Hello everyone! Just wanted to pop on here to say that we've been working very closely with three connections who have worked in construction and electrical in Germany their entire lives! We haven't been going into any of this blindly and are continuing to use their guidance, knowledge, and a collective 100+ years plus of experience in ALL of our decision making and planning, and they've done many walk-throughs of the house already to inspect various elements! We will continue to work closely with them and learn from them throughout the renovations! I'll talk more about this in future videos, but just FYI, everything is being checked and re-checked if it hasn't already! See you all real soon! ~ Maddie
I can understand making the garden space priority because if you want to have a garden this year it's time to get started. I'm amazed you were able to transplant shrubs of that size. As daunting a task to clear out the previous owner's possessions, it's nice to have a couch to relax in & beds to sleep in!
Start with a Priority List * Make the house secure! Change or rekey the locks. * Have a fire extinguisher, extra light bulbs, flash lights/lamps * Make the house sound - no leaks and weather proofing. * Make sure the plumbing and electrical work as-is and safe to use. * Consider getting the Master Bedroom done first as you want a comfortable - relaxing place at the end of a hard work day. * Kitchen or bathroom next. As the house is old, those square linoleum like flooring probably has asbestos. Don’t break them. Keep them in tact when removing. Wear N95 masks and long sleeve clothing. Throw out the masks at the end of the day. Wash the clothes. Wash hair and body thoroughly. Wash hands thoroughly before eating. Don’t eat and drink near the work area if there’s suspect for potential asbestos, including lead based paint where paint is chipping. Asbestos and lead based paint only becomes a problem when they become airborne and can be breathed in or on hands and ingested while eating/drinking. I have in-depth knowledge of home remodeling/renovation and health, safety, and environmental. Feel free to send me a message if you guys have any questions. Note: Please become knowledgeable of your building codes before starting to change electrical, plumbing, and removing walls.
From the first time you introduced elly there was a great vibe. Now even as you are entering a massive new project you seem so strong and relaxed. You both look great! It's awesome to have a great partner in crime 😊 all the best, ladies🎉❤🎉
@lorrainemasters289 just because someone shares part of their life with us does not mean that they owe us anything. Be happy with what we get the rest is none of our business.
It is good the one way as the other but I would like to know if two people are a couple or “just” friends. If they want to live together, it makes a difference how the house will be designed. But of course I completely accept if they don’t want to reveal this fact.
Welcome to Germany! I can see both of you sitting on a bench together, drinking some nice beverage, feeding the chickens and harvesting some salad from your garden. As you said, it’s all in the future for you and I came back to your channel just in time to watch everything grow.
I know that your house will look amazing when it’s done💯🤍I can’t wait to follow your journey here on YT🙌🏼You and Ellie are so cute and you’re literally glowing when you’re around each other 🥰I wish you both the best of luck with your house project and great ideas! And with your new life in Germany, Maddie 🇩🇪It takes courage to start a new chapter like this and I hope everything turns out just the way you want it 🧡Lots of love from a mom in Norway
Fixing up a house is a marathon not a sprint. I'm sure you both will put your own unique mark on this house, learning as you go. Please be sure to get a structural inspection before removing any possible load bearing walls. It will be fun to watch the progression.
I am so happy for you Maddie ❤ you’re such a capable builder and designer and I already know this house is going to turn out so beautifully. Sending so much love to you and Ellie as you embark on this new journey
While it seems like a great idea to learn and do the plumbing all on your own,It is better to ask for help the first time around.I learnt it the hard way.Maybe hire a local plumber and you could help out.Saving money and learning in the process.Plumbing(especially old style) is going to be rusty and complicated.Better not mess around cause it can cause huge problems down the road if not done properly.There is a reason plumbers are so expensive
So much to do, so much to learn. But, what a sweet space to work on those challenges. You are such a talented artist. With some basic floor dimensions, you could draw out the vision for each room, and rework new ideas as they come to you. The possibilities are limitless, and working them out ahead of time will help you avoid the “What was I going to do here?” and “No, I didn’t want that in this room.” confusion as the work moves forward. If it was me though, German winters can be pretty harsh from what I’ve heard, so the exterior would be where I would start the refurbishing, and most specifically the roof. Keeping weather and critters on the outside is important to keeping what’s on the inside safe and healthy. Best to you on this new chapter Maddie. ✌🏼🙂
Very excited for you both. First priority. A well constructed fence for Eliza that’s attractive for your property. You want her to be safe and keep the neighbors happy.
A root cellar!!! Such a wonderful find! Besides extending the life of your root vegetables many people stored their canned fruit and vegetables there. Such a lovely addition in your home. Loving the retro feel of your bathroom and the good bones of your home.
Maddie so happy for you. Older homes have so much character but making them more modern does take time and money but so rewarding when its done. The pantry that stays cold will work as a freezer when your growing a garden to keep stuff from the garden longer. You girls have fun. I am here for the long haul. Ella glad your there also.
This is beautiful. And that pantry.....it is awesome !!!! If you are going to garden, you have no idea what a gem that basement part of the pantry is.....store your apples, potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, garlic, winter squash, canning.......that is probably my favorite room of the house. It has so much storage and perfect long term food storage.
Ahhh Maddie I'm so excited that you live in my home country now and I think you bought a beautiful house. Good structure, nice big but not too big land. I bet you will make a beautiful place out of this. I can't wait to see all of your ideas because one day I will get my grandmas house which is in a similar state and I'm interested to see what you will make out of it, so I can collect some ideas for my future project.
Hi, You probably already know this, but in case you don't; those floor tiles look like asbestos tiles. You should check before doing anything to them or with them. (BTW, that nook does look perfect for reading!)
Hard to believe that one of my favorite RUclips girls lives in Germany 🇩🇪. Then we are neighbors, so to speak 😁. I'm so happy for you. You two are wonderful. Girl power 💃
Enjoy your journey! I love all that dark wood.... and I am a geek about loving those tiles.... hahahaha you will make it all beautiful! So much of the house is already very lovely.
