Can we really renovate this ruin ourselves? Episode 12 

Please invest in a carbon monoxide alarm for your caravan, my uncle died from fumes from a diesel heater a few years ago,he was complaining about headaches for weeks beforehand, hope you are all keeping well and safe

Refurbing an old property is like eating a large cake.if you eat it all at one go you will become ill, but eat it a small piece everyday you will not become fat and you will accomplish the result you desire. When you get onto the house that is a start which you will be so proud nice one crack on

Hang in there, me, my wife, our youngest daughter, three cats and a dog lived for 7months in a tiny camper before we found the place we are now. I was working full time while spending my free time working on an old vehicle that had needed a bunch of new parts. It can get very frustrating, but you will get through this and be stronger for it.

You've made a firm friend of the donkey. He's very talkative.😂

You fell in love and committed - and now have to deal with reality, which doesn't mean it was a mistake. I am delighted that you have expert advice now as he'll prevent costly mistakes. He is an example of how what you need will appear at the right time. You can and will do this. Just make selfcare a priority as you have a long way to go.. ❤

A year from now, ,even if only halfway to your goal, you will look back at these videos and say how did we do it? From the pumpkins, to the desk and masks, to the enclosed "porch" to your vision of the future property, your entire family is overflowing with creativity. I can feel Sam's frustration dealing with time and weather to finish his projects. With necessity being the mother of invention, I see you guys getting thru anything! Thank you for the clips of kittens. Their antics, cuteness and innocence adds a smile. All the best to you guys!

Nothing wrong with doubts, you wouldn't be normal not feeling unsure about some of it. It's a massive project, so you should break it down into achievable bits. It's a long-term journey, and a leap of faith, very brave thing to do. Trust your gut feeling and take all the help anyone is willing to give. I have great respect for your choice to do what you guys have.❤👍

think how the mighty oak tree came about.. it started with a little acorn ....

The headboard made the perfect size desk for the room, it was a clever idea.👍

I subscribed because I recognized the spirit that glows in your family.

We have been renovating for the past 6 years, living in a static caravan 5 of us with a dog on a small island one of the Orkney island. It's been very hard at times, with only one person working. Just have to keep going, and keep going, we have problems with suppliers and supplies getting to the island. Ferries get cancelled through the wind and sea swells. This is when we just keep praying 🙏 and trusting in our Lord and Saviour Jesus.

Just looking at those drone shots is what you truly fell in love with and it is normal to have wobbly times and when you look back you will see with the achievements you have made you will wonder why you thought you had a wobbly. You guys are amazing and take each day at time and you'll get through it, believe me. Have a lovely day.

Dont knock yourself down the very fact that you are scraping a living attracts me to subscribe and many others I’m sure. You are showing the true real life of a struggle to renovate a property, Keep up the videos Don’t lose faith, You will reap the benefits in the long term Watching from Neath S Wales ps. It’s the wrong time of year to sell a camper van ❤

Everyone gets doubts and you can't move forward with the house until the grant comes through, then you'll see real progress. Having been educated in both the Irish and English education system, the Irish is far superior and the kids need to socialise and make friends locally, so enrol them in the local school system. I know it's overwhelming but in the words of Desmond Tutu : “there is only one way to eat an elephant: a bite at a time.”

A roof garden would look great, insulates the roof, slows down rainwater run off and it will blend in with the scenery.

I watch many 'renovation' channels on RU-vid. I can tell you they've all suffered doubts, but they persevered. Keep on despite the doubts. I believe it can be done.

I was going to tip you guys off about McHale’s Lumber Yard on the edge,of Sligo - but I can see that you’ve discovered them all by yourselves! They are GREAT, and have supplied so much for our build projects. Their prices are very competitive - (I’d been quoted £2500 for pine floorboards when I built my studio. McHales cost me €225, and they delivered! The floors in the schoolhouse were western hemlock - €1100 and delivered. I’m mad for the live-edge planks, they will cut to your depth, so our countertops are 4” slabs of live-edge, the cupboard doors are 1 1/2” - with enough left over for all our skirting boards. You will all feel better when you’re weather-tight, warm and dry - don’t despair, it’s not far off.

