Villa Slow housebarn couple builds 30m2 mini-version 🐌 (timelapse)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ย. 2024
- When Laura Álvarez and her partner Lewis Bailey got “stuck” for months during Covid confinement at their rural retreat, the converted housebarn ruin Villa Slow 🐌, they fell in love with rural life and decided to leave their lives and businesses in Amsterdam and move permanently to the mountains of Cantabria, Spain.
[visit our first video on Villa Slow here: • Ancient stone housebar... ]
They soon grew accustomed to chopping wood, caring for animals (2 local adopted donkeys) and lots of outdoor activities (especially hiking and surfing). The pace of life here is not only much slower than their former urban existence, but they spend considerably less money. Laura estimates they spend about a third of what they used to and probably use their wallet only once every week or two.
Their new home had been a popular rental and they decided not to give up that extra income during the summer months so they bought a second housebarn ruin in the valley and decided to build something as quickly as possible to relocate for the renters. Given their time and budget constraints, and the reduced needs of just two people, they decided to build a much smaller rendition of Villa Slow.
At just 30 square meters (323 square feet), the “Little Sister of Villa Slow” was partially prefabricated in Lewis’ workshop (across the street from Villa Slow) to save time and labor. Because construction started later than they’d hoped (May instead of March), the couple ended up moving into a tent during the summer months, but it was worth the wait.
They feel the new place is right-sized to their lifestyle and with more outdoor space, it takes advantage of the idyllic surroundings.
* Both houses are private property so please respect Laura and Lewis' privacy if you are in the area.
Villa Slow villaslow.com/
Laura Alvarez Architecture: www.lauraalvarez.eu
Lewis Bailey / @lewisbaileywoodworks
On *faircompanies: faircompanies....
Hello it’s Lewis from the video, I now have a TH-cam channel where I will be making videos of woodworking projects as well as other going ons in The Valley. It was super nice having Kirsten and her family visit! Look forward to them coming over to see the finished house.
Here’s a link to my channel
youtube.com/@lewischarlesbailey66
Congratulations on the channel, Lewis! We're so glad you found the time to put together some of the amazing stuff you do in Cantabria. Hoping to visit you guys in the future.
What an amazing valley to call home. Love your dog, love your donkeys, envy your lifestyle.
@@the_katman2181 hey thanks a lot! It’s been a big change
It is really neat stuff what you guys are doing in Cantabria. I'm curious, on your projects have you looked into energy efficiency like passive housing? With the climate with have in Cantabria I find it key to control humidity and heat with minimum energy consumption. Indoor air quality and comfort skyrockets.
@@dankspain hi, thanks for your words. We did considered it. We actually built it as a passive house except the mechanical ventilation ( heat recovery system) . We designed it so that we could implement it later on … we wanted to give it a try without it. So this year we’ve been testing it and if you ventilate it every day it keeps the moisture to really good levels ( around 45%) but of course you loose a bit of heat inside in winter , but I must say that not a crazy amount. We still haven’t lived in it during summer so we will evaluate if we will install the heat recovery unit … I don’t like so much the idea of getting clean air through a pvc pipe, the noise and maintaining filters if we can avoid it… so let’s see if we manage to do so!
I lived in Manhattan NY for almost half a century. Then when I retired I upped sticks by myself and moved my entire life to rural Italy in northern Tuscany, in an ancient borgo built into the hills with views of the Apuani mountains. Only 12 people lived there in the winter when I first moved into my stone house. Now, I prefer the tranquility of nature and space all around me. I have lived here for over a decade now. I am almost 75. I only wish I had done this sooner like Laura and Lewis are doing. Thank you for another wonderful video.
That sounds incredible. What was behind the decision to switch from urban to a more rural lifestyle? These days, with the possibility of remote working, I expect many more people will make similar transitions.
@@SouthernItalyHomestead Perhaps I was ahead of my time haha. I believe that living in a rural area preserved me when the beginning of covid spread throughout northern Italy. Also, I had my garden in lockdowns and incredible views from my windows to keep me inspired. To answer your question, I believe we must follow our hearts, and I just felt this was a move I wanted to make.
That’s a dream! How was the process of moving to a whole other country? How difficult was it? It feels impossible but I know so many do it. I want to leave the US someday.
Yes, these concrete jungles we’ve built are a waste and useless. Congratulations Ciao 👍
Am green with envy!
I think one of the things I really like about your videos is the pacing of the narrative. There are things that are explained, feelings and impressions discussed, but there is also time for pausing and contemplating, absorbing, and then when just enough time has passed, the narrative begins again and the viewer can enjoy moving on.
