Build A New Life In The Country: Ruined Granary | History Documentary | Reel Truth History

[@Tom-Lahaye]

The equestrian business failed to get permission up to this day, I found the place on Google Maps and still no stables other than those they built for their own horses. So his daughter had to leave and start managing her own life? But another business is mentioned on Maps, a joinery business, Mckinsley barn. He is visible in a picture assembling a garden shed inside an industrial unit which probably is the place he runs his own business from now. The house looks finished and beautiful now.

[@jilleven67]

I'm so impressed by John, what a amazing job, and such a hard-working man.

[@morganmarie711]

I just do not understand the comment from the Wife and Daughter that there is just nothing to do while the husband is working so hard. They could have easily gotten any day or night job or double shift at a shop or bakery or office or well, just anything! If they didn't want to work to help with the building and living costs they could have cleaned up everything and laboured outside to make the garden or driveway or stable area nicer. I am not passing any judgement, but I cannot really understand it. Beautiful property. 🌸

[@larrainehowell5679]

Spot on, a right pair of useless Nellie's!

[@Sonturist]

It was said he refused all help.

[@fergusontea]

Mahalia M Wright - Sounds about right. Maybe he’s no fun to work with/for.

[@onedandylion]

+morganmarie771 He wouldn't allow them, or anyone, to help - he wanted to complete it for them. His wife did go and get a job in an opticians and was a huge support for John throughout. I thought they were a particularly close and loving family and I didn't hear any complaints - just concern for John and all the (self-imposed) stress he had on his shoulders.

[@scottsorensen239]

I was hoping I was not the only dude annoyed that they go to ride the horse while he does everything.

[@joanpolzien4959]

I can't believe the wife and daughter couldn't just look around and find something to help out with. My husband and I built our home and believe me when I say that there is always something to do to help out. Pick up a few bricks ladies!!

[@staceygibson373]

I also couldn’t believe he didn’t have any friends.

[@jmdenison]

Not all men let their wives or daughters do any building or any construction at all. I have friends like that and it drives me nuts because I have no problems moving heavy objects or using power tools but if they're around I am not allowed to do any of that. It drives them up the wall and it just turns into a huge fight

[@Suzyfromtheblock]

The daughter admitted she wanted to help and could have easily found many jobs to do but dads ego is huge

[@jonathanbennetts2632]

Cant they wait until the job is finished and show the finished project? Well done John, Total respect for you.

[@Suebee1988]

Just a note to Reel Truth History Documentaries - The title and description state that they are converting a ruined granary, whereas the video documents the conversion of an old chapel....

[@riftalope]

Yeah, about half of the descriptions they have on here are off a bit, or for the previous/next episode.

[@deannakinsman6790]

@@riftalope I agree

[@madgebishop5409]

Reel Truth dont care, they just rip this documentaries illegally without permission from Channel 4 and BBC then profit from the adverts they show on youtube..

[@joanhamilton2651]

I have to agree with the majority here. The wife and daughter are sorry sorts. They certainly could have physically helped and taken a lot of burden from him. I don’t understand people like that.

[@thepochade5992]

They both offered. He won't let them help.

[@larrainehowell5679]

@@thepochade5992 They are free women. put your foot down and get working, they didn't even bother to start the landscaping, the daughter could have got a job to help with the finances, she's hardly a baby!

[@thepochade5992]

@@larrainehowell5679 You have obviously not had a relationship with a dominant, controlling man / person that has beaten you down over the years to the point where you relinquish all choice because you know it will change nothing. This man has a huge ego and in need of being the marta ( he even said to camera that he'll probably get so very ill when he's finished because he had to do it ALL by himself ) He needed to do it all by himself in order to achieve that materdom. These two women knew that it would only cause much unrest in the family if they attempted to do anything of their own volition. The only choice she was allowed to have was the kitchen.

[@twiggyjali]

@@thepochade5992 "beaten you down"? the guy might live to be a martyr but he doesn't look abusive to me. His wife & kid are just bumps on a log. Get a job, yall. Move back to town.

[@thepochade5992]

@@twiggyjali You might want to do a quick Google search of the different types of abuse as it's much better for one to be informed before offering an obviously ill informed, uneducated opinion.

