Just a fabulous job everyone. Love Nell, she doesn't seem fussed at all over the other furry friends in the family. Time for a brew, (Yorkshire tea that is). I'm a tea granny and I know what it's like drinking something other than your favourite, so watch out for your favourite tea coming your way soon.
The reason that it was blocked up could have been because of the tax on windows in the 17th century. Everyone was taxed on how many windows they had in their houses. That would also mean that the building is more than three hundred and fifty years old because that tax came into being in the 1690s.
I've got a vizlar, she is brilliant with young kids, she lives with 4 chickens,whom she doesn't mind at all! We planted a field of native trees, & a orchard
I love chickens. I stayed in the gardeners cottage on an estate on holiday. Every morning 6 chickens would peck the glass of the front door till I opened it and they followed me everywhere.
It’s so beautiful to see old dwellings come back to life 😊😊 someone once put a lot of time and love into this old home and to restore it is so beautiful…. Bless you guys and rewards will come for a blessed and beautiful life there
Yes it was too beautiful and full of history to tear down. I just think the building has been here 300 years potentially. So why take it down now. It's perfect even with its flaws. ♥️
Collie great choice of dog they train so easy they are beautiful the kids will be over the moon i bet Toby will love him as well good job done Sam hard graft looks good
@@theirishhomestead ... Knew it...!!! I grew up on a sheep station in outback Australia... 28,000 acres... Scottish ggrandfather and Irish ggranmothers... big big family... No TV!!! We had 15 working dogs and drove sheep on horseback and the dogs worked the sheep in the sheepyards... Historically, the greatest export of farmers to the world, as they settled in many countries... family forced to leave Scotland during the "Clearances"
My husband happened to be watching this episode. An engineer by trade, he is wondering if your window was never a window at all, but external access to the loft.
I'm from Oklahoma, USA. My Grandmother's Father was a French Mason Immigrant in Subiaco, Arkansas, USA. The old Monestary there had buildings there made somewhat like your place. Stone work is a sturdy building method that lasts more than one lifetime...thank you for the walk down memory lane. Love the critters you have given an amazing family & home to. That donkey greeting in one of the videos was so wonderful. He was really welcoming you!
What you are doing is amazing and love watching the progress. I grew up in an old Irish crofters cottage (live in the UK now) and I would like to suggest for inside the cottage instead of the concrete floor I would use lime mortar on walls and lime mortar to hold a flagstone floor or clay tile floor which you can pick up in salvage yards or reclaim for a natural old traditional look with old tongue and grove on the ceiling the cottage will look amazing
Thanks for this. I know concrete is not really the most sympathetic choice for the house. We will look into the other options ie limecrete etc before we make a final decision.
Well done, Sam, on that window. Great job on the stones over the lintel. That window could have been closed up in the times when there was a window tax. Less windows , less tax. It will be nice to have the extra light coming through, too. Nellie looks lovely,she seems right at home with all the other animals .
Yes a few people now have said that. It's such a shame that such a tax was imposed! Great to see it finally open again after all these years Nell is fitting in well. The kids adore having a 'proper' dog to play with.
Fantastic team work guys. Big pat on the back. Your doing fantastic work, so exciting for you. Sam's enthusiasm is amazing. Becca no work for you tomorrow, have a relaxing mother's day❤ Love Nell. Now you need some sheep😂
Thank you. I had totally forgotten about Mother's Day until tonight! My dad reminded me. Maybe an impromptu trip to the beach is in order. Nell is just a lovely addition. The kids adore her. ♥️
Yes ... I thought some sheep would be on the bucket list later on... I wonder if Mel is trained as a sheep dog? I suspect she may have... Border Collie learn so quickly... had one years ago... Mozart, my border collie cross, was by far my fav dog ever!
The old rusty Singer would make a great door stopper. Just clean the rust up a bit with steel wool! It will always be a fun conversation piece ~ "found it in the barn"
Well done guys. You are both doing an amazing job for your family. When things get hard just remember it is your job now so you have to go each day and try to take the weekends off to be with the kids. Cheers. Di
I always enjoy waking up on Saturdays to watch your video and coffee before heading out busking here in Calgary Canada, looking forward to many more videos of your journey, Cheers James
I read in an Isaac Newton biography that when England began taxing property based on the number of windows in the home, the owners covered the windows to decrease their tax. This probably extended to Ireland as well. However, I would believe it more likely that it was a loft entry as previously surmised.
The warmer days are here a bit more often but it's blooming freezing at the moment. The wind is coming from the North and it cuts you with a knife! Hope it goes soon. 🤞
It would be interesting to research the history of your property. The "barn" is probably an older dwelling from a time when humans and animals sheltered under the same roof. The dividing wall would bear this out, animals on one side people on the other.
Yes I wish I knew more about the place. I know who lived here as far back as 1901 but hard to find out anything before then. I do know it was here on the first ordnance survey done around 1824.
@@theirishhomestead is there a heritage centre near ye they might have information about the place or the local church would have records of the people who lived there.
Hi, you guys are all amazing, and you have got what it take to make your Irish homestead magnificant. So pleased you didnt knock those beautiful buildings down.(yes, a lot of work but it will be worth it in the end). You both work so hard & well together & look how much the fam has grown ......dog, cats, chickens and a rescued donkey🇦🇺😊 Keep up the great work.
