well, I congratulate you on being extremely brave with answering a range of highly personal questions. Part of me thinks that it’s nobody‘s business but your own, but let me also say how enormously I admire you both and what you have achieved and I wish you both well in your endeavours as you are obviously thoroughly decent and splendid chaps.
16:17 love love love this , it’s been so long since people have been transparent on RU-vid so proud of what you’ve been able to build and buy loving the content !!!!
The most honest interview of this type that I have seen. You have created a beautiful home ignore the naysayers. You both came across as really genuine,
To tell the truth, I do feel that your thoughts about tradies are true everywhere, not only London! I live on the other side of the world in Australia and my experience is much the same as yours. The old timers are trustworthy. The tradies who look like high fashion models are best avoided. Thank you for the video, both to you Ash and to the now non-elusive Chad! (He is as handsome as you!)
I am so impressed with what you have done with the renovations and improvements to the property. You should be very proud of what you have achieved so far.
It's so refreshing to be part of your platform. I particularly enjoyed your honesty about where you are in your lives. Not knowing what the future holds. And sharing your relationship and lovely home. Respectfully, K
Thank you, Ash and Chad, for this enjoyable video. I love watching all your home improvement and decorating videos. I enjoyed listening to your Q+A session to learn more about you. I am impressed with you both. You are professional, discreet, and engaging. You are talented and gifted. Having a home in London and one in Italy sounds like a great lifestyle. You have so much to look forward to in the future, especially to be blessed with raising children one day. I look forward to your next project and learning more about you both. All the best from New York City, Robert.
I live in social housing, a carer so exist on benefits. But l never look bitterly at people who have much more than myself. You worked hard for it, well done, and l can't understand why anyone is bitter about others good fortune; it just denotes a poverty of the soul, and a lack mindset. I dont think of myself as poor, thats because l live simply and within my means. I love watching content like this, and the truth is a life of luxury costs alot of money, to maintain it you have to keep on working hard all rhe time, its not as easy as we suspect, but rewarding to these guys. Good on them.
The cost of trades question was really revealing. It seems like a universal reality. Here in Australia, there's a chronic shortage of tradesmen, and prices are high. The other issue I've come across is the "pink tax". They see two gay men in a half nice Edwardian house and quote accordingly. We've developed a habit of leaving dishes in the sink and clothes and towels hanging off chairs when tradesman are coming out to quote. We also make sure only one of us is here, dressed poorly, and we hide the nice car in the garage 😂
It's crazy but true, also in shopping for vintage pieces, the difference in how you dress can sometimes even halve the cost of a piece. Like Chad I get really irked when I realise I've been ripped off.
I agree! In my country you’re lucky if you even get one tradesman to come take a look let alone five. If you’re a single female you get taken for a fool who doesn’t know a thing. Sometimes I ask my neighbor to do the talking for me (not that he knows anything about building) just to get a more realistic estimate of the costs. I’m lucky that my house isn’t big so they can fit my works in between two big jobs. I resorted to taking classes in the basics like gardening, painting, basic electric and the like. I even considered to change my dating approach 😂. Luckily my teenager does want to help and he just learned how to saw and install skirting boards.
@@ikkelimburg3552Tell me about it. In my small town (not UK) I could never ever find five tradespeople for quotes❗On the other hand, word of mouth usually finds you a good person. Yes, it's good if you know a bit about what the job entails.
You two are funny! ☺️ I don’t normally like Q&A’S but I really enjoyed this one! Thank you for your honesty with everything.. some great tips & advice! Your home is beautiful x
I grew up in the east end and left there 11 years ago, your home is beautiful. well done you........I was so glad to hear you say it was hardwork and you brought the house cash. well done you.
Thank you guys for such a nice and open dialogue. I don’t live in the UK, however, I enjoy enormously your videos and their content. I live in a townhouse here in Ohio, USA and I’m also remodeling it. It has been a long process with very rewarding results.
A lot of your experiences with builders are exactly why I taught myself to do most trades (apart from plastering and roofing) even with plumbing and electrical I will attempt anything that is not directly connected to the boiler or the consumer unit. I installed all the radiators, bathroom fixtures, 1st & 2nd fix woodwork, tiling and spotlights etc. I agree about the kitchens, I am putting a B&Q kitchen in my current house as I am not staying here, I am not prepared to spend more than the area dictates as I will never recoup the cost.
