Stone Cottage Renovation drives us potty! 

When renovating it is much too easy to sweat each and every detail. Years from now, you'll struggle to remember the issues that you're currently second guessing. Having high and exacting standards is admirable, but "perfect is the enemy of good." Sometimes good enough is all you really need.

My goodness, I think you’ve done a bang up job! There’s no way the stone work is going to come out looking like a machine did it. That’s the beauty of it! The achingly, soulful joy and gratitude of living in your home that you built.

We live in an imperfectly beautiful world. So many people would have demolished it and put up new construction. You are the exception. You are lovingly and wonderfully restoring this ancient cottage and doing exceptional work. Well done I say. Breathe in Jesus breathe out peace ...one foot in front of the other. You got this!❤

The quality of Sam’s stonework and the overall look is flippin’ fantastic.

❤ The cottage is an old girl with character and charm.She wouldn't look right if she was absolutely perfect.Your doing a grand job 😊

I rewinded the chicken on the scaffold…twice. It’s looking amazing,you are not just building a house but creating a home built with love and a story.

You two are just amazing. You do realise that the age of the original buildings would likely mean they were NOT built by qualified Stone Masons? I'm a builder's daughter and my late father who would walk into any room in anyone's home, shut one eye, line up the walls then get a look on his face that would tell us whether he considered the bricklayers and plasters good at their jobs or not! I'm sure that cottage was originally built with love and determination to provide a dry family home with leakproof roof for a family. You two have the same intention but you have gone above and beyond Sam. It would have been great to have had a qualified mason to talked things through with just for your own peace of mind, BUT, I reckon the work you've done looks way more professional than what was there to start with. Well done!

"Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good". I love the stonework that you've done. The cottage has come so far under your care!

A few words of encouragement, we r 9years into a Georgian farmhouse renovation our sash windows were put in straight and from the outside they looked crooked and wrong so after going with the natural slope and shape of the building it all looked beautiful and uniform….sometimes you just can’t perfect an old building and it’s better to just go with it. You are both doing an outstanding job adding to life’s skill set and trust me you will sit back in amazement at what you have achieved and proud of the beautiful structure you have saved and left for the future. Find a place to date and initial your work & hide a letter detailing your family and whole restoration (something we did for when we r long gone).❤

Such an amazing job. These are new skills you are both learning, and like you say Sam, you are not a stone mason. It is important that you both talk about problems with your mental health. We might not be there in person to answer, but we are all listening. You do have a large community around you now to support you and follow you through your journey.

Good Morning Family WOW that Man with the digger and dumper was pure magic to watch a one man army Bec my love we all find your intros so moving i often go back and watch them several times tears in eyes Lady your a one off for sure God bless you ,it was great to see the door pillars finished at last yes seem to take forever your 100% correct the door frames being out a bit here and there does not matter a jot its in keeping with the 100 plus year home your not a stone mason neither were the original builders we all think its magic THANK YOU ALL FOR ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO .xxxxxxxx.

Sam please don’t underestimate your ability you have done an amazing job - stepping away from the task is the best way to go ❤ the progress may seem slow but what a difference to the build you are both making - pvc windows look amazing xx

That is the best lesson that I have read here over and over. . . Done is good enough! It will always be perfect in our eyes. Sam, you do beautiful work! You and Bec are doing a fabulous job of this.

Sam when the cottage is all finished grow a beautiful climbing Rose up the wonky stones to take your mind of it. The beauty of the rose against the stonework will be very uplifting. You both are amazing what you have achieved.

you are doing a fantastic job...don't beat yourself up .... with old buildings they aren't perfect....love your work.💯💗

I would think 95% of people would not find any fault with your door pillar build. Once you get into wood and make the door frame all the people will see is the amazing restoration of stone and wood to once again making a home from home, and giving people a warm welcome to the homestead. Just think of all the people that will visit the homestead over the next 100 years that will rest their hands on the pillars and enter through the threshold. You will certainly need a good gutter system, given that in your location the average rainfall is per year 1.2m to 1.3m which works out roughly as being at least 150,000 liters based on 4 downpipes on a box gutter system or to visualise that think in terms of 150m3, so your pond will get a good regular supply of water for the farm animals to thrive greatly. By way it was good to see to the love couple just chilling out looking over their domain with happiness radiant from them both, be proud Becs of your match making skills. Keep the head held high Sam, you are making outstanding achievements and remember you are well ahead of schedule for completion, just keep dreaming of timber and rafters and joists to get a peaceful refreshing sleep.

