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All I can say is wow!!! Also I'm not sure if it's the camera angle or what but it looks like the fireplace on the right side is lower than the left You are truly an amazing family and I enjoy whatching your videos
Wendy Perrins If you are interested I watch another TH-camr called Martijn Doolaard who is doing the same to his stone house in the Italian Alps. I think he will be a great help to you as he is doing the same thing as you. He also uses backpackers who are in the area to help him. They use their own tents to live in but he always has food and drink for them during the day. I think he is an engineer and he researches everything so deeply and he also shows his plans as he goes alone. He also made his own wood guttering from his house. I think your will enjoy his videos just like we do.
We wanted a open fireplace too but quickly found that most of the heat went up the chimney. We put a wood burning stove in the opening of the fireplace and it was much much better for heating and much easier to maintain. You need a metal sheet in the flue to stop the heat from escaping. There are many examples in that region I'm sure! You don't need a gas starter. They sell cubes of firestarter very inexpensive and they work extremely well!
Your work on those walls reminds me of a story my mother wrote which takes place around 1930 in Rubbio. "I was born almost 90 years ago on a mountaintop south of Asiago, Italy. Over 3,000 feet above sea level, in a house built with Marble walls, floors, fireplaces, sinks, etc. The town is on the mountain top with a 180 degrees forever view to the South (East to West). The marble stones on the front of the house (facing south) were crumbling." "It took 2-3 years for my paternal grandfather and 3 of his sons to dig out and cut the [replacement] stones. These were left on top of the ground to dry until they had enough to rebuild the whole front wall. I remember a winter after there was ice and snow on the ground: a row of asses (no one had horses) and men pulling in front, men and little me pushing behind until grandfather yelled that I get away from the loaded sled. The big sled had been built the prior summer. The whole load was finally pulled up from the north side of the mountain, to the very narrow flat top and down slope to where the house was located. At springtime the house was reinforced with big logs: the front wall of the house was removed, stone by stone were removed and made into a low retaining wall in front and side of the house. Big tarps were installed to protect the inside of the house. I remember sitting on my high chair, with my legs and feet pulled up during a thunderstorm...and scared...of thunder and lightening. I wonder how many centuries old was that house."
I've done same work, stone in a terraced yard, and railroad ties (24 stacked) exploded on to me, I ripped myself out from under as yelling go neigh it's only staring, no help. As a result I feared I could be bleeding underneath the stack. I got mad, ripped my leg out, walked to house shook, went to take my shoes off and my heel slid down exposing my Achilles tendon!!! I freaked, got inside to call work I was heading to hospital, took a shower then had surgery on my heel to be remove splinters and get stitched. Then later huge rock rolled on foot when I was lower than rock like you were removing it from house down ramp....crushed foot. Careful of body placement associated with uncontrollable weight or you're gonna be totally at a stand still until you heal. Not critical of you just seeing exact ways I suffered and care you continue unscathed!!
Brody, you have mad knowledge and skills and it’s really showing! Bravo! I wouldn’t look at a propane lead to start your wood fire as a crutch. Using a match can be looked at like a crutch too -compared to rubbing 2 sticks together!
Aw… what a task to support those walls. Brady, your perseverance is astonishing! I love those little scenes of you making this very Italian style coffee (and the cooking scenes too). Heather on perfectionism and fear of failure: yes, go on and let it grow! Happy Easter from as foggy Ireland as on some of your views!
I was hoping to see the girls hunt for their decorated eggs on that beautiful property ...what a perfect place to do it! Anyway the movie scene on the balcony looked fun for the whole family. Happy Easter to everyone , Brad & Heather & the girls ...or as I like to say ...HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY!!! 🐣🐰🐤🐇🐥💐🌷🌻🌹🌼
Ah yes, regarding the walls ~ a few steel plates would go a long way to bridge the sections and give you room to work without spalling. *Retired Civil Engineer* so sorry if I'm a bit forward with the advice... it's just hard seeing you do it the hard way 🤠🌐🙏
I was a goat owner at 1 time. I love them but they are extremely Destructive.They will destroy everything if you had a car parked there trust me they'd be on top of it. I guess the only thing you can do is just fence at some point .I wish you the best. Better yet, God bless all that you set your hand to.😊
First lesson: never get water on the plants, all the time only on the earth, and not at 12 am but early morning to avoid evaporation. Btw I’m Italian and I appreciate a lot what you are doing!!! Well done and welcome in Italy 👍
Hi Brad. Good work on your rebar and pour. Your strategy for underpinning is perfect by supporting the ends of the longer stones above. Lots of people try to make a foundation that is flat on top. We would leave the longer stones in place where possible and pour the intermittent under pinning like you're doing. The concrete is free to flow into the gaps. Hardwork though isn't it. If your underpinning is hidden in the crawlspace under the new floor, I would be generous in making it protrude at leastt 3" to form a 'bench' for some lateral support. The principle in the Canadian National Building Code is that the downward load on a clay base, will radiate outward at 45 degrees. Where you are getting down to solid rock, that won't be an issue. You're absolutely right about using cement mortar and concrete. Your issue is to hold that wall up. Good job guys.
Heather, if I can suggest: Next time you many consider planting the lettuce in the shade, maybe behind the house. Your current garden looks great for tomatoes and peppers!