I think the house has a lot of possibilities, without major renovating. It's quite charming as is. As far as Eliza, she is use to running free. She will adapt, I'm sure. Good luck. At least it's pretty livable, while you're working on it. Sending much love, to you, Eliza, & Elly....☮️❤️🌱
Maddie, congrats on the house. A few things, if you're moving the master bathroom to the bedroom and keeping the secondary (guest) bathroom upstairs; change the lower full bathroom into a powder-room (toilet and sink). Secondly, use the door from the bedroom converted to a bathroom as the laundry-room; just add a partition wall in the room. Thirdly, use that nook upstairs for a place to start seeds or seedlings for the garden. Cheers!
1. Ellie's new hair style looks cute. 2. Have you considered shopping your renovation project to HGTV? This would be different and interesting. I'm sure you could offset some of your expenses that way, too. Good Luck! Cute house.
I love your new home! I think it's smart to retain some of the old-world cottage charm, but at the same time make it lighter and more comfortable. I think a master bedroom with ensuite bathroom would be an amazing upgrade. The blue bathroom could maybe become a laundry room (so convenient to have one upstairs and you've already got the plumbing). Whatever you decide to do, I'm so excited to see how everything unfolds. Best of luck to you and Elli as you renovate! Hugs to Eliza!
Yes, i love broccoli! Honestly, can't wait to see what you two are going to make out of this old house. Hope everything will turn out as you envisioned!
Really cool Maddie! Last week’s video was such a cool surprise. And now to see the house and your plans! Looks like you guys have a lot of work ahead of you. It’s great you could make all this happen!
Ahhh Maddie! I am so over the moon excited for you and Ellie! Love that just as my renovation videos are coming to an end, yours are beginning! Big hugs kindred spirit friend!
Good to see you both together and starting a new life together. Make the most of the advice from Ellies contacts this house is a different construction more solid than most American builds .Don't go knocking walls without a builder to check the walls first, looking forwards to seeing your progress.
The upstairs bathroom idea is awesome. Add a big tub under the window for reading time. You two are doing exactly what my partner and I are, renovations ourselves over a long period. So far we have finished the main bedroom and guest bath. Good luck with everything, have fun, and remember it will take three times as long as you think but it's all worth it.
Ok.When you decided to leave van life and move to Germany, I thought about leaving your channel. After seeing this video,I will NOT be leaving your channel. I love your voice, cadence, and delivery and you show how can life accessories can be adapted to home life. My best wishes and love to you and others in Germany!
The area you moved to reminds me of reutti, Germany, where I lived over the summer and fell deeply in love with! I will be back soon. It is such a special country ❤
I wouldn’t even venture an idea on your bedroom/ bathroom situation without seeing the space. What I would suggest is saving all the wood furniture and not be in a rush to get rid of it unless you absolutely hate it. Maybe pile it in one of the extra bedrooms while you work on the rest of the house. Maybe it’s just me. I love old furniture!😊 good luck ladies! Looks like quite an undertaking!
I believe in being as creative as you want to make your space your haven. I would suggest starting with the roof and making sure your home is elements proof. That way whatever you do inside won't get ruined by what's going on outside. What an exciting adventure! Enjoy!! Thanks for bringing the rest of us along for the ride ladies! 😁😎✌️
Wow! how very exciting!!! to make a big move and from the vanlife into a stick and brick home too. It warms my heart to see that your dear friend Elly(hope I got her name right) is going to be joining you on this wonderful journey. looking forward to seeing all the changes that you will both make in the house and to getting to know Elly better too. Cheers from Canada!
I'm really impressed and surprised. The house seems to be in pretty good shape. I would "upcycle" those doors because they're well made. Even the tiles are kind of cool, if you like colour. Plumbing might be harder than in North America because the house might be made of concrete blocks (not all of them are, but many in Germany). Looking forward to a big mess until you get to finish the house.
Those doors are quite possibly made of solid wood. Check out the new doors you can buy first before getting rid of them or destroying them. Most modern doors available at the budget end of the market are very flimsy and not made of quality materials.
I’m loving this and will enjoy homes progress just like I do Lyss’s. We love you in or out of the Van, already won us over with your cool vibes and high quality content
Love your new house! I'm now really excited to see all the renovations! The front entrance with the curved staircase reminded me of a romantic cottage. I think you should keep the bell, it's so fun and unique. I wish I had a strong opinion in favor of the nook in the bathroom, but bathrooms to me can echo because of all the tile which seems not conducive to a cozy nook. But, indoor plants would love that nook! I'm happy to see that Eliza is flourishing, she is such a sweetheart. ❤
I luved Germany when I lived there, it has such great food and people. And such great scenery, it's definitely a life changing experience, many things are different there from what most people are use too.
A book case or nook can be really nice in a restroom as long as you can find a way to keep the books from being damaged by mosture. Have fun being creative with your interior design!
I am also in Europe right now… I landed in Istanbul Turkey and now I am in Greece heading towards Athens! I will be filming here for two weeks before returning back to the States. Congratulations on your new home!
Yay HOUSE BLOOPERS!!!! Seriously though, what a fantastic opportunity and vision you have at this stage. Feels like you can really see the possibilities here and wish you both all the best! Will be avidly following your journey!!
Wow just Wow guys!! 💎🌟❤🌟🏡 I’m so happy for you, Ellie and Eliza. Such an exciting time in your life and so many wonderful “firsts”. I’m so excited for this new adventure 🇩🇪 of yours and Ellie’s. The entire time I was watching your vlog I was thinking about sharing that I’d 💯 keep that piece of furniture your sitting on. I almost paused ⏸ just to comment 😂 then. Also, In my opinion, the armoire in the first bedroom is a keeper too 🤎 But as the video went on and I was envisioning your vision, I kept getting more excited about all your plans. I’m totally in love your charming house!! And NO it’s not weird to have a reading nook in the bathroom 🛁 I love relaxing 🍷 🕯 reading a good 📖 I’m not sure if I’ve ever commented this before but you are so incredibly inspiring! Thank you for sharing your life ❣️ I just know we’re kindred spirits. I love to paint 🎨 read 📚 and I live in a tiny house 🏠 with sweet Boston Terrier, Ollie 🐾 Take care guys! I’m so looking forward to watching you transform this cottage into your dream home 🏡 Congratulations Maddie!
