Our French Home Remodel: Reality vs. Expectation
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 พ.ย. 2024
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Check out Cecilia’s new channel An Artist's Life! / @anartistslifeyt
In this video, I share the wild ride of our house remodel here in France. After a year, we're only 40% done, mainly because Cecilia insists on transforming EVERY single corner of our home!
This intense process has been chaotic at times, with countless logistical hurdles like furniture deliveries, runs to the hardware store, and unexpected structural issues.
While Cecilia finds joy in the creative transformation, I struggle with the extensive work and constant interruptions.
However, despite the triggers and conflicts, this very emotional journey has provided many opportunities for personal growth... of which we continually take advantage.
Alongside these renovations, we’ve experienced significant milestones, including launching Cecilia's new TH-cam channel and celebrating special family events.
So check out the next chapter in this crazy adventure of ours, and let us know what you think. Who are YOU, the DIYer or the DIFMer?
Thanks as always for your support. 🙏😁
Watch Nathan's video documenting our amazing dinner at the Michelin restaurant on the Eiffel Tower: • Giving My Parents the ...
Thank you Sky for some great shots and your amazing animations as always! Check out his channel: / @skymography
Find me on Instagram: / be.neaththesurface
All items below are Amazon affiliate links. This means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase when clicking on anything below, at no additional cost to you (that is, no change in price):
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#frenchcountryside #frenchliving #france #remodel #remodeling #renovate #renovations #houserenovation #houserenovations #lifeinfrance #frenchlife #countryside #countryhome #painting #flooring #parquet #diy #tiling #kitchenmakeover #housemakeover #newhome
I was just thinking about you all ! Happy to see you are "back". Funny how TH-cam make us care for people we've never met :)
Haha, so true. Thank you! :)
It's one of the real positives of a sometimes negative entity! We really feel like we know our content creators!
@@bthomson Agreed!!
I couldn't keep up with Cecilia's energy and pace. I understand you.
Haha
Cecelia is a perfectionist, I think, and so determined!
She does everything so well! 🤗
Check out her channel!
I love your self honesty. As well as your adventures!
Thank you 🙏😁
Now we know where your son, Nathan, gets his genius from. 😊🎉 I also really appreciate how you address the frustration and emotional issues that crop up.
It’s the only lens I’m able to see things through. It’s all driven by emotions in the end! Thank you so much for your support. 🙏😁
Not ONLY emotion! Also a great ability to communicate complicated things clearly and relatably!
@@bthomson Thank you so much 🙏
I'm SO excited about Cecilia's channel! Running over to subscribe now!
Haha, awesome!!
Love, love, loved the month-by-month recap of the progress on the house. It's a LOT! Cecelia's channel sound amazing - gonna pop over there now :)
Thank you so much! :)
Love the vulnerability and realness so much. The DIY home beautification process is like a daily boot camp on trust, interlacing values and marital commitment. Kudos to getting through each step so far and being willing to share it. Cheers to you both! I’m sure it will be AMAZING.
Thank you so much! :)
Props on the video editing! The :44 Psycho reference and 15:25 grumpy kid image cracked me up. 😄Can't wait to see more Before and Afters, and am subscribing now to Cecelia's new channel! The kitchen handles at 6:43 are *gorgeous!* Good luck with the ongoing remodeling marathon. 🍀 It'll be worth it in the end! 😬🤪🌿😃😀🌿
Thank you, awesome comment 🙏😁
Thank you for another amazing video: amazing both in content and construction. Those roof graphics showing the moving in and out of rooms and hallway were something else! And I always like the "beneath the surface" quality you share in your videos. It's why I so like your channel!! Best wishes from the North Oregon Coast, USA.
What a sweet comment! Thank you so much!🙏😁
You are so lucky to have Cecelia as a partner who creates such an incredible nest for you guys with all of her hard work. I can’t wait to see her channel!
