The Only Before and after renovating a cottage Video You Need to Watch. 8th Day of Christmas
Bonjour à tous,
It’s the 8th day of Christmas and a year since work started on the Château cottage.
So to celebrate, we have shortened the renovation into 10 minutes and take a look back over some of the fantastic work done by the fantastic trio, Tracy, Tony & Jonathan.
It is amazing what has been achieved in such a short time from them from them.
If you would like to join us on our family journey restoring this once abandoned château, please just follow the link below, 🥰
/ chateaudelalacelle
🏰 Château de Lalacelle
95 le château
Lalacelle
61320
France
We just like to thank everyone for sending us some beautiful Christmas cards, we ready do appreciate it 🥰🥰
About us,
We are a family from the North-East of England following our dream to restore a beautiful abandoned french Château. We discovered the heart stopping Château De Lalacelle in summer of 2020, this beautiful architectural monument Is set in the countryside of North-West France.
The moment we visited the Château we all fell in love, from the beautiful sweeping landscape and forests, to its stunning untouched interiors and magnificent spiral staircase in the turret.
Unfortunately Château De Lalacelle has been abandoned for a number of decades so will need a lot of restoration and DIY.
Please subscribe and follow our families journey, with the up’s and down’s in moving from the UK to rural France and restoring this beautiful building to its former glory.
/ chateaudelalacelle
/ chateaudelalacelle
#chateaudelalacelle #escapetothechateau #escapetothedreamrestoringthechateau
I remember when Tracey first arrived. I was worried for her as she seemed overwhelmed. But it has been a beautiful thing to see her buckle down and get to work and achieve so much. But more than that, to see her become happier and happier as the accomplishments kept adding together. What a wonderful journey! I think Tracey is a hero. As a woman, and an older one too, I am so inspired by her plucky courage to keep moving ahead and working so hard. Look at the beautiful results! I’m so happy you have a lovely warm comfortable cottage for Christmas!
Tracey's work ethic is an inspiration.
I agree what a transformation! An inspiration for us all and as an older lady myself who loves hard work feel you set a wonderful example of what hard work and determination can do. You must both be so proud of your amazing achievements .Onwards and upwards!xxxx
Yes so treu
Yes yes yes, Tracey is an inspiration to me! Jonathan is sooo very blessed to have her as grandmother
Fantastic work.
Aw Tracy , I was crying along with you . What you have achieved in less than a year is amazing , and you and your family should be so proud of yourselves . Enjoy that gorgeous fire and take as long as your like to process it all. I think you all deserve a little down time over Christmas to truly enjoy the fruits of your labour x
Tracey your whole 'aura' has changed since you first arrived where you looked overwhelmed!! You can all be very proud of what you have accomplished as a family and a team!! You've done an amazing amount of work and it's heart warming to see the cottage and the chateau slowly come to life👋👋👋👋❤️🎅🤶🎄🤗
I've been watching since the beginning and what I love is not just the Herculean amount of work you've put in but the joy you have while doing it! What a lovely example of a functional family that has so much love.
Dearest Tracy, I was emotional with you. I watched from the beginning of your journey a year ago, and I saw how you all bravely performed your monumental tasks without revealing the worst of the struggles. However, it has been clear to us the tremendous efforts and tenacity that have been required to get to where you are now. It is truly astounding, and you deserve the right to be called the ultimate chateau rescue team. Like no other. Blessings for a joyful and somewhat restful Christmas.
I think I started watching the videos in the early days when it was just Tony & Ash. There was so much to do one nearly missed their progress. When Tracee & Terry finally made it, the two extra bodies made a world of difference! I’m excited to see what the “5 crazy brits” do in 2022!!
It’s almost impossible to be believe that you got all of that done in such a short period of time but you did. Seeing Tracy get so emotional reminded me of why everyone loves your family so much, you are genuine 💗💗💗
I've watched from the beginning and saw every step but this look back really put in perspective all that you have accomplished. The energy you have expended is staggering and so worth the while. Love you all, you are truly AMAZING!!!!
