Will it be worth it? Renovating our abandoned caravan park
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- Опубликовано: 28 мар 2023
- Renovating our abandoned caravan park | Building a tiny home & off grid homestead in Wales.
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About us: We're Jon & Emilie, a husband and wife living in West-Wales with our dog Maggie. It's always been our goal to live within our means and be mortgage free, so we’ve just sold our house and used all of our life savings to buy a 3 acre abandoned caravan park, so we can self build a tiny home.
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I must say 1 of the things I really respect you for is the fact that you recycle, on a large project like this it would be easy to just hire a few large skips and just dump everything, but you recycle and reuse many things it brings my heart joy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I absolutely agree. It makes my heart sing to see you reuse the decking boards for the wood storage and all the recycling you have done. You should be very proud of the way you have gone on this journey so far.
Thanks so much Andrew 😊 we knew taking on the project was going to be alot of work, so we wanted to make sure we were doing it right and as earth friendly as we could. Even though we didn't create the rubbish, it's our responsibility to be a environmentally friendly as we can and also the kinder we are to the land the kinder it will be to us 🥰
@@Rani1470 thanks so much Rani 🥰🙏
@@CampOutWest We have only 1 planet, so lets treat it better than those that came before us. That's my philosophy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
There's a misconception that skips just feed landfill or incinerators. To a degree, skip companies separate the contents of skips for recycling.
You're very fortunate to be permitted into the local recycling centre. The local council in this part of England won't let me in with waste from my house refurbishment due to the size of my van (I don't have a car) A van or trailer like yours would be able to apply for 12 permits a year, but they say that if you're doing a renovation at home, you should hire a skip, so they might not accept your waste at all given the scale of your project. At least those regions that charge per bag, etc. will have to stop when the law changes; unsurprisingly, it's apparently encouraged flytipping!!
Disclaimer: to everyone asking why we recycled the decking off cuts rather than put them in our log storage to use in our log burners in the future - the decking boards have been treated with a chemical weather protector, so really shouldn't be used in a log burner due to the toxic chemicals on them 😅
What I was wondering is why you didn't keep that wood to help with your project of building your house. I know some of it is small but you will need small pieces.
@@vernieplummer5148 thanks vernie 😊 we don't want to build our house out of the old decking boards and we still have hundreds of full planks left over for future projects, so no need to keep the random off cuts xx
You should Not Under Any Circumstances burn treated wood, AT ALL...
what exactly do you think happens to it after you left it at the station?
USA Oregon like your content hard work.
BETWEEN HOMESTEADERS IN THE USA, & NOW CAMP OUT WEST, NO NETFLIX FOR ME. I GAVE IT UP. LOVE YOUR CHANNEL ❤❤&& MAGGIE!❤❤
Dear goddess, they just never stop. The amount of STUFF they excavated from this place is mind numbing. It feels as if the ground can finally breathe again. Well done, Camp Out West people!
Thank you Lo!
Thank you Lo :) you'll be happy to hear we're having a rest day today haha!
You both have put so much thought into recycling and the disposal of toxic waste! Ethical and thorough! I take my hat off to you both! Such a huge challenge but you are taking time to do it all by hand and bringing back the Earth from all those pollutants! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏💜💜💜💜
Thank you Ava 💜💜
We did a remodel in '07 and recycled the bulk of what we tore out of the house. What you are both doing reminds me so much of those days. I found this quote at that time and thought I'd share it with you. "We are not to throw away those things which can benefit our neighbor. Goods are called good because they can be used for good: they are instruments for good, in the hands of those who use them properly."
- Clement of Alexandria (150-220 A.D.)
LOVE that quote Charmaine, thank you so much for sharing 🧡
@@CampOutWest 🥰
@@CampOutWest if u guys ever want to sell let me no
You two need a medal , just watched 1 year off grid , what a mess for you to clean up , looking forward to your new build 👏👏👏👍
“Will it be worth it?”. Totally. We’ve seen the job you did on the caravan. Bringing the site back to life must be so satisfying.
Thanks so much George! Honestly, it's the most statisfying thing we've ever done :)
That's one huge project yous have taken on. Really appreciate that you not only go through the effort of filming the journey, but you're also taking the time to sort the recycling. Amazing!!
Thanks so much JB! 🙂
It must be difficult to keep motivated with such a huge project……John is very lucky to have a good lady who mucks in and helps get this going! You guys have made huge progress, congrats!
