Cottage renovation questions: we need your help! | Irish stone farmhouse restoration

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We need your help with our cottage renovation questions! Because right now we have many things to solve for the next stage of our stone farmhouse renovation - and almost no answers. We’re calling on our community to collaborate with us as we walk you through 5 critical cottage layout and design dilemmas that need to be figured out right away.
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[@nicolebourque8943]

Hear me out. Picture this: it's evening, you're cooking in your kitchen with family around a table and that beautiful fireplace is lit on a cozy evening. You have all the light coming through all those windows and appendages. Instead of the "ensuite", that room has a utility sink and walls of shelves with all of your garden harvests saved in pretty jars. So what I'm suggesting is make the fireplace room (what you currently want as a bedroom) a kitchen with walk-in pantry. Then the area that you're thinking of making the kitchen and adding on can now be the master bedroom and ensuite addition. With that beautiful fireplace in your bedroom, it will never be seen. It would be a lovely transition to step up into that beautiful fireplace kitchen from the living/dining room and your master suite tucked away on the opposite side. My two cents.😊

[@angelecoburn7564]

I agree 100% with this, but was too shy to say it.

[@LynnSchirmer]

Agreed, don't build a kitchen twice!

[@SylviaWhite-w7p]

Love your idea

[@sharonizzard4410]

This has to be the best idea!!

[@paulinestevens9351]

I think that this is the best idea, in addition why not make the "en suite" into a boot and utility room

[@lauraquigley6403]

Having grown up on a 100 acre farm I would only recommend that you have a mud room! A mudroom w/ a place to wash up near it & a toilet is so essential on a homestead! Mudrooms make it easy to not dirty the entire house if it is raining out or if you’ve been in the pasture. Good luck🙏🙏🙏Blessing’s

[@PS-bs8oe]

We even had a good shower in it. Which was mostly used by guests, but valuable nonetheless.

[@JusticeLuvr]

@@lauraquigley6403 mushrooms make so much sense in your environment…homestead in an area that sees its fair share of rain. As a pantry also would be a dream if you can swing the area! You’ll be doing lots of preserving as well as stocking up so you don’t have to run to the store all the time!

[@bernardsmithtouchingtheworld]

Two steps - save the grief.

[@nonnasibilia5874]

Question 2: I think you should attach the appendage to the new kitchen and walk through. Either make it part of the kitchen or a little sun room/hothouse solarium to have plants and herbs to cook with. It would be so much more open and bring in light. I say absolutely keep it and just attached it to the kitchen.😊

[@fishfoodie]

Yep. Plan on moving the existing wall to a parallel position, overlapping the appendage in phase 2 for your final kitchen/dining, & maybe when you lay out your under-floor piping, have a manifold, or lay it so that cutting in a new loop for the extension isn't difficult. On the bedroom I'd say cut off the carbuncle ... sorry appendage, & raise the lower window level so you put in bed & not lose useful space. Also; don't sweat too much on making mistakes, they're guaranteed in any building work, all you can do is be flexible & roll with the punches.If you try for perfection you just fail, & get ulcers.

[@marydandrea8850]

I thought break out kitchen wall and make it a dining area. So close to kitchen.

[@marydandrea8850]

Also, the appendages have awkward, pointy doorway. Not original, not attractive, looks amateur idea. Love appendages. Would “square off” doorways on each to communicate with other doorways!!❤

[@JusticeLuvr]

Or a nice pantry if close to the kitchen or a half bath for guests visiting. The one in the bedroom I’d put a desk so you can enjoy the view whist working or painting etc. oh no you just pointed out the bed dilemma…. It should take priority in all your decisions. What size bed? I’d make room for a king sized bed. Need bedside tables as well so don’t forget them. Save all windows if you can since you have those beautiful views.

[@LoveGrowLiveFree]

This is exactly what I was gonna say. Attach them to the kitchen.Because there's so much natural light there, it's beautiful

[@leecont]

I would remove the en-suite door and replace it with a full height decorative window to bring light into the back of the en-suite. Putting a roll top bath in front would make for a great place to have a soak after chasing the ponies when they escape again!☺️

[@irenav5910]

bravo!!!

[@michaelwellington8121]

exactly this!

[@jamesAsta]

I was about to suggest this. Maybe glass "blocks", like we had in the mid-century house I grew up in, or something more fitting to the house your have and that adds privacy too. Perhaps even widen the now-window, if you can...

