BIG Changes on our old Stone House Renovation

We're going up this week and seeing huge progress on the stone house renovation. Plus we finally get drinking water on the homestead and let you know what it cost.
We’re Meraid and Dan and in 2021 we bought an abandoned farm (quinta) 7500 m2 (approximately 1.8 acres) in the Coimbra district of Central Portugal.
Our stone ruin needs massive restoration and that started in January 2024.
We've been gardening and growing food for many many years and we absolutely love growing , eating and cooking what we grow and preserving surplus harvests for year round enjoyment.
We're currently restoring this beautiful terraced land back to the bountiful homestead it once was.
Already, after only 2 years, the land is coming back to life and producing wonderful harvests.
We hope you'll find some inspiration and share some of your thoughts and ideas here too.
Thank you for joining us for what will surely be fun and exciting times ahead.
You can also find Meraid on Instagram / nearbyveggies

[@KittyMcGee1001]

Your builders seem to have superhuman strength and stamina. Truly impressive. I bet they’ll be booked years in advance after being featured in your videos.

[@pattiwhite9575]

Or retire wealthy after this one last one. It must be costing a fortune.

[@maryhauser6523]

I hope they give you a discount for the free advertising. .

[@nataliaghidirim1655]

Ahahahah

[@NearbyVeggies]

They are a great team 😊

[@suzanneguthrie284]

I keep thinking about how tired they must be at the end of each day and wondering about their families.

[@jeanrichardson2044]

Your enthusiasm is contagious and we love your program. I even feel excited about your windows and doors.

[@NearbyVeggies]

It’s really quite an interesting and exciting time right now. When I looked at the footage I thought I might be the most enthusiastic person ever over a few blocks but it does feel like our dream is really coming true. 🥰

[@Mej_Javiky]

Meraid, your excitement about the progress can be felt though your videos.

[@NearbyVeggies]

That’s lovely to know. Thank you 😊

[@Greta-v2e]

all done in a relaxed way, no shouting, no cursing like we could hear here in Italy, and yet the job is done - com muita calma, mas feito bem

[@ail-on3px]

You understand italian? 😁

[@ail-on3px]

On italian construction sites you can't walk around so peacefully among the bricklayers while they work, it's forbidden for safety reasons. Whit the construction site at a standhill you can do whatever you want

[@Greta-v2e]

@@ail-on3px yes

[@Greta-v2e]

@@ail-on3px yes I do

[@Aotruba]

Every worker was focused on their job! 👍 GREAT progress! ✨️ Thank you for filming and sharing this huge home renovation! 🙏💗🙏🌟

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you too. It’s really tough filming everything alone and you’re the reward. 😊

[@Miranda-k2u4s]

Thank you for orchestrating the symphony of building! Could watch this for hours :)

[@NearbyVeggies]

Really glad you enjoyed it. Thank you 🤩

[@bergannon6585]

Me too. I smiled all the way through.

[@tamrahawkes3170]

It’s magical seeing you restore that beautiful old building! It would have been so much easier to tear it down and start fresh, so much fun to watch!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@cynwalts771]

Looking Amazing, I could have watched for hours. Such progress. Cant wait for next week installment. Your builders are awesome.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you so much 😊

[@GT-id9yt]

You’re lucky with such a great professional construction team! 👍

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thanks 👍

[@johnsage1020]

It's going to be such a beautiful house when you get gone and bring you many years of happiness 😊. Thanks for filming you are such an inspiration to watch

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you so much 😊

[@pattiwhite9575]

You have a wonderful crew doing this work. They are old and wise and skills only age brings. This operation must be costing an absolute fortune. I have faith in these men's ability to get this job done perfect.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you very much!