[@rosesummers5075]

I for one..... would have been in the thick of things ..... helping.....even in the dark..... what a hard working man ..... And you sir have built and restored a beautiful home.

[@granny-um2jp]

his wife and daughter....understanding. Gawd, this man is going to have a heart attack at the rate he is going. I didn't see any help coming from his wife at all. He deserves to sit back and enjoy the rest of his life. They need to get out and work and earn the rest of the money to complete it, so he can hire contractors to complete it..

[@SheCat1964]

Tough guy.But you cant enjoy the home you built from 6ft under. Wife and daughter could have done way more to help. Even if help to lift or clean things up.

[@kathy888]

I agree, daughter and wife should have full time jobs so they could pay for this. So much admiration for this hard working man. Everyone should work at paying off their mortgage.

[@mattneillninasmom]

The wife did take a part time job in town at an optician's - plus, she and daughter were caring for horses and trying to get their equestrian business off the ground.

[@MetaMM]

I admire British men for their fortitude and ability to build houses themselves with their own hands to the finish. Thus for my love to watch this program, Build a New Life and Grand Design as well. It's just so inspiring!! Well done to this man!

[@madgebishop5409]

14 years later and i wonder if he's recovered from the stress of this yet? and has the daughter got a job now?

[@stacey9003]

Foolish old coot! Wife and daughter should have been working shoulder to shoulder with him. Pride is absurd.

[@johnhobbs621]

That poor man didn't look at all well in the final clip, he's literally killing himself while the very well rested looking daughter does nothing and his wife only takes a part time job much later on and nags about wanting to have her kitchen finished. Surely they could have both got full time jobs, even in the short term, to bring in the money so they could pay for more help. He looked like he was on the brink of a heart attack at the end poor man, hardly the idyllic life they were dreaming of. Now I don't understand the logic of saving £14 per week on the aga when you are having to build a boiler house as a consequence?? How massive is the boiler?? A boiler is about as big as a kitchen wall cupboard.

[@mechanicgirlexpat945]

John is amazing what a man, he manage everything financial and build

[@paulc1352]

I understand the need to live in the country. This rat race we all live in is driving us nuts.

[@vandalmeida.30.09]

Keep going John, you gonna be there to enjoy your hard work! Bless you!🍾🥂!

[@bluebird5361]

I wish this programme were not so keen on the negative aspects. People take these things on. Focus on the DREAM! That is where the power is. The fascination for us is to see the buildings renovated and the plan come to pass, not the emotional costs. We have our own, thank you. This is supposed to entertain, not make us miserable. Cheer up!

[@jayburris6252]

BLUE BIRD I COMPLETELY agree. As an Non-Brit much of this show is hugely interesting. I work in the building trades where I live and seeing the differences is cool. I don’t know how much more of the over dramatized narrating and story telling I can take. Tell me about the building, the finish choices, the history of the church and the surroundings...

[@robjworkshop5692]

Seems to be a constant theme throughout the entire series. @Jay Burris spot-on with the over-dramatisation - one previous family who were featured making a move to Ireland actually commented on YT about how the film-makers 'edited' (twisted) events to make them fit their odd gloomy format. Why can't they just make a documentary exactly as it is? All of these programmes are about motivated people, and may inspire others to get up and change their lives for the better, so as you rightly say, why don't they focus on that?

[@bluebird5361]

@@robjworkshop5692 Amen. Do watch the link I shared below. Fabulous!

[@SheCat1964]

Would you rather they did not show real life? This is a reality show. And ups and downs of life come with it. If you do not want to feel the struggle these people live, then maybe this show is not for you.

[@bluebird5361]

@@SheCat1964 With the Power of Words, they can talk people into self-fulfilling prophecies. George takes people apart and gets them to go into victim mode. I don't think it is George's fault I think he is great.

[@jukes243]

Does not make sense that the whole family did not work together on this project. It would have gotten done a whole lot faster and perhaps meant more. Each person feeling pride that they had had a hand in it. No wonder the women were bored. Sitting around makes waiting that much longer. Like watching the hands on a clock.

