It’s May 2024, and I am 13 episodes in. Thank you Martijn for gracing us with a look into your life. This has been one of the best series I’ve ever watched. Thanks!!
You are a gifted visual artist. Your choices with light and shadow, the sounds of work we see illuminated obliquely, all combine to hypnotize the viewer. Thank you for your meticulous videos.
I live in a rural high mountainous northern area also and identify with the tranquility you find at your property. Who can live in a city after experiencing this? You feel so alive and the hard work brings satisfaction. I’m loving the journey of you fixing your home that you are sharing with us all.
@@adewabakkelmonsoor2865 To each his own, but I don’t crave it because it’s too artificial, it makes me sick. It’s more work, but I would rather cook my own food and know what is in it.
@@willynilly7 when i was younger spent weeks out at my grandparents cabin they had running water power tv everything 3 hours from any city though was terrible
Your channel is so soothing. What impresses me the most is that you work very hard and film yourself doing it. It’s done so effortlessly that one could think there is a camera man filming you. Everything just flows, is done with so much artistry and elegance. Your inner strength and deep sense of calm transpires. Your videos are good for the soul. You are brilliant at what you are doing and are providing so much joy and peace to the soul.
Martijn, just a note to say how much I enjoy your channel. I only found it a week ago and find what you’re doing incredible. It’s not just the consideration you put to every project on the house, it’s also how you film it and the the perfect background music too. I look forward to every new episode, each one takes me away to a better place, a better life. Thank you.
I am entirely in the present moment watching your video. I love the sound of the birds, the wind in the trees. When you were walking in the night I felt so emotional like I could feel your deep soul satisfaction. Who would have thought that the simplicity of your life would be so compelling. Your skill set, your energy and motivation is admirable. The hoist progress outstanding. Can’t wait to see the next video.👌👍👏👏👏
Watching you work whilst in my sick bed for the last 10 days has been a real comfort. Something very medative about it. You have the patience of a saint, I've not heard you swear once. Really inspirational!
Martinj, watching these videos makes me think of my father, who passed a bit over a year ago. He would have so loved this project, your methods, your cinematography, your thought process, and how you communicate it. Watching these videos every couple of weeks feels in a way like I get to quietly spend time with my dad, who I love and miss very much. So thank you for that.
There's a very old technique for keeping moisture around trees. It's the opposite of digging. Put rocks in a semi-circle on the downhill side. If you arrange the rocks so the gaps are blocked as much as possible in a second row, it slows water down enough to get the water to sink in instead of running downhill. Then take bundles of dead material, grass, leaves, sticks and mulch around the trunk, leaving a small gap around the trunk.
Martijn, at 43:00 when you slowly swing the crane to your left, my reaction was that we were witnessing a recapitulation of several thousand years' of human building history on this planet. Civilizations going back eons almost, did what you are doing and over time forged a built identity for themselves. My blink of-an-eye reaction was a 'quiet' unlike anything I have felt - in that you (albeit on a smaller scale) are embarking upon a similar trajectory. Your sensibilities appear to be one with the Earth; our planet needs more. Thank you for that.
My mind was also going where you went regarding going back. (More or less) The view, the state of the buildings and watching him create is an experience.
I have never commented anything on your videos but I have always noticed how you thank us for watching. You can't grasp to imagine how thankful I am for your content and how good it does to me. Thank you kindly.
Stone mason here and you have some first class stonework there. Should you desire to plaster the interior check out Nigel Copsey and his use of hot lime plaster. The walls must breathe and only quicklime can do this. It is a simple time honoured technique.
Martijn, just found your channel about 2 months ago. Unfortunately didnt know anything about you before that. All startet with this series about your cabins in the alps. I instantly inhalated all your content... 1 year on a bike, 2 years on a bike... I felt in love with your passion, your way of describing your experiences and and and. Its absolutely amazing, what you did and what you're doing right now. I am so happy to have the possibility to join your journey from so far distance. Your videos give me chills, are inspiring me and helping me to find some peace in these days. You're an extraordinary guy with a heartwarming way of sharing, what touches you. Please keep on doing, what you're doing. All the best to you.
Hello from America. I am very pleased with the views that you are sharing with us and I am impressed the the work you are doing. At my age I can only remember having the energy and strength that you do..keep up the good work.
♥️..the stone that’s available in your area , just wonderful ! I was raised very simple in the country and in the middle of no where in the USA ..no running water , no indoor toilet , etc. I find your videos make my heart sing ..and as I read other comments I can tell I am not alone . 😊🇺🇸
But I fear for Martijn's groin! I have had both inguinal hernias surgically repaired, left and right. Trust me, it hurts like heck for week, and then at least 3 months before any moderate lifting.