So fascinating to watch! With the gardening and learning to plant, your are right . The only failure I’d to do nothing because of fear of failure. It is ok to fail! That is how we learn! Teach your children we learn by loosing not by winning all the time! You are courageous and learning and growing as a person. I’m very proud of all of you for all you are doing! You are all so BRAVE! You are truly living your best life!
If you get full sun, water around the bottom of your veggies and plants not the entire plant as if it's full sun the water droplets will heat up and burn the leaves. I live in Canada and we have very hot summers. Thank goodness you know how to underpin the walls. Such a lot of work-but eventually when it's done, you will feel a tremendous sense of pride. Wishing you a Happy Easter! PS the laser projector looks really cool-and I'm not a techie.
Gardening is indeed a remedy for perfectionists - and a true source for happiness, especially on such a beautiful, sunny, blooming and sprouting spring day. Greetings from the near Ticino!
I Would put in a metal flue liner and a wood burning steel stove. They are so efficient., much more than you'll ever get from an open fireplace. We heat a 1500 square house with ours easily. Just an opinion. Have a great Resurrection Sunday! Love your videos!
I so agree, I completely admire the work they are doing but I fear an open fire that size could prove to be a heat waste, they could even put back boiler stove in and run radiators off it. Have one ourselves and it's fantastic and we live in Scotland. But obviously it's their choice, loving this channel and all they are planning to do.
before sealing back wall put a perforated tube in and broken rock and drain out doorway… we were homesteaders in 70’s no phone,,,electric… outhouse, spring water, goats, horses, dogs, much more on 43 acres mountain land…we loved it…now in our 80’s. you and your family are doing great.
I marvel at your youth and strong back. Those two things coupled with your great work ethic and perseverance, I am sure, will propel you to successfully renovate your lovely Italian homestead! Loving it all from PA, USA.
Thank you for letting us into your corner of the world! I know from watching this truly is a labor of love for the whole family! Happy Easter from Central Illinois!
Hi. I just wanted to suggest that reinforcing the stone walls with cement mix might not be enough. You probably need iron columns along with cement mix fill.
Nice work, thanks for sharing ! Using gas to start a wood fire doesn't make much sense to me. Once you get the hang of how to build your kindling nest, there's no difficulty starting a fire with a single match. Keep good kindling of various sizes, keep it dry. I use a little dried grass, small branches (well dried to the point that they snap easily) especially the ends of branches where leaves grow. Then larger branches on top of that. Once that ignites put the smallest logs on, then go bigger.
I have lived most of my life lighting fires and absolutely no need for propane! A good air flow is perfect then stack the fire from small to large. Pine cones are excellent as starters. Congratulations on your amazing touch with the stones
Speaking of lime mortar talking a long time to dry... Roman walls have been found with still not completely set mortar in the centre. This is partly how they self heal. In humidity the lime will rehydrate and rebond. Amazing stuff, great for earthquake zones. Edit: The wall with the poor foundation could be from an earlier build. Rubble packed/rammed foundations weren't uncommon. Unfortunately you're completely trashing any archaeology so I'd never spot earlier features. It's extremely common to reuse old foundations for a new house. After the first wall maybe they thought, oh no this won't do!
Hi! Happy Easter! I live in Greece, born and raised in Chicago.We live on a beautiful island in the Ionian Sea...love to meet you! Look up Kefalonia Island. An island between Greece and Italy. I summertime we have a ferry that comes across. I have been watching for a long time, admire your hard work and patience! Believe me there is nothing better than being in nature, especially for your adorable girls. It is worth it...I could never love in the city again! Be careful with the goats, they are wonderful but that many will barren any land they visit. We have some land up in a more mountainous area and the shepherds use the land but they pay for it by giving people a couple goats a year for food like on Christmas and Easter, some pay an amount to feed their goats...so keep that in mind!! Keep going!
#1. Air in - Air out. In from the bottom - out into the room. In from the room - out up the chimney! I think I am right on this one. I was raised with wood heating stoves and fireplaces. #2 When possible, use solid rocks to reinforce walls. Stone will not crumble and deteriorate like cement will. Utilize solid rock when possible. Keep it strong. I am amazed at both of you. True pioneers ! I enjoy your inspiration and I hope the best for you and your family. You should enjoy the process; because it may be a very long time before your achieve the completion of your goals. It seems that you are doing an amazing job so far. But you did ask for our input.
You can always put a shade up - if its too hot. Like lean a piece of wood , sheet across, or netting - during hottest part of day? My mom would use old wood shingles and stick them in soil, especially for new/ starter plants. Never water during hottest sunniest part of day. Dawn & dusk only and give a really good soak. Like a 1 gallon pail per plant. You'll do fine. We learn best from our mistakes, I hear. 🐥🐣
You need to build a frame in front off that wall to hold up roof. It'd be pretty to use wood columns, cement those in then push horizontal beam above it, add metal braces to outside (black). Then you could continued with underpinning or remove the wall to do a drywall up to the frame.
I had an engineer calculate how many lumberw I'd need to run horizontal to sit atop 2 beams running vertically against outer walls to distribute weight of the roof of old 100 yr old house, where heavier woids were used. You could use regular squared lumber then split a tree and screw it to the frame to appear natural beams are holding up roof.