🙏😁
Hello from California! I have been looking for you folks for months. I was worried that you folks had given up? Thank you so much for sharing your story. It looks beautiful where you are creating your dream home. It looks heavenly there in France where you are residing. Congratulations 👏
Thank you! Super busy, as you can see. Takes time to put these videos together, and now with two channels! We'll see how it all pans out...
Thank you for sharing. I look forward to each video.
I love houses, am a licences realtor in US and Spain, have worked with investors and my own purchases and renovated 27 homes in that process. Like your wife, homes speak to me, beg me to make them pretty and functional. They talk to me and even sigh with relief when I come in with a plan. Call me crazy, but it's a mission.
My husband of 25 years almost blew a gasket when they came to replace a washer in our flat in Marbella today and they didn't have the right parts. We have renovated three homes in our marriage, and the hardest part was his dislike of the process. It frightened him, the confusing vocabulary, the endless money, the required project changes, the dust. He loved the results, but he was way, way out of his comfort zone.
I love him so the next home I think I will try to choose a place that doesn't need big renovations
...hahaha...some how the next house will beg me to change the bathroom or direction of the stairs or windows.
Haha, you guys sound like us! 😆
Thanks! This episode has ALL of the unique, fun, reflective, and life-challenges that brought me to your channel in the first place.
Thank you 🙏😁
So funny. Great video Josh! I understand Cecilia completely because I am the same way. We love pretty things, also they come at a cost, family sacrifice and exhaustion but the end result is amazing! Your home is looking beautiful, the perfect jewel and sanctuary at the same time🤗.
I will be also moving to France January 2025 and expect to be doing the same! I know you guys don’t need friends but I hope to meet you one day to say hello!
Keep up the good work of being positive and approving what Cecilia does 110%! I love her tenacity and style. Much love to both of you.
Thank you. 🙏😁 Have you checked out her channel yet!?
@@BeneaththeSurfaceYT Yes! I already subscribed. Looking forward to watching her imagination go very far. She is a true artist.
Love Cecilia! And can’t wait for her channel and videos. Your home is gorgeous and I am totally envious!
Thanks! Hope you had a chance to watch her first video?
Congratulations on your new channel! Cheers! The renovation is a teal trigger. I renovated two houses ago. Spent two years creating an addition then we sold it. Now I’m in my forever dream home and 4 floor yellow Victorian high up in a hill. My latest project is that I’m making the 4 floor into a secret library. 📚My only problem is the my body can’t do what my mind wants to do. Wish I was 20 years younger. After every project my body just hurts. My knees my hands my back. It sucks getting old especially when you are so excited to work on improving your home & your body just aches. Enjoy your new home. Congratulations!
It gets harder indeed! Thank you. 🙏
I put happiness (myself and others) so high up on my list. And at 55 I know I achieve this daily because of gratitude. Cleaning the house...EASY...so grateful I have a house to clean. Construction/Renovations are hard. But I LOVE the journey as much as the results because there are so many things to grateful for during the journey. Your house in the states was INCREDIBLE, so excited about the new channel. Your a family of creative people...all a joy to watch. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you much 🙏😁
I thoroughly enjoy when you upload, thank you for inviting us into your lives, and I love what you've done with the place !!❤🎉
Thank you!! :)
I enjoy your channel so much. I love how you tell a story! I have been waiting for the renovations and am so excited for Cecilia's channel!!
Thank you 🙏
What a great video ! what a great insight into what it really takes physically and emotionally. Thank you for sharing. I think a lot of people have the dream, but they have to be in reality of what the dream entails. But I love how you show us that The dream IS possible, it just takes hard work, perseverance, and love ❤
🙏😁
THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER AMAZING VIDEO. I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING YOUR INSIGHTS
AND CREATIVE NARRATIVE. YOU ARE A VERY ENJOYABLE AND CREATIVE FAMILY!
THANK YOU!! 🙏😁
Josh, iv been watching your channel since I first found Nathaniels channel, hence since youve started. And ofcourse now Cecilias channel. What an Incredibly talented creative family you are ! I have just launched my YT channel, and its cos of real people like you that makes it possible to believe in making things happen. Wishing you always great success !
