RESTORING our neglected 300-YEAR-OLD FARMHOUSE and garden [2 years in 24 minutes]
In August 2020, our family packed up everything and moved to France to begin restoring a 300-year-old farmhouse and overgrown garden. This is our story.
We made the choice to sell our business in the UK and move with our young son in the hope of creating our dream forever homestead in rural France. We had no DIY experience so tackling a farmhouse restoration project was going to be a steep learning curve.
Moving to France hasn’t been easy and the journey certainly isn’t over yet. The restoration of the farmhouse will take many more years. Uncovering the garden took most of the first year and it has only been in the last year that we have really been able to put our stamp on it. This year we have created a potager (vegetable garden) at the front of the property having been inspired after we discovered this is what the land used to be used for. We have loved growing our own fruit and vegetables and plan to double it in size next year.
In 2021 the family had a new addition - our second son. Our children are one of the main reasons why we decided to move to France and why we took on this ambitious restoration project.
#farmhouserenovation #restoringfarmhouse #2yearrenovation
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00:00 2 Years in 24 seconds
00:37 Prelude: A boat, a baby and a pandemic
2:56 Chapter 1 : A new beginning
7:14 Chapter 2: Renovating the interior
9:26 Chapter 3: Exterior landscaping
12:25 Chapter 4: A family effort
17:19 Chapter 5: Creating the potager
21:14 Chapter 6: A considered life
Music sourced form SoundStripe (in chapter order)
Wicked Cinema - A Game of Chess
Wicked Cinema - Cat and Mouse
Wicked Cinema - Crest & Mantle
Chelsea McGough - Hook or Crook
Featherland - Crescendo
Alice in Winter - Woven
Alice in Winter - Azure
Awyr - Out of Sight
I am thoroughly exhausted and this only was 25 minutes long. I don’t know where you guys found your strength. But I am so impressed. Keep going.
I second this
Probably because you just wasted 25 minutes of your life and didn't benefit from it. Like everyone who watches television or some media.
@@SCARRIOR oh you must be fun to be arround with
@@FoCuSsports Time isn't wasted if you enjoyed the video. That couple and their kids are all awesome! 💙💙💙💙
@@SCARRIOR not wasted if you learn something. You apparently DID waste 25 minutes, because you can't find anything positive to say!
I am a 37 year old contractor and watching this moved me to tears. You have a beautiful family and are creating a beautiful space to enjoy it.
Calm down.
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The sheer amount of work involved is inspiring. So many nights just crawling into bed dusty and exhausted only to get up and do it all again. I'm sure there were arguments and days where you questioned it all, but it's worth it, so so worth it. The results are beautiful. The production quality is amazing. The combination of light, color and sound is transporting. I can see, smell and taste it all, quality storytelling. Keep doing what your doing. Thanks for sharing and bringing us all along for journey.
corny
well sayd
Im 37 but i don't give up dreaming that i go to bed dusty and exhausted because of renovating an old lovely house one day. That is my goal
In all honesty the sheer amount of work you put in reviving the land is indeed appreciable. Y'all are living my dream. The cinematography and editing is top notch.
Totally agree with you 👍💯 What an amazing family with an amazing vision & mission 🏆💪🎊🎉💖 Yes , you are so right - the cinematography , pacing & music are exceptional 🤩🤩🤩 I felt like I was watching a Documentary in a cinema that pulled me into an alternate reality 💫💫💫 I could even taste the cherries & watermelon 😆😂😋😋🍒🍉
Thanks Arya, looking forward to more cherries and watermelons this year.
Your family is living the dreams of many people. for some of us it will only be a dream because of different circumstances. But hats off to you, for your hard work and your videos are very well put together. All the best for your future
Thank you Mal. We're very aware.of our privilege and how lucky we are to be here. Thanks for your kind words.