I imagine that when the house was originally built the trench full of random stones and dirt was the accepted foundation for the ultimate above ground walls that would have been constructed more carefully and esthetically. Those builders never imagined that some Twenty-first Century American would be coming along to dig out two feet of floor in order to conform to modern requirements. You bit off a big bite but you seem to know the best way to chew it. It might have been better if you had jack hammered that boulder into smaller pieces instead of risking a hernia. Keep up the good work. 👍🏻
A metal hood may help with your smoke issue in the fireplace. It ill help retain heat. which is needed to create a up draft. funneling the heat upward.
After watching these last few videos I just have to say... Brady is the MAN!! Also, I learned a lot about underpinning that I did not know. Loving this series and it's how I came across your channel.
Embrace failure it is what you learn not to do in the future. No great discoveries have ever been found without failure. It is what makes you grow as a person to become very knowledgeable. Is it anything that should make you feel less of a person that should make you feel more of a person because you understand failure and know how to overcome it!
You guys are such hard workers and will have it all documented on video!! It will be so satisfying when you actually can move in!! I love watching the progress!❤ Happy Easter!!
Happy Easter! Really impressed by all the work going into the underpinning of the stone walls!!! I hope that the other parts of the house are easier to renovate!
Wow, I mean with the amount of excavated dirt seems like you’ll have a new terrace staircase soon! How cute is that goat dog and his job… also thanks for sharing your inner feelings on failure, we all need to silence our inner critics a lot more to just get out there and enjoy being, whatever that involves.
Brave man...a massive task on yr own. In rural Australia, we put old large metal tractor discs from soil cultivators in the back of the fire place. It heats up then radiates out the heat. Funnel upwards the back of the place so the air flow is decreased at the top/ This forces air to move out into the room at it closes in at the top. Metal at the sides can help as well.
Ask Brady to build some type of shade over the garden. Please do not worry about failing it happens to the best of us you are trying that is the main thing. I think you and Brady are doing A Fabulous job with the cottage and garden, it is also great that you involve the girls in all of this, it's a good learning kerb for them, Good Luck, take care.xx❤
I am no builder (in fact a nurse) your skill and knowledge on your renovations amaze me. That under pinning I found really interesting. I now understand, such hard work, well done.
Hi Brady, see Martin Doolaard's vídeo #61. He is also renewing a stone house in the italian mountains, same as you, and ypu could get some ideas from him. I'am from Brazil and I love Italy. I Love your family too.... and dog/goats.
You are an Amazing family! I love how you take risks & bonded so much with travel when your girls were young & how you are creating your dream home in Italy together! WHAT AN INSPIRATION! Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful story. Not many people know the ins and outs of restoration & building that Brady does which is so awesome & I love how Heather & the girls all work as a team! BRAVISSIMO!
We have open fires, kindling, logs and a small amount of briquettes (Coal dust compressed into nut shapes) looks like coal but just dust really. We have logs delivered, he also does Christmas trees and compost. 👍👍👍👍👍😃
You have a great knowledge and aptitude to be positive and take actions in the setting you are. Not every one react like that and it’s a blessing your family has to be proud of you you are doing great to provide not only a house with history, but a safe place to live for many years to come. Blessings upon blessings to you and your family. Girl we all have season that we failed to play but that is ok you keep trying until you find the correct way for each seed. I been planting all my life and I tried a seed that never grew until this year. But is a great feeling when you grew from seeds. Keep going
1st, thank you for the awesome content. Did you know that if you like super-good-crispy-fried potatoes, when you dice or chop them, immediately put said taters into fresh cold water. When your pan is hot enough put your taters into the frying pan, (rinse them off 1st), let me know what you think if you give it a try. What's happening is you're rinsing all the extra starch that makes the taters stick to the pan.
maybe rather than putting gas to start a fire...I've seen people use a torch to start it. You can also warm up the stone walls which will help create your smoke draft faster. Amazing tons of work, and you're getting it done! Excellent job and such good attitudes. Love watching you, thanx.
My opinion about having options on ways not to freeze in the winter.... " you were born in the 21st century... give yourself options!" Work smarter/ not harder😊 You're young and healthy now,but making provision for your older selves is wisdom😊
Love those goats and that border collie working to be human eyes so they don’t go astray. Love to see the progress and tribulations. The pining process is surprisingly interesting. Ha, I struggled to just make a patio in my backyard . I was wondering if you needed to leave openings for water pipes through or under the foundation and pinned areas? But you mentioned something about somethings being temporary. That fireplace is going to be a great cozy area. About the garden, I use an umbrella over me when it’s hot. Won’t need it now but maybe in the summer heat. Also “Miracle Grow” when watering once a week or so. I plant marigolds around my tomatoes to repel bugs. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge with us! Love that outdoor kitchen. Can’t ask for a better view! ❤
I just found your channel and have been going through and catching up. I love the plans for your home in Italy! I admire the patience you must have to do a project that big! I'm watching you from North Platte Nebraska. I got started watching the homesteading shows and just keep finding more and more. God bless you and your family!
Dig a trench and fill it with stones was probably the best way to build a footing for a stone structure back then. That's why they're all loose as they somewhat require the earth you are digging away to hold them in place laterally.
You were smart and resourceful to accomplish your underpinning work. It is a fine example of the old saying, necessity is the mother of invention, by way of a quote originating from Latin from the 16th century. Happy Holidays!
