Bushcraft Shelter 1,461 Days Later: Thatched Roof Saxon House

[@travertin1]

I cannot believe it’s been 4 years! I loved waiting for each instalment of the build and the final build is fantastic - as it still is today! All the best and keep up the great work!

[@TAOutdoors]

Me neither! Time flies.

[@AnimatedStoriesWorldwide]

What I cannot believe is that it wasn't taken over/occupied/dirtied/set on fire by randos. Is it on private gated land? edit: sorry, hadn't gotten to the part about the missing window yet. Still in good shape, considering

[@edwardfletcher7790]

@@TAOutdoors If you want an easy window replacement just grab a scrap oven door from the kerb 👍

[@Watcher1852]

WAY TO GO, DO HOPE U GO BACK TO DO MORE WORK AND VISIT MORE OFTEN, I REMEMBER THE BUILDS, HAPPY U CHECKED IT OUT AGAIN, BIG THANK U

[@Thoraral_Oakenshield]

how time flies that it was already 4 years ago when you built it is astonishing

[@jamesellsworth9673]

I am SO PLEASED that you came back to review and update the building of this structure. YES to revisiting and using all of the structures this summer!🤩 Bring them back to life with fellowship, food, and fire in the hearth. I do remember your bushcraft camp series. You taught so much then about making a bushcraft kitchen with a swiveling crane to take hot pots on and off the fire and so on.

[@cjkathe]

Definitely use it! But a note on TA Fishing. I don’t even fish and I love those videos. Your dad is really entertaining. I especially liked the shark jumping in the boat! It’s really is awesome!

[@aribavel2757]

Yes!!! Of course I remember the OG Bushcraft Camp! That was the series that got me into Bushcraft at the start!!!

[@countrybowwow]

Hello, my friend Thank you for the great video. I love your channel! Have a happy day.👍🏼

[@thisandthat849]

In a shop in Rye, when they were renovating, they saw a hand print in the same sort of mud and daub used for the walls and it was over 400 years old! The shop keeper carefully renovated over it so as to not disturb the hand print and try to keep it safe for another 400 years! Neat!

[@joelining]

There are a lot of bushcraft builds on KZbin, but nobody does them like you guys!

[@mervyndykes5845]

You have every reason to feel proud about what you have done! The only thing wrong with it is that I am not in your part of the world, so I can't come visiting! All the best and love to your Dad!

[@amyv8416]

The fort series is something I watch all the way through occasionally. Such a fun build.

[@tbread1128]

I love watching videos in your woodland, but I do sometimes miss these woods. The pinetrees give a very different vibe. Also this is the forest from the OG bushcraft camp, when I started watching you, giving a nostalgic value too. Thanks for making another video here!

[@judebrown4103]

Ah that was lovely Mike. This made me realise that I've been subbed to your channel for more years than I thought, from around or even before the pallet wood cabin build. In fact I think the only build I didn't see go up live was the Fort, it's been such fun. I didn't know how to comment in the early days, have since learned a lot more and acquired a lot more channels to sub to, especially in lockdown. So I learned about how I could use KZbin from you which has opened our my life massively. I'm disabled but the platform showed me about e-bikes as a disability aid, so buying one got me outside in lockdown. I found out about ev's and have been lucky enough to find a used one when our old petrol car was written off. We're looking at solar PV, battery and water storage, air source heat pumps for when we win the lottery! All this good stuff stems from stumbling around the internet and finding you chaps and the likes of Phil @Shady Acres Woodshop on KZbin all those years ago. So while we're having a reminisce I thought I'd thank you for not only getting me out in the woods again, I grew up in woods as a kid, but for starting me on this journey of discovery and knowledge which has really opened up my life that had begun to shrink with the constant battle against ME/CFS. So there you go, you're still teaching... although I'm a bit older than your former pupils at 65 this year and you've even contributed to my attempts at helping the planet a bit too! Blessings to you and Graeme and your family...I was touched when you named your daughter Evelyn as that was my late mum's name who died not long before she was born. If you've spoken about the newest arrival I've either missed it or not been able to retain the memory which is a shame but congratulations to you both. 👍💐🍻🙏

[@lollykoko]

I'm enjoying your explanation of how Saxon housing improved over the decades, to become the ancestor of today's stick built home.

