My solution to the housing crisis - No rent - No mortgage 

I am a fan of you as a person, Marc. Not only of what you are doing, since you are more than what you are doing. We love you Marc

Wow, seeing the pictures of the property when you first bought it, is an eye opener. You have single handedly transformed everything, inside and out, with your 2 hands. It is amazing ☺️. Thank you for sharing. If more people were like you our focus would be a more kinder, calmer, peaceful world. Be kind to yourself. We all value your thinking out loud with us. Michigan, USA. ❤

What you've created in the cottage and garden is fantastic. So much work! The house is looking increasingly comfortable. I hope you'll be warm and cosy during the coming winter.

You have a beautiful little house and it’s all yours. It doesn’t matter one jot if other folk don’t like it.

I love your little cottage & really love your property!

You have to do the best with what you've got, and that's exactly what you've done. I know it's easy to say but honestly ignore the haters. They aren't living your life are they. Thanks for your videos, Mark.

Hello. I've been following you for a few months now. What I like is your positivity, I live in France and I realise how lucky we all are to live in this beautiful country. Keep going.

Loved the pictures of all you have accomplished with your beautiful home and loved the music, too. You have taken an unkept place and made in into a lovely haven.

The transformation is truly impressive - inside the house but especially the exterior and your property!

Mark you will find a layout that works for you! You are living my dream of living in a rural area with land (which you have made into a beautiful haven) and keeping costs as low as possible to live out that dream! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I applaud you on the transformation of this house and land I watch with admiration 👍💕 x

You have done so much work and it is looking so good! Congratulations!

Thank you for your excellent account of living in France and life generally. As a 66 year old married guy living in the Midlands, UK it is fascinating to hear of your life in France. Since a child I have travelled to France with my late parents and now with my wife in our motorhome. We are great fans of this fantastic country and subscribe to the school of thought that France is great because of people and that not it is in spite of the French. It would be intriguing to learn more of the area you live live------local towns etc.? Best wishes and thank you.

Thanks for bothering to do these videos Marc, that was my favourite yet. It's lovely being able to watch your journey.

Just wonderful love it.

I’m new and watching to motivate myself to sort my house and garden you’ve done a great job we worry to much about fitting in with convention I like the sink where it is and it does it’s job 😊

What you have achieved on your house is remarkable Marc and with little Money. I totally understand what yiu are trying to do to make your house run as cheaply and as comfortable to your needs😘

I think you have done wonders with your little house and land. I have seen a lot of French rural houses and yours, prior to renovation is very typical! I bet it was full of wildlife too when you bought it. We used to have a big farmhouse and ten acres and I know just how much work that is so all credit to you for making it look so lovely. We seemed to have a constant battle with the brambles and the weed that grew in the lake, so I am not missing it!

Your priorities are totally sound. A small a home as you find comfortable, [ and many in ' normal' homes don't have a 14' sq living room!] & as much land as you can get. Keep your bills as low as possible & enjoy your life. Keep going!

So much hard work and daily dedication. It's 10 to 4 here, and I'm still winding myself up to doing some clearing up in the garden! You need to do what you need to do. It's your piece of paradise. Without the partition, that's an awful lot of space to heat...keep the sink in the living room.

I think your priorities are spot on, simplicity and peace, an you've taken brave steps to reach them. You have a small home which will be comfortable and attractive after your improvements, and lots of your own land to enjoy, well done! May the Lord bless and keep you.

You have a very good philosophy on life. Thank you for a good video.

I'm a fan. You are "relatable". We have dreams, challenges and bits of luck. We like projects, things that make life more efficient, comfortable (and beautiful-your acres). All about how we rise to the occasion. You are honest about what you need. You continue to work hard at the "transformation" of your life, home and grounds. You have a sense of humor- that will get you through so much (the things we have little control over). Cheers from the California Coast.

Totally agree with your views & impressed with your energy & vision

You have to live for you and only for you. If you want to put the sink in your bedroom it's your choice...😊 I like your youtube videos, you are a courageous man.

You certainly are an inspiration Marc, keep up the good work I enjoy watching your progress and dream of the same lifestyle one day. 👍

Negativity we bring on others are usually because we are unhappy. Pain bodies developed through unhappy events in our life. But we can change that Negativity. You are doing great and i wonder how many people your vids have encouraged to change their lives. Yiu are an inspiration ❤

I love what you are doing.

