Cottage Restoration - The Original Tiny Home 

This guy has a very calming honest nature

I am so happy that you are finally fixing up your cottage. I visited Ireland couple of times and fell in love with the stone cottages. I am Brazilian and I am 85 years old, I came to United States in 1960....I lived in California and in 2007 I moved to Maine to be near my daughter. We live surrounded by a forest without neighbors. I saw many of your videos. I am very proud of you to be living just the way you want. I will be waiting for your videos. In Brazil I lived on a farm completely off grid. Stay happy and healthy.....

I can't help feeling a deep admiration for this guy. His outlook of life, strength, positive attitude, calmness and love for nature. We need more people like this on this planet. And Mossy....is beyond adorable.

Being somewhat of an expert in cottage renovation at this point 😃 here in Tipperary I'd be happy to donate time advice and materials as I have said before. Failing you taking me up on my offer heres a few points... - Hydrolic lime is avaliable from a crowd in Carlow. Its imported from France. The benefit is its breathable so releases the rising damp as there will be no equvilant to a modern D.P.C. unless they used slate under the base stones ... that'd be rare. A true hydrolic mix is left to stand for as long as possible, at least 6 months, better is 2 yrs. - Its highly unlikely the flag stones would have been removed, a little more exploration may suprise you 😃 - When you put in chimney liners be sure to put the cement/lime/sand mix in dry and well packed. Make sure the liners are placed with socket upwards, this way any tar bleed goes into the stove, not the walls. - A french drain around the cottage with a soak pit at the lower end is always advisable, filled with 4" stones then a semi- permiable membrane 3-4" down and topped up with 2" stone for a finish. The soak pit can also be used for grey water from sinks as long as its large enough, failing that it can be channeled into the septic tank with a good perculation area, preferably a reed bed system. My e.mail is jameshillier@yahoo.co.uk Happy renovations, very exciting! Love too you both with hugs 🌬💖

I signed the contract on my little off grid cottage in the West of Ireland today! Absolutely delighted! It's going to take me a couple of years to pay off, but I can't wait to return home to Ireland from Australia. I really have something to work towards now! Thank you for your videos. They keep me motivated to get home.

The term "Daylight robbery" originated in Ireland. It began when English landlords introduced a tax on the size of windows to Irish tenants hence the small windows

The Strange chair is called a corner chair. Used where space was at a premium and with the walls behind you you were away from breezes caused by poor insulation. Were not necessarily for comfort. Hope this helps . A real antique.....restore and use as a conversation piece. Take care.

I have nothing but admiration for this Man. He knows so much about Ireland after only a few years. He could teach us and he has a lovely demeanour and presence. Good luck to him in all he tries to do.👏

In all honesty I would be happy living in the caravan . I've been on the transplant list for over 2 years waiting for a double lung transplant and the thoughts of living somewhere like this in beautiful Ireland or the beautiful UK fills me with joy. Maybe one day I will get the chance of a caravan a dog and some ducks. Thank you for sharing all of this

it feels like we're going back in time finding all those old artifacts

That stonework IS the highest quality, it's still standing there after a century, isn't it? :))

It's going to be wonderful when you're done. Your own little slice of history.

Hi there,my wife and I are about to embark on a similar project in County letrim,we have purchased an almost identical cottage,with a few outhouses and 1 acre,we really enjoy your video's and find them very informative,As a side note,the falcon pipe you found probably dates back to around ww1,You can screw the bowl off,it's made of briar wood,which is practically fireproof and the little dimples in the bowl are part of the design,as opposed to bite marks,The metal tubing was designed to cool the smoke,i know this as I smoke a pipe and only use falcons lol.

I'd recommend a cat for your rat problem, we had similar problems with mice in our old farm house when we moved in. Within a month they'd either been killed or left the area

I live in northern Australia. However, my father's family came from Ireland. He was very tall, dark and handsome....and a fervent Catholic. As I am. Thank you...Its incredible to see a cottage that perhaps my ancestors lived in.

The old cobbled chair would make a nice plant stand perhaps! Its going to be great seeing this cottage come back to life🤗🌞😇

Wow it's already been 3 years!

Times like this when we disappear into a misty-eyed romanticised version of old Ireland . These were bloody tough places to exist !

Is your cottage one of the old Irish Longhouses? They are fast disappearing in Ireland. Great that you are going to bring it back to life. Those old turf fires although dirty, were the cosiest and warmest fires on a cold Irish winter night I assure you. I sat in my in-laws farmhouse decades ago and as I stared into the flames in the fireplace I realised all of my in-laws had dozed off! So funny, and lovely! I love the smell of a turf fire, and guess what, I'm a city woman myself! If you can get it in a library, look for 'The Disappearing Irish Cottage' by Symmons & Harkin, you might find it interesting. The little space beside the fireplace where you found the treasures reminds me of similar in my mother in law's farmhouse. It was warm from the fire and they kept the children's pyjamas in there, a bit like our modern day hot press. I look forward to the next instalment.