Thanks Heather. We loved the house immediately. Just hope we can bring it back to life without it ending one of ours or our marriage 🤣 just kidding! We will get there in the end. ♥️
You have managed so many rewarding achievements this past week. I love the exposed window. Well done with your lentils. Nell seems very intelligent plus the chooks and cats all seem to tolerate each other . Enjoy your growing tribe....😂
Ye are all going to look like entrants to the Mr. Universe Contest with lifting all those huge stones.😊❤ Congratulations on acquiring Nell and fair play for rescuing her😊❤
Sam is definitely lifting some heavy stones at the moment. He is doing brilliantly. I help as much as I can but think the muscles will be his thing. I mainly cook so he has plenty in him to keep going. 😁💪
@@theirishhomestead each to their own strengths literally. You both are hard workers. If you ever run short of ideas for content would you be interested in showing us some of your receipes?
The window area looks great! You all as always do a fantastic job on everything you do! The chickens are saying"Hey dad I want to sit on your lap too".
The reason many windows were blocked off by landlords, was because of a window tax the English government imposed on Ireland in 1799. This was later changed to a glass tax, so people just filled them in.
I was so excited as you were to see the window! My heart was racing! This is one of the coolest channels! Here in the USA, we don't have buildings that old!! The East coast has, of course, older buildings, then us, all to the West coast!!
Our hearts were racing too! It was pretty scary with all that old wall above Sam's head. It was probably a bit reckless but we made it. Lots of lessons learned though. Glad you are enjoying it. Thanks. ♥️
Same here in Australia... We don't have many heritage buildings left... replaced by ugly monstrosities... sometimes I think Leggo would look better!!! I follow a few people that are restoring stone houses in France, Portugal and Italy... All amazing in how they research and then get on with it! So look forward to this channels videos... there's an honesty that I love about it!
Absolutely love watching your progress! The world needs more people who persevere and restore the beautiful buildings and possessions that we already have! And wee Nell, how gorgeous!
I totally agree! We think too few of these cottages are restored sadly. I love the traditional styling. Plus, who needs a huge house? The kids would never leave 😉🤣
Very very therapeutic watching you clear the cottage walls of old mortar. Love the chickens and cats supervising 😂 LOVE the lintel and idea of facing it with wood. That wee window is adorable 😍😍😍😍What fantastic work and seeing the sunlight come through after all those years made me feel emotional and look at the depth of the wall..... wow!! Nell is MAGNIFICENT and what joy you will have ✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅
Thanks Monica. Glad we aren't boring you senseless. We were worried people would get sick of us chipping away at the walls but glad you find it as therapeutic as we do. You can just zone out whilst doing it The hens are always round our feet when we are doing that job. Often a little bug arrives from above for them! 🤣
That window will be amazing even if it is foot level... Wouldn't it nice if you put coloured glass in it for the effect... Nelly is nice looking dog...Ewin needs a pole that U grab the ball with and the U toss it...then ball flies... U should do a photo of hubby with cat on tummy and chickens on window enjoying see in a picture frame it would be so cool...😂😂😂😂 Hubby is fantastic work done on house also U...😅😂😅😂❤
Just love what you are doing to this character property. So many were demolished needlessy and used for filling. I was lucky enough to work on the refurbishment on several Of these old properties. It's sobering to think that most if not all the tradesmen who built these precious properties are no longer with us. Best of luck with your huge undertaking.
Yes, it's so sad to see so few restored. We drive out to Sligo today for some beach time and I realised how few cottages the sake style as ours have been renovated. I saw only one the rest are still derelict or I assume demolished. Sam said himself that the stone masons/farmers who built and lived in these houses are all long gone and yes it is a sobering thought. Hopefully, we can do it justice on a tiny budget. Thank you
I know! I was so surprised how unafraid of death they are! They are like dogs and will definitely follow me in case I'm dishing out bird seed! 4 eggs today so they are earning their keep!
I think you guys are doing a wonderful job! It has to be tedious and repetitive day in and day out. I think the sewing machine is dead in the water. Squaring off the stone to give you two or three flat planes is a real skill. I was watching someone else learn that last Sunday, and he was getting the hang of it, but he left the fine chisel work for the expert. Someone had some amazing skills while building your house. I wonder how they lifted some of those stones to the top, don't you? Super video today! I was holding my breath for so long that I'm ready for a nap! Well done! 👍👍👍 Nell is wonderful! Dirty paws and all!
Thanks so much. Yep, sadly, no bringing that sewing machine back to life. Sam & I said that it was amazing how they got those huge stones up at the top! They were serious craftsmen. I have to admit I was a bit scared for Sam's safety a few times. I think he was pretty scared at times too!
Love what you are doing, you will hopegully get the good weather now to make progress! Did you consider using glass to join the two buildings together rather than redoing the wall? You often see that on linked extensions to separate old and new.
Hi guys, the chicken look right at home lol. I love your channel and videos they have such a nice vibe to them. It's also really nice that the kids like having a go at everything and helps them bond with the land/building. Love that you're keeping all the special features in the barn. Sam looks like he's enjoying every minute and his enthusiasm is just amazing. It sounds like the kids absolutely love the rope swing, and it's so good for them to be outside these days instead of on computers etc. Awww Nell is beautiful, thanks for a great video 😃👌🌈🤟
Hi Sonya. Thanks so much for the lovely message. Glad you're enjoying the videos and seeing the animals. Yes, we much prefer the kids outside when the weather is decent. It's a lot of work doing the cottage but so worth it. ♥️
would be lovely (but expensive) to add glass windows top to bottom while joining the buildings. Add some much appreciated light to these lovely buildings
I wonder how old that dirt is you're blowing out above where your lentil goes. I love all the old items you've shown and would love to learn the history of your property. So fantastic 😊
Yours is a great journey. Thank you for taking us along. Please be mindfull of your audio. Keep the microphone attached to the speaker and try to speak clearer, concisely. Your words are important. Your music and chicken site inspectors are fabulous. Lift with your legs, not your backs. New HampShire🇺🇲💚
Great stuff you two, keep it coming 👏👏👏 I love the content and brilliant effort you guys put into the renovation, my great grandfather was a stonemason Sam and he was from Dublin and moved to North Wales where my grandad was born in Caernarfon 😀 Dave Liverpool.
