6 Months of DIY: Transforming a Derelict Welsh Farmhouse and Smallholding! (ep.12)

[@johnswarbrick2365]

I have rebuilt/renovated 2 properties with 2 separate wives (lost them both unfortunately) and the memories of working together are still with me. I wish you all the luck and togetherness in this venture. I see that one person has commented about how hard you work. Given the right insentive within a partnership women will work just as hard as men - there are no pink jobs or blue jobs.

[@RichieRouge206]

So sorry for your losses.

[@RuthMAA]

What an amazing team you two are. Family support is brilliant too. So much hard work. So much care and attention to respecting the building. Wishing you all the very best. Thank you for sharing XXX

[@JUNIORKRIBRIDE]

Sorry to hear about your losses 😢, I'm 33 and a plasterer in the building trade, followed in my father's footsteps, as a child growing up I watched my mum and dad renovate 6 properties as it were there hobby (don't know why 😅) but they were definitely the best work force I've seen to date. Mum was the logistics and dad brought the brute force and building knowledge. There still happily married in there 60's and still debate of buying a run down property in there area.

[@shirleyparker2649]

Thank you. It takes a real man to know that women are just as capable and hard working especially when a dream can become reality. 🥰

[@debbieretzlaff2912]

Come on! You know that women work harder!

[@aairsick]

You can buy a house anywhere but you can't buy a good neighbor! You are blessed!

[@citytosmallholding]

That’s SO true! I like that saying!

[@Bill_9797]

Great project. I could not see any cross bracing on the inner roof trusses? Also. Have you considered getting power from water? There are kits and formulas for drop to kWh creation? Bringing the wheel back might be a big ask though! Could be an easy win. It looks like a great project. Well done, great results and congratulations. Look forward to future updates. Good luck.

[@juliemarriott2549]

That dogs living its best life, well done for getting a rescue

[@citytosmallholding]

@@juliemarriott2549 both of us have only ever had rescue dogs so we couldn’t imagine any other way!

[@Tom_Tabbing]

I'd love a rescue but I'm allergic to shedding breeds I have bedlington terrier and always keeping a look out.

[@jukeseyable]

@citytosmallholding Love what you folks are doing, got yourselves a sub, glad you have found a place to call home in my beloved Wales. My wife an I have been pritty near self sufficient for the last 5 yrs food wise, When the time is right, if you want some advice on growing at scale, polytunnels, and how to get them done for half the price of new, good horticural suppliers, crop varieties etc, feel free to hit me up.

[@sandrawestley4193]

@@Tom_Tabbingwell the dog that have doodle in there name are crossed with poodles and don’t shed either.

[@ginojaco]

No greater love hath any man, than to crouch in the p!ssing rain planting bulbs in freezing mud for his Mrs... ❤

[@donnaezell2161]

It's worth it - AND the blooms will show in tge Spring❤

[@megansaunders7244]

Looooooool

[@merryhunt9153]

So that pretty furniture and nice dishes survived for six years? That is a real tribute to what a fine community you have moved to. In many places those things would have been stolen or smashed by vandals. That's a good sign for your new home.

[@citytosmallholding]

Yeah we are very lucky!

[@valeriemulholland4282]

Your accomplishments are so impressive; you both work so hard. What I realized watching this summary is that it’s the people who are the draw in these video series. Your problem solving is interesting but it’s your personalities and perseverance that keep us coming back. May 2025 bring much progress and satisfaction in your new home.

[@citytosmallholding]

That’s so nice, Thankyou!

[@Marie-yx5ie]

You both have done amazing work on the house, in such a short amount of time 👏👏👏To you both. My first time watching you 👍😉🇨🇮☘️Eire

[@andrewstraney6800]

@citytosmallholdingif this replying is Nicole you are the most attractive woman i have ever seen! If this is Gav replying you guys are living the life!

[@citytosmallholding]

Hahahah thanks!

[@joaquinajw3531]

admiro mucho a las personas que usan sus manos para hacer sus sueños realidad

[@emilyanthony6177]

i think the cow is actually just obsessed with you both and you provide her with entertainment, the day shes gone will feel so sad.