It’s a PERFECT home for you all. It will work out although it takes time. The weather will make it difficult over winter but come spring you’ll feel more positive. Just hang in there as it was meant to be. ♥️

Hi, Mom your instincts about the candle are spot on. I'm a mom of 2 daughters who lived in a mobile home just like you, her room is tiny and lots of stuff, get her a battery candle so she can still have atmosphere without the danger. You are doing great mom, I just wanted to reinforce your instincts. 🤗❤️🌈🙏🕊️

My adult daughter and I went through all this when building in Tasmania. We moved onto her 5 acres asap and each lived in a rented 6m x 3m construction site cabin with kitchenette. In winter, even with reverse air con the cabins were barely warm as most of the cold came up though the floor. We ended up placing full straw bales all around the outside and filling beneath with loose straw and hay - what a difference! Not a good solution for smokers, naked flames or where there's construction nearby, but it worked for us. Maybe try getting styro foam packing for free and glue underneath or invest in some spray insulation? It must be difficult with kids as they tend to live in the moment, but as everyone else is saying, once spring arrives life will be wonderful. Love the donkey - his welcoming braying is a sure sign he loves your visits. BTW - donkeys have pot bellies because they use the full capacity of their hind gut to metabolise their high fibre diet - HE's not pregnant!! 😂 Hang in there - this time next year you’ll be well prepared for another winter and the focus will have moved to those gorgeous stone buildings. Hugs from country Australia

Look what you guys have achieved. You’re killing it. Felt, rokwool and sheet metal is not something you can reasonably do in the wind, or driving rain. Ask me how I know! Mary Poppins has nothing on me! However, I have builders trestles, though sadly no planks, yet. They can be used to make a stable platform at a suitable height to work on the roof, rather than trying to reach off a ladder. For the length of time you’re likely to be working on the caravan roof, they’re idle here. Transporting them is my only difficulty. My trailer is currently missing it’s axle.

Lots of help nearby. Don’t ever feel it’s impossible. My experience with ASD meltdowns has taught me a lot. If you present tasks in manageable chunks you get a lot more progress, than if you show the whole task in one go. We’re all a bit like that, but ASD apparently makes it much worse. So, just like a homework assignment, don’t look at the whole thing. Set a target and get there. Then, after a break, set another target, and so on. Cold season is just about here and we all have the cat burglar in the red suit to save up for, so sorting out your living accommodation should be top priority. Spring is coming, so that’s when the serious goal setting should be done. But, honestly, extra hands are genuinely not far away. A second head will make you less inclined to stop because it’s cold, dark, wet, or whatever, too. Two people will achieve more than double the output of one, in a given time. But only if the second person is there!

Wow that idea for the shoes was great..listen don't work too hard if you just get the mobile sorted for winter your moods will be lighter.. it's not really weather for starting any big projects..when the cosy stove and hot soup are in you..things will look better..we like to check in with you all..and I hope you have a great night you deserve it..ps..your beautiful daughter is an amazing artist im sure she will do very well in life and sligo is a great place for the art's..😊

Sorry to hear your feeling a little bit down but try and look at the good things your son and daughter and the time you have as a family. If my health was better I would be there like a short to try a get that static coved before the weather kicks in, but try and live in the moment. Thanks for your videos Colin

Help will come along. Take it where possible. Think about waking up in that house on a spring morning with the daffodils popping up and the birds chattering. Get the daff bulbs in around the pond and red hot pokers/irises etc. The usually flower one after the other giving colour from march till September 🌿🌱🌾

Rebecca - with over 10k subscribers...know that all of those subscribers are rooting for you and Sam to make this abandoned building into a beautiful home. Sure, it's going to be hard going, with lots of bumps...but I've got faith in all of you, hoping for results that will make you all proud. You guys can do this! :)

Chin up, it's not for the faint-hearted but you will get there I'm sure. The fact that Sam has work already in Ireland is brilliant. I admire what you are doing. We've had over two weeks of constant rain here in mid-west France with at least another week forecast. It's resembling the Mayo weather we thought we'd left behind. 😬

Hang in here, you will look back on all this one day and smile.😊❤

Your daughter has fantastic skills ........... the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Well done on the room for boots ✅✅✅ Enjoy your evening out.

