renovating my ghost town cottage! (EXPOSED) 

Man every time I watch Lyss I get excited about life, no matter what's happening in mine! I honestly think this is the first time I've ever had someone I would call a role model or icon or whatever ❤️ thank you so much Lyss for living so engaged and embodied and vulnerable 🌻

I love how the car patiently waited for them all to cross the road.

Idk why, but Ben looks different in this video! He looks great (not that he didn't before), I think it's that he looks happier... and it's not a secret (anymore) you two are together on camera 😊❤❤❤ You two are sooooo sweet ❤

Okay, this might sound random but I just HAVE to share this 😂 My boyfriend didn’t have a birthday or anything, but I read somewhere that most men only get their first flowers at their funeral. So I was like... um no, I’m changing that. I got him this LEGO flower bouquet made for men. I handed it to him and said, ‘I read this and thought of you,’ and omg, he actually teared up! 😭 We spent the evening building it together like a little date night, and it was so much fun. Honestly, I didn’t expect him to react like that... I think he was really touched. Anyway, it’s super cute and now it's sitting on his desk haha. Just wanted to share because it made me so happy

Despite the brick problems, removing the siding is a blessing. In the long run, the bad areas would have gotten worse. I love the brick. Your home looks bigger with red brick.

I am glad it was covered with removable siding and not white paint. It would be really amazing to frame the note and hang it on the wall.

More than the house got a restoration. 😊 cutest couple ever.

I love seeing you and Ben together in a video. you have a wonderful light in your face when you are with him.

Love the Brick! Your attitude is like a breath of fresh air! So happy that you and Ben are so happy! You both deserve it! ❤️😊

My home was built in 1850. as I was watching all that siding come off to expose the brick I got worries. BUT I watched the whole video and you have all your ducks in a row about what comes next. You have a Mason in place! Best wishes that as many surprises that are left can be dealt with and you will successfully make your house dreams come true and all aspects of your life plan!

My husband and I spent many years flipping houses, and I can tell you that we lived by " just one more thing " 😊

I’ve been watching your videos for about 2 years now and it’s so lovely to see you so happy. I think you’re the happiest I’ve ever seen you be. Wishing you and Ben all the very best … You both deserve it. ❤

OMG! Your house is beautiful!! I'm glad your Mason can tackle the job, it was the right move to tear off that siding. Love the Yak visit

Adore you and Ben are restoring the house to its natural beauty. I’ve been to Colorado Ghost towns and sadly eventually they will rot and disappear. Cheers for making your dreams come true ❤

It seems that every time you guys start working on the cottage, you have a party. I guess that makes your videos more enjoyable to watch!

I can't wait to see the old gal back to her previous glory!! You and Ben are doing such a wonderful job!! You both make such a great couple...I think you both went through the hurt & heartaches so you could be ready for each other! Bearhugs & Blessings on you both!!

SHE’s A BRICK……..HOUSE🎵🎶🎵

You make me feel a little less alone, and I appreciate you.

I thought that I liked the cottage with the siding but after seeing the beautiful brick, I've changed my mind. It looks really nice.

Red brick is porous, water gets in, expands when freezing and crumbles the brick. My house had the same problem on my chimney (a 300yr old property in Harwich, Essex UK) Good luck, hope you get to match the bricks up, also treat the bricks with a waterproofing spray but make sure it's breathable. Something to look into 🙏

Lyss!! That brick is so gorgeous! So excited for you and Ben as you continue to uncover this home’s hidden beauty. Please ignore the icky comments. You inspire me, and right now in my life, I need all the inspiration I can get (also restoring a 1920’s home). So thank you. Keep on keeping on girly! ❤

That was the best reveal! That Mason is gonna have so much fun! It's gorgeous and that copper sheet letter is truly a treasure! What a pleasure to witness from here, thank you for sharing. Those Yaks - so beautiful! Kisses to the best girl Rio! Found your channel from another van lifers visit some time ago. You all are a refreshing reminder of the sweetness of the American spirit in pursuit of happiness! 🦨

I’m glad that you two are together . Life is very short and you may as well have someone to enjoy the journey with .

I completely understand why you decided to bring the house back to its original brick state, but, the white siding gave it a cool farmhouse look that you won't get with the brick. That being said, I am looking forward to seeing what you do with the house. Your comment about how buying the house has given you a sense of purpose and connection that was missing for you when you were feeling down really resonated for me. I'm in the process now of trying to figure out what that will be for me. I always enjoy your very wise commentary at the end of most of your videos.

Personally I liked the white siding, but brick is nice too. Can’t wait to see the final results!

The brick arches...I mean HOW CUTE they're above the windows too?!? ❤❤❤ LOVE those 😊

This is just so uplifting to watch! Thank you for your optimism and positivity. Such a bright spot each week and love all the DIY! 🌼

It's always such a joy to see how happy you are now. You guys are just great together. I got a chill the first time I heard you call Ben "Honey". The house is looking amazing! So good to hear the mason says he can deal with the arches and the brick issues. Almost a hundred years that beautiful brick has been hidden. Also nice that your equity just went up a lot more.