I can see that its a lot of work, a tip for you!!!! use a reciprocating saw, sander or a multitool on the forms to vibrate your concrete, just know when you have finished it will be well worth it, take care
🤗hello dear gardener❤please remove the shower cap🚿from the watering can and only water all plants on there feet, never on their heads, because otherwise the leaves and flowers will burn when watering in sunshine🌞🌞🌞
You are hard working son of a gun. I watch you about 30 minutes before bed time and after watching you, Im so exhausted from your effort, I sleep like a baby. Thanks.
We are all learning so much watching you work so hard. The task would appear endless if you weren't making such great progress. Thank you for sharing the difficult times as well as the beautiful times. Keep safe and well and remember that gardening teaches us so many lessons including gratitude when something finally grows! Enjoy the journey .......
We had a very big open fireplace in our taverna, and always problems with smoke in the room. We choose an inserts stufa a legno, but in your situation a free standing stufa would also look great. We live close to the Garda lake and always cover our tomato plants in the summer, otherwise they burn. Salat and paprika are no problem in the sun.. But check the gardens of your neighbours to see how they handle it.
You are so skilled and energetic. Why would you even be considering a "push button" approach to such an.authentic fireplace. Firestarting by propane is such a nonstarter ...
Run the gas line! a little assist and modernization does not take away from only adds to your experience, certainly won't be noticed on a daily basis and will be there when you need it. Happy Easter from New Orleans
You are so amazing. I can't believe that you are doing all this work by yourself. Is there anything that you can't do. Thank you for the time you take to explain what you are doing. Lots of love from Australia.
I very much admire your patient, hard work. Back breaking at times. You have so much common sense too. What was the work you used to do before all the travelling? I think you may have mentioned something about film props or building film sets? Nice little movie night. It was from the Flying The Nest vlog when they met you travelling on a ship without the girls that I started following you. I was already following The Newbys long before that, and mentioned the Newbys on one of your first posts in Italy, and what a surprise it was that you started being in touch and that they then visited you. Hoping you get to visit them over the summer for a well deserved break, as their tiny home renovation should be finished by then. Then you can meet The Scotters and all eat, drink, laugh and talk about your new lives as builders and renovators.
GREAT video, as usual!! RE: your fear of failure: we fail at everything before we succeed at it. Did you learn everything you needed to ride a bicycle the very first time you tried?? Or knit/crochet?? Practice is the key to getting "Good" at something. I understand the fear since I have that also. Many are the things I have not done because of that fear. You have a wonderful life to learn everything you want/need to know. Remember - The dumbest question is the one you didn't ask/research. You are doing GREAT!! You are ENOUGH for whatever you need/want to do. You do everything with SO much care and precision. I am amazed by all the physically hard things you have done. Like the BIG stone today! Man, that was Huge!! And yet, you moved it.
Be sure to mulch your garden beds!! It will keep the soil 5-10 degrees cooler around the roots, hold in moisture, and retain more nutrients! Think of how the forest grows, bare ground is always covered with natural processes. Leaves, grass clippings, or wood chips would be great 👍🏽
Ooh my my be careful wow tats a big rock Oks organic garden is nature’s way never give up trying is faith 😊 we learn from our mistakes . It will make you glow Smile with you loves you all beautiful family blessings 😊🤗❤️
Thanks to Nebula Projectors for sponsoring this video! Get the limited edition Capsule 3 Transformers IP edition here: seenebula.co/pIPQHX.
You can also check out the Cosmos here: seenebula.co/CosmosLaser4K and use the code 'cosmoslaser' for 400 off the purchase price in your local currency!
All I can say is wow!!!
Also I'm not sure if it's the camera angle or what but it looks like the fireplace on the right side is lower than the left
You are truly an amazing family and I enjoy whatching your videos
Maybe you should seek professional advice
Wendy Perrins
If you are interested I watch another TH-camr called Martijn Doolaard who is doing the same to his stone house in the Italian Alps.
I think he will be a great help to you as he is doing the same thing as you.
He also uses backpackers who are in the area to help him.
They use their own tents to live in but he always has food and drink for them during the day.
I think he is an engineer and he researches everything so deeply and he also shows his plans as he goes alone. He also made his own wood guttering from his house.
I think your will enjoy his videos just like we do.
We wanted a open fireplace too but quickly found that most of the heat went up the chimney. We put a wood burning stove in the opening of the fireplace and it was much much better for heating and much easier to maintain. You need a metal sheet in the flue to stop the heat from escaping. There are many examples in that region I'm sure! You don't need a gas starter. They sell cubes of firestarter very inexpensive and they work extremely well!
Your work on those walls reminds me of a story my mother wrote which takes place around 1930 in Rubbio.
"I was born almost 90 years ago on a mountaintop south of Asiago, Italy. Over 3,000 feet above sea level, in a house built with Marble walls, floors, fireplaces, sinks, etc. The town is on the mountain top with a 180 degrees forever view to the South (East to West). The marble stones on the front of the house (facing south) were crumbling."
"It took 2-3 years for my paternal grandfather and 3 of his sons to dig out and cut the [replacement] stones. These were left on top of the ground to dry until they had enough to rebuild the whole front wall. I remember a winter after there was ice and snow on the ground: a row of asses (no one had horses) and men pulling in front, men and little me pushing behind until grandfather yelled that I get away from the loaded sled. The big sled had been built the prior summer. The whole load was finally pulled up from the north side of the mountain, to the very narrow flat top and down slope to where the house was located. At springtime the house was reinforced with big logs: the front wall of the house was removed, stone by stone were removed and made into a low retaining wall in front and side of the house. Big tarps were installed to protect the inside of the house. I remember sitting on my high chair, with my legs and feet pulled up during a thunderstorm...and scared...of thunder and lightening. I wonder how many centuries old was that house."