Oh bless him! I live in a sandstone cottage that was built in 1684 and it is crooked but that is why we love it! Sam - you have done an amazing job and once it is all pointed it will look amazing! That wall was horrendous! x

Sam has done an epic job. So it isn’t perfect ( in his mind) but that lends to the age of the cottage and will be fine when all is done. The main thing is that it’s solid and safe. Both of you are doing a sterling job!!!!!! So pleased you all had some time out……much needed. 💕

Hi All, I am so thrilled when you put out a new video. I have watched other channels doing similar things but get frustrated with the "fooffing around" they do when there is such a limited timeframe for getting the work done on the cottage (to be able to get the much needed and deserved grant money). You all are such hard workers, and I admire your tenacity and sheer hard work in getting on with things. The cottage is your new home in the making...done with your own hands and love. A day at the beach is well called for. It's hard to see the progress when you're right "in it" everyday; but it is coming together brilliantly. I hope the weather keeps being kind to you. Bec is the voice of calm and reason that everyone needs. The final shot of cat and dog going walking was lovely. Cheers from Australia.

It's amazing how much debris had accumulated from all the reno work you've done so far - wow! Thank you, James, for toting it away. Now, Sam, give yourself more credit for the impossible but amazing job you've done - you're doing fabulous work to an imperfect project. Oh and Bec - you're incredible also, just don't forget that! I swear, those chickens of yours get more exercise running around the homestead that I ever could (lol). Take care now!

I think you have done a wonderful job on the door way. Great you had Jimmy helping with the sorting out. The video at the start was lovely so peaceful 😊

Gorgeous stonework! We are all so proud of you 💯👏

No where near what you are working to achieve but today I baked and decorated a cake for a 30th birthday party this evening. In the 15 minute drive to drop the cake off a good amount of the buttercream icing and decorations slid off the sponge cake 😳 I did my best to patch it up but I’m gutted it’s not perfect. Sam, we can be our own worst critic, you could knock more of that wall down and rebuild the doorway but there’s nothing wrong with what you have done. You have achieved the purpose and there will be a secure door there soon enough. Me, well I couldn’t redecorate the cake but I did patch it up and it’s still edible. Today we both achieved! 😊

Absolutely amazing masonry job Sam, you are a natural 👌

Becca ,he's done a brilliant thank god your there to give him a lift,,😊well done Sam 😊❤😊

So much love going into this renovation. All these issues you come across will be distant memories later. You are doing an amazing job. I also absolutely love how all the animals are allowed to run free and even the chickens climbing on the scaffolding. Xxx

Sam it amazing the time and effort you put into this building, it’s easy to build with bricks and block but with the stone you are using it’s fantastic. You and be a should stand proud of your workmanship.

Your new stonework looks every bit as good, if not better than the original. You have come a long way since the beginning, worked so very hard and learnt many new skills. You are inspirational and will soon have a beautiful new home built by yourselves. Amazing!

Fantastic progress, I love what you are doing being true to the building and know you will have a really special house when it’s complete. You are too hard on yourself, these types of renovations are not to create a modern build, the quirky nature of this building is very much its charm. The doorway will look wonderful when the frame is in and a handmade bespoke door painted a fabulous colour. Also remember these things take time, especially when you are using traditional techniques, and it’s not as though you have a whole construction crew at your disposal. Just take one step at a time and celebrate every win, no matter how small ❤👍👍👍

Sam youve done an amazing job on all the brickwork. And as challenging as it may seem you always get through.everybody has the same some days good some not so good but the most challenging for you is the weather.and let me tell you that would have beaten many a good man.but with all the support of you dear wife becky you always come through.just remember as becky says as long as its structually sound thats the main thing the inperfections can be got round its a old building it will always throw its challenges at you but so far both your hard graft and detrmination togeather has showed some amazing results and its a pleasure to see your workmanship.keep your heads up shoulders back and rememeber to always stay possative .youll deffernately achieve your dreams❤❤❤❤

You have a beautiful place with tons of character and history. I envy you!