[@sherricox2736]

I would remove ALL of the appendages 😊. Put in large windows or French doors so that you can keep the light ❤. Not to mention furniture placement would be so much easier ❤

[@GlosterSA]

Just like a woman always wanting to lop off appendages they deem not use full.

[@SJ-wf3lp]

I’d cut off the smaller appendage on the back side of the bedroom and fill it in to make wall space for the bed. Put a built-in high reading bench in the other bedroom appendage with cabinets or shelves underneath for storage. I think one of the appendages in the bedroom needs to go and the one on the backside of the house makes more sense.

[@SusanZiegler]

I was going to say the same thing

[@mindy05602]

I agree😊

[@paulafromtheblock]

I see your thinking, but they said in an earlier video that being a forever home, they don’t want to be negotiating steps in later years.

[@annshanks5862]

I agree!

[@michellefenton3490]

Was thinking the same then when you wake in the morning you are looking out the window

[@xandrabotha1862]

I agree! Steps into bedroom seems the easiest solution.

[@sherribauch5481]

May be easiest solution. However if this is your forever home, keep in mind 20-30 years from now you may not want steps. I would level it all the same so main floor is level for your 60+ years of age…..

[@xandrabotha1862]

Outside door in ensuite, change to full length frosted (beautiful patterned one) window.

[@louisandsteph]

They have stated earlier, they are planning for old age. Steps are not agreeable to the elderly.

[@susanlecuirot1573]

Q1 Definitely a step !

[@susanlecuirot1573]

Q2 take off the appendages and replace with a big window

[@dreamchaseruk]

I would definitely take the external door out for the ensuite and brick it up. You'll be surprised how much stone/granite you may find on your land to match. Or get a stone mason to come and take a look, it may be easier than you think. 😊

[@andreenadeau4078]

You can always leave the living room or living space flooring like it is and instead of the ramp going into your bedroom, maybe do a couple of steps that way you can leave the bedroom the same and the living area the same, no digging required.

[@jenaemarieAZ]

Yeah I think the ramp idea is ridiculous. They'd constantly scuff their feet not expecting a ramp up.

[@JeanetteAbbey]

I was thinking the same. A couple of steps would be a nice feature heading into the bedroom rather than a ramp. Reducing the work of raising and lowering floors. 😊

[@andrewdaniel653]

Yeah I would step it. The outside level will play a part too. You need a minimum of 4-6" level difference or you could have damp problems. Make sure you put in a damp course too

[@carolynelliott1965]

I think that’s a better idea, 6ft 8in ceiling isn’t a lot .

[@AnneNiM-ni3fx]

Get rid of , they're not particularly functional, not at all aesthetically pleasing and take up wall space. The one at rear of bedroom in.a different shape,size is the only one I'd keep if that

[@kariannefimland1475]

Do you have a mudroom? If not, I would maybe try to leave the door into the ensuite. As a former farmer, having the ability to come in directly to a mudroom/bathroom and get cleaned up without having to go through anything is a big plus.

[@joannahatton99]

Yes!!!!

[@amykmartin8999]

As a home designer my husband would put steps between the 2 floor levels.

[@julied3588]

Bedroom appendage #1 - if you extend and put doors in it, it will become a transition space which won’t be inviting to spend time in. Leave the existing footprint, adjust the roof line to improve the guttering situation. False wall: Kori’s idea will work better. Apologies to Kayvan. That’s your free advice from a retired architect. You guys are doing a great job, keep up the good work!

[@bhavens9149]

The thought of turning the lounge appendage into a throughway, I like, I'd keep the windows and have deep sills for plant starts and winter herbs and seriously that cottage is dark, they were probably added for real light. Also like the idea of making the bedroom appendage into a larger usable retreat in the main bedroom, then both of you can sit in a comfy chair and read. :)

[@elizabethinnb]

The appendage to the kitchen. Keep it glassed and make it a walkthrough to the kitchen. You could have fresh herbs growing there off the kitchen and/or a little nook for tea or coffee.

[@PatJones-e9c]

My husband and I faced a lot of decisions when we moved into our current home. We tackled each one just as you are! It’s so rewarding when it all falls into place. While watching your show this morning, 2 ideas popped into my head… Facing the back wall in the master bedroom, close off that doorway to the closet and enter the en suite through the right doorway. You won’t need to put up a false wall which, I think, would negatively impact your beautiful peaked roofline. Place your bed right against the wall under the peak. As far as the ramp entering your master, why not put three 6” steps there instead of removing all of that soil? Hope these ideas will help in your decision making! Love your show and love Ireland. We spent 2 weeks there in 2021 and plan to return so I can research the origins of my Irish grandfather.