Yep its a cold room to store your canned foods. I lived in Germany when i was a child, my babysitters mom had a large cold room like that lined with the food she jarred. Fantastic.
Puh, I agree you can take all the things out of the bathroom and clear the wall from the tiles. But I would not dare to do the pluming. That should be made very professional. I had to ask for professional help when I distroyed a tube renovating our bathroom. But afterwards, tiling a wall or the floor can be done with a little training. And don't forget, YT is your friend. I always check YT before starting a new project.
Congratulations Maddie on getting your new home. It's going to be beautiful, great big garden. Wishing you and Elly happiness. Enjoy your new project. Looking forward to seeing you make a nice home.
I am so happy for you that you get to live in Germany! I lived there when I was young. My Dad was in the Air Force. My whole family loved it there. It is beautiful.
You are going to have to open the floor upstairs. If the floor joists (boards that are on edge that carry the upper floors. Any downstairs wall that is perpendicular to the upper floor joists, are load bearing walls. And can’t be removed unless you replace with an engineered beam. Any downstairs wall that runs parallel to the upper floor joists can be carefully removed. Any electrical or plumbing in a wall can be moved by an expert. Those asphalt floor tiles can be removed with a floor scraper unless they are crumbling. If crumbling then you have to have an Abatement company do it. Asbestos is only dangerous when it’s friable ( in small enough pieces that it is airborne and thus inhalable). It causes lung cancer. Old plaster especially has to be checked too. That is your biggest danger.
So courageous of you to give up van life, leave your home in California, and move to Germany! And what a project you've undertaken to refurbish this old German house! You've got a lot of work to do! Happy learning and best of luck to both of you!
I think this house has a ton of potential. You two will learn as you go, so enjoy the learning and doing. I will recommend good respiratory devices for both of you. The better the tools, the better the results. Accept that it will be a long process. Have fun together!
The window seat in the master bath actually sounds very original and very cool. I have no idea how much something like that would actually get used (as far as relaxing), but even if it did not, just having it there would be quite original and unique. Plus, having a place to sit in a bathroom (for things other than relaxing) is always an added plus. I often need a spot for different things but end up on the edge of the tub. If you really like it, go for it. 🙂
A carrying wall holds the upstairs rooms up. It carry’s the weight of the second floor and the roof!!! It stabilises the whole house. Can’t wait to see what you do with your new project!!!
Eliza looks so happy with this new change! Wishing you all the best in your house renovations as it seems like such a difficult endeavour. Thank you again for yet another beautiful video :)
I would TOTALLY keep the reading nook in the bathroom! In fact, you could relocate the toilet so it sits in front of the nook, that way you could read while you’re looking out the window, and taking care of any other ‘business’. Love the house, btw; looking forward to seeing it come together!
I look forward to seeing how future Maddie deals with learning new skills and overcoming the struggles of making her dream home. It sounds exciting and a practical and artistic challenge. Good for you!
So excited for you both! I have no renovation knowledge so I can't really comment as to what's feasible for those 2 rooms. However, I feel like there are a ton of doors everywhere which makes the space seem really choppy. I would remove as many as possible straight away.
I was just going to say, wood and drywall in European houses, specially old houses, is non existent. Those houses are built to last. My sister owns a 150 year old house, in Belgium. VERY solid, and beautiful. She’s doing some major renovations soon to open it up more, and add more bathrooms.
I would make that upstairs room with big window your library put long comfy cushions to sit and lean on and office as it will bring peace and place to inspire you looking out window ton of bookshelfs with mini ladder on one of shelfs lots of plants and funky ceramics figurines just so many options
Spa nook in the master bathroom window!? Heated seat and back rest, reading while the conditioner and face mask is doing its magic❤ Exited to see the development!
The wood panels in your kitchen could be painted ivory which would lighten up your kitchen. In the bathroom, I would close up that window because it’s taking up wall space and you really don’t need a window in such a tiny bathroom. Install a tiled shower across that wall instead, or a shower tub combo if you like tubs. Where the tub is now, put in a vanity with sink and perhaps a tall, slim closet with shelves for towels and toiletries. Clear the other wall completely which will open up the room a bit. You can put in white beadboard to save money vs. tile. The upstairs plans for a bathroom with a reading nook leaves me shaking my head. Hard pass on putting in a reading nook where people use the bathroom! Leave the upstairs bathroom as a bathroom. Turn the room with big window where you want to add a bathroom into a big closet with a reading nook. Plus removing existing plumbing and adding plumbing where there is none is expensive. First thing, get a new roof. Water damage is the worst. New electrical next. And yes I love ❤️ broccoli. It’s the one vegetable I could eat everyday. Anyway you have a nice home, sturdy walls, brick exterior and nice garden space. You did good! I look forward to seeing how everything comes along.
