#1 Renovating a 120-year-old stone home in Crete, Greece

The first day of my new renovation project in the western part of Crete, Greece. In preparation, I made flat plans of the house along with a 3D rendering to help me visualise how I want the space to look when complete. Using these plans, I'm marking out areas on the walls and the floor using tape and objects in the house. This will give me a relatively basic idea of how everything will be laid out.
After making some tweaks to the design, I will now begin to purchase the materials and everything else I need to get started. Next up, I plan to organise all the contents of the house, keeping anything I see potential for later. Then I can begin the demolition phase, removing the existing kitchen (which will be moved to another area of the house), knocking some interior walls, gutting the bathroom, and removing the plaster on some of the interior walls to reveal the beautiful original stone underneath.
PROPERTY HISTORY:
This old stone property was built in 1900, making it over 120 years old. It was first renovated by the original owners in 2005 to a good standard. In 2019, an Italian couple purchased it, hoping to make it their home. They added a new roof and chimney and started some other interior elements, but their plans changed, allowing me to purchase the property from them.
I finalised the sale in late December 2023, and I hope to have the renovation completed by the end of 2024. At that time, it will be made available for sale, giving you the opportunity to own your dream home on the beautiful Mediterranean island of Crete!
SOCIAL:
Instagram: @stonebystone
Website: www.stonebystone.gr
MUSIC:
cinematic ambient by Lexin Music
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - The first day of renovation
01:24 - Arriving at the house
03:55 - Planning the layout
06:26 - Testing the electric skylights
10:02 - Kitchen planning
12:58 - Meeting with the electrician
17:16 - More kitchen planning
27:51 - Armchair that becomes a bed
29:36 - Visiting my neighbour for oranges

[@user-ql7lv6kb8u]

Watching from New Zealand/Aotearoa and looking forward to following your journey Much Love ❤

[@stonebystone1]

Welcome aboard! 🤍

[@ktbaggins9445]

When you put a bench top on that short run of kitchen cabinets I strongly suggest you give it rounded corners. Trust me on this, it will make your life a much less painful experience 😂

[@stonebystone1]

Thanks for the tip. You sound like you're speaking from experience! 😅

[@georgeattig8088]

It is great to see a renovation project start with a decent building, instead of a ruin. Looking forward to seeing a stunning home.

[@stonebystone1]

We recently finished our own house, which is located nearby and was a complete ruin. It was a huge undertaking, but the result is magnificent. This time though, it’s nice to have a semi-okay building to begin with.

[@ericmcmaster1451]

Wow the house is going to fabulous. I can't wait to see how it will all look once the build starts. Thanks for the new channel to follow. Cheers from a very cold Canada!

[@stonebystone1]

And thank you for following!

[@user-cy4xs8pc9g]

Welcome to the most beautiful and authentic island of the World !!!! ΧΑΝΙΑ !!!! Well living !!!!

[@stonebystone1]

Thank you, it really is the most authentic and beautiful island! We’ve been visiting and/or living here for almost four years, and this is our second project. Are you in Crete also?

[@rainaeales6692]

Going to live vicariously, can’t wait to see how you get on.

[@stonebystone1]

Thank you for following! 🤍

[@neutonrenda2303]

What a great old chair, have never seen one that can convert looking so retro.👍

[@stonebystone1]

I know, so simple and beautiful!

[@boukanastasia]

Welcome to Greece 👋👋👋👋

[@stonebystone1]

Ευχαριστώ!

[@Dianeleo]

Thank you for sharing this new venture.

[@stonebystone1]

And thank you for watching!

[@mattcartwright8272]

I've subbed you because 1) part of my family are Greek 2) I've always loved visiting Crete 3) I like your editing 4) This is Ep #1. I look forward to watching how your renovation unfolds.

[@stonebystone1]

Thanks Matt! You can watch episode #2 now too. Thanks for subscribing 🤍

[@mattcartwright8272]

@@stonebystone1 what nationality are you?

