Young couple transforms old Loire cave in unique home/rental

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  • Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
  • Alexis Lamoureux was looking for affordable housing for himself and his girlfriend Lotte van Riel when he rediscovered his great aunt’s old troglodyte home for sale by the local government in Amboise, France.
    It had been abandoned for 35 years and in danger of collapse so the young couple picked it up for very little. Unable to get a bank loan, they decided to do as much of the work as possible themselves and to continue working (Lamoureux as a bartender) to pay for others to do the structural work.
    Over the following four years, Lamoureux and van Riel- both previously inexperienced in the trades- learned to plumb, wire, and tile and created a stunning, modern cave home. “We were lucky enough to have a project and focus on it so all the money we had we just invested it in the place,” explains Lamoureux. Adds van Riel, “We stopped traveling, we just worked, worked, worked.”
    When they finished their own home, they turned a second cave on the property, at one time used to store coal- into a nightly rental.
    / amboisetroglodyte
    Original story: faircompanies....

Комментарии • 632

  • @philiq18
    @philiq18 7 лет назад +168

    There's something to be said about building your own house (shelter). It's one of the greatest feelings of accomplishment you can ever have. Thanks for sharing. Wonderful space.

    • @annalamber5341
      @annalamber5341 4 года назад

      Ok

    • @00inwiththenew00
      @00inwiththenew00 4 года назад

      I disagree. I HATE renovating & DIY, but I am okay with hiring people to do the work. Honestly, DIY it makes me resentful of the space because I remember all of the frustrations & problems.

  • @johanna2059
    @johanna2059 5 лет назад +7

    This couple put so much work into their home, going by the before and after pictures. It was a Labour of love and it shows, it's a beautiful home for a beautiful couple.

  • @fourtails1192
    @fourtails1192 5 лет назад +38

    Such a great idea and what a lovely couple..I wish them many happy years in their fantastic home.

  • @abovetheflood862
    @abovetheflood862 7 лет назад +22

    I like how they updated the home but kept it fitting with the traditional French village style of the surrounding neighborhood, with local stone-masonry etc. A lot of these builds they renovate the homes to an ultra-modern style which can be nice on its own but always seems out of place when surrounded by historical buildings.

    • @megaswenson
      @megaswenson 5 лет назад +1

      I agree. The video's description led me to believe I was about to see another Modernist nightmare. Instead, the home, and its owners, are in perfect continuity with the region's traditions (right down to that PERFECT blue paint color for the exterior doors).

  • @keeperofthegood
    @keeperofthegood 7 лет назад +27

    I would happily live the life of modern day Flintstones! HAHA they sound amazed how well the wood stove heats the home. When I was little, growing up, at my late great aunts home before she got a furnace installed it was normal ritual to stoke the wood stove in the kitchen at 4 am. To get the bread dough rising and by 5 to get the bread baking and by 6am having hot fresh bread in the warmed house. When it was -18C/0F and colder outside, you shivered a lot to get the wood stove refired but once it did all three floors of the home were more than comfortable.

  • @rodmoyes2235
    @rodmoyes2235 7 лет назад +27

    Very inspiring. Not that I'll have a cave but I think the dedication, skill and belief apply to any dwelling.

  • @melovescoffee
    @melovescoffee 7 лет назад +74

    Wow, what a unique home! Plus points for not stuffing it with gaudy fake chique.

    • @mjade1673
      @mjade1673 6 лет назад +2

      melovescoffee in france? They would do that ?

  • @cynthiahofer2903
    @cynthiahofer2903 7 лет назад +22

    Hard work and visualization pays off. I like that they used recycled material. Beautiful.

  • @jeanettewaverly2590
    @jeanettewaverly2590 7 лет назад +45

    Wow! What a labor of love! Great union of local talent with traditional skills and cutting edge "troglodyte" technology. Thank you for yet another great video.

  • @carltaylor4942
    @carltaylor4942 5 лет назад +150

    I live in a cave area in Spain - I'd never go back to living in a "normal" house. I have no heating or air-conditioning bills!

