A big change of plans renovating our old stone house - a raw conversation.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 มิ.ย. 2024
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A big change of plans renovating our old stone house - a raw conversation.
Since buying our 200 year old remote cottage in Ireland we've had some ups and downs already. We've uncovered the 200 year old stone walls and after peeling through the layers of history, they're falling down.
Our plan to restore this old cottage as sympathetically as possible now may have to change, as to be honest, over the years, much of it has been lost already.
In this video we are going through our new plans and ideas for the place, a conversation we've yet to have with each other...
We'd love to know what you guys would do if renovating something similar (and no, knocking it down is not an option, just defeatist) would you go option 1, option 2 or option 3?
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Hopefully you are enjoying this renovation series as much as we are, and we are managing to show you just some of the trials, tribulations, and work, involved when restoring an old property.
As usual, we have tried to include a bit of everything, including the local wildlife and nature mixed with our usual female foolery, we always love hearing what you lot think in the comments so do let us know, and as always, thank you for watching!
Check out our older videos and follow our us journey attempting to create a proper youtube travel series as we, two female travelers and vanlifers, attempted to travel across Europe in our rolling tiny home.
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If you get a place in the Algarve it's geared up for Brits/buying property. And many speak English.
Option 2 for Emily. If you do a vaulted ceiling, I would consider putting a loft above one end of the room if you have enough ceiling space. A cozy reading area 😊
Sorry girls I tried to send you a link to stone cladding but it’s not allowing me to. Have a look at Kuci Design. Their stone walls are amazing. You’d never know they were panels. I just think they’d be better than plaster board. You might find a cheaper shop but just thought I’d tell you about the cladding as not a lot of people know about it and assume when they hear about it, that it’s those cheap stick on things. ❤
I'm learning Italian with Duolingo
Been looking for the next one
I like Lou's idea of the snug - no point building an extension when you have a perfectly good space next door. Save the extension money for the re-build of the bathroom. I'm with Emily for the bigger window.
Option 2 for defiant
Got to be a bigger window 🙌
@@campervibe but will the grant come through, if you do that?
@@campervibe Definitely a bigger window! You can recycle the smaller window for another room. Win-win!
Option 2! if you're going to renovate ... invest in your dream home, don't compromise. Did that with my home, approached it in phases and it was the best decision. Wish I had your made skills to take on what have ... wow ... what makes this channel so heart warming is the love/respect you have for each other ...
If only more people were like these wonderful people. What a lovely world we'd have. I adore your videos. Wait for them every week. oxox
You don’t recover the upgrade dollar for dollar but it’s your forever home.
This is true, if it’s your forever then it’s got to be what you want to spend you time in forever 🙂
Option 2, take your time and do how you really want it. Good luck girls.😊❤
Number-2,2,2,2!! 🤩
Sorry but I can’t help myself. Here’s what I would do!! Option 4! Take note!! 😝 The now bedroom and kitchen are a separate beautiful lounge with your high roof and fireplace which we have also done and is amazing! That means knocking out those walls. Then the little room at back will become the dining room with guest bedroom above it. (Stairs can go up from living room OR dining room) THEN Emily’s extension which will become a “garden and veranda kitchen” . And what is Lou’s snug is a bedroom with big terrace doors to the garden which you can look out to in the mornings from your bed coffee in hand.. ☕️ 🌹 We did all these things and they are the best part of our restoration. The kitchen NEEDS to connect to the garden so Emily can go get her herbs whilst cooking and it connects to the outdoor dining / veranda to the back. The bedroom NEEDS to be far away from lounge so tv does not bother the person sleeping. ❤ oooh I have so many ideas. This is an expensive version so would also need to be done in stages. Totally annoying! You did ask for ideas though! Sorry guys!!! 😂
Ooo yours is a new option 4 I have not heard of 😀
@@campervibeHave to say I like the sound of this option 4! 😅 And you can still maintain the look and integrity of such a beautiful old farm cottage at the front. Keep that aspect as it is, with its beautiful red doors.