[@stonebystone1]

I am from Ireland@@mattcartwright8272

[@user-kg7tn1ic1f]

Καλως ηρθες η καταγωγη μου ειναι απο ρεθυμνο αλλα μενω αθηνα.καλη επιτυχια στο υπεροχο σπιτι σου❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@stonebystone1]

Ευχαριστώ, και καλή χρονιά!

[@user-cy4xs8pc9g]

I m from Χανια, but unfortunately I don't live in Crete now. Ι live in Athens. but I go down often, to my family!

[@stonebystone1]

It’s a very special place here! 🤍

[@miriammuskal5402]

Amazing property

[@stonebystone1]

Thank you! 🤍

[@user-vy3vk2sb8p]

from the USA

[@stonebystone1]

Thanks for watching! 🤍

[@Subgunman]

That home is a diamond in the rough although for its age it’s in great condition, it also looks to have been recently occupied. Just a few questions, are you an Architect or interior designer or a serious hobbyist? Where are you from? (They always ask me that from my accent) what part of Crete is this house located(general location, not specific) We'll be following your project.

[@stonebystone1]

It sure is, and thanks for following! The property was built in 1900 and first renovated by the owners in 2005 to a good standard. In 2019, an Italian couple purchased it, hoping to make it their home. They added a new roof and chimney and started some other interior elements, but their plans changed, allowing me to purchase the property from them at the end of 2023. I'm an Irish artist, but generally a creative person with an interest in architecture, interior design, and many other creative outlets. For this project, I'll be creating many of the interior elements of the house, along with the furniture, artwork, ceramics and a few other surprises too. The property is located in a small village called Dromonero, in a beautifully authentic part of Crete, on the west of the island.

[@Subgunman]

Interesting history! Wow from Ireland! We have a musician here who is from Ireland, who is very popular over in Heraklion, his name is Ross Daily, it’s interesting how he has assimilated in tho the Cretan music world. He has a very wide following of fans both on the island and in the Middle East. This will be interesting to see how the project will progress. We are about an hour east of your location, been here for 17 years. Words of wisdom, moisture on the island is a major problem with homes here. I see there are some moisture issues on several walls. Do your best to check for cracks in the mortar around the stones, they might not be exactly on the outside of where you have moisture issues since water tends to migrate in strange ways in both stone and concrete structures. Even in our home, which is now about 20 years old we have some issues with moisture ingress. Everyone tells you they are "masters" at their trades but most are two bit amateurs. Enjoy the project and the Island, we'll be watching!

[@jeannedorsey8122]

I just found your channel and 2 minutes into the video…I hit the subscribe button. I’ve been to Crete once and it is very beautiful!!!

[@stonebystone1]

Thank you for subscribing, and I hope you enjoy the rest of the renovation journey 🤍

[@user-45xxr57htr]

Подписалась на ваш канал, мне нравится ваш подход к ремонту дома, будет интересно наблюдать…😊❤

[@stonebystone1]

спасибо за подписку, надеюсь, вам понравится! 🤍

[@jalaramkrupa562]

☺nice & beautiful design home.. like & watch ur vlog from Hindustan (India) 🙏 belated Happy New Year to all of U😊

[@stonebystone1]

Thank you, and I hope you enjoy the renovation journey 🤍

[@jalaramkrupa562]

@@stonebystone1 yes.

[@nevisscot7697]

Its certainly a different approach.

[@stonebystone1]

It would be a shame for us all to be the same 😀

[@solamano7239]

Welcome to our corner of YT! Looking forward to your house adventures! PS Would it be possible to make the text slightly larger and leave it for a couple of seconds longer? Tks

[@stonebystone1]

Thank you for subscribing, and for the feedback too. I'll certainly take it on board!

[@solamano7239]

@@stonebystone1

[@VisionaryGardener]

I think your tv needs to be a could more inches to the left. Visually, it's crowding the door. Lovely house!

