Oh the memories of renovating a dump, you start on one job at the beginning of the day and end up doing something totally opposite. So much to do, it does get easier as things get done. But oh boy where to work in the beginning and the frustration that happens halfway through a task.
That ivy will kill that cherry tree. Cut the ivy stems at the bottom first let The stems dry a little bit and when they dry up they'll be a lot easier to pull off and cut.
One thing many do not think (i know its a long way off) but the colour of your house, some villages in France have very set rules as to what colour you can paint your house. We painted our's a lovely terracotta on the lower half ( nothing was said), after a few weeks, we changed our minds. While repainting a lovely dusky pale blue, the Mayor's wife rode by on my bike, the next time we meet, a compliment was given over our colour choice. 😅
Cover manure mountain in a tarp so the grass does not grow over it. When you start making garden beds it will be so well composted, it will make fabulous soil conditioner.
"It's Nornandy after all !" 🤣 Quite surprised there was no net above the water pipe which is relatively recent. Hopefully the water company will cast some light on this mystery. The "oh oh" (at least the not the DIY inherited version) is also commonly known as a "barre à mine" 😉 Nice to know you did not suffer too much from these tempests. Great progress in harsh conditions 👍 See you next week !
Cheers Ping. The new water line was a cheeky install by the neighbours it seems!. "Barre a mine" I like it but I'll stick with the oh oh! Until next week❤️Thanks for watching
It’s a barre à mine in French. Just bought one to help put in fence posts around a pool area. Budget allowing you could get a powered tarière (auger). I found it was a game changer when there’s 60 posts to put in. I got a battery powered version from Casto and it is a beast, more powerful than the rubbish petrol one it replaced when it broke. €189
@@mrbloke mine is in the Loire valley situated about 25km south of Blois , I’m still living in England so just get out there a couple of times a year but hopefully it will be more in the near future
If you're planning to put a permanent fence, you could have ask for a " permis de clore" at your mairie. You will need the "cadastre plan" with all the limits, rights to access if there some and all the water, electric lines. Better to check with your mairie if you need one before implementing the fence.
We have the property line marked and we agreed with our neighbour the height and style. We are at the end of an Impasse. No-one but us and the neighbour. Do we still need to ask the Mairie?
@@mrbloke It's better to check with the mairie if you need one. Better that than have to undo it. I built an house also in an impasse and we had to feel the papers for that. Remember that you're not allowed to close old "rural passage" even if it's only occasionally used, if it's on the cadastre it should stay open or with a gate.
Oh poo! I dug 3 holes and concreted in 3 posts today! Whoops! Never heard of having to get the Mayor's/Mairie's permission to put up a fence on your own property. Seems a little silly!......It's definitely not a rural passage.
Remember you’re not in the US now. Things are changing here, ( in the US), a lot these past 3 years but you have a lot of government regulations in France. It’s the same I believe in most European countries. Watching from PA, USA.
Greetings from Kent UK ……..I’m trying to catch up with you….i love the way that you work…..nibble, nibble, nibble until the job is done! That’s exactly how I would work!! It’s a pleasure to watch your progress…..I’m looking forward to following your journey 🥰🥰🥰 x x
You really need to make friends with the Mayor, Meier?. He needs to ok a lot of what you need to do. I am Amazed the neighbors did not talk to you before removing those trees! But I think the you will make the best of it. Let it go. You are both Amazing!!!❤❤❤
As an English born man that moved to Australia over fifty years ago, I am amazed by all the rain you are getting. We could do with some of it here as we move into summer.
What a lovely finish to the mail-box installation. Very nice. Yes, with the apple trees, they need to be "thinned " out of branches in the center and generally.