Homesteading takes years and years, so don't try to rush!

Hi another great video documentary, just as a point of interest the concreat under the roof, served 3 porpuses A to leave under the wall-plate B to provide strength to a crumbling wall structure beneath the roof C to provide solid ancer points for the roof This band of concreat was called a (band-corse) As my parents were local builders I helped in many thatch removals 1960--1980 Keep up the good work kind regards Sean from the Burren west of Ireland

May You enjoy the restoration project in good health and happiness! ☘

Hey, just wanted to let you know that the little alcove is not for children. People used to sleep half sitting up. I recommend visiting “henigan’s heritage center” in killasser, near swinford,mayo. Tom Henigan explains cottage life like no one else! It’s a must for anyone visiting Ireland or living there. Love what you are doing!

Thank you for showing us the cottage. Amazing that the woman spent her whole life there without what we would call necessities today.

How things have changed it was a tough life back then, I admire your attitude keep up the good work 👍

Mossy should become the president of the world, seriously.

Fix that little chair up and use it to sit a plant pot on! What a charming feature of old history

Greetings from Maine USA. After a almost 7 hours surgery two months ago I am now alive and feeling better each day. I cant wait to see the restoration pf the cottage. I am following at this moment a couple from London restoring a cottage in Portugal. Stay Happy and Healthy.

Hi...im in my 50s now but back in the late 1960s my mom and I visited relatives in Co. Roscommon. They were older like my Nana. They lived on farms..no bathroom or tub! We used pits and pots. It was a great adventure for 6 year old me but my mom asked for a bathroom to be built before the next visit! Uncle Eddy did build a bathroom and additional bedroom too. Did I mention they had no heating except for the fireplaces!?! My mom even tried her hand at cooking a roast over the fireplace one Sunday. They were used to living this rough way and really were quite comfortable. You will be quite happy once you have settled in and figured out what works best for you. Maybe a bit if technology and definitely a lot of the "old ways" of doung things. Thank you for letting us all follow your journey.

Fantastic 👌 I really look forward to your videos as a guy from England who renovated a cottage just south of sligo pretty much in the same state as yours 3 years ago witch is now a beautiful home. I wish you all the very best of luck and will watch the transformation with joy.

I love the old cottage,the amazing finds and the lovely story of the old lady who owned it before. It all adds to the history and character of the property. Keep up the good work 🏠😊 Suzanne x

I have been following you for some time now. I love the way you speak and the time you are taking with everything you find. The cottage will take you a while, but it will be a wonderful achievement once completed. I wish you all the best in your adventure. I love Moss.

So the cottage does exist! Only kidding, I never doubted you. It's bigger and more grand than I expected. Field stone! I love it!

You need to start a Go Fund Me page for this project. Good luck to you.

You're very ambitious and hard working, not to mention patient to come on to a property and live so simply, always working toward making it a better, more productive space. The work you'll have to do on the cottage would be very daunting to most people! But when it's completed it will be your own. A nice, homey place for you to rest at the end of a hard working day. I'm sure you will do it! The medal you discovered in the wall is a St. Joseph medal and you should keep it in your house as a blessing. St. Joseph has watched over the cottage for many years and will continue to do so for you too!

You are brilliant. I am also from your part of England and have a house in the same county as you in rural Ireland where my parents were from. You are such an inspiration. You`ve made me want to follow my dream and spend time there and no excuses, as soon as this pandemic allows. You have such respect for nature and the old people from the past. Please continue to inspire us. You are a gift.

Very interesting video and background information. The former occupant of your cottage reminds me of Hannah Hauxwell who lived alone in the High Pennines of England. (Documentary "Too Long a Winter")

I don't know if it's just me, but I love and prefer rustic old age houses to modern all day long. They are absolutely beautiful. You can see the time and effort that's gone into it and really appreciate it 😍

It's not so bad! I'm sure it will become a lovely home. You could put an earthen floor over the concrete part. I've done a few and they are really lovely to live with.

I have so much admiration for you!

Really enjoyed this video! You are very calming ☺️ We are looking at old cottages that have been renovated at the moment...I’d love to live in a little cottage with loads of character!

You're doing amazingly & saving some of Ireland's best bits 🥰 Congratulations 🎉

Do a little at a time, and you'll be surprised you'll have it done. The stone work, even if primative is beautiful. Thank you for the tour.

I admire your ambition. I am in love with Moss. Moss obviously loves his human. The two of you will create a dream home.