Wow never thought the house was that old mate, What a super job you made of the place.👍

Your doing well Marc looking back to how it looked in the beginning you realise how much you have done to improve it. It will only get better

you have your own style of making your videos. that's why I'm here. no mainstream style. no clickbaits. authentic

As an owner of a very small, one bedroom cabin, 36 metres square, I understand the need for good design and best use of space. Enjoy your day Marc.

Marc, I appreciate your perspective. Enjoying the videos. Our cottage is similar in size and have come to love how convenient everything is for day-to-day life. The overhead is low and house is a very solid 115 years old with 5 rooms. We could make into 3 rooms if we wanted to, but why? Nice to have the different spaces to retreat to. You've done what I would have done if I had bought that farm house.

This is yoyr version of a tiny house!! Great work Marc..

Your philosophy on life is very good. I will be moving to Brittany next July and doing something similar, although I will be renting for the first year and then looking for somewhere to buy. You are my reminder that it is possible, so thanks. 😀

Hi Mark I must say all the work you have done to your house is what you can afford so too all the people that are a pain in the you know what let them buzz off thanks for been a good man

Always a real pleasure mate to find your new video and feeling as being right there with you Marc ! Your simple down to "earth" videos are extremely soothing & comforting, especially today in our ever crazier society !

Best vlog ever!

Hi Marc, just a thought about your sink. You might like to build a cupboard around it and then you can close the door when it’s not in use. Nobody will know it’s there. Ultimately you do what you want and bugger everybody. I think you are doing a great job. You will succeed.

When I watched your first video as you crossed on the ferry and drove to your cottage I thought you must have been depressed at how it looked after almost 2 years without you being able to visit and delusional to think that you could make much of the place..... I take it all back. The transformation is amazing given your miniscule budget. The gardens/orchard and wild life paddock look fabulous. I would never have known it could look so good compared to when you arrived. As for the cottage, you have made it look so homely and cozy. It may have taken quite a bit of back and forth and a lot of indecision at times with the location of the kitchen and bedroom but again you have shown that even with the most limited of budgets you can actually turn things around. I hope you are proud of your achievements. Your videos have been interesting to watch from the start.

Amazing what you have accomplished your home is beautiful ❤

I enjoyed this vlog, again such an honest response and reasons behind your thinking. Yes you were right the gentleman who lived there before sure had a cosy set up with everything in one room. Live your life Marc suit your own style of living and just keep doing what makes you happy. You have turned your land into a real garden, orchard, wildlife area all by yourself and sheer hard work and it's only going to get better.

Gosh, I’m sorry. I was one of the ding-dongs who didn’t answer either of your two questions but just clucked and quacked about the sink.😔 You’ve done a great job don’t let us “silly heads” bother you. 😊👍

Would love one the same.Great job you are doing, it’s so much better.

Hello Marc, I think what you were doing is amazing. You have really turned your home and the land into a sweet place and I just love it. I like more simpler designs. I enjoy taking care of my home inside and out, but someday I do see myself living in a tiny house somewhere. I am sorry that you are getting some negativity from folks out there. It seems it’s hard these days to avoid negativity but you have enough of us who think you are just great and love what you are doing so power on toss them aside and I do wish you, all the best❤😊.

Hi Marc I didn’t realise you had made your kitchen furniture wow you are gifted I wish I could make stuff like that 😀your house is fab, I totally understand your wish to live more for yourself and living with less. I ‘ m sure your house is happy that your the person that bought it Sorry just popped off my chipos were burning 😂. How about modifying your partition that is to say make a wooden sort of foldable partition ( seeing as your a good carpenter). That way you open up in summer and close up in winter.

You've done a great job so far and you should be very proud of what you've achieved on your own.... and never worry about what others think!!

Still here, still watching 😊

Just found you Marc, now going back to catch up on the journey🇨🇦

Marc, an old family friend of my parents lived in a farmhouse on Northumberland moors. Their source of water was a well 1/2 mile UPHILL which they carried into the house by bucket. The moral of this story. ? You put that darn sink wherever you want too mate. Farmers are really practical people, it obviously worked for them. Love your videos ❤ Take care lad.x

I always enjoy your videos, you are your own man, do your own thing and enjoy your life.

The main thing is that you are content and enjoy your home. You have made it a home and continue to adapt it to your needs. I know you will most likely change things again as your needs change and your preferences change. I've got at least 10 years on you and I have changed quite a bit over those years, both in my abilities and comfort requirements. Like you I spend a lot of time alone out of preference - people can be so draining lol

You've done a lot of great work on your house and property.