Great job so far guys. Its good to find a channel that is not plagued with loud music over the speech. Nice to find a well that has water in it but that does not bode well for the big tree next to it as it makes it susceptable to high winds. Hopefully all its roots are well embedded in good ground. "puns intended" 🙂 I think you said you are going to put a block wall at the open side of the workshop but it may be an idea to put a support under the front of the tin roof uintill then as it looks like it is ready to come down. Its looks like you have a few tons of manure for the garden when you get it all out. Looking forward to the next episode. ATB regards from the UK
Thanks Gary, really appreciate the appreciation! The cherry tree seems really solid. We just had crazy strong winds come through and it held up real good. I'm hoping giving it a prune (hasn't had a prune in years)will make its even stronger and also by taking off the weed vines will help a lot with less area for the wind to take hold, but I agree the well destabilises it a lot. The overhang looks worse than it is! As soon as I clear the muck out, it will get supported though. The manure is just pure black gold for the garden.Thanks for watching👍
Another American couple with a chateau in Normandy had to wait for more than six days to get power back on. lots of huge trees lost their limbs and one tree leaning on another now. So think you were a bit lucky. Glad to hear. The trees choked with ivy will be so glad to be able to breathe again. Best wishes.
I feel so bad that you came to the Normandy area which is always rainy in October & November but this year is the Worst! And then the severe storms! I promise it will get better. Cold but much better ❤❤❤
Thanks for an interesting video. I’m sure you will be glad of the well to water your fruit trees in the summer. You seem to get maritime weather like the west of Ireland. Good luck.
@@michaelmcclafferty3346 This area of France has already been identified as Brittany. A region known for its rain... (And rain and rain and rain) His 25 overgrown fruit trees have flourished without being watered, for years. They will likely continue to flourish without being watered, for years more. You are correct that most fruit trees, in most areas of the world, require copious amounts of water to survive, much less produce. But it's clear to see that these fruit trees have been producing abundantly for years, without ever being tended. The Rains of Brittany, being sufficient unto themselves.
Nice slow pace to watch. Nice calm narration. Not too much drama apart from the re-enactment of the tree cutting drama lol I've subscribed. Check out Living in the Loire who also deliver their homesteading vlogs at a calm and soothing pace. Bon samedi à vous deux.
Top tip when you are pruning and clearing away ,sweep the bits into a tarpaulin on the ground and roll it up like a sausage ,1 person at each end is easy to pull it away to a rubbish area or into a barn for drying and later kindling, also empty builders big bags are usful for this ,best wishes from pas d calais xx
Hi folks, I am enjoying your "new-ish" channel and stories. My word you look like you have your work cut out, and wish you all the best. Good job you have alternate accommodation while you do a good bit first. My other half an I were looking in lower Normandy area about 3 years ago, it never came to fruition, but it was around the St Hilaire-du-Harcouet area and up to about Gorron we were looking at the time.
Thank you so much Glenn! We are very happy to be in a cosy cottage while we navigate the start of this remodel.....Are you still thinking of buying property here?
You may have bought a dump, but what a delightful home you’re going to make of it!🥰 And by the progress you’re making in such a short time, I’m guessing it won’t be too long before there are roses around the door and window boxes to make it shine. Hope the weather becomes kinder to you to work.
Before you get carried away and build a wall in the wrong place ,your barn door and any tractor in the barn will need a wide swing out of the barn or into the barn and it’s looking like your building boundary wall but it’s going to be too close and not wide enough to get a delivery vehicle down the new made road between both the barn and new wall(if that’s what’s planned )
We're waiting on the previous owners son to come by and get the tractor out and give us some lessons. Once out it won't go back in there, like you say it won't make the turn with the fence there. Unfortunately all deliveries will have to come up the driveway with the new field entrance, which is too wet for heavy vehicles (We'll have to be creative til we get a driveway in) The old barn with the manure in it will be a workshop and the tractor will have it's own shed. Thanks for taking the time to comment. There will definitely be things we miss that more experienced eyes see.✨🙏✨
Found your channel today...what a great couple...I'm looking to retire to normandy/brittany with a similar budget...so will be fascinated to see how you get on...Good luck...and get that tractor running!!!
