REMOTE COTTAGE BIG MISTAKE - BOUGHT THIS OLD FARM 1.7 ACRES OFF GRID 

Hey Everyone, Things didn't go as planned on the Homestead! We had a big disaster moment with the barn conversion 🥵 We where quite upset but have to keep moving forward. Something always goes wrong 🙈 but what can you do. We feel its also important to also document the challenging parts and struggle as building a homestead is not a easy thing. 🔴Update - We are also going back to weekly videos from now.....

Hang in there. You are doing great. Pick your course and adjust when you need to. Remember you are doing more and you going farther than most of the rest of us!!!!!!

The walls ended up looking really good, especially that front one ☺ It must be difficult to navigate all these RU-vid comments with advice, instructions, etc.... not to mention the negative comments. I'm glad to see Nick helping you, he's an amazing guy, everyone should check out his channel and he deserves way more followers. Definitely listen to his building advice, instead of everyone on here 🤗 and keep being strong and courageous!

You guys have the right attitude, you're starting from scratch, in a new country, off grid, that's about as difficult as it gets. When you look at what you have achieved already, I'd say that you are following your dream, more than most people can say.👍❤

The pointing has brought the building to life .. well done 👏🏻 it’s all a learning curve and you’re the only ones that will ever notice the little bits that aren’t right. Keep going 😎

Tuck pointing is a long and drawn out journey but so satisfying when completed.

Two adorable kids in that picture. The little girls were cute too!!😊

great job...persistence pays off. Since you know Nick you've got a great local source for advice. I just have best wishes for you both.

Laura, you have a way with words and your words are encouraging to others.

i been in construction for 35 years and i know that professional problem solver is your true title when working on houses . every day is a new issue to overcome no matter if you are a beginner or an old hand . keep up the battle your doing great . enjoy the adventure

I know as youtubers you'll not want to put up certain things in videos like making mistakes etc. But I like that. It keeps things genuine. And yeah people might say something about it but let them. You guys are doing an amazing job and you should be so proud of everything you've done so far.

Perhaps Nick would be a great resource for answering your questions instead of the comment section. He is so knowledgeable and willing to help. The pointing looks amazing and you are both doing a wonderful job.

Guys you are amazing,never give up. It’s really great to see you are so dedicated and in love.

Hi guys,you are doing great work on your homestead. And in life,the guy that never made a mistake never made anything. ❤❤.

I believe you two are stronger than you realize. When I’ve had major challenges in my life, one saying got me through; “I once worried because I had no shoes, until I saw a man who had no feet.” Your approach to taking a few days off to reset was perfect! ❤🇨🇦

When you are done, write a book with all the challenges, mistakes, and successes. Let others learn from you too!

Great job on the pointing. Don't think of it as mistakes, just think of it as a learning experience.

That wall looks amazing, that is definitely the best mixture.

Your rendering is absolutely stunning! What a gorgeous backdrop for two beautiful people. Love how you tackle your challenges with honesty, grace and love for each other. Bravo! Well done! ❤

Sometimes viewer here..... Looks very good, and done right ! " Happy wife---Happy life " 😀

Everybody makes mistakes. Then we learn from them. It shows that you are human. Keep being you. Being honest and trying again. You will have a beautiful homestead in the end. ❤

I think it looks absolutely fabulous! Be proud, guys. Humble is good, but a pat on the back for all the hard work is well deserved here. Whoop whoop 🎉😊❤

Hello my sweet friends! I am so sorry about your setback. After Dan finished telling us what happened I prayed for you both. I could not imagine how you both felt. When Dan mentioned it brought you to tears, Laura, I teared up as well. I have no doubt it is challenging, but you both are so strong and blessed. What amazing teachers you will be to those in similar climates. You both are important to me and I am so proud of all you have accomplished. God is truly blessing you, keeping you safe, and protecting your relationship. Love in Christ, ~John

We are only human and humans make mistakes that's how we go forward. It is good to see you step back and take stock of where you are, you need to look at life as a stroll, not a race and the best thing is that you always talk to each other so you support one another. Love watching you grow as a couple and go from strength to strength. Keep it up as I always look forward to your next installment in the series

You are two beautiful people and don't be so hard on yourself you do learn from your mistakes that what makes the world go round.