I have often thought while watching your videos, that a covered walkway between the two buildings would nice. Now with the walkway in place, it would keep things nice, clean and dry. Making a comfortable when walking between buildings. Keeping you and things dry when bring in purchased items. A place to keep wet clothes and dirty shoes/boots. Just a thought, helping to keep the interior dry and clean.
@@sandranatali1260 Yes, this """room""" could be cold a "mudroom""" i imagine.!!!🤔🤔. Nice "Crane", but "waterproofed" ball bearing could be better, in case of the crane stay ""outside"".??? Bon courage and stay safe.
You are such a gifted story teller. These videos are so mystical, alluring and "otherworldly". I always feel totally relaxed and in the here and now when I am watching. It is seductive. Bravo
Als mijn dagelijks leven te druk is, dan kijk ik gewoon, rustig en geconcentreerd jouw activiteiten in je video's. Soort Yoga voor mij. Ik denk dat jij doet wat veel mensen eigenlijk ook wel zouden willen doen. Hoewel het voor mij te eenzaam zou zijn. Blijf gezond Martijn. En dank voor de inkijk in je leven.
I confess that I look forward to each new weekly video. Talking about the beauty of the place is unnecessary. The images speak for themselves. Congratulations here from Brazil.
Speaking of south vs. north side. In, for example, the stockholm archipelago all new houses (more or less) are facing south, whereas older, fancy holiday houses built by the upper class in the late 1800s/early 1900s are north facing. The reason for this was so the view would be illuminated by the sun = a much nicer view. I find this perspecive quite interesting and it makes a lot of sense :)
I absolutely love this channel. It has a feel to it, as if from a universe where time literally floats from one eye popping moment to the next. The projects that you take on by yourself inspire me to do much needed projects Bravo on ‘everything’.
I had exactly the same experience. Building a house alone with a spectacular view, in Italy. Beauty, loneliness, and the sound of nature. For three years. Best moment of my life. We are companions. Dude.
Hi Martijn. To start a garden easily, you can cover the ground with black mulching sheet for 3-4 weeks to kill off the growth of the pasture. Then in April-May you should already have a plot with bare soil easier to work with, than to weed out these grasses.
in australia - we use cardboard. Not only does it block the UV light to the weeds, We find that the addition of Carbon seepage is perfect for our sometimes acidic clay soils in Wine and stone-fruit country. We use it in our bush revegetation too.
Cardboard is the common weed cover used in no-dig gardens. In addition to killing growth below it, the cardboard composts in place when covered with mulch. A synthetic weed block is not as eco friendly and most be removed, i.e., more work.
Cardboard is easiest, cheapest, will compost in place and many businesses are glad for you to take it away. Pick up free pallets for boar fencing, they will root around in veg gardens.
Love the channel, my wife and I are building our own off grid project here in Australia . It’s a totally different environment from yours and it’s interesting to see the different problems we each face . If your ever in Australia there is a free bed and meal waiting for you 👍
Love how the scenery changes by the hour sometimes. Can’t imagine working with that view behind me. Their bulldozing another 8000 acres of old growth forest right now behind my house to build a golf course and more condos here in Florida. I need a place like that. I’ve seen enough destruction for one lifetime.
Not sure how I fell into this channel but it’s my favourite…. It’s like slow food but for the soul. It takes me away from bitcoin and the likes. Le montage est toujours bien réussi et donne justice à l’auteur et à son sense pratique et de découverte.
A suggestion get yourself a hard plastic sleigh or toboggan use it to move things around loading stones closer to the ground and pulling heaven items around works on grass or snow I’m a senior now but was able to do many jobs myself using one
Stone path looks amazing, how heavy the stones must be BUT you're on top of the world. You're in paradise, with hard work you'll find it there. Very fulfilling life. When I win the lottery I'll buy the house in front of you. Luck on the fruit trees!!!
The stone reminds me of my stone masonry career when I was in my late teens into my twenties.Dry stack shadow box is one of the most beautiful forms of construction that man ever came up with.Thats if it's done right like these cottages are
Stunning back drop to your property I must say. I'd never complain if I had to wake up to that view no matter the weather. Good effort so far. Love your wee path you made it's perfect. 💗
round leaves probably a plum? if you just clear the grass around the base and give them a topping of well rotted compost or muck that will help them. They look fine! Thanks for the vid, just a joy. Regards from the foothills of the Pyrenees!