Thank you and all the same to you! 🙏😁
I’m like Cecilia. I love her vision & dedication to make your home beautiful & cozy!❤
Be sure to follow her channel. :)
@@BeneaththeSurfaceYT I intend to! She’s awesome 😎
@@GreenWitch1 😁
I was missing your videos….. I’m glad you both are back. My husband and I are “DIFM”. We just hire the proffesionals. I wish I new how to do renovations …or at least have the courage to try…. So kudos to you both.
Thank you much 🙏
Cecilia is every man’s dream! So positive, so inspiring, patient, and so hard working. What an awesome go getter. 👏🏼👍🏼
She truly is :)
Cecilia is sunshine! I can't wait to see her channel!
🙏😁
Great recap and I'm so excited about Cecilia's channel. I've already subscribed!
Nice!
I love how happy Cecilia is with this creative process. Lucky you you get to enjoy the results.
Indeed!
I thoroughly enjoyed this video.
Thank you 🙏😁
TY, this couldn’t have come at a better time! I’m also in the midst of renovating my new house, as my husband and I moved to Boston last year, after 20 years of living in Seattle. Just took a break from 3 hours of sanding our kitchen cabinets, your video gave me the motivation I needed to finish the task. Congrats to Cecilia on her channel, I already subscribed!
Thanks and best of luck!
Really enjoying your channel and your courageous journey. Thank you!
Thank you right back!
amazing as always!
Thank you so much 🙏😁
Cecilia is amazing!!!omg, so excited about her new channel! :)
We need a course or tutorials from Cecilia on house renovation and design 🙂
Haha, will pass that along!
Cecelia is my hero, I'm happy to work but lack her creative vision. Definitely gained a subscriber with me! We are also empty nesters in our 50s. Three years ago, we moved to a drab and neglected too-big-for-us house in our dream location in the mountains. The house is such a project (omg omg what were we thinking?). We tire ourselves out with skiing, biking, rock climbing, hiking, paddleboard time and then have to find the energy to keep at the house projects.
At least you're having a great time! :)
Man, I love you two! These are hands down, the best videos ever. The house is looking fantastic!
Thank you so much! :)
Yay! So excited to see Cecilia’s channel!
:)
Great to see you guys. I have missed you.
🙏😁
So glad to see you again and now Cecelia has her own channel. Pretty cool!! Yippee!! Love your enthusiasm!! See you soon!!
:)
Congrats Cecilia on the new channel - love hearing about (both) your journey of transformation, be it a physical one such as uprooting your life, moving across the globe and now the renovation of your home - to the emotional one of how you've handled all of this as two people in their 50's. Cecilia's creative energy astounds me and I can't wait to check out the channel because, as much as I like DIY, there's always something to learn and be inspired by x
Thank you! 🙏
Thank you for sharing. Love your furniture. I will go and check Cecilia's channel.
Thank you and please do! 🙏
Me encanta Cecilia! ES el alma mater de todo!Vital, apasionada, guapísima y muy creativa! Saludos desde España!
Jaja, la preferida. 😁 Ya viste su canal?
Cecilia! Enhorabuena! I’ve always been intrigued by “the mom.” 🎉🎉🎉 BTW, I ENJOY ALL OF YOU!❤❤❤❤
🙏😁
Love seeing all this unfold - can't believe it's been a year!!
So, two thoughts (I reckon yo'd make your life (and Cecilia's!) much easier if you take that approach):
1. Dave Goggins: when you think you're spent, you're probably only at about 40%
2. Not 'I HAVE to do this' but 'I GET to do this' - HUGE blessing that you get to do this dude! Focus on the alternative sliding door - trust me, it's not what you want!
These are two things that get me through when I think I've had enough. You have our whole life to thank today's self for putting up with this. It also helps you to stretch and grow so that future you can do more and begrudge it less...
Great work though, and a great update episode, I loved every minute of it!