Agree so much. Well said.
I agree with this man 100%
Te comencé a ver aquí en utrech Holanda...me gusta verlos y más que puedo leer en castellano.
We bought a place 10 minutes away from there after watching your first video about Villa Slow. We can't wait to get work started.
Prove it
solitude is intoxicating once you can stand the silence and your own thoughts !!! i found solitude during lock down as well and fell in love with it, we were in the middle of nowhere and it became heaven and now i never want to be around crowds or people and prefer quiet and solitude.
Two people with a realistic home working realistic jobs. More of these please ♥
the summer of 2022 was so hot and dry, that one could forget that Cantabria is a very rainy part of Europe --- on average as rainy as Ireland. This is Green Spain, incredibly lush and beautiful, but if you go there, don't take blue skies for granted.
Anyway, thanks for the highly interesting, as usual well-made video of sympathetic folks and their project!
I just love the silent moments in this video. No distracting sounds. Just let me hear the wind, or nothing at all and Im transported back to my childhood days in my grandparents' farm. 🥰🥰🥰🥰
the snow. I daydream this shreak of 10000 rpms getting louder through the valley...a suddenly snowmobile leaping a mountain top at 124 mph 😅. Nice place. I live in maine. Everything I do is thinking of 30 days. I live in a town now..
When this house was originally featured a couple of years back, I saved it as one of my favorites. It still is that for me and look at how they are developing businesses! Bravo!
✨👏✨
that is exaclty what i also did. In fact, I have seen that video many many times. And this one is just a treat.
@@veeveeleo9713 Also said I will build exactly the same for myself. Beautiful house.
Thanks guys! Enjoy meeting people who live simply. Inspiring.
The restrictions on building houses guarantees that your vernacular countryside views will remain unspoiled.
Another excellent video experience!
Great couple that work wonders together, Lewis's craftsmanship is so rewarding with Laura's design =success 😀
This is such a peaceful tranquil setting! The positive side of the mayhem from past couple of years is I think people have been inspired to detach from the more populated urban settings and live much slower and more connected to nature, it's so beautiful to see! ❤️
We were lucky enough to stay at Villa Slow in August. A beautiful house and area. Its nice to see the evolution of the new house and to see that Forest the donkey is still escaping like he did when we stayed!
What a beautiful couple. So peaceful and able to enjoy the time of being alone, which seems like super power in today's busy lifes.
I am amazed that they are able to obtain such high quality building materials in such a remote location.
It looks remote, but some major big cities not that far away.. Burgos, Santander and Bilboa are probably their largest cities.. I guess they are in the middle of these.
The location then is ideal for short & long term rentals.
LOL Is not remote. This is Europe, is not like they are in the middle of Alaska. In less than a 40 minute drive they have beautiful beaches to enjoy in the summer and major cities with airports and even car ferries ships to take them to England (Portsmouth and Plymouth) and Ireland . And they are just 2 hours drive away from France , and a 3 hours away drive from some fine skiing in the Pyrinees mountains.
Oh my! The drive up to the home was as frightening as it was beautiful! Thank you for another inspiring episode.
I remember when you featured this home in the past. I thought then how simple yet elegant it was. I also loved how respectful the owner was to have the land still used by the herbers moving the animals from one place to another. How wonderful that this young couple has made this place their permanent home by buying another plot of land and building a another home that blends in with the community- not some ridiculously large home that stands out. And how fun to adopt the two sweet donkeys- nothings says home than being greeted by two donkeys wandering around the garden 😆 I wish them a lot of luck in their new home and in their new lives in the mountains.
Yes I loved this house the first time I saw it 😍
I have lived in the country side for 7 years. Absolutly loved it. Altough my country side where i was was 20mins from the main vila with all the schools and friends. But after 7 years we missed people (my husband mostly, i was ok!! Ahahah) we bought now a plot of land in the middle of fruit farms 2min from a city. I am missing the mountains and the calmness pf having nobody around, but its nice to see other people also!
Has to be my best video to watch on youtube. Thank you all for making it.
Inspiring couple. Massively talented. Countryside speaks for itself.... Kirsten Dirksen videos are brilliant. Cheers.
Congratulations Lewis and Laura for the new house.I loved the first video and I love that you are expanding.
I believe soon you will rebuild/renovate another house.The area is so peaceful
My favorite house of your channel. Just awesome.
Both the houses the existing one and the one they built during the course of the video are really fine tuned in their outlook towards the exterior and the overall finishing. Kudos to the couple for downsizing and simplifying their life. They are both very talented.