Ah ah! Yeah indeed, in Europe, we have bricks, concrete or drywall walls. Wooden ones are pretty uncommon, even in the newest constructions! It's going to be more work to tear down a wall, but maybe a semi-wall to open the space instead of an archway could to it. I actually like most of the old furniture left! I could see it fitting well once renovated! I know I'm repeating myself but I'm so happy to see you discover Europe. This house is a huge project and I can't wait to see more of your journey 🥰
General response? Congratulations! It’s beautiful! What a nice home it will be! And…Renovation while living in a house can be super fun, but it also makes me really tired of a mess. I like to start with the one room I know I want to relax in and focus on getting it comfy so I can use that room to regroup and hide from the mess while I do that. I like to have an easy place to cook next. It makes life so much easier if food is easily made. These two things nourish and restore me. I can live with the mess elsewhere as long as those two things are sorted first. So that would be my first advice to you; figure out what space you need to regroup. Other advice? Live in the house first. Houses have character. In summer I absolutely love some rooms in the house and others are too damned hot. After I noticed how air flowed in the house, I was able to use plants to help me with cooling rooms. I added vents or fans in precise spots. It was a whole new house. I suddenly found that room was the perfect yoga spot when all I saw was an office before. In winter, some rooms were depressing. Just too many dark colors, despite plenty of windows. All it needed was the right colors. Nothing else was needed, but I was all set to rip out walls before. Now it’s my favorite room! Pay an architect and contractor to assess the house for load bearing walls (so the roof or exterior walls won’t collapse if you pull an interior one out), get a set of plans and drawings to use as these will help you use the spaces efficiently. Designing is a highly specialized skill, so you could fit more amenities into your house than you might dream is possible. They see space differently, and they may suggest things that surprise you and make the shapes of the ceilings and walls work much better for you than you currently realize. I can see a few places that the wall angles will make it difficult to furnish. An architect can help you create a segmented design too, meaning helping you create stages of renovations in line with budget, needs and house equity. With equity you can leverage a loan for adding luxuries after you get the house in a resale state, so to speak. And a contractor can advise you about structural issues, and local zoning laws so you don’t incur fines for doing things wrong. With those things in your pocket, it’s easier to renovate a house, because plans can be detailed right down to where to put an electrical outlet or a plumbing pipe so your efforts meet codes and your design uses your budget effectively. And I highly recommend you start with the roof and insulation. Make sure you can keep the house heated and cooled or the house will chew through your renovation budget needlessly. And if you’re cold or hot every moment of your life for months on end, you’ll get discouraged as well. It’s not good for the house structure either. You know how much condensation can build in a structure that’s not heated and cooled efficiently after living in a van, and houses can hide problems just as effectively in the wall. I’m excited to watch your adventure! This is going to be fun! And does this mean you are a couple now?!
Your house has a lot of character. it's really unique! Your plans sound very nice for the house. I think if you want a reading Nook in your bathroom, then you should just go ahead and do it. It's your house, and there's nothing wrong with having a nice relaxing space in your bathroom to read.❤
That is an amazing little country house. Lots of interesting spaces to work with. You will learn so much through this journey. Stop and have fun every now and then.😊
Really lovely house and setting with lots of potential! Looking forward to how things evolve with your renovations. Get ready for LOTS of rules and restrictions, though. Germany is famous for them. (Living 16 yrs. in Greece was far more appealing and suitable to me.) As a German immigrant to the U.S., I'm still trying to figure out how you're going to manage to stay long-term in Germany. Without a work visa (which is incredibly difficult for Americans to get) or getting married, you can only stay 2 mos. with a 2 mo. absence between stays. Wish you would explain more about that.
Don't let anyone tell you that you cant do want you want with your house, plumbing can always be moved and so can walls as long as you have enough support for the roof, though for that part you should contact an engineer. everything else you can really do yourself.
When setting up the master bedroom upstairs, make sure that the roof insulation is the best you can afford. AC is usually not a thing in Germany. The way the house looks (red brick fascia) and the reed roofs on surrounding houses, I suspect this is in the far North of Germany, probably North East, so it should not get too hot during summer but climate change is a thing even in Northern Germany. Better be ready. Tile stoves are still popular as secondary source of heat. You should try to sell it, if you don't want to keep it.
After I wrote that comment about places with books being my happy places, I got to remembering another happy place -- the life drawing classroom at San Francisco City College. A place where you feel comfortable and uncrowded for drawing would likely be useful to you, and that upstairs room with the window (and a bench) would be a good candidate, even with the plumbing (as long as it's warm). Something to think about, eh?
Making that room be your master bathroom is a good idea. A claw foot tub would be pretty under that window. Assuming you can plumb it easily.. good luck!!
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Hello everyone! Just wanted to pop on here to say that we've been working very closely with three connections who have worked in construction and electrical in Germany their entire lives! We haven't been going into any of this blindly and are continuing to use their guidance, knowledge, and a collective 100+ years plus of experience in ALL of our decision making and planning, and they've done many walk-throughs of the house already to inspect various elements! We will continue to work closely with them and learn from them throughout the renovations! I'll talk more about this in future videos, but just FYI, everything is being checked and re-checked if it hasn't already! See you all real soon! ~ Maddie
I'm glad about that.I was watching the video and thinking you need expert guidance. Knocking down masonry walls is not something to be taken lightly.
I was wondering what the local building codes were, for example whether you would need a licensed electrician, etc.
I can understand making the garden space priority because if you want to have a garden this year it's time to get started. I'm amazed you were able to transplant shrubs of that size. As daunting a task to clear out the previous owner's possessions, it's nice to have a couch to relax in & beds to sleep in!
@@mdnickless indeed, you can't simple remove a brick wall. Even if it is not a load-bearing wall...
@@hsoderberg6505 In most European Countries you don't need a licensed electrician. However, you probably will need to pass an inspection ...
The downstairs is a root cellar, which is used to store your root vegetables. If you guys plan on gardening, you should keep that in mind
Root cellar- the original refrigerator 😎
I had to pause the video to comment exactly this! It’s a root cellar, and it is invaluable if you plan to keep a kitchen garden!
I was thinking the same. I will keep your produce good for months and months!
Start with a Priority List
* Make the house secure! Change or rekey the locks.
* Have a fire extinguisher, extra light bulbs, flash lights/lamps
* Make the house sound - no leaks and weather proofing.
* Make sure the plumbing and electrical work as-is and safe to use.
* Consider getting the Master Bedroom done first as you want a comfortable - relaxing place at the end of a hard work day.
* Kitchen or bathroom next.
As the house is old, those square linoleum like flooring probably has asbestos. Don’t break them. Keep them in tact when removing. Wear N95 masks and long sleeve clothing. Throw out the masks at the end of the day. Wash the clothes. Wash hair and body thoroughly. Wash hands thoroughly before eating. Don’t eat and drink near the work area if there’s suspect for potential asbestos, including lead based paint where paint is chipping. Asbestos and lead based paint only becomes a problem when they become airborne and can be breathed in or on hands and ingested while eating/drinking.