Thanks :)
I’m the DIYer. My husband is the DIFMer! It’s not easy having that mix. I think it’s about vibrating on a different levels- and that’s ok.
Agreed
I've been waiting for this video . . . very nice . . . thank you!
Thank you! 🙏
So happy for Cecilia, I subscribed. Love the home.
Thank you!
So not what I was expecting but so refreshing - marriage is about compromise and clearly you have found a way to achieve together - thank you for sharing
Thank you for your support.
Cecilia is an absolute dynamo! And you do all the hard grind with her even though you say you don’t like it. You make a great team and understand each other so well. ❤
Thank you :)
Very well expressed and humorous. I hope the end of the reno is near.
Thank you! Not quite but we’ll get there…
I have a background similar to Cecilia. In our two homes, I painted over 25 rooms…myself. As I get older, arthritis does not allow me to do what my energy wants. My dilemma? My husband does not want to hire anyone…he thinks I do such a superb job I guess. But our arguments revolve around me wanting him to hire anyone. We saved so much money over the years. Let’s hire someone!!
Haha, you made me laugh. You're just too good! :)
Nice to see an update. Your home will be beautiful. I love small and crafty DIY projects. Everything else bigger, no patience or stamina for DIY. And after bad experiences with contractors, we liked the outcome but the process was so painful, I think I'll find peace with living with what we have.
Totally get that
So excited for Cecilia's channel! Immediately subscribed. :D
Right on. :)
I would totally be Cecelia but my hubby would never put up with that. So we decide together what we may (or may not) do in the house. We've been here 7 years and things are pretty much the way we like them. I have a list of things I'd like to have done eventually and he knows it - and will let me know when he/we can handle them - together!
And I remember Nathan's video on the birthday dinner at the Eiffel Tower - it brought tears to my eyes. You both are amazing at what you do!!
Thank you so much. 🙏😁
Looks like you’re up to some amazing things and making your world beautiful with your hard work and brilliant designing mind. Nice to hear an update from you, have been wondering where you went. Watching home renovations always makes me think about whether or not the world came into being randomly (I doubt it!) Or with a purposeful loving creator. Your video gives me reasons to believe it was the latter! 😊
Thank you and agreed 🙏😁
So, so lovely!
Thank you!
Cecilia I am so excited for your new channel, I already subscribed! My husband and I bought a holiday home in Normandy in 2021 that we have been updating. Yes, it is different than California to get things done. We have had all the big stuff done, roof, heating etc….. now time for the inside. I love your taste in home design and decor. I am having a hard time finding higher end towels and linens etc, so hoping you have found some good resources that you will share on your new channel! ❤️
Appreciate the support. 🙏Hope you’ve sub’ed! 😁
Boy do I feel your pain. We are building our own home and my husband is a great DIY person. I’d prefer to watch someone else do it, but I’m drywalling, painting, floor tiling right along with him. He enjoys it. I don’t. I’m just waiting for it to be all over! 😅
Hang in there. It will be over soon enough, promise! It seems like forever in the moment, but everything ends.
Aww! YAY Cecilia! I'll check out your new channel! I love this one so much it'll be hard to keep up with all the channels! But I love your family and I love this journey! GREAT storytelling!
Thank you so much. 🙏😁
My husband and I are both "DIYers," though he is a carpenter/woodworker. We both like to tinker, build, and create. There are a lot of ideas between the two of us.
Yay! I am so glad Cecilia has her own channel now. I going over to subscribe.
:)
Love your honesty! You and Cecelia are good at mashing it out. That’s true 💕
🙏😁
Love your content. You are so succinct and clear - I imagine it’s business experience… you and your family are blessed - prayers for your and your family’s continued mental, physical and spiritual success!
Thank you so much! 🙏😁
So good to see you both! Moving into a new to you home is daunting, I feel your pain! I'm the DIY in the family. I'm refinishing a 50 foot outdoor deck as we speak with new floor boards and railings. Cheers from Flat Rock, NC.