Thank you so much Aunty Tutu :)
Few people impress me but you 5 Brits have blown me away!! The staggering amount of work that you have done, the almost unsurmountable tasks that you have conquered, and the skills that each of you have is mind boggling!! I would venture to say that you guys could build a space shuttle if you are given the right parts!! LOL!!! You guys are my heroes!!
Aahh, Tracy, I just wanted to give you a big hug tonight! You should be SO PROUD of what you have achieved so far! Not only that, you help all of us watching you. More often than not, we are alone in lockdown and your infectious laugh makes me so happy! So thank you for that as well! Sending you lots of love and blessing from South Africa! 🇿🇦
My words exactly Ernst . They have done an amazing job hey from Ottawa Canada
This is a 6 mo entry and I am sure you will not read this as work awaits. What your family has done is unbelievable and fantastic. The tears for the recognized effort are very understandable. Thank you for the joy you have given me to watch it unfold. I replayed this episode twice, back to back. God bless you all.
I've begun re-watching some of the videos from the start as I was ensuring they were all 'liked'. Interesting how each of the four of you have taken the lead at different times, and, moreover, how the other three would then lean back a bit. A sure sign of a well honed team. A colossal heave ho in the beginning with Tony, poised, confident and understated hanging out on rafters, roofs and scaffolds, and, so it goes with each in turn. Do not allow anyone to discredit your amazing efforts, in any way! My biggest wish now would be for each of you to be in your own beds in the Chateau and in the Cottage this Christmas....with visions of sugar plums... Looking forward to this segment later today. ❤️🇨🇦 Mariya Humble and loyal fan😂
Thanks Mariya I’m Terrys loyal and humble servant too 😂😂 We do work well together, I think what’s even nicer is we work better together :) none of us are experts so we all have a voice :) Thank you so much again :) x
What a transformation in such a short time (even though I know it hasn’t felt that way). It’s a testament to how hard you are all working at creating a beautiful place to live. You are all amazing!
The results you’ve achieved are first class and it’s all down to your hard work, enterprise, family & love. Enjoy your Christmas, you’ve earned it.
Thank you! Merry Christmas:)
Tracy , you became my hero this year. I look forward to seeing you guys every week and I admire your determination. When I feel overwhelmed by a challenge I bring to my memory the many challenges I have seen you overcome...thanks for sharing your story
OH my heart goes out to you Tracy. You have been blessed with what you have sewed. The whole of what you have accomplished is just beyond imagination when we look back. You all deserve a quite and relaxing Holiday.
Just remember it is a marathon, not a 10 k run.. so be sure to have proper breaks. The winter is dark and dull.. take a week or so to rest and regain your energy. You will thank yourselves afterwards. Brilliant work!
Excellent advice!!! And soooo well deserved.
@@anitasujiivana4553 Thank you. Physical tiredness and lack of energy is so easy to restore but if you get emotionally /psychologically drained, it takes so much longer to regain the energy. With long lasting projects it is a real threat, often over-looked. Obviously each reacts differently and has different coping skills and mechanisms. The Chateau will not be going anywhere, the work will still be there, even if one has a break every now and then. I doubt they haven't had a proper lie in and just doing nothing for months now. I hope they will have few during the Christmas.
Thanks Tarja. Yes I think we do run at full speed quite a lot. We will be taking a break over the festive period to recharge and to Just enjoy being with each other.
It's so amazing what you have accomplished in such a short time. Every time I watch a video I think of the magical childhood you are giving Jonathan. What a gift it is! Your dedication to family and your work ethic are to be commended. I am quietly cheering you on with every ditch dug, every nail hammered, and every wall painted. You have proven you can accomplish anything you set your mind to doing; you are champions! Merry Christmas and best wishes in the New Year!!
Wow, wow, wow!!!!! You two are remarkable! What a difference in a year! Your ability Tony and your work ethics Tracey are something to behold! Terry, Ash and Jonathan can't be forgotten either....you are one fantastic, wholesome, hard working family. Be proud and enjoy a wonderful Christmas!!!! You've made my Christmas!!! God bless you!
You guys are amazing.I don't know how you have achieved this in such a short space of time,hats off to you .Your home is beautiful .Well done .
Thank you James!