Well done that wall is coming on nicely 👍, hang on though have you hidden some sheep 🐏🐑 somewhere for next week?😀. Take care, have a good week and enjoy.
It looks like you are a natural with the stone work. It looks a good job. Well done. You guys have got a proper small holding going now , with the chickens , Donkey , Cats and now a Dog. Great to see you are off to a good start on the renovation. 👍👍👍👍👍👍
Congratulations on replacing the wooden lintles with concrete ones, and reopening that window or what ever it was. Why on earth (literally) was soil packed between the stones which blocked up that opening is beyond me!
You Guys need to watch Raising Voyagers they will show you what to do with stone and preserving heritage. Sad to see you replacing those Woden beams with concrete.
How fantastic the stonework is looking. An awful lot of very hard work and a great lot of team work. Sam what an amazing little window and well done on the lentil and windowsill. Well done for your first time Sam.Becky I hope you are taking it easy tomorrow and having a happy Mother's day. It is great to see the dog fetching the ball for Euan and the cat's and chickens not worried about the running around them.I have seen a glass panel joining stone buildings Looks really good and let's extra light into the buildings, but I am sure you both have to keep control on your budget..Take care and mind yourselves God bless xx
Thank you Colette. I've had a great mothers day at Sligo Coast. The huge win was I didn't have to cook all day! We are definitely considering the glass panel. A few people have mentioned it and it's a good idea. Thanks & hope you had a lovely day. ♥️
Brilliant video! It was awesome seeing the window, well done. Im so happy for you all and love how you have pet #13. Nell is beautiful, love her colouring. ❤❤❤
Oh, my heart was in my mouth, watching that lintel. You’re lucky that you have some pretty big stones, so they do tend to stay in place, without the wood holding them up. But I was looking at the vertical seam to the left of the lintel, going up almost uninterrupted, most of the way to the top and waiting for it to shift. Much safer, once the first lintel was in, but still scary, because the middle is always loose rubble and soil, so it could potentially all come pouring out, like sand in an hour glass. When our lintel let go, thankfully, nobody actually saw it. We had just finished for the day and were out on the road, sweeping out the barrow, before loading up the car to go home. But it felt like an earthquake, as stone after stone came loose and bounced off the window sill, before hitting the floor. By the time it stopped, the wall was open the whole way to the wall plate. The snow last week loosened it some more and now the gap above the window is vee shaped, about half as wide again at the top. I’m resigned to dismantling the walls, when I go to do mine. Luckily, there’s not much above the rest of mine. That window was almost a foot (30cm) lower than all the others. The rest of them have about 18” (45cm) of stone to remove for safe access, so that’s what I’m going to do. I’m so relieved to see you didn’t precipitate a similar event with your gable end. The window opening looks great. What a milestone! Rinse and repeat, for the others. Let’s hope they go as smoothly. Nell is a wonderful addition to the family. I can’t convince either of our current dogs to play with a ball. Their predecessor would play happily for hours, even without human participation. That will provide plenty of non screen entertainment for you guys, when you’re not building. Very interested in your plans for the floor. Your experience with that may well change my plans for ours. We have cracks in the existing concrete, now, thanks to the window catastrophe, so digging it out might make sense. Insulation would be a nice addition, as well as the already planned damp proofing.
Thanks, Duncan. You have to admit we were probably taking a big gamble there with that window. Luckily it pulled off, although we may do things differently next time! Glad you escaped without injury when yours toppled. The floor is tricky as we know concrete is not always the best option bit it's cheap.& easy and when in a tight budget & deadline may be the best choice! Nell is definitely a fun dog. Our chihuahua Benji is a house/lap dog and has never chased a ball in his life. The kids are enjoying having a 'proper' dog around. 🤣
You look right professional with your hard hat on Bec!! I find it very soothing to see the progress you are making on the mortar. 👍🏼😊😊 Oh, wee Nell is lovely. ♥
🤣🤣 Less professional more just scared I'll be killed by a falling wall! Sam thinks I'm over worrying but let me tell you he put that hard hat on quick smart when he was opening that window! 🤣 Nell is so well trained, it's amazing to have her here. ♥️
A wonderful choice of dog a Collie is a great dog to have especially on a farm, the children will love her and she has a lovely face. I love the hen having a close look at Nell and Toby watching from afar the work you are doing. That bee hive was a lovely find. Another lovely video and have a lovely week.
Just loved watching this video, ooh the window, is beautiful 🤩 it’s getting exciting. Love the dog, gorgeous, so happy for you all,it’s all coming together, the music is fab, well done guys so happy for you xx🤗
What a reveal... great window and great job restoring the lintels... so exciting... Looking forward to more... And Nel... what a beauty... A lot of hours of fun there... If dogs are man's best friend... then you have a winner there... she has a keen eye... is she a border collie? Blessings to all ❤
Thank you. Yes it was so amazing to open the window if a little (lot) nerve-wracking! Nell is a border collie and already showing us what an amazing dog she is. ♥️
Great job , opening up the window. In a previous life I replaced a few myself ( won't talk about the one that got removed and the old wall above it collapsed). A tip.. I gathered up old slate, specifically slate to use as packers under the lintels, it won't crush like stone or mortar. Your getting quite a collection of animals now, Is the dog a rescue?
Hi! Yes we were so worried about that wall above. The alcro props wouldn't reach that height so we had to be a bit reckless. Another person recommended slate. Thanks. Yes Nell is a rescue I suppose but not from a bad owner just from someone who sadly passed away.