[@dspine6]

I think a 6" difference between the two rooms, along with adding 4" in one room and digging 8" in the other should work very well. But have you thought about putting in a 6" step between the two rooms instead of a ramp? Now the first appendage. I think you should take away the appendage, and add French doors that open on to a patio that will work for the lounge and the kitchen extension. Think outdoor table and chairs on a sunny day! I would remove the smaller bedroom appendage, (replace it with a window) and keep the bigger one. I like the idea of enlarging the bigger one. I personally would make it into a sitting room for two. Then on winter days, you could sit in it with a nice snuggly blanket and read or just enjoy as much sunshine as you can. Also, with the small appendage gone, you can put your bed on that wall. You could use an open type headboard such as an iron one, or one that is not solid to get the max amount of benefit from the window behind it. The one thing I would suggest in the bathroom is to replace the door with glass bricks, and make that one wall of your shower. That adds lots of light to the bathroom and you wouldn't have to change the frame, thus nothing to change on the outside structurally.

[@JKwakulla]

The only suggestion I have is to change the outside door in the bathroom into an opaque window/wall. Maybe glasss block. You will enjoy the natural lighting in your shower.

[@Kat-Farrell]

1. Keep as much height as possible in the lounge. That isn’t something that can be changed easily down the line. I would have steps up to the bedroom. 2. Keep the appendage and incorporate it into the kitchen down the line. More light is better especially in Ireland. Adding it into the future design also means you could have a two way fireplace (lounge and kitchen) which would be very cosy in the wild weather. 3. Extend the appendage to create a small seating area to take advantage of the view and create a suite feel in the bedroom. 4. Can you create access into the ensuite via the appendage closest to the ensuite opening? This would allow you to close in the current ensuite opening and have that whole wall for bed. It would also solve the issue with the external access to the ensuite on the plan.

[@jblob8688]

I agree-get an architect who specializes in old buildings, esp if you want to preserve this in the best way for the future-there are too many strange things about the layout. An architect can give advice without detailed drawings if you don't want to use an architect but I think you will be sorry in the future if you don't have professional advice. We had odd situations at our home and the architect easily fixed the problems and it looks wonderful now. Get rid of the appendages and wood ceilings and focus on what the original building looked like.

[@carrierawson8254]

1, I would dig down 2, I would incorporate the appendix into your kitchen 3, I would take out the appendix for your bedroom giving you a wall to but your bed upto 4, I would remove the door and replace with half pvc and top frosted glass Can’t remember the last question I asked my dad who was a builder what he would do and these are his recommendations love your videos hope I helped make some sort of a decision ❤

[@deannac4102]

5. Leave the door to the bathroom! Imagine going able to walk right in and avoid tracking dirt into the house before showering. That sounds like a dream to me.

[@chriscardwell3495]

I would start again . . . with the layout ideas ! The appendages may need to be moved to make the space more user friendly. Ideally the room with your vaulting ceiling becomes the sitting room . . . this would become a feature The ensuite becomes your kitchen So the master bedroom then moves to the other end of the building It would be good to use one of the appendiges as a entrance hall for muddy boots and coats. At this point it would be good to talk to an architect for professional ideas on a useable comfortable home 🙂 The important questions are what do you want to achieve, how does the design help you evolve as a family ? What is the purpose of the building - how will you use the building - for the next 10 years ? Do you plan to sell vegetable etc from your home. Other buisiness requirements - dedicated office - in the near future?

[@lindastevens3562]

Make the bedroom the kitchen and shower room the utility.

[@marticolbeck4901]

I agree about steps into the bedroom. We have an area from the kitchen to dining area with one step due to a previous addition. This step does not cause a trip hazard and works out well. This would decrease costs as you wouldn’t have to change the grade and dig out the current level of the floor

[@wendym-mu5dw]

For the batheoom door - maybe do half (or so) window with a small make up vanity table under it inside. Lots of natural light. Outside bottom, perhaps a decorative feature or flower box. with wood background that would accent the stone.

[@jmfs8738]

Always good to hear about your plans for your dream-home! I like the idea of putting in French doors and patios wherever there’s an appendage, create a couple of steps rather than dig, keep the en-suite door and the living room door in-ine (so you’re not having to walk around the bed every time), nix the external door into the en-suite and add a window, don’t lower the head-height in the living room (we’re all under 5/5 here, but there are eight-foot minimums where ever I’ve lived, so I can’t imagine the claustrophobia of something less). And, Please consult an architect to go over your plans - just in case! Cheers🎉!