Hello 👋 busy packing to move but still find time to watch you .Have a lovely weekend :)

Always enjoy your channel. It is uplifting and entertaining. Will rewatch this one again later, stopping and starting. You are so incredibly talented in so many areas. I would probably block the unpleasant people. There are so many mentally disturbed people who waste your space. I don’t know how utube pays but if it’s by numbers of course leave them. ❤

Just found your channel, keep up the good work and all the best for the future matey.🙂

Just wanted to say hi. I love following your journey 😊

Your so right( about a lot of things) but in this video regarding space to livr, if your on your own or even 2 of you, you onlh need a kitchen ,bedroom living room and toilet ,its cosy warm and takes 5 minutes to clean. Your sinl totally lends itself to have a wooden surround, in france it was quite common to have a sink in the bedroom, in a cupboard, ive seen many in old mansions and chateaus, once youve built the cupboard underneath, if you make doors that completely fold back flat you have perfect access to the sink. I love the kitchen units you made, if i make the move to france ill be coming to you for my kitchen . Enjoyable chatvas always. ❤

I have some money and looking for similar but not with much land it's to save the money value from my parents , your right and you have done a good job it's not easy 😊

Dear Mark, You have my dream home. 3-ish acres, a comfy home that needs some work, and time to do it. You have picked up so many skills and eventually you will get the house exactly as right for you as you can. Try not to be discouraged or let the negative comments get to you. I was thinking about your "sink" issue. I recall many wonderful French country kitchens... most country kitchens, where the majority of home life was spent in the kitchen. a big farm table, a cookstove and sink and refrigerator, work space a pantry, and a fire place with some comfortable chairs. warm. safe. dry. filled with love, laughter, and tired bones at the end of the day.. yes, probably a cat or two, a dog by your feet, and project bag filled with yarn or mending in the corner. everything in its own time. ?sending a hug from the 🇨🇦 prairies.

Love all your videos 🫡 top man 🙂

Love watching you , you always put a smile on my face keep doing what your doing. Keep ignoring the rotten people 😅😊

Love what you do keep it simple so you enjoy life ❤❤❤

In the U.S.A. the open concept has become very popular. It entails kitchen and living room as one room, with a counter height island that serves as counter space and a place to eat, sitting on counter height stools. So strange the people are commenting on a sink being in the living room.

I love your house and garden. I would never exchange for a tiny house. Have you sorted the chimney? Have a nice Sunday.

Wow You have done so much and it's looking awesome. I hope I haven't been one of the people you describe as In person I often don't think before I say something. And often I will type and not re read it before posting. I've re read this comment and I think it's fine. Xx

Me fascina el antes y después!!!..... ver el excelente trabajo que se ha echo!!! y los predios eran una verdadera selva.....te has currado todo muy bien!!!, todavía recuerdo el día que te mudaste ,venías con el coche a tope 😁..... .Saludo cordial.-

I think when everyone gets down to brass taxes, we all actually need very little. We can get by with basics. It's the wants that take over. My husband and I are planning to sell up, so we can buy something in Europe and be mortgage free. We are not rich by any means, but we will make do.

Hi Marc. Please I’m so sorry about my previous comment about the kitchen sink in the lounge. I was just kidding. I truly wasn’t hating on you. I am amazed how beautiful your garden is now. The cottage looks way better than when you bought it. I need to mind my p’s and Q’s. lol.

! Keep up the good works! 🏡

Its more important to be prepared for winter. Then you can do all the inside stuff in winter.

Amazing transformation....

I am really looking forward to seeing how you resolve the lighting issue over the sink. Washing knives in the dark is never a good idea 😅

Beautiful garden. Well done for finding freedom. I would love to do the same. Problem is brexit. How did you get permission to stay/live longer in France

i would have a go at rendering over the blockwork, try 1st on a small wall

Yes back in the day the kitchen and kitchen range would be the heart if the home. As a lover of the old and vintage I have been lucky in my life to restore a couple of turn of the century houses, one like yours a 3 room cottage. I personally have always aimed for traditional restoration, preserving the past if you like. This was my reason for suggesting your main room would make a fabulous old worlde kitchen. An old range, two armchairs and a big farmhouse table...Plus the smaller room as a chilling out tv room would be much easier to warm in winter. That is of course my individual way of looking at your blank canvas. You may dislike the old style though. In response to not answering regarding window and light...no sink = no need for either :) But if you want the sink in the main room maybe make more of a feature of it? Add more cupboards alongside with a lamp. Fluro is so cold and functional but is very cheap to run. All your outdoor work has been great and your industrious work ethic is inspiring. I dont think people are trying to be negative, they are probably a bit like me and have a different aesthetic. And really wanting to help. Not sharing your vision isnt always negative, we maybe just wondered if you hadn't considered switching it back.