Na quite the opposite, exciting. It's when you've done everything and finished and think wtf next is when the problems arise lol these projects keep you going unless your a lazy fecker
Thanks Richard 😊
I love how you refer to your place as the "land" rather than "property". It speaks volumes.
Thanks SJR 🙂
Respect to you for digging by hand through what is effectively a rubbish dump. Massive task.
Thank you! Hard but satisfying :)
I think chickens are on their way ❤️. Love to see your progress the wood shed is fab. X
Thanks Frankie! We are so happy with how it turned out ❤ good guess 👀 stay tuned!!
Looking so much better, you've both done an amazing job, love the wood store and your desire to recycle as much as humanly possible. Well done.
Thanks so much Linda 🥰 such a satisfying feeling!
If this planet survives it will be almost entirely due to your generation, your adventurous spirit and the Herculean effort you’ve made to clear up the crap that my, and previous generations have left you in. You deserve lots of good things to happen for you.
Thanks so much Euchrid. We are so excited to bring our land back to life 🙂
Dont forget to treat the re-used wood after jet washing the surface off! It rots so quickly when left un-treated. The hard work put into that incredible log store, it might rot out the back pretty fast. We had some wood rot in just 2 years.
Loving the clearing, excited to see what you do with the land as it progresses.
Every time I watch this I cant cease to be amazed at the sheer hard graft that you do. Something that most people your age couldn't even comprehend, again Dai iawn!!
Diolch! Thank you ❤ we are loving every second
You two work together so well, thank you for sharing what you are doing I’m astounded at the amount of rubbish. The recycling you are doing is great.
Thanks so much Shirley ❤ cannot wait to see where we are in a year's time!
The Local Birds love it when you get the Rake out.
Love it when they follow us around as we are working 😊
I'm gonna start calling you to the dynamic duo you too are the Batman and Robin of getting the job done fast 🤩
hahah thanks Marie! Batman & Robin plus little Maggie 🙂
What a brilliant job guys. It's so good to see you clearing that plot 'manually' and recycling most of what appears! You are real grafters with so much enthusiasm and energy and interest in the environment, it's a pleasure to watch you work 😊
Another quick tip for the log splitting.. on top of your fantastic chopping block - get yourselves an old car tyre, the smaller diameter the better. The old mini 10" tyres were best but 12 or 13" work fine, Then that lays on top of the block and the logs sit inside it. You split the log as normal and the tyre catches the pieces. It's not perfect but it will result in so much less bending down.. which your back WILL thank me for!
Thanks so much Peter 😊 thanks for the car tyre tip! Sounds great!
You guys work so hard for future dreams and one day you will be rewarded for your hard work 😊
Thanks Mike 🥰
Emilie: "PPE is very important!"
Jon: "I have a beard!"
🤣🤣
hahahha! this made us laugh out LOUD!
I loved the outtakes at the end. "Em is a Gem". It looks like she's well taken care of by Jon.
I'm very lucky 🥰 Jon takes the best care of me ❤
@@CampOutWest Thank you for sharing that moment. It was awesome to see how he reacted.
Hats off to you both! You are amazing with a strong work ethic which I really admire. Also, your commitment to recycling and ethical disposal is admirable. Well done x
Thanks so much Audrey 😊
Bloody brilliant! You work soooo hard - great to see your accomplishments - it must be so very rewarding
Can’t wait to see each stage of your dream manifest 🌟🧡🌟
Thanks so much Debra 🥰
That is a marvelous wood storage she you built. Wood floor up on blocks,solid roof,air flow walls, and paving to stand on so you are not in mud as you get your wood. Way better then the lean to we had years ago!
Thanks so much Judy! So pleased with how it turned out 🎉
As someone that chopped more than his fair share of logs, just a tip to help speed things up an save your back. If you can, find an old tire and place your logs in it. It should prevent most of the splits from flying all about.
If the tire is too big just cut a section away then fasten it to the stump. Please Remember to poke holes in the tire, unless your intent is to start a mosquito breeding farm 😊
I love your ethos and that you declare how important they are to you. Your land is looking amazing! I hope for baby goats to keep the strimming work down!
Thank you Amme 🥲❤️
I love seeing your process, your realistic timeline, and your dedication to recycling/reusing! 🙌 such enjoyable videos
Thanks so much Maya 😊
That bird you videoed is a European robin; they love to hang around you when they they think you are gardenening, for hours sometimes, to try and get the worms "for free", without having to dig themselves 🙂
Feel very happy to have lovely Robins living on our land 🙂
So worth it! These video's are beyond satisfying watching it all happen!