Your both building your home with love and determination, that is what makes it perfect ❤

I couldn't help thinking we're all a little wonky but structurally sound, kind of like your cottage. You both are breathing new life into it, working the best you can, and will end up with beautiful perfection. You always see the best in your animals, as well, and we see how you've brought out the best in them. How often do we see a donkey, dog, cat and chicken on a walkabout together? Keep up the good work because I am enjoying your journey and send blessings.

Your both doing a fantastic job, the cottage would look weird if it was 100% square and true, it never has been and should stay so, I’m really glad you haven’t knocked the character out of it.

Well done Sam! If the stone doorways are a bit off it doesn't matter - when you do the timber frames (yes, timber your specialty) everything will be squared away!

O.M.G. What wonderful examples of how to live your life. You both are amazing. Firstly "I am just going to lay the next stone, and then do the next one after" And then "Sometimes, you just have to do your best, and be happy with that" I just love your videos. You are inspiring. I just wish for you and your little family that you are always happy here in Ireland

Such a wonderful help having Jimmy to help. And even though you might think your work with rebuilding the stones are not perfect, for us from here looks impressive and gorgeous.

I love watching you and your family...including all your much love animals. You both work soo hard and the homestead is coming to life to life again

Hey Bec, may I give you a tip? Don't take black for the windows because you will see every dust on it... When we did our garage door, we choose a mossy green color and is so great. Reduces the amount of times you need to clean them. Funny thing is, that neighbors who had black ones, changed theirs to the same color here in the village 😀

You guys are working so hard. I do not like things to be perfect when old properties are concerned, but Sam is a perfectionist, so understand what he must be going through. I love seeing your free range chickens running around all over the place as you are working, and your beautiful dogs, and two adorable buddy donkeys. Keep strong, keep healthy, and keep your spirits lifted, you are doing an amazing job. Blessings from Jilly & Madge from West Devon, where we are bracing for bad weather in the next few days. xxx

I love the animals hanging around you , especially the chickens after worms etc 😊. That doorway looks fantastic ! Well done 🎉

Tiz a wise man that steps away!

Sam give yourself credit for a job well done. Take a step back and really see the stonework. It is beautiful. If it was really manky someone on here would let you know!😊😊😊❤❤❤ Becca, your intro was BEAUTIFUL. You are really getting the hang of this cinematography thing. Spielberg step aside!❤❤❤

Sam please don't be hard on your self about the stone work. I you have done a excellent job on it and even that your not a stone mason, I would say you have done just as good as pro stone mason. I love how this is coming along. Bec you have relay mastered the pointing of the stone. Take it easy and dont work to hard on the house it will all come together as should.

Every video I am amazed how good your stonework looks! Be kind to yourself, you're doing great. It's easy to get overwhelmed with a big project like this. I find it helps to sometimes do something small that's maybe not a priority, but makes you feel accomplished.

Perfection is not always possible, no matter how hard you try. Sometimes good enough is OK. Hang in there guys...

Sam is a perfectionist and he’s used to straight walls and everything looking straight…. I mean that’s normal right but this situation is slightly different and an old cottage made from stone is never going to be straight. Sam it looks fabulous and in the end it will look fantastic so don’t worry, trust the process, you’ve done a fantastic job 😊

I like the design of the green window for the cottage, Sam, sometimes good enough is perfect.

I can understand why Sam is unhappy with his work on the back door. But I completely agree that having a wonky back door will add to the character of your gorgeous Irish cottage. You are both doing an amazing job and sometimes a craftsman has to accept that wonkiness is quirky.

Well done Sam, you´ve done brilliant holding the nerve.

Great to see the groundwork tidy up - the chickens certainly seemed to enjoy getting to the buffet of worms and bugs! 😂 well done on the stone work 🎉

The secret of building openings is to build up to a frame...NOT guesstimate/plan where the frame will be and then bespoke it..I truly appreciate what you're doing, and no doubt there is a good reason you are doing it the way you are...I have seen nearly all your vids, I know you are a bit of a perfectionist, and because of that, one starts to make excuses for wobblyness, Oh it's character!!..Love you all!!