[@hel3319]

Well Dear Daughter, How about getting a job until your dad has finished the house and got the planning permission for your dream to come true?

[@riderstrong6397]

you've never worked for or ran a stable.......horses are a lot of work when you own one much less managing other people's horses...

[@elizabethmountain7381]

I expected him to be underground before it was finished. He looked totally done in.

[@scouser2010ify]

She was getting the horse business going most likely why she didn’t get a full time job while they build the house because horses are so much work

[@spunkygmahappy4778]

The sacrifices family make to achieve their dreams is reminiscent of pioneers

[@victoriawolfe5845]

I don't like that you don't go back to see these unfinished projects. You show it most of the way done but I would like you to go back to these homes when they are finally done and completed. What's the point in having a show half done? These people like many have dreams. Please go back and allow us to see they're finished dreams. It would help others to dream/have hope as well.

[@twotierneys]

Curious where the money to do Dressage competitions came from. I ride, and showing is NOT cheap. Sad the non-working adult daughter is spending frivolously while her dad is breaking his back and pinching pennies.

[@tinekejoldersma]

I didn't got that from the story.

[@onedandylion]

You have no idea if she has been working or has savings - your comment is awfully judgemental!

[@julienrujner7524]

Well in each episode the moderator is extremely happy if people start to have some problems or something goes not as planed. I wish this documentary/programm were not so keen on the negative aspects... Would be great to have someone as a moderator who has true personality and it is authentic.

[@platinum11110]

Julien Rujner 👏👏👏

[@MR-nu2ew]

This poor man aged a decade in one year!

[@cynthialeask2260]

Never seen such selfishness...for shame on the wife n daughter!!! Nothing to do????? Woooooowow n the me me me , mine mine mine attitude of the wife...disgusting!!! But they sure kept spending money attending horses shows etc, which r Not cheap!!! The poor husband at the end interview, looked skin n bones n exhausted to know end, understandably so....I would t be surprised to see a divorce!!! I watch this show to overall relax, this had me so tense, wanted to have a drink for breakfast!

[@amyclark635]

I definitely do agree with everyone about the wife and daughter needing to pick up the pieces a little more BUT it does sound like he was being a little too stubborn. Especially with the aga situation. He delayed the build by a matter of months, compromising himself, putting further pressure on himself, costing them in excess of 31,000 pounds all because of under floor heating/no aga. If you do the maths - didn’t he say the aga would cost 14 pounds a week? That’s 600 a year. 600 a year over 40 years is 24,000 pounds. So what was the point in putting themselves further in debt and compromising the build to save 24,000? They are no spring chickens and I doubt they would be around in that particular house for 40 years. His justification doesn’t make sense and the comments re the women aren’t so justified. Anyway, I hope they are enjoying it now!

[@justinrobinson9583]

Casually explains he's got a broken rib. John's a trooper.

[@user-qf7np4br4f]

thank you so much for sharing..... loving this series

[@biddydibdab9180]

I wish we had watched programs like this before we took on a derelict Victorian house on 40 acres. We probably would have run away instead and we nearly broke up over it. But that was 27 years ago and we absolutely love it!

[@feeonaghchambers7403]

What a hard working guy! Lovely transformation.

[@GREENLALI]

The wife Carol and the daughter Sophie should of helped instead of complaining so much.

[@frankpichardo5299]

GREENLALI Didn’t you hear? He didn’t want any help.

[@galghaidhil]

GREENLALI Totally agreed. And why wouldn’t you secure and build out the chapel first, get out of the caravan, get the stables going to drive income, and only THEN build the new structure. Seems bassakwards to me.

[@samlomb2093]

@@frankpichardo5299 If you love someone you ignore that and pitch in

[@frankpichardo5299]

sam lomb Meh!

[@midgie4410]

Even if he didn't want help,his wife and daughter shouldn't have complained!

[@bdub1863]

In my experience, for any renovation just double the schedule and triple the budget. And you still won’t get exactly what you wanted.