[@vikingbushcraft1911]

Can I just give a shout-out to your Dad - total GOAT - inspirational

[@riuphane]

I love this retrospective, so good. I can't decide which is crazier, how well it is holding up or that it has been 4 freaking years since you did that!!

[@riuphane]

Also, I miss the og bushcraft camp. That was the reason I started following the channel and what set you apart.

[@donaldmiller8767]

I look forward to revisiting the Saxon house redesign and use. I also remember the bushcraft fort.

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

I can see how putting the logs vertically instead of horizontally across the front might help with water drainage off the building. It should channel the water to the ground without as many spots for it to seep in. I would also put a large window in the back wall. I never like having a fire in a building and only one way out. I watched you build this one and I still love it!❤️🤗🐝

[@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885]

I built a primitive Double Wattle wall hut. Thanks for sharing this hut - it's similar to what I built. The shutter boards for the roof gap - yes I live in a very cold climate. The moss gaps in the walls. I just used plastic bags. haha. We don't have much moss - none at all. More clay though! I used horse manure for the cob also - and a horse manure lime wash over the cob on the outside to water proof the cob. I posted a vid on it but I made NO measurements - and so it's very primitive. haha. I use it quite a bit though - for a farm work structure. Also my roof is rockwool two layers insulation since it's fire proof.

[@BillyBOB-sm3rl]

I have been watching you for 8 years. That was a hell of a build. One of your larger builds.

[@Narcosis71]

Jeez, was it really 4years since I watched this project take place? Impressive effort back then, even more so now.

[@OnStageLighting]

Enjoyed seeing you experience thatching. My dad only recently retired after a lifetime as a Master Thatcher in Hants, Wilts, and Dorset. I used to go to work with him as a kid. Wouldn't profess to be any good at the main job, but I know the process, how to scrape up and do other menial tasks for the masters. My favourite when I was little was bumping bundles on a spot board, ready for use. Cheers.

[@shanerowell6943]

The bushcraft fort is not only what I remember most well...it's also what made me originally sub in the first place. I still envy those days/nights you spent there. I remember you taking your wife to the fort that time and she was not as impressed as you and all of us were. I love those memories. Keep it up mate! Still love seeing your videos so very much.

[@maxinedurling3425]

Can't believe that it was four years ago. Out of all the little houses you built which one would you like( if you could) to build in your new wood. And yes I remember the bush craft camp and it is still my favorite

[@freakygardener8033]

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Two 👍👍 for you, and another two 👍👍 for your father!

[@Largo01]

Wow, for four years it's still in pretty good condition. Nice work, mate.

[@cheriprovencio9442]

Wow 4 years old, that’s great work. You and your Father, excellent!

[@stephanygates6491]

I found you on the bushcraft camp build. I was sad to see it reduced to a pile of sticks. The tower was the best! All your builds have been delightful. I do love watching you and your dad crack on!

[@InVerum]

Yes! Please go back and use it more. Getting a glance of what it would be like to live in that time period is a big appeal of the building and experiencing of these structures. Would love to see more of it.

[@bretlemieux2489]

I honestly still rewatch all of your vids T A Outdoors is an amazing channel!

[@ek-nz]

Yes, I remember the OG bushcraft camp. That’s what brought me to this channel IIRC. So much has happened since then. Still love the bushcraft and camping videos. Keep it up Mike, you’re holding your own in the world of YT outdoors channels all these years.

[@wolf1066]

This is excellent. Great to see how well it's weathered the, ahhh, weather. And time. Definitely would love to see you patch it up, add some furniture, rebuild the bed and fire pit and do a few more things with it. And, yes, I think we all remember the Bushcraft Camp fondly.

[@elisabethm9655]

It’s impressive to see how so many architectural features like the overhangs and gable ends are driven by practical considerations for the long term survival of the building. Observing the natural deterioration really tests the longevity and shows that what many consider to be aesthetic forms are in reality part of ‘building for sustainability’.

[@FraustByte]

Wow how time flies. I remember watching this being built. I wish I had the area to be able to do things like this when my dad was still alive.

