Can we FINISH our OFF-GRID Kitchen? | BUILDING A HOMESTEAD

Hi, we are Harriet and Mauro and in February 2021 we bought an abandoned smallholding in Castellón, Spain. In these videos we share our life as we restore and improve our little stone house, learn to grow and preserve our own food, and bring our 4 acres of farmland back to productivity.
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Music in this video:
Remove The Complexities - Peter Sandberg
Tall Mountains and Deep Valleys - Isobelle Walton
A Dance in the Sun - Erik Fernholm
The Orange Tree - Wendy Marcini
Good to Be Home - Erik Fernholm
From EpidemicSound

[@sharoncherry]

You will need the doors for when the little one gets into things. Locks or latches that he will not be able to get undone.

[@minime7375]

If I remember right Harriet made some doors out of pallet wood but she wasn’t happy with them or miscalculated something, I can’t remember that part. Maybe they’ll add them once the concrete is fully cured and they finish all the work in the kitchen.

[@bobbid9168]

Most definitely you will need to make everything child proof

[@ianpledge3891]

What have the Spanish done forever with no doors

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

My youngest daughter actually got the broom and used it to release the chain as she slid it right off with the ed of the broom. She had just turned 3. So we had to put it on the very top and hide the broom.!!! children are so smart. Glad your getting out.

[@IRSA1]

Those splash back tiles are the perfect choice in this setting. You are definitely coping very well when it comes to adjusting your renovation work around the care of your little baby, without getting into too much wasted tension. At the end of the day, the kitchen does not need to look like a perfect manucures show room, it must just work for your needs. I am glad you have found the strength to socialise again, but having gone through a long ( and successful!) cancer treatment myself , I totally understand how intrusive the constant well intentioned questions and comments of other people can feel,when there is so much turmoil inside your head.

[@minime7375]

The marble countertops will need to be sealed again, otherwise they stain like mad. The mosaic backsplash is definetely the best choice and imo the terracotta color works well with sage green.

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

thank you!

[@minime7375]

@@LittleSpanishFarmstead I forgot to add we had marble counters like that at my granny’s house, that’s why I know about the stains☺️

The incredible and unique "Papas García". A delicacy of Gods.

[@Sarina8776]

Good morning ❤😊 it's 20:42 pm in India 🇮🇳

[@vernaclevinger5716]

Your really bussy but the video was terrific. Your really making a difference in your comfort and convenience. I enjoy the voyage along with you. Thank you.

[@kaz3bears]

Well done! Getting anything done other than the basics with a new baby is an achievement⭐️

[@earthangel8730]

New babies are easy compared to toddlers.

[@dididepooter]

My kids really appreciated the huge caterpillar 😂 so thanks for that one! I appreciate the whole video, thanks ❤

[@CherrieMcKenzie]

Much respect for your cabinet making efforts. I just finished making one for my patio and even as a woodworker I thought it would be easy and learned there is a LOT to making cabinets, but you kept at it which is to your credit. You WILL get there and your kitchen is coming into usable shape. Keep up the good work!!

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

thank you!

[@Bea90451]

Wow !!! The wall in your kitchen look's so good !!! Great job together !! 🤗🌞🍀👋

[@sarahcox9284]

That lunch looked very wholesome and good🥗😋.The orange tiles look perfect with the sage green ones🧡💚

[@jacquelinegomez4974]

So cute your baby boy sorry dad he looks like his mommy enjoy making mini memories with your son congratulations keep up the work it’ll all pay off in the end when you’re done 😁

[@annmcnamara8]

Mauro a brilliant job Great choice of colour Harriet

[@luisaleonardi666]

You are doing so well Harriet and Mauro. Little by little you' re going to have a nice and comfortable kitchen. Santiago Is a so cute.❤❤❤

[@victoryinhim9689]

Blessings to Santiago

[@j.n.sloane]

Making very good progress. I remember when I was renovating my old house when my son was a baby. It was very challenging finding time between feedings and changing diapers. I remember his favorite was to be in one of those wind-up swings while I was working on the walls. It got to be a kind of dance. Work a little and wind up the swing. Work a little and feed and change him. You are finding your rhythm. Good luck. Poco a poco. Saludos desde Asturias.

[@davidmiller-br4bu]

So glad you’re y’all together 😊

[@janohdegroot989]

I love your cabinet doors.. and the new tiles.. Beautiful!!! You (two) are such an inspiration..

[@virgo767]

👏🏼👏🏼 it’s coming together, you guys definitely have made a huge difference in there , and for you guys doing it yourselves is even a bigger accomplishment!!

[@racebanning6390]

AWESOME TO SEE MAURO GETTIN BABY, WIFEY, AND HOME TIME👍👍👍👍. GOD BLESS

[@ulrichweber5215]

So glad that your baby is at home

[@sheilakerr-jones4345]

A kitchen should be accessible by the work triangle of sink, hob, worktop, e.g., with not a lot of walking between, other points come into play too, but your personal preference. Good content so far. Santi so precious.