I have in-depth knowledge of home remodeling/renovation and health, safety, and environmental. Feel free to send me a message if you guys have any questions. Note: Please become knowledgeable of your building codes before starting to change electrical, plumbing, and removing walls.
This was the only correct, respectful and informative comment on this subject.
They’ll need a builder to tell them which walls are load bearing.
Some of the walls they want to remove hold up the roof.
Really good comment.
That was a really informative and wise comment! 👍🏻
Van build to a German house remodel. Yes!! Keep posting, we'll keep watching.
From the first time you introduced elly there was a great vibe. Now even as you are entering a massive new project you seem so strong and relaxed. You both look great! It's awesome to have a great partner in crime 😊 all the best, ladies🎉❤🎉
Are they lesbians?
She hasn't been honest and forth coming with us-the move- the house-the relationship- It feels rather slightly like being untrue and left out.
@@jogan8034 What is it to do with us?
@lorrainemasters289 just because someone shares part of their life with us does not mean that they owe us anything. Be happy with what we get the rest is none of our business.
It is good the one way as the other but I would like to know if two people are a couple or “just” friends. If they want to live together, it makes a difference how the house will be designed. But of course I completely accept if they don’t want to reveal this fact.
Welcome to Germany! I can see both of you sitting on a bench together, drinking some nice beverage, feeding the chickens and harvesting some salad from your garden. As you said, it’s all in the future for you and I came back to your channel just in time to watch everything grow.
🦆✨
I know that your house will look amazing when it’s done💯🤍I can’t wait to follow your journey here on YT🙌🏼You and Ellie are so cute and you’re literally glowing when you’re around each other 🥰I wish you both the best of luck with your house project and great ideas! And with your new life in Germany, Maddie 🇩🇪It takes courage to start a new chapter like this and I hope everything turns out just the way you want it 🧡Lots of love from a mom in Norway
Fixing up a house is a marathon not a sprint. I'm sure you both will put your own unique mark on this house, learning as you go. Please be sure to get a structural inspection before removing any possible load bearing walls. It will be fun to watch the progression.
Roof FIRST!
Make that secure, everything else waits!
Maddie has a good eye . She’ll make this place look brand spanking new in no time .
I am so happy for you Maddie ❤ you’re such a capable builder and designer and I already know this house is going to turn out so beautifully. Sending so much love to you and Ellie as you embark on this new journey
While it seems like a great idea to learn and do the plumbing all on your own,It is better to ask for help the first time around.I learnt it the hard way.Maybe hire a local plumber and you could help out.Saving money and learning in the process.Plumbing(especially old style) is going to be rusty and complicated.Better not mess around cause it can cause huge problems down the road if not done properly.There is a reason plumbers are so expensive
OMG that's so exciting ! I'm so happy for you, the house has such character. I can't wait to see what you make of it !
Good to see you and Ellie back together
👍
Are they a couple I've never watched them?
So insanely excited for you! I can’t wait to see how you transform this house!
It doesn't matter if people think it is weird to put a reading nook in a bathroom. Do what makes you happy!
I'd start calling it a spa room instead of a bathroom if I put a reading nook in there
@@angelicabrewer3711Great idea! I love it. 🛁 📖 🍷 🧖♂️ 🕯
I agree! I love to read in the bathtub!
Concordo, só lembre que ficar muito tempo no vaso sanitário, aumenta chance de ter hemorroida
So much to do, so much to learn. But, what a sweet space to work on those challenges. You are such a talented artist. With some basic floor dimensions, you could draw out the vision for each room, and rework new ideas as they come to you. The possibilities are limitless, and working them out ahead of time will help you avoid the “What was I going to do here?” and “No, I didn’t want that in this room.” confusion as the work moves forward. If it was me though, German winters can be pretty harsh from what I’ve heard, so the exterior would be where I would start the refurbishing, and most specifically the roof. Keeping weather and critters on the outside is important to keeping what’s on the inside safe and healthy. Best to you on this new chapter Maddie. ✌🏼🙂
Very excited for you both. First priority. A well constructed fence for Eliza that’s attractive for your property. You want her to be safe and keep the neighbors happy.
I see some pieces that might be great to keep. The red velvet sofa would look great in the library room.
A root cellar!!! Such a wonderful find! Besides extending the life of your root vegetables many people stored their canned fruit and vegetables there. Such a lovely addition in your home. Loving the retro feel of your bathroom and the good bones of your home.
Maddie so happy for you. Older homes have so much character but making them more modern does take time and money but so rewarding when its done. The pantry that stays cold will work as a freezer when your growing a garden to keep stuff from the garden longer. You girls have fun. I am here for the long haul. Ella glad your there also.
I'm so excited for you and Ellie! I can't wait to see this renovation story unfold. It looks like the most magical space.
Am I the only one that likes the retro kitchen and bathroom?
You are not, and they look pristine. A lot of the things she wants to get rid of are the things my husband and I thought were the coolest features.
Same! And they will last a whole lot longer than modern appliances.
I love them.
No, i am the same. Such a shame they can't the beauty in that.
The floor tile is awesome.
A bathroom is my happy place. Having a reading nook/meditation space/ aromatherapy space in a bathroom sounds amazing.
This is beautiful. And that pantry.....it is awesome !!!! If you are going to garden, you have no idea what a gem that basement part of the pantry is.....store your apples, potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, garlic, winter squash, canning.......that is probably my favorite room of the house. It has so much storage and perfect long term food storage.
I know! I love it, quirkiness and all!
Ahhh Maddie I'm so excited that you live in my home country now and I think you bought a beautiful house. Good structure, nice big but not too big land. I bet you will make a beautiful place out of this. I can't wait to see all of your ideas because one day I will get my grandmas house which is in a similar state and I'm interested to see what you will make out of it, so I can collect some ideas for my future project.
Hi, You probably already know this, but in case you don't; those floor tiles look like asbestos tiles. You should check before doing anything to them or with them. (BTW, that nook does look perfect for reading!)
Yes they do (look like asbestos).