[@joannalewis7581]

I like Kori's idea for the bed in the bedroom with the false wall for storage. Id block up the door.

[@SimonEllwood]

I think I would call them bays!

[@davidcaruthers2436]

No steps, you will get old big bathroom in the master bedroom. Like watching. Y'all make me smile.

[@SusanLancaster-x2l]

Hello - I live in the states and am a retired professional interior designer. My comment is a suggestion for the ‘appendages’ in your future master bedroom. Keep both. Make the one with the desirable view into a sitting area for both of you, make the other one into a closet, possibly a walk-in closet. This might mean enlarging both ‘appendages’, but the realized added storage of a large closet is invaluable over time; and of course a sitting nook with a terrific view is always fabulous. I had a walk in closet (room) in a home of mine and it actually had a window which was terrific for airing out my clothes and air flow in general. So if you were able to enclose the walls in one of the appendages but possibly allow for a small window as well it could be an excellent closet. In the sitting nook appendage the more glass the better. Good luck, can’t wait to see what you do!

[@DianaHughes-m4u]

i would ask west cork wander any questions,as they have completly renovated their irish cottage , took roof off /replaced .they have literallly done everything and nearly completed ,clare n rob ,amazing couple

[@siameseire]

Definitely extend the bedroom appendage with the lake view and add French doors to a patio; Magical!!! Imagine: The Fireplace lit and fresh frosty air wafting in from the fall night, gazing at the moonlit lake; chilliness and warmth; coziness and wildness. Also, waking up, wrapping fluffy robe around you and padding straight out to your patio and the pre-dawn lake bathing you in wonder. Priceless!!! I like the floating wall against the ensuite wall, with space for wardrobe. Bed faces fireplace and still has lake view (?). And I agree with several people that the lounge appendage would be wonderful connected with the kitchen (and could one day be enlarged into solarium or stay cozy and Also have French doors to another patio). My motto is that there are never enough French doors in people's lives. 😊 Best of luck with these tough decisions and timelines.

[@lynmclaughlin7125]

1.Do whatever you need to do to make it as level as you can. 2. Nice patio door where appendage is. 3.I like the idea of extending the bedroom appendage. 4. Get rid of the other appendage in the bedroom. 5. En suite, it has to be comfortable for you, if the door is in the way get rid of it but it could also be really good to have if the weather is really bad and you just need to strip off and go straight in the shower/bath. 🤔🤔🤔

[@JL-hn6hi]

Your bump outs (“appendage”) are a great feature. With a rural property especially, it is helpful to be able to see as much of the property as possible (we enjoy that aspect of having bay windows).

[@alisonself8821]

I’ve always looked at your layout and thought about how you enjoy the fireplace the most and I would say as having that room as a kitchen. My other thought about the appendages would actually to extend and join them together all across the front to create a sun room which can be a lovely place for reading, growing plants, and having somewhere with an out door feel protected from the weather.

[@FaleshaEdwards]

What about using the appendage next to the kitchen as a breakfast nook? Like you said essentially adding it into the kitchen. That way you would still be bringing in an abundance of light. Seeing how natural light can be an issue in these cottages.

[@SJ-wf3lp]

I like this idea. Put a built-in bench (with storage underneath) around the windows of the appendage and then a breakfast table in the middle.

[@princessadora]

i like the idea of a breakfast nook more than a a reading one i think it would be cuter and more practical.

[@Periwinklesprings]

Exterior door in shower - can you build an outdoor shower and you can go from inside shower to exterior shower? Build privacy wall and be able to enjoy an outdoor shower. Showering outside with warm water is just so relaxing when weather appropriate.