[@suzisaintjames]

Yes, it's saturated, but take it as a great compliment that they have mimicked you. But, that shouldn't mean that you can't continue on the same path. You've built a community of over 2.2M viewers that looks forward to your next project... no matter what the rest of KZbin is doing. You don't see Gordon Ramsay giving up cooking just because there's a million other cooks on KZbin. Do what makes you happy as working for work's sake only leads to burn out. Do what makes you happy and don't worry about what others are doing. We'll be here no matter what... Look at "This Old House" (American renovation TV show) on the air for over 44+ years and still going strong! 💖🌞🌵😷

[@ewengillies9826]

Everything pld is new again. When you update and start to use and enjoy it this will make for compeling viewing. Watched you and your dad from scratch on this one so bring tge old fella back to enjoy the fruits of your labours. Bushyboy Oz.

[@ArielleViking]

So great to return to the Saxon house and see how it's held up. Gosh, it's hard to believe it's been 4 years, I really enjoyed this build. 👍❤️

[@harrywright5705]

So many memories in one vid, would love to see more of the dens 👍

[@helenslater3129]

Very cool to revisit the thatched Saxon house and see how its fared over time. I can't believe its been 4 years!

[@ericallan1373]

Yes, I remember the bushcraft camp. I’ve been watching since the beginning. And I think you should use all the structures that you have built.

[@janelleabbott6245]

It was awesome watching you and your father build this one. This is where I learned to use pitch for the tenons. Very smart team you and your father. Thank you for the update

[@salimufari]

Absolutely worth taking a bit of time to rebuild the bed & spend a night or 2 in this space again. Give you & us a bit of an idea how the experience has or hasn't changed over time. The learning we can gain from also doing the upkeep & taking stock of the needs for the same back in the day this home would be from. Also digging a small air inlet to feed air into the bottom of the fire pit similar to an extended Dakota fire hole was done in the day too. That may be worth adding as well.

[@judebrown4103]

Pretty sure they did exactly that on the next build, check it out...😊👍🙏

[@mattbrown5511]

I'd love to see you maintain and use this house. I haven't followed you long enough to remember the series but will go check out the playlist. Your passion and enthusiasm is absolutely infectious. Cherish your memories. I miss my father so much. He passed 5 years ago tomorrow (4-12-2018) I try to make memories as good with my daughter.

[@seanmiz6539]

I can’t believe it’s been that long. I remember you putting that together with your dad. It looks solid still overall

[@nateknudson8500]

As I watch these videos it feels like I'm watching your home movies for your future children and it's a great feeling to be a part of. Makes me want to make memories with my own little ones. If you want ideas I think using traditional woodcraft techniques to make furniture for that home would be a really interesting view into sustainability and living history.

[@pebo5371]

I'm just watching the video where you and your dad are building a cabin. Im so sorry for your loss, I know its late in my condolences to you and your family, but I just saw that, where you say ,you had no idea that that day wad the last day for your dad at the cabin. So very sorry and I pray for you and your family's spiritual heart healing.

[@pobo6113]

I really like this house. I’m really glad you changed the door. It looks great.

[@knightshousegames]

It's so wild that it's been so long, I remember binging a bunch of these building videos during lockdown I can't wait to see the one about the roundhouse, I think that was the coolest build here

[@daviddevine1757]

Just a thought if you where going to rebuild the front, step the frame back a foot before taking the original down that would give you the overhang plus support while taking it down. 👍

[@OICUR12]

You guys put so much work into that build especially the thatching. Love it!

[@SmithHiggins-ph2dn]

Hello jeniece

[@0ldred]

Great to see this build stand the test of time, also glad to hear you remember Purlins are the horizontal parts of the roof structure 😘

[@jamieedwards6721]

I loved this series, I've watched you Mike for about 6 years, there's no doubt you inspired me to take up wild camping after I watched your tarp shelter video, 6 years on and I'm a seasoned wild camper and hiker, I owe my passion and health to you and that video, its crazy to think but it's true. Here's to many more years and builds.

[@ronpeacock9939]

Hard to believe it's been so long. I think with having the little one now, you can get her into camping in your older houses you built. Camping is fun.. but much more fun with someone else... and to teach your children to love something at a young age. Yeah, it makes it where you have to keep your eyes on the little one... but I know from experience, my kids loved camping... My stepdaughter was a bit against it.. there is dirt in the woods.. but she did love the evening campfire and the peace and quiet.