5 chat noir....1 female Dee Dee the oldest wisest and 4 males Mr P the biggest sweetest, Moo The toughest loner, Braveheart The craziest smartest and Chubba Bubba The youngest funniest❤️😻
I really like your sunny attitude about your situation. I admit you kind of frighten me with the enormity of the work and the use of damaged shovels and rickety wheelbarrows. I guess I wondering why you have not activated the tractor and use it for greater progress on moving manure and gravel. Still, it’s fun watching you.
I hope you have a Brico near you! You'll probably live there during reno. Rule #1 - always get all the utilities marked out before digging! Lol Rule #2 - when expecting a tempest, keep the plans for an ark close to hand...or any other flotation devices.
Did you consider either getting an indemnity from the neighbour for any damage to the main water station or the pipe that runs inside the fence line ? OR get to neighbours to relay their waterline at right angles from the fence line into their own property? You don’t want to get caught with responsibility for them losing water if you damage the water pipes OR having to dismantle part of the fence if any damage needs large machinery etc to fix the water line damage!
Oh the memories of renovating a dump, you start on one job at the beginning of the day and end up doing something totally opposite. So much to do, it does get easier as things get done. But oh boy where to work in the beginning and the frustration that happens halfway through a task.
Everything takes longer than you think!!❤️
That ivy will kill that cherry tree. Cut the ivy stems at the bottom first let The stems dry a little bit and when they dry up they'll be a lot easier to pull off and cut.
Great idea!!!!!
Thanks for the tip. Will do❤️
Good luck with the Mayors office as paperwork can be slow and tedious in France 🇫🇷
Your story brings me the memories of Peter Mayle ´s a year in Provence❤❤❤
Could you rent a skidster to clean out the barn? Would be done much quicker than a wheelbarrow at a time.
One thing many do not think (i know its a long way off) but the colour of your house, some villages in France have very set rules as to what colour you can paint your house. We painted our's a lovely terracotta on the lower half ( nothing was said), after a few weeks, we changed our minds. While repainting a lovely dusky pale blue, the Mayor's wife rode by on my bike, the next time we meet, a compliment was given over our colour choice. 😅
Paint colour is a bit off a way off! ....but I'm glad the mayors wife liked your colour❤️😁
Boy 😊you guys have a lot of work ahead of you. Looking forward to your progress.
lol we certainly do. Looking forward to every days progress. Thanks for watching. Welcome on board❤️
It's not a dump - it's got so much potential. A lot of work ahead though.
Thank you. Yes we lovingly refer to it as the dump! but it will be amazing in time❤️
@@mrbloke ah gotcha
This metal rod is called a "barre à mine" here in France, because you would use it to dig holes in rocks in order to put there explosives
Cool! Thank you.
In Australia, it's called a crowbar. 😂
Love to watch you guys discover and uncover the treasures and challenges of the property.
I am following your journey with interest!
Awesome! Thank you!
Seen from afar and without knowing anything about construction, I am completely amazed by your work! Kisses from France
Thank you❤️
Cover manure mountain in a tarp so the grass does not grow over it. When you start making garden beds it will be so well composted, it will make fabulous soil conditioner.
👍Will be covered in next weeks episode❤️
Don't go too hard with the fertiliser, It will give you all leaf and no fruit/product if you do. Ask me how I know!
"It's Nornandy after all !" 🤣
Quite surprised there was no net above the water pipe which is relatively recent. Hopefully the water company will cast some light on this mystery.
The "oh oh" (at least the not the DIY inherited version) is also commonly known as a "barre à mine" 😉
Nice to know you did not suffer too much from these tempests.
Great progress in harsh conditions 👍
See you next week !
And nice "approved" mail box btw 😉
Cheers Ping. The new water line was a cheeky install by the neighbours it seems!. "Barre a mine" I like it but I'll stick with the oh oh!
Until next week❤️Thanks for watching
In Australia we call it a crowbar
Ah yes thank you. I think it's the same in England. It's all coming back to me now! Pry bar in the US I think?