The end result of the pointing looks great, should be proud of your efforts.

Hi Laura and Dan fantastic job you done on the pointing really looks good we have to do the same job on are place in France if it comes out half as good as your job we will be happy, but please please ignore all the negative comments of people that never dared to do what you have done you twos are are doing a fantastic job and your having fun RESPECT to you two. Jason and Anette.

Some lessons are like a kick in the guts but not life threatening. Laura and Dan, I admire your stoicism. Keep the smiles a laughs coming.

I really like how the mixture looks. It's a handsome structure, and very strong- some of those blocks are massive!

He Again from the US ..when I first saw the title of this video I thought maybe you were going stop. But after watching it through it made me smile 😃. Like I said in my last post your teamwork through the hard times says alot about your strength .no ever gets through life and especially the endeavor that you both took on without making mistakes..it's just part of learning that we all do every day of our life's. Always know that other people's opinions are just that..and take what helps and works for you both..together and as individuals..I will stop going on for now but again..watching your video today actually made my day Better and Brighter 😊..keep safe enjoy each other and the accomplishments you've made ✌️

Dan & Laura, you are not the only ones that try something and it doesn't work out; HELL I am 69 and still stuff up and then think well dammit that didn't work out right. We gotta make do sometimes and that's how the cookie crumbles. Thing is you have adjusted and now you're sure you have it right so you are lucky that you have worked it out. :) Just remember we are all human and we stuff up at times and move on. Learn from the mistakes and don't stress about it. (wish this old fart could give you two a big hug!!)

You both are GREAT, messing things up and failure are the GREATEST LEARNING TOOL! And the end of the video was Wonderful and can be a great tool for many and not just in homesteading

I know how you feel. I'm 71 and been at this type of work for decades and made my mistakes. We all do! So try not to feel too bad. Just make sure what ever you are coating gets totally soaked with water , especially rocks being hit with the hot sun, because that dry stone will suck the moisture right out of your cement and it won't stick as well and be brittle after it dries !!!! Good luck. You'll get through and will look back with pride! It's a beautiful building.

Be proud guys, look how far you’ve come. By making mistakes you’ve learnt from them so pat yourselves on the back. It looks amazing.. don’t let the nay sayers get to you.. you’re doing, learning, moving forward on your journey and that’s the most important thing to remember. 👊👌🫶👏🌟

I was Watching for that Snake who entered into a crack in your wall, good Luck for the rest of your Renovations.

Dont knock yourselves. These things happen to everyone, Dan said it! you learn from your mistakes, not everyone does, so well done. Love watching you both. You are doing an amazing job.

Stand back and look at your beautiful stone barn, the colour of the granite is stunning, don’t dwell on the errors you make along the way, it’s how we all learn, am excited to see you develop your new home…..kindest regards Ruth from New Zealand…….

Guys don't get disheartened! look at what you have achieved, the walls look beautiful! i know your off grid but will you be putting lighting in the barn? if you are don't forget to run the cables before you do the walls. i'm loving your journey . xx dont worry about the cracks mine has done the same just if you can repoint it?

By using your hands and fingers to get the mixture in, the look you’ve achieved and the consistency of the mix between all the stones have made all the difference in the world! Pat yourselves on the back, that’s one heck of a nice job, well done!!!