You two are fun and entertaining, so thank you for sharing your adventures with us Lou and Emily. Whether travels or house build it’s always worth the watch. And whatever you decide on will be fabulous I’m sure.
If Emily would like an island but you don't feel there is enough room for a static 'table' you could do what we did - a singer sewing machine stand, put casters on the bottom and created a wooden worktop - sanded, oiled - bobs your uncle a mobile island in keeping with the style of your house :)
After eighteen years on this beautiful island we've learnt that if you make an honest attempt to converse in the language of your hosts then acceptance is so much easier! However I'm sure our " blunt Greek " has given our Greek friends and neighbours hours of amusement. To see them concentrating so hard at our early, clumsy attempts at mangling their beautiful language was heartwarming. ☺️🇬🇷 So try, try, try to master, at least the basics. The rewards are amazing. 😎🇬🇷
At least you are trying and that really does go along way
This is a multi-step project which can be done as finances are available.
Start the process by tearing down the wacky leaning outer wall while the weather is warmer. Rebuild the stonework, re-point, and then render with lyme.
Second, tear down each side of the fireplace, open up the back of the fireplace into the kitchen so it's double sided and rebuild the chimney. Make it into an old time cottage/farm fireplace with a double sided wood burning stove at the center. ( no need to move the fireplace stone lintel). Pull down the ceiling for whatever repairs need going and put your pipes, ducting, and plumbing in a "crawl space" in the ceiling instead of the wall. You only need about 1.5 feet of space.
Third, build an island on wheels for the kitchen. Put the dining room where you suggested it. Put in a massive old oak dining table.
Recover from all that work. Go van living in Portugal for a couple of months, come back for Phase II.
So true, definitely a long multi step for sure and I like the island on wheels idea 🙂
I think Louise's idea is better 🙂
*I would put in as many French or Sliding Patio Doors and large windows as possible, facing the back garden, not the roadside.
* Keep the front of the house looking original-ish (roadside), regarding windows and red doors. Better privacy that way.
*Keep the tin roof (new obviously).
*Put an internal door through to Emily's office.
*Don't bother with an upstairs bedroom for now. Friends can sleep in their van's 😉 or snug or Emily's office.
I love watching you girls, you are the perfect combination together. 👩❤️👩 Teamwork makes the dream work! 👍🏻😊
Emily should have a door to her office from the snug which would be lovely for her. If not, then an open but covered porch from the red door to her office door on the outside. With rain and winter, wind etc she should have coverage and convenience.
Agree.
Option 2
Windows at the back can be enlarged, don’t change anything at front.
Do door to office as if the other houses are ever done Emily's office can be there and the office can be a third bedroom then
Yes, it rains a lot there
I think op 2 but also like op 3 cost effective .
Door from snug to emily office, and also in an emergency as her office area is small she will have too exits out.
Live life to the full , follow your heart, this project will always be in your heart what ever you both decide whether its op 1 op2 op3 or holiday in the sun😂
First thing is to talk to a structural engineer about the possibilities 😁
I would make sure you have a door to the outside where you plan on extending the current bathroom & having a utility room. That way when it’s wet and muddy outside, you can keep your muddy boots, raincoats, doggy coats & towels in there without bringing any mud inside.
I'm so invested in this project by this point that if someone gave me a time machine tomorrow and told me I could do anything with it I would go to the future 5 years from now to see how this cottage looks. Nothing else. That's it.
You need to talk to an architect. We thought we had a good design for our kitchen which needed taking back to the concrete foundation and the brick walls, plus replace the ceiling. Our designer came up with ideas we had never dreamed of, like slide out racks for food, and a chef's pantry where the electrical devices could be left out, all the cooking ingredients placed on shelves and doors that shut to make it look like a cupboard. He also blended the open plan kitchen into the dining area.Things have moved on a lot since I designed my last kitchen in the late 70s.
It’s good when they do that right 😀
Agree. Research one that has experience and sympathy with refurbed old farm type cottages using as much natural/sustainable materials as possible.
I like Louise's snug+loft+windows+skylights+tin roof+eventual bathroom renovation.... I think that's option two.