[@hogwashmcturnip8930]

Exactly! I have seen so many people come to grief here in Spain/Portugal buying 'Romantic Ruins' with acres of land that they can't possibly maintain. We bought a little all ready box in the Campo with a small bit of land. (kind of allotment size) and even that was too much when my partner became ill. We got treated like we were a little below them. The difference is I am still here, not in that place or region, but they are broke, back in the UK, back on the treadmill trying to sell a half complete ruin for half the price they paid for it. Not counting the renovation costs that have been wasted My first question is Always 'Why is it a ruin?' People Leave for a reason. Mostly because it has become untenable. Then along come these foreign gonks with ideas way above their budget and unrealistic dreams, that rapidly turn into a nightmare. Why do they always want so much when they have so little to spend?

[@robjworkshop5692]

LOL! We call that 'Agile' project management! :)

[@mesquitemagic]

Holy cow! The horse trailer is nicer than what the humans are living in.

[@snelson2418]

Beautiful work. It’s just surprising how extravagantly all these families want to live on a tight budget. After all the blood, sweat, tears, they usually end up having to sell their dream home to someone else just to pay it off. Wouldn’t it be great, just once, to OVERestimate the cost!

[@LisaSpangenberg]

I wouldn’t call their house extravagant. It’s not that big and they just want to have their own business in the country.

[@mfranzusan3014]

Let me guess. You can't get planning permission on your equestrian business until the house is completed and occupied... why don't they just outline that at the beginning? George comes up with design ideas and plans to help move the project forward, but can't say: "Look, I've seen it 1000 times. You won't get permission to do anything until the house is finished." The guy is a land surveyor for crying out loud! He should know council expectations inside and out!

[@elisabethbenders-hyde5286]

I've gone through two builds and both took a very long time and cost more than was originally budgeted. Watching the people on this show struggle through is painful.

[@maggiesue4825]

These UK planning commissions have such swelled heads!!

[@Rockhopper1]

His wife is awful, never says our house or our kitchen, its all mine mine mine, such selfishness, and the daughter needs to get off her derriere and do some work.

[@pistolpeds]

The wife gets a job because she needs it. No mention of John's needs. She was doing it for herself only. What a burden they are to him. Broke her ribs dancing on a table. What a princess (2 princess's) l view them as very willing parasites.

[@ggzz6862]

The equestrian business was quashed by the "Planners" because either one of them or someone close to one already has this business in the area. This needs to be challenged and the offending planner fired !

[@deadpoolstrikesagain3914]

John looks so tired ,so worn and exhausted.. ..Best wishes

[@terrymoore565]

A cooking stove costing that much to use...makes no sense...whats the hurry?...Its a huge project and your doing most of the work..slow down.

[@carolinehoward180]

That kitchen looked terrible. Certainly not 12 grands worth. That poor bloke

[@JamesJones-tt9sf]

What is really frustrating is that this was filmed just before the financial collapse of 2008 and there is no mention of what would probably shatter all their fantasies of self sufficiency! These films never do enough follow up and through! Meanwhile that lovely little stable would be perfect for my 2 mares!

[@janicerobinson2970]

Hard Work For Just One People Want He has Done Is Lovely

[@ritajohnson5594]

Hard time watching when as a family so much could have been achieve together. Sad and selfish because their not working as a team

[@SuzanneU]

What a beautiful job!

[@boraborabgd]

Such a lovely family.

[@juliearch1]

nope john deserves better

[@redmel7719]

“Carol cracked a few ribs falling off a table dancing” 🤔…we all just gonna ignore that? Lol

[@terriplant5664]

I came here to see the comments about Carol falling off a table dancing!!!!! That's CRAZY

[@fredrika27]

I've watched a dozen of these shows and am beginning to wonder about my sisters over in the UK who don't know how to pick up a hammer! Is it just me or am I being prejudiced against the women in this show! When the ex and I built our house, I lost a stone mucking in! There was no sitting about hoping hubby would do it all! Where's that pioneering spirit? And the menfolk, swallow that pride and allow your womenfolk to help you! I could never allow my husband to work himself to an earlier grave than necessary!

[@snelson2418]

Multiple times she said he DIDN’T want help!!

[@fredrika27]

@@snelson2418 Yes, I heard that! Most women folk who are house proud know their husbands and help them despite their menfolk sayin no! That's love! If you haven't read the posts, most viewers agree with me! Now, it's nice that chivalry is still in style, but it's not nice to allow one's husband to get high blood pressure or other health issues while building a house!