The only partion that you need is for a bathroom. It's a lovely cottage. Take your time to renovate it. It doesn't have to be perfect to move in and fix as you go. Insulate the ceiling of the roof. That should help immensely. Need a wood burner, bathroom, a good cleaning, place to cook and water. Maybe a solar water system and a off grid toilet. Good video.

It's the journey that makes it

A cottage is better than a modern day house design! Wooden houses with dry tall grass as roof is a dream for me!

Those thick stone walls have a great deal of thermal mass and so once warmed would radiate heat and keep that place cozy even without insulation. Likewise cool in the summer.

This is going to be a wonderful family home and productive small holding. Stay warm! Love from Utah xx

I smiled when the camera suddenly showed Moss inside that little pantry. So cute. Wishing you all the best, strength for the winter and tons of adventures and good moments in that awesome place.

You have a great voice for historical documentaries. Cheers from the US.

Windows were small because glass was expensive. When you say there is no insulation, don't forget that the roof would have originally been thatched, and a very effective insulation. The old lady would have had neighbours to bring her groceries, the postman often fulfilled that role in the 1970's, and "travelling shops" were still common into the 1990's.

Fyi the falcon pipe hasn't been chewed that's just a rusticated finish actually in nice condition.

So happy to finally see this video. I've been looking forward to it. I think the small windows make for a cozy, secure feeling. I mentioned previously in another comment that I am building a homestead here in America with an Irish cottage style house. I would so love to be where you are, but this is as close as I can get for now. I chose a red door. The outside of my house is finished. My main focusis also on my gardens, greenhouse, animals, fruit trees etc... the inside can come later. I would LOVE to see a tour of the other buildings on your place. And definitely keep us updated as you finish the cottage, step by step.

You May be interested? There is a movie on a “Roku” stick called “Roan Inish”. A story of seals, a little girl fixing up original homes on this island, and then moving back to them. Filmed in 1994, but very old style. I loved it! Very historical and great story! Just found you after watching all the chateau owners. Will continue to watch you too! 😉👍❤️ My family from my Fathers side we’re from Sligo.

Wow, this was a real story about the old cottage.

The pendant you found in the nook is of St Christopher carrying Jesus and is the patron saint of travelers . Wishing you all the best with your amazing project 🤗

Mossy, you have done SooOOOOooo much work, it is quite AMAZING really! One young, strong man, accomplishing as much as you have...Oh sorry, along with Moss, of course! What would a day of hard work be without the 'most LOVING distractions' of Moss, to alleviate any stresses accrued! WELL DONE MOSS! Well Done! I'd keep your 'treasures' in your rustic little home. The St. Joseph medal is affording you MANY blessings unknown = VERY powerful, especially when blessed, and back in the day, many were. He is also a good man to call upon for all your endeavors upon life and the land. Keep your paths clear and easy to follow, that no unwanted 'trips' occur. Being alone, for the time being, means remaining VIGILANT! God bless you Mossy and thank-you very much for sharing your incredible life of love and simplicity. A Grateful soul is rare and a treasure to watch/see.

Not enough people take the time to find and appreciation what others think lost. You appear to have the positive mindset required to take on the task at hand so i wish you all the best and look forward to your updates! It has the bones of something beautiful.

Bringing about change cannot happen quickly when funds are not there....to be true to yourself give it your best shot by taking the time to transform your beautiful home.. So lovely to hear from you again..well done you..⭐

Oh I have been hoping to see the cottage! Really interesting thank you. These things take time and it will be fantastic seeing how it progresses.

Wow! It's great to finally see the inside of the cottage! Very cool! Those old keys are amazing! Good luck. I look forward to the next video. Thanks for sharing.

The medallion you found is of St Christopher, the patron saint of travellers. When I was growing up we had one stuck on the dashboard of our car. Good to see inside the house.

I live in a tiny dark Cornish cottage. When my husband was alive we had a couple of sunlight tunnels put in the roof to bring natural light in over the stairs and into the bedroom. The living room is still quite dark but we built an enclosed stone porch at the front so that the living room door can be left open and this gives much more light. The original door is still there with the same sort of key as your door. Good luck with the restoration. I hope it goes well.

Oh you have so many things to smile about this is a dream I was in ah of your finds please keep safe and I know you are enjoying the work have a wonderful fall from Knoxville TN USA

Rock walls are beautiful. It has wonderful potential. Slow and steady wins the race. You will get there.

Thank you for sharing your very special cottage. Quite a task you have taken on. I shall be looking forward to the next faze.

Thanks for sharing, Daniel. I'm sure you'll return this lovely little cottage to it's former glory! Hope you have a lovely Autumn!

So excited to finally see the cottage!