To bad they used all that trash rock on the inside walls but I guess since they were going to be covered up it didnt matter !! It is tedious work though cleaning out the joints ! The end result will look awesome I am sure !
Blimey u have a managarie! Lovely Nell welcome to LIH . Love the chooks free ranging they look great. Toby looks healthier than before. Loving the window Sam u can see what the cottage has to offer u all ❤
Lots of hard work. Before repointing power wash to blast any clay/soil fines which can draw dampness. Can be worth obtaining conservation spec for the floor.
Great work on the window but you are going to have to put something across it or you will be sharing the house with the Swifts come April/May time. When we bought our old house in Clare they got there before us.
Some bubble levels have two markings on them, for years I've always used the second marking as a 40 to 1 fall, so the edge of the bubble is outside of the first level mark. You should buy a cheap 2ft one and try it or even try it in store no need to buy 24in long should give you a half an inch at the markings above
What an amazing job you have done on the window, wow. As well as loving your videos, I have to say your choice of music is spot on and calming to listen too ❤🇬🇧
Thank you very much! I do try to think about the music. Need to find some new stuff though. I get a bit complacent with the ones I have downloaded already. ♥️
This channel is absolutely superb - all the right ingredients and really genuine characters with oodles of enthusiasm and appeal. It always brightens my day watching your videos. I too am an expat a bit further south from you so I understand your vision - I shan't say 'keep up the good work' because I know you will! Best wishes.
I’d forgotten just how much I missed the rooster crowing in the mornings and the braying of donkeys. Our’s was named Kate❤.
NEL IS BEAUTUFUL
Just a fabulous job everyone. Love Nell, she doesn't seem fussed at all over the other furry friends in the family. Time for a brew, (Yorkshire tea that is). I'm a tea granny and I know what it's like drinking something other than your favourite, so watch out for your favourite tea coming your way soon.
Love that...tea granny!
Hello from Scotland. Yorkshire tea all the way for me 🫖
Absolutely love the animals running around. They make a house a home 🏠
The reason that it was blocked up could have been because of the tax on windows in the 17th century. Everyone was taxed on how many windows they had in their houses. That would also mean that the building is more than three hundred and fifty years old because that tax came into being in the 1690s.
Hi, thanks. Yes a few people have said that may be the case. Its amazing to think the house could be that old. If only the walls could talk.
Wow!!!
I think you’re going to be hearing them tell you lots and lots!!
I've got a vizlar, she is brilliant with young kids, she lives with 4 chickens,whom she doesn't mind at all! We planted a field of native trees, & a orchard
Your chickens look like they have a lovely content life
I love chickens. I stayed in the gardeners cottage on an estate on holiday. Every morning 6 chickens would peck the glass of the front door till I opened it and they followed me everywhere.
They are such great animals to have around!
It’s so beautiful to see old dwellings come back to life 😊😊 someone once put a lot of time and love into this old home and to restore it is so beautiful…. Bless you guys and rewards will come for a blessed and beautiful life there
The window looks smashing. Great job! Love the pup!
Thank you! Cheers!
I’m so thankful to people like you that are saving these lovely structures. Great job
Yes it was too beautiful and full of history to tear down. I just think the building has been here 300 years potentially. So why take it down now. It's perfect even with its flaws. ♥️
Collie great choice of dog they train so easy they are beautiful the kids will be over the moon i bet Toby will love him as well good job done Sam hard graft looks good
Thanks, she is so clever and luckily very well trained already. The kids love having her around.
@@theirishhomestead ...
Knew it...!!! I grew up on a sheep station in outback Australia...
28,000 acres...
Scottish ggrandfather and Irish ggranmothers... big big family...
No TV!!!
We had 15 working dogs and drove sheep on horseback and the dogs worked the sheep in the sheepyards...
Historically, the greatest export of farmers to the world, as they settled in many countries...
family forced to leave Scotland during the "Clearances"
She is brilliant. Loves Toby and is constantly trying to heard the chickens! 🤣
Sounds like an amazing childhood to have. ♥️
My husband happened to be watching this episode. An engineer by trade, he is wondering if your window was never a window at all, but external access to the loft.
Quite possible, but now it will be my sons window
At one stage in history , tax was levied by the number of windows. !
I'm from Oklahoma, USA. My Grandmother's Father was a French Mason Immigrant in Subiaco, Arkansas, USA. The old Monestary there had buildings there made somewhat like your place. Stone work is a sturdy building method that lasts more than one lifetime...thank you for the walk down memory lane.
Love the critters you have given an amazing family & home to. That donkey greeting in one of the videos was so wonderful. He was really welcoming you!
Glad you enjoyed it. ♥️
What you are doing is amazing and love watching the progress. I grew up in an old Irish crofters cottage (live in the UK now) and I would like to suggest for inside the cottage instead of the concrete floor I would use lime mortar on walls and lime mortar to hold a flagstone floor or clay tile floor which you can pick up in salvage yards or reclaim for a natural old traditional look with old tongue and grove on the ceiling the cottage will look amazing
Thanks for this. I know concrete is not really the most sympathetic choice for the house. We will look into the other options ie limecrete etc before we make a final decision.
Flagstones look amazing especially in kitchen/ dining area.
Hard work but so rewarding.
It sure is
Well done, Sam, on that window. Great job on the stones over the lintel. That window could have been closed up in the times when there was a window tax. Less windows , less tax. It will be nice to have the extra light coming through, too. Nellie looks lovely,she seems right at home with all the other animals .
Yes a few people now have said that. It's such a shame that such a tax was imposed!
Great to see it finally open again after all these years Nell is fitting in well. The kids adore having a 'proper' dog to play with.