Hard to believe that one of my favorite RUclips girls lives in Germany 🇩🇪. Then we are neighbors, so to speak 😁. I'm so happy for you. You two are wonderful. Girl power 💃
Love your channel. You look so happy! Please beware the cracked floor tiles you showed us. They may be asbestos.
Looks like a fun project! Start with the bones, the electrical, plumbing, heating, roof, etc. Best wishes as you progress! 😎
Enjoy your journey! I love all that dark wood.... and I am a geek about loving those tiles.... hahahaha you will make it all beautiful! So much of the house is already very lovely.
🎉... woke up this morning and thought about a song for you. Gladys Knight and the Pips" Make yours a happy home"... Have a wonderful day!...🎉
I think the house has a lot of possibilities, without major renovating. It's quite charming as is.
As far as Eliza, she is use to running free. She will adapt, I'm sure. Good luck. At least it's pretty livable, while you're working on it.
Sending much love, to you, Eliza, & Elly....☮️❤️🌱
Maddie, congrats on the house. A few things, if you're moving the master bathroom to the bedroom and keeping the secondary (guest) bathroom upstairs; change the lower full bathroom into a powder-room (toilet and sink). Secondly, use the door from the bedroom converted to a bathroom as the laundry-room; just add a partition wall in the room. Thirdly, use that nook upstairs for a place to start seeds or seedlings for the garden. Cheers!
1. Ellie's new hair style looks cute.
2. Have you considered shopping your renovation project to HGTV? This would be different and interesting. I'm sure you could offset some of your expenses that way, too.
Good Luck! Cute house.
I love your new home! I think it's smart to retain some of the old-world cottage charm, but at the same time make it lighter and more comfortable. I think a master bedroom with ensuite bathroom would be an amazing upgrade. The blue bathroom could maybe become a laundry room (so convenient to have one upstairs and you've already got the plumbing). Whatever you decide to do, I'm so excited to see how everything unfolds. Best of luck to you and Elli as you renovate! Hugs to Eliza!
Yes, i love broccoli!
Honestly, can't wait to see what you two are going to make out of this old house. Hope everything will turn out as you envisioned!
Really cool Maddie! Last week’s video was such a cool surprise. And now to see the house and your plans! Looks like you guys have a lot of work ahead of you. It’s great you could make all this happen!
Ahhh Maddie! I am so over the moon excited for you and Ellie! Love that just as my renovation videos are coming to an end, yours are beginning! Big hugs kindred spirit friend!
Good to see you both together and starting a new life together. Make the most of the advice from Ellies contacts this house is a different construction more solid than most American builds .Don't go knocking walls without a builder to check the walls first, looking forwards to seeing your progress.
That is a nice home with great potential, wish you both well in you endeavours. 💚
The upstairs bathroom idea is awesome. Add a big tub under the window for reading time.
You two are doing exactly what my partner and I are, renovations ourselves over a long period. So far we have finished the main bedroom and guest bath. Good luck with everything, have fun, and remember it will take three times as long as you think but it's all worth it.
I'm so grateful for your videos and am so happy for you and your new life!
Ok.When you decided to leave van life and move to Germany, I thought about leaving your channel. After seeing this video,I will NOT be leaving your channel. I love your voice, cadence, and delivery and you show how can life accessories can be adapted to home life. My best wishes and love to you and others in Germany!
The area you moved to reminds me of reutti, Germany, where I lived over the summer and fell deeply in love with! I will be back soon. It is such a special country ❤
I wouldn’t even venture an idea on your bedroom/ bathroom situation without seeing the space. What I would suggest is saving all the wood furniture and not be in a rush to get rid of it unless you absolutely hate it. Maybe pile it in one of the extra bedrooms while you work on the rest of the house. Maybe it’s just me. I love old furniture!😊 good luck ladies! Looks like quite an undertaking!
I believe in being as creative as you want to make your space your haven. I would suggest starting with the roof and making sure your home is elements proof. That way whatever you do inside won't get ruined by what's going on outside. What an exciting adventure! Enjoy!! Thanks for bringing the rest of us along for the ride ladies! 😁😎✌️
Wow! how very exciting!!! to make a big move and from the vanlife into a stick and brick home too. It warms my heart to see that your dear friend Elly(hope I got her name right) is going to be joining you on this wonderful journey. looking forward to seeing all the changes that you will both make in the house and to getting to know Elly better too. Cheers from Canada!
I'm really impressed and surprised. The house seems to be in pretty good shape. I would "upcycle" those doors because they're well made. Even the tiles are kind of cool, if you like colour. Plumbing might be harder than in North America because the house might be made of concrete blocks (not all of them are, but many in Germany). Looking forward to a big mess until you get to finish the house.
Those doors are quite possibly made of solid wood. Check out the new doors you can buy first before getting rid of them or destroying them. Most modern doors available at the budget end of the market are very flimsy and not made of quality materials.
I’m loving this and will enjoy homes progress just like I do Lyss’s. We love you in or out of the Van, already won us over with your cool vibes and high quality content
Love your new house! I'm now really excited to see all the renovations! The front entrance with the curved staircase reminded me of a romantic cottage. I think you should keep the bell, it's so fun and unique. I wish I had a strong opinion in favor of the nook in the bathroom, but bathrooms to me can echo because of all the tile which seems not conducive to a cozy nook. But, indoor plants would love that nook!
I'm happy to see that Eliza is flourishing, she is such a sweetheart. ❤
So, happy for the both of you, and I'm sure your home will be everything you two envision.
I luved Germany when I lived there, it has such great food and people. And such great scenery, it's definitely a life changing experience, many things are different there from what most people are use too.
What a dream! Great job Maddie!
Always look forward to seeing your videos and the work you do
A book case or nook can be really nice in a restroom as long as you can find a way to keep the books from being damaged by mosture. Have fun being creative with your interior design!
I am also in Europe right now… I landed in Istanbul Turkey and now I am in Greece heading towards Athens! I will be filming here for two weeks before returning back to the States. Congratulations on your new home!