Oh....don't worry it's never done so don't think you will be.
So true, it never is! Good luck with your project.
She inspires me! Thank you guys!
And thank you!
OMG!! I'm soooo excited for Cecilia's channel!!! Lover her style!!! Don't worry too much... I'll still watch your vlogs as well! lol! ;) Have so enjoyed your adventures together, you certainly make an amazing team and couple! :) Félicitations!
Thanks. Appreciate you sticking around for mine too, haha. :)
Love all your videos, I’m the DIYer (exactamente como Cecilia con esa energía y aspiración artística) and my husband is the DIFMer!
Gracias! :)
Thank you ✨️
:)
I'm loving the journey to the house transformation!!
🙏😁
Kudos to you both. I can’t imagine doing a complete home remodeling. 😊
Thanks. But as I say, it has been driving me crazy! Not repeating this... FOR SURE.
I love you and your family. Started out subscribing to Nathaniel, then you. Now Cecilia. (She is my renovating hero. I do the exact same thing. I will stare at paint for at least half an hour. I know where I'm going to paint, I am aware of the light and the art that will be in that room as well as furniture. I take everything into account. Don't worry. I'm single so I'm not driving someone else crazy). I forgot that both of you have two sons. Is there a link for your other son so I can subscribe to him as well? Thanks for sharing your journey. I also lived in Portland for about 7 years and lost it when I saw your home there. Looking forward to how it all unfolds.
Thank you for the support! Look up Skymography (or see link in the video description), that's Sky's channel. Truly an amazing content creator. Good luck with your own endeavors. You sound like quite the creative one yourself!
So glad you guys are back!
🙏😁
This was interesting and I understand completely how overwhelming it is.
Thanks. 🙏
I guess I’m the more DIY in the couple. We did buy our in France already done and we both were thrilled. 6 weeks later was lockdown so we would have lived in a mess for longer and it would have cost us MUCH more. We are super lucky to have a great plumber, roof guy and handyman.
Nice :)
What an amazing video. I have followed Cecelia's channel as well. Glad you are doing well. Your fellow PNW friend in Germany....Lance Chennault
Thank you, Lance! 🙏😁
Love your amazing journey of hard work, taste and tenacity. I also appreciate your gratitude for all that you are able to accomplish in your lives and have. I'm looking forward to Cecilia's channel - sharing her decorating aesthetic, tips and much more. Bravo!
Thank you!! 🙏😁
Finally! I miss seeing you guys more often! xo
Haha, yes! :)
I can’t wait to watch Cecilia’s channel!
👍😁
Yea! Welcome to MINI life. (I just got home from "MINI Takes The States" in my MINI Countryman! ) Looking SO forward to Cecilia's channel, I love her style so much ✔ already subscribed.
🙏😁
Nivel de decisión: moriré aquí! 😅
Amo estás historias!
Jaja, gracias! 🙏😁
I am both DIY and DIFM, leaning DIFM. I feel your pain. But at the same time I envy you having such an energetic and creative partner who has a vision and also gets things done. This is a super rare gift! My husband and I often think about lacking this drive to fix up a house, when we see a beautiful but fall-apart ones all over Europe as we travel. Will check your wife's channel for sure. I love transformations of all kinds (housing, wardrobe, personal, anything). Thank you for making this video, I thoroughly enjoyed it
Thank you! :)
I am a DIYer my husband is more of IDCer. I Don't Carer. He has not interest in the house. Which on one hand is great as I have free reign to do what I want. It is my canvas! I wish my husband was so supportive aa you. He doesn't really appreciate what I do to our home. It is hard because he earns most of the money in our relationship and there is so much I would LIKE to do but can't. He would rather spend the money on his interests. I know this is frustrating living in the mess but you are living my dream! A house in the French countryside and making it your dream home. I just subscribed to Cecilia's channel!
Totally get it, and sorry to hear it. :( You had me laughing with IDCer, though I know to you it’s not funny at all. I hope you guys get to find a middle ground! If not, some things we are just meant to do solo…
@@BeneaththeSurfaceYT Thanks! Yes agreed.
