I’m thinking back to my younger days with my husband when we lived in Italy. We were living in a four room house. Three kids 10, 9, &5 yo. Girls. The only heat in the winter was a fireplace in the kitchen. The oldest had her birthday today. She is now 51yrs old. Father passed 23 yrs ago. It is amazing what you accept as normal or OK when you are young. I’m 74yrs old now and I say “what where you thinking back then” Best of luck in you future. You will always have stories for your Grandkids.

Well don Dan and Annalise, you should be really proud of what you have achieved.

And now you have a complete Chateau to rebuild, you are cray, cray and I love it!

Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don’t turn up at all. Bravo Dan and Annalise !

Brilliant recap - you have transformed a derelict farmhouse into a charming home - what an achievement!

You have done wonderfully, under pressure and with little money, were many people would crumbled and toss in the towel. So very happy for you that you have come so far. I wish you nothing but continued success.

Annalise you’re a strong beautiful gracious lady. You’re home with your boys is beautiful. I’m sure God has it all in mind you’re happiness living in your home. You have your boys and healthy. God has a plan for you and your boys. Hang tough. We are praying for you sweetheart. Love will come. ❤️🙏🙋‍♀️

All this hard work an a lovely home. I am so saddened that you two are separated, after this journey and all this hard work together and the children. I hope bright days for you both in the future. No one gives us or tells us life is full of ups and downs and know matter who we are with, nothing is perfect, it’s just getting on and through obstacles. All the best to you both and your beautiful boys.

You and Annalise have achieved so much.

Hi Dan, Annalise and boys, in life you learned through experience, and you have had that in bucket loads, I am so proud of you and what you have achieved as well as raising two beautiful boys, I wish you good Health and Happiness Always, Life is a Journey Travel it Well.

I have seen a lot of reno's on YT but this was truly awesome bc Dan had no building experience and had the guts to do what he did. He's amazing !

That kitchen is gorgeous!

You should be very proud of yourselves... what a beginning! It looks great now. Well done!

I love your honesty of humble beginnings. We all have to start somewhere...Congratulations through the tough times....

As a retired builder who specialised in period restorations may I say well done, you had a mountain to climb and you made it.

it so heart breaking to watch this now - how this happy young family roughed it, and built their home, their family, only to have it all torn apart.

Fantastic memories of the building and the boys . What you both have achieved with such little cash in the beginning is a credit to you both.🇦🇺🙋‍♀️

You have transformed a derelict building into a home. CONGRATULATIONS 🎉👏 on a job well done. The sky is the limit 💜🤠

Hey Dan, I have watched this video several times already. Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your dedication and hard work for your family. You are a modern day hero, who doesn't need to wear a cape or mask!!!

And Annalise stuck with you? A jewel not to let go!!!!..........

Just off to bed in Australia, Tuesday night - thanks for the lite bedtime entertainment 🇦🇺💐💕 you can both be so proud of all your hard work.

You and Annalise have accomplished so much Together

Seeing a very pregnant and soon to be a Momma holding a paint roller, brought back memories of my hubby and I renovating our first home. That was almost 40 years ago. Years from now you’ll look back on these times with laughter and gratitude.. that you both had the strength and fortitude to see it through. May your home and family be blessed with happiness, abundance and most of all enduring love for one another.

Dan & Annalise, I have so admired you two working so hard for a beautiful dream. I found you on yt, two years ago, when COVID started. You should be proud of your accomplishments! I keep praying that you and young beautiful bride will get your life back together. Blessings to you both!👍🏻💕🙏🏻

Hard work makes you appreciate what you have now, does it not? My father-in-law use to say...easy come, easy go! That's why it was difficult for you to tear out that first renovation! Wonderful video!

You and Annalise have done amazing coping with the build and family, it takes it out of you mentally and physically. I hope one day you two will see what a great couple you both are. You are one talented man Dan xx

Mate I have never seen your channel before and have no idea who you are… but you look like an awesome bloke. Hard working, caring Husband and loving Father. Admire your determination, grit and honesty. I’ve had a similar journey where it’s lean, daunting and just plain hard where you just have to crack on and get it done. Great example mate. Keep up the great work.