I like option 2. I would add French doors on the wall that is coming down, so that AJ and Summer have easy access to the newly fenced in back yard., plus for Emily, a Lange window 😉. You two are amazing, and what ever you decide will be wonderful! I love following along.
Brilliant idea! 👍👍👍👍
Yes full height glass doors is a no brainer when you have great views outside.
Got to do that ain’t we really
As I said I would rebuild as the underlying reasons for the collapsing walls will still be there and a rebuild will give you a much larger, warmer interior with the same external footprint.
If you do go for option 2 replace the tin roof with inset all black solar panels with a surround of any material you like. It will with a battery take you completely off grid. The all black solar panels as part of rather than sitting on the roof will look great sitting against the slate. They have no lines at all on the best ones which we have and they are 455W each ours (25) are generating 50kWh a day at the moment
I love option 2… but I think I can speak for most when I say, watching you both living your “best life” and creating your forever home is enough for us, whatever you decide 🥰
Tin roofs are totally normal in New Zealand. They're perfect. yes you can hear the rain.... it's lovely!
Enough feedback already on option 2. Use the red door as the door from the kitchen to the snug if possible and have one glass door, on the garden side which is the back side? Consider well you've said this will be your forever home. If so, choose wisely with this in mind and heart. Don't go overboard financially and don't go for cheap. What, in the prospect of your whole life, is most worth? Good luck! Thank you for the fun and sharing. ❤
Ooo like the idea of the red door as the dining/ snug door
@@campervibe Yeah- and keep in mind all the various things you can do with the bits and pieces from the wreckage. Re-purposing if great! I live by it... ; )
Having lived in Oz for 30+ yrs, where tin rooves are pretty standard, dont worry Em, you wont hear it! Plenty of insulation and soundproofing plaster, you'll be comfy as! 🎉
Loving Lou's ideas, practical solutions to some curly problems.
Good to know, thanks
I'm in Oz too and love my tin roof
Came to say the same. I was reluctant to buy my first house here in Oz as it had a tin roof but it was a lovely cosy home for us for a decade. Also tin is lighter so the roof trusses are cheaper!
Just love Emily's inspirational remodeling-dance! But Lou's plan sounds more practical... if the walls can survive. And remember: Plans are for having something to differ from on the way... -Keep on recording, we enjoy every next (dancing)step!
Option 2. Why don't you have a glass door instead of the little window at the back. Knock your wall down and make your kitchen diner and sitting room all one until you have the snug done. What ever you do it will look great. Love watching you it makes my week.
Thank you 🙂
Lou's snug ✅️red door ✅️ cosy arm chair each in front of the aga✅️ 😊
Agree with Cathryn: No point building an extension. I'm with the next door option - the snug will be a greater benefit for the two of you - and gives AJ and Summer somewhere to `lounge` in winter, but they'll need a bigger window too..!
I agree with option 2.That will make your cottage a much better home for you both to enjoy as your forever home.
I'm exhausted just thinking about what you guys are taking on with positivity and energy.
I think incrementally is the way to go. Spend what you need to make the house a home, but do it in a way that keeps extensions and addons in mind. It's a huge project, and doing it in manageable chunks over time may preserve your marriage and sanity!
I think our sanity is already gone 😂🙈
If you have measurements of the house, I'd be happy to do up a rendered 3d model of the house with the various options free of charge to thank you for the enjoyment of the videos! Can see if an island would fit 😅
What a kind offer
What a lovely generous thing to give. 🙏🏼💚 Restores me faith in folk. 🙏🏼💚
That is an extremely lovely offer, we would not want to put you out though, feel free to pop us an email campervibe6@gmail.com
🙂
I would say a combination of both your options. Emily's kitchen idea with the kitchen island. And Lou's snug idea and bedroom upstairs idea.
vaulted ceiling in the snug, nice woodburner.
Got to have a wood burner right
Yes, could always extend the island top a smidge to incorporate a couple of stools under the top for breakfast/quick lunch/Lou's laptop area. Love Lou's snug + red door. This is fun, best wishes from Essex!
@@campervibe Yes absolutely.