[@petro3441]

The mosaic tiles make a huge difference❤❤❤

[@maitemaitechu1685]

Harriet y Mauro,animo os esta quedando muy bien, entiendo que no quisierais hablar en esos momentos pero ja esta santiago en casa , besitos familia y a todos los animalitos ,y el burrito espero este bien, ❤🙋😘🙏👍🐈🐕🐎🐓🐔🐣🐤😘😘😘💖

[@deeoh3708]

Lots being done in the kitchen and looking good. Glad you had some socialising time too. A bit of fun amongst the hard work. :)

[@claudialeger3208]

Love how you tackle each chore. It seems slow but you are making progress. It is a true labor of love. Continue on and try to focus on the end result. Take care. Baby boy is adorable.

[@shawnfromportland]

next time dunk the bricks in a bucket of water to get a better bond with the mortar 👍👍

[@bellaloba2684]

Ah yes, Mauro needs an ergonomically correct baker's Island for his pizza making! Nice choice on backsplash pretty color, next time do a skim coat of thinset mortar before tile application to smooth bumpy wall.

[@gardentours]

You're getting things done bit by bit 👍

[@cristinawambolt5700]

You guys are troupers! So much better,so much work ! Good luck! 👍

[@carolblackler9386]

Good morning 🌄😊to you both. You are such a hard working couple ❤ . You have been through so much and considering the work you have done on your little farm with little experience, it looks pretty amazing 😍. When money and experience are an issue, it's just a case of getting the job done. As long as it looks good to you and works the way you wanted it to, then a big thumbs up 👍🥰👍. That's how my husband and I get things done around our house 😅. I like things natural and higgledy piggledy😂. After all, Mother Nature if left to her own devices would be gloriously messed up 😂❤😂and practical to her. Well done❤😊❤💐.

[@sandrabeauchamp4207]

Blessings beautiful family 💯♥️🥰💯♥️💯🙏💯🙏

[@Tigereye-s4p]

I can see how it will be…beautiful and very cosy,i‘m sure❤

[@irmafernandez2887]

What goes together? All you have to do is take a walk in your property, you will find what colors are naturally complimentary to each other. Your eye will be drawn to colors that serve your inner peace. Do not follow what is in fashion, nature does not get it wrong. Humans do. I love your positive attitude to tackle areas where some people shy away from. We are individuals, embrace our differences in parenthood, homesteading, 21st relationships and never forget: no apologies for differences..

[@debravaldez1196]

Love your cupboard doors Harriet! 😍

[@elisabethbenders-hyde5286]

Have you thought of magnetic latches for the cabinet doors? They're easy to install and don't show on the outside. I like Mauro's new look. Clean clean-shaven always makes a man look younger, less worn out, and tired. At least that's what I thought when my husband shaved his beard.

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

I bought some and tried them but the cupboards are so badly done nothing aligns so I can't make the magnets align :(

[@AMG_Bird]

Good morning

[@sadjaxx]

The mosaic tile looks great!

[@ginacrusco234]

Dear, dear Santi -- He seems to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle and projects, and you two have adjusted to "Santi time" beautifully. The backsplash looks great! We too have a copper-colored backsplash and olive green countertops, and I think the combo works well.

I like tile work better than brick work too. It can be fun to hunt for beautiful tiles to buy too, and there's some really unique tiles out there.

[@teresaedwards3659]

Thanks for the video!

[@-ananda-]

Pues a mí me encantan esas puertas de armario rústicas, se les nota el cariño y tienen vida Las de fábrica las veo sin vida, asépticas emocionalmente Está quedando genial ✨️y a quién le gusta lo absolutamente perfecto y sin personalidad? 💚

[@danyoutube7491]

That caterpillar is huge! Will it turn into a butterfly, or a dragon? :)

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

hahah something terrifying I'm sure

[@AlanHough-p1w]

The door and window look really good

[@melsparkles]

Looking really good the tiles have pulled the space together nicely...if you decide to have a table a round one will work well with all of the cupboards being rectangular/square. Good work Mauro...your brickwork is coming along nicely, good on you both for what you have achieved.

[@robynclarke5274]

You've both done well. I love the backing tiles. Definitely.y a big improvement giving you more space.

[@antoniocarvalho6160]

I'M HAPPY THAT THE FAMILY IS REUNITED, THE BOY IS A SPECTACULAR, I'LL GIVE IT RESPECT, I DON'T TRUST ANYONE! I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING HIM INTERACTING WITH THE DOG! I'M MAKING PROGRESS. HUGS

[@andunabu3238]

I love those doors you made!