[@victoriapayton3447]

So much potential I love the kitchen

[@sarahtaylor2492]

It’s so nice to see a beautiful property being saved and not left to Rot or get demolished. I’m all for preserving history. All the best to you x

[@omadavidson8225]

Goats, amazing how quickly they will clean up overgrown weedy areas.

[@James-ly3wf]

I agree, you’ll never have to do any mowing ever again, unless you choose to. And they’re great characters!

[@citytosmallholding]

I do agree but I have also can us envisage having to chase them all over the land when they escape too 😂

[@vickyginn7264]

@@omadavidson8225 and fertilise the land either their incessant defecating 😂😂😂

[@sandrawestley4193]

If you put salt down for them to lick on rocks and different things where there home is they will return to there home each time, I watch Irainian nomads who live in the mountain of Iran and each time they move to a new area they put salt down for 2 days and they return automatically. 😂😂

[@norapugnetti4571]

This is heaven. I wish I was 30 years younger, I'd be hip deep in there and smiling ear to ear. Thanks for sharing ❤

[@victoriadodson6745]

You have my utmost respect! If I was 35 yrs younger I would take on a big project like this. At 66 yrs younger I’ll do with pulling up old carpet, laying new wood floors and carpet and painting!! It’ll keep me busy for this year! Keep up the good work!!

[@citytosmallholding]

I'm sure that will still make a huge difference to your property! Good luck!

[@PamelaBenes]

I am a 75 year old American woman. I watched your six months posting with great interest. I have had houses that needed work and it's very satisfying, isn't it? Good luck with your next chapter. Pam Benes, Asheville, NC

[@cmvdoo]

Look at this dog helping out..!

[@airedale1913]

The dog is definitely living her best life here! She really lucked out with her new humans ❤🐕

[@boycelawrence]

After watching for ten mins you've earned yourselves another subscriber 👍🏽...

[@barbarabrookens7525]

I like your taste in music, I don’t care for lyrics when I’m watching a remodel. Love the property can’t wait to see what you do with it.

[@citygirlingraham]

Wow, this must be a sign from above, I’m in the USA and I LOVE renovating KZbin videos, your home is just stunning, I can see what it could be. My motto in my creative life is “It’s not what it is but what it could be “.

[@lancedaniels]

Sorry to see the poll barn torn down. Glad to see that your dog has adopted you all and is happy on the farm with his human family.

[@lukedrive2869]

35:17 what a beautiful view to wake up and see from your house.

[@citytosmallholding]

We feel very lucky!

[@kullyg]

The KZbin algorithm sent your channel my way..I'm so glad it did. Just watched your 6 month update video and I'm hooked. Can't wait to see your progress in 2025 (and beyond)..😁❤️

[@citytosmallholding]

Thanks so much!

[@anisharai8806]

God bless the neighbor who helped you through and God bless you guys ❤

[@citytosmallholding]

Honestly life savers! We are very lucky with all our neighbours

[@raytreherne26]

@anisharai8806 Well, they are Welsh neighbours. What would you expect. The welcome is not only in the hillside. it's also in the Vale

[@citytosmallholding]

Well we do have a few Welsh people in the comments who are less than friendly but as I say we have been very lucky with everyone we have met in person

[@raytreherne26]

There are begrudgers in every society that see people like you achieving through your hard work, effort and investment. Your site was open to Welsh people to develope, the begrudgers chose not to, ignore them they are idiots. Your efforts are appreciated by the majority ❤

[@mldehusson]

My Grandpa was a Welshman. I enjoyed watching this just to get a flavor of the land and its people. Hope more is coming.

[@Sion_Jones]

What a fantastic smallholding. So much history there. Now your adding to it and bringing it up to date for it's next 100+ years.

[@citytosmallholding]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@marywest2896]

Thank God for good neighbors!

[@citytosmallholding]

Amen!

[@peterhynes3251]

Gav, Nicole & Seren, what a great place you have found there! I did something similar to this 25 years ago, still live in my rambling small holding nd have never regretted it. I know it is a colossal amount of work, but for sure it will be worth it. You are doing the right thing by taking it back to the stone and hitting it hard - anyone who says different has not done such a renovation. Getting the big demolition and mess done first before beginning to build back and then getting rid of the dust and muck is certainly the way to go! I wish you all the very best for 2025 and the continuation of your great restoration and construction adventure and very much look forward to your next content! (P.S. That is a seriously good dog).