I am filled with admiration for you both. Tracey as a former tool-wielding renovating woman, while being a mother to small children, I know how hard it is. I take my hat off to you. 🇦🇺
Thank you so much 🥰
I feel your emotion, Tracy. To see the before and after with the immense amount of work accomplished is indeed quite mind boggling. Despite the downs, the ups always shine through. Enjoy these joyful moments. Château de Lalacelle is very happy to her ruffled feathers made glossy smooth on the wings of love. Now, on to Day 9. 🌲🌲🌲🎀🎀🎀
Tony, for me is an absolute inspiration. This guy is a machine and so humble.
Thank you for letting us come along on this journey with you. The hard work and thought you have put in is amazing. Tracy, to watch your heart get lifted has been wonderful. You are my hero. Please all of you take a few days off, enjoy the warm cottage or if there is a room warm in the chateau enjoy those outside of the campers during that time off. Rest for the mind, body and soul. I am making this suggestion now or I will forget later: when it is time to do the kitchen floor, think about tilling it first to break up the soil (may not want to use the one Tony used in the garden). Also, since a mini-digger didn’t fit through the door, what about using a conveyor type of system. Where you put dirt on and the conveyor takes it out the door to be removed by a mini digger. It may not be cost effective but maybe a local farmer may have something that works now that you know more people. I know I don’t know you but watching your work ethic and togetherness makes me so proud and happy.
I am beyond words. Complimenting your work wouldn’t begin to say how professional your work is and what you have achieved in so short a time. 🥰🙏❤️🙏🥰❤️ Tony is so humble.
I got quite emotional watching this! I know exactly how you feel Tracy… sometimes I think “what have we done?!”, but just look how far you’ve come. You all work so well together, it’s really inspiring and really motivating! Here’s to good times ahead… X
Who needs underfloor heating when you have been “seasoned “ in Middlesbrough 😂😂🎄
Very true June! The north east is about as harsh as here so we’re a little more thick skinned :)
Tracy & Tony, I can't imagine how you have done all you have done! Being parents at this stage of your life, leaving everything behind in Britain & moving to France. Taking on a rebuild of a ginormous castle...absolutely amazing! I tip my hat to you!🎩
What you have achieved is amazing. Your home is so full of warmth and love and you can see it's a dream come true that Tracey thought impossible. It's going to be so wonderful for the rest of the cottage to come to life. Onwards and upwards in Tony's words!
Tracy the tears were so telling, all you’ve achieved, when you look back must feel overwhelming. As a family you are a fantastic team, but you Tracy, you’re Wonder Woman. Thank you for sharing your journey 🎄
i just want to hug your mom, what a legend, such a brave thing to have done and stuck with it.
Have watched and loved every episode of your renovations, well done guys, you’re amazing…Bless you Tracy, I cried with you x
I found that quite emotional...in a happy way. You should be so proud to look at what you have all achieved by working together as a family. Enjoy your lovely cottage...you have earned it. X
Wow it's hard to remember what the cottage was like before. It's been amazing to watch you transform an old cottage into a warm and cozy home. Tracy, you are my hero. You've put family first and taken a huge leap of faith. You've worked so hard to bring this all together. I've not forgotten you Tony 😊 you've worked so hard to give Tracy a home she'll feel happy in. I was also in tears, this means so much to you. Someone give this woman a huge hug. 🥰❤️ Until tomorrow ttfn xx
So much change has happened! It’s all looking so amazing! Wow! So awesome! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Thank you much for letting us into your lives and see what amazing people you all are 🥰💞🎄oh Terry, your emotions are very valid! I can understand how you question why you agreed to do this, but look at you now?! 🥳💪🏻🎊 Y’all have done such an amazing amazing job!!!! Looking forward to seeing the kitchen started and the final move in from the caravan, I’m telling you right now, I’m going to cry of pure joy !! 🥰💞
Thanks Mama. Think we will all be crying that day! The housewarming party will be amazing though :) merry Christmas:)
@@ashleywaters7198 I’m sure it will be! I’m looking forward to seeing all of you move out of the caravans and into you own space while continue to do work. The once forgotten Chateau is no longer forgotten, and I’m sure she is feeling the love 💕. Thank you for letting us be a part of her 💞🥰
Oh the tears Tracy…”what have we done”…what YOU (and the family) have done is simply AMAZING!!!! Seriously…absolutely beautiful!! I can only imagine the pride and joy you must feel…what an adventure…so so happy for you❤️😘🙏🏼
So humble hard workers....Tony is unbeatable.