Chin up uve both got this all the best

Yeah!!! Fab drone footage. It'll be a long journey and will suck at times, but I keep trying to imagine our family together in the completed house laughing and reminiscing of the time and pain now 😊 you'll all be grand

Just make a list of the to dos ! High light the priorities Do one job at a time and focus on that until it completed And just keep chipping away x One step at a time xxx Celebrate those achievements 😊

I feel worried for you guys when you have a wobble week. The cold and damp is what is making everything feel worse. I think we under estimate that element of winter living in Ireland and the UK. But bit by bit the static is being improved. I wish I could offer some practical help but I'm afraid I can't at the moment. My own place is a disaster. Please know that people care and appreciate your efforts to create a wonderful home for your family. More kitten antics please. I think I may not be that far away from you as Strandhill is my local beach also. Becky, if the children would like to go to some activities, like art classes or horse riding lessons, I would pay for that and drive you guys if Sam away with the car.

10,000 subs !? Congratulations 👏🎉 Amazing how popular an honest channel can become 👍 All the best + God bless

You can do this because you are in fact doing it! Doubts and fears are natural, you are doing a great job it's okay to take a moment to catch your breath and organize your thoughts and approach to this undertaking. You are brave and bold strong and beautiful you are doing this for your family and your home.

Hang in there. There’s bound to be hard times and times when you feel discouraged and overwhelmed, but just keep taking one step at a time and consciously looking for and celebrating the positives every step of the way. You’re doing an amazing job with everything you achieved so far.

Greetings from Nova Scotia, Canada (originally from Midlands, UK). We have just binge watched your videos to date from Ireland and are hooked, so subscribed right away! Loving the videos and can’t wait to see what you do with the house and land. What an adventure for your kids this will be. I hope they find friends soon and enjoy life there. The kittens are gorgeous and a joy to watch. As for Toby, could he be Theresa, as he’s looking a little pregnant, unless he’s fed very well. I love how he greets you when you visit. Anyway, just wanted to say “hi” and thanks for sharing. Take care 🇨🇦

Isabella is so creative, great idea too with the headboard converting into a desk nice job

Have a great week from a rainy, cold bonfire smelling BURY ❤

Yes, the ivy will die off, once you can stop the cut ends from knitting back together. We stopped doing it when we discovered there’s a local swarm of endangered black bees, which depends on the ivy flowers at this time of year. Not sure that was the right decision, because our block walls are completely covered now and that’s going to be a problem when I want to render them. The bees are also very inclined to come inside the house, when it’s cold out, which can be scary until you get used to them.

That is amazing, like I said, take all the help anyone offers. It's so great to hear that, it's put a smile on my face. 👍❤

one step at a time i know its a bad time of year to renovate but im sure you will get through it in time

Chin up!! It's going to be worth it. Try and stay positive. Life is difficult, you're doing this for your family and that's the most important thing. It's beautiful there. Better days ahead.

Years ago I was living in a flat which I didn't realize there was a serious problem with. The bricks that it was made out of had not been properly fired or coated or something. But it meant that every time it rained the water more or less can stretch with all. The whole time I was living there I had a coffee couldn't get rid of and constant headaches. Damp affects people in different ways!

Hi, it's amazing how quickly the week's are flying by... hold in there. I'm hoping that one day you will look back at these videos and think , how on earth did we do that together in winter ??? Keep up the great work. Tiny steps will eventually achieve your dreams and goals.

y'all can do it ! my buddy had never built anything took him 3 years to build his house from scratch . while living in a camping trailer with no power and a lil buddy heater in the ozark mountains . you do have a carbon monxide detector right. just make small goals towards your large goal

For the ivy - find the ivy roots that go in to the ground - and buy some woody wood killer - Put the stem of the ivy in to the neat woody wood killer bottle and liquid - and let the stem soak up the liquid this will then be absorbed by the ivy roots and the ivy will die

It takes time to build a castle, as the Irish say. It will be worth the time, money and effort. Rock on!