[@petro3441]

Wow this is a huge kitchen.alot if cupboard space

[@Adustlandfaerytale]

It seems like your spirits are really picking up and I LOVE IT 😁

[@AlanHough-p1w]

What a big job you have in the kitchen but you are getting there.

[@juanitakauffman6336]

The tiling and finished doors looked nice. I am dead you out socializing.

[@elainekaufman2264]

You are getting there Sante time is the way to go

[@a_highland_life]

I think th doors look good, definitely persevere. Also, ones without doors would still look good with the wooden surrounds.

[@shirleygreaves9650]

A great video, you’re working wonders with the renovations and the new baby too. The baby is really growing, Harriet he looks very much like you. stay safe you 3. X

[@andrewmaiden3738]

Your getting there, well done.

[@Leprechaun886]

Orange tiles are gorgeous

[@Beth-kg1lz]

I would try and persevere with the doors as hiding stuff away looks so much neater than having it all on show. Plus santi is going to be pulling stuff out when he gets mobile. Tiles look great and the kitchen is looking really nice. I admire your hard work both of you

[@xianvox22]

Just a thought... But if you built your existing counters up, you could use the space for pull-out drawers. Then you'll have storage for things like utensils, poultry sheers, knives, tea, spices, kitchen towels, etc.

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

ahhh don't mention drawers 🙈😂 Still got to figure out how to do those!

[@MommaOG]

I like the tiles and I think your honey did a good job. You both work so well together:)

[@cvoigt4933]

Hey, I love your videos so much! they are really relaxing and so much fun to watch😃 I just wanted to thank you for all your hard work, I (a huge fan😁) really appreciate it❤❤ Wish you and your family all the best😊😊 Love from the Netherlands❤🤍💙

[@theresamcinnes8440]

Ur home is all comi g together, well done guys ❤

[@manolisgledsodakis873]

Magnetic catches might work for your cupboard doors.

[@rudymazar5266]

Marble can be clean with lots of vinegar after you did the sanding.

[@ludmillaaillaud2743]

Thanks Harriet and Mauro for sharing your progress. Your kitchen looks really nice though not finished yet. Keep going at your own pace and the house of your dreams will become real. I absolutely love your overall project. Do agree though, your cabinet need doors when Santi will start grabbing everything on hands...have a nice week full of homeworks and of course rest a little bit. Lots of hugs.

[@glenyscallaghan1195]

The back splash is great , your new extension is going to be good for worktop.

[@angelaprovencher7150]

Aww Santi is getting big. He is so adorable . Harriet you should look into getting a baby swing and a pack n play. Both would help you a lot when you want to work on things while Santi is awake .. you put him in the swing in the same room you are in and he will love it and you can also being doing things that you want to do while he swings or plays in the pack n play.. The Kitchen is coming along and it looks so nice. Have y'all already gotten the stove/oven or are y'all waiting on getting it ?

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

We're looking to get a wood oven for the kitchen but haven't found a good second hand one yet, or got the money for a new one. Whichever happens first haha!

[@dorothyallen3614]

Family, you’re doing a great job and your Santiago is growing fast and Harriet, he does look like you more and more 😊, you and Maurio are doing a great job of family life!❤ The kitchen is coming out beautifully with what you’ve accomplished 😊. Be well, loved, kind and of service to others ❤.

[@elainepearman2309]

Hi, I do understand how you feel coping with what you have been through. I found doing a daily newsletter online and sending it to everyone you wanted to keep up to date worked really well. I had several people overseas, interstate and local so the newsletter saved my sanity and it was also a good way, at the end of the day, to debrief myself. My small piece of advice is to be patient with yourself as a young mother and enjoy the little things. Mauro I liked your work on the back splash, well done. Your little home is coming together well. Lots of love.

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

that's good advice. We do actually have a newsletter haha but if I'd been writing just for family and not general public it would have been different. I relied on my mum to round-robin everyone, I guess.

[@TatianaSukhareva-b8s]

I love your videos, real life

[@kristinregine4798]

I enjoy it so much, seeing your progress in the renovation. Mauro did a good job with the tiles. And the baby always in your arms is so peacefull. 🥰

[@arjanvogel6444]

Thanks for your vid 😇💟💟💟 Love and bless you all guys, good work guys 👍😁.

[@SheriLynNut]

Harriet I absolutely adore the tile you picked, it couldn’t be more perfect 💗

[@geri-atric1660]

You’re doing a great job and the rustic nature of the building and uneven walls are to be embraced. Just wondering what breed your two fur babies aka dogs 🐕 are as they and your new baby are adorable 🥰 ❤👍🏼 Thanks in anticipation 🙏🏼

[@anneliesjoss]

Yep, those green horned caterpillars are pretty gross looking. They always devour our tomato plants. Kitchen backsplash looks great!