What a fascinating story…thank you for sharing it…I’m sure you have many more stories…❤️from PA, USA
I felt that scrape against the wall all the way here to AZ ! Ouch! Learning great gardening is a skill that will save u so much money !
I've done same work, stone in a terraced yard, and railroad ties (24 stacked) exploded on to me, I ripped myself out from under as yelling go neigh it's only staring, no help. As a result I feared I could be bleeding underneath the stack. I got mad, ripped my leg out, walked to house shook, went to take my shoes off and my heel slid down exposing my Achilles tendon!!! I freaked, got inside to call work I was heading to hospital, took a shower then had surgery on my heel to be remove splinters and get stitched. Then later huge rock rolled on foot when I was lower than rock like you were removing it from house down ramp....crushed foot. Careful of body placement associated with uncontrollable weight or you're gonna be totally at a stand still until you heal. Not critical of you just seeing exact ways I suffered and care you continue unscathed!!
Brady you are a workaholic.
Building, digging, cooking single handed. Bravo !!! Take care of yourself the 3 ladies need you healthy and rested.
You all are such hard workers! Also a major life lesson for everyone - failure is how we all learn. Don't be afraid to fail 🙂
I’ve got the failing down pretty good.
Brody, you have mad knowledge and skills and it’s really showing! Bravo! I wouldn’t look at a propane lead to start your wood fire as a crutch. Using a match can be looked at like a crutch too -compared to rubbing 2 sticks together!
Yeah my biggest fail permanently landed me in a wheelchair. I did learn that being in a wheelchair totally sucks.
Brad I feel for you... such alot of hard heavy work to do by yourself but love your determination 😊
Amazing patience and hard work. I found myself leaning into that huge rock trying to help you lift it.
Aw… what a task to support those walls. Brady, your perseverance is astonishing! I love those little scenes of you making this very Italian style coffee (and the cooking scenes too). Heather on perfectionism and fear of failure: yes, go on and let it grow! Happy Easter from as foggy Ireland as on some of your views!
I was hoping to see the girls hunt for their decorated eggs on that beautiful property ...what a perfect place to do it! Anyway the movie scene on the balcony looked fun for the whole family. Happy Easter to everyone , Brad & Heather & the girls ...or as I like to say ...HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY!!! 🐣🐰🐤🐇🐥💐🌷🌻🌹🌼
Ah yes, regarding the walls ~ a few steel plates would go a long way to bridge the sections and give you room to work without spalling. *Retired Civil Engineer* so sorry if I'm a bit forward with the advice... it's just hard seeing you do it the hard way 🤠🌐🙏
I was a goat owner at 1 time. I love them but they are extremely Destructive.They will destroy everything if you had a car parked there trust me they'd be on top of it. I guess the only thing you can do is just fence at some point .I wish you the best. Better yet, God bless all that you set your hand to.😊
Is there anything that man can't do?!😁
yes, I wonder too!@@irenecharrois5199
Happy Easter everyone!💖
Impressed by your progress! Keep going and have fun!!!
First lesson: never get water on the plants, all the time only on the earth, and not at 12 am but early morning to avoid evaporation. Btw I’m Italian and I appreciate a lot what you are doing!!! Well done and welcome in Italy 👍
A little tip, mulch over the top of the soil and around the plants to prevent the moisture in the soil drying out. Dead leaves, hay, anything.
Hi Brad. Good work on your rebar and pour. Your strategy for underpinning is perfect by supporting the ends of the longer stones above. Lots of people try to make a foundation that is flat on top. We would leave the longer stones in place where possible and pour the intermittent under pinning like you're doing. The concrete is free to flow into the gaps. Hardwork though isn't it.
If your underpinning is hidden in the crawlspace under the new floor, I would be generous in making it protrude at leastt 3" to form a 'bench' for some lateral support. The principle in the Canadian National Building Code is that the downward load on a clay base, will radiate outward at 45 degrees. Where you are getting down to solid rock, that won't be an issue.
You're absolutely right about using cement mortar and concrete. Your issue is to hold that wall up. Good job guys.
Heather, if I can suggest: Next time you many consider planting the lettuce in the shade, maybe behind the house. Your current garden looks great for tomatoes and peppers!
So fascinating to watch! With the gardening and learning to plant, your are right . The only failure I’d to do nothing because of fear of failure. It is ok to fail! That is how we learn! Teach your children we learn by loosing not by winning all the time! You are courageous and learning and growing as a person. I’m very proud of all of you for all you are doing! You are all so BRAVE! You are truly living your best life!
If you get full sun, water around the bottom of your veggies and plants not the entire plant as if it's full sun the water droplets will heat up and burn the leaves. I live in Canada and we have very hot summers. Thank goodness you know how to underpin the walls. Such a lot of work-but eventually when it's done, you will feel a tremendous sense of pride. Wishing you a Happy Easter! PS the laser projector looks really cool-and I'm not a techie.
Gardening is indeed a remedy for perfectionists - and a true source for happiness, especially on such a beautiful, sunny, blooming and sprouting spring day. Greetings from the near Ticino!