Don't you find it amazing that so many people are invested in your home and life? I'm not this involved in discussions with my children about their homes. Probably because they don't ask my opinion and would think i was interfering if i made any suggestion. Thanks for keeping me involved even if i do make random suggestions.

Pourquoi ne pas installer l’évier dans la cuisine ?

Could you perhaps draw us a map of where your house sits in relation to the road and your neighbours? We can see a neighbour's place nearby and also a barn, is it? Perhaps set out how your garden and paddocks and house sit in relation to it all.

You will always have people question your decision, Marc, don't be miffed by comments tho, it's not worth it. I think it's because it's isolated as such, it's kind of odd for those who have separate kitchens. Your photo of the original is a good example of what has been in the past. French kitchens I've seen often are strange in layout. Anyway, Studio flats have sinks in the living room, my son has his kitchen in his living room. You have to do what you have to do, to maximise your space and be comfortable at the end of the day, and you will change if you feel the need to, I am sure. .:) How about a decorative tiled effect splash back to go with the blue painted room?

People live in caravans, motor homes etc and all have a sink within reach 😂 ❤

Marc do you have an Amazon wish list you could post? When you were discussing lighting I thought maybe you could make a wish list we could help you with. Marc I watch you every day and leove your inspirational content. Negative people come into our life to remind us how happy we are❤Love your podcast, love your progress! Rock on Marc we love you ❤❤❤

yes definately great improvement mark ,amazing n great / From UK

Ignore the bad enjoy the good love your house and gardens ,l am in Spain 🇪🇸 but would like to move to france simple truth is l didn't get the chance ,don't get me wrong Spain inland is great but no fishing for miles except the sea ,not too happy as hubby is a carp man brexit messed us up long story, say no more ,have a happy life as much as possible Mark .

the way you think about life other people your home is great, take no negitivity on board, carry on doing what you want & when, i will carry on watching you build your dream home even if it has got a sink in the livingroom (joke) happy stress free life to you 🙂

If it suits you, it's all that matters.

I really hope you didn’t take offence mark lol my remarks are meant to be light hearted, but you did have a really cute kitchen , only saying lol🤗

Just think everything you do adds a bit of value...have you thought about a robot mower that you can leave to mow on it's own which would give you a bit of time to do other things...

Hello friend we been looking your videos wife and i , we love your journey , also we stay in USa , hoping to move in south of France in about 5years from now with God 's help . hope our 2 kids will be on themself here in the USA . We will need your advices . Don 't know if we need to start looking to buy now or wait . Thank you

You'll be needing a swimming pool for next summer

💜

You've made an amazing home Marc. Did you find it through an estate agent or was it word of mouth?

Hi just found you , subscribed…..when did you move pre brexit ?, or after how have you moved full time ?, lovely home well done on your work 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Generally it takes 5 years to build a business. Carry on. Enjoy the present moment. Enjoy the journey. Enjoy the delete button. lol 😊👍

France visa has become a nightmare.

Your content is brilliant, and in the very very near future, my wife and I are looking at getting ourselves a project to renovate for us. What area are you based in, please What region Thanks Dale.

So 20000 is not the true cost if you have estate agent fees on top and notaires fees.

Oh…what happened to Clara?(sp?)

Ok ok ...no judgment ...just curious..why didn't you leave the kitchen plus SINK more or less where it was ? And a cosy sitting room area behind ?

A bloke living alone you’ll find weird things like a sink in a living room. Youre basically living like the bloke before you and thats just how blokes alone live. Add a woman to the picture and thing’s gotta change lol

My son has a small flat.... a little newer than your lovely home...but his sitting room and kitchen are all one open plan space. So he too has the sink in his sitting area. What the heck! He loves his home just as you do yours. Also, I follow a couple of other RU-vidrs who discuss their plans and often ask their subscribers for advice. They too get their critics but just carry on regardless supported by all the many more positive followers that they have, as will you. Stuff'em!!