a candle near your cutting board when chopping onions. The flame burns the gas emitted from the onions so that your eyes won't tear up. Might have to place the candle near the Thermomix if it's doing the chopping. Thank you for sharing Lelande joy!

Anonymous

I generally wear swim goggles for onion chopping. They look ridiculous so hilarity ensues but they are most effective and help to keep my make up where it should be.

Anonymous

Jacqueline! I am the same way about other You Tube Channels. I think it is because Steph has set the bar so high for us, and we are spoiled, if you will, in a good way. LOL. I did subscribe to Phillips’s Channel. He’s doing a good job.

Anonymous

My husband does too. He is a general contractor like Ian here in Texas.

Anonymous

Oh my goodness. I am going to try this. Thanks for the suggestion Susan!

Anonymous

Yes, I wondered as well. Did he first come as a volunteer & then was hired?

Anonymous

Question on the Jansens Temptation…our tinned anchovies are typically the salted version. Is this what you use in this dish? Recipes I’ve looked at don’t say.

Anonymous

What about adding refrigerator drawers to sink room or the pantry area? We did this when converting our pantry and love thst we still have work/counter space above. We mostly keep beverages in them daily, but during parties and holidays they are perfect for overflow..

Anonymous

Love what Mapperton House did with their stove area and could work at Lalande. They have an AGA stove and have used Stone around it to bring back the old feel of an ancient property.

Anonymous

Stephanie I love your content so much! Thank you thank you thank you! Please look up Gesine Hackenberg! It will be a treat for you I promise!!

Anonymous

Wish I was there to taste your fruit cake. Thanks for the update. So happy that we are all part of it. Sounds strange to say that but that’s how you make us feel.

Anonymous

Thank you for another great update. So happy to be a part of this and just love hearing about all the plans! 💕

Anonymous

I have watched many varieties of vlogs. I love renovation and historic buildings so watching both in one place is a treat. Your vlog is by far the most entertaining and I have a new one almost everyday! Stephanie is so talented!

Anonymous

Oh, it's JansSON :) And it is anjovis not pickled sprat that is being used. The classic recipe is with potatoes shaped like fries, onion cut as thin slices slightly fried and anjovis spread out in layers. Then you pour the cream (40% fat) over everything (mixed with a bit of the broth from the anjovis) and then you cover it with breadcrumbs. No nead to precook. Fun you liked it, the dish is always on a Swedish "julbord".

Anonymous

Thank you - my heart was in my mouth watching you with that knife, looking at the camera instead of your potato 🤭🤭

Anonymous

I am from Sweden so I can give you an answer :) It is anjovis that IS used for this dish - Janssons frestelse - not pickled sprat. So it's normal tinned anjovis and it's really salty wich is the purpose in the dish. It's a must on a Swedish christmas table!

Anonymous

Maybe time to give the Chapel Restorer a start date with the proviso that you will have to look at other options if he is unable to start then. You have been more than patient, although of course he couldn't help having an accident which delayed the original start date. Maybe ask your architect to manage the project.

Anonymous

Well done Amaury and Dan for moving forward with finishing the downstairs loo, your site management skills are shining though.

Anonymous

Hope you don't mind if I post a concern. I am a little afraid that you are being led more towards renovation rather than restoration lately. Speaking mainly about the wooden staircase outside Scotman's apartment (don't you think some type of wrought metal would suit LaLande better, mimic the rails on lower parts of some of your windows, and be safer should there be a fire? I think I saw a vlog of yours somewhere at Lalande, which had beautiful old metal bannisters. I understand how you feel about the old windows and applaud your efforts to open them up. Just think that perhaps which can't be opened, should be left as a reminder of the history of your beautiful home. Replacing them with niches and statues will I think, however pretty, be kind of jarring. Lastly, PLEASE don't put blue gravel in the old moat. Thanks, hope you don't take this as a criticism, just an rather alarmed viewer's thoughts.

Anonymous

Have you announced when patron day will be? I’d love to come visit but I think the B &B is already booked for the summer. LOVE TO YOU ALL! Take Care! 🦷 DeLynn

Anonymous

Kia ora Stephanie from New Zealand ....not sure if you read these but have enjoyed your vlogs and love seeing you all living and working around the chatreau. Your enthusiasm is infectious and am loving the advent vlogs. Keep up all the great fun and laughter.