@@ashmazzina I learned a lot watching RU-vid. Seriously though, there some great teachers here. I took a week off work and spent it in my yard teaching myself to solder copper pipes, one of the best things I ever did. 🤣
Thank you guys for being so open and honest, in the end it's nobody's bloody business, but you're very brave to do this, you will no doubt get the green eyed monsters having a dig, love watching your renovations and wish you both all the best for your future plans
Thanks for this interview and to being so open ! Love the plans for the future and being able to change your live is a great opportunity ! But before making any plans, enjoy this beautiful house where you are living your lives and keep this as your home right now ! Love the video and thanks again for sharing !
My partner and I moved to East Sussex to a grade 1 listed close to South Downs. Loved the Downs and the Birling Gap cliff walks and Beachey head etc A Lovely property. But we missed London so much. Luckily we were able to return. We have also gone off old properties and now like modern light apartments, they are easy to heat and convenient. We live close 4 minutes to the new Elizabeth Line. To us London has everything and we aim to stay. We now want a camper van in our underground parking bay to enjoy Europe in winters and stay also in Airbnb and campsites or wild spots. Areas around Nice Italy Spain etc.. good luck guys we’ve made tons of DIY mistakes. It’s all fun in the end, just enjoy the memories. We eventually learnt to tile and put in our own kitchen. Tradesmen are great but they can also let you down and have done on many occasions. We’ve got more chilled by learning and doing things more slowly.
This was a really great video to get to know you guys. No BS, no pretense. And just when I thought nothing could top Ash’s accent, along comes Scottish Chad! 😀
Your total honesty is very refreshing. 👍 Rarely have I heard anyone be so honest about their house renovations & their lives. I agree that not every decision will be perfect. I had an addition built during the early days of COVID. I'm 97% satisfied but would change a couple of things if I could go back in time. That's Life! P.S. LOVE the mirror in your bathroom. You got it for a steal. Burgundy and gold is a classic combination for very good reasons. A strong color can support all that Gold. 🏆🏆🏆 Cheers from the USA
Just found your channel today. Have now looked over a few of your previous vlogs, house is lovely, the work out front is tremendous. For the same house in Tynemouth where I live is about 350 to 400000, 4/5 beds can go upto 600000. It amazes me that you are still able to get a lovely house like yours for about 700000, with London on the doorstep, simply fabulous!!
This was such a good Q&A session: honest, informative and funny. Thank you for sharing your house purchase and renovation experience. Looking forward to seeing your future plans develop: Tuscany within driving distance to a beach, or Oxfordshire or the Cotswolds. Difficult choice. Wishing you all the best.
Hello from Cambridgeshire 👐 Chads advice about money and picking builders is spot on always get a few quotes, I'm glad you guys had decent builders, it's very difficult sometimes to make a judgement on that and I think you have to trust your gut feeling on the person too. Living in the countryside is awesome, I used to live around London and although it took me a little while to adjust, I wouldn't go back. Really enjoyed this video guys can't wait to see what's next with the house xx
Thoroughly enjoy this video. Thank you so much with all the information you given. Chad you are such a sensible guy, very clever and honest. Ash love all you work 😊
😊😊I totally agree about kitchens and bathrooms and completely understand about the mistakes you made.What impressed me watching your progress is you are thorough and learn from your mistakes.
Well done guys. I find videos with transparency so refreshing. The numbers can always reveal life decisions that can be really helpful. Thanks for sharing.
Great video and really appreciate the transparency and context around a lot of your decisions. Social media can definitely make you feel like you are being “left behind” when it comes to material possessions, but the majority of time people don’t disclose the financial support or fortunate circumstances that get them there. Regarding your thoughts about leaving London - you both remind me so much of me and my partner. After 8 years in London we just got fed up and moved to a quieter country area about 30 mins from Amsterdam. Best decision we ever made. So I’d say go for it - you won’t regret the peace and quiet!
Never lose a base in London. Don’t believe the ‘commuter train’ lie. It’s a life of leaving the theatre early to catch the last train- and losing an entire day because you’re meeting a friend in soho for lunch. Trust me.
Great to get to know you both better. I love your house ( I live in a Victorian house). I admire what you have both achieved and look forwards to your video's. God bless you both.
Personally, I believe a Cotswold or Oxfordshire location for your English base suit your desired lifestyle better than another London home. As long as you stay out of the big cities, anyplace in Italy sounds fun.