[@mariannedebrizzo3575]

I agree with you, get a job or pick up a hammer or broom and help. 😁

[@fredrika27]

@@mariannedebrizzo3575 Thank you!🤣🤣🥰

[@nancyn347]

Oooph! At the end of the show, John looks like he's aged at least 10 years. I hope he lives long enough to enjoy his retirement once he finishes the house. Thanks for the upload.

[@martieflagg4671]

Love this program!!!!!!!

[@eecforeststewardship640]

though I agree about family pitching in, it was stated that he refused their help. Though in personal experience, people can still step in and help if it's needed, so many options.

[@jmdenison]

I have tried to do that with some people they want to do it themselves because they want to done in a certain way at a certain time and if you try to interfere with it it just turns into a great big fight. This is his house and if he wants to do that let him go ahead and do that. He's not hurting anybody and he wants to take pride in his workmanship

[@brendatajik6150]

🌻Thank you for sharing with the USA viewers❣🇺🇸

[@ValeriaVincentSancisi]

You MUST go back when completed .. He is an excellent designer ...

[@Esthersimpson620]

They want the FRUIT without the LABOUR

[@Suzyfromtheblock]

Lovely restoration George Clarke is lovely too, a nice guy x

[@fionagregory8078]

Yes but I saw him first. He is the perfect man.

[@gpower9572]

The ladies could have cleaned and stacked the bricks, it is not hard and needs to be done.

[@fergusontea]

I love watching these projects come together. These people deserve a retirement on their own, not having the daughter hanging on and messing with horses, which are clearly her own thing. As a parent, I’m glad I don’t think that I need to provide a job for my children. They’re supposed to go out and make their own way in life, not hang on and let you do everything for them.

[@lordfunious9707]

Is there any update of this? I would love to see how it ended.

[@jaytay8637]

Probably better not knowing, poor man !

[@vesnarajic5276]

Mortgage is endless prison. Smart man!

[@dominiqueparisi4618]

Wow great job and determination

[@Padraigan13]

How many horses are you allowed to have on a 3 acre patch? Here I believe it is one horse per acre.

[@arthurminck5464]

WoW, that man...Tarzan...

[@johnasumaa8644]

Deadlines are just dates, and living in a caravan is merely an inconvenience. Keep working till you're done, and things will work out. Too much is often made of trivialities, though they may present difficulty. Things just have a way of working out.

[@hadynwills3677]

Daughter needs to go out and get a real job,pinning your hopes on pie in the sky dreams.Didnt she do homework weather it was feasible check with the vipers at council. Plus with all the out buildings won't be much left of three acres for paddocks.

[@aidanf1654]

I guarantee who ever is on the council that denied planning permission has the same business and is no doubt some toff.

[@aalicat1985]

Is there an update on this build? Were they able to get their business approved?

[@denisecuckoo2504]

Was hoping to find more info all these years on. Would have liked to have been able to place the area on a map to see if they managed to get planning permission …….. 🙁

[@user-qf7np4br4f]

you just have to love George at the 13.08 minute mark! in his element with excitement!.

[@kelsroom2]

Daughter should go to work. Mom should start looking for sales for the stable.

[@antoniauribe9309]

In regards to his wife and daughter not helping he made it very clear that he didn’t want help from anyone, it’s not their fault .

[@asianmix4947]

They still could've try helping him regardless.......

[@scott1368]

I live in Vincennes Indiana and I used to be a carpenter with my father and brothers how do you insulate the walls of your house I would really like to know great video Scott Lafferty can't wait for your reply

[@pawelsawicki7003]

Amazing

[@andreewert1142]

.Nice dESIGn..GreaT dETERMINATION ...bRAVO

[@elizabethcleland6267]

why a raeburn get cheaper brands to do hot water heating house and cooking plus dry wet clothes instead tumble drier i got one cost £400 shipped from bulgaria it is one there smaller makes but for my house the correct size it multi fuel so burns everything it can be done THAT HUSBAND IS A GEM my hats of to him reminds me on my husband

[@fionagregory8078]

I do not understand what is so special about an Aga. I use a microwave a lot and it is great.