Amazing what you have achieved, it would be so hard to leave, all your blood sweat and tears, but you have to feel very proud, not easy but the self satisfaction is priceless.we built our house over 50 years ago and still live in it, we did it when our children were just born then 11 months later number 2 arrived so I can empathise

You've both done an absolutely incredible job. Definitely be proud.

Unbelievable what you and Annalise have accomplished. All this and two beautiful boys-in my opinion your best achievement ever. I have always admired your and Annalise’s parenting skills. Thanks for the flashback Dan🙏🏻❤️

Dear Dan… you both are doing a great job. I know when my husband and I did our renovation we almost lost each other, was a nightmare with so many decisions and cracks appear when partners not on the same page! You both deserve to enjoy it all now

Total respect for both of you! Courage, hard work, faith! What a lot to be proud of!

You did it, I'm so proud and impressed with what you and Analise have created. Loved the intro to this video too!!!

Been here done this…..not as extreme but we remodeled our first small home totally while my husband served in the National Guard and went to grad school and held a full time job! As we look back we treasure those years. Young children also. We thrived now we just built our fifth new home and didn’t lift a finger. Yard being put in……life is a journey. Different phases but what has survived is our commitment to hard work. Blessings to you and your family.

Well done Dan and Annalise, very impressive. Onwards and upwards The journey has only just started. Prayers and best wishes to you all. 💖💖💖

I'm in North Carolina in the US. I am amazed at what you all undertook to do ! I wouldn't have had the guts to do all that. You are a brave guy ! Congratulations ! You did a great job !!

What an achievement as a couple and a family! When you can dream it you can do it 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Wow, what a wonderful home you’ve created for your family!

Have I mentioned how much I appreciate your editing skills? Oh yeah... a few times. And that’s because you are a really good storyteller! Congratulations on all your achievements... buildings, re- buildings, kids, and just overall ingenuity and courage in going for it!

I only “know” you through your vlog, but I still feel an enormous pride for you both in your achievements. You and Annalise have so much to be proud of. Onward and upward, hopefully with it being less of a struggle from here on out.

I can feel your relief that there’s light at the end of the tunnel! But as working at Stephanie’s Chateau has shown you, it’s a constant effort to keep up old houses!! Great job you two!!!!

Wow! So proud of all that you both have achieved, while having two kids too!

What an achievement both you and Annalise did! Beautiful.

I really enjoyed hearing the back story and seeing the reno as time goes on.

Lots of blood, swear and tears but so worth it when you see how far you’ve come. Well done 💪🏻

You and Annalise have done a great job, you should be very pleased with what you have achieved in the five years well done to you both x👏💕🤗

It truly is an amazing feat. You and Annalise have been through so much together, I truly pray that you will stick together through it all. The picture of baby Jack P was so cute, just made me smile. Take care, Dan. 🧡

You guys have done amazing job with the old farm house, lots of wonderful memories, regards from Australia

You two have put yourselves thru a wringer. But, rhe investment is paying off. We love your work and artistry. Yay all of you!! 🥰

What a journey two young loves from the Uk moving to France life savings starting literally from scratch Jack and Thomas such a pleasure to share your journey no matter what life hands you Dan and Annalise you’ve achieved something beyond a lot of our dreams here so proud keep your heads up never give up life is full of so many blessings even through the tuff times Thankyou for sharing just amazing😍😍❤️❤️👌👌🌟🌟

Great job! Reminds me of my own life over the years. I'm 69 and siting here watching and reliving my life's struggle, rehabbing the old farm house and raising my family as time and money permitted. Now we have grand children and can't believe how many years have passed since we started!

I have enjoyed watching your growth through this hard renovation and building up your home from nothing to a show house and studio. Hoping you and Analyise are working through the hard times right now, with the respect that it appears you both show each other on your vlogs. Life is funny with what it sometimes throws your way. And May you both continue to bring the best of both of you to your young sons, and everything works out for the best. Blessings to you all. I love your vlogs, keep them coming. 👍❤️😁

Great seeing where you came from Dan.....unbelievable how much you both have done. Over last winter I went back and watched all of your first vlogs.....you really have done a lot! Well done Dan and Annalise!!