I’ve lived for 22 years under a tin roof, the rain noise is so soothing but after we put new insulation in sadly we lost most of the lovely rain noise
Option 2, but take out the back wall and put in bifold patio doors across the width of the dining room. This would like eating out in the garden in the warmer months. Free run for AJ and Summer too.
Yes, that’d be good
2.5k views in the first 19 minutes. Testimony to how fantastic and wonderful you both are.
~4.5k in first 36min
Aw thanks guys 🙂
@@campervibe sorry I was late today x 😆😅
@@campervibe I can't get enough of you girls.. You make my week. We are about to start looking at buying in Spain. You girls have inspired us to buy an older property and make it our own living in with the Spanish people and not in a holiday complex.. 🎉 Can't wait to see what the engineer has to say.. Get 3 points of view, don't go with your first builder don't pay up front, pay them in stages and get A FULL JOB quote and time span/date for completion. Don't let the job slow down by not getting items needed delivered on time.. Keep on top of the schedule by having a plan of works on a wall (preferably not one your knocking down 😂) set out phases and this way you won't get over whelmed by the who excitement of the build & decisions to be made 😮😵😁♥️♥️♥️ love you girls keep going! 🎉
Both sound lovely. Personally, I love an old world, cozy feel, so I like the snug. No matter what you do, I'm sure it will be lovely. Can't wait to follow your journey! Thanks for sharing. Team Option 2!
The snug does sound lovely
Hey girls. My mum and dad had a very old property in Cornwall, which needed extensive renovation. Fortunately, my dad was a builder. He literally had to take the end wall of the house down , rebuild it, and it looked exactly the same when he finished. The floor was those big stone flags on dirt. They had to come up, dig down, put in damp proofing, concrete and then relaid the flags. I'll see if he's got any pics. Funnily enough, after a few years, they moved away and into a nasty new build 🤣🤣.
It's all very exciting to watch 😊
Option #2 not only makes the most sense but it also will look the loveliest. And Louise, don't you let Emily steal those red doors, ever! There is just something really awesome about them. Emily, I do agree that if the one window can safely and economically be made larger it would be a great idea. There is nothing more lovelier than natural light filling a space.
Remember that wall is holding the chimney up, get structural calcs regarding what you need to support it at a higher level, or take the whole chimney down from the top.
Down from the top for sure, if we do that we will get external help as well as it’s a big job with stupidly heavy stones so not something we would tackle alone 🙂
It might be holding up roof too.
@@campervibe I said option 2 before you even asked for comments😂😂 I guess it depends on what the structural engineer says. Someone else has suggested taking the wall down in-between the kitchen & the other room but keep the fireplace as a double sided one & that way you don't have to take all the chimney & the big stone out. Then build an island on lockable wheels so it can be moved around if necessary & on one side have the top overhang so you can still have stools. It can be used for breakfast & quick snacks & a bit of work for now. The room where the wall is leaning out, you obviously will need to rebuild that so do it whilst it's still a bit lighter nights & warmer. You could put either french doors or bi-fold out onto the back where AJ's garden is if you are allowed to with building regs. I think that barn will be cozy with the big fireplace & the vaulted ceiling etc. It will look great when it's all done. If you do the double sided fireplace in the kitchen/room you could put a settee etc in there & use that area until you can get the barn finished & you'd have the fire to keep it warm & cosy in the winter. It'll save you money (hopefully) to put towards your extension for your bathroom & utility room & maybe incorporate a boot room or boot room/utility. You will need one if you are working on the land & have chickens or whatever especially in the rainy muddy months......put an outdoor tap there to wash the mud off your boots before you go in😬 I know someone who had a dog wash/grooming area (like a big stainless steel square sink with a shower tap like you get at a dog groomers) put in their boot room. It doesn't take up much room but good for her muddy dogs when they come in.(She has 3 dogs though) Then a bench with storage but obviously you can sit on it to change your shoes etc. Just get it how you want because like you said it's your forever home. So you might as well take your time & do it in stages & get what you want. I know it's going to be done expertly & will look stunning. Loving following you on this slog but it'll be worth it when it's all done.