Hi 👋, I hope you are both keeping safe and well, You are both doing an amazing job, as you’re learning as you’re going, you obviously don’t have all the tools, i’m finding the right materials for the region, is very difficult, not sure whether you’ve got pennies to go and buy tools or whether you have got some wood and bits and pieces you could make something up, if you made yourself a thing called a hawk, I think it’s called I can’t remember it’s been so long, a handle with a flatboard on top, that you can put your mortar onto, and then you can use other a piece of stick around say inch square, or you can get yourself a little tiny, pointing trial, which help you to push the mortar into the holes, And when you are on the ladder you , could do with a little shelf being made that hangs on the top of the ladder, which, then you can put some mortar onto, I have a little bit of pointing up to do as well , If you’re feeling bored next year with not much to do, my building is approximately 12 m, long, 8 m high, times two for either side, then about 8 m x 8 m on one end, and then on the other end which drops down into the river which is about 8 m wide nearly 12 m in height, it shouldn’t take you long to do it ha ha ha ha, 🤣, Being in a relationship doing what you’re doing is very stressful , as you need to give each other 100%, I’m being loyal, and faithful, and truthful, and honest with each other, Is the only way this will work, If you’re not happy with something, the best thing, it is to talk it through, and hopefully come to mutual agreement, As for my relationship, I was just being used and manipulated, And I just feels that I have wasted around nearly 20 years of my life, I’ve worked all the hours I possibly could , to earn the money to restore two properties once in the UK and one in France, Where I now live. My ex partner has even turned my family and friends against me, as she was saying that I had walked out, and I hadn’t paid the bills, that is very strange has on my bank statements it’s got her name printed on it where I have transferred funds into her account, where she has used her credit card, and then I’ve paid it afterwards when the bill comes in, So doing what you’re doing, you need to be 100% loyal and faithful to each other, I wish you both all the success for the future, and look forward to seeing your next bit of progress, it’s a pity you are a little bit too far away as I’ve got lots of tools so you could probably use, Stay safe, keep up the great work, don’t let the buggers get you down. Phil for the moulin France

The patience they have is admirable. Excellent work and greetings.

Remember why you are doing this lifestyle. You have each other. Keep the faith!

Well done on persevering with the walls despite the setback. Consider asking Nick for any building advice, he recently covered how to remove mortar/concrete from granite. Keep doing what you do. Good progress 😊

You are doing Brilliantly, Feck the nah sayers, we ALL have to live and learn, sometimes the hard way but eventually we get the outcomes we want. Keep up the great work guys

Its looking amazing. You have knock backs but you both don't give up. It will all be worth it when you have finished the barn. I know it will look beautiful.

The building is looking fine. When in doubt go and ask the local neighbours who have a lot of experience living with stone buildings. People in Portugal are usually very friendly and like to help. That way you start making friends and learning Portuguese . Enjoy the process - I envy your youth and energy.

Hey guys . I'm just going to say it ...screw the negative comments. Yes this is RU-vid and people are going to put their two cents worth in and yes you count on subscribers to help you financially .. but in the end this is your place, this is your dream and you need to be very proud of what you've accomplished so far. I'd suggest if you're looking for information or to build your skills to check out other RU-vidrs who are living in your area and reach out to them for first-hand knowledge. The pointing looks amazing.

The walls are looking good, well done both 👍

Please take stalk of the many things you both have learned and the skills you now have, I honestly believe that the only way to truly know yourself is to overcome the challenges facing you no matter how many tries it takes. I’m jealous of you both for what you have accomplished and will accomplish.

You are doing way so much better in life than people twice your age so don't be discouraged when you make mistakes. That means you are trying new things and that's what they call "growth" 😊.

Hey from Toronto Canada. You're doing great,having the courage and the resilience to go about such a project.Please do yourself a big favour don't follow up any advice from the comments. Find local professionals,and ask them,or bring them for a consultation and ask your questions before starting a project.Take care and have fun😊❤

I just want to say I am really enjoying your learning journey. You are so brave to do this, and that Wall looks great

Hi Laura and Dan you too are amazing even when you make a mistake you both pull your selfs together and get on and do what you need to do and what you finish up with looks great and most of all you are celebertys. keep up being true to your selves and keep posting great contents for your fans to enjoy 🎉🎉👏👏👏

I never seen it done with the hand before. I watch others use a bag that looks like a larger cake decorating bag. The concert is pushed deep into the cracks and then brushed like you have done. You have done a great job. it looking good.

What a brilliant job of pointing you’ve both done

You have as much time in your lives as it takes. When you take on projects you will make some mistakes but please don’t stress the attitude you both possess will get you to where you need to be ..Love your videos Cheers from Australia ………..

So proud of you two........... you both are achieving amazing things and learning soooo very much!!

Thank you for bringing us into your lives and taking the trouble showing us what life is really like when you buy a property like that. There are two types of people in life, those that pay to have things done and those that do thing’s themselves whatever knowledge they have. Nearly everybody wouldn’t take on such a big project but I admire you both for doing so.