[@stonebystone1]

We’ll be putting a reading light there, and the exposed piping and switches are all being relocated to free up more space. Hoping this will create a nice balance there!

[@susannemcallister]

PPS Nice neighbours.

[@leanagrove700]

I would like to go back. The day I left Crete (so many years ago) my heart stayed behind in Chania. If there is one place I would like to stay for the rest of my days it will be here. 😢

[@stonebystone1]

You could not choose a nicer place! 🤍

[@monpeyssenemmanuelle6572]

Jolie maison !

[@stonebystone1]

Thank you very much! 🤍

[@Lovenature255]

A laser level will serve you well.

[@stonebystone1]

A very useful tool indeed!

[@susannemcallister]

I wish I could see inside your head to what you will transform it into. Xx PS that chair is certainly a keeper with new upholstery.

[@stonebystone1]

I was thinking the same!

[@sharaimakara9578]

New subscriber wish you the best

[@stonebystone1]

Thanks for subscribing, and I hope you enjoy!

[@DavidRodriguez74]

Is that Sketchup? We just closed on a house in Spain and I'm trying to find a planning tool that can be quickly modified to test out ideas.

[@stonebystone1]

I'm using Sketchup Pro, which is a paid version. You can use their online program for free though, and you will be able to do a lot with it. It's easy to pick up, and there are endless resouces online to help you out too. If you need a few pointers, I'm always happy to share the limited knowledge I have.

[@christurner4994]

It’s beautiful ! I look forward to seeing the changes. I’m at the Eastern end of Crete near to Siteia

[@stonebystone1]

A beautiful part of the island too I believe!

[@marieguilainehoareau4882]

Please, s'il vous plaît monsieur gardez l'icône qui se trouve dans votre maison. Coucou de l'île de la Réunion.

[@fariiitaah9680]

Love the project! Can i ask you where did you find this property (website)? And the price range? I’ve been looking for one for so long but can’t find a house which is not a ruin in my budget 😅

[@stonebystone1]

Thank you! The most popular website is spitogatos.gr, and you can also search in person to find properties that might not be available online. The price really depends on a lot of factors like the location, size and condition of the house.

[@dkib2006]

Would you like to buy a half finished house in the Peloponesse and finish it?

[@stonebystone1]

For now I am only renovating properties in Crete.

[@katherineparsons9585]

That red bridge on your way home, is that where people bungie jump and there a beautiful deserted village where there was family disputes and murders over a cow bell?

[@stonebystone1]

Certainly not around here, but that does sound like quite the story! 😅

[@katherineparsons9585]

@@stonebystone1 I think it’s the Aradena Bridge, the village is behind the cafe bar over the bridge, it’s such a beautiful place with many old olive trees, the bridge is grey coloured but I thought it was red for some reason, we usually stay in Rethymnon when in Crete but have been all over the island, absolutely love Crete 🤓

[@katherineparsons9585]

When we visited the cafe bar on the bridge I asked the person serving why the village was deserted and he told me the story of the feuding families over the cow bell 🤓

[@miriammuskal5402]

Difficult to read the CC

[@stonebystone1]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@spicynomad]

i wish i had a neighbor like that. i dont know what happened but before you were able to get 10 oranges for $1 dollar. i just went to the grocery store and 1 orange was $1 dollar. i do live in new york city and it was either 2 orange for $4 dollars sale. its soo hard to get citrus at a good price these days among other things.

[@stonebystone1]

Come to Crete where you can fill your bags for free! 🤍

[@spicynomad]

@@stonebystone1 i know, right!

[@Lovenature255]

It would help to see more of your design. Tape doesn’t give us the whole picture

[@stonebystone1]

I will be sharing more and more of the plans as the weeks unfold.

[@Edward-bn2vw]

Like watching paint dry...

[@stonebystone1]

Glad you enjoyed it!