Wow! He had no idea you were doing such a reno from scratch. No wonder the stress. Much better times to come, Dan. Best to both you and Annaleise.

Just watched this for the 2nd time... it speaks volumes. Even tho' you lived it and made the video yourself, I hope you watch it now & again to remind yourself... perspective & context is so important in life.

Week hello! I guess it pays to wake up early to look after my kitty recovering from surgery! You posted this five minutes ago! What an incredible amount of work you and Annalise have put into this place! Amazing.

Hope you reflect how lucky you are Dan, you did it together…and have a beautiful family. Annalise has a drive like you, and deserves to be cherished and loved. Pray for your continued happiness.

I honestly had no idea you had no prior building/construction experience before buying and moving, nor a dime left for renovation despite unlivable conditions to get fixing immrdiately. That's just mindblowing. Really brave, and incredibly ambitious. I'm so impressed you have no idea, also in Anna-Lise for all she's done plus put up with during two pregnancies without a meltdown, wow guys... Inspiring and impressive doesn't cover it. You've managed to create this charming house from ruins all on your own whilst raising two beautiful boys and kept your mojo on! Also in separation you are still working as a team to give the boys the best life and not disrespect what you've achieved and shared on your journey together. You are both great role models for any younger people watching this! That kitchen btw, to die for, really professional grade A equipped and aesthetics! ❤️

❤My favourite part of the entire house is that kitchen! Beautiful, charming and has so much character, you should be proud of it!! ❤

You have achieved an incredible amount together. Although you may no longer be couple you are both one hell of a team, and those little boys have wonderful parents.

Wow, it's amazing what you've been able to do to the place! You and Annalise are right to feel proud.

I'm 73 now, I converted a small barn into a studio when I was in my early 20s. I had little money, but a lot of people helped with building materials. It was hard work, and the barn still stands 50 years later.

Dan - Bravo! I think this is one of your better videos in a while. It was heartfelt and authentic. You and Annalise built something cozy and liveable out of a broken down historical building that you two saved together. Having worked in construction for most of my life, I feel for you both.

It's mind boggling everything you guys achieved in such a short period of time. It's such hard work. You'll have EARNED every inch of success that comes along the way. Wishing you an easier ride for the rest of this renovation journey!

Dear Dan and Annalise, You stuck together through such hard times! You two have so much in common. I pray for you two to get back together. What you two have cannot be replaced by anyone. I speak from experience. We left our country long time ago to move overseas out of the same reasons. Stay close, forgive and love eachother. God bless you.

I hope & pray that you will stay together with your beautiful family & live a healthy and peaceful life filled with love. If you have difficulty in future, look back on this together. Such a fantastic job! God Bless you both and your family. Love from Canada 🇨🇦👏👏🙏🙏❤️❤️🇨🇦 Thanks for sharing your lives with us! 🍷

such a great job! you should both be proud of all you two have achieved together including 2 lovely kids

Dan and Annalise, you both have come a very long way, gone through tons. We are sure you both cherish what you have accomplished now; a warm winter, a comfy toilet and most importantly a family unit. Be proud (not in pride 😄). We are very happy and excited for you, Annalise, Thomas and Jack.💝💝 Be blessed.

Dan, Annalise...from Canada 🇨🇦 ♥ ...job well done 👏. You guys rock !

Looking back on all the work you have both done, it's incredible, well done.

You should be so proud of yourselves for this simply amazing transformation! To think you did it together while caring for two babies makes it doubly astounding! May you be blessed with every happiness in your beautiful new old home!

I shake my head in disbelief viewing the earliest scenes of your fashioning out a living space during the (un)glamorous camping-under-construction stage. And while Annelise was pregnant (twice)! Perhaps only possible if you are putting one foot in front of the other. You two and then three and four really went through some stressful and uncomfortable, but also tremendously creative times together. I am so impressed with how much you both learned and multi-tasked to create a home that reflected your personalities. You have so much to be proud: as individuals and as a family.