[@citytosmallholding]

She really is!

[@brookeoscarson2520]

What I wouldn't give to have the money and talent to do this. Time I have but skill and cash flow are short. What a dream it would be.

[@jeanwilson5029]

I wasn't sure if if I would stick with this channel. But the dog has decided it for me. 🎉

[@citytosmallholding]

Hahah glad she swayed it for you

[@alexandrarutherford9772]

I have just realised that tomorrow we have been in our Pembrokeshire dream home for 6 months. Not quite like yours as it’s our future retirement place and we are both building new businesses so not so much to do.on the property, more on other bits. We absolutely love it here, good luck on your inspiring journey. We will enjoy following.❤️

[@kiptaylor-brown8096]

I'm a bit jealous. I am an american who lived in Pembrokeshire (Haverfordwest) from 1973-76 and then in Pembrokeshire again from 78 -82 in Welsh Hook near Letterston and got my "O" levels in Fishguard in 80. Wish I was back there now. Best of luck in your new businesses and your life in Pembs! Kip

[@heatherboardman7004]

That dog is living the dream😊❤

[@Nicktgrief]

all the best for 2025. I look forward to seeing your adventures. Serin has made a gorgeous dog.

[@citytosmallholding]

She’s the best!

[@davidstafford803]

Discovered your 6 month video this morning, now a new suscriber. Projects of this magnitude usually take up to twice as long as initially envisaged and can cost up to double what was anticipated. That being said, it is your lifes adventure and your first 6 months have been a stupendous achievement as you hit the ground running. Looking forward to what you can achieve in 12months.

[@DavidHeath-xg9os]

What i like about your vidio is the fact there's no waffle, just getting on showing us what we want to see. Great vidio .

[@citytosmallholding]

I appreciate that!

[@joannetutor4051]

I applaud you for all this hard work. Little by little, day by day you will see accomplishments. You’ve done wonderful so far but I think adopting your dog ranks highest. Can’t wait to see what happens in 2025! Best of luck❤

[@citytosmallholding]

I definitely agree!

[@AbigailGerlach-zt1sh]

A man will be happy, by and large, if you offer to buy him a new tool or piece of equipment of any sort. Rule of thumb: The bigger the tool or tractor, the happier a man will be. A dedicated space to create a workshop and/or tool shed and you'll be providing an adult size playground where he'll play happily for hours at a time. If you think I'm joking, buy him a new table saw for Christmas. Here in the States, we call that "happier than a pig in mud". You've done a lot! I'm impressed. Happy New Year! May your coming year be everything you hope it will be!

[@citytosmallholding]

Hahah yeah sounds about right!

[@davidprazynski6045]

Debbi from Cincinnati here. It is pouring here in Cincinnati. So with cup of coffee I hand I settled in to end my year with Nichole and Gav. What a wonderful, happy way to end a rather shitty year! God bless you both and my heartfelt prayers to you both and Saran in the New Year. I will be watching!

[@RedArtistx]

It's been miserable weather here too for about 2 weeks in Wales. Haven't had any blue skies and we've had fog here the whole time.

[@cenyaeichengreen2173]

When I was a teenager, my family restored an old 100 year old farmhouse. It was a great project and I loved it.

[@HoldVee]

Oh wow, look at those floors! You have a gem here! And that dresser is beautiful.

[@citytosmallholding]

Right?!

[@elizzy8754]

Phenomenal amount of work you have done, despite flood and storms. Please wear masks, eye protection, gloves, lifting belts

[@karengreen6099]

And helmets 😮

[@susangillespie7226]

Thankyou for doggy rescue,I hope you always have rescues,giving them their deserved best life ❤❤

[@elizabethmckenzie6977]

I am always impressed with people who see the potential and good bones in an old abandoned homestead. Lovely video and will look foreword to following your adventurers and improvements.

[@SuperRobert56]

Just when i think the video cant get any better a Black Lab turns up! :) ❤

[@marciareagan2718]

So relaxing on this end! No need to go to the gym for you guys. ❤

[@eglwysfawr4076]

I live in Wales and you guy's are living my dream.