You are dedicated and determined. I believe I would almost feel like I was jumping through hoops. Love watching your progress
You might want to put mulch around plant to keep moisture in soil.. agree the site looks good for tomatoes and peppers
I Would put in a metal flue liner and a wood burning steel stove. They are so efficient., much more than you'll ever get from an open fireplace. We heat a 1500 square house with ours easily. Just an opinion. Have a great Resurrection Sunday! Love your videos!
I so agree, I completely admire the work they are doing but I fear an open fire that size could prove to be a heat waste, they could even put back boiler stove in and run radiators off it. Have one ourselves and it's fantastic and we live in Scotland. But obviously it's their choice, loving this channel and all they are planning to do.
Take care my brother!
before sealing back wall put a perforated tube in and broken rock and drain out doorway… we were homesteaders in 70’s no phone,,,electric… outhouse, spring water, goats, horses, dogs, much more on 43 acres mountain land…we loved it…now in our 80’s. you and your family are doing great.
Man! Thus is actual Labour!! I love your drive and determination!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
I marvel at your youth and strong back. Those two things coupled with your great work ethic and perseverance, I am sure, will propel you to successfully renovate your lovely Italian homestead! Loving it all from PA, USA.
Thank you for letting us into your corner of the world! I know from watching this truly is a labor of love for the whole family! Happy Easter from Central Illinois!
Hi. I just wanted to suggest that reinforcing the stone walls with cement mix might not be enough. You probably need iron columns along with cement mix fill.
Nice work, thanks for sharing ! Using gas to start a wood fire doesn't make much sense to me. Once you get the hang of how to build your kindling nest, there's no difficulty starting a fire with a single match. Keep good kindling of various sizes, keep it dry. I use a little dried grass, small branches (well dried to the point that they snap easily) especially the ends of branches where leaves grow. Then larger branches on top of that. Once that ignites put the smallest logs on, then go bigger.
I have lived most of my life lighting fires and absolutely no need for propane! A good air flow is perfect then stack the fire from small to large. Pine cones are excellent as starters.
Congratulations on your amazing touch with the stones
Speaking of lime mortar talking a long time to dry... Roman walls have been found with still not completely set mortar in the centre. This is partly how they self heal. In humidity the lime will rehydrate and rebond. Amazing stuff, great for earthquake zones.
Edit: The wall with the poor foundation could be from an earlier build. Rubble packed/rammed foundations weren't uncommon. Unfortunately you're completely trashing any archaeology so I'd never spot earlier features. It's extremely common to reuse old foundations for a new house. After the first wall maybe they thought, oh no this won't do!
Something soothing about watching breakfast being cooked in an outdoor kitchen!!
Hi! Happy Easter! I live in Greece, born and raised in Chicago.We live on a beautiful island in the Ionian Sea...love to meet you! Look up Kefalonia Island. An island between Greece and Italy. I summertime we have a ferry that comes across. I have been watching for a long time, admire your hard work and patience! Believe me there is nothing better than being in nature, especially for your adorable girls. It is worth it...I could never love in the city again! Be careful with the goats, they are wonderful but that many will barren any land they visit. We have some land up in a more mountainous area and the shepherds use the land but they pay for it by giving people a couple goats a year for food like on Christmas and Easter, some pay an amount to feed their goats...so keep that in mind!! Keep going!
This is the best video I could find about fixing foundation of stone house, well done, great watching yous fixing this lovely house😊
Thank you, very kind!
#1. Air in - Air out. In from the bottom - out into the room. In from the room - out up the chimney! I think I am right on this one. I was raised with wood heating stoves and fireplaces.
#2 When possible, use solid rocks to reinforce walls. Stone will not crumble and deteriorate like cement will. Utilize solid rock when possible. Keep it strong.
I am amazed at both of you. True pioneers ! I enjoy your inspiration and I hope the best for you and your family. You should enjoy the process; because it may be a very long time before your achieve the completion of your goals. It seems that you are doing an amazing job so far.
But you did ask for our input.
You can always put a shade up - if its too hot. Like lean a piece of wood , sheet across, or netting - during hottest part of day? My mom would use old wood shingles and stick them in soil, especially for new/ starter plants. Never water during hottest sunniest part of day. Dawn & dusk only and give a really good soak. Like a 1 gallon pail per plant. You'll do fine. We learn best from our mistakes, I hear. 🐥🐣
You need to build a frame in front off that wall to hold up roof. It'd be pretty to use wood columns, cement those in then push horizontal beam above it, add metal braces to outside (black). Then you could continued with underpinning or remove the wall to do a drywall up to the frame.
I had an engineer calculate how many lumberw I'd need to run horizontal to sit atop 2 beams running vertically against outer walls to distribute weight of the roof of old 100 yr old house, where heavier woids were used. You could use regular squared lumber then split a tree and screw it to the frame to appear natural beams are holding up roof.
I imagine that when the house was originally built the trench full of random stones and dirt was the
accepted foundation for the ultimate above ground walls that would have been constructed more carefully and esthetically. Those builders never imagined that some Twenty-first Century American would be coming along to dig out two feet of floor in order to conform to modern requirements. You bit off a big bite but you seem to know the best way to chew it. It might have been better if you had jack hammered that boulder into smaller pieces instead of risking a hernia. Keep up the good work. 👍🏻
A metal hood may help with your smoke issue in the fireplace. It ill help retain heat. which is needed to create a up draft. funneling the heat upward.