    • @kirstendirksen
      @kirstendirksen  5 лет назад +3

      Where in Spain?

    • @carltaylor4942
      @carltaylor4942 5 лет назад +7

      @@kirstendirksen - In Jaen, Andalusia - if you want to see what it's like round here, check out some RUclips videos about Guadix/

    • @v.r.2834
      @v.r.2834 5 лет назад +4

      You lucky one 🤗

    • @carltaylor4942
      @carltaylor4942 5 лет назад +21

      @@v.r.2834 - It's not really a question of luck. The properties are very cheap and usually in pretty poor condition. It took me a year of very hard work to get mine livable. But worth every minute in the end.

    • @v.r.2834
      @v.r.2834 5 лет назад +3

      Carl Taylor But now you are lucky to enjoy it 🤗

  • @madge3628
    @madge3628 4 года назад +1

    I admire this young couple thinking outside the box, restoring a cave with all the amenities for a comfortable home, bravo!

  • @willywhite492
    @willywhite492 7 лет назад +164

    What a great couple, so full of passion. I really enjoyed what they have created together and not many couples work well together. Did they say that they rent out their suite?

    • @kirstendirksen
      @kirstendirksen  7 лет назад +11

      They do. There's a link to their Facebook page in the text.

    • @reworldmeditation7797
      @reworldmeditation7797 7 лет назад +1

      Willy White yes

    • @DanielinLaTuna
      @DanielinLaTuna 7 лет назад +2

      Willy White, you have a great VW Type 2; I've never seen a yellow one. Wish I still had mine.

  • @tryn2bnice557
    @tryn2bnice557 7 лет назад +38

    im just picking up my jaw from the floor. truly amazing.

    • @tabcan
      @tabcan 7 лет назад +2

      Me too. It's as beautiful as they are.

  • @helenhines2712
    @helenhines2712 6 лет назад +1

    It looks so much better in the inside than from the outside. Wow, the couple did an amazing job renovating that cave. It's definitely homey and livable now.

  • @ConChaz100
    @ConChaz100 7 лет назад +9

    Beautiful! Thank You for restoring this Alexis and Lotte. This must have been very hard work but now to enjoy. Taking something old and about to collapse and making it NEW and USEFUL again . BELLE!

  • @masonkim7
    @masonkim7 7 лет назад +34

    you guys are pumping amazing content just constantly.
    Amazing work as always.

  • @canthony722
    @canthony722 7 лет назад +10

    such a charming couple....they've worked so hard and it's a magnificent accomplishment!

  • @kerryoke68
    @kerryoke68 7 лет назад +32

    I am in love with this home and I agree with everyone else, they seem like such a nice couple. Another great video. Thank you.

  • @KahaniPulaao
    @KahaniPulaao 7 лет назад +55

    there's something really meditative about your content....love this channel..

    • @mjade1673
      @mjade1673 6 лет назад

      Kanishka Singh riiiigghhht 👍👍👍

  • @lorrilewis2178
    @lorrilewis2178 7 лет назад +15

    Boy, they really earned that place. Amazing!

  • @kariec3197
    @kariec3197 7 лет назад +1

    I want to stay here!!! FUN! And LOTS of work, but definitely worth it!

  • @wolfgangweber2516
    @wolfgangweber2516 5 лет назад +7

    what a nice multitalented couple, not lasy at all. my respect.

  • @BrassLock
    @BrassLock 7 лет назад +87

    This couple have that wonderful passion, enthusiasm and creative energy that makes anything possible. If they can afford to travel once again, I'm sure they'd enjoy visiting the opal miner's underground houses in Coober Pedy, South Australia. They'd find kindred spirits; the same enthusiasm for life exists there too.

    • @katherinegaughan45
      @katherinegaughan45 7 лет назад +2

      dav snow
      I was thinking of that half a second before I saw your comments. :D

    • @gretheladegaard3169
      @gretheladegaard3169 6 лет назад +1

      dav snow

    • @loiscassels8966
      @loiscassels8966 6 лет назад +1

      We stayed in a cave hostel when we were in Coober Pedy, nice and cool, dark and quiet.