We call it a jemie in UK.
@@susanyates4233 Someone else said mining tool in UK! I like Jemie better!❤
*Mining Bar
It’s a barre à mine in French. Just bought one to help put in fence posts around a pool area. Budget allowing you could get a powered tarière (auger). I found it was a game changer when there’s 60 posts to put in. I got a battery powered version from Casto and it is a beast, more powerful than the rubbish petrol one it replaced when it broke. €189
Enjoying you bought a dump channel😊🌹🌺🌻
Loved Watching ...Thankyou
Thank you❤️
Really enjoying this series now and the content is very good , watching with interest because I’m doing something quite similar
Thank you......Where is your project?
@@mrbloke mine is in the Loire valley situated about 25km south of Blois , I’m still living in England so just get out there a couple of times a year but hopefully it will be more in the near future
Loved it ,a little bit of everything 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
Thank you Mo
If you're planning to put a permanent fence, you could have ask for a " permis de clore" at your mairie. You will need the "cadastre plan" with all the limits, rights to access if there some and all the water, electric lines. Better to check with your mairie if you need one before implementing the fence.
We have the property line marked and we agreed with our neighbour the height and style. We are at the end of an Impasse. No-one but us and the neighbour. Do we still need to ask the Mairie?
@@mrbloke It's better to check with the mairie if you need one. Better that than have to undo it. I built an house also in an impasse and we had to feel the papers for that. Remember that you're not allowed to close old "rural passage" even if it's only occasionally used, if it's on the cadastre it should stay open or with a gate.
Oh poo! I dug 3 holes and concreted in 3 posts today! Whoops! Never heard of having to get the Mayor's/Mairie's permission to put up a fence on your own property. Seems a little silly!......It's definitely not a rural passage.
Remember you’re not in the US now. Things are changing here, ( in the US), a lot these past 3 years but you have a lot of government regulations in France. It’s the same I believe in most European countries. Watching from PA, USA.
Here in the states we call it a ' DIG BAR' I have one it 's my muscle!
"Dig Bar" I like that!
Greetings from Kent UK ……..I’m trying to catch up with you….i love the way that you work…..nibble, nibble, nibble until the job is done! That’s exactly how I would work!! It’s a pleasure to watch your progress…..I’m looking forward to following your journey 🥰🥰🥰 x x
Thank you so much❤️
You really need to make friends with the Mayor, Meier?. He needs to ok a lot of what you need to do. I am Amazed the neighbors did not talk to you before removing those trees! But I think the you will make the best of it. Let it go. You are both Amazing!!!❤❤❤
Most of what we are doing will be in the footprint of the existing building. We've been told no need to concern the mayor.👍❤️
Best tool for digging holes is some sort of mechanical device! So much time and effort saved.
Very true!
As an English born man that moved to Australia over fifty years ago, I am amazed by all the rain you are getting. We could do with some of it here as we move into summer.
Lol You are very welcome to it!
This is beautiful place.. what a great find !!!
Thank you. We think it is going to polish up real nice in the end❤️
What a lovely finish to the mail-box installation. Very nice. Yes, with the apple trees, they need to be "thinned " out of branches in the center and generally.
👍❤️
Love the cats
Its amazing how much tree's look when all trimmed up 😊
Great job so far guys. Its good to find a channel that is not plagued with loud music over the speech. Nice to find a well that has water in it but that does not bode well for the big tree next to it as it makes it susceptable to high winds. Hopefully all its roots are well embedded in good ground. "puns intended" 🙂 I think you said you are going to put a block wall at the open side of the workshop but it may be an idea to put a support under the front of the tin roof uintill then as it looks like it is ready to come down. Its looks like you have a few tons of manure for the garden when you get it all out. Looking forward to the next episode. ATB regards from the UK
Thanks Gary, really appreciate the appreciation! The cherry tree seems really solid. We just had crazy strong winds come through and it held up real good. I'm hoping giving it a prune (hasn't had a prune in years)will make its even stronger and also by taking off the weed vines will help a lot with less area for the wind to take hold, but I agree the well destabilises it a lot. The overhang looks worse than it is! As soon as I clear the muck out, it will get supported though. The manure is just pure black gold for the garden.Thanks for watching👍
thanks for sharing, great potential here, I have the same problem with a cherry tree being strangled by Ivy, it's a real pain.. cheers
Thank you. Yeah that ivy has gotta go!