Well done Rebecca and Sam great progress, Rember the man that built the original cottage didn’t have an arketeck drawing and little resources and many the happy times were had within, and many more to come If ever visiting the Burren I put you up, kind regards Sean

Yes, there are amazing people in this world ! You and Sam are two of them ! Sam, your hard work and perseverance are clearly evident, working under various difficult conditions, but moving ahead nevertheless ! You have met your challenges consistently, so heads up mate ! Love and hugs to you both ! 👍💗😊

Oh, those bucolic opening shots. Something to die for, especially the dragonflies over the pond

You both together with your children have done a truly fantastic job once its finished you can look back proudly at your daily hard work to get it done well done stunning job

You have done a marvellous job with the stone work, and if you find it a bit wonky, hide it with shutters on the outside. It is such hard work that you both do, that the sunny day on the beach was well deserved. I know which window I like best. Upvc are great, they kept the damp and draughts out beautifully in my old cottage. Do not get disheartened Sam. It is truly amazing what you both are coping with and achieving. x

I agree that you have done an amazing job. I also love to see all the different animals around the buildings and on your gorgeous property.

That opening shot!!!!!

❤❤❤❤❤Such hard work and it looks great. You two are hard workers. It looks amazing. I love how on time lapse you can see your 🐔 everywhere and even on your scaffolding. Makes some tasty eggs and healthy 🐔. Have a awesome week! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Bec, you are right. The stonework may not be the greatist but Sam has done an amazing job and as long as it is strong, then that is what it is! As for the windows, put in the PVC windows now and if you get the funds later, switch them out for wooden ones even if it is one at a time. Finally, as I have watched this week's video, I have counted over and almost as I type this 300(!) likes and an uptick in views! Yeah! Keep on doing the best you can!

Maybe you couldn't widen the doorway, maybe it is a little wonky; however, it is stucturally strong and will do nicely in the years to come. Perfection is nice, imperfection is the unique quality that makes it so special. Keep the faith Sam and know that you are building a future for your family.

You are working with a very old building. It is not doing to be perfect, that's its charm. Fantastic job from you both. Greetings to Toby and friend. ❤

You guys have come a long way from when you started. Over 73k subscribers!

You young man are becoming the man you are meant to be, I’ve watched from the beginning and this stonework you have learned and now mastered is amazing. Moreover the man you’re becoming is the real stonework you’ve done. Build a house on stone and it will stand the test of time. I see a profound change in you, your wife is proud, and the work she has done truly something to be so proud of, as well as standing with her husband as he heals from the past. So thankful for you both, god bless you!

What a transformation that’s fantastic 😊Well done Jimmy 😊 Door way looks great, 👍

Great work! I am one of those who thinks inperfection is the most beutiful thing. You have come so far with the house! 🏡 Thank you for the video.

Perfection is the enemy of good. You guys are doing great!

Great video. I think every farmer in Ireland would agree with you in hoping that this fine spell of weather stays until Christmas 👍

Progress not perfection! It looks awesome! Give yourselves some grace.

Love watching your weekly video,amazing job you have all done,love the animals and the togetherness you have. Stay strong Sam 🙌

You and your whole family are just lovely.

He’s a perfectionist that is why he can’t accept it. His work is amazing so is yours, keep pushing you can and will do whatever you need. Sending positive vibes 😊😊😊😊😊

Sam , don't be down mate , you and Beccy are doing incredible work there , and my vote is for the green windows

I would just like to say that I have watched all your video's and I have a tendency to watch renovations in general, but I just so enjoy your video's... The both of you work so hard and are doing such an amazing job... And the place is looking amazing ... Cannot wait to see the windows and doors go in as I am sure you are as well... Lovely videos and thank you so much for sharing with all of us... God Bless

I like the dark windows add a little 21 st century to the cottage but greens good too. I think I like the design of the dark one. Now think of the loss of energy as hump day in the week it’s Wednesday for your restoration. As I’ve said before once the stone work windows and roofs done you will both feel so much better.

❤❤❤🇦🇺loving the stonework Sam awesome job, Becca you are the tuck pointing queen.

Brilliant job Sam you must be proud of your achievements and Rebecca your pointing is 👍.