I'm very lucky to be able to live very close to there. Cantabria 💚
This is a perfect home. Beautiful, cozy, and there is enough space for my dogs to play and walk, enough space for living, and enough time to focus on my activities without spending too much time cleaning and maintaining a bigger house.
Thank you for the update from the first video- Villa Slow although i would have loved to see the Little Sister of Villa Slow in detail and drone shots as it is one of the main reasons we have this video. i draw alot of inspiration from such builds.Thank you - South Africa❤
You guys are a rare breed. To sacrifice your comfort ad live in a tent, just to make and save money for your future is... just amazing. Good for you! As we are building our timber house, I'm cheering for you!
Great video! I moved from the city to a farm 11 years ago, even if I'm closer to town I relate to the observations about loneliness and living by yourself.
Me too I thought I’d seen that stunning place before. So beautiful how it is still unfolding. Thanks for another inspiring episode!
Those donkeys are adorable
The content, production and story are all top notch in these videos. This should be syndicated.
Im so jealous of your kids... if I had grown up traveling the world seeing all these amazing places I would have definitely been an architect ...
Quel parfait paradis. Tout est toujours tellement vivant et tellement beau. Bravo pour votre passion !! ☆☆☆☆☆♡
I love the shower how it can open up to the bedroom. That makes a room feel so much more comfortable to me.
Those celing beams are a unique design & eye catching.
Donkeys are legends.
Lovely. I was there (the area) years ago. It looks much the same. That's good. Peace.
The exposed beams, and the lights are architectural music!✨
I love when Kirsten and her husband does these types of vid articles.
The stones are so beautiful. Such a beautiful cabin and landscape. Wish to visit some day
Absolutely amazing! Please make follow-up episodes on this place every year! 💕
Bet you're glad you have a g wagon! Pls keep the content coming and respect to you and kids for best behaviour!
Love everything about this, and especially the cows with their bells, wandering past the house ♥
She had me at "We want a covered area outside that is as big as the inside"
was the original plan....:) some months passed from when Kirsten and her family came and when we started building it...we rethought it very much after living there for 1 year :)
너무 멋진 집입니다 ~❤
저도 이런 집을 짖고싶네요^^😊
Thanks again Kristen and family! Your edits always seem to ground me. I walked the Camino with my daughter this summer and traveled around the north of Spain for a bit. Fantastic! People, food and countryside. You captured it!
What a lovely place this couple build so nicely and kreative in a wonderful region.thx
This house and the surroundings are so beautiful ! I have been lucky enough to be here twice and I still feel the sensations of waking up in the nature and saying hello to the donkeys every morning ! I will come back!
Loved this couple and the aesthetic and minimalism of their home. And what a gorgeous setting. Maybe I missed it, but I wasn't clear on what his background was. I know he spoke about the business of selling 'record holders' I think it was? But is he a builder or carpenter by trade? Because to be able to do what he was doing building that home was incredibly impressive. I also liked how honest they were about the lifestyle, that it wasn't for everyone. That it's hard work, you have to be self-reliant, as well as feel comfortable being alone a lot. Really enjoyed this one.
Here's a bit of context: th-cam.com/video/i6c0Pvei3F4/w-d-xo.html; Laura Álvarez restored the ancient stone housebarn ("casa pasiega," a vernacular of Cantabria, Northern Spain) as a holiday home and rental. Then Covid hit, and the couple got trapped in their holiday house, but they liked it so much that they decided to pivot and move into Villa Slow as a permanent residence. Now the estate is slowly growing with other endeavors, explained in this video.
Remember the old video! Many thanks for reposting the link!
I love the animals how they follow each other and get along. I love it. When I was a kid, I use to have dreams that I lived on a farm.
Now, I just want the tiny house in the woods someone where part time!.
I always learn something new when watching you. { oh, that rhymes} thanks for sharing
You all are an inspiration.. making the way to your dreams step by step.. blessing your home by your own hands.. inline with nature.. the animals are a very special touch for me an how they just accept your presents in there life.. there personality's must be breathless.. Ultra respect to the man of the house how gentlemanly he is.. take care.. all the best
Kirsten another best 🥰
the valleys of Pasiegos and their cabins in Cantabria in the north of Spain....are a treasure....and keep the secrets of a way of life following the cattle and changing from cabin to cabin when the grass runs out... Do not hesitate to visit Mirones, Sanroque, and the Valle del Pas
Stunning! Noticed the Krhuangbin Vinyl :)
What an awesome couple. I hope they realize how they inspire others thru this video. I wish them continued success.