[@dvidgonzales8376]

Could build wood bench against wall and lift up seat then table, paint mural above, shelves above for kickbacks of your own, signs etc

[@dvidgonzales8376]

The round tiles as backsplashes in US would be very upscale per remodeling shows, maybe good where you walk in with wet or muddy shoes

[@anadorsamp3560]

Poco a poco quedara practico y bonito ❤. Mau, eres tan tan parecido a mi cuñado!. Podríais ser hermanos 😅😂. Me encanta vuestros perritos, vuestro bebé ❤se le ve tan bien💕. Yo también fui al campo de mi cuñado para la cosecha de aceitunas, es realmente entretenido. Me alegro que hayáis tomado la rutina de salir . Saludos desde la Palma del Condado ❤😏😏🐘

[@pattykelly6621]

The best thing I ever did was make sure I had workspaces built up for my heigth. Mauru, your back will thank you someday! And I absolutely love orange and green together. One of my fav combos

[@mariaanderson6503]

Felicidades todo el trabajo que hacen les queda so beautiful 😍😍😍😍y quedó original 🥰🥰🥰😍😍

[@mariafloresvillegas3279]

Pues si que tiene trabajo la cocina de material de construcción yo también creo que de madera hubiera sido mejor pero bueno te va a quedar una cocina muy original y coqueta,me alegra ver que estáis bien y Santi esta precioso ❤

[@jimenaduarte7507]

Good work 👏👏👏👏👏☺️☺️☺️☺️

[@Leprechaun886]

Your baby is your twin 🎉

[@1whitecottagelife770]

Marble is very porous and soft, it's going to stain very easily. I had marble floors and they got etched even by some spilled soda pop that I didn't catch right away at a party. Anything acidic, citrus, tomatoes etc will eat at it. Try sealing the marble with a penetrating sealer first and then a top sealer. After you clean the tiles first, of course

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

Thank you!!

[@stephenhcharlton]

I’m a carpenter by trade and I love the honesty of you work so keep going

[@jenniferstone2975]

Good job! I love your color choices for the kitchen. It looks so inviting! ❤

[@gerryryan1372]

Rub the stainer on with cloth. Much quicker xx

[@catherinecarreiro3955]

Loved the beginning. Wonderfully welcoming. Great job on the kitchen. I understand the not wanting to explain over and over. It’s exhausting. You guys were in survival mode and now you can enjoy family and friends ❤😊

[@margaretobrien1538]

Looking good ❤

[@berenice6938]

Muy bonita la cocina , gran trabajo ❤

[@pandrew3146]

Well ✔ done, you are amazing, good team effort. 👏 Little Santi is thriving to. He is adored and besotted so will thrive😊

[@alanhalford9707]

It seems harder now to finish the kitchen because Santiago is taking up a lot more of your time but you will find a balance and push ahead ❤️❤️❤️

[@deehalpern8988]

Always good to see your smiling faces. How is Santi doing? Gaining weight and getting good check ups ?

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

Averaging 300g a week! 😮

[@Lunarwerks]

Little helpful tip for any stone counter tops make sure to seal them or cooking items will get stuck in it. My family had to deal with unsealed granite counter tops in our home before. Oil from spills got stuck in it and stained the granite. Flour from bread making and kneading of bread dough got stuck in ithe counter also. Just thought I'd let you know so it doesn't happen to you also. Hope you have a great time building and farming.

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

thank you!! 💓

[@Lunarwerks]

​@@LittleSpanishFarmstead my mom watched this with me and she mentioned that you want to use marble wax to seal your counter. Food grade wax. You can look it up online. The installer she met let her and my dad know to do that, and seal it one every one to two years if you use it for food. Unless you use a marble cleaner. Then only every 5 yrs.

[@jldisme]

It's wonderful how far you have come. The kitchen looks fab!

[@billiebowman6225]

Looking nice

[@rudymazar5266]

Great work !

[@SmithsdaleFarm]

This is the style we’ve been looking at to build our kitchen too! Love this rustic Mallorcan style. Thanks for the tutorial Mau 😉 Now we know how to do it 😄 Harriet, how are you liking that style of baby carrier? Do you hold him in a cradle position or the ‘M’ leg shape like other carriers?

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

it's rustic mallorcan? hahah awesome, now I can tell people that's what we were going for 😂 uff all the baby carriers are destroying my back, I have several and they are all killing me. I'm going to a shop which does fittings to see what I'm doing wrong with them 😂 So I can't say 😂

[@stephenhcharlton]

Hi guys love your channel watch every one on your kitchen doors just cut the top of the doors and place a strip to match the frame 👍👍

[@ruthnoronha8206]

I like cabinet doors yah sure they look rustic but fabric looks sloppy. You can wipe cabinets. Fabric gets stained.

[@rominademattei1266]

Esa cocina de campo está quedando muy linda!!! Santi cada día mpas lindo!!!