    • @MissGloriosa
      @MissGloriosa 4 года назад

      This house reminded me of Coober Pedy actually. I was checking out real estate just a couple weeks ago there.

  • @jimmyfortrue3741
    @jimmyfortrue3741 6 лет назад

    What a delightful couple. Not afraid of hard work and taking chances. Now they have one of the most beautiful and historical homes in the world. Built with their labor and the labor of peoples past. Wonderful video. thanks.

  • @jonmessenger5621
    @jonmessenger5621 2 года назад +1

    Did anyone else catch the cat @ 4:39? LOL His reverse works really well. Thank you Kristen for doing these wonderful videos. Stay safe and may God bless you and your family.....Jon

  • @unfabulouslyfabulous
    @unfabulouslyfabulous 7 лет назад +7

    i cant get over how wonderful this is! a labor of love that turned out truly spectacular!

  • @Apafej627
    @Apafej627 7 лет назад +19

    Wow, this is just simply beautiful.

  • @cynthiamarble8384
    @cynthiamarble8384 6 лет назад +1

    Why would anyone dislike this,it is like a fairy land for this couple, they r so wonderful together.who would not want a relationship like this

  • @d.e.7467
    @d.e.7467 7 лет назад +2

    Beautiful place and the story is fascinating.

  • @ashurgeorge4604
    @ashurgeorge4604 7 лет назад +42

    Another great video from my favorite channel on RUclips.

  • @aldoulysses
    @aldoulysses 7 лет назад +28

    I wouldn't be surprised if someone made a joke about it. " how can you not know? *Have you been living under a rock all these years?".

  • @chramec
    @chramec 7 лет назад +35

    This is awesome, but I don't think I would ever get over the fear that it could collapse on top of me.

    • @Day23J1k
      @Day23J1k 7 лет назад +5

      I was looking at news feed about elderly couple live in cave I think about 50 years and it still standing and not as morden as this one. Don't fear, because you be just fine.

    • @kittykatz3518
      @kittykatz3518 4 года назад +2

      Earthquakes???

    • @judieg.7945
      @judieg.7945 4 года назад

      I'm with you.

    • @wendyannh
      @wendyannh 4 года назад +1

      ​@@kittykatz3518 In an earthquake, the safest place to be is on bedrock. That's what caves are dug out of ;-)

    • @alfrancis8
      @alfrancis8 4 года назад +1

      Its been around for hundreds of years.... it will be there till we are gone :)

  • @TheMrsemmapeel
    @TheMrsemmapeel 7 лет назад +1

    Mrs. Dirksen I wish to thank you for your videos. Your style of making videos about unique and tiny living spaces through the heart and the work of the builders/owners makes it fun to watch, especially for those with a fascination for unique and tiny living space. Through your eyes we can be kids in a candy store.

  • @gigiatkins5923
    @gigiatkins5923 5 лет назад +5

    I LOVE old homes with modern amenities 🥰

  • @SageBlackthorn
    @SageBlackthorn 7 лет назад +5

    I really like this place Kirsten, it is gorgeous. I especially love how they left the tool marks in the ceiling at 14:00 or so. The history behind this home must be incredible.

  • @deemic654
    @deemic654 7 лет назад +4

    What a charming couple.
    They really did an amazing job and they have a truly unique and beautiful home.

  • @Swampwitch99
    @Swampwitch99 6 лет назад +1

    What an amazing couple, so genuine and passionate! I love seeing people who are not afraid to go after a dream and share their experiences with others so openly. The comments are unsurprisingly filled with love for this couple, they are truly inspiring

  • @petronellakayanan5160
    @petronellakayanan5160 4 года назад +1

    It is a miracle that two people can work together so well - everyone's dream. Very nicely done.

  • @toffthe
    @toffthe 5 лет назад +5

    One of the most beautiful places I've seen. Also I want to have a drink in that guy's bar. He's brilliant.