Hey you two, don't beat ya selves up, its all new to you & it's good to learn new skills, try not to take any notice of bad comments, you know that your doing a grand job, any questions about what to use or how to do something, just ask Nick, he has lived in Portugal for quite a while, so he knows what to use & what texture to use, I think you are both doing brilliantly, love watching your RU-vid videos, so if so, have a cry & a hug & just keep going, take care, sending love to you both ❤❤❤❤

Looking good now. It is hard work but your outside goal is almost finished. Take care.

Aw bless you both, I nearly cried whilst listening to you. Everyone makes mistakes and sometimes they are hard to bare. The bad times will make the good ones even better 😘 Keep ya chin up young ens, you are doing a fantastic job and the barn is starting to look beautiful. Much love to you both and may the universe bless you with some brighter days ❤

Great success high five!!! it still looks awesome you can always sandblast the stone to get anything off. Your skills are growing along with you just keep your relationship number one. All mistakes are meant to be otherwise they would not happen. Impressed that you know about projection,right there you are miles ahead of most everyone. Often it takes several attempts before you get satisfaction. Sports stars miss far more than they score and you already scored each other anything on top of that is just gravy.

It’s going to be fine and it’s looking amazing, you two are beautiful souls and a joy to watch, keep pushing through your rockin it, your Alaskan friend 🙏🏻❤️

After that "So called pen" in Paris the whole of the Toon is crying along with Laura ! ...and its started to snow as well Frig Frig Frig.

me and my wife got land in Murcia area and so far we had a few disappointments , but then we enjoy when thing go perfect, we need Downers to appreciate uppers , that is life, if you don't have mistakes you don.t learn, you are great team you two

Never missed an ep ever since started.. laura&dan you're truly blessed as you're most humble and honest with such beautiful farm.. only wish more power to you guys❤

The best advice I can think of is to look for someone locally who is doing or has done what you are doing. 👍

You’re awesome. Don’t let the comments to close. It’s much easier to criticise people than really to bugle up and actually doing the things you do. Everybody sitting comfortably at home not living the way you both do should rethink before posting any nasty comments. You both have jumped into something by taking on the homestead most wouldn’t have the guts to do. So be proud of yourself 💙

That came out looking so good!!! Very good job, thank you for sharing the good as well as the bad. I appreciate you.

It does look stunning now👏👏

I’ve been nocked down on my butt more times that i care to remember in my lifetime I just got up and carried on some time with a lot of tears but I got there eventually I never gave up love what you are doing stay strong love you guys ❤❤

It looks amazing! Thank you for sharing even though it was upsetting. You're an inspiration for those who wish to do the same.

You know your property and the conditions there better than anyone, and you have proved that you are more than capable! Nothing in renovation is easy, but you're doing great and doing it your way. Love from fellow North-easterners, Gail & Alex!

I’m so glad you had a moment of feeling special. You two deserve lots of those moments. You are so real and refreshing. I honestly look forward to seeing you each week and seeing what you tackle next. You are inspiring and I pray for you each week that God blesses you with peace and perseverance……and just a tad of good fortune! 😊

Really admire the grit you two have. One day when it’s all done, I’m sure you’ll both look back on all of these type of challenges and realise it was all worth the effort. Keep cracking on, you’ll get there, I’m absolutely certain. Two great people 💪💪❤

Bravo guys. Great role models for anybody to learn from. Pointing looks great.

Dear Laura and Dan,your hard work is paying off,the pointing is making a game changer on the outside of the house. So go on and don't loose your lovely smile.❤❤❤

If every thing in life was easy ,It would be booring ? You get knocked down,you get up again ,you never let it get you down . I think there is a song in that somewhere .LOL

Your wall looks beautiful!

Well done you two! Looks fantastic!!⭐️

The pointing looks great, so sorry it was such a trauma. Overconfident bluffers with advice, are a blight on society. Lovely to see green grass and vegetation 🌱

You are doing great as far as I am concerned your projects look great when done so Hang in there its worth it in the long run

You cheer me up so much. Delighted if you can go back to videos every week. There is always setbacks, but you are making great progress. The pointing and floor look lovely.

You 2 are brilliant go with your gut feeling everything looks great, if I was 30 years younger I would love to help you, don't forget walk when you get stressed regroup then attack it good luck.