Ikr! I also dream to someday find a home that is somewhat run down, but manageable so I can restore it and make it to my taste. Sadly that costs loads of money
Wow! I loved every minute of this, I was lost with you and slowly it all started to come together, well done both of you. Such hard work and the vision you have , I take my hat off to you x
Thank you! It's a slow process, at times painfully slow. But we're getting there!
What an amazing job your family is doing! Your two boys are getting such good training and they are so adorable! Thank you for sharing what you are learning!
Wonderful!!!!!
@@LivingintheLoire Haha! So true, my parents brought me home from the hospital to our old farmhouse and there are STILL jobs to be done! New jobs that haven't even been started yet!
Went to the comments to write a comment only to find you've written exactly what I was going to say. Hello from Australia ✌
I’m a 75 yr old man from South Africa. Your endeavours are inspirational. You succeed even when you fail because others are taught. Your parents would be hugely proud just as your children will be. Bless you all in a world of new values. Stay true to yours.
I don’t know if it’s the music, the fact that I’m waiting to homestead, the fact that I’m pregnant, or just that the video makes me emotional but I wanted to cry the whole time 😅 Such a huge and rewarding undertaking for your family. It’s beautiful to watch you build a legacy on such a beautiful, historic property.
Thank you so much. All the best with your pregnancy and homesteading journey 💛
Wow you guys are amazing. Greetings from South Africa xxx
Thank you Marietta!
I love the ethereal music in your video’s they compliment the content so very very well.
Thank you, I'd love to take the credit but it's all Brook!
Just bought a 4 bed townhouse with 1000m² of land in the Almeria mountains of Spain. I am a 53 year old lady used to singing in Spain, but am not going to let this stop me 😅 Thank you for ideas - would love more insight into your struggles and wins. Love Claire ❤
KZhead algorithm told me I should watch this. And here I'm, no regrets! Great stuff guys! Congratulations!
Welcome aboard!
Fab video. Can't wait for the next instalments.😍
I'm looking forward to the 10 year one 😂
Amazing video , amazing what you have achieved . You should be proud of what you have done .
Bravissimi !!.
AMAZING…AMAZING. You should be very proud , fantastic video , can I just add. Having a vision and insight to how you would like to live your life , up rooting , taking a chance , coming up against challenges on the way , but having that belief and strength of mind to overcome problems , believing in yourself is something quite special . We all have our own dreams , albeit variable , but you have achieved and on the journey , should make us all think …. It is possible . ❤️
Thank you 💛
“We grew in our ability to transform the neglected…” such a powerful line. You have definitely made such a transformation! I loved watching you plant and harvest. Not only in your farm, but in your life. All your hard work has given a fruitful harvest. God bless you and your beautiful family💕. -Dyana
Thank you Dyana, that's very kind of you.
Bienvenue en France ! You did honor to this old property, I hope you enjoy your new lives there, it's well deserved, so much work!
Every time I watch one of these things I learn something, we did something similar in central Portugal back on 2016, never looked back. A smaller house, an acre of garden with vines and 25 mature olive trees, but not a gardener. Mind, I am a good few years older, but still pushing it, a lot of similarities and still making improvements. Thanks for sharing.
Good for you Cosmo, sounds very idyllic. Thank you for watching.
How wonderful you both are. Not only to tackle such a (seemingly) endless and uphill task, but to do it with two babes in the midst of a pandemic and in a new country. I am filled with admiration at your story thus far and hope that your future plans bring you equal amounts of achievement and joy. Brava! Bravo!
Thanks Tris for your kind words.
Absolutely amazing what you both have achieved, and while raising a young family, beautifully put together video, hope you’re well and can’t wait to follow you on your further journey x
Thank you Amanda. Here's to the next chapter! x
They are an amazing family!
Oh yes definitely, wonderful people, amazing work, an inspiration to us all. Thank you for the video. Blessings
@@LivingintheLoire Being involved with pottery, I am looking forward to seeing some pottery videos!
PURE INSPIRATION!!!! A Diamond in the rough is forever a diamond!!!! Thx. Now y’all have snatched my excuses away. To the garden I go!!!! 😂
Good luck in the garden this weekend Felicia
One of the Very Best in this Genre I've seen so far! The Footage, Narration, Music and Editing were Excellent!