[@dogproofwildlifegardening3164]

Great work, I hope you're proud of what you've achieved. Tip for log splitting - Screw an old tyre onto your splitting block, and split the logs inside it. Saves time and your back from keeping the split logs from falling off the block 👍

[@carolinehoggarth2614]

You have saved that lovey old farmhouse ,best of luck ,l have done18 houses up in 34 years so l know what your in for ,keep lots of photos that makes it all worth while

[@CarolCriniti-n4h]

You two are a phenomenal couple ❤️❤️. GOD BLESS YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY 🙏. YOU ARE MAKING MEMORIES THAT YOUR GRANDCHILDREN WILL LOVE TO WATCH 👏👏👏. HAVE FUN 🎉

[@citytosmallholding]

Thank you so much!!

[@kinnionfarrell8327]

You are doing great, the important thing is to respect each other for their abilities and don't forget to laugh together. Respect to you both. Kit from Swansea x

[@citytosmallholding]

this is very true!

[@sally-annllewellynartist9362]

Fair play, what an incredible amount of work you've done 👏👏👏

[@alangates5240]

Welcome to Wales! Your doing great.

[@markoriel8431]

Good on you both, what a pair of grafters.👍🙏

[@tracybush8115]

Nice work guys and Santa doggie is sweet!

[@lewissimpson7745]

Caught on to this channel a couple months back and I must say every week or so I look forward to a cosy brew on the couch watching a catch up on your progress. Lovely spot and lucky to have each other. Gav you look like a right chap. Would absolutely buy you a Guinness. And Nicole your unwavering positivity is just refreshing as feck. All the best to you both into the new year excited to see what you do with the place ! (We need a dog pov episode 😂)

[@citytosmallholding]

Hahaha Gav’s eyes lit up when I read him your comment 😂

[@bs6281]

what beautiful wood floors😊

[@tonynewman8586]

Welldone . It will all look incredible once done and the vaulted ceiling was game changer 👍 // you saw the potential when others didn’t in the property . Dreams do come true when you can see past what 99% of people aren’t prepared or haven’t the courage to attempt . Roll on the spring and summer of 2025 . Then you’ll see the difference 💪💪💪

[@colinduncan1853]

Great summary, cannot believe it is only 6 months since you started....amazing!

[@annieclark5798]

I think you are absolutely marvelous. What a challenge to take on. You should be very proud of your achievements.

[@tardismole]

You're living the dream I've had for decades. Keep going. I'm subscribing to watch it all unfold.

[@andrewclarkehomeimprovement]

I have nothing but admiration for you both. Property renovations never run to plan but the work you've put in is tremendous. I bet you have muscles you didn't know you had and new skills that you've discovered. There is always a low point in projects like this where it seems too big or never seems to end, it's natural, small but achievable objectives each day keep a sense of moving forwards and if nothing else, what a wonderful place to be!

[@hollyhavlik7750]

So glad you got a dog! Am looking forward to the progress you will make :)

[@stupidusernameize]

What a huge undertaking. I'm no expert but i've watched enough of these to keep worrying about you guys not wearing hard hats during demolition! Good luck to you though!

[@judewilliams9345]

Wishing you all the very best for 2025🎉. Looking forward to following your renovation, you are doing a fantastic job 👏 ❤ xxx 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@citytosmallholding]

Thanks so much!

[@NikJon-od4mo]

We sold our 20 acre Welsh smallholding in 2020 having owned it for 20 years. We were in our 40's when we moved from Hampshire. Our stone farmhouse was habitable but needed a huge amount of work. You remind me of us 😊. What I would say is get equipment to help you outside to save you time and your joints. A compact tractor, trailer & log splitter will save you hours & hours of work. You're probably realizing just how much wood you need to keep warm. You'll need more in the house, once it's finished. The red shed would have needed to be full to supply the house for a winter. We were always, always collecting, chopping and splitting logs. Our hydraulic log splitter was our favourite tool. Anyway I wish you well, we really loved our time in west Wales - we sold up to go travelling (currently in Mexico waiting to go to Argentina). We're hoping to try to replicate our smallholding experience in Portugal later this year (tired of Welsh winters!) All the best Nikki

[@citytosmallholding]

Oh wow that will be quite a change for you! Thanks for the advice!