After watching these last few videos I just have to say... Brady is the MAN!! Also, I learned a lot about underpinning that I did not know. Loving this series and it's how I came across your channel.
Embrace failure it is what you learn not to do in the future. No great discoveries have ever been found without failure. It is what makes you grow as a person to become very knowledgeable. Is it anything that should make you feel less of a person that should make you feel more of a person because you understand failure and know how to overcome it!
You guys are such hard workers and will have it all documented on video!! It will be so satisfying when you actually can move in!! I love watching the progress!❤ Happy Easter!!
Happy Easter! Really impressed by all the work going into the underpinning of the stone walls!!! I hope that the other parts of the house are easier to renovate!
Wow, I mean with the amount of excavated dirt seems like you’ll have a new terrace staircase soon! How cute is that goat dog and his job… also thanks for sharing your inner feelings on failure, we all need to silence our inner critics a lot more to just get out there and enjoy being, whatever that involves.
Gads zooks - what a job!!!
Brave man...a massive task on yr own. In rural Australia, we put old large metal tractor discs from soil cultivators in the back of the fire place. It heats up then radiates out the heat. Funnel upwards the back of the place so the air flow is decreased at the top/ This forces air to move out into the room at it closes in at the top. Metal at the sides can help as well.
Consider having a stone Mason come to your house a giving you advice how to handle this!
Ask Brady to build some type of shade over the garden. Please do not worry about failing it happens
to the best of us you are trying that is the main thing. I think you and Brady are doing A Fabulous job
with the cottage and garden, it is also great that you involve the girls in all of this, it's a good learning
kerb for them, Good Luck, take care.xx❤
I am no builder (in fact a nurse) your skill and knowledge on your renovations amaze me. That under pinning I found really interesting. I now understand, such hard work, well done.
Bonus blessings on the spring and making the pond.
Hi Brady, see Martin Doolaard's vídeo #61. He is also renewing a stone house in the italian mountains, same as you, and ypu could get some ideas from him.
I'am from Brazil and I love Italy.
I Love your family too.... and dog/goats.
You are an Amazing family! I love how you take risks & bonded so much with travel when your girls were young & how you are creating your dream home in Italy together! WHAT AN INSPIRATION! Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful story. Not many people know the ins and outs of restoration & building that Brady does which is so awesome & I love how Heather & the girls all work as a team! BRAVISSIMO!
We have open fires, kindling, logs and a small amount of briquettes (Coal dust compressed into nut shapes) looks like coal but just dust really. We have logs delivered, he also does Christmas trees and compost. 👍👍👍👍👍😃
You have a great knowledge and aptitude to be positive and take actions in the setting you are. Not every one react like that and it’s a blessing your family has to be proud of you you are doing great to provide not only a house with history, but a safe place to live for many years to come. Blessings upon blessings to you and your family. Girl we all have season that we failed to play but that is ok you keep trying until you find the correct way for each seed. I been planting all my life and I tried a seed that never grew until this year. But is a great feeling when you grew from seeds. Keep going
Amazing Man, husband, and a father...God will bless your family more..
Holy Boulder!!!😮
1st, thank you for the awesome content. Did you know that if you like super-good-crispy-fried potatoes, when you dice or chop them, immediately put said taters into fresh cold water. When your pan is hot enough put your taters into the frying pan, (rinse them off 1st), let me know what you think if you give it a try. What's happening is you're rinsing all the extra starch that makes the taters stick to the pan.
You can't go wrong with plenty of sun on your garden. 🌞🌱🌿🌱🌱🌿🌧️
That is alot of work!
maybe rather than putting gas to start a fire...I've seen people use a torch to start it. You can also warm up the stone walls which will help create your smoke draft faster. Amazing tons of work, and you're getting it done! Excellent job and such good attitudes. Love watching you, thanx.
The views are stunning. The goats are magical. Your girls are beautiful & so smart. I just found your channel & I’m hooked.
There is no failure, only feedback!
I move a lot of big rocks around my property. I found that a good hand truck works great!
We are so impressed with your careful and wise approach to your work, not to mention your diligence!
My opinion about having options on ways not to freeze in the winter....
" you were born in the 21st century... give yourself options!" Work smarter/ not harder😊
You're young and healthy now,but making provision for your older selves is wisdom😊
god bless u guys... i wish u guys would also show us around the village and the mountains.. that would be a great... thanks
When watering garden plants, just sprinkling the surface soil is not enough. The water needs to soak down to the roots.
Happy Easter beautiful family. 🐰🐰💖💖💖💖
Very well done with the underpinning. Dangerous work.
Love those goats and that border collie working to be human eyes so they don’t go astray. Love to see the progress and tribulations. The pining process is surprisingly interesting. Ha, I struggled to just make a patio in my backyard . I was wondering if you needed to leave openings for water pipes through or under the foundation and pinned areas? But you mentioned something about somethings being temporary. That fireplace is going to be a great cozy area. About the garden, I use an umbrella over me when it’s hot. Won’t need it now but maybe in the summer heat. Also “Miracle Grow” when watering once a week or so. I plant marigolds around my tomatoes to repel bugs. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge with us! Love that outdoor kitchen. Can’t ask for a better view! ❤
I just found your channel and have been going through and catching up. I love the plans for your home in Italy! I admire the patience you must have to do a project that big! I'm watching you from North Platte Nebraska. I got started watching the homesteading shows and just keep finding more and more. God bless you and your family!