So pleased you are enjoying 😊😊
I'm so chuffed I found your channel at the beginning of your journey. I'm really enjoying watching you both building your future together.
So pleased you found us too 😊 thanks for your support Angela ❤
You two really are exemplars of how to do such a project with integrity. I'm Very impressed and wish you all the very best,
Thanks for your kindness Alan 🥰
I have only just found your channel and I’m really enjoying binge watching from the very beginning you guys are extremely hard-working, and it’s very inspiring and very excited to see what the next set of videos has in store xx
Wow! You are both working so hard. Your property and home will be wonderful. I can’t wait to see more. ❤️
Thanks Dee! Can't wait to show you what's next 🎉
Beautiful wood shelter! When splitting wood, you can save time by leaving the split pieces on the ground until finished, then moving it in and stacking by armfuls.
Thanks for the tip Donna 😊
Hello from Oklahoma...USA! Glad I found your video’s! Enjoying watching the cleanup. Can’t wait to watch the transformations into your new homestead.
Leave the axe with the edge buried in to a piece of wood, out of the rain. It will keep the edge sharper.
Thanks for the tip Trevor :)
Great to see you doing so well bud. Having known you across the years and worked together I'm super proud to see you guys follow your dreams. G
Cheers Gee
Hi, you're both doing an amazing job and its great to watch you recycle and pick out all the rubbish right back to bare soil just the way i would do it.
I'd be much more interested in doing this kind of project over renovating a house as with this you have the land and space to breathe.
Thanks Mark. Can't tell you how satisfying it is cleaning it up bit by bit 🥰 feeling very lucky the land is ours 🙏
@@CampOutWest i thought you might be interested and get some ideas from an amazing channel who built an awesome home on a double trailer chasis.
The channel is ..The Restoration Couple.. plus they have another channel ..Diyfarm.. more focused on the farm they are bringing back to life.
What you guys are achieving is amazing. Good on you for bringing an abandoned scruffy bit of land back to life.
Thanks so much! The most stratifying feeling 🙏🙏
You guys are amazing. What a project to take on. You have blown us away. With your hard work. Amazing. Hugo & Rosie from Scotland. 🍀🍀🍀👍
Thanks so much Hugo & Rosie 😊
Loved this video! It must be so so much work clearing up all the rubbish you’re finding, thank goodness the land has you guys now restoring it ☺️ and on the plus you get to make super cool things for free! That wood storage is absolutely beautiful!!
Thanks both! Cannot believe how much rubbish we keep finding, just yesterday I found so much buried metal while clearing around a tree in our field BUT the light is at the end of the tunnel! Can't wait to have you guys video ☺
Greatly admire the two of you for your courage to have taken on this project and keep yourselves motivated.
Also, the wood storage turned out very nice - congratulations!!
Thanks so much R. Got to admit we struggle to keep motivated when it's pouring outside but once we're out and start working we quickly enjoy 😊
I have just discovered your channel. I am blown away by the work you have created for yourself by recycling everything but so glad you are doing it. Well done! 🙂
Thanks so much Petrelles 😊
A great log storage! Think of what you saved by making your own log storage shelter!! Great job!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Thanks Ava 🙂 we were so happy with how it turned out!
Love the log store guys 🔥👏 Wish you’d uploaded this before we filmed making ours, could’ve stolen some tips /inspiration 😂
Thank you 😍😍 can't believe we've have one! #lifedream
I really enjoy your videos, you two have such a positive outlook and such hard workers! You are making amazing progress!
Thanks for your support June 🥰❤️
You have to be careful splitting wood with an axe. A slight mis-cue when striking will send the axe anywhere including legs. Place the log on the far side of the chopping block, if you miss you only hit the block and not swing through.
Rather than taking a powerful swing hit the log hard enough to embed the axe then lift both axe and log and swing together, also avoid logs with big knots unless they are really dry good luck Doug
Ps I'm a heavy equipment engineer and was maintaining machines on that colliery and many others over the past 50 years
You're insane! Crazy in all the best ways. Thank you for recycling ♻️ and best of luck one on making your dreams come true. Can't wait the next update.
Goats
That is literally Jon's dream since he was a child 😍
All credit to you both for the amount of work you have done & the way you have changed the land around you.
I should think you cant wait for the machine to arrive & start the leveling. take care.