[@joanhesketh9419]

Wow !! They certainly know how to build I'm very impressed team work and they work so hard . Looking forward to the finish . Xx

[@NearbyVeggies]

A wonderful team

[@hatcherhollerhoodlum4418]

Wow ,things are going nicely!!! So lovely to see you smiling through the entire video. I bet Dan is chomping at the bit to get back home. I really enjoy watching the progress 👍🏻

[@NearbyVeggies]

He’s probably more excited to get home to see me 😉

[@maggiew8524]

😂🤣😂@@NearbyVeggies

[@avivat3010]

No wonder you're so excited, Meraid. The progress is so fast, the workers so dedicated. They're like human machines. Thank you so much for sharing. You're bringing your excitement to so many people. Brava!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@clionamm]

Wow it's really coming along and looking fabulous. I'm in awe at your builders, not a bother to them all the heavy lifting and shovelling etc. They are wonderful. It's great to be able to follow along and see your beautiful house come to life again bit by bit. Thanks for sharing it all. Have a great weekend 🙂

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you very much. 😊

[@maryhauser6523]

The transformation is just amazing, the finish product will be worth all the hard work and the price, as nothing good ever comes cheap. Adeus from Canada.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@lindasoaft9303]

Your craftsmen have amazing strength and skill! And I appreciate all your comments. I’m totally enjoying your renovation as here in California they tear everything down and rebuild! Very disappointing that old architecture and culture are not treasured and protected!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@bergannon6585]

Fantastic progress indeed. These wonderful men are the A Team of Builders, an absolute joy to behold. I can see you all having the mother of all parties after the final stone is laid. Hope you have your gúna deas ready Meraid. Love from Ireland ❤❤❤

[@NearbyVeggies]

We agree!

[@NearbyVeggies]

I might have to dig out the guna deas. 🥰

[@evelynkelly4790]

Being an Irish woman you are no stranger to dry stone walls…..making great progress every week….

[@NearbyVeggies]

Especially in Donegal 😂

[@janmccann8081]

What a team! I hope they know how much we all enjoy watching them! Good job on your dry-stone wall, and also for managing to film and edit everything as well! Great music choices, too. Huzzah!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@rhondadorey1723]

It's really interesting watching these men choreograph the building process. The first time I've watched a process like this. And it does seem like a dance, with each knowing their part in the production. How fantastic you're able to watch and document the entire process. 💗💗

[@NearbyVeggies]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@Coyotehello]

And at 07:45, that was exactly the right amount of water needed! LOL Amazing that they are doing all this by hand, but I guess much cheaper than getting the big truck again. I love that they are all having a good time and laughing at you filming everything! You look so pleased, it made me smile!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@Путешествуй-к2ь]

Yohooooo!! I’m the first to comment😁started waiting for your new video on Monday🤣 I’m happy to see your progress! Can’t help but smile when I see how emotional you get! That will be a wonderful house! Cheers from Russia!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@Skattie]

Hello RUSSIA❤

[@Skattie]

Mamma you look as pleased as punch, don’t know how to spell your name😎

[@Shibalvr]

Ooh, pouring pillars for upstairs lanai! Looking forward to seeing you guys sitting up there again!!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Waiting patiently for Dan to come home ☺️

[@jeanrichardson2044]

Your Portuguese must be pretty good, Meriad, to understand everything that's going on. The guys are very tolerant of being filmed.

[@NearbyVeggies]

I don’t understand everything they say but I understand a reasonable amount. I only film for about half an hour to an hour a day and while the guys are having their coffee.

[@essietangle9931]

The team is just amazing.

[@NearbyVeggies]

They sure are.

[@mm.6991]

Meraid I love seeing the construction progress, I love seeing your excitement and enthusiasm your joy with all the progress, it makes me happy for you and Dan. Wagner's music says it all... 👍🥰

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you so much!

[@margieperse9490]

This is such an amazing and astonishing build. It's incredible to imagine how the original house was made.

[@NearbyVeggies]

I think about that often. Hand tools alone.