Thanks Peter. Much appreciated.
Congratulations guys!
I’m amazed at what you’ve accomplished so far. So many unexpected problems with the houses but you did a boatload of renovation. The gardens are wonderful. I subscribed and look forward to watching more of your progress. 🌷
Amazing garden, so beautifuly arranged
I can't imagine the face you guys made when you first arrived at the property and saw all that mess! But woah! This is probably the best restoration video I've ever watched. We got to see your children, plants, and abilities grow, everything. What a beautiful video, glad you documented this process. I have no words to describe how happy I felt watching it. Hats off, you did an incredible and beautiful job, guys.
My wife and I retired and moved to Kentucky, USA at the beginning of the Pandemic. A year later we found and purchased property and because we were waiting for the economy to become stable again, we planted fruit trees, established 18 no till garden beds, several raised beds and preserved lots of good healthy food while waiting to build our home. This year we added 21 additional garden beds and hope to sell at the Farmers Market. Your video brought me to tears. Such great memories. At 66, I remember the first year. It was challenging work but never have I felt more complete. I admire you for beginning this journey and teaching your children this way of life. I loved the video and will continue to follow your journey. Cheers!
Bravo for your efort and forward thinking. Those years broke a lot of people ...& I don't mean just physically. Many lost their businesses and whole way of life. Moving to the country increasingly sounds like a good idea. I just wish I were younger, like this industrious but sensitive couple!
Flip! What an incredible achievement in such a short time. You have brought the old place back to life!
merci! From the US but soooo pleased to see you having the courage and strength to pursue a dream many of us either cannot or will not pursue. Truly, our Lord is with you and I am so grateful and thrilled with what you have accomplished! thank you.
One of the best restorations! And by all nature that you have revived you add to making this planet a better place for all of us
From the Netherlands : Much respect for your courage and perseverance. Thank you for sharing your ‘live’
You both are like shining stars in a cloudy dark sky.
Thank Goodness for Great neighbors!
The chicken coop looks so improved!
Thank you for such a lovely vlog on your journey to France. You have done so much and have worked so hard. I have been watching your channel since the very beginning and am so impressed with all you have done. You have both learned so many amazing skills and have been such wonderful roll models for your two beautiful boys. Thank you for this 2 year celebration of your journey!!💝
Thank you so much Jane. Your lovely comments and support mean a lot to us. Glad you enjoyed this 2 year catch up! 😊
Wish I could come spend a year watching all you are doing! You are learning so much and I love what you are sharing with your watchers!
I have to say if all parents would raise their children like yall are the world 🌎 would be a better place. God bless 🙏 from America 🇺🇸
This was an utterly delightful way to spend half an hour on a Sunday morning. Wishing you all the very best!
I am utterly moved by your way of living that YOU have created for yourselves. Watching the process, i could only imagine how challenging this must have been. But in the end you pulled through - beautiful to watch. Greetings from Vienna, Austria
You deserve the absolute Very Best of good fortune. Your work ethic is incredible. Wishing you every blessing the universe provides. Look forward to seeing your well earned success.
Always happy when something you fixed has solved the problem. Kudos to you. There is just no telling how much money you have saved over the years being able to do all the repairs you have tackled. Have a Blessed day.
25 minutes I feel attached from my heart ❤️ to this beautiful journey.
Thank you Eshu
You deserve some kind of giant medal……….such a tough project to take on……let alone having two more children as well…….words fail me……..like really…..
That was a nice all in one journey to current state...enjoyed that! 😁😁
Amazing, simply amazing on what you have achieved. I love the flow of your videos and cannot wait to see the onward journey
Thank you Fay ☺️
Every problem you overcome adds value to your life, not just now but in the future. After all it is the future that counts.
The photography, narration and music are so wonderfully done!! Bless you both for not taking the easy route 💯
You guys make a great team. Also nice to have your parents visit and help! Amazing transformation!!