Here in Wales UK, I once converted a grade 2 listed church hall into my family home and I can relate a lot to your videos. It’s a labour of love and self motivation, especially when your spirits are low. Good health and god willing you’ll make your idyllic mountain home.😊
Just found this channel yesterday and found myself binge watching. It is indeed therapeutic, as others have mentioned, especially for me who’s recovering from my surgery. Such a multi-gifted human, I seldom hear writers/ film makers who’s also handy in construction work.
As I was watching the moment you were done with the crane I impulsively yelled out to my husband, “This man just built a crane! BY HIMSELF!” My husband looked over at me quizzically. 😆 What an accomplishment! Thanks for sharing your journey. 🪚🔨
Slabs of rock look nice . The machine you built look’s like an ancient weapon . Just water those berry bushes and you will harvest more fruit . Take care , will be looking forward to your next video .
I'm not feeling particularly well today - my head is working something through without me really knowing/grasping what and why yet. Your video alas somehow eased my thoughts a bit and kept me some sort of company. I'm thankful for it. Stay well Martijn.
Martijn, I used to do physical work like this, building walkways, laying stone, making gardens, carpentry work, remodeling, pouring concrete, and taking care of animals all on my own. Those were the good ole days when I was fit and didn't have a bad back. I'm almost 65 now and as a woman, I can say, I'm done with all that heavy lifting. I'd rather have this stuff done for me these days but boy-oh-boy, do I get it and really enjoying being a "sidewalk superintendent". Keep up the good work.
Greetings from New Zealand. Martijn your work ethic and abilities are truly wonderful. I too live in a remote area and your Channel Inspires me no end.
All I have to say at this moment is that Martijn, you are an amazing and very admirable person. I share your videos with my husband , such as the solar panels installation (we are considering solar panels for our domestic home.) and your analysis of freshwater issues, etc. Plus I learn so much, more beneficial and entertaining than a movie. My problem is finding your videos in sequence, not knowing how to find them (the ones I have seen from new ones when I open RU-vid each day. I am 81 years old and semi-literate with social media.
The photography is so beautiful always. The lightning the angles … You have such an artistic eye. And always your choice of music is a perfect icing on the cake. Your videos make me feel so peaceful. I am living it right along with you imaging the feel of the air, the smells, taking it all in and at times my eyes fill with tears at the absorption of the beauty. Thank you for sharing your adventure, your life, your thoughts with us. ❤️
I wouldn't worry north or south, you have a beautiful slice of paradise in this crazy world with a war and pandemic. Enjoy your journey. Loving the videos
Ahh, I love these videos! The pathway looks great. The scenery is beautiful beyond belief. Can you imagine what you will see with trail cams? One more thing to look forward to. I want to be your neighbor! Haha
One thing about a southern exposure, you have the opposite of the morning in that you can see the glorious sunset light up the mountains in golden hues - a very different light than morning.
Unglaublich und unbeschreiblich, wie es dir gelingt, harte, handwerkliche Arbeit vor rauem Bergpanorama durch Licht, Ton, Farben und Blickwinkel so zart und poetisch wirken zu lassen. Du, als Akteur deiner Bildwerke, erinnert mich jedes Mal an den deutschen Maler Casper David Friedrich, als würde man in eins seiner berühmtesten Bilder "Der Wanderer über dem Nebelmeer" schlüpfen und die romantische Stimmung und Szenerie zum Leben erwecken können.
Start with potatoes and carrots, no effort and high yielding. I would aslo go for some lettuce and onion, lettuce you can plant seasonaly thru the whole summer.
Martijn, all valid points for an artist, because we get what we get and we don’t pitch a fit! That is what my first grade teacher said and I’ve work with that my entire life…67 years (-;
Taking shape beautifully. I now have more vision of where you are headed with this property. You are a visionary. I am happy you share your many skills and thoughts with us. Namasté
Really great content. Loved the episode with brief history lesson by that older man. Filled the gap in knowledge about the people that lived here before and their way of life. Could you do more conversations with the people from the area. Loved the new camera angles, top down and sides. Till the next episode.
It looks like i found another way to practice mindfulness, watching such quality content. Most of the time i have no idea what he's talking about when it comes to building. I live in a tiny apartment with just two windows, i never owned anything because i was poor all my life. I also never travelled, and i'm 49. But it doesn't matter because it's not even about building, but watching a man progressing toward his dreams. And that is something we can all understand, i guess. And it feels good to see someone who does it, someone who can.
Really enjoying this build series. Explanation of living on the NW side of the mountain was perfect. So looking forward to seeing your roof being redone!