What a thing of beauty! Fantastic job!
It gives me shivers a little to think that window hasn’t seen or felt fresh air in 200 years. What amazing work you are doing.
Fantastic team work guys. Big pat on the back. Your doing fantastic work, so exciting for you. Sam's enthusiasm is amazing. Becca no work for you tomorrow, have a relaxing mother's day❤ Love Nell. Now you need some sheep😂
Thank you. I had totally forgotten about Mother's Day until tonight! My dad reminded me. Maybe an impromptu trip to the beach is in order. Nell is just a lovely addition. The kids adore her. ♥️
Yes ... I thought some sheep would be on the bucket list later on... I wonder if Mel is trained as a sheep dog? I suspect she may have... Border Collie learn so quickly... had one years ago... Mozart, my border collie cross, was by far my fav dog ever!
The light shining through the window looked like you had discovered the local leprechaun’s stash of gold!!!
You both are an inspiration!💕
If only there was a pot of gold there! 🤣 Thanks so much x
I love watching all that u do
I would in in-floor heating, and stud the walls on the inside to keep out the dampness.
The masonry work you are doing is looking good. Great job.
The old rusty Singer would make a great door stopper. Just clean the rust up a bit with steel wool! It will always be a fun conversation piece ~ "found it in the barn"
That's a good idea! Thanks.
Well done guys. You are both doing an amazing job for your family. When things get hard just remember it is your job now so you have to go each day and try to take the weekends off to be with the kids. Cheers. Di
Thanks so much! 😊
I always enjoy waking up on Saturdays to watch your video and coffee before heading out busking here in Calgary Canada, looking forward to many more videos of your journey, Cheers James
Thanks James. Hope the busking goes well. Glad you enjoy the videos. It was a bit late today. We had a few technical issues! 🙄
I read in an Isaac Newton biography that when England began taxing property based on the number of windows in the home, the owners covered the windows to decrease their tax. This probably extended to Ireland as well. However, I would believe it more likely that it was a loft entry as previously surmised.
So nice to see you without heavy jackets, Spring is coming😊
Sez who? It's effin freezing at the moment.😂😂😂😂
The warmer days are here a bit more often but it's blooming freezing at the moment. The wind is coming from the North and it cuts you with a knife! Hope it goes soon. 🤞
Ha, yes, past 2 days have been so cold haven't they!
awesome job Sam. Love the new dog to.
Brilliant teamwork. You encourage us all to believe that we can do more. What a super achievement and what a lovely dog!
You are so kind, such a great compliment, thanks. Nell is a star and fitting in here so well.
It would be interesting to research the history of your property. The "barn" is probably an older dwelling from a time when humans and animals sheltered under the same roof. The dividing wall would bear this out, animals on one side people on the other.
Your exactly right in what you said and when a sow was having banbhs they'd get priority at the fire place.
Yes I wish I knew more about the place. I know who lived here as far back as 1901 but hard to find out anything before then. I do know it was here on the first ordnance survey done around 1824.
That's interesting. I've heard the animals often shared the living space for warmth & protection of their assets.
@@theirishhomestead is there a heritage centre near ye they might have information about the place or the local church would have records of the people who lived there.
Such a great start to your build it looks so great.
Hi, you guys are all amazing, and you have got what it take to make your Irish homestead magnificant. So pleased you didnt knock those beautiful buildings down.(yes, a lot of work but it will be worth it in the end). You both work so hard & well together & look how much the fam has grown ......dog, cats, chickens and a rescued donkey🇦🇺😊 Keep up the great work.
Thanks Heather. We loved the house immediately. Just hope we can bring it back to life without it ending one of ours or our marriage 🤣 just kidding! We will get there in the end. ♥️
You have managed so many rewarding achievements this past week. I love the exposed window. Well done with your lentils. Nell seems very intelligent plus the chooks and cats all seem to tolerate each other . Enjoy your growing tribe....😂
Thanks Susan. We are lucky the animals all get on really well. Nell is hitting it off with Toby. It's feeling like home here now. ♥️
Great job as always guys…I agree a glass link between the 2 buildings would be amazing,and also extra light!😉👍
We did think about glass and a few people have mentioned that. We will look into it as an option thanks.
@@theirishhomestead ...
Or perhaps a glazed window?
In case you need ventilation...?
There was a tax on windows, thus the origin of the saying 'daylight robbery'.
I never knew that's where the saying cane from. Thanks.
Wow, what a transformation and honouring the old builders. Loved watching this video. Many thanks. Kx
Our pleasure, glad you enjoyed it. X
Ye are all going to look like entrants to the Mr. Universe Contest with lifting all those huge stones.😊❤ Congratulations on acquiring Nell and fair play for rescuing her😊❤
Sam is definitely lifting some heavy stones at the moment. He is doing brilliantly. I help as much as I can but think the muscles will be his thing. I mainly cook so he has plenty in him to keep going. 😁💪
@@theirishhomestead each to their own strengths literally. You both are hard workers. If you ever run short of ideas for content would you be interested in showing us some of your receipes?
@ChristineKelly1000 Yes, very true. I would like to do that but may wait until I'm in my nice farmhouse kitchen. 👍♥️
We’re abouts in Ireland are you I’m in kerry and have a old stone cottage
You have the bottom on the top...the bees need the opening for coming and going.
The window area looks great! You all as always do a fantastic job on everything you do! The chickens are saying"Hey dad I want to sit on your lap too".
The reason many windows were blocked off by landlords, was because of a window tax the English government imposed on Ireland in 1799. This was later changed to a glass tax, so people just filled them in.
Yes, perhaps. Makes you realise how old this house is!