He a great bloke and done so well with the cottage! He is a machine :)
Tracy, Tony. You deserve every last inch. You've earned every last inch. Bravo.
The words I was hoping for. "It was worth it." You all come from great stock. What grit and determination. And what a fine example for Jonathan. Wonderful video.
Thank you :)
I just rewatched episode 12 when Tracey arrived. What a change not only in the cottage but in Tracey. Well done Tony and Tracey, you deserve it.
The transformation of the cottage is amazing! Congratulations Tony and Tracy what you have achieved together is stunning. To say you have learnt some tasks as you have gone along is unbelievable. Once again huge congratulations.x
Thank you Claire :)
and the boys …… congratulations
This footage is going to be a great source of pride for Jonathan’s children someday.
What a beautiful video. When Tracy cried, I cried. She is such a hero, my god that woman can work!
What a pleasure to be in your ‘company’ listening to your gentle conversation and observing the mutual respect and tenderness between you.
Tracy and Tony's skills and determination are just amazing. The results are beautiful, and they just keep cracking on! I'm probably about their same age, and I could never take on a project like this.
You can see your husband is a rock❤️ well done all of you for showing us all what can be done if everyone works together it’s looking amazing! have a lovely Xmas and all the very best for 2022!🎅🧑🎄🤶
Clearly an overwhelming 6 months for Tracy, but you have made a wonderful recovery and provide life and energy to the chateau. Merry Christmas!
What an amazing transformation! It go to show how hard work and determination pays off. You are now reaping the rewards of your efforts. The renovations have been done in a sympathetic way, retaining and honouring the heritage of the cottage while providing updates to make it a comfortable home. Congratulations to you all! Can't wait to see the continued progress in 2022
What a wonderful lesson you all are teaching Jonathan. He's learning to persevere through hard work, to be self sufficient, to work together with others and the importance of family. Well done!
Oh Tracy, I can’t even begin to describe how I feel watching this episode you are an amazing woman and role model to all. Tony I have no words you deserve a barrel of beer 🍺. Such a wonderful family with a wonderful philosophy of life . Thank you for brightening my life xxxxx
Stephanie Jarvis proudly showed the chair you made for her in last nights Christmas Advent vlog. It is in bedroom looks very smart.
That is wonderful, I will have to take a look 🥰🥰🥰
@@chateaudelalacelle it is at minute 14
I saw that too. I was so happy your chair is appreciated, because it was a beautiful and thoughtful gift.
@@goldenineke thank you so much 🥰
So nice when you can take a breath and think wow, we did this 👏 is an amazing feeling. The good Lord knows our needs better than we do and will provide 🙏. Keep the faith and persevere! Great job!
I understand how you can be emotional! You’ve all done a spectacular job. Take a moment to breathe and enjoy!
the only way is to tackle one thing at a time and not to think of the whole job, I have done this too and it is hard work but you have a little man by the name of Johnathan to keep you all going, he will NEVER FORGET THIS LIFE THAT YOU ALL HAVE GIVEN HIM HE WILL LIVE A LIFE WITH YOU ALL IN HIS MIND FOREVER. God love you all
I don't even think anyone can understand how incredible this journey was, the astounding amount of love and renovation that this chateau received. This family is so unique because they define the word "family". They believe, each bringing special skills, but most of all their dream is real and they strive with passion every day to complete it together. I know that passion, my lifelong dream came true this year, after striving every minute to complete and publish my novels. It's different and a different skill set but you need to have a passion and this family is overflowing with it!!!! CONGRATULATIONS on astounding us all in your dreams and letting us ride on that huge wave. ❤
You are such a warm, loving family. You deserve all the happiness in the world. You all earned it!!! God Bless You all. 🥰😘💖
It’s just incredible what you’ve achieved in a year….I hope you have a break at Xmas….you certainly deserve it! X
We certainly will! Thanks Adeline :)
You all should be very proud of the work you have done as a family. The before and after footage shows the great progress you all have made. You have a great sense of accomplishment looking back and seeing all the improvements. Love your videos!