[@hazelwade-oq2zc]

Have just seen your 6 month 're-cap - love it! Look forward to seeing your adventures.

[@beckyh224]

I always wanted to take on a project like this, but hubby was not interested. Now I'm over 70 and love to watch able bodied couples do what I'd always dreamed of. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@jonsnow6741]

A life times worth of work you grow in to over time and will become part of it .

[@yorkneytrailrider1751]

Don’t take any notice of anyone saying anything about a new build, personally I love what you’re doing with the old house and I fully agree with a full strip out, I also love with your intentions to restore it and use traditional building methods and materials, I can only imagine the excitement of undertaking a project like this although your other half seems less than excited 😉

[@citytosmallholding]

hahaha that is unfortunately just his face, he is excited inside!

[@yorkneytrailrider1751]

And so he should be with the prospect of living in a gorgeous house like that 😉

[@paulinewayland713]

I cannot spell Doggies name but i can see he is so content and super excited to have been adopted by you. He's just adorable. I loved watching this recap. You've done so much and had to contend with the big storm and all of that rain ! Enjoy your Christmas and hopefuĺy have a wee break

[@44Celt]

Seren - Star in Welsh

[@citytosmallholding]

Yep that's why we chose it - because she is a wee star!

[@Annalemonblossom]

You must always wear a mask especially for dust and fibres! ❤

[@avacadman2155]

The caravan,now that is truly getting to the bottom of it! 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@mikestarkey7989]

I, for one, am so glad you wanted to retain as many original features as possible. It would be a shame to destroy the character of your home. Especially that kitchen. I was so jealous when I saw the old range and bread oven.

[@citytosmallholding]

It’s brilliant isn’t it!

[@Cameron-ev7rc]

First time seeing this channel. Hats off to you guys and that daft dog.👌🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ahannas]

I've owned five houses over 50 years. I have gutted & rebuilt kitchens and bathrooms, done my own plumbing & electrical, and even some masonry. But I have NEVER attempted anything like you've done. You two are marvelous and it's pleasure watching your video. Wishing you all the best as you continue.🙂

[@avacadman2155]

I do love to see a transformation!! It takes the bold and the brave!! 👍👍👍👏👏👏👏😀

[@annelowe2691]

You are both SO INSPIRATIONAL. I can’t wait to see the next leg of your progress…and your dog is gorgeous.😊

[@raytreherne26]

Looks like an awesome project, and I'm envious. What a great opportunity you have made for yourselves 😊

[@gaylewoodward6379]

Well done both of you, such hard workers. Remember to take time for each other and yourself. (and the pooch!!)

[@TheBoringInvestorMan]

I always love seeing a nice wholesome couple putting in the work to restore a beautiful bit of land like this, I can only imagine how hard the work must be but it'll be so worth it once it's all done and you can sit in your beautiful home together.

[@Ben-fk9ey]

What a lovely recap of the year, you've both (and Seren) done so much work already to the farm and I can't wait to see what 2025 brings!

[@Tomm9y]

Great progress with a wonderful farm in a lovely setting. Great to see the shared moments from family bonfire evening, a beach expedition, fence fun, etc. So good to keep making and sharing memories. Keep safe and enjoy the project.

[@citytosmallholding]

Thanks!

[@PoliticalprisonUK]

The chute on the stairs was a great idea for the old lath n plaster. Good business idea for some one to produce 1 metre interlocking sections for the trade

[@timvins]

Wonderful seeing people renovating these old buildings and can’t understand when people complain about outsiders buying them when they’ve been left to ruin for years with nobody local even attempting to buy or restore. We moved to a rural, derelict small holding 25 years ago, before all the “A place in the country” TV shows, we were contacted by Channel 4 to feature on some sort of show but our move had already gone to far to log the early stages. I do see areas in these projects and would love to advise to save mistakes that we made but I suppose it’s all part of the learning curve and adventure. I wish you guys the best of luck and enjoy the challenge, the worlds a different place now from when we moved and the need to be self sufficient is needed more now than ever 👍

[@citytosmallholding]

Thanks so much for the kind words! Sometimes its heard to stay confident in what your doing, especially with putting your life on here - not all the comments are positive! Always happy to hear people's advice though, we have learnt so much from the comment section already!