Thanks Bob 🙂 we had our excavator driver come by this week for a quote. hoping he can start over the next 1-2 weeks if the weather stays dry!
Truly so much respect for your struggles to recycle all that is possible! Just a tip about chopping wood: please, please stand with feet well apart, not lined up behind your ax swing as that is the cause of most leg chopping accidents when a swing misses. Knees slightly bent avoids losing balance too. Watching your love of the land from Canada. Cheers!
You have done an excellent job , we love watching the hard work you are doing and the added experience of not doing it ourselves Crack on 😊😊😊😊 Be safe .
Great job, and great video! I wish you 100.000 subscribers until summer, you deserve it.
You guys are so kind to each other. ❤️❤️ Love it. I hope you're getting goats!!!!! They would smash those weeds.
Thanks so much Hope 😊
Try putting an old tyre on top of your chopping block, it will save the split logs flying all over the ground, which you spend a longtime picking up.
TOP TIP. Put a suitable sized car tyre flat on your chopping block and it will prevent the chopped bits of firewood disappearing across your property. Unless of course you prefer the exercise.
Thanks for the tip David 🙂
Hi Emilie Jon ,what a difference you two had made to this site so much recycling to be done just love watching you two working together you make a great team,Emilie I was so sorry to read about you medical problems I truly hope you can overcome your problems,I see you sister is the same so sorry for the both of you ,bless you both,,like your wood store but you should have put a slop on the roof so the water can run of ,this is just my opinion,great blog most enjoyable till next time take care keep yourself safe,John 👀🫢🤭🫣😥😆🥱🤔🫢🤫😝
I love watching your videos so much. Very addictive. You are making lots of progress and I can't wait for the next one.
Thanks so much Patricia 😊 can't wait to show you what's next ❤
I could have watched an hour long episode thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thanks so much jack 😊
Great wood store guys!.... Little wood-chopping tip.... When you raise the axe, the top hand starts high up near the head, but SLIDES DOWN the axe shaft in time with the 'chop'.. ie. . You literally pull your top hand down the handle as the axe falls. That puts much more natural momentum into the blade, so you don't have to lift it so high to start with. It's also easier on your back and shoulders than all the jarring of chopping with 'stiff' arms. Keep your legs spread apart either side and not in line with the axe blades arc. 👍
Thanks so much for the tip Andy 🙂 very helpful!
Great project!
Bad idea to pressure wash the wood, it injects the water into the wood and lifts the grain making it rot faster. Next time grab a belt sander to clean it up if you must.
All that wood you recycled! You could have kept to burn for free heat.
Wood store looks fab - hope you left some fall on the roof so water runs off it.
Thanks for the tip will! Sadly the wood we recycled was treated so cannot be burnt in a log burner due to the chemicals on it 😅 we thought it was ok to wash it due to the treatment already on it, but we know it's already had 20 years out of it as a decking, so happy with whatever use we get from it 🙌
Took a few sittings to watch. Twice whilst trying to have a break at work 3rd 1 year old wanting to go bed but we got there 🤣. Brilliant as ever. You guys are rule all the hard work will be worth it in the end
hahah so nice to hear 🙂 glad you got to watch 🙂
Keep up the good work guys, can really see it coming on.youre dedication and enthusiasm is fantastic 👍
Thanks David!
Nice that the area is being cleaned of waste and being disposed correctly. Nice job on the wood shed. I think goats are going to be the new tenant
Thanks so much! Good guess.....Stay tuned 👀👀👀👀
We say that wood warms you four times, when you cut it and haul it, when you split it, when you stack it and when you burn it !!!!
Haha that true Janet 😂🥰
I have very much enjoyed watching your journey and i admire your courage and determination! I wish you both all the luck in the world and I look forward to watching you continue your journey. Best wishes for me in Plymouth Devon
Moment of emotion.... marvelous
Firewood should be 16-18 inches long, second start the axe sharpening with either a file or grinder and finish with the stone, third the hand closest to the head should slide towards the far hand as you swing
Nice to see your progression over the year. You guys are getting more comfortable and confident in front of and behind the camera at the same time as making all your progress on the land! Pleasure to see all the growth 😊
Thanks Kieran ☺ defiantly getting more used to being in front of the camera video by video ☺
Awesomeness in Droves Glenda from Kuranda Far North Queensland Australia 💯🐣🐣🐣🐣
Thanks Glenda! Good guess! Stay tuned!