You both worked so hard, a credit to you both. Amazing what you have done. A lovely little family as well. 👏👏👏👏

babies come and they dont wait for anyone, hold my coffee, the birds and the bees conversation coming now...

You both have a beautiful family. Those two adorable little boys make it well worth it.

Well done Dan and Annalise! Such a lot done in only five years, amazing!

Jeez, that's crazy! Seeing how it started to how it is now...wow!!! well done guys

I have been watching since the beginning and the amount of work you both have done is amazing.Being a woman who had two small ones, I know Annalise had a tough time. We all always want a story to end as a happy ever after,and that would be wonderful. I also know a lot of stories don’t. In the meantime I would like to congratulate you and Annalise for the hard work you have put into your home and your family. Best wishes for the future.

Hoping you both can rediscover the passion and energy you spent building your beautiful home and continue to build a beautiful life for your boys. 🙏💖

I remember watching your early videos. You and Annalise have gone through a lot… really tough times… but you guys did great !!! 👍 👍 Actually I discovered and learned certain skills from your vlogs !!! 👌 😃 Watching your family grow, is such a joy, specially the little ones who are growing up too fast … 😮 You guys are just fantastic!!! Cheers !!!

You guys have done an amazing work on the old farm house , you have lots of lovely memories and more to come as the boys grow up, regards from Australia🥰

W O W!!!! What amazing progress you and Annaliese have made! REALLY well done!!

It's wonderful how you gave life back to those beautiful old structures and made it your home!

Amazing accomplishments when you have the will. At least now you can say you’re past the beginning and you managed. Watching you over the past couple years shows how much you’ve done and you should be proud and the Universe does provide. Kudos to you both! 👍❤️👍

What an amazing journey. Both you and Annalise should be very proud of all the accomplishments made. Just brilliant. Thanks for sharing

To say I admire you Dan already is an understatement! This is staggering, truly a real achievement. Its hardly any wonder you take things in your stride so easily now. Annalise, being a mum in a building site and helping the build along the way! WOW! You both have earned our deepest respect.

Hope your working and struggling together has drawn you two closer together. That you will have A great life.

I still can't believe how many tasks you were able to learn and put into practise to create such a lovely family home. It's amazing. Be proud.

Well done to both of you - what an achievement on zero cash! You should both be very proud. And of your boys, as well.

Wow Dan, you and Annalise have been through a lot together. I have watched you both over time through videos. It takes a lot of love to build a home and a family and I believe it is still there, somewhere between the tired bodies and the exhausted brains. What a story you two have. Wouldn’t it be a good one to find those happy hearts again? Remember it is your story, make it a good one. ❤️

I loved seeing the boys helping or watching daddy work at home. Those are the best parts and memories ever. And the chandelier!

You and Anneliese accomplished so much and both worked incredibly hard on your home. The two of you share such incredible memories of creating your home and your children. Priceless

You both have done a fabulous job on a small budget but what you have created is wow, Be proud of this great achievement and yes it was full on and no downtime but look how far you have come and now you can have time to have that fun and enjoy your lovey family home

It's hard work, but you're young and it's an investment in your future. It will be worth more than you payed fot it! Well done.

Dan you and Annalise have done such an amazing job in building your home. Congratulations love and best wishes to the two of you and your gorgeous boys. 🥰🥰

Dan, Omg, do I ever remember your first videos!! You two worked so hard in appalling conditions. I really don't know how you did it. But your hard work has really paid off. We are all so very proud of you. Best of luck in the future. Still love watching all your adventures. Cheery

So good to see how it all started x

it takes COURAGE, DARING & PERSEVERENCE to do what you have accomplished! BRAVO!

it reminds me of a friend's house in charente-maritime. when i first saw his house 30 years ago, it wasn't much different from yours. but over time, he brought it back to being a home you really can enjoy living in. Good luck.

There couldn't be anyone more proud of what you have achieved over the years than me that's what hard work and a willingness to learn new things can do enrich your life and make it better for the future 😁