I just stumbled across your vlog as I was strolling down my algorithm and I am so happy to meet you both. I have subscribed and am excited to be part of your tribe. I have lived and travelled all over the world yet Italy is truly my most beloved country and to have a home in Tuscany is still my dream. I shall now delve into your past vlogs.
Thank you for an interesting,educational and charming Q&A. Lately been watching chateau, and a convent renovation both are tedious. Your home is relatable and realistic. I am wondering if you have seen the young French doctor who is redoing his chateau? He is charming , relatable and has excellent taste. I think you both would appreciate what he has done so far. Admire both of you.
I follow a company on RU-vid called London Repointing & Restoration Ltd. They do a lot of pebble dash removal and their works is highly regarded. They’re not the cheapest but their level of work is up there with the best. They’re perfectionist and it shows in the finished product.
Loved this Q&A... thank you for being so transparent on the reno and I have gratefully noted down some worthy tips from you. Its lovely to get to know you a bit better and just saying... I don't find Chad elusive at all... very open and honest, both of you. Also, as someone who loves Italy in all the ways, Ive been thinking of moving there myself. Im hoping you do move there... would be fun to witness :)
Just found your vlogs by chance this is my first time watching you both, I really enjoyed it thank you for sharing part of your life you are both such nice guys I have now subscribed and will start watching the rest of your vlogs thank you 🙏🏻
Regarding finding local carpenters and craftsmen , tradesmen , to build a kitchen or renovate a bathroom - how do you find affordable tradesmen that do quality work ? Any pointers , any tips ? Are there enough quality and skilled tradesmen etc. ? If not , how does society change things ? More quality Craftmen , Tradesmen , Guilds and paid Apprenticeships and Carpentry Schools ? Did you ever consult a professional Historic Preservationists for the renovation of your Historic home ?
😊😊Your attitude to trades people is wise,common sense.I have a house book which contains every job,date and price and who did them.Its amazing how you can forget what and when jobs were done.
VERY likeable couple - honestly brave pleasant ambitious accomplished - Ash for sure the young one looking for tiny bit of approval/guidance seems to be complimenting each other very well - great to see👍👍👍👍
Thanks for sharing. Some food for thought. Remember watching a video on front of your house, the detail to your curb appeal. Maintaining details of how the house was built and presenting them at their best. Overall good job!
Great wee video! So nice to see you both doing a video together. How did you sort out the damp? I’m in East London and have a Victorian terrace that needs attention. I’m sure it’s rising damp. 💜🫶🏻💜
Find the source, stop it, then re-render your wall. Don’t pay thousands for damp treatment, it’s a scam. Ours was coming from a leaky tap below the floorboards and the previous owners paved the patio tiles above our damp proof course!
this was the best Q&A ever!!! You guys are awesome and love the that the 'elusive' Chad has participated in this wholeheartedly and such honesty guys. Nice to get to know you both a little more and I truly would advise you to go and live in Italy at least part-time, because Italy is Italy. I lived there most of my life and it is awesome in a lot of ways, & some less of course lol...
This was refreshing. The house seems to be a snatch for that price (saying as an East Londoner) :D If you ever come across this comment, I'd love to get recommendations for decorators and tilers you used-struggling to find good ones 😂
@@ashmazzina 🤣🤣 I’ve literally watched every single one of your videos & was surprised by his accent! How did it miss that?! 😬🤣 My partner is very much the Chad in our relationship & I’m the more creative, dreamer haha
I must admit my first thought was "massive deposit from the parents". 😳. Well done for being able to achieve all this off your own back. It gives you hope that two state educated boys could be living in such style mortgage free, well done.
Well, I’ve watched the video but honestly, I don’t understand how you can pay CASH 600000€ when you’re 26 and 33. I’m always suspicious about the “transparency” on RU-vid. I guess he had a veryyyy important job in revolute. Happy for them though 😊 their house is lovely !