I reckon you've got chickens coming. Looking good. Coming along nicely.
I think what you are doing is great, just a word of advice on the wood storage, I would nail/screw some thin wooden strips on top, if a high wind catches a small section of the felt it will rip the whole lot off. Good luck to you both and PLEASE do not stop posting videos.
Well done guys it’s looking great and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I love these videos. I look forward to seeing you go from strength to strength. Bless you both.
Thank you Tony 🥰
First time watching enjoyed the best to you both from West Virginia USA 🇺🇸
I would love to volunteer one day a week with you guys. I could learn so much from you and I don't live far from you I would really love to help and learn. Im single mum to autistic son so one day a week working out door for me would be amazing x
oh thank you so much for the kind offer 💜💜💜
Welcome back been waiting for ur video
Diolch Ray! Hope you enjoyed 😊
Great stuff guys! I did laugh watching you load the van from the pile 20 yards away. 😂
hahah I LOVE getting my steps in 😂
Ended perfect a Redbreated Robin. 🐦🕊
seeing the Robins are the favourite part of our days :)
Just built my own wood store out of salvaged material, cost me nothing. Looks great guys. Swap those hands around on the axe Emilie and you'll be an expert in no time.
Thanks Gary! We are so pleased with how it turned out and thanks for the tip 🙂 I'm excited to improve my wood splitting skils!
I loved this video! You seem more relaxed since the caravans are all taken down and removed. Great job and kudos for staying patient and persevering!
Thanks Alice, the most satisfying feeling having them gone 😄
I always found it so satisfying
chopping and splitting logs for
winter fire heating home.
With your ample supply of
burnable wood on your land,
another suggestion may I make?
When you build your tiny home.
Consider putting a wetback fire in,
that would supply you in all the hot
water that you would need over
winter months. Likewise you
could run something similar
off a fire pit to your outside
bath under the stars.
One of the best
decisions I made doing that
- when built my place. 🇳🇿 😎
I would put a canvas tarp in the front to protect your fire wood. I don't know how long they have lived there. But Rome wasn't built in one day, but with that said. You guys are doing a great job. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the tip Adelbert, great idea 🙂
Been enjoying watching your videos. Really admire what you are doing. Lots of hard work but, really rewarding! Watching from Red Deer County, Alberta Canada. 🇨🇦👍😁
Thanks so much Darlene! So pleased you are enjoying watching 🙂
If you get an old tire you can put multiple pieces of wood in it and chop it up. It holds the pieces in while you chop all the pieces up.
Thanks so much for the tip Tracie 🙂
I think Chickens, love watching you both building your dream x
Thanks so much Christine 😊
This is something I've been thinking of doing for the last 5 years. I would love to buy some land live there and rewild it with trees and plants. And try to be self sufficient growing food and having a few livestock. I am very envious of you both top choice to make less can often be more especially if it gives you more freedom in life.
Hello,another lovely posting.Fair play to you both you work your socks off and you are building a forever home.Ref the Skip, apparently a grab lorry will work out cheaper and you just tip it in a pile ☺️👍🥰
oh thanks for the tip Shaun! 🙂
Wow totally amazing, well done. Now subscribed to watch more of your developments.
Have you thought about security on your land ? Many farmers in the UK have been having problems of theft recently. Your woodstore looks awfully tempting !!!
Thanks John, we do have cameras set up. Hoping to install our main gate soon!
Looks Freat enjoy your vitio thanks from East,texas. USA
Thanks Josey 🥰
Your work rate is unfathomable and I'm sure your viewer's will agree this site was meant for you two,to be its custodians well done both
Thanks so much Leon!
Nice job! Legs wide when you chop wood. Much safer. You won’t hit your leg if you miss. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the tip Jen 🙂
as a woman who chops firewood, please get yourself a splitting axe or two. it is much safer to have the right tool for the job, and they last for years. I need a smaller one than my husband so I can wield it in a controlled way. this actually is true for so many tools. even Hammers. you might even consider splitting wedges?
and it's so lovely to see you rescuing the site!
Thanks for the tip Bea 🙂
The decking was laid upside down. The grooves should be face down so water doesn’t collect and rot the wood, not to mention encouraging moss which makes them slippery.
Thanks for the tip Lina 🙂
Don’t forget to add a triangular stability cross beam on your wood storage, unless you’re going to add a back, which will give it strength.
Ah, you have a back! Well done! 😊
Thanks for the tip Jenny 😊