Anonymous

Can't wait for my signed print ....meri kirimete (merry xmas)

Leah Hamdaoui

Hey Stephanie, thank you for the update! SO great to hear of the progress and results you are achieving. Love from Australia XX

Christine VR

I love the update! Hurray for the resurrection of the downstairs loo. Looking forward to the ribbon cutting/champagne popping for that event - 🤣. A suggestion for the fridge - DO NOT get a deep fridge. Aim for as shallow a depth (and as wide) as possible. The back of a deep fridge is where things disappear to. It’s a giant pain in the neck to constantly be pulling out everything in the front to reach around to the back. I’ve lived with both and can wistfully say, I miss my beautiful Subzero counter depth fridge every day. It had such a fabulous seal, when the power cut out in a storm it was a champ at keeping my cold things cold for a long time, and the freezer on the bottom design made so much sense. The idea of a separate fridge drawer for drinks/ condiments is also a brilliant idea. Looking forward to the arriette (sp?)cuisine plans. Good design in kitchens and bathrooms make life sooo much better! Q: when will the terrace/terrace steps get fixed? From the looks of it, the LaLanders and guests live on that terrace all summer and quite a bit in the “shoulder” seasons, so I thought it might need to happen sooner rather than later. Where will it fit into the grand design?

Jason Dubey

The SMEG fridge is so perfect. Why don't you put a back up commercial fridge back in the pantry or somewhere out of sight? The Chateau is a home, and should have a home kitchen.

Andi_ish

Hello, Stephanie! Thank you for another lovely update. You mentioned recently when speaking to the architect that you wanted to restore a window and put a statue alcove in the bricked up area next to it. I am curious to know if restoring those openings was just a random idea to add to the the planning commission blueprints as a 'just in case' for the future or if you had been thinking about that quite extensively? I remember so much thought had gone into getting the windows and Juliet balconies very symmetrical. It seems like restoring those spaces would throw that off quite drastically, so I am very curious! Merry Advent to all!

Jane Nunn

Hello Steph, thankyou for the update so exciting and must be nice to be organised and Mummy MUST be thrilled! hahaha xo

Anonymous

Hello Stephanie, could you place the fridge where the huge floor to ceiling cabinet is? It looks like it is possibly big enough for a side by side and still have space above for regular storage while maintaining the look of the cabinet. Then you would have plenty of fridge space and it would be in one place. Then you could build cabinets where the current Smeg is for the displaced storage. Another question I have is about the niches that you recently mentioned in a video. Would you lose the built-in bookcase in Bonne Maman?

Anonymous

Thank you for sharing your plans. So happy you can move forward. Glad my tiny contribution can help. 👏❤️👏❤️

Tina Winther

I love Janssen’s Temptation : so Tasty! (And I’m Norwegian - Danish - American) yum

Anonymous

Stephanie - you need to find some heated mattress pads! I have one between my mattress and my sheets and I turn it on and get the bed all warm and cozy every night before I go to sleep! It is one of my favourite things and if it keeps me warm and cozy during a Canadian winter, I’m sure it would be fantastic for you!

Anonymous

Commercial fridges are generally very noisy - just a point to consider given you eat in that room often 🌻

Daniel Hammond

I definitely need to try that dish! It looks totally amazing! Thank you for the video. Have a gala weekend!

Anonymous

When you have a global plan, would you be willing to share the spreadsheet with the patrons?

Kathleen B Schmidt

For the kitchen wash up center that is planned, since it will all be Ikea cabinets, why not ask Dan "the Gardner" to install them. He installed all the plumbing and ikea cabinets in his own kitchen. I am sure he can do it. That would keep your cousin on track, and not divert Ian from Nati's apartment. Winter will slow things down in the garden, so it is a win/win solution.

Anne Green

Lovely lovely update & really enjoyed hearing about all the projects & timings 👏🏽 May you remember to rest too 🤗 xx

Anne Green

Also loving Janssens Temptation dish !! Can’t wait to try that myself just replacing onions with leeks are I can’t eat onions 😋

Anonymous

If you go onto IKEA's website you can download the planning tool for kitchens. You can design your own kitchen and get a 3D version to help you visualise. Or you can get IKEA to do it for you instore. That way you can customise your kitchen to suit your needs. You just need to provide the exact dimensions of the room, where doors/windows etc are.

Anonymous

Hi Stephanie, I have been contributing since April. I have never received my signed photo/note.

Anonymous

Hi Stephanie Thanks for sharing all the exciting news about the plans for the Chateau. It was so nice meeting all you guys at La Lande last October. You and Nati were even more gorgeous in person and so very nice. Was a dream come true for me. Look forward to coming to stay again in the future!!!

Anonymous

Thank you for all you do all the time. Literally everything you do is interesting to me. Of course I’m loving your Christmas Diaries this year….PLEASE TELL ME YOU ARE PLANNING ANOTHER BLOOPERS VIDEO!!! I have watched last year’s bloopers all year if I’m needing an instant laugh #Philips Charleston 🤣🤣🤣

Anonymous

Davey is an absolute treasure.

Anonymous

Smegs are so beautiful, and they’re the most efficient in their size range. Yes! Davey is truly a treasure.

Anonymous

I love how logical the global plan has put things into perspective. How many sq. ft. or m2 is the chateau?