  • @leannaestep3066
    @leannaestep3066 6 лет назад +1

    A beautiful and unique place to live your lives.

  • @carl5192
    @carl5192 7 лет назад +57

    The french always have style

    • @T.J
      @T.J 3 года назад

      And we actually say troglodytique

  • @evah787
    @evah787 5 лет назад +2

    Amazing! This couple have done a great job. What a lovely home....who would have thought that a "cave" could end up looking so comfortable. Blessings to you! (From Australia 😊)

  • @almabayomi8065
    @almabayomi8065 4 года назад +1

    I love the cave home! Beautiful! This couple has a beautiful and bold personalities! They deserve the very best!

  • @wasblind4835
    @wasblind4835 7 лет назад +1

    Very beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

  • @retrobebop61
    @retrobebop61 7 лет назад +5

    Omg Kirsten!! A cave!!! So cool!!! Thanks so much! Happy New Year!!

  • @gargangrg2116
    @gargangrg2116 4 года назад

    I rent a troglodyte in south Loire valley 10y ago (where lived hemp weavers between the 17th an 19th century) during a few months and this wasn't such a nice experience, considering the renovation was minimalistic (always charming when some tuffeau pieces falling on your head when you're in the bathroom for exemple, or moisture everywhere even with a lot of ventilation). Here it's completly the opposite, it looks so sane and even bright, without constant dust and moisture. What a great job they did !

  • @nostrathomas2437
    @nostrathomas2437 5 лет назад +3

    These two are very natural in front of the camera .. perhaps they could do a series on troglodyte homes.

  • @natashasemrau3670
    @natashasemrau3670 4 года назад

    What a way to live! The tile floor is great. No large utilities bills is a big plus. Smart people to understand the best side of cave living!😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇

  • @marynichols438
    @marynichols438 5 лет назад +2

    Your home is beautiful and cozy. I admire all of the work that you put into restoring it.

  • @jackyblue67same10
    @jackyblue67same10 7 лет назад +2

    Wow those tiles in that second part is so georgeous. This is a very expensive home I would think. Everything in this home is just perfect I would love to live there.

  • @dcat1285
    @dcat1285 6 лет назад +1

    they worked so hard to restore this home - and the result is beautiful!

  • @jackyblue67same10
    @jackyblue67same10 7 лет назад +2

    That is just absolutely beautiful inside & out. I know they worked really hard on that home & it really shows.

  • @Sassyglbeauty
    @Sassyglbeauty 4 года назад

    Man. This guy kinda got under my skin at first. But, have to give respect to them for this beautiful restoration job on this beautiful home. I would never move out.

  • @jenniferditchett4950
    @jenniferditchett4950 7 лет назад +6

    Great video as usual. Love this young couple and their beautiful house.

  • @vntgvxn4778
    @vntgvxn4778 7 лет назад

    The 4 years that this couple worked on this home, was time well spent. This place is absolutely gorgeous!

  • @tommyboybr
    @tommyboybr 4 года назад +4

    Wow, I love it!!!
    It looks so cozy.

  • @CrankyBubushka
    @CrankyBubushka 7 лет назад +7

    Wow, That is so lovely. They did a wonderful job.

  • @H11X11N
    @H11X11N 5 лет назад +1

    What a beautiful dream home!!

  • @christopherswartz792
    @christopherswartz792 7 лет назад +1

    So stunning! Was not expecting such a beautiful place inside but that was gorgeous. Great couple full of life.

  • @magicgemmaster566
    @magicgemmaster566 7 лет назад +6

    I liked this couple more and more as I watched. tres cool😍

  • @denaredford6701
    @denaredford6701 2 года назад

    Very talented couple , they created a beautiful cave home .

  • @seanstampley9739
    @seanstampley9739 3 года назад

    That is the coolest, no pun intended, living space I've ever seen... It's beautiful!!