[@ThomasWentz-i5k]

Hi guys! We watch your show religiously! We have two ideas concerning the bedroom. Firstly, keep the floor levels between the lounge and bedroom the same, but bring the bedroom floor level in the passage and put steps. As for the door in the bathroom, put a beautiful floor to ceiling window. That brings in natural light. Love you guys! Thomas and Mandy Kentucky USA

[@gillianlaing1073]

Question 5,get rid off door,put in a window,bath,double sinks,toilet, heated towel rail

[@jagracershoestring609]

I suggest for your floors, to make the floors level by bringing up on a suspended floor for the lower area. Electrics, divide the house into zones, with separate zone areas to allow for future "change your mind times". Stud your outer walls and insulate between, and plasterboard. This will facilitate wiring the house and also give a route for pipework. Bring your services into the Kitchen, especially water, and have a master drinking tap, and stopcock where you can reach it. You can pipes through the roof space, and wires. Do your first fix before the floors and wall coverings. Think of under-floor heating , and levels. A level floor throughout is better for the future for anyone using a wheelchair, or otherwise disabled. Think about building bigger in the future, and prepare the groundwork now, i.e. bedroom annex, into shower and ensuite room. Hope that helps, we have tidied up many houses, from six bedroom rectory, to building a four bedroomed house between us (never again, she says), so think outside the box, and look at up-market houses on the Net, for sale for ideas. I would double the width of the property to get better use of space. Draw it out on A2 paper, makes it easier to scale the rooms. Hope this helps.

[@Linzi-pc1fv]

❤Hello, my mother has been 90 years old when started to need a walking aide. Steps became a stumbling hazard. We had to remove all steps on the ground floor to ensure her mobility, which was quite costly. Going up a slope with a wheel-walker is okay but going down is difficult and can lead to a fall because it rolls away faster than one can walk at this age and is possibly too slow with the brakes. So neither steps nor slopes on the ground floor!

[@carol-annwelch5928]

Door in bathroom, brick up the wall, and put a transom window centred..so you have natural light..light and privacy. I glad one in our master and it was so useful. It was a suggestion to recycle a window from elsewhere..it was genius when living in the house, and so many friends agreed.

[@PS-bs8oe]

Always amazing how much thought, space, money goes into a master bedroom. A place you only need mostly in the dark for 2 activities. A bit more if u're often ill, but that we don't count with because it is highly hypothetical. On a farm you want need wish use a lovely luminous kitchen, warm, cosy, efficient, with lots of workroom and seating, chzirs and maybe a small sofa or bench like agreeable nook. The heart of the house, of the produce conserving, of the shared meals, friendly teas, familydinners, homework,...

[@BrightestBlessings7899]

Question 5; I would consult a stone mason in regards to that door. It may be easily do-able to cover it over with similar stone.

[@REHibbs]

Re: the exterior door in the bedroom, I would suggest taking it out. For the exterior appearance, you could use the inset area to build in heavy shelving for plantings in pots, garden statuary, etc.

[@philkfoto]

Like you finally said planning for ancillisries. My ring main had 9 double sockets, ten downlighters, one interconnected smoke alarm, plus plumbing for 4 radiators all in three rooms.

[@Janniejoon]

For the appendage off the lounge, I would incorporate it into the new kitchen/dining room. With large windows, it would bring a lot of light into the lounge and the kitchen/dining room. It would also make the Lounge feel larger. You could create a little library and reading nook in it. I also think it may help blend the new addition exterior into the existing cottage exterior. For your bedroom, I think the false wall across from the fireplace would be good, and the idea of creating a wardrobe/closet behind it is a really good idea! For the exterior door in the ensuite, I would replace it with a frosted glass window. If you did a full-length window, it would make for a kind of cool shower space, or you could do a regular window (also frosted) and put a bathtub/shower in--either would call for minimal unmatched exterior siding, which could be hidden with plants. It looks like it's at the front of the house, so for privacy, a tree or shrubs could be planted in front of the window, maybe even create a kind of mini courtyard (which can be done in the future) so foot traffic isn't up against the house near the window. For the master bedroom appendage, making it a little bigger might make it more useful, but leaving it as is with a cozy seat in it is also nice. I am so interested to see all the ideas others come up with! Good luck!

[@arwenwestrop5404]

You did mention sockets a couple of times and you have also said that you want this to be your forever home. I have also noticed that the sockets that you have are relatively high on the walls. My suggestion comes from working in care homes and old people's homes. Put the new sockets also high on the walls, not just above the boards, because when you're older bending all that way down is no longer comfortable or even possible. For the bedroom the idea of making that 'bed wall' in front of the en suite is by far the best idea. Like you said, you can have storage behind it. The door in the bathroom: lock it and make it a feature! All the best with your questions and I hope you will find the ansesrs you are looking for in some of the many comments you will doubtless receive!