Hello gentlemen thank you for your clear and frank Q and A session. I have decided to subscribe to your channel as both your personalities are soothing and not too influencer lead. I am a Londoner from Tottenham where my family still live. My partner and I decided to move to the Norfolk countryside 10 years ago to raise our son who is now approaching 18 years old. Best move ever. The London I left is not the crazy London that I visit now. People don't seem real. My partner is from Yorkshire and worked in London for 32 years and leaving was his suggestion. We had a 3 bed semi in Enfield and 15 years ago our loft conversion which was a large bathroom and a massive room which we used as an office and cinema room and the conversion all in was 45,000. How times have changed. Your home is lovely and I agree we all would change experiences when moving house etc. We moved to a 7 bedroom listed manor house with 4 acres of land etc. Love it but it is hard work to maintain the grounds without staff which we cannot afford and getting permission for everything is time consuming and we are in a hamlet so we have basically made our home an open house for our son's friends to stay so he has a social life out here. Can I say that the life split between the UK and Italy sounds wonderful and Tuscany and Cotswold sounds perfect. However your not retired and a bolt hold in a lively town like London is worth holding on to and enjoying till your at least in your 40's or start a family. It does offer so much entertainment. I am in my late 50's and still enjoy visiting things in London even though Norwich offers so much Good luck, keep posting and hope to see more of BOTH of you. ps thanks for the Nom recommendation. as a potter their designs are right up my street and good for inspiration .xx
Wonderful. Really enjoyed watching this. We have been in a relationship coming up to 40 years next year, having met when I was 28 and my husband 31. We both worked in banking in the same bank in Asia. We continued to live there apart from a brief interlude of living in Edinburgh, (I'm Scottish, although born in Asia), and he's Japanese. We now live in Bangkok, (for the last 20 years). Having more than one place sounds ideal, but is not always that easy to manage, and certainly when you get older, much less attractive with travel being such a tedious process, (even at the sharp end). Good luck with your endeavours. I was glad to have the Pooky Lighting recommendation, as I was looking at exactly the same battery operated lights they sell, which coincidentally I noticed in a vlog about a house in Tuscany for sale. That vlogger didn't know, but thanks to you, I now do. Good luck with your endeavours; I shall follow along.
Had a Victorian house in Clapham then moved across the planet to NZ. Which is a very different world. Took about 2 years to settle i think. I now like it here a lot, but still miss aspects of the city
I am in Canada, near Vancouver, and finding good tradesmen is horrendous. They are in such demand, they can pick and chose their jobs. I watch on RU-vid (Nicki Positano) who is a Brit from Surrey who married an Italian and lives on the Amalfi Coast. They have just purchased a second home in Tuscany and the region looks amazing. It sounds the plan to have two bases.
I live in a nice village in central Scotland, the prices down south actually horrify me , here you can get a brand new 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom detached house for around £300,000, older houses arent that much more, I have got to agree with you about builders, I hate getting them in, more times that not, Im disappointed with their work. I love your honesty . A relative called in wren kitchens for a quote , he was in her home 8 hours and refused to leave until she signed on the dotted line, she had to phone her husband to come home from work to throw him out , she still cannot get over it.
The weather this year in Scotland has been exceptionally bad, I have sat in my garden 4 times this year, it’s has rained nearly non stop since last October!
"...never , in a million years would I raise my ( our ? ) kids in London ... " , the obvious question from those of us that do not live in London , and perhaps have never visited London , is why , why would you never want to raise your children in London ? Will you please provide details and specifics as to your reasoning ?
Thank you Ash and Chad. Great video. I have heard so many colleagues and friends having issues with that Kitchen company. From the feedback, they are more interested in selling than in aftercare and fitting. I saved thousands going to a family owned kitchen company. My kitchen is 27x14. And it was less than half of Howdens, Wickes, Wren, including fitting and it was completed in two days because the tradesman were the family and worked together for years; knew exactly what they needed to do. In fact the kitchen fitter drew the plans up. My Question is; with Chad coming from Scotland, would you ever contemplate buying there, especially with the air quality, more affordable properties and scenery?
I love that you used a family owned company, we should all be supporting smaller businesses! We would both love to (me more so) but he is against the weather 😂 maybe one day…
Me and my partner are in the process of buying new property and this was really helpful…. I have a question for your next Q&A how did you guys managed your finances, would you recommend any investment strategies? Ps. I know this is a little off bit question to ur overall content theme😅
Hi, I'm leaving London (born and bred) and trying to buy in York. I was looking at places with potential to open up the loft - but agree with Chad - its not worth it. It has become so expensive that it rarely pays off.
When I studied in London in the early 70's I lived in either Westminster or off the Kings road in Chelsea but the last two years I lived in a victorian terrace house in Willesden, a pretty run down house with front and back garden. When I decided to leave London and move to Paris, the community offered me the house to buy for SIX THOUSAND pounds and they were going to set up the mortgage over 7 years at less than 100 pounds a month. I said WHO WANTS TO LIVE IN WILLESDEN !! I recently saw a very similar house sell for ONE point TWO MILLION pounds !! Talk about kicking myself.