I was so excited as you were to see the window! My heart was racing! This is one of the coolest channels! Here in the USA, we don't have buildings that old!! The East coast has, of course, older buildings, then us, all to the West coast!!
Our hearts were racing too! It was pretty scary with all that old wall above Sam's head. It was probably a bit reckless but we made it. Lots of lessons learned though.
Glad you are enjoying it. Thanks. ♥️
Same here in Australia...
We don't have many heritage buildings left... replaced by ugly monstrosities... sometimes I think Leggo would look better!!!
I follow a few people that are restoring stone houses in France, Portugal and Italy...
All amazing in how they research and then get on with it!
So look forward to this channels videos... there's an honesty that I love about it!
Absolutely love watching your progress! The world needs more people who persevere and restore the beautiful buildings and possessions that we already have!
And wee Nell, how gorgeous!
I totally agree! We think too few of these cottages are restored sadly. I love the traditional styling. Plus, who needs a huge house? The kids would never leave 😉🤣
That open window is looking great! Love the collie now just need a few sheep to teach her herding 😊
Thanks, I'll see if the farmer will let her have a go as we have tonnes of sheep next door 🤣
Very very therapeutic watching you clear the cottage walls of old mortar. Love the chickens and cats supervising 😂 LOVE the lintel and idea of facing it with wood. That wee window is adorable 😍😍😍😍What fantastic work and seeing the sunlight come through after all those years made me feel emotional and look at the depth of the wall..... wow!! Nell is MAGNIFICENT and what joy you will have ✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅
Thanks Monica. Glad we aren't boring you senseless. We were worried people would get sick of us chipping away at the walls but glad you find it as therapeutic as we do.
You can just zone out whilst doing it
The hens are always round our feet when we are doing that job. Often a little bug arrives from above for them! 🤣
That window will be amazing even if it is foot level...
Wouldn't it nice if you put coloured glass in it for the effect...
Nelly is nice looking dog...Ewin needs a pole that U grab the ball with and the U toss it...then ball flies...
U should do a photo of hubby with cat on tummy and chickens on window enjoying see in a picture frame it would be so cool...😂😂😂😂
Hubby is fantastic work done on house also U...😅😂😅😂❤
Just love what you are doing to this
character property. So many were demolished needlessy and used for filling. I was lucky enough to work on the refurbishment on several Of these old properties. It's sobering to think that most if not all the tradesmen who built these precious properties are no longer with us. Best of luck with your huge undertaking.
Yes, it's so sad to see so few restored. We drive out to Sligo today for some beach time and I realised how few cottages the sake style as ours have been renovated. I saw only one the rest are still derelict or I assume demolished.
Sam said himself that the stone masons/farmers who built and lived in these houses are all long gone and yes it is a sobering thought. Hopefully, we can do it justice on a tiny budget. Thank you
Great job.
Love all the animals. Those chickens amaze me, they don't seem to be afraid of anything! 😊 so friendly .
I know! I was so surprised how unafraid of death they are! They are like dogs and will definitely follow me in case I'm dishing out bird seed! 4 eggs today so they are earning their keep!
I think you guys are doing a wonderful job! It has to be tedious and repetitive day in and day out.
I think the sewing machine is dead in the water.
Squaring off the stone to give you two or three flat planes is a real skill. I was watching someone else learn that last Sunday, and he was getting the hang of it, but he left the fine chisel work for the expert. Someone had some amazing skills while building your house. I wonder how they lifted some of those stones to the top, don't you?
Super video today! I was holding my breath for so long that I'm ready for a nap! Well done! 👍👍👍 Nell is wonderful! Dirty paws and all!
Thanks so much. Yep, sadly, no bringing that sewing machine back to life.
Sam & I said that it was amazing how they got those huge stones up at the top! They were serious craftsmen.
I have to admit I was a bit scared for Sam's safety a few times. I think he was pretty scared at times too!
It’s good to see window opened up ✅ these old buildings can be quite dark inside so definitely need maximum light you can get .
Yes exactly. Love that we can add another window without changing the original appearance of the place.
Love what you are doing, you will hopegully get the good weather now to make progress! Did you consider using glass to join the two buildings together rather than redoing the wall? You often see that on linked extensions to separate old and new.
We did think about glass and a few people have mentioned that. We will look into it as an option thanks.
Hi guys, the chicken look right at home lol.
I love your channel and videos they have such a nice vibe to them.
It's also really nice that the kids like having a go at everything and helps them bond with the land/building.
Love that you're keeping all the special features in the barn.
Sam looks like he's enjoying every minute and his enthusiasm is just amazing.
It sounds like the kids absolutely love the rope swing, and it's so good for them to be outside these days instead of on computers etc.
Awww Nell is beautiful, thanks for a great video 😃👌🌈🤟
Hi Sonya. Thanks so much for the lovely message. Glad you're enjoying the videos and seeing the animals. Yes, we much prefer the kids outside when the weather is decent.
It's a lot of work doing the cottage but so worth it. ♥️
Nell is adorable. Love your channel ❤❤❤❤
Thank you. That's really kind of you. ♥️
would be lovely (but expensive) to add glass windows top to bottom while joining the buildings. Add some much appreciated light to these lovely buildings
That's the plan, as much light as possible
I wonder how old that dirt is you're blowing out above where your lentil goes. I love all the old items you've shown and would love to learn the history of your property. So fantastic 😊
You have done sooo well🎉
Thank you so much. ♥️👍
Would you consider two glass panels to join the buildings to give a contemporary v old look. It would let more light in and save a lot of work.
We talk.about that on this week's video. 👍
Yours is a great journey. Thank you for taking us along. Please be mindfull of your audio.