To anyone who encounters this message, you are on the brink of success. Keep pushing forward, embrace your failures, and strive to learn, as life is too short for hesitation. Appreciate the beauty around you, grow from challenges, and relish every achievement. Your journey is unique, and every step matters!

The brick looks so good. It’s gonna look so much better brick good job restoring it

Hey there young lady. What a fantastic find. Your house is going to look absolutely beautiful once the Mason completes his work, and youse guys take care of the finishing touches. You two take care and be safe. ❤️🍷

It's so wonderful to see you happy. Love Ben. He's great!!!

Omg, it's beautiful, that brick is so beautiful and the arches are gorgeous.

Gahhhh the brick is so beautiful 💖 I can’t wait to see it all restored. So cool!

“Ben there’s a Yak stool on the railing!” Now there’s a sentence I wasn’t expecting 😂😂😂

Woopie, looking forward to it and hopefully there will be Colorado blue skies in the video cause it's so cloudy, grey and quiet today 😊. VOTE 💙🎵

Can't wait to see the mason do his thing. I'm not a fan of painted brick but you may decide to paint it after he finishes.

You should always leave better than you found it! When you are done it is going to be beautiful home!

I am literally watching my dream life with all the birds and animals and flowers!!! But the house looks amazing with the brick and I am so relieved that the mason isn’t worried about it. That must be such a relief to you. On a personal note, you guys look much more comfortable now that you aren’t trying to be “friends” and you can be what you want. Not that it is anyone’s business but it is beautiful to watch it unfold without boundaries and it kinda helps others see what a good relationship looks like. Goodness knows my parents didn’t model much for me lol. Thank you for sharing your journey and showing us the progress. It is a dream come true for me to get to the mountains and live life. So I am living through your journey each week ❤❤

Blessings to you, Ben and Rio. So looking forward to seeing the next update. ❤❤❤🏚️

The statement you found found you. Good description of your raw nature. Yay, it's a btrickhouse, though missing a few bricks - easy fix. You got a truck load of lumber. It's been most wonderful. Like a treasure hunt.. you're one beautiful woman. Cheers

When I saw the white siding, my first thought was that the bricks were deteriorating, as one would expect . In my mind adding the insulation and siding was a reasonable choice for several reasons. Masonry repair is expensive. The house was probably very poorly insulated, because ways to insulate have undergone astonishing advances since it was built. Aluminum siding would have made the house warmer in Winter and cooler in Summer . I like white houses .

I cannot believe somebody covered that up!! Lawd!!😊🎉

Looks beautiful and such great news from the mason! Those yaks at the end stole the show! But seriously great job guys! ❤

I grew up doing this. I grew up in the house. My parents refurbished remodeled. It was a brick house like you’re working on. My mother and father would take a window out one night. My mother would prep all the brick and everything and my father would come home. We have dinner because my mother would makeand be inside putting windows would be by Spotlight clamp lights with a new technologies. They have out there. It’s amazing what you can do.

Ben looks so happy! The worries of life has left his face.😊

Wow! Its been over 20 yrs. So glad to see you thriving. This is awesome!

Really looking forward to the "final fix"!! The brick is beautiful!!! Nice job! Cuties you two are!!!!

Alyssa, the skunks and the yaks (with your narration) had me rollin’ with laughter 🤣🤣🤣 I am SO happy that you are SO happy😄❤️ You are glowing inside and out!!!

Wow, I never imagined you'd have Muskox so close by.

The brickwork generally looks good, happy that the mason can fix the bad bits. You guys are great together 😊

I love the amount of energy you two have! I put together a console table last night and that did me in. Of course I have at least 30 years on you all! 👵🏻

Happy Sunday Alyssa looking very forward to the new video Keep me in your prayers sugery next month Love ya

Best line of the year on RU-vid, "Ben.... there's a yak stuck on the railing!" I'm still laughing.

When you first showed us the house, I wondered if it was brick under that siding. I'm so happy you tore that siding down. Well done.

Awww poor Duncan and family!!! Boo

The brick makes it look bigger! So crazy!

❤ I can tell you and Ben are so happy together. I’m so glad that you found your better half. I believe this is the happiest I’ve ever seen you. Can’t wait to seeyour next video with you and Ben.

The brick looks so lovely it will be magnificent when restored

Love brick homes and if all done correctly by the brick layer and so forth it will look so cool! 😎😎😎 The bigger problem you will have and I am sure why whomever put the siding on with that insulation behind it was to seal up the house from hot and cold w/probably more emphasis on cold. So I am sure you will have other projects from inside the home trying to add more insulation to seal up the house more so. Suggest if affordable taking a good look @ upgrading/replacing as many of those windows as you can as well as perhaps some of the outside doors to start with. Still such a cool home all the around and finding the brick underneath - would do the same exact thing but lots of work coming for Ben & you Alyssa as well as expense but confident it will be all worth it on a grand scale!!!!!👍👍👍

OMG what an amazing discovery. I LOVE the arched windows and the decorative trim details. This is exciting!

Gifted my mom some easy plants for Mother's Day off your recommendation, they are thriving and she loves them!

I think Ben has been a great addition too 😂😅 Great life story... Im a dead thumb for house plants too!