Love your vlog! Metal roof and snug. Extra bedroom above the kitchen. Keep the 2 red doors, be nice to easily access Emily’s office and have an exterior entrance to the snug.
option 2 sounds like a plan 👍 but as Em said put a little window in the red door for more light :)
Hello again ! Yesterday I watched the video you've made in Wales . Emily went on the little steam train and you know what ? My daughter has been living in uk for 4 years, in Scotland and Wales. She has been working as a manager for this little steam train. I went for Chistmas to visit her and she offered me a travel in this lovely train. The view from the train on the valley is very charming. Just to share this with you
A big glass panel in the snug, with the red door forming a shutter on the outside to keep you really snug.
Whatever you both decide to do, I know it will look beautiful. Best of luck, and I hope everything goes to plan smoothly. ❤
So,sorry your going through this girls ❤I'd say option 2 definitely the snug sounds AMAZING ...❤
I like the sound of option 2, and not because Emily told us to choose option 2😂
Love the idea of the cozy snug❤
The snug and upstairs room sounds perfect you two are doin a blinding job 😊. Emily saw this on instagram had to wrestle out of hubbys hands and gob. Large deep ice cube tray. Fill each one with Biscoff. Freeze. Take out when frozen and cover in melted chocolate sprinkle with sea salt. Fridge. Omg! Caused a fight here to get at them 😂🤣
I just love that you’ve got one with the big ideas and dreams, and one of you is more realistic and trying to make those dreams happen as realistically as possible! It’s just me renovating my cottage and I’m just wanting more and nobody is telling me to stop 😂😂
Ash, invite Emily and Louise round to your cottage to give you some help/ideas with your walls xx
😂😂 oh yeah, my purse is firmly shut, Louise is always moaning at me 😂
@@suziebelle1959 they are more than welcome altho I’d say they have enough troublesome cottage on their hands
😊😊😊
A stone is a stone not an original feature, you can incorporate it elsewhere. Dont get architect get a surveyor to do what you want. I did what you are doing with the same problems. I would take out the leaning wall and push out a roofed but glazed extension. Put stair in the extension with baicony. My 15century pile of stones needed a steel frame, but you wouldnt know it was there now. If you are going to be away for long periods put in shut off taps on everything. Sorry dont want to lecture just want you to have the best home.
Good advice..👍
Glad you got yours sorted
The engineer helped me realise that I could move interior doors, and by that, get a big in the corner kitchen.
My parents have been extending outwards ,and that left the middle of the house really dark, so I cant recommend that, unless you have glass ceilings, or big ceiling windows, to get enough light in from the extension.
I like the idea of the snug, when I think of an Irish cottage. I picture just that kind of little cozy room..
Option 2 looks great. Best of luck with the Engineer's visit. Hopefully they won't find any more issues
Option 2 sounds like the middle way and a reasonable compromise ❤
Let us know what the structural engineer says. 20 years ago I converted 2 stone shed into a 1 1/2 storey studio.... Unfortunately the whole thing had to be demolished and completely rebuilt because there were no foundations and the back wall was supporting the road.... We took good photos and the brick and stonework does look like what was there before.
Oh that’s a shame
Option 2❣️❣️❣️
We have a tin roof which is not insulated and it’s fantastic!
The steeper the pitch the quieter the rain…
Many houses in Scotland, Greece, and around the world where there are multiple rooms that are all stoned and painted in lime and its fabulous! I am prejudice though, I cannot stand drywall.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful journey with us, although I always worry for your privacy💕
Yes, show us the steps. A lot of viewers just enjoy seeing other parts of the world.
Option 2 maintains more of the integrity of the house and will be absolutely beautiful inside and more attractive outside 👍
Option2 seems the best use of existing space. Keeping the tin roof and existing stone walls (where possible) maintains the buildings character. As it’s your “forever” home don’t compromise too much with your original dream as you will regret it long term. NEVER option 3. Good luck you’ll smash it.
Option 2 makes the most sense to me. I love your enthusiasm! I'm older so it looks like an enormous job to me, but I know you two will make it a beautiful home.