Keep the microphone attached to the speaker and try to speak clearer, concisely. Your words are important. Your music and chicken site inspectors are fabulous.
Lift with your legs, not your backs.
New HampShire🇺🇲💚
Thanks for the tips!
Lots of work! Stay strong!👍🏻👏😃
Enjoyed
Great stuff you two, keep it coming 👏👏👏 I love the content and brilliant effort you guys put into the renovation, my great grandfather was a stonemason Sam and he was from Dublin and moved to North Wales where my grandad was born in Caernarfon 😀 Dave Liverpool.
Thanks Dave. We have a new found respect for stone masons. It's a lot of skill and graft!
So nice to see how well your animals get on with each other 🐓🐕🐈🐕👍🏼
We are lucky they get on. Nell and Toby seem to have started a great friendship too which is amazing.
Well done that wall is coming on nicely 👍, hang on though have you hidden some sheep 🐏🐑 somewhere for next week?😀. Take care, have a good week and enjoy.
Nell is a herding dog, so she's likely taken charge of those fleeced interlopers. 😅
Yep, no rogue sheep so far! Nell would 100% have them rounded up and away.
Hi Sam Good to meet you in Carrick the other day . Keep leaning in .
Thanks, you too!
It looks like you are a natural with the stone work. It looks a good job. Well done. You guys have got a proper small holding going now , with the chickens , Donkey , Cats and now a Dog. Great to see you are off to a good start on the renovation. 👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks Mark. Yes going well so far. Lots more work to do yet with just the walls. That is turning out to be quite the task. 😬
Congratulations on replacing the wooden lintles with concrete ones, and reopening that window or what ever it was. Why on earth (literally) was soil packed between the stones which blocked up that opening is beyond me!
Interesting…unraveling history
The house must be 200-300 years old. I'm still researching it as far back as possible.
You Guys need to watch Raising Voyagers they will show you what to do with stone and preserving heritage. Sad to see you replacing those Woden beams with concrete.
They will be faced with timber. Sadly, we perhaps don't have their budget.
How fantastic the stonework is looking. An awful lot of very hard work and a great lot of team work. Sam what an amazing little window and well done on the lentil and windowsill. Well done for your first time Sam.Becky I hope you are taking it easy tomorrow and having a happy Mother's day. It is great to see the dog fetching the ball for Euan and the cat's and chickens not worried about the running around them.I have seen a glass panel joining stone buildings Looks really good and let's extra light into the buildings, but I am sure you both have to keep control on your budget..Take care and mind yourselves God bless xx
Thank you Colette. I've had a great mothers day at Sligo Coast. The huge win was I didn't have to cook all day!
We are definitely considering the glass panel. A few people have mentioned it and it's a good idea. Thanks & hope you had a lovely day. ♥️
Brilliant video! It was awesome seeing the window, well done. Im so happy for you all and love how you have pet #13. Nell is beautiful, love her colouring. ❤❤❤
Thank you so much! Nell is settling in so well . She especially enjoys spending time with Toby which is fantastic for him.
Oh, my heart was in my mouth, watching that lintel. You’re lucky that you have some pretty big stones, so they do tend to stay in place, without the wood holding them up. But I was looking at the vertical seam to the left of the lintel, going up almost uninterrupted, most of the way to the top and waiting for it to shift. Much safer, once the first lintel was in, but still scary, because the middle is always loose rubble and soil, so it could potentially all come pouring out, like sand in an hour glass.
When our lintel let go, thankfully, nobody actually saw it. We had just finished for the day and were out on the road, sweeping out the barrow, before loading up the car to go home. But it felt like an earthquake, as stone after stone came loose and bounced off the window sill, before hitting the floor.
By the time it stopped, the wall was open the whole way to the wall plate. The snow last week loosened it some more and now the gap above the window is vee shaped, about half as wide again at the top.
I’m resigned to dismantling the walls, when I go to do mine. Luckily, there’s not much above the rest of mine. That window was almost a foot (30cm) lower than all the others. The rest of them have about 18” (45cm) of stone to remove for safe access, so that’s what I’m going to do.
I’m so relieved to see you didn’t precipitate a similar event with your gable end. The window opening looks great. What a milestone! Rinse and repeat, for the others. Let’s hope they go as smoothly.
Nell is a wonderful addition to the family. I can’t convince either of our current dogs to play with a ball. Their predecessor would play happily for hours, even without human participation.
That will provide plenty of non screen entertainment for you guys, when you’re not building.
Very interested in your plans for the floor. Your experience with that may well change my plans for ours. We have cracks in the existing concrete, now, thanks to the window catastrophe, so digging it out might make sense. Insulation would be a nice addition, as well as the already planned damp proofing.
Thanks, Duncan. You have to admit we were probably taking a big gamble there with that window. Luckily it pulled off, although we may do things differently next time!
Glad you escaped without injury when yours toppled.
The floor is tricky as we know concrete is not always the best option bit it's cheap.& easy and when in a tight budget & deadline may be the best choice!
Nell is definitely a fun dog. Our chihuahua Benji is a house/lap dog and has never chased a ball in his life. The kids are enjoying having a 'proper' dog around. 🤣
your lintel is upside down
We live and learn. 🙄
You look right professional with your hard hat on Bec!! I find it very soothing to see the progress you are making on the mortar. 👍🏼😊😊 Oh, wee Nell is lovely. ♥
🤣🤣 Less professional more just scared I'll be killed by a falling wall! Sam thinks I'm over worrying but let me tell you he put that hard hat on quick smart when he was opening that window! 🤣 Nell is so well trained, it's amazing to have her here. ♥️
The window is a triumph so far, well done.....but Nell...is fantastic! I hope she settles well. Xxx
Thank you. She's settling in so well and is loving Toby!