Hi 😊I'm so happy about your life and have a beautiful day🌱🕊
WOW im so happy for you. Enjoy this time. Though the home is old its so beautiful and i see nothing but joy and happiness in this beautiful home.
I love the rail on stairs.
So excited for you!! I would keep the upstairs room as a nice study/reading nook if it were me! The view is so beautiful :)
The bathroom tile color is so pretty.
I love this for you guys! What a lovely home. I can't wait to see what you do with your place. You have great ideas.
Yay HOUSE BLOOPERS!!!!
Seriously though, what a fantastic opportunity and vision you have at this stage. Feels like you can really see the possibilities here and wish you both all the best! Will be avidly following your journey!!
Wow just Wow guys!!
💎🌟❤🌟🏡 I’m so happy for you, Ellie and Eliza. Such an exciting time in your life and so many wonderful “firsts”.
I’m so excited for this new adventure 🇩🇪 of yours and Ellie’s. The entire time I was watching your vlog I was thinking about sharing that I’d 💯 keep that piece of furniture your sitting on. I almost paused ⏸ just to comment 😂 then. Also, In my opinion, the armoire in the first bedroom is a keeper too 🤎 But as the video went on and I was envisioning your vision, I kept getting more excited about all your plans. I’m totally in love your charming house!!
And NO it’s not weird to have a reading nook in the bathroom 🛁 I love relaxing 🍷 🕯 reading a good 📖
I’m not sure if I’ve ever commented this before but you are so incredibly inspiring! Thank you for sharing your life ❣️ I just know we’re kindred spirits. I love to paint 🎨 read 📚 and I live in a tiny house 🏠 with sweet Boston Terrier, Ollie 🐾
Take care guys! I’m so looking forward to watching you transform this cottage into your dream home 🏡 Congratulations Maddie!
Yep its a cold room to store your canned foods. I lived in Germany when i was a child, my babysitters mom had a large cold room like that lined with the food she jarred. Fantastic.
Puh, I agree you can take all the things out of the bathroom and clear the wall from the tiles. But I would not dare to do the pluming. That should be made very professional. I had to ask for professional help when I distroyed a tube renovating our bathroom. But afterwards, tiling a wall or the floor can be done with a little training. And don't forget, YT is your friend. I always check YT before starting a new project.
Congratulations Maddie on getting your new home. It's going to be beautiful, great big garden.
Wishing you and Elly happiness.
Enjoy your new project. Looking forward to seeing you make a nice home.
Love the blue tile in bathroom. Funky. If it were me, I would try to keep it
Sooo excited to see how you guys bring this house to life!! 😍 It’s gonna be so good
Omg I would leave the bathroom as is and update with decor it’s so cute and that bathtub is epic!
I am so happy for you that you get to live in Germany! I lived there when I was young. My Dad was in the Air Force. My whole family loved it there. It is beautiful.
I'm following Laura Kampf's series in which she renovates an old German house. Looks like I'll be getting a second one now.😅👍
You are going to have to open the floor upstairs. If the floor joists (boards that are on edge that carry the upper floors. Any downstairs wall that is perpendicular to the upper floor joists, are load bearing walls. And can’t be removed unless you replace with an engineered beam. Any downstairs wall that runs parallel to the upper floor joists can be carefully removed. Any electrical or plumbing in a wall can be moved by an expert. Those asphalt floor tiles can be removed with a floor scraper unless they are crumbling. If crumbling then you have to have an Abatement company do it. Asbestos is only dangerous when it’s friable ( in small enough pieces that it is airborne and thus inhalable). It causes lung cancer. Old plaster especially has to be checked too. That is your biggest danger.
So courageous of you to give up van life, leave your home in California, and move to Germany! And what a project you've undertaken to refurbish this old German house! You've got a lot of work to do! Happy learning and best of luck to both of you!
I unironically love those blue bathroom tiles. Reminds me of our bathroom when I was a kid.
I think this house has a ton of potential. You two will learn as you go, so enjoy the learning and doing.
I will recommend good respiratory devices for both of you.
The better the tools, the better the results.
Accept that it will be a long process.
Have fun together!
The window seat in the master bath actually sounds very original and very cool. I have no idea how much something like that would actually get used (as far as relaxing), but even if it did not, just having it there would be quite original and unique. Plus, having a place to sit in a bathroom (for things other than relaxing) is always an added plus. I often need a spot for different things but end up on the edge of the tub. If you really like it, go for it. 🙂
A carrying wall holds the upstairs rooms up. It carry’s the weight of the second floor and the roof!!! It stabilises the whole house. Can’t wait to see what you do with your new project!!!
Amazing video upload, I appreciate you for sharing about your house German Countryside! Enjoy your day, my friend. Thanks for sharing Maddie... 👍❤❤👍
Congrats on the new house. Looking forward to seeing the transformations to make it your own space ... Super Excited.
Eliza looks so happy with this new change! Wishing you all the best in your house renovations as it seems like such a difficult endeavour. Thank you again for yet another beautiful video :)
I would TOTALLY keep the reading nook in the bathroom! In fact, you could relocate the toilet so it sits in front of the nook, that way you could read while you’re looking out the window, and taking care of any other ‘business’. Love the house, btw; looking forward to seeing it come together!
I look forward to seeing how future Maddie deals with learning new skills and overcoming the struggles of making her dream home. It sounds exciting and a practical and artistic challenge. Good for you!
So excited for you both! I have no renovation knowledge so I can't really comment as to what's feasible for those 2 rooms. However, I feel like there are a ton of doors everywhere which makes the space seem really choppy. I would remove as many as possible straight away.
I was just going to say, wood and drywall in European houses, specially old houses, is non existent. Those houses are built to last. My sister owns a 150 year old house, in Belgium. VERY solid, and beautiful. She’s doing some major renovations soon to open it up more, and add more bathrooms.
I would make that upstairs room with big window your library put long comfy cushions to sit and lean on and office as it will bring peace and place to inspire you looking out window ton of bookshelfs with mini ladder on one of shelfs lots of plants and funky ceramics figurines just so many options
Spa nook in the master bathroom window!? Heated seat and back rest, reading while the conditioner and face mask is doing its magic❤ Exited to see the development!