Siloxane is a product that you can purchase to seal the brick from moisture from seeping into the brick. You’ll love me for that but of info. Your local sherwin Williams can order in for you. I owned and operated a residential pressure washing and sealing company for 30 yrs. and I used that product on a house that had gotten a bad batch of brick that was allowing water to seep into the basement. Saved my customer $$$$ .. it is clear and order less when completely dry but I would wear protective loathing when applying and a respirator. A pump up sprayer will work and you apply it very heavy to the point you can see it running down the brick . I’d say that old brick is porous and extremely soft you will want to seal it up asap.

A great wall reveal. great chemistry between you two.

Between the free lumber and recycled aluminum siding, it should cover a lot of the masonry expenses! The best thing about masonry is it's almost always salvageable, and always sound even if it needs repair!❤❤❤

The house is looking great with the siding removed!

I’m so happy to see you so happy!! The house is looking so good, I love the brick! Those YAKs were too cute!!💚💚💚🕊️

Love the Brick on your cottage!! Beautiful!!! So cool of finding treasures about the town and house!!

My fault I couldn't watch this until now. Thank you both for the video of the house looks really good and I'm glad it's only a little bit of structure damage that the Mason can fix. The yaks at the end was funny 🤣🤣🤣

The brick, looks really sharp. Hopefully, you can get it restored to it's former glory.

Wow! LOTS OF WORK. But it will look great!

This is goin be Epic i just known.... Love Ya To Moon n Back Ten Thousand Plus Lyss ❤❤❤💕💕💕💕

It’s so refreshing to watch this fun video! Thank you. I love the bricks! Those arches are a nice bonus. Happy for you😊

It's beautiful!!!

That's an interesting find in the wall, I don't know if it's worth anything but I'd definitely get it framed at least. And, the tunnel under the house is interesting in itself. The house honestly looks better as a brick house. The yack was like " nah, I'm taking the long route" lol.

"She's girthy" your comment about the spider lol!😂 omg Rio wanted those Skunks so bad!!!! Haha. That house is going to be gorgeous when it's done👍 And those Yaks 🤯 im so glad the big fella helped the other lad out!

Love the brick and love seeing you so happy. Happy for you and Ben ❤

You have such a beautiful Gem of a house, so nice to see the beautiful brick beneath the siding.

Lyss, you are so cute, both personality and looks. I so enjoy these videos and so happy for you and Ben. You could entertain a room full of people without even trying! Your laugh is infectious. I always feel happy after watching your videos. I could only be so lucky in my life as a single guy to find your clone that is a little bit older. Thanks for sharing your journey.

How exciting! Finding the brick, the tin letter, the tunnel!?! Your videos are so interesting!❤

Love the brick. ❤

Great video, thank you for sharing the brick exposure.

Hey Alyssa and BEN💞Couples who work together play together stay together ❣💘I love you guys you are a awesome team .I get so excited to see next steps you both will be taking to unveil the true treasure you will find in this old girl, are you going to give her a name ? Wow your so lucky you have got so many different kinds of wild life in your back yard and seeing the skunks playing they obviously have found a new home close by so Cute an thankyou for showing us the yaks was beginning to think you where going to get ben to help 🤣Thankyou for sharing your very much appreciated hard work. Stay Safe be alert dont get skunked🤧😵‍💫God bless

So awesome!!!

Looking great! 😃🥰

I love the Brick. Looks sooooo much better.

Pretty cool to discover the house is brick. Some looked in good shape, other area could use some attention. It will be nice to have it restored. I'd frame the tin letter and display it in the house. It's a cute house, would like to see more of the interior rooms getting renovated.

Thank you sharing. I really enjoy watching your channel

Absolutely love the bricks! Its sad whomever put the siding chiselled away the brick so the framing for the siding would be level. I will never understand why people would cover such beauty over those archways. That tin letter you should box frame it and hang it on your wall. That would be awesome! Keep up the great work! You are an inspiration and an uplift to ones spirit!

If the walls are doublelayered it could be possible to reuse the inside bricks on the outside. Or exspand some of the windows so you can recreate the arch.

Love, Love, Love! Love your house! Love that brick! Love that Ben is there! Love your happiness! Love your "theories" on the possible tunnel! Omg, wouldn't that be awesome. Just enjoy it all. 😎❤

Looks like the old Montgomery Wards siding that they would put up right over whatever you had. I could be wrong, but it sure looks like it. About the tunnel, don't know why it was made but I do know in other gold rush towns men would use the tunnels to leave the red light district and get back into moral society, lol. A lot of the gold rush towns in CAlifornia have tunnels under them searching for Gold. But they were also used for that reason.

Omg!! I love love the brick it’s going to look amazing great choice can’t wait for more video on this butterfly transformation 🦋❤️

Very cool. Looking foward to seeing how they restore the brick.

You'll lose the insulation value of the aluminum siding now

Damn wow! And woah bunz!

Wowwww the house looks twice as big!!

Oh my god how beautiful of a house Best move ever

"Thank you, thank you" said the brick, "I can see again!" The Yak heard the siding had been removed and came to see the house in all it's glory.