  • @rwatts2155
    @rwatts2155 7 лет назад +1

    I absolutely LOVE your home! I'd love to live in one of the caves in the Loire. Congratulations on creating such a beautiful home from the ruin.

  • @lisakilmer2667
    @lisakilmer2667 7 лет назад +1

    Another informative and inspirational home! What a colossal amount of effort this couple have gone to. One can only hope it was worth their work. Beautiful melding of old and modern.

  • @sokhibabdurasulov3323
    @sokhibabdurasulov3323 6 лет назад +1

    I admire everything about this couple and their work

  • @Musique61414
    @Musique61414 4 года назад

    What an awesome home, reminds me of Cooper Pedy. What a great hard working couple!

  • @fuse9
    @fuse9 4 года назад +8

    you act like you've been living under a rock.
    THEM: Yes

  • @franciestokes3195
    @franciestokes3195 4 года назад +1

    What amazing people amazing job you done to you new home hello from Ireland 👍🇮🇪☘️

  • @curtisburnham8099
    @curtisburnham8099 6 лет назад +1

    Thank you Kirsten for all of your hard work.

  • @AudreyHeadley
    @AudreyHeadley 6 лет назад +1

    Wow really enjoy watching how you renovate this beautiful cave in your home just awesome

  • @socorromattos1515
    @socorromattos1515 4 года назад +3

    Muito bonito essa casa construída nessa montanha parabéns

  • @hananmustafa4789
    @hananmustafa4789 4 года назад

    I can't believe how much effort you have put in that house!what you have done is absolutely amazing! You are a unique couple

  • @erikasauder3757
    @erikasauder3757 6 лет назад +1

    Love people with extraordinary good taste and visionary know how. What an incredible project! Loved the tour, many thanks.
    Erika.

  • @Paul-tu8fg
    @Paul-tu8fg 7 лет назад +2

    How interesting. Your videos have truly expanded my perspective. There are living models out there that I had never even considered. Keep up the great work.

  • @allluckyseven
    @allluckyseven 7 лет назад +68

    4:38 - Stunt cat jumps backwards.

    • @natashagardner7101
      @natashagardner7101 7 лет назад

      allluckyseven where?

    • @eelised7805
      @eelised7805 7 лет назад

      allluckyseven is that what that little flash of black was? I thought it was a bird.

    • @allluckyseven
      @allluckyseven 7 лет назад

      +Natasha Gardner
      Bottom center, under the window and over the wall.

    • @purrrrson
      @purrrrson 5 лет назад +3

      I don't get how you see it jump backwards? It jumps and moves like a typical cat does!! No backwards gymnastics, here!!

    • @karchoube
      @karchoube 5 лет назад +1

      @@purrrrson If you look closely, he jumps tail first :)

  • @thommackenzie9436
    @thommackenzie9436 2 года назад

    Absolutely Stunning !!!! .....Great People , Great "Digs" !!!!

  • @tampauser6879
    @tampauser6879 5 лет назад

    What a cool place to live. The rooms are beautiful with that soft creamy color. It only detracts a little bit, but as for the trenches around the fireplace, those could easily be sculpted to match the texture of the natural surrounding stone. You wouldn't even notice them. That would be a fun project. Good luck I hope you have room for kids so they can grow up in there.

  • @pennylane77
    @pennylane77 5 лет назад +1

    Lovely couple. A lot of hard work and a vision, anything is possible. Bravo.

  • @habatonka1022
    @habatonka1022 6 лет назад

    Un trabajo excelente!!!
    No se nota la sensación de claustrofobia típica de las cuevas, si no que se siente amplitud y harmonía. Un ambiente sencillo y acogedor.

  • @latishabrown801
    @latishabrown801 7 лет назад +6

    I absolutely love that home😍.