Great Job ! Wish you all the best for your next projects ! 🍻
Thank youthats very kind. 👍
A wonderful choice of dog a Collie is a great dog to have especially on a farm, the children will love her and she has a lovely face. I love the hen having a close look at Nell and Toby watching from afar the work you are doing. That bee hive was a lovely find. Another lovely video and have a lovely week.
Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed it. Nell is settling in brilliantly. The kids are so happy to have a dog who plays fetch.....and never stops! 🤣
Just loved watching this video, ooh the window, is beautiful 🤩 it’s getting exciting. Love the dog, gorgeous, so happy for you all,it’s all coming together, the music is fab, well done guys so happy for you xx🤗
Aww thanks so much for the really lovely comments. Glad you enjoy the videos. Makes all the effort making them worth it.x
What a reveal... great window and great job restoring the lintels... so exciting...
Looking forward to more...
And Nel... what a beauty...
A lot of hours of fun there...
If dogs are man's best friend... then you have a winner there... she has a keen eye...
is she a border collie?
Blessings to all ❤
Thank you. Yes it was so amazing to open the window if a little (lot) nerve-wracking!
Nell is a border collie and already showing us what an amazing dog she is. ♥️
Great job , opening up the window. In a previous life I replaced a few myself ( won't talk about the one that got removed and the old wall above it collapsed). A tip.. I gathered up old slate, specifically slate to use as packers under the lintels, it won't crush like stone or mortar. Your getting quite a collection of animals now, Is the dog a rescue?
Hi! Yes we were so worried about that wall above. The alcro props wouldn't reach that height so we had to be a bit reckless. Another person recommended slate. Thanks.
Yes Nell is a rescue I suppose but not from a bad owner just from someone who sadly passed away.
Fantastic work on the window. Love wee Nell. She has got a lovely new home😍
Thanks so much. We are really happy to have her here. ♥️
Love the new doggo, border collies are precious!
We are fast learning how amazing she is.
To bad they used all that trash rock on the inside walls but I guess since they were going to be covered up it didnt matter !! It is tedious work though cleaning out the joints ! The end result will look awesome I am sure !
Yes it was not fun clearing that, but it makes such a difference having that window open.
Heads are rough side down for plastering helping for gripping
Smooth side down if exposed no plaster
Thanks for that. 👍
Blimey u have a managarie! Lovely Nell welcome to LIH . Love the chooks free ranging they look great. Toby looks healthier than before.
Loving the window Sam u can see what the cottage has to offer u all ❤
Thanks. Nell is definitely settling in well. She seems to love Toby! The cottage is starting to reveal its full glory. 👍
Great work on the new old window. Your new arrival seems to be at home and everyone is getting on well 🙂
They are all getting on brilliantly thank goodness. Nell & Toby seem to be making good friends.
Was literally about to suggest doing some oak faces on them and you mentioned it lol. Great minds and all that
Yes it will really make them look so much better.
Amazing stuff guys 💖 " if I don't see you through the week I'll see you through the window" made me chuckle 😂
Ha ha! Sam loved throwing that one in! 🤣
Lots of hard work. Before repointing power wash to blast any clay/soil fines which can draw dampness. Can be worth obtaining conservation spec for the floor.
Great point! Thanks.
Great job not a bother to you 🎉 love that Nell is an older dog, as the are usually forgotten about. She's beautiful ❤
Thank you! 😊 She is such a gorgeous girl and is getting on brilliantly. We had a great day out to the beach today with her & Benji. ♥️
Wow! It's so good to see you able to move forward without waiting for bureaucracy or weather or anything else!!
When we get wind from the north its bitter, we seem to work through most weather
Yes so great to finally be able to get cracking now. Thanks.
Back in the day Ireland used to have a window tax so a lot of people blocked them up as can be seen quite a lot around dublin
A few have mentioned that and it means the house is older than we first thought
Awesome job just fascinating and how loose are some of those stones !! And all the inside looks like mud looking forward to next episode x❤😊
Thanks 👍 Yes worryingly lots of loose stones/rubble in the walls. Let's hope it stays up until we get round to pointing it.
Well done sam and becca
Thanks 👍
Great work on the window but you are going to have to put something across it or you will be sharing the house with the Swifts come April/May time. When we bought our old house in Clare they got there before us.
We have already covered it. We are worried as there are a few nests in there. We need to make boxes for them really.
Some bubble levels have two markings on them, for years I've always used the second marking as a 40 to 1 fall, so the edge of the bubble is outside of the first level mark.
You should buy a cheap 2ft one and try it or even try it in store no need to buy
24in long should give you a half an inch at the markings above
Thanks that's a great tip. 👍
What an amazing job you have done on the window, wow. As well as loving your videos, I have to say your choice of music is spot on and calming to listen too ❤🇬🇧
Thank you very much! I do try to think about the music. Need to find some new stuff though. I get a bit complacent with the ones I have downloaded already. ♥️
Infill that gap with glass windows not stone. That would maintain the historic nature of the two separate buildings.
That's our new plan. 👍
A lot of hard work but the stone is beautiful...well done.
Thank you very much.
Maybe use a mortar bag to fill the spaces in the wall and then tool it once it is in place.
Thanks I'll look into that 👍
This channel is absolutely superb - all the right ingredients and really genuine characters with oodles of enthusiasm and appeal. It always brightens my day watching your videos. I too am an expat a bit further south from you so I understand your vision - I shan't say 'keep up the good work' because I know you will! Best wishes.
Wow, thank you! Such a nice comment to read. It makes all the effort & time spent filming & editing worthwhile. ♥️
@@theirishhomestead You deserve it.