[@sarahnd]

Such a pleasure to watch your well-coordinated and efficient team putting the house together! If we had found guys like this on our build, we wouldn't have had to do every step ourselves and we might, actually, be finished now! 👏👏🙌

[@NearbyVeggies]

I helped my Dad renovate an old stone house in Ireland. It took 5 years. I learned a valuable lesson. Just because I can doesn’t mean I should. 🤣

[@annaburke5781]

Wonderful what a team big smiles all round.Really enjoying your journey bless you

[@NearbyVeggies]

Absolutely wonderful. Thank you ☺️

[@42apprentice]

Lovely to share in your excitement. One can really start to appreciate the volume of the individual rooms now. x

[@NearbyVeggies]

Next week will be even better 🤩

[@petesmit33]

Great to see substantial progress

[@NearbyVeggies]

It really is. 😊

[@charlenequinilty7252]

You did a good job restoring the stone walls…😊wow on the progress and you have wonderful workers

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@jaydegier3892]

Meraid that was an amazing video and mainly due to the look on your face and your enthusiasm. It has been a long wait for you but now you can see your home transforming. Another big thumbs up to your builders, they are amazing and so hard working. Stay safe and keep these amazing videos coming. Coen and Jay

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you so much 😊

[@claudia_ese8788]

it keeps amazing me how these guys work only with traditional methods, no hectic, everyone in their place, so much routine in every movement. The “house” or what is left of it already looks completely different with the openings for the door and windows. So sweet that the callas at the wall are allowed to survive!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@CarolinaSanz-qy3hz]

It makes me glad to ser you so excited. It's so overwhelming but I'm so glad you ate so joyful. It's contageous. Congratulations.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you so much 😊

[@martinab3774]

My compliments to those workers, great people!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Yes they are great.

[@fatimar8924]

Bom dia povo lindo e abençoado por Deus 🙏😍 🏡🕊️🙌

[@NearbyVeggies]

Obrigada ☺️

[@stevejohnstonbaugh9171]

You certainly made a lot of progress this week. I was impressed with your drywall building skills. You do nice work! 😊👍 How exciting when a job gets to the point that you can actually stand in the spaces that are being created, right? SO happy for you.

[@NearbyVeggies]

I’m really pleased 😁

[@paulettebarber7219]

Gosh it’s happening so fast! Very exciting! Can’t wait for each new video.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@jessejames5375]

Great progress. Fantastic builders. Have a good week😊

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thanks, you too

[@HeloisaVidigal]

Que sucesso! Esse time de trabalhadores da prazer em vê-los trabalhar! O seu entusiasmo é nossa alegria aos sábados!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Muito obrigada 🤩

[@mateiciuc1953]

Not only because is spring time, everything there, is growing, walls and pillars! The ritm of the construction, the ritm of the constructers is absolutely gorgeous, not in hurry, like in the old time! Love this, start to build there a shistous small new Haven! Beautiful!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you very much. 😊

[@joanhesketh9419]

And before this vidio came on I was watching the early one where you built the stone wall couldn't believe how you managed it in all that heat , you did a Brilliant job .

[@NearbyVeggies]

The heat was relentless

[@AnnemarieWillcox]

Wow. These builders are so organised amongst which looks like chaos. Coming along. You could make a lovely inner courtyard with a fountain an d lots of creepers and little benches in that walled area. would be a lovely place in winter..

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you for the ideas 😊

[@gillianbrewer9607]

Most of the men aren’t young either, but they appear to have a rhythm, which make it appear almost effortless.

[@NearbyVeggies]

A bit like watching a top sportsperson, everything looks so easy.

[@arlenethomas8920]

One of the very few programs that I sit here with a big smile on my face during the whole show.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Lovely ☺️

[@ellieknol]

Beautiful... the changes are so very interesting, and I even learn a bit about building. Enjoy!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you! ☺️

[@alanmiller8457]

I can feel your excitement on this side of the KZbin line! Happy for all of the progress you’ve achieved!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Yay! Thank you!

[@heatherlee1128]

It's starting to look more like a home

[@NearbyVeggies]

It sure is 👍

[@AlanHough-p1w]

Great work being done it's going to be a amazing house

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@dannybrown1955]

Great video. Great workers!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you and yes. 😊

[@MariaGuadarrama-n6f]

I’m so glad that you are finally able to start your renovation! I can’t imagine how beautiful it would look.🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🇺🇸

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you so much 😊

[@Leed216]

Your smile says it all. And in all that mayhem of construction the Cala lilies keep blooming. (White flowers against the wall)

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@christinefrancoeur325]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 love the music selections 😅this is so exciting ❤

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@janmitchell641]

It’s lovely to see and hear your joy in the building process, and it’s so well deserved.❤️🇨🇦