[@peterdarby1445]

It even has a Welsh dresser! How appropriate

[@citytosmallholding]

Yess we were so happy with that!

[@JRattheranch]

OMG 😱! Happy memories of lathe and plaster walls and ceilings 😁! That stuff really is the pitts to remove! Renovated 3 properties in West Wales, mu home, over the years! Thanks for sharing!

[@Nathanbran2]

A lot of hard work has reaped great progress...looking forward seeing more in the coming year!! 😊👍

[@artteacherforlife]

I loved watching all the many tasks you were able to accomplish in 2024. Thank you for the video of all the hard work.

[@deepdiver51]

I know it would be expensive but a mini digger will save you days and weeks of back breaking work. You’re doing so well.

[@citytosmallholding]

We are seriously considering it but just have to pay for windows first 😂

[@jimjohandes]

WOW!!! What a project. You have accomplished an enormous amount of work in a short time under adverse conditions. I am anxious to view more!! Jim in California

[@janfelshaw8217]

Isn't it wonderful to have great neighbors.

[@garymcbrien2853]

Lovely people you have around you to help out

[@kevinchamberlain7928]

Thank you for choosing to save one of our derelict Welsh properties! Croeso I Cymru!

[@citytosmallholding]

This property lay empty for 6 years, trust me there was no one else trying to buy it

[@karenthomas9506]

My husband & i brought a old farmhouse with land in cornwall looking out to sea in the 1990s. It was hard work & we had a lot of ups & downs. Your video brings back so many memories. Over 20 years of living in the most wonderful place. Unfortunately my husband got brain cancer & the dream ended. Its been 7 years since i sold the place. I didn't want to live there without him. Im now looking for another project but not on the scale you are doing. Just somewhere with a few acres would be perfect. Im a new subscriber & look forward to all your videos. Wishing you both all the happiness for the future 😊

[@twirlingswirlinggirl]

You're inspirational! What a grand transformation!

[@jamesgoulbourn7859]

Reminded me of the time when I was younger moving into a derelict old vicarage in Wales that my parents had bought and doing pretty much everything you guys are currently doing inside the farmhouse, hard work but very rewarding. Best of luck to you both.

[@user-ih5gm2uc1i]

I think you both did an amazing job! You might not think you haven’t accomplished much, but watching your videos, I think you have done a lot. Good job.

[@elenalevasheva3830]

Потрясающие виды, природа, потрясающий проект. Спасибо , что поделились. Смотрим из Ташкента.

[@citytosmallholding]

Hello!!

[@marywest2896]

new to your channel I love the furniture that has been left in the house....love love love them...they will look so wonderful in the new reno.

[@citytosmallholding]

Yeah we were very lucky with what was left and will really add to the character once the place is done

[@MIK23458]

Wow, I normally watch these videos for the transformation and the progress but this one hits hard in a different way. I felt your emotions and every turmoil you went through. At times I was almost on the farm there with you. Thank you for sharing your journey and I look forward to what you’ll achieve in the future.

[@citytosmallholding]

Thanks so much!

[@Annalemonblossom]

That was brilliant. Thank you for sharing and we'll done you guys ❤

[@DL-yu1cp]

I love that people take care of the homes from yesterday. Always gives me hope.

[@y.lelivelt2619]

Ten eerste, jullie hebben super hard gewerkt. Ten tweede, bedankt voor deze video ik vond het erg leuk om te zien. Je hebt er een abonnement bij.

[@louiselinton2845]

Lovely to see you working so hard in harmony together (a good pair of grafters 😊) and sure your friendly neighbourhood farmer was/is impressed too so mucked in to help 😊 along with your lovely rescue dog. 😅

[@philippendlebury4518]

Much tougher undergoing a massive refurb/restoration project than a newbuild from scratch. Doing well - well done.

[@janesmith9024]

Yes. Here in outer London they pull them all right down where they can as it is the plot that is the value and start entirely from scratch which can be quite sad to see but they get a very expensive and brand new one I suppose.