Dig a trench and fill it with stones was probably the best way to build a footing for a stone structure back then. That's why they're all loose as they somewhat require the earth you are digging away to hold them in place laterally.
You were smart and resourceful to accomplish your underpinning work. It is a fine example of the old saying, necessity is the mother of invention, by way of a quote originating from Latin from the 16th century. Happy Holidays!
I can see that its a lot of work, a tip for you!!!! use a reciprocating saw, sander or a multitool on the forms to vibrate your concrete, just know when you have finished it will be well worth it, take care
Beautiful Choice of life style . Your Girls will grow up so Strong, and with that, HAPPY ! The Pain is worth the Gain.
🤗hello dear gardener❤please remove the shower cap🚿from the watering can and only water all plants on there feet, never on their heads, because otherwise the leaves and flowers will burn when watering in sunshine🌞🌞🌞
You are hard working son of a gun. I watch you about 30 minutes before bed time and after watching you, Im so exhausted from your effort, I sleep like a baby. Thanks.
😂❤️
We are all learning so much watching you work so hard. The task would appear endless if you weren't making such great progress. Thank you for sharing the difficult times as well as the beautiful times. Keep safe and well and remember that gardening teaches us so many lessons including gratitude when something finally grows! Enjoy the journey .......
We had a very big open fireplace in our taverna, and always problems with smoke in the room. We choose an inserts stufa a legno, but in your situation a free standing stufa would also look great.
We live close to the Garda lake and always cover our tomato plants in the summer, otherwise they burn. Salat and paprika are no problem in the sun.. But check the gardens of your neighbours to see how they handle it.
You are so skilled and energetic. Why would you even be considering a "push button" approach to such an.authentic fireplace. Firestarting by propane is such a nonstarter ...
Omg what a Herculean task ! I admire your patience and your determined dedication !👍👍💕🌷
Bless your family. Happy Easter from Las Vegas Nevada ❤
Your garden is so cute!!! 🤗 I think it will do well. 🥰🎶❤️🐝🌸🌻🌺 Can you get any goat’s milk from them???
La vita é bella. Buona Pascua. Dal Portogallo.
Dude that rock must have been 70kg, at least! Great episode friend, very well edited. 👍👍
Wow...very strong desired to overcome the rocking challenges....it will really provide a future security in your wonderful expectations 😊
Run the gas line! a little assist and modernization does not take away from only adds to your experience, certainly won't be noticed on a daily basis and will be there when you need it. Happy Easter from New Orleans
Hey guys! You really are an inspiration! You are going through a lot but still pushing hard! Buon lavoro, crediamo in voi e “per aspera ad astra”!
Alumina Silicate firebrick intalled in a herring bone pattern would look so cool in that fireplace.
You are so amazing. I can't believe that you are doing all this work by yourself. Is there anything that you can't do. Thank you for the time you take to explain what you are doing. Lots of love from Australia.
You are doing a great job,, the best idea ever,,, I love watching your videos,, Many greetings from Austria 🇦🇹!!
I very much admire your patient, hard work. Back breaking at times. You have so much common sense too. What was the work you used to do before all the travelling? I think you may have mentioned something about film props or building film sets?
Nice little movie night. It was from the Flying The Nest vlog when they met you travelling on a ship without the girls that I started following you. I was already following The Newbys long before that, and mentioned the Newbys on one of your first posts in Italy, and what a surprise it was that you started being in touch and that they then visited you. Hoping you get to visit them over the summer for a well deserved break, as their tiny home renovation should be finished by then. Then you can meet The Scotters and all eat, drink, laugh and talk about your new lives as builders and renovators.
Love your kitchen. Nice cooking with a view. The goats bells sounds like wind chimes. Happy Easter!
Hoppy Easter from Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada! Good luck on your progress! 🍁👍👍🦋🌈
GREAT video, as usual!! RE: your fear of failure: we fail at everything before we succeed at it. Did you learn everything you needed to ride a bicycle the very first time you tried?? Or knit/crochet?? Practice is the key to getting "Good" at something. I understand the fear since I have that also. Many are the things I have not done because of that fear. You have a wonderful life to learn everything you want/need to know. Remember - The dumbest question is the one you didn't ask/research. You are doing GREAT!! You are ENOUGH for whatever you need/want to do.
You do everything with SO much care and precision. I am amazed by all the physically hard things you have done. Like the BIG stone today! Man, that was Huge!! And yet, you moved it.
Be sure to mulch your garden beds!! It will keep the soil 5-10 degrees cooler around the roots, hold in moisture, and retain more nutrients! Think of how the forest grows, bare ground is always covered with natural processes. Leaves, grass clippings, or wood chips would be great 👍🏽
Ooh my my be careful wow tats a big rock Oks organic garden is nature’s way never give up trying is faith 😊 we learn from our mistakes . It will make you glow Smile with you loves you all beautiful family blessings 😊🤗❤️
Brady you are so brave to pull rocks out from under those heavy walls!! It so good that you know what your doing!!!
oh my what a job you have there to do underpinning, better to be safe than sorry . Nice job . You work really hard well done😘