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you so much 😊

[@The4wildboys]

Really enjoyed this week’s video 👍.. amazing progress from your team, brings back lots of memories for us .. I bet the workers enjoy watching themselves doing their magic. Great way to document their progress. Thanks guys 😀

[@NearbyVeggies]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you 😊

[@louiseswart1315]

Everything looks so strong now. It is a reassuring thought to know that the top floor with everything on it will not be carried by those precious stone walls, but by the newly installed foundations and pillars. I picture that courtyard wall clad the same as the kitchen wall off the veranda.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Giving the lovely stone walls a second chance. Thank you 😊

[@kyranmacwood1278]

I just can feel your excitement for the progress. And the men are such a great workers. Say them a big "hello" and appreciation from the Netherlands🌷🌷🌷

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you, I will.

[@CynCopeland-TheAnswerIsMeat]

Show this comment to your builder! Olá Sr Construtor! Obrigado a você e sua equipe por todo o trabalho duro em ajudar a transformar esta linda casa antiga em um lar novo e seguro para nossos amigos. Seu trabalho árduo é muito apreciado por muitos que veem a transformação. Com amor da Austrália x

[@NearbyVeggies]

I’ll pass on your message. Thank you 😊

[@susangranger3089]

Great Content

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@SanIgnacioBCS]

This is very interesting, and such a relief that you have the builders doing it, quickly. I love your presentation and drone views. Good job, altogether!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Many thanks 😊

[@deborahbasel184]

The house is looking less like a bomb site and more like the potential beautiful home it could be. Well done.

[@NearbyVeggies]

It’s going to be even better in the next video 😊

[@ademariojunior]

I partake in your thrill. I love renovations and the building work - at least if I am not living in the building. I love the planning and the realization of the plan.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Excellent 👍

[@sjoukjevanleeuwen]

So great to see the progress. Wonderful. Expensive water connection. It's like you are growing into the new house. Great builders! Thank you for sharing this.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@asc3184]

Tha ks for sharing another video with us. It is very palpable ur excitement over the evolution of ur construction project. I look forward to seeing u and Dan on ur terrace sipping coffee and treats overlooking ur garden. M very happy that u two have this chance to fulfill ur dream. The land deserves haed working conacious ppl like you. Continued wishes of success. Btw ur choice of background music was nice!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thanks a million for your encouragement 😊

[@moirasimmerson929]

Which is more beautiful, the view or your smile? Your smile of course!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@suzilouden5964]

Fantastic progress. To us, all that concrete seems like serious overkill but the architect & engineers know what they are doing....you & Dan must be thrilled with the progress. Have a wonderful weekend & see you next time....xxx

[@NearbyVeggies]

We’re thrilled 😁

[@KarenWood-cj4xi]

I am so excited. The renovation is in full swing. Everything looks great. 😊

[@NearbyVeggies]

Yay! Thank you 😊

[@raewhitbourn259]

The progress is amazing. It is a pleasure to watch you and Dan, and you explain everything so well; from the fruit and veg to the ins and outs of the stone house build. Glad you seem to be much happier with how the build is progressing this week. Look forward to watching the house as it comes back to life! Best wishes from a wet and chilly Ireland.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thanks so much!

[@kathleendenison8925]

❤ the prayer plant or white lilies....such progress, LOOKING GREAT, IM EXCITED FOR YOU BOTH...ITS GOING TO BE GRAND!!!🎉🎉❤❤❤❤

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 🤩

[@maggiemorgan8422]

Great progress. Love the fact the lillies are thriving on the edge of the construction site, you have new boots and the guys have got branded up 😅 xx

[@NearbyVeggies]

You’re great at spotting little details x

[@petermak750]

Another splendiferous video, with an overwhelming good combination of music and image. You must be a professional, otherwise this isn’t possible. Thanks for giving us a great inside view in the reconstruction of your house. It’s going to be ‘one of the best places’ to celebrate life, I’m sure. Can’t wait for next Saturday, 9.00 o’clock😅.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Delighted you enjoyed it! Stay tuned for next week’s episode, it’s going to be amazing 🤩

[@francoisbosman7253]

Hi the pillars are actually called columns in construction old school builders like it 👍👍👍

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@darylpike8547]

It's looking absolutely fanbloodytastic ❤❤❤. You must be so proud of what has been done thus far?😊😊

[@NearbyVeggies]

We’re thrilled 🤩

[@darylpike8547]

@@NearbyVeggies ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@SimonParkinson-p2n]

Wow awesome progress

[@NearbyVeggies]

I think so too!