The charm of an old house is the "wonkiness" its going to be beautiful. You have breathed love and care back into the old girl and she will shine for you upon completion. I feel your pain though, I watched my late husband do this many years ago to an old farmhouse. He did lose a fair bit more hair lol. It was worth it though. Keep on keeping on and hold the faith.

Stonework is looking fantastic! It's getting there! 👍👍 Love your channel!

The start of this video is beautiful, all the animals are living there best life ever. Sam, you need a good telling off, lad you are bossing that stonework , stop saying it's not good. You should be proud. Window, how exciting. I've tried to order sunshine all the way to Christmas for you, ( oops I forgot Ireland ) still I'll keep my fingers crossed that the weather is kind to you. Cheers from Lancashire

Love the way the dog guards all of the animals, he looked worried when that chicken was walking towards the digger

Just want to say I'm enjoying watching your journey; I have done many DIY projects over the years, but not on this scale, and often during the process I ask myself "why did you start this, its never ending". Yet, just like you, I continued "one stone at a time", and eventually the hard work began to reveal itself, and at the end you can look back with pride at your achievements. Good luck with the rest of the project.

Everything is looking great. Every day is a step closer to your home being done.

You have alll worked so hard I'm sure you are all exhausted and tiredness is a killer. Take care both of you .

So much hard work goes into that stonework. The doorways look amazing.

I'm so glad you guys took the day off on Thursday to go to the beach and relax. Ireland was absolutely roasting this week and I certainly took the opportunity to work on some sort of a tan in my lunch hours. It's ironic that we had the best week of Summer weather in Autumn. That's so typical Ireland 😂

That was some fast digger driver 🤣😂🤣😂 sam has done verry well with the stone work, its an artwork on its own, the two of you are the A team, well done A+ on the work and yes you do need a break your not robots ❤

Bluetti should sponsor you guys, there’s so much more to come that could be a great showcase for their products.

You pair are doing absolutely fantastic amazing job see you both next week 👏👏👍

My Week's been made!!! Looking 4ward sòò 3 watching this vidio.

Hi everyone, Sometimes,you can be too much of a perfectionist,especially when you’re building a home for the family, it’s going to look stunning! I lived in Denton Manchester,but moved to Australia 🇦🇺 love listening to your Manchester accent Simon,I laughed when I heard you said ,I’m going to have a butty 🥪 Good luck 🥰

Grow a creeper up the wonky bits!!! That's why God invented plants!! 👍👌 Only you will know and no one else will care. You're doing an amazing job!! 👏👏

Becky Sam has done an incredible job with door frames but because he knows it's not right he's clearly upset but as you say accept the imperfections as there is so much more to contend with love Saturday mornings this videos are a tonic

I went self employed doing farm work and ended up doing a lot of dry stone walling. It was the biggest reason I changed careers. It doesn’t help if you are a bit of a perfectionist. Keep listening to Becs, she’s really good at keeping things in perspective. So sympathy with building the wall ends. Was going to say are you having a big bonfire on the 5th but you are maybe going to use it in the stove? Might be a good job for the kids to help?

Sam, nothing is perfect, and your darling cottage is all the better for it. You're doing a banging job 😊 Tell Jimmy/ James he's doing a ballet in that digger, he's amazing 👏 The chickens have no fear 😄 When I saw Trudy and Toby together, did make me think that when Trudy comes into season, you'll probably have to seperate them as Toby was a stallion for so long. He's likely to exhibit stallion behaviour so watch for that 😉 Keep doing what you're doing, its great ❤

Grief!! The lòt of work & effort u put in this project is staggering!!! When u finish this renovation, u can b BÉRY proud of yourselves!! Keep going & remember Rome wasn't built in a day, so "enjoy" the hard, but satisfactory "work" aaa Looking 4ward 2 receiving next Saturday's vidio.

I've been watching since you arrived in your m/h. This morning I worked out how to leave a comment... been viewing via youtube app on sky. I look forward to seeing the story reveal. Wonderful! Green window frames, I reckon...

Fantastic progress!! The door way looks great, you are doing an amazing job. ❤

Just don't let him use that door in future, or until he gets over it. One glitch doesn't spoil everything else. Well done Sam.