[@Rags2Itches]

Mike, it was a great build series to see. I think the extra bit about digging down in the house was also to keep the smoke from the fire above the heads of the inhabitants. I always wanted you and your Dad to build a better set of stairs going into the house. Please leave gaps at the top of the front and back for the smoke to draft outside with your slat idea. Wishing you all the best.

[@georgefiveash7094]

Thank you for every build as well those great meals from you and your Dad .

[@condor1961]

Great video Mike, you are very lucky to have a dad like Graham. He is a legend. I can't wait to see what your dad puts up this week. Keep them coming Mike. 😉👍

[@thewarrior6627]

A video on maintenance and some upgrades to the Saxon house to preserve it longer would be awesome!

[@MrGoesBoom]

I can't believe it's been that long...doesn't seem like it. Really neat coming back and seeing how well it's held up. Damn shame that someone vandalized the area though. I really don't understand that mindset, going into the woods and finding this cool hut/house that someone obviously spent some time and effort on...then deciding you're going to wreck it. Could have been worse I suppose, it really has held up well.

[@curtiscrawford9241]

That is amazing! 4 years ago, I remember watching you and your dad building this. Just fantastic 👏. Please show us the rest of your builds, and keep it up Mike. O have your dad with you so we can have his take on things lol.

[@khevzreonal9418]

love to watch again this with your dad💙💗🙏🙏

[@johnburrows9558]

Ive actually collected nails for 42yrs,I used to do a lot of carpentry/joinery on listed buildings and those nails AND any other hardware that I came across from my apprenticeship days onward quite often been just the job...Your work is pretty cool by the way,really enjoy yours and dad's channel

[@Buggsy6666]

That’s awesome that it’s still standing. Personally the bushcraft cap was one of the best because you got to see it evolve, maybe a bushcraft 2.0 would be good

[@josephinegibbs3902]

Would love to see a Saxon House overnighter. Get your Dad to come along!

[@Hogweed666]

so awesome. i too miss the old youtube. back when it was a microcosm of little communities like the one you built here. i learned a lot from you, and applied it to my own bushcraft camp...

[@mustachioedmetroid9740]

Really loved watching the Saxon house series. Hope to see a new build soon, despite the saturation 😂

[@tarnocdoino3857]

I recap when you were first expecting and planing on the move pre pandemic. My oldest turns 18 before the end of the year. Crazy how that moves ahead.

[@KaylynnStrain]

would love to see you build furniture inside this awesome shelter !!!! loved seeing you and dad work as a killer team on this and all your builds !!!!!

[@csehszlovakze]

it held up nicely, looking forward to the renovation/improvement vids!

[@steventooV1]

What a fun trip down memory lane. We’re looking forward to seeing what you do next here. Please be sure to enjoy it - you can’t change the past, but embrace the future. Take care, Mike.

[@jeantaylor824]

Ta you did a great job for the first time doing it

[@danaowen9014]

This was great going down memory lane, would love to see you do upgrades on this house.

[@JimRodgers]

This was the project that sent your youtube channel through the stratosphere. I think you accumulated a lot of subscribers and views during this build. I thought it looked great, especially given the level of skill you guys had. Fun times!

[@flashthompson7]

Thank you I’m grateful you shared this visual and knowledge with us. God bless you

[@pikeoutside728]

Oh, I remember the OG bushcraft camp. I started following you before you built it. I kinda can't believe it's gone! *tear*

[@michaelburns9207]

.... The fingerprints in the wattle and daub are the signature of an artist....

[@laurabryannan]

I've enjoyed watching you build all of the wonderful structures you've made, but I'd also love to see more videos of you using them. Hope you go for it!

[@QuinchGaming]

A repair & improvement video maybe? Adding to select areas of the thatch, clearing the inside, adding the bed? Is it possible to add in the gable end overhangs at this stage I wonder?

[@davidkelly1298]

I remember the bushcraft camp. It was a great place.

[@ivyjulieharvey3043]

Your series inspired me to get my tools out again in the last 4 years I made so much and get back out to do bushcraft once more like I use to do with my late grandfather who was a big part of my life growing up who cared for me and raised me along with my grandmother who taught me foraging, welding, smelting and basket weaving also knitting and dressmaking on an old singer by hand. We use to build all sorts from huts to wooden toys. Lots of happy memories. Thanks for the amazing videos.