Beautiful new video! That landscape just looks stunning!
That is the most gorgeous house I´ve seen
Awesome couple, living the dream
You are so lucky to travel the globe!
Thank you for the video.
Beautiful!!! Been my plan for years, retire abroad, buy a plot of land and build a small house for myself.
Don't wait, life is short, try it and you will be pleased. 😀
I loved this one.
What a great couple.
The house, animals, and land are beautiful.
They are so relaxed and free.
The rest of us are trapped longing to be free spirits like them.
Stunning, gorgeous location and I love the design of the house too!
When it’s warmer & the doors are open, the Donks are going to come in and make it theirs! (Another donkey owner here😁)
Three years ago I bottle raised an orphaned sheep in the house during the winter. Since then he has been trying to get back in. And he's huge now. Hoofed animals are nosy and very resourceful. You're right, those donkeys are going to be coming in!
great place, lovely couple... just wonderful
Oh my giddy aunt! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 Y'know, viewed in a certain light, you could almost believe you were in Grimsby 🤨
Amazing, just amazing!
Planning restrictions have stopped so many in Spain, and other countries nearby. They seem to have glided into a lucky situation here.
Absolutely beautiful. Not just the property but the lifestyle. Congratulations and best wishes.
i live in Spain, despite you explained the regulations very clearly i have to say once more. Unless the lot has already a built house on it it is almost imposible to make this dream come true in rhis country. Very happy for this nice couple and this amazing video Thanks a lot.
Dear Kiresten please continue doing what you are doing, your passion is reflected in every aspect of the video. I love your content, you bring so much peace and beauty to this world. And for Villa Slow, you guys have inspired me and my husband to move back to his roots, he was born and raised in Cantabria too. Amazing visuals and great episode.
Beautiful property the views and privacy amazing love it 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
Amazing house on a amazing place! stunning!
Simply but beautifully.
Thank you again, would love to have the floor plan for the house. Was there any insulation in the roof? I appreciate the explanation of pros and cons!
Been watching your videos for years and your kids have grown up
Absolutely Amazing Tranquility. Thank you as always. 💗💗💗
I love this place, living in solitude in the nature is so relaxing. But in winter I can see it's very difficult.
Absolutamente fantástico :) un verdadero sueño de casa, realmente me encantó. Saludos desde Tandil Argentina.
such a beautiful place❤
When you live out in the country , it is important to learn how to stock your pantry. I was raised in the wilderness in Alaska, we had frozen food storage (berries, game and fish), canned foods , and a root cellar with potatoes and cabbage . I am now an expat in a warmer climate in South America , living on our organic farm . I think it is interesting and a leap of faith , especially for people who have grown up in a city who can adapt to a quiet and more simple lifestyle . Many struggle to make this transition and some cannot handle the solitutude . Looks like you and your partner are adapting ..it is a beautiful and tranquil spot you have chosen.
Very ideal for remote living! 😍
Kirsten with the early W460 G Wagon. So cool to see it in the mountains like that.
Thank you for such a good story! An epic couple in an epic place!
The views are BEAUTIFUL. WOW.
Todo en el video es precioso. Los paisajes, la casa, el proceso de la construcción y la pareja. Todo se complementa muy bien. La vida sencilla, pero dura es para los que la pueden. Éxitos. Los burritos y el perro 😊
Wishing you all the best from all of my hart. This is what the life is really is
Excellent videos
Beautiful places
Creativity at its best
Your house inspired us to build a house for living in Sierras de Punilla, Córdoba, Argentina. We fell in love with Villa Slow a few years ago, and it was our dream since the first moment. Thank you!
claramente no son 30 m2 ???
nice road great view beautiful home...perfect match👌
Wow! Very inspiring.
Wonderful place!
The first video of them is one of my favorit ones from your channel :) lovely to see them again
Holiday house, absolutely. Living full time out in the sticks, not so much. Like she said, concerts, events, fine dining, access to markets...city life is a desirable way to live for many.
An awesome video; such organic and authentic vibes. I wish this couple the best in their new journey of rural living. We all should learn to appreciate life at a slower pace.
Awesome. They are living the dream. :-)
So how do you get electricity and WiFi? Water is it in a well? Or pumped up from the stream ? Do you have a water cistern insulated or heated for winter ? Solar power?
Che luoghi incantevoli, complimenti
Spectacularly simple involved happy living
What a fine place, project and people. Well done, guys!