[@Sennmut]

He has an almost transatlantic approach to things. Bravo, sir.

[@sangarkhan1927]

Great

[@aphclr84]

What a waste of time. The parents are looking toward retirement but are still indulging the daughter. At the end of the day the daughter will be up, engaged, and moved away and they are going to be sitting in this barren plain with expensive lawn ornaments to maintain and on 3 acres no less. Seems very silly to me.

[@af398]

If she hated the caravan so much, she could have helped!

[@karlkamal2047]

Lovely...

[@gypsy3446]

Yes I also agree 👍 👏 I even felt guilty watching those 2 sitting around going to horse shows , while John is absolutely working his fingers to the bone for mainly there benefit, while there's heaps they could be doing.

[@lazygardens]

It's clear that he REFUSES to let them help - his ego is his worst enemy.

[@asianmix4947]

Mother and daughter could've still help him regardless.....my husband is also hard headed like this guy but I'm a forcer just to help him.

[@timklassen421]

hay burners are expensive hobby.

[@Itsaboutthewaterlife]

Agree. Lots of moola.

[@carmenmariacortesmarin2664]

Very loving family. They understand what everyone needs are. He likes to accomplish this project on his own. His wife and daughter know him well enough to know to respect that. They support him in the ways he wants and needs. This is quite obvious, especially at the end, where he acknowledge their support. The ladies are so happy for him. Now, as his wife has hoped, will very soon be able to relax.

[@JenJen-bp3bb]

"Allowing me to keep on working into the dark". He did a phenomenal job, but those women made me so mad. How incredibly unsupportive. Poor guy.

[@riftalope]

Months of slogging alone, not a scratch. Takes a break sailing, Whammo!

[@maddog1918]

they're going to give the poor old man a heart attack when his body is allowed to finally stop

[@craigathonian]

Does anybody else remember the movie "The Money Pit" ? On the topic of opening their own business, this seems to be a shortsighted mistake. The way everyone just accepted the fact that the permit was denied... and that's that ? tells me plans BEFOREHAND weren't made or investigated. The little i know of Britain's real estate laws is the fact that they are tuff. Hence, why they don't suffer from "urban sprawl" like what we have here in the states. It also feels like the government said something like, we're letting you get away with a lot already, so don't push any further... or else !

[@martieflagg4671]

I'm 70 and could have taken those bricks out one by one at the opening to the atrium! Does the husband not allow the wife or daughter to help? Don't understand.

[@sioframay]

title says ruined granary but this is clearly a derelict chapel....

[@chrisneedham5803]

'Ruined granary' ....... you can see how bad it was ruined, it's disappeared 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@madgebishop5409]

@@chrisneedham5803 i'd ruin the daughters granary....am i right?!

[@kategeren9894]

You folks in the UK are awesome, Kate in Lasvegas

[@GREENLALI]

Horses are a horrible investment

[@sharong8511]

What Sophie wants, Sophie gets.

[@emsnewssupkis6453]

Yes, it is an indulgence, not a financial resource. This is why rich people do 'dressage'.

[@fionagregory8078]

I cant stand horses. Love cats though.

[@LisaSpangenberg]

What was the problem with their business plan? They are out in the country with nothing around and they can’t get approved to have stables and horses? Ridiculous. It’s not like they want some big manufacturing business. Those people should be fired.

[@cindypoole6792]

Great BUILD!! May 2006... still building. Wife and daughter don't work? Could have bought a range cooker or pay for the under floor heating. Everyone should pitch in. Why is this only on 1 person deal with the stress. Wife and daughter go off to show horses...what! Working with broken ribs...come on ladies, help your man!

[@KrisHughes]

Seems like a bit of a self-defeating testament to John's unconscious sexism. (I say unconscious - he's obviously a lovely bloke, but he's shooting himself in the foot with this.) While the women seem a wee bit too helpless, and a wee bit smug about their exclusion from the workforce.

[@jeantudor9076]

where are they now ?

[@Aimbottz]

so wen can i move in ?

[@fionagregory8078]

When you learn how to spell.

[@bdub1863]

“There’s just nuffing to do....”. 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