Old cottages the stories I could tell but you get there in the end.
To me it's a no brainer. Option 3 is the way to go, cheaper, quicker, will give you most of what you wanted to achieve, and will quickly let you get on with life and living your dreams. And forget the tin roof, imitation slates are not super expensive, and neither are roofing tiles, and are pretty much maintenance free and quiet in the rain, I have lived with a tin roof and it was not pleasant.😊❤
Option two. If this is going to be your forever home. You could do it safely and it does not matter if it takes years of work and saving in-between. Once you got your L shape kitchen you can always put in a butchers block on wheels so you can move it around in the space .
Option 2, putting in full length windows but keeping the red doors as external shutters so you keep the traditional appearance but still get the light
I've never heard of that area called a "snug" I like it but, yeah that option because it is your forever home as you called it; take it in stages but when it's done with the vaulted ceiling you will both love that area, probably the most
I think Louise is trying to be posh 😂😂 it’s just a living room
Going back in history what we call as a lounge was actually called a snug, they even had snugs in the old pubs too. History 😮
A friend of mine restored a similar cottage and knocked the two fireplaces through and installed a double sided stove. There’s a 20cm gap around the stove and there’s a doorway without a door between rooms. Sort of open plan but still two separate spaces. Light one fire and have a choice of which room to use. It’s worked out brilliantly for them. The stove even has a water boiler concealed around the top and sides. As it’s directly under the chimney, it doesn’t protrude into either room.
It’s her house’s best feature. I would give the idea serious consideration if I were in your shoes.
As you mentioned later on 😂
It’s a seriously good idea though. I love how her house turned out.
Such a lovely way of doing it
Definitely a snug using the barn. The stairs looked lovely . Whatever you both decide it's going to look beautiful and keeping in the history of the cottage which when we see the drone shots it's so beautiful 🥰
That wall Emily wants to knock down... I'd do that, but no extension; a wall of glass (possibly sliding/bifold doors out into the garden?) Bringing more light into the kitchen/diner.
I personally like Louise's idea for the lounge/snug area. And Kiwi houses are "tin" roof. So long as you insulate the noise won't be a problem 👍🏾
The upstairs 2nd bedroom could be really beautiful if your inspiration photos are anything to go by.
And I posted before that any stone from the house could be used in a beautiful outdoor kitchen area .... further down the road ❤
Chin up ladies, money to be spent to be sure; but it will be your forever home and we're very thankful you're sharing your journey ❤
Option 2 !!!! knock down the wall, snug, tin roof! Win-Win
Guys my brain hurts! . . You will work it out over time . . . Personally, I would have preferred Portugal. Love from Bangkok.
Keep the red doors, but put double glazed windows behind them, so doors will, in effect, be shutters.
I'm glad you're getting rid of the other wall and making it an open plan kitchen diner.
Option 4. I wouldn't touch anything without a structural inspector on those hidden walls. All of them. Whole house wall inspection. Then , then only do one area at a time that matches your plans. Budget is always double or triple in construction.
And in your case probably X squared..... If you tackle too much regrets in the future are guaranteed. I've seen my fair share of construction and renovation.
Excellent advice 👍👍
Option 2 sounds like a great use of existing structures (too bad you can’t add windows along the back wall to enjoy the Irish greenery/snow while sitting in a cozy living room with a fireplace). BUT, seems like option one offers the possibility to make the bathroom/utility room more cohesive with the house rather than a room sticking out the back…. hmmm so many possibilities. Love an L-shape kitchen with seating, I have one, love it! perhaps Emily gets a rolling island that can roll around to where needed or out of the way :)
It’s a hard choice for sure
Going with the idea of knocking through sounds like the best plan for your lifestyle, though I'd have to go for a really long island going down the kitchen, with provision for bar stools along one side, instead of the L shape -great for entertaining and food prep. You will decide what you like best and I'm sure it will be the right choice for you both :) Just keep posting, I look forward to watching your progress and how the grounded Lou interacts with the giddy Emily, you are such fun to watch x
She does bring me down to earth 😂
@@campervibe The balance seems about right with you both :) x
Option two sounds fantastic and the loft bedroom is perfect 👌 I like the thought of an L shaped kitchen with an island bench as it would provide more convenient access to the kitchen from the dining area and an island can also be made into a great (colour) feature with stools for a breakfast bench or a social point for entertaining. I’m so happy to have found your channel 💖
Maybe option 3. Just do the minimum to be comfortable. If you are planning on having a place in Portugal for the winters there is no point in going overboard and stretching your funds. Id just do essential items now which will need to be done anyway give one winter in the house and see how you feel then.