Man , that looks awesome guys I luv the look yall should be sooo proud of yourselves 👍🏻🤩 Keep taking pride in your work it will always show. Live an learn ,a few days messing up??? Well you wont soon forget that mistake, no worries Better than workn 2 weeks at a job that only pays you a fraction of your worth an giving you no satisfaction. At the beginning of the video when the sun was coming up I was waiting for Dan to pop up his head hair a mess an crowing like a rooster lmao🐓 Maybe in the next video

The barn looks amazing you kids have done a terrific job. You’ll have your ups and downs but when it’s all said and done you will have a beautiful home that you can be proud of. You guy’s be safe can’t wait for the next video. ❤you guy’s do whats right and what feels right for you everybody loves giving advice but go with your gut feeling. You’ll figure it out.

Keep up the good work, hang in there. I would always stick with local knowledge about your stone house. Like you said, all the factors that play into it, the locals have been doing this for years and years. I'm so excited to see the progress.

Lots of hard, tedious work, but the pointing turned out great, good job Dan and Laura! Sharing your challenging times makes you and your journey more real and interesting. The best to you both!

Hi again L&D PLZ READ You two are artists in the making always working on creating your very own masterpiece. All artists work very hard to get theirs just right in their own opinion before it is finished. Just think what you did accomplish in the week that you are pleased with!! Hard at times to keep a positive attitude but regardless hold on to your positive attitudes smile and enjoy the good times and persevere through the tough ones never losing your vision of the day when you arrive at the finish. Hold on for the ride because you can and will do this! Your piece of art will be beautiful and everything you imagined and hoped for. You are also learning and growing together as you go forward and also creating a most special and close partnership in your relationship. The day will come when you look back you will smile and know in your hearts it ALL was worth it. Heartfelt thoughts and prayers for the strength to carry on. Catcha next time...

Hi you two🎉 one word for you two fabulous. Tony ❤️🇬🇧 xx

We all make mistakes at one time or another dont get down on yourselves youre doing amazing and the pointing looks brilliant well done to you both x

Considering you both are beginners and figuring this out by yourselves I think you are doing an amazing job. No joking, that pointing looks great! Mistakes is where you learn… some let themselves be put off by the idea of not knowing what they are doing and the fear of making mistakes and don’t actually DO anything…and others throw themselves in, do their best, make mistakes, learn along the way and move FORWARD. You are doing great. I know it’s very much easier said than done, but don’t give those with unkind words any thought. I think you are bother extremely courageous for going at it AND posting it all online xxx

On the next job filling the stone, they make it like a pastry bag and put cement in the joints, good job, it looks beautiful.

everyone makes mistakes guys. we all learn from our mistakes and move forward. its awesome that you guy have taken on this challenge and you will only benefit and grow from here. you will learn all you need to and be as successful as you can. to be honest i have also seen mistakes you guys have made but hay why comment on it. its your mistakes. a lot of people out there are very unforgiving and they should realise that they are not perfect. they should put themselves in your shoos before making there comments. Laura and Dan your doing an awesome job keep it up and don't let the little things get you down.

Hi guys! Your walls look beautiful! Please be kind to yourselves as you are doing an awesome job, that most of us can only dream of! Take super care, Laura ❤

I always enjoy watching your journey.

Like I’ve said before Laura,Dan it’s all a big learning process. Life goes up & down & to be quite honest, when things go wrong & get really tough; it just makes you stronger. I think you are doing a brilliant job. I also think it’s good that everyone has their own opinion, but people who give the most advice on internet; are the ones who have never done anything like that before in their lives. If you want proper advice ask a local builder or farmer who know the Country’s climate & local ways of doing things. Take care you two, & when things get tough again or go wrong, just take a break go to the beach or drink a bottle of wine & reset. 👍

Well your honesty is what makes your vlog so lovely you have done wonders with the barn and you deserve for things to go right for you once in awhile. Hope the extra time you have in Portugal you will get more things finished. Hope you get your residency soon.❤️❤️❤️

Dont beat yourselves up so much man , yous are doing a cracking job (no pun intended ) 😂. Great job . X x❤

Hi Laura and Dan. I'm sorry about your troubles. I'm not knowledgeable about correct mixtures of pointing materials however if a mason I listened to once is right then the cracking is due to too fast drying of the mixture. It would have demanded a lot of added moisture in the drying process... This does not make it the right mixture however rather likely not... Anyways hope everything from here will be smooth sailings... 😉