It is human to feel overwhelmed at the amount of work you have ahead of you. You do whatever you can as it is expensive ,but when summer comes around you will be amazed to see what you all will have achieved. Don't give up give it a chance. Great to see your boot room .I love hearing you call Toby, he almost talks back to you. Take care and go easy on yourselves God bless ❤

I also follow West Cork Wonders and also The Corner House Project and they’re both lovely!! Your land and static is coming alone nicely.❤😊 Also, I’ve been to Ireland 3 times but I’m an American, but the best recipe I’ve heard and tried is Irish lamb stew. The waiter in the restaurant in Dublin said the secret was marinading the lamb meat overnight in Guinness, it’s delicious! I’m 402 days sober from whiskey and don’t really trust myself yet not to drink so I haven’t made it in a long time, but it’s lovely. Someday I’ll be brave enough to buy alcohol to cook with someday, but not yet. 😅💚

Smashing video loved Toby I could hear and feel the kindness in your voice. Do not let yourselves get disheartened your getting there. It’s you almost have your cottage roofed I absolutely love your videos Keep them coming. Old Dublin man of77😊😊😊

We move from uk to France next year…I have days thinking yes can’t wait…and days thinking,no stay here.. But it’s an adventure out there,enjoy it

Have faith in the end it will work out . Going to start building a 24x32 foot log cabin by myself .

All the very best achievements have a little of the impossible mixed in. You two got this i think. Its amazing how lucky you get from hard work.

You guys are doing great. It seems like everybody who does a big renovation feels doubt after the first blissful stage passes :) You've got the skills you need to do it, plus great attitudes!

I learned something new. Over here in the states they are called mobile homes and over there static caravans!

Great progress guys. ❤👍

Afternoon Bec. What an emotional start to this video but it ended really well 😊 Love Toby ❤ I new you where from Manchester lol 😂 I’m a manc but I live just north of Preston now with my wife in the country but we bought a new build house 🏡 But I can really appreciate what you’re doing and it’ll absolutely gorgeous when it’s Done 👍🏻 Confession of you hair was funny but Sam was so cool 😎 love you all xx

The weather where you are will affect your mood. Spring will come and everything looks a lot better. There are two of you and he is able for most of the work himself. I bought a cottage in Cavan 25 years ago, similar, still at it 😊 Harder on your own.

Dont lose hope, its quiet normal to feel overwhelmed. You have all made a big jump of fate. You are doing great. It is frustrating not being able to get things done due to weather and finances etc. But you will get there bit by bit .just keep the end goal in your mind. This time of year with the short days and crappy weather , its hard to get bits done, so anything that gets done is a bonus, even if its getting a small bit of ivy of the trees. Its progress. I admire your adventure, and thanks for sharing your journey with us. Your a lovely family and will get things done. It will work out in the end.

Just take it one day at a time, one brick at a time and one emotion at a time. 😊

dont give up you will feel better when its done

The headboard desk was great 👍 and the temporary porch was amazing 👍 xx

Loving the cat-o-lantern for the Cat House ❤😂

Moving right along and looking great, regards from Calgary Canada

You will do all the things you plan to achieve we all have doubts my first hubby and I did up our bungalow while living in it with a cat two dogs and three young kids and hardly enough cash to feed us all and pay the bills hubby worked day n night but we got there chin up brush yourself down tomorrow is another day but you are all doing great tc the oldies 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗👍🌟

It be worth it in end lads ,,Ur doing fantastic work,, x

Chin up you will great the blues some days rain don't help your mood at all I know lol. We bought a renovation 7 years ago had a baby a year in to add to the 2 kids we already had long story short we sold our house that we had finished and bought what we thought was just renovating upstairs a year ago I have spent the last year working flat out doing the house and sort the jungle as youngest calls it and my husband works away and has only been home for 2 weeks this year it's hard work but it will be worth it . Keep the faith your doing a great job. If you want you can reply with your email if you want someone to chat too if it gets to much 😉