You have been so brave and have worked so hard. Bless your heart, the adventure is worth it. You have an amazing home that not every person can have and you did that. Thank you for letting us be part of the process. XO
HOLY! HOLY! HOLY! The LOVE is so EVIDENT in EVERYTHING You DO and How You Do It! This IS The Potential and Goodness In The World! Thank You! MERRY CHRISTMAS! Abundance of Joy, Health, Happiness and Love to You and Everyone!
What an achievement. I think you're overwhelmed Tracy must be emotionally drained getting to this point. I hope they were happy tears. Xx
I'm re watching all your vlogs. Tracey, you are one courageous woman! When you get emotional I choke up! It's easy to stay in the comfort zone. You are incredible. You (all) work so hard. You and Tony are an example to us all. Hats off to you 🎩🇬🇧.
Watching the cottage transformation, I found myself welling up. What an achievement! Well done. A wonderful Christmas for you, what a sense of satisfaction and achievement 🙌
The raw emotions, happy, sad, overwhelmed and every other imaginable feeling. You guys have accomplished so much in a very short period of time. Well done!! Thank you for sharing your journey. xx
I have watched and watched again seeing unbelievable achievements. Saw what is in ones brain become reality. Craftmanship, a loving family, perseverance and creative thinking. You can be só proud of what you achieved. We're all can learn from you each week
I love that your animals are included in the every day videography . I enjoy watching Jonathan grow in this journey. I love that you all went into this not knowing what you were doing, but the job is always successful. Nice to see how you reached out and included the community. You all get along very well. I love that you aren’t pressured or hurried. You plug away one day at a time. I have grown to admire all of you! Bravo ❤
"Its amazing what you can achieve when you work together".... so true... and its good to see you have the best four legged de stressing tools readily available on your laps... they obviously enjoy the lifestyle in France.
Beautiful work team! I’m amazed at your endurance and love Jonathan with his little wheelbarrow without any scratches! Merry Christmas to all five +three of you 🎄 !
I can imagine Tracy that its all overwelming moving to a nother contry starting all over again. Bud what you all put together is amazing realy i love your litle cottage so mutch and with the kitchen ready in summer it wil be great. Good luck gor the comming year and have some living and warm christmus day together. Love you all❤🌲🙏🥂😇👌
Thanks Matanja! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas too!
@@ashleywaters7198 thank you ❤🌲🙏
Not to underestimate your physical achievements, to see the two of you looking at each other with so much love and respect is a true dream many only can dream of... Love, happiness and appreciation seems to be the solid base you build your life on. I'm at awe every time! ☃️🌲🍾
So moving with Tracey still unbelieving that they really did it ...the restoration to such an astonishing level...very moving
Wow, seeing it all again is reminding me how far you all have come, your hard work is incredible !, Have loved watching you since the start & I just love you all, you. Are such a great family xxx 🎅🏻🤶🎄 ,
Thanks you Ann :) Merry Christmas :)
What you have done should bring tears to your eyes…tears of pride I hope.
You all have my deepest respect!!! But Tracey in particular, I've often felt sorry for you. I wish you much love, strength and light for the future. And for the whole family, a Happy and Cozy Christmas.
You are so modest about the sheer amount and quality of work that you’ve accomplished. I love that your grandson has been involved in every part. He will have such great memories of all this. Merry Christmas to you all from Southern California!
Tracy, you are amazing! The stamina, the drive and the love! It shows in every inch of the cottage!
Tracy, I want to hug you. It's amazing what you have done!!! You all are the best renovating team. 👌🎇
Thanks Susanne ;)
Those are some well-earned happy sad tears today, Tracey. It's been a pile of months of very hard work! You all have been very brave in this adventure. Bravo to you & all the menfolk, your home is coming along beautifully.