[@Spanners_the_Monkey]

Hey T.A, the Saxon house ibuild is why I started watching your channel, was was so awesome to watch. How is your Dad? Watching you and your dad interact is a highlight.

[@ancientone5355]

About 40 years ago I built a thatch tepee shaped hut in the woods. I lived in for several years. It had a better doorway than a tepee and I remember it as quite dry. I learned my thatching from "The Thatcher's Craft" by the Rural Industries Bureau. It has many pictures of the beautiful thatched roof houses in England. The book says that roofs that are not under trees and are made of Norfolk reed have lasted over 100 years. It says that the moss on the roof is from water dripping from trees above the roof. I did have an open fire in the center with the smoke going through the roof. Even with the fire bugs still lived in the thatch and would fall into the room. That would be the main thing making the thatch undesirable these days. I really enjoyed my years living in that thatch structure.

[@lewisvillalta2492]

For a first time is great building congratulations that is how you improve your skills

[@blackmoon8459]

Man, hard to believe it's been 4 years. Also, can't believe you moved from the house with the old WW2 Air Raid Bunker. Hopefully whoever is living there now is getting some good use out of it after all the work you did getting it renovated/restored to a useable state. Even if it's just as a cold storage for canning or something like that.

[@wolfbisbing486]

I remember watching all those videos you’ve mentioned. All great videos. I can’t believe it’s been 4 years since building this. WOW

[@blazingeek]

I would definitely love for you to film your other build projects as well. So interesting to see how they have aged.

[@DocTotte]

Very exciting! Have you ever thought about making the houses available to your fans for some kind of special holidays? I'm pretty sure there are enough interested people who would also take good care of your houses.

[@jacksg1809]

Mike and the rest keep secret of locations because of vandals .. like what happened to his mate Bushcraft .

[@DocTotte]

@@jacksg1809 Oh, I didn't know that. It sounds reasonable-unfortunately.

[@jacksg1809]

@@DocTotte I know what Ur saying ...most people would respect and leave as u find etc but some are idiots and are jealous and malicious 😏

[@joshuahouseholder2920]

Thank you for posting this update. I have often wondered what became of this house. I really enjoyed watching you and your dad build together. Yes, there may be a lot of "building" videos, but none of them hold a candle to the fellowship and joy you two have. Keep up the good work, and keep building!

[@thecrew777]

Of course I remember the Bushcraft camp! That was the first and awesome. I totally agree that it would be cool to watch more episodes of you USING what you have built. Like 4 or 5 at least. Good build. Watched the whole series. Best way to learn is to check a structure years later!

[@ゆうこt8h]

初めましてこんにちは、日本からです😊皆さんが黙々とお仕事されている姿を見入っていました。英語は分からないので画面を見ていました😊屋根を作るとき、ワラを使っていたのでびっくりしました。日本でも使っている地域があるので特に積雪の場所に建ってあります⛄😊中も広々してますね。一つ一つ丁寧なお仕事されていて素晴らしいと思いました。素敵な動画をありがとうございます😊

[@mattshaffer5935]

My god I hope I hold up that well! Time flies! Thanks for all you do. Im currently making a primitive maple wood bench. Keep it up!

[@markusmottus1686]

Hey Mike, I got an idea for you😊 Do a series where you do weekends in all your permanent shelters, one for each weekend ofc! Love your content, thank you so so much for all you do and inspire us to go out and about, thank you yet again!😄🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@sharonkatope9885]

Great watching you and your family's journey over the years, Mike! Looking forward to more.

[@dap9387]

I really enjoyed watching all your builds! Thanks for the update!

[@sdraper2011]

That's a real labor of love! Well done.

[@9shunter]

It’s been four years already? Time sure don’t wait around. Glad to see it holding up

[@kingrafa3938]

I have so much fun watching the build of Saxon House.

[@Torstein879]

Great video, great build. I would love to see how the viking houses look like after 4 years.

[@ek-nz]

Can’t wait for Mike’s Saxon Life!

[@abbienormals1669]

I would love to see more building videos on your old builds, or even new builds if you were able.

[@JohnBoyJoy]

ignore the comments. i love the quality of your videos. work at your own pace. real fans understand.