[@mesutozsen903]

Eline emeğine sağlık bu güzel vlog ve video için kolay gelsin hayirli işler bol bereketli kazançların olsun 👍👍👍👍

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@mariaortega8702]

Your builders are amazing!!!!!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Absolutely 👍

[@LizChild-u9i]

Delighted for you that you have water on-site. Is that 'hemp and paste' they've used on the joints. How lovely, reminds me of the old days, but I guess it is still best on mild steel pipes. Great music, by the way. You are in a fun phase!

[@NearbyVeggies]

They often use linen here but I need to go and check it out now that you mentioned it 😊

[@maudeestrella8196]

Wow. Great progress. Your smile says it all🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦

[@NearbyVeggies]

😊 thank you

[@nataliaghidirim1655]

You are such a takented reportage actor;)) can we see more action and epic scenes from your and other locations?

[@miriammuskal5402]

Amazingly things are really moving along 😮

[@NearbyVeggies]

They really are 😊

[@catherinepeng3927]

This is a massive progress! Congratulations 🥳 🎉🎉

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you!! 😊

[@offgridwanabe]

Dan is missing all the fun.

[@NearbyVeggies]

He said he’s looking forward to the new videos. 😊

[@kdclothes]

I am really excited to see how much you guys are getting done. The hole in the wall is gone.

[@NearbyVeggies]

That’s how I explained it to Dan too, after I saw it. 😊

[@claudiah5643]

I just love your channel!

[@NearbyVeggies]

You are so kind. Thank you 😊

[@josepampolsteruel]

We'll done from Barcelona ( catalunya)🌹🌹🍺🍺

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@maneuschwander6394]

Do your contractors - like being in your movies? :) I love seeing the rock walls thru to your garden, Beautiful!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Yes 👍

[@kvdw5375]

Don't forget to water the potatoes too!😉😜😂🤣

[@NearbyVeggies]

🤣 Another week of rain coming

[@vivianhagler9584]

So happy for you. Your facial expressions & voice reflect your excitement! What is Dan’s profession? I know you miss him when he travels so much.

[@NearbyVeggies]

He’s a project manager in the marine industry.

[@sochaasocha2693]

Dużo zmian. Zycze powodzenia!😊

[@waynejones750]

I have really enjoyed this episode, things are really moving on😊

[@NearbyVeggies]

I'm so glad!

[@asgeirandersen]

Hello Harriet marvelous progress! Thanks for showing it.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thanks for watching!

[@gasparini76]

Happy for you, well deserved!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you so much 😀

[@anniemac3075]

I wish the builders who took months to build my tiny extension had had a fraction of the work ethic yours do. They turned up late every day if at all, hoodies up, phones to their faces, shouted & swore all day, left rubbish blowing round the garden & wasted huge amounts of building materials leaving my garden wrecked & needing several returns to fix things they did wrong.

[@NearbyVeggies]

I feel for you

[@iniabellepaz445]

Hi, great video, it’s wonderful to see the progress.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you ☺️

[@GoGentlier]

Amazing progress!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@isleyribeiro1769]

Oi, sou brasileira, vejo todos os vídeos de vcs (gosto muito), mas nunca consigo entender pois não sei a língua de vcs, por favor se puderem colocar pelo menos a LEGENDA em Português(Brasil) eu agradeceria de mais, amo vcs. ❤

[@NearbyVeggies]

Verifique as definições e seleccione a tradução automática para português. As legendas estão lá. Obrigada. ☺️

[@johncooper5293]

So exiting to see the transformation. I'm now looking at how i can rebuild my barn in to a one bedroom guest room.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@isabelandrademourarodrigue3891]

Uma ideia. Façam um reservatório de água para o verão aproveitando as águas da chuva. Como faziam os árabes

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you