Showing God’s creative talents in this land…….step by step…day by day your dream will come true…

don't worry it is tough but worth it I am still doing mine five years on just stay the course and have days off to see some of this beautiful country

Your son at the end! He wanted to be included! Lil hug? Did enjoy this video 👍 and I should say I spent my night watching all of your vlogs since you bought your Irish ruin . Cold rainy Ireland is so far from warm sunny Western Australia. Keep up the good work, you tube is putting you in front of us to find! Congrats!🙌🌟🙌

I love your mudroom! It's awesome! 😎

Keep going it will be worth it, what a lovely place❤

Loving your honesty and we’re all along this journey with you cheering you on! Regarding TOBY: is there any way you can find out who the owner is? Donkeys are NOT supposed to be alone and his loneliness is breaking my heart!!!! Maybe the owner would be willing to allow him a girlfriend? Heck, I’ll buy the donkey just to know Toby isn’t so lonely!!!

You are doing a fantastic job! It is turning into a cosy little home. I helped to design, build and renovate homes for over 30 years. Just take your time and enjoy each little thing that gets done. You are all together, safe and happy. That is enough. It does not need to be a designer house. It will be a home.

hello from wisconsin❤❤❤the weather is colder here as well

That donkey is so happy to have you as its neighbour

Fantastic desk 😊

Wow, you are very talented Sam. You will make a great job of the static.I can’t wait to see it. Also well done on clearing the ivy. See every bit gets you nearer. Great shelf for Isabelle.🥰🥰🥰

Winter does have a habit of bringing the blues. The static is starting to look great. Clever lad. Spring onions in the mashed potato is an Irish dish. All the very best.❤

Totally Normal to feel like that especially with the winter coming in, keep yer head up 👍

I just have two points, firstly we totally renovated our house about 18 months ago while we continued to live in it ! It was really tough, dust everywhere, new stairs, plastic (instead of blinds) covering the windows and because of supply delays, we ended up without any internal doors for 4 months while the 15 new doors came from China, not even on the toilet doors !!! Our whistling improved though ;) We've done little with the final snagging since, in fact our builder called to me this week to talk about snagging, the first time he has stepped in the house since Feb 2022. My point is, at least you have alternate accommodation with heating, and while clearly you will drive yourselves up the wall from time to time, it's important to get out and about for a break. Secondly, would you not consider getting the kids into school locally ? The Irish education system is pretty good and where UK kids do 3 subjects for A levels, here they do 7 at a slightly lower standard but they get a broader education. The plus side is they will get an exemption so they won't have to waste time studying Irish at all, freeing them up to study a useful subject. My 17 year old has just started 5th year (the 2 year Leaving Cert cycle) and is doing an 8th subject outside of school, music. There should be a school bus going to the local secondary school, plus it would benefit you in freeing up your time during the day.

That's why the Irish up and left the weather, the poverty and the hardship. On saying that I did much The same as yourselfs and its all good.

Give the donkey an apple or carrots!!

I'm thrilled that you gave the bacon and cabbage a go. I hope you enjoyed it.

A project like that will take several years, focus on making your temporary home comfy. get the garden going then a workshop and finally the House. Building your life within the community and getting regular income will pay dividends in the long-term.

It's just one of those days, to-morrow will bring positive thoughts, you'll get there , and the weather doesn't help,

Yes do get the Carbon monoxide alarm Also maybe a little candle with a battery for your daughter. Better be safe Good luck with it all

Like your mudroom, very handy for leaving the shoes outside

I was thinking that you should be getting some garden beds ready now with as much fertiliser like horse poo as you can at the minute. In a couple of months you can be sowing onion seeds and tomatoes. Get a polytunnel if you can even a small one and reinforce it as Steve did on his GREEN SIDE UP channel. Lots to do right now so you can grow your veg and fruit next year. Saving you lots of money to spend on your house.❤