The farmers may help with all those downed trees.
Wow! Ivy can sure take over a property quickly as I’ve seen from other DIYers in France. Great find in the well
Yes! Thank you!
Another American couple with a chateau in Normandy had to wait for more than six days to get power back on. lots of huge trees lost their limbs and one tree leaning on another now. So think you were a bit lucky. Glad to hear. The trees choked with ivy will be so glad to be able to breathe again. Best wishes.
Thank you Shirley. Yeah we saw lots of devastation! We were very lucky!
I feel so bad that you came to the Normandy area which is always rainy in October & November but this year is the Worst! And then the severe storms! I promise it will get better. Cold but much better ❤❤❤
❤️❤️❤️
Great manure for your garden!
I was on my Wishlist!
I was thinking the same thing.@@galeogle
Thanks for an interesting video.
I’m sure you will be glad of the well to water your fruit trees in the summer.
You seem to get maritime weather like the west of Ireland.
Good luck.
Maritime weather! That's what it's called! Interesting. Yeah I think we definitely do! Changes constantly.
With all of that rain, I'd be surprised if you need to water you fruit trees this summer.
@@Peter-jo3wt You would be surprised Peter how quickly water evaporates and how thirsty fruit trees get in the summer.
@@michaelmcclafferty3346
This area of France has already been identified as Brittany.
A region known for its rain...
(And rain and rain and rain)
His 25 overgrown fruit trees have flourished without being watered, for years.
They will likely continue to flourish without being watered, for years more.
You are correct that most fruit trees, in most areas of the world, require copious amounts of water to survive, much less produce.
But it's clear to see that these fruit trees have been producing abundantly for years, without ever being tended.
The Rains of Brittany, being sufficient unto themselves.
@@Peter-jo3wt Oh well let it rain then!
Nice slow pace to watch. Nice calm narration. Not too much drama apart from the re-enactment of the tree cutting drama lol
I've subscribed.
Check out Living in the Loire who also deliver their homesteading vlogs at a calm and soothing pace.
Bon samedi à vous deux.
Thank you very much!❤️ Love Living in the Loire
Way to go guys, keep it up!
Cheers.
Top tip when you are pruning and clearing away ,sweep the bits into a tarpaulin on the ground and roll it up like a sausage ,1 person at each end is easy to pull it away to a rubbish area or into a barn for drying and later kindling, also empty builders big bags are usful for this ,best wishes from pas d calais xx
Thanks for the info
We just discovered your channel. Seems to be a lot of work to be done, but so wonderful to see it will be restored. We are following along!
Thank you so much!
Just subscribed to your channel and will also follow along with your story. Where in France will your homestead be?
@@mrbloke Thanks! We are in the south of Cher, so in the heart of France 😃
I am against eucalyptus trees but in your case you might need ones to suck the water out of the ground
Strongly suggest that you both wear work gloves. It will save you a lot of down time as you continue with this reno and clear up.
Hi folks, I am enjoying your "new-ish" channel and stories. My word you look like you have your work cut out, and wish you all the best. Good job you have alternate accommodation while you do a good bit first. My other half an I were looking in lower Normandy area about 3 years ago, it never came to fruition, but it was around the St Hilaire-du-Harcouet area and up to about Gorron we were looking at the time.
Thank you so much Glenn! We are very happy to be in a cosy cottage while we navigate the start of this remodel.....Are you still thinking of buying property here?