Option 2, stick to the tin on the roof, do it as u can afford it, break it into stages. I'm 7 years in and still have no flooring, BUT I'm happy and it's paid for!
Looks like most think option 2 is the way to go. I agree, long term. But I think you begin with option 3 and as funds permit, create your snug exactly the way you both want it. You can put up with a smaller table and a sofa or a couple of chairs in the dining/sitting room for a few months or a year, while you perfect your design and Lou practices her liming and repointing. You are such a wonderful couple, with great respect for one another. Love watching you!
Aw thank you
Option: whichever is "the dream". This is it! Better to create the dream than to be sensible; even if it takes some time, sacrifice, etc. It'll be well worth it. My second opinion is that with the kitchen scenarios described, I really think an island versus the L-shape... a nice island, with rustic copper pots hanging from the ceiling in the middle, or rather from one of those rustic pot ceiling hanger things that will hold the pots. Then you can have some stools around the outside of the island... a pretty vase in the center with seasonal flowers. The L-shape isn't a classic kitchen look, whereas the island is classic, it's one of those 1930s looks that lasts the test of time. 😊 x
Option 4: Make bathroom your snug/living room with open-out patio doors and use the tin-roof structure as bathroom. Raise roof of bathroom and tie into existing roof and the added roof space can either be borrowed as storage for your mezanine room or left vaulted. The tin-roof shed would work well as a bathroom and could incorporate laundry station as plumbing will be co-located. Also the natural light requirements are less for bathroom than living space. You could leave red door but block up doorway and replace the rear door with opaque window.
Option 2, the snug would be amazing with the original wall and vaulted ceiling! good luck ladies! loving the video's since you bought the cottage.
I think it would look lovely
Love option 2, makes use of the shed building and the flow will be great in your home. I would opt for an island rather than breakfast bar, as it will allow easier movement around the whole room and avoid a bottleneck at the end of the l shape. You could also then do full wall units with pantry cupboards on the existing kitchen wall including your fridge running under the new stair case. I also vote for the laundry, and why not include a dog wash station too? Nice warm wash place for AJ after muddy Irish walks 😊
The options, so many 😀😀
I’d go the option 3, the cheaper now option. Do what is necessary to get into the house. Remember open rooms are lovely but can be expensive to heat. You can always plan everything so it can be in stages but you can’t put off enjoying life . Give Emily her nice kitchen with extra cupboards against new wall. Room next to kitchen knock down leaning wall and replace with bifold doors or sliding so to give access to backyard. Maybe a small sunroom to act as a mud room and herb garden. ❤ love watching your videos, they always seem too short.😊
I’d do option 2, I’d keep the red doors and if possible I’d do a half door at the front of snug! Like in the old cottages. Love watching you two, your banter and respect for each other.
i love option two, but with double patio doors on the back for more light in the snug, especially if the wall has to come down anyway, that way Lou keeps the little red door. then a glass door into Em's office. but whatever you decide will be great, because its yr home.
Suggestion warning: Do a variety of subjects … like crafting to bring viewers who would not find you otherwise but once found find your travels fascinating and stay. I will never do van life but I like watching you two.
Aw thank you, glad you enjoy the videos 🙂
Definitely option 2 ❤. And I whole heartedly with Louise on the tin roof, you can't beat a bit of wrinkly tin 🥰. The porrch over the 2 door idea that I saw in another comment sounds like a nice idea.
So exciting to see the plans coming together! Pets to Summer and AJ and best to the two ambitious humans.