The wood panels in your kitchen could be painted ivory which would lighten up your kitchen. In the bathroom, I would close up that window because it’s taking up wall space and you really don’t need a window in such a tiny bathroom. Install a tiled shower across that wall instead, or a shower tub combo if you like tubs. Where the tub is now, put in a vanity with sink and perhaps a tall, slim closet with shelves for towels and toiletries. Clear the other wall completely which will open up the room a bit. You can put in white beadboard to save money vs. tile.
The upstairs plans for a bathroom with a reading nook leaves me shaking my head. Hard pass on putting in a reading nook where people use the bathroom! Leave the upstairs bathroom as a bathroom. Turn the room with big window where you want to add a bathroom into a big closet with a reading nook. Plus removing existing plumbing and adding plumbing where there is none is expensive.
First thing, get a new roof. Water damage is the worst. New electrical next. And yes I love ❤️ broccoli. It’s the one vegetable I could eat everyday. Anyway you have a nice home, sturdy walls, brick exterior and nice garden space. You did good! I look forward to seeing how everything comes along.
Ah ah! Yeah indeed, in Europe, we have bricks, concrete or drywall walls. Wooden ones are pretty uncommon, even in the newest constructions! It's going to be more work to tear down a wall, but maybe a semi-wall to open the space instead of an archway could to it. I actually like most of the old furniture left! I could see it fitting well once renovated!
I know I'm repeating myself but I'm so happy to see you discover Europe.
This house is a huge project and I can't wait to see more of your journey 🥰
General response? Congratulations! It’s beautiful! What a nice home it will be!
And…Renovation while living in a house can be super fun, but it also makes me really tired of a mess. I like to start with the one room I know I want to relax in and focus on getting it comfy so I can use that room to regroup and hide from the mess while I do that. I like to have an easy place to cook next. It makes life so much easier if food is easily made. These two things nourish and restore me. I can live with the mess elsewhere as long as those two things are sorted first. So that would be my first advice to you; figure out what space you need to regroup.
Other advice? Live in the house first. Houses have character. In summer I absolutely love some rooms in the house and others are too damned hot. After I noticed how air flowed in the house, I was able to use plants to help me with cooling rooms. I added vents or fans in precise spots. It was a whole new house. I suddenly found that room was the perfect yoga spot when all I saw was an office before. In winter, some rooms were depressing. Just too many dark colors, despite plenty of windows. All it needed was the right colors. Nothing else was needed, but I was all set to rip out walls before. Now it’s my favorite room!
Pay an architect and contractor to assess the house for load bearing walls (so the roof or exterior walls won’t collapse if you pull an interior one out), get a set of plans and drawings to use as these will help you use the spaces efficiently. Designing is a highly specialized skill, so you could fit more amenities into your house than you might dream is possible. They see space differently, and they may suggest things that surprise you and make the shapes of the ceilings and walls work much better for you than you currently realize. I can see a few places that the wall angles will make it difficult to furnish. An architect can help you create a segmented design too, meaning helping you create stages of renovations in line with budget, needs and house equity. With equity you can leverage a loan for adding luxuries after you get the house in a resale state, so to speak. And a contractor can advise you about structural issues, and local zoning laws so you don’t incur fines for doing things wrong. With those things in your pocket, it’s easier to renovate a house, because plans can be detailed right down to where to put an electrical outlet or a plumbing pipe so your efforts meet codes and your design uses your budget effectively.
And I highly recommend you start with the roof and insulation. Make sure you can keep the house heated and cooled or the house will chew through your renovation budget needlessly. And if you’re cold or hot every moment of your life for months on end, you’ll get discouraged as well. It’s not good for the house structure either. You know how much condensation can build in a structure that’s not heated and cooled efficiently after living in a van, and houses can hide problems just as effectively in the wall.
I’m excited to watch your adventure! This is going to be fun! And does this mean you are a couple now?!
Your house has a lot of character. it's really unique! Your plans sound very nice for the house. I think if you want a reading Nook in your bathroom, then you should just go ahead and do it. It's your house, and there's nothing wrong with having a nice relaxing space in your bathroom to read.❤
Can't wait to see you renovate this house. Congrats girl !!!!
That is an amazing little country house. Lots of interesting spaces to work with. You will learn so much through this journey. Stop and have fun every now and then.😊
This will be fun to follow. Congrats on the house Maddie
Really lovely house and setting with lots of potential! Looking forward to how things evolve with your renovations. Get ready for LOTS of rules and restrictions, though. Germany is famous for them. (Living 16 yrs. in Greece was far more appealing and suitable to me.) As a German immigrant to the U.S., I'm still trying to figure out how you're going to manage to stay long-term in Germany. Without a work visa (which is incredibly difficult for Americans to get) or getting married, you can only stay 2 mos. with a 2 mo. absence between stays. Wish you would explain more about that.
Don't let anyone tell you that you cant do want you want with your house, plumbing can always be moved and so can walls as long as you have enough support for the roof, though for that part you should contact an engineer. everything else you can really do yourself.
When setting up the master bedroom upstairs, make sure that the roof insulation is the best you can afford. AC is usually not a thing in Germany. The way the house looks (red brick fascia) and the reed roofs on surrounding houses, I suspect this is in the far North of Germany, probably North East, so it should not get too hot during summer but climate change is a thing even in Northern Germany. Better be ready. Tile stoves are still popular as secondary source of heat. You should try to sell it, if you don't want to keep it.
After I wrote that comment about places with books being my happy places, I got to remembering another happy place -- the life drawing classroom at San Francisco City College. A place where you feel comfortable and uncrowded for drawing would likely be useful to you, and that upstairs room with the window (and a bench) would be a good candidate, even with the plumbing (as long as it's warm). Something to think about, eh?
Making that room be your master bathroom is a good idea. A claw foot tub would be pretty under that window. Assuming you can plumb it easily.. good luck!!