Great video! I LOVE your house, it’s beautiful!
Thank you! 🙏😁
I enjoy you two as a couple...Cecelia is animated and her facial expressions with her big eyes and ready smile!! Then you are there with your very controlled facial expressions and to the point comments!!...love your videos!!...and that you let your wife do what she wants!!! Lol!!
Haha, thanks! :)
I'm the DIYer always and my wife the watcher , I like to convert the neglected old items to be another beautiful things"WABI SABI" . We love your channel, and a huge respect for you and Cecilia, please keep inspiring us!
Haha, yes, wabi sabi is how Cecilia likes it. Perfect finishes have no character. Thanks for the support! Be sure and subscribe to her channel!
@@BeneaththeSurfaceYT Done, subscribed to Cecilia's channel
@@khaladalhadidi4166 👍😁
Many remodels break the relationships. Please take care.
Thank you. But it’s our second time around the block and we’re doing fine. Appreciate it though. 🙏😁
Thank you for sharing and being so honest….I am the DIY and have to always rein myself in because the hubby isn’t 🙃
Thanks! Good luck with hubby. :)
I guess I would have to say I lean heavily DIFM. I retired 5 years ago and the plan was to renovate the kitchen and downstairs powder room. We have the money set aside, but the thought of schlepping around and making a million decisions just shuts me down. My husband is not a Cecelia so we've done nothing. My husband did put together a list of contractor's and I just haven't been inclined to start. I know we need to bite the bullet and get it done and we will, but I might be cranky. :)) I wish I had your wife's artistic vision because the end result is stunning. It's amazing this journey you started and continue to travel on and I appreciate the trials and tribulations you share. I love your honesty and it's one reason I enjoy your content. I follow Nathan and I'll certainly follow Cecelia as well.
Thanks! And best of luck with your own journey.
That garage space that I clocked on the roof graphics may be a choice office. Or. Buy a shed with a long extension cord. Place in furthest corner of property and call it your man cave. No excuses. At 6pm you can emerge, uninterrupted, relaxed and ready to emerge. Later it can be a guest suite in the garden. Your divine handy man can rig it up for you in two weeks max, with a wraparound porch.❤❤❤
Haha, nice!
Wow this looks so expensive but will be amazing. Good luck with the rest of it!
Thank you!
F*&! YEAH!!! i'm so excited for her channel!!!
Haha, great!
I just love your videos your content and omg that house ,,and of course you guys 😊, love from Ireland 🇮🇪☘️
Thank you so much! 🙏😁
Ustedes se parecen a mi esposo y a mí, excepto que Cecilia tiene el quadruple de energía comparada a mí. Bravo! Ya pronto llegarán a la meta (Excepto que después habrán nuevas metas pequeñas.) Suerte y gracias por los videos de sus aventuras.
Jaja, es cierto que tiene mucha energía. Gracias por el apoyo... :)
I like to live wherever I am staying for awhile first before changing so much bc it takes awhile to understand how you actually live in a space. A home is as much about how you feel in it as how it looks. It is beautiful though congrats.
Thanks 🙏😁
Congrats Cecilia! All the best to you. I can't wait to subscribe. Did I miss the link?
In the video description :)
Thanks for this great video❤❤❤
And thank you 🙏
I know its a lot to deal with, but boy does everything look wonderful! Renovation is not easy, but dealing with contractors, language barrier, jeeze, its a wonder you get grumpy. Completely understandable. However, the house is looking amazing! No pain, no gain!
Agreed! Thanks. 🙏😁
beautiful house-couple-love video😍
Thank you! 🙏❤️
@@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 💌
Where's the link to Cecilia's channel? Cant wait to subscribe!
In the video description!
I am with you man !
Haha 👍
Very excited about Cecilia’s new YT channel. What a lovely spirit & energy she has!
Long time coming. Lots of excitement about that around here! 😁