Thanks Helena!
You have accomplished so much in a relatively small amount of time. Wishing you much success with the shop and selling both your pottery and weavings.
One of the best yt videos ive ever watched! Very well edited and narrated! 👍👌❤️
kids re gift of God, the beautiful home they got is their blessing.
What a determination and inspiration to all who wants to lead a real life in harmony with nature.
God bless you for saving this history and being brave to take on the challenge
YOU ARE THE KING AND QUEEN OF WORKING AND FIGHTING LIFE
The most precious thing you got is your family and your spirit. God bless.
An absolutely delightful video. Has been wonderful to watch. Yes it is damned hard work,been there done that, but you as a family will reap the benefit for years to come. Lovely too your parents are able to contribute and the children will always remember their presence. You made the right decision and your resilience throughout your lives together will always hold you in good stead. Thank you for taking time to give us such a wonderful insight. Bless you all and feel blessed. You took an enormous step of faith and the universe worked with you. Xxx
Thank you Libby, we really appreciate all your supportive comments 😊
What a great job these people have done, what the household looks like at the beginning and what it looks like at the end, after the completion of the complex renovation work!
Why I am so jealous of the kid to have the happiest time just helping with all the jobs. Seams soooo peaceful and happy 😊😊😊
I love the sparse narration, letting the pictures speak. And like some other comments I find this emotional, hopeful, beautiful
Nice overview!
What a spectacular and cinematic journey you have taken us on. The very best of luck to all of you.
Thanks Lee
KZhead just recommend me this video, its like a ASMR for me, so relaxing
I have the utmost respect for anyone so willing to live their life without compromise. You decided on the life you wanted, and went for it. Good on you.
Loved your vlog. Congratulations to all. Cheers from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺
You did a wonderful job. I feel like packing up and moving in.
You've come so far! Amazing work and great to see the little ones too. God has blessed you abundantly.
I liked how you showed the neighbor farmer at work in their fields as a time stamp. And when this is all done, you get to live & grow old IN FRANCE! And you were able to give this gift to your children. Thanks for sharing this video with me, I really enjoyed it!
This video is an documentry of grit, resolve and perseverance. It shows how our ooder generations lived and enjoyed nature. As well as why humankind has been able to survive after all, its because of strong minded hard workers like you two.
Incredible! Can’t wait to see more.
this was so beautifully filmed/edited, and it’s so inspiring 😭 to do all of this in a foreign country, during a pandemic with children!! it’s insane but clearly so worthwhile. congratulations, i wish you all the happiness, health and success!!! 💕💕💕
You are both truly inspiring!
This is such an amazing video! Loved seeing this land, but most importantly, this family grow.
Это прекрасная история, наполненная смелостью, стойкостью, творчеством и свободой. Огромная работа! Очень вы серьезные умные ребята!!! Удачи Вам и Счастья!!!
This is my first time on your channel and I am smitten. LOVE your story! LOVE your story telling skills! Well done. Very entertaining and inspiring!
Thank you LynnAnne
I wish your family a happy and positive journey on the new home. Cheers
"Bakarsan bağ olur bakmazsan dağ olur" Türk Atasözü, çok emek ve çaba var. uğraştığınıza değmiş. tebrikler. (Hem de iki çocukla ayrıca tebrikler)
Your video really caught my attention with its editing. Things like trimming vines on the wall then cutting hair absolutely drew my attention to the fun you have together as a family. And I wanted to watch more. Thanks. I really enjoyed your 24 minutes covering 24 months.
This is a great story. I look forward to seeing more of your improvements and successes.
Thank you Diana 😊
I do as well, it's great to see such determination.
I fell off watching when you found out about the old garden and it was so nice to see this update. Yay, excited to watch what’s been happening in the last year
For beginners you both did a wonderful job fixing up the house and property!
This was so satisfying to watch as I rested from my own labors. God bless!