Yes I loved your careful examination and thoughtfulness about living on the NW side of the mountain at a gentle slope vs the south side and the steep slope, and how the sun affects the views and the climate. Very nice.
I've been watching these videos from the first. They are visually gorgeous and informative. This project reminds me of the man who lived in a small cabin on a remote lake in Alaska.
A couple of suggestions from an Engineer: 1. You might consider some sort of stopping / locking mechanism for the dolly position travel on the beam..., and 2. two or three additional pulleys between the winch and the end of the crane will make stone lifting easier depending on their locations relative to the length of the boom when the crane is set (this will minimize the requirement for crane resetting / positioning.... Boom tilting will be very tricky and probably you will want to minimize it as much as possible...It will be most stable when it is kept as close to 'level' at all times... One other note is that the pulleys on their shafts will necessarily be required to be quite "robust".. The rest of it is quite brilliant I think... Great series!! Wade Blaser Vancouver Canada
I enjoy watching you calmly renovate barns in an off grid home. Your peaceful spirit and your innovations are impressive. It's a nice change from the news. I can watch you and forget about Putin for a while.
I can't tell you how much I enjoy seeing your homestead evolve. I've built some stone paths in my day, but I have to admit I'm covetous of the size and flatness of your stones! They seem to be everywhere on your mountain.....You're right about how they will look once the grass grows around them - they will look right at home next to your cabins. Can't wait to see how the crane works!
Martin .. you are truly amazing!! Is there anything you can’t do (or won’t try) .. my husband and I watch each episode with awe and we’ve learned so much !! You’re incredible and I love how happy you are being up there in the mountains .. who wouldn’t be, lol .. and look forward to the next videos, especially once the weather is settled and we can enjoy more spectacular views ❤️
I keep looking at the two buildings and feel that joining them in the middle would make sense. Does not have to be a stone building but a timber one perhaps even as a greenhouse. Or vertical garden on one side. You probably in summer could even set up a small camp site and have volunteers help you with the bigger projects. I know a lot of earth ship builders that do this.
I seem to remember in one of the first episodes he discussed the costs of a "new" build (permits, etc.) were prohibitive. But to renovate with roughly the same materials, was okay. Any type of connector might fall into the new build category
@@Farin_50 This it would take an architect project permit and he would probably have to re certify the entire construction again. I'm in Italy and 1 I doubt he would get permission 2 it would cost at least 15(not an expert just an opinion).
Look forward to seeing what your wildlife cameras will reveal. The crane is coming along nicely. We own a crane business so it is interesting to see how you are building one.
I am so glad I found your channel! The whole production is absolutely first class and I am loving every minute of catching up on your build. The crane speaks volumes to me, in that it represents the relevance of what I call trailing edge technology. I built my house, mostly alone, and constantly needed to problem solve situations whereby a rig/jig had to be designed and employed. Your crane is awesome! I plan to build a smaller model just because, why not! Thank you Martjin!
all the birds singing in the background is beautiful to hear; nice work with those big unwieldy heavy stones for the path; that crane is awesome; the beautiful mountains in the background almost doesn't look real
The pathway is such a good addition. And it’s okay to make (small) changes to the house, because it’s a trace that you have lived there too, it has your little stamp on it.
Martijn, what an amazing, beautiful view that you have from your site! All of your hard work will be worth it when you can relax and look out over the mountains, watching the mists floating up the mountainside and hearing the wolves singing.
Excellent! A friend recommended this channel to me a few weeks ago so I've started from Episode 1, but for me this is the most enjoyable so far. I'm trying desperately not to binge watch them all but rather savour each one when I have some down time in the evenings.
Thoughtful planning, the right tools,attention to detail, elbow grease and care. It’s relaxing and inspiring to watch you work. Truly a labor of love. Have you thought about getting a dog?.
I am re-watching your videos they are so good, Amazing progress, to Today the tree with the long thorns is a plum tree you can make a sun drying box a wood frame, with a hinges glass door tilted toward the sun, on legs simular to your solar panels, and a silk material on the bottom for air flow, but no bugs, cannot lay eggs in drying fruit, then you string up the dried fruit for winter, or make jams, or use in a jar for granola. That crane you built was genius
The stone pathway round your house is both aesthetic and practical,definitely an improvement. I love watching the slow transformation you are making, your manifold skills; love listening to the silence of the mountains. Now looking forward to the natural transformation that Spring brings. Thank you,best wishes from Israel
You have beautiful views from your property and agree with what you’re referring to. The stone path was definitely a good idea. Your hard work is paying off and it will make your build much easier. Love and be safe!🤗😘🌼🇻🇪