  • @laylacordall7654
    @laylacordall7654 7 лет назад +2

    May God bless and grant you peace in your beautiful home, it is truly lovely for such an appreciative couple as you....peace

  • @mjade1673
    @mjade1673 6 лет назад +1

    Wow , its beautiful!!✊💝

  • @wendyjomendy
    @wendyjomendy 4 года назад

    You two are hard workers great personalities and hour hard work paid of with exquisite beauty! 👏 Thank you for bringing us into your home and your adventure. Oh yes you did take the flintstones to a whole new realm btw!😃 Yabba Dabba dooo- God bless you. 🙏

  • @rt3156
    @rt3156 7 лет назад +11

    Amazing!

  • @christinearmington
    @christinearmington 3 года назад

    I met a couple who lived in a cave there fifteen years ago. Blew my mind!

  • @BOARDMAN16456
    @BOARDMAN16456 4 года назад

    AMAZING PLACE, GOOD TO SEE THE YOUNG COUPLE GET DOWN AND DIRTY TO BUILD THERE FUTURES,
    Respect troops
    🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿SCOTLAND🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

  • @mwj5368
    @mwj5368 7 лет назад +9

    Amazing design and beautiful. It is also low carbon footprint to keep yourselves warm in winter and cool in summer. All the very hard work to transform the space! What a horrible mess to clean up, yet you did so very well, a beautiful green generation home! Not all underground spaces have radon, yet it is something to test. The only thing I'm somewhat concerned about is radon gas. Have you ever tested your space for radon? In the overall, this is so beautiful and kind of magical, like in some storybook the way the walls and ceiling are.

    • @mikebradley4096
      @mikebradley4096 5 лет назад

      No problem with Radon here, this is a cave in tufa (limestone). Radon comes out of granite (eg Cornwall, Aberdeen) so no need to worry.

  • @andrer.boucher1137
    @andrer.boucher1137 4 года назад

    Determination and enthusiasm is the key. Both on the same page. Stunning results. Much respect.

  • @juandenz2008
    @juandenz2008 7 лет назад +1

    Amazing ! Actually I visited the Amboise a couple of years ago and walked past the troglodyte homes ! Thanks for explaining how the property deeds worked too, I was curious about that. I was worried people might just keep excavating back into the hill in order to create some extra rooms ! For those who are interested there was a episode of the british tv series Grand Designs where someone renovated a cave house in Britain (series 16 episode 4 The Cave House)

  • @GnatManAllinCoIronWorks
    @GnatManAllinCoIronWorks 7 лет назад +4

    WOW! My Dream,but in France,,,,I'll STILL take it! lol Beautiful,thank you for sharing! C-Ya!,,,,Peace!

  • @hazelwesson-peterson9633
    @hazelwesson-peterson9633 7 лет назад +1

    amazing!

  • @lauralanzoni525
    @lauralanzoni525 6 лет назад

    !!!!!!! I was in Amboise in August 2017 and I remember looking at these gorgeous troglodyte houses (hell, I even remember this one in particular as it's super close to the castle), wondering what's like living there. Thank you so much for this video!!

  • @jameskennedy9655
    @jameskennedy9655 6 лет назад +3

    Home Sweet Home. beautiful couple, loved your video😊

  • @WaywardLifeSailing
    @WaywardLifeSailing 4 года назад +1

    such a rad place!! Really makes me want a cave house.

  • @pinkponyofprey1965
    @pinkponyofprey1965 7 лет назад +1

    totally bad ass! if there was any lime stone like that over here I'm ready to move in NOW! :D

  • @ralevdotcom
    @ralevdotcom 7 лет назад +1

    Inspiring!

  • @Nelson_Nicholson
    @Nelson_Nicholson Год назад +1

    This is a really awesome place. I love it.

  • @mikeluit3027
    @mikeluit3027 Год назад

    Love the information provided by the anchoring screws and plates. I imagine all those years of thermal expansion and contraction due to the internal thermal differences had a detrimental effect on the stone mass.

  • @fernandotalavera3404
    @fernandotalavera3404 5 лет назад

    Muy buena idea, natural y recuperando una casa que se habría olvidado.

  • @raylefresne8019
    @raylefresne8019 7 лет назад

    You put a lot of sweat into this home with soul. It's beautiful ! It must be so quiet and still.