I am completely blown away by the incredible amount of hard work and devotion to your dream homes. Onwards and Upwards amazing brilliant people. 👌👌👌🏴
The love, the passion, the adventure , the results are all stunning.
What you have done is amazing from that beautiful roof and dormer windows to the warm and lovely floors. Best of all is the respectful and loving relationship you all have for each other.
Tracey and Tony and family you have achieved soooo much and the cottage looks beautiful. You should take a break for a bit over Christmas and just rest up as it has been a lot of hard work and you deserve a break Merry Christmas to you all - you are very special people xxxx
Tracy and Tony you are both amazing. Tony you remind me of my Dad. He was a millwright from Germany who immigrated to Canada. He could do anything, plumbing, carpentry, brick work, electrical, you name it, he could do it. He lived until this year and passed 5 days before his 94th birthday. He never stopped working.
Thank you Harriet! Condolences on the loss of your father! X
As in life, you make the most of what you’ve got; you all maximize what you’ve got! Spectacular, and impressive all the new skills you’ve discovered!!! 🥰
I've watched from the beginning and after the first few, I thought they'll never make it. You did and I'm so glad. Hope you are proud of your accomplishments! Beautiful family and jobs well done! Have a Merry Christmas!
I don’t know about you all but from a viewer the emotional feeling is so strong, just wow amazing family
Oh Tracey & Tony you have both done such an amazing job & it looks absolutely delightful. You are such a quiet achiever Tony, always in the background. Look forward to following the rest of your reno. Merry Christmas to you all.
Oh Tracy, you as well as to Tony have earned to have a good cry, it is truly amazing what you have achieved in such a sort time. You’re such a well matched couple, who support each other every step of the way. You are all doing an amazing job bring up little Jonathan as well. All this can be overwhelming at times without doing major renovations. Please have a good rest over Christmas, ready to soldier on again next year. Xx
You have come a long Way. I never seen a Family work so so Hard. But you have done it. God bless you All
I've followed your story from the very beginning. This is a video to watch when you have those inevitable bad days, when you uncover problems, or nothing seems to go right. A video to remind you of the enormous progress you've made in a very short space of time. Truly inspirational ... or should that be Tracey inspirational 🥰
Aww Tracy you are very weepy and that’s because you’ve done so much. I imagine it’s very emotional
I think we’ve all teared up that episode :)
What a terrific retrospective! It really shows the amount of daunting work that has occurred over the year. You all are absolutely inspiring! God bless and show Himself to you!
I think Tony's the stone foundation. He's a real salt of the earth guy ! And I think he is the nuts n bolts guy that you're all lucky is flexible enough to adapt to the dreams n visions n get it figured out , how to do it. I may be wrong but you guys make a formidable team.❣️❣️❣️
I’m not surprised Tracey you she’d a tear😢 not only have you had to get use to a new lifestyle & new Language You’ve also been doing physical work for months you must be exhausted I must say though what you & Tony have achieved in the cottage is wonderful Christmas is almost here you deserve to put your feet up for a few day’s & enjoy the festive season🎄🥂🍾 Take care 🥰
Awww Little Jonathan is so adorable . Bless him .❤️🎄
How amazing to see it all again. It brought tears to my eyes when the furniture was moved in. It's just beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing with all of us your amazing journey. Merry Christmas!
You have done a wonderful job! You are also raising a wonderful young man who is always trying to help! Bravo! When you are putting the kitchen together you should consider using part of the old hayloft ladder as a pot rack!
When I watch your vlogs, I really feel like family. I have grown to love each one of you. Tracy, I am so glad you are happier now. ❤ ❤❤❤❤
GOOSEBUMPS! Thank you allowing me to follow your incredible journey. I know I say it every time but obviously you are a family that really love each other AND also really like each other! Too bad you all weren't around when they were building Rome . If your family had been doing the construction Rome have been built in a day!!! Merry Christmas from Toronto
Thanks You Susan :) Merry Christmas!
You all deserve a metal,,,I imagine some people might have thought you were crazy to take this on,,,but you are doing it! Johnathan is one very lucky young man,,,and what lucky grandparents to have him there too. Thanks, for your bravery, it makes me believe I can do whatever I'm called to do! Love yous