I’ve been at it near two years …….. no building firms as they’re ruinously expensive …….. no plasterer, electricians, etc. as they’re all stupidly expensive as well - building materials are daft as well. Today I’ve been chasing walls and installing cables for the kitchen - it’s endless and it hasn’t stopped raining for months. If I’d known how expensive #ireland was and how scarce tradesmen were I would have personally run a mile. I too was led by the romantic country image ……… It’s the way it is and I have to finish it before I can probably sell it. Best of luck - you’ll be like this for years before you see the end ………

Congratulations on hitting 10k subbies. Great video

another great vid love watching your progress. keep up the good work you are all doing. love and hugs.

I love the drone footage of the fantastic Irish landscape enshrouded in mist - what a beautiful country. You did the right thing and don't be put off by pondering the totality of what needs doing.....break it down into chunks and just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Continuous improvement is better than un-started perfection!

Great job, guys

I think your channel will grow really big , show more of the carpentry work people love watching stuff like that. Well done so far 👏

You're getting there. We found the best weather was generally April/ May in Ireland. Me and my Grandparents moved to County Kerry after Living for 7.5 years in Normandy France. Bought a holiday home first in 2002 in Normandy and sold it and bought another place, too big and entrance hall double hight with floating bridge stairs and too grand designs for my Grandparents. Installed and plumbed bathroom, hot water and fitting grand designs stairs and floors, as previous English owner extended into the adjoining barn to make a very large 6 bed house. Then viewed an old School House on edge of a little village 12km from Villedieu-Les-Poeles. My Grandparents found it cosy. Bought for same price as above house. 65k euros. Renovated the classroom into a Living Room and entrance hall and built a fireplace and eventually installed a Villager AHI boiler stove to run central heating. After over 5 years in that house we moved to County Kerry. Bought a 1950's 2 bed bungalow on 0.5 of an acre and river boundary. Built a 40sqm rear extension and a 30sqm garage. Paid 60k euros for the bungalow, derelict for 30 years and in hindsight paid too much. Spent 60k euros on the renovation, doing majority myself apart from Septic tank, land clearing of brambles and land drainage works, plus registered electrician. The work took 9 months and after owning for 2.5 years decided to sell in 2012. Sold for 120,000 euros and just covered what we bought and renovation costs. The Irish people are absolutely amazing. When the sun is out it's a lovely Country. Around 7 years ago we bought a ruin again in the same area for 25k euros on a 0.6 of an acre. This time a tin roofed stone cottage with the thatch still under it! Had electricity and water was a bore hole. Renovated it by gutting it and removed the fire risk thatch! Sold it a year later as costing too much to keep 2 places and made a bit of a profit on it. sold for 69k euro. www.myhome.ie/residential/brochure/may-cottage-dromtrasna-collins-abbeyfeale-limerick/4045622

Well done guys you are ploughing on it’s amazing . How do you keep the kids motivated when home schooling ? Are you in a homeschool group so they can socialise with other kids their age . Keep your chins up it will be worth it in the end xxxx

🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐

There is no denying there are days when you think “oh my goodness what have we done?! Can we actually do all this all the way through!’’ And i empathise with what you are saying completely! But wow wow wow! That drone footage!!! Whenever you’re feeling a little overwhelmed….that has got to be the pick me up that makes you think “yup, definitely made the right decision!” What an absolutely beautiful country to have landed on to! Every time we go out for a drive and I see the Slieve Anierin mountain range…I know we made the right decision! I am completely in awe of our surroundings 😮 and feel extremely lucky to be here! Don’t get me wrong though….not having a clue what you’re doing with all this work does sometimes tip you into like you say ‘imposter syndrome’ thoughts! The static is going to look amazing! That’s another reason why I know you two have got this….Sam’s trade stands him in good stead for what’s ahead and the rest just becomes less scary once you get going and grow in confidence. That porch for you shoes and boots is fantastic! Your daughter is very talented! Those masks are bloody amazing! Headboard desk idea….pure genius! ❤