A big congratulations to you both for all your hard works and determination. So much you have both achieved, whilst raising to adorable children. I wish you much more success in the next year of your projects. Loved watching you on your journey😘
Thank you Annette, that's really lovely of you. Thank you for supporting the channel 😊
Even if I want to I don’t have the skills, energy and time for this. Congratulations on your beautiful home
I am from SouthWest France. We are so lucky that so many northern europeans come and restore lands, houses, and even entire villages, that we unfortunately don't always take care properly.
I’m just in amazement over all you’ve done and your beautiful young family!
Thanks for sharing, this is a nicely put together vid.. the rewards at the end help you forget the pain in getting there.. but I guess the dead mice and septic tank smells will live with you forever..., take care cheers
Haha yes some things don't fade from memory!
You are truly living the dream. You are creating a legacy for your future descends.
imo this life looks so satisfying to me diy everything and grow everything
Such an ambitious pair. This is how marriage is supposed to be…working together towards a shared goal. Kudos to you both.
It's rather amazing how much you've accomplished in that short of time! I'll be looking forward to seeing your upcoming videos! Hopefully when you are able to root out all the didden and not so hidden troubles in your own living space, the unexpected obstacles and setbacks won't be so traumatic to you and your darling children! You both are quite gifted in narrating your videos. It was very interesting but your voices were relaxing as I sit here nursing a broken leg! Keep up the good work! Hope to see you again soon! Shorter videos more often would be ok if it would make it more possible! Thank you, and blessings from WallaWalla, Washington USA
Thank you Mary. I hope your leg isn't too painful. The next one will definitely be shorter 😊
Bonjour, comment va la jambe 2 mois plus tard 🤔
Wow! You two are amazingly resilient....You took on an enormous challenge and have delt with all the many difficult issues along the way and found ways to move forward and fulfill your passions and dreams....Kudos to you both! Can't wait to see more of your wonderful and inspiring videos....(I'm an old 'fixer-upper' but have never confronted the issues your have solved.)
KZhead just put your video in the timeline. I'm in awe, what an absolute achievement.
loved the whole story. can't wait to see what happens next.
Hi how are you doing?
It already looks so beautiful. Its a big house, with many options, & that’s a lot of work. You do such a great job. I’m looking forward to see your new website. Good luck with the next steps. 🍀
The algorithm seems to have told everyone to do these ‘round up’ videos over the last couple of months and many have been interesting. Yours has been the best thought through and presented and the most interesting of the crop. A lot of work. Thank you.
Thank you very much Rob
This is a love story written to their children and love itself.
Amazing! I am full of admiration for all you have achieved.
Amazing transformation! I’m certain your neighbors were so pleased at your restoration in the community.
What COURAGE, DETERMINATION & WILL. KUDOS to you. Your Intent is admirable & I wish you Much Success. From what I've seen in this video; I feel SURE you'll ACHIEVE your hearts desires!
that garden is amazing holy crap!!!!! so much food and grapes literally growing on a wall!!!!
Hi Brook and Rebecca and boys, what you two have achieved in the past two years is absolute legend! I hadn't seen such detailed footage of the state the property was in as a whole when you moved there, only bits, and seeing that, and what you've achieved in the grounds alone is truly incredible. The continuous battle of dampness, electricals and leaks would have had most people throwing in the towel very fast, but you have stuck it out and made it all work. I realise there's still a lot of renovation/restoration work to be done on the buildings, but you've proved that you're well up for it! Huge hugs and much love xxx🤗❤❤🤗
What a lovely comment, thank you Karen. Brook tried really hard to use footage that he hadn't previously so for long-tome supporters like yourself you'd still be seeing new bits. Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the support as.always 😊
KZhead suggested this video for weeks and I finally clicked! So worth it ❤ What a beautiful story! And your weaving looks amazing 😍
Glad you finally gave in 😂😊
The more work you put into your home, the more you love and appreciate it. May there always be peace and love in your nest! You are great fellows!
Just the kind of life and family I wish for.