What a beautiful home! I love it! You could just smell the history oozing from the walls! What a treasure you found...shadow box them when you complete your home 💖💖

Thank you for showing your cottage. It has great charm and potential. Looking forward to hearing your plans!

That "most uncomfortable chair" is likely not meant for bottoms but little feet allowing 'littles' to help in the kitchen learning the domestic arts front and centre. the rounded top plate gives me the impression. It is a solidly safe little thing I think!

It looks likes it’s gonna be beautiful, you are young you will do it. Take your time do it right. Keep filming and sharing.

I really love the humble character of this cottage, and I'm really looking forward to seeing this restoration. The chimney hole in the roof actually serves as a light source right now, and may be inspiration for adding roof windows. Can't wait to hear about your plans in the next video

I love the bed recess, which continued into the room and kitchen tenements of Glasgow. And the penny medal....brings back loads of memories. What a lovely haul. Good luck with the next stage of your adventure! Marty.

Thank you for sharing! I can only imagine how rewarding it is to make progress stone by stone!

excited for the restoration. I know you will make it into a cozy place.

It's really nice and best of all its yours , you'll get there 🍀🍀🍀🍀

Thank you for the tour. I always look forward to your videos.

Finally, the cottage! Thanks for posting. I appreciate you taking us along for the ride. Peace to you.

The author should read Flann O'Brien's satire, "The Poor Mouth" - it describes a house similar to that one. The wall he had to remove probably had a huge fireplace in it with fire irons for cooking - the fireplaces often had "settle" beds that went right into the fireplaces and the children slept literally in the fireplace. The room behind the fireplace was where the parents slept - you would hear of babies being born "behind the fire" meaning the room behind the fireplace. I know people in the south west of Ireland (West Cork) who renovated a cottage like that. That cottage probably does date from well before he said - most likely pre-famine (1840s). Later, in the 20th century, farmers built new houses, larger versions of the cottages, with second stories or usable lofts. Then many of the original cottages were turned into cow-sheds.

Love your channel. Good to see you are enjoying your life. God bless.

Thanks for the thoughtful cottage tour! The charm is palpable and one day it will beautifully combine the old and the new. Blessings!

What an exciting journey, thank you for sharing it with us. I look forward to watching your story evolve 😊

Greetings from Florida. I would have loved doing something like this when I was younger. I wish I had the $$$ to send you. Stay safe and warm and give Moss a pat for me.

Cheers from East Texas. Love your project. I have been restoring a little house in the woods for about 10 years now. We have ducks and chickens. I told my wife that I want to get some Indian runners next.

It was so nice to see your cottage! Thank you for sharing!

Enjoyed so very much your video,and also seeing darling Moss too. I'm sure that everything will be so very beautiful,with caring hands and love every step of the way when your lovely home is finished.Blessings. Patricia.

I Live in a very Old Cape Cod Home 🏡 in New Hampshire was one of the few first Homes in my very Rural Town Called Greenfield has lots of nooks and crannies and is also like walking back in time but I Love it.Part Of My Ancestor’s where from Galway Ireland I still feel very connected to Ireland and Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 the Island Of Mull where my Family came from

Very interesting , looks like a huge input of money is needed ! 🐕 Hello moss 😘

You have a very calm soft voice and what seems a great calm approach to life. An inspiration!

Your determination will pay off and the path is the journey. Your dog is funny :-) Thanks for sharing!

Wonderful to finally see your cottage and no doubt you will make it charming and cozy. I was fascinated by the story of the old woman who lived there as I have been greatly inspired by your country-woman Margaret Gallagher, and my own country-woman Jill Redwood, to strip away all of the non-essentials and live as simply as possible. It is a work in progress. It is funny to see doors and door knobs almost identical to mine. I live in an 1890s miner's cottage in Australia. Madeleine

Hi I had a chair like this, they had a hey seat sawn into a pillow. The chair was called Sea captain chair. Good luck with your restoration. My house was build 1888 Regards from Iceland

Just luvd. watching this brought bk alot of old memories. He is so respectful of who lived there. Glad to see it is the right guy who got this luv treasure of a home. I wish him many many years of happiness

I’ve waited to see this video for so long. Can’t wait for part two! I’m really interested to see what plans you have. Fantastic to see the treasures you found inside the wall too. Good luck!!

I'm going through a similar thing in Latvia. Loads of money. Loads of time. Loads of problems.

This is a wonderful tour. Love the history. This home is lucky to have you. Take your time. The restoration will be amazing

I like this sincere, honest & thoughtful young man. I really love Ireland a lot, the irish ppl are lovely & kind

What fab pieces of social history. It's always the little things like glasses or pipes that get lost yet they are the items that show the most history. Thank you for sharing this with us. I'm looking forward to seeing what your outcome is on the house