Loving the idea of a snug. Cosy winter evenings!
The fireplaces in an Irish cottage - are the beating heart of the home.
To even consider tearing it out, rather than rebuilding the tumbled rocks from the peak - seems like a horrible thing to do.
Nobody needs or uses a dining room. Everyone gathers in the kitchen - so just go with that.
Repair what you have.
The money will burn like a bonfire otherwise - and the cottage will be restored and preserved, rather than adding silly extensions and knocking out picture windows….
The front wall can probably be partially taken down and stabilized? Possibly add a steel for support across the top?
Get your engineer to go over what’s actually there, and let them guide you to next steps.
You are in charge, don’t let them talk you into silliness…
There are a lot of options for sure, we will definitely consider all 🙂
As much as I love open plan living, we have it at home, Lou's idea seems the best. You already have the walls, so a much cheaper option. Soooooo envious of your plotxx❤
Replace the tin roof with slate sheets which are metal but look like slate. These are used on large buildings like supermarkets. I have used them and they go up fast and easy.
Going against the grain here but i would leave everything in place and repair what is there, its an old stone built cottage after all, its very very easy to pull stuff down but takes a lot of time and money to build up again to arrive back at almost the same place you started. Whatever you both decide i will still follow you with great interest
Very true and thanks
I'd go for the door into the office. That way, in the rain, snow and wind of winter, you dont have to trudge outside to gain access. As for the rest, both good, go for what your heart wants. You dont want to change it later!
Option 2, the red door on the back over looking the garden needs to be full length glass, light and view, I agree the red doors next to each other needs to stay love the idea of the staircase up to vaulted bedroom and the snug with a log burner sounds devine!!!
With all the work that needs to be done, it might be best to bulldoze everything down and start new. That way, you know everything will be up to code and new. You could always renovate the outbuildings if you want to. You can always get a small shed or something to make a shower/bathroom and stay in the van until your home is built.
We really don’t want to knock it down, it’s not all bad 🙂🤞
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Emily, your extension idea makes a lot of sense and it will be lovely. Talk her out of the tin roof, even if it is built up underneath, it is a daft idea.
I love the idea of the extension and then you can knock the bathroom and make a big extension going the whole length of the house. In the main living area rather than a big window in the extension add a glass sliding door that goes the full length of the living area . The shed can be used as another project further down the line if you need extra room. But for the moment if you’re already building a new bathroom extension you might as well just build a big extension. I’m also very keen on the island idea . With the extension you might actually have the room for a big L kitchen and an island!
Option 2 guys, all day every day. It will be fabulous once your two get your hands on it and you will love it forever.❤
Maybe you need to have a conversation with your solicitor, who in turn may need to have a chat with the surveyor who inspected the property before you bought it. This is worrying.
Not the home inspectors fault and or the homeowners they probably didn’t know just as the gals didn’t know
A home inspector is only liable from paint to paint One can’t expect them to see with X-ray eyes behind walls as they said they knew there would be some problems but no one knew it was this intense
This is true, they can only do what they can see, they can not take parts of the walls down. We paid for extra surveys as well which were done to the best they could 🙂
The surveyor has completely ruined their lives, he needs to be sued
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Option two sounds perfect! I love the way you two banter, so fun and can’t wait to follow along and see this beautiful space transform into your home!
Also like to say that thinking about it first, before an "expert" starts to influence you, is incredibly smart practice, not many understand that or why it's important. - well done.
Definitely option 2. Very excited for you both, what a project, and even although you may need to save to complete it, you have the time as its your forever home and it will be worth it. Go girls ❤
Another option. Knock down dividing wall. Knock through to make snug in outbuilding as planned but also knock through leaning wall and add a glass conservatory which will lead out to outdoor living area.
Lovely lovely people ❤ what memories you will make .. build + grow = Joy ❤
Option 2. Really think that would go well. Suggestion....make both doors in the snug into windows but don't compromise on the red doors....make the doors into shutters for the windows so you then have the red door look
Option 2 a nice snuggly snug for them cold evenings with a lovely fire for all of you to enjoy