Anonymous

Hi, Stephanie, and thank you for always being so uplifting ... even as you peel potatoes!! I've not been able to catch you when you do the live Q&A, and I had a question regarding the paneling project. At one point, you indicated that if you were a Patron at the Dauphin/e level for at least a year, you would have your name placed on the paneling for posterity's sake. I became a Patron in March 2021 (as soon as I discovered your videos) and am wondering if you would allow those of us who are so close to making the one-year mark a chance to pay in advance so that we could reach the $1200 donation level and have our name included. I understand if it's too much hassle, but I would have regretted it if I never asked. :) I so enjoy your adventures around the Chateau and while you are traveling, and admire the imagination and great detail that go into the work that you do to restore such a magnificent building and grounds. My daughter saw me watching your show one day, and she iiked it so much she started watching your videos from the beginning and has enjoyed them as much as I do. You are an inspiration to so many people. A very Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years to you and all your family and friends at Lalande.

Anonymous

Stairs to the terrace you’re waiting to have that done later correct?

Anonymous

Could one of the servants quarters rooms become the sewing room?

Anonymous

Some safety questions: 1. Did you add chains to your bed crown? 2. I thought Nati's apartment was going to have two pillars to hold the ceiling?

Anonymous

A wonderful video as always Stephanie, thank you!!!!! The original blue kitchen cupboards behind you in the video would make a good space for two very large but not so deep fridges, they could be hidden behind the doors that are already there! This would free up space where the fridge is now for a clearer walk way or to make up for the space lost in doing the swap around….

Anonymous

What a wonderful year you have created for all of us, Stephanie. Your productivity has inspired me to get some projects done on my (much smaller!) house. Think of you whenever I select a fabric and now find myself quite drawn to French designs. Love hearing the swimming pool will be delayed as I that clay tennis court looks like it would be a blast to fix up and play on. I know, I know, that's not the plan. But this tennis player can't help but dream.

Anonymous

Stephanie just seen Channel 4 Christmas at Laland what an amazing spectacle it must have felt strange filming in advance of Christmas but you pulled it off. I hope you will now be able to show more. I am sure I saw Nick without covering his head. Ha ha🎄🎄🎄🎄

Anonymous

Question for next Q&A please…how long will the new Lime trees need their support posts? I have a Lime tree in my front yard…bees love it.

Anonymous

I see comments about the cold and the heating, I am all in for cozy sweaters, water bottles and a nice warm fire. I am Canadian and possibly a rare one as I love the cold, indoors and out! Still a huge fan Stephanie!! You are doing so many wonderful things for so many people. Have a wonderful Christmas, My question for this weeks Q&A....LOL...is there another romance blooming at the Chateau that is under wraps? I hope I am right!!

Anonymous

Another Q&A…how old do you think the wallpaper is in the servants room? 😍

Kimberly Dale

Happy Christmas 🎄Wow...Can you believe...it is December 21...did you look up & see the Bethlehem star...first time in 800 ydars... It's raining here in California...so bummers...as I was looking forward to this once in a live time event...I'm loving Narnia....& Your aunt&uncle how wonderful they're being there with you all for Christmas ...yawn...2 more sleeps and then yikes...CHRISTMAS 🎄💚💚🌠🌠🙏🙏Nighty night...love & good health..Bless You All ...& A rest for you perhaps ?

Kimberly Dale

After advent& a new years party? 💚🎄🙏😊⛄❄

Anonymous

Does anyone know what that angled component area is that’s rising above the two ovens? It looks like a mechanical chain— is it a toaster? (Alan)

Anonymous

So beautiful! Bravo! thank you and really looking forward to Christmas Eve. Best, best regards and love and Merry Christmas!

Anonymous

Wonderful to see so many projects being finished. Wondering how the permits for the natural swimming lake is going.

Anonymous

My best friend is Swedish and has cooked Janssen with anchovies for me. I don’t actually like anchovy but combined with the potatoes, cream and onion it was wonderful! Thank you for all the news, everything will come together sooner or later! Have a fantastic Christmas and new year! 🎄😘🥰

Anonymous

Q&A: Has Philips parents been able to visit the chateau?

Anonymous

Why does Nati's apartment seem to be at a standstill?

Anonymous

Does Amoury (Spelling!?) have a YT channel, and if so what is it's name to enable us to subscribe to it. Thank you and Seasons Greetings to EVERYONE at LaLande. Cheers Pam

Anonymous

I’m hoping Amaury will be able to make the cabinets in the washing area. He would make it look so good and good quality. What is the spelling of the French term for that room? Aria, arriac, aryac cuisine? 🤷🏻‍♀️ Please enlighten me! Thank you.

Anonymous

Davy has great ideas, functional and thoughtful. Did I understand that his family owns a Chateau?

Anonymous

Is Davey also an interior designer or an architect on top of being a garden designer? Love to know his last name.