You may have bought a dump, but what a delightful home you’re going to make of it!🥰 And by the progress you’re making in such a short time, I’m guessing it won’t be too long before there are roses around the door and window boxes to make it shine. Hope the weather becomes kinder to you to work.
Thank you so much❤️
Before you get carried away and build a wall in the wrong place ,your barn door and any tractor in the barn will need a wide swing out of the barn or into the barn and it’s looking like your building boundary wall but it’s going to be too close and not wide enough to get a delivery vehicle down the new made road between both the barn and new wall(if that’s what’s planned )
We're waiting on the previous owners son to come by and get the tractor out and give us some lessons. Once out it won't go back in there, like you say it won't make the turn with the fence there. Unfortunately all deliveries will have to come up the driveway with the new field entrance, which is too wet for heavy vehicles (We'll have to be creative til we get a driveway in) The old barn with the manure in it will be a workshop and the tractor will have it's own shed. Thanks for taking the time to comment. There will definitely be things we miss that more experienced eyes see.✨🙏✨
Found your channel today...what a great couple...I'm looking to retire to normandy/brittany with a similar budget...so will be fascinated to see how you get on...Good luck...and get that tractor running!!!
Thank you so much! .....Lol Yes we are working on it!
So glad for the fruit trees, great treat. Where are you guys sleeping? Can you camp there?
We are renting a cottage at the moment.
I was born in Epsom
And live in Queensland Australia
What comes after two days of rain
Monday
That would be correct.
Did I see 5 or 6 gorgeous kitties??
5 chat noir....1 female Dee Dee the oldest wisest and 4 males Mr P the biggest sweetest, Moo The toughest loner, Braveheart The craziest smartest and Chubba Bubba The youngest funniest❤️😻
I’ve got two big orange guys. Love kitties!@@mrbloke
As soon as I saw them I hit the subscribe button. 🐈⬛ Hello to the chat noire in Normandie from a chat noire in Victoria Australia 💚
I really like your sunny attitude about your situation. I admit you kind of frighten me with the enormity of the work and the use of damaged shovels and rickety wheelbarrows. I guess I wondering why you have not activated the tractor and use it for greater progress on moving manure and gravel. Still, it’s fun watching you.
Thank you so much......Tractor is in dire need of a service! Can't put it to too much hard work just yet.
How will you keep the grass down? Sheep or beef?
we have a farmer neighbour that will hay the fields - he keeps the hay. But eventually we will do animals, all to be determined.... (Mrs. Bloke)
I hope you have a Brico near you! You'll probably live there during reno.
Rule #1 - always get all the utilities marked out before digging! Lol
Rule #2 - when expecting a tempest, keep the plans for an ark close to hand...or any other flotation devices.
lol.....We were not expecting illegally dug pipes!
Ask local farmers when is the best time to prune fruit trees.
Great idea.
Loveing your content except the muck moving😅
lol
Looking at buying a small place out there and retire
You will
Did you consider either getting an indemnity from the neighbour for any damage to the main water station or the pipe that runs inside the fence line ?
OR get to neighbours to relay their waterline at right angles from the fence line into their own property?
You don’t want to get caught with responsibility for them losing water if you damage the water pipes OR having to dismantle part of the fence if any damage needs large machinery etc to fix the water line damage!
Yes, stay tuned - this is an ongoing problem as apparently the work was never disclosed prior to purchase! Meeting are in the works!
service your tractor and hire an auger
Word!
Is that track through the neighbours field your permanent access or will you have another access?
Inside the red line is all our land❤️....and the road leading up is city/town owned lane.
Pied de biche. French for crow bar.
👍
Mining bar in uk
👍
Do you have tools and are waiting for delivery? Or do you need to buy the proper tools?
We need better tools!
Youre not leaving enough room for your tractor to get back there.
I don't understand why you are hand digging the manure when you have a tractor with loader in your barn.
We are waiting for the previous owners son to come by and give us a lesson. It also needs a service!