[@GiGiBlogger]

Hi. Enjoy the banter and your blog very much. I’ve been renovating without an archery t for 40+years. Here are my thoughts. -Dig down the 18”. You will love the higher ceilings now and need the access as you age. -Lose All of the appendixes. -Add glass doors to all the removed appendage areas. Let’s in light and views. -Add patio with roof out the back so you have outside living space with roof. Access from master and kitchen. Hope this is helpful to your plan. Regards from sunny Florida. Miss Gail

[@AbigailGerlach-zt1sh]

I have a house built, originally, as a summer cottage. This means there was no central heating. #1 Eventually, the floor space was dug out for heating vents, plumbing, and sewer pipes. Then the joists were put in at three feet above the final level of the floors. So, dig down, pour you concrete floor, run your utility lines, and raise the floor to whatever height you want. All your pipes etc will be under the floor. Make a crawl space for access. #2 Have you considered the appendage off the kitchen widened into a kind of mud room. You'd actually be attaching it to the outside of the house and put in a door between the appendage and the kitchen. Put an outer door to the mud room to the outside. You could put in cupboards to store winter clothes, boots, coats etc. Maybe some hooks to hang jackets, hats, or a hanging drying rack for laundry. #3 If you got rid of the far appendage in the bedroom and replace it with a big window, you could put the bed under the window. Make your other appendage (on the front) your window seat. #4 Brick up the outer bathroom door. You can easily find enough stone on your property to use as a facade to match the rest of the stone work on the house. No one will ever know that bit of stone work isn't as thick as the rest of the cottage. (check out the KZbin channel The Indigo Escape to see their stonework facade on their new build).

[@dianelacaze5833]

Place sockets in the floor for lamps and lighting Christmas tree. Also consider a socket on fireplace for lighting. Make a small breakfast nook off the kitchen, or make it a pantry for your vegetables canning from the garden. How about a computer station.

[@missglenellen]

As a plant person I recommend keeping those appendages (somehow) for having your seedlings in the early spring, far from rain, slugs, rabbits, deer etc… I suppose I would build a sort of a loft for the bed, I had one of those and absolutely loved it, and when I see something like that I kind of envy people who sleep on their little loft (maybe with a nice velux window or two to look at the stars - or at those amazing Northern lights from three nights ago here in West Cork)

[@REHibbs]

Love the idea of placing the bed in front of the tiny appendage. You could lose the appendage completely, and place the bed against the wall. Or, you could leave the triangular top of the small appendage to bring light into the room.

[@Melissa02891]

I'd remove the small appendage in the master bedroom eliminating the need for a false wall and keep the 2 larger appendages, but make both of the remaining appendages the same size. You'd get your bedroom window seat and as a bonus have a nice little space for growing herbs right off the kitchen. The 2 larger appendages both seem to be a great source of natural light. Edit I'm Relizing I've never used the word appendages so many times. 😂

[@nancykinsinger974]

What a fun and challenging job! I would maybe use the space in the bedroom where the bed would go as a backdrop for a built to the wall headboard,if that makes sense, and remove the appendage. Also close in the door in the bathroom unless you need a quick escape route! I think i would leave the appendage in the kitchen unless you plan to extend that wall out for more space. In the end, i do believe a builder or architect would have good ideas or you could research DIY renovation online. Best wishes!

[@Neklank]

Q2 Given the relatively small footprint of the cottage as is, I would incorporate the appendage area to increase the floor space, perhaps use it as a utility since its next to the kitchen.

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

Re the bedroom 'wall'. You have a few lovely old doors there, could you strip two or three of those and piece them together to make a tall headboard / wall of 'doors'🤔. You may need to make a bed base to go with that so it all stands strong together. Just a thought.

[@cococomments]

In the bedroom, I would definitely do the false wall in front of the bathroom but I would have it "floating" so it's centred in the room, with space to walk around either side. It'll make your bathroom feel more private and keep the room looking balanced and spacious as you wall in.

[@jonjon296]

Hi guys, I'm a former Interior architect and thesw things come to mind: In the bedroom against the wall to the ensuite, a clever wall of cabinets/storage which doubles as a headboard could be cool. You could even hide a door into the ensuite in the unit. For the external door in the ensuite, i'd replace it with one large framed window, preferably with the ability to open and provide an escape route incase of emergency. (Hi, fire and safety officer 😉) For the appendage beside the new extension, my first question is, will you be applying for planning for the new kitchen? If so why not extend the width of the extension to absorb the appendage making the kitchen one big open space Just some ideas, maybe not viable but opens the conversations which hopefully leads to your creative solution

[@metteinberlin668]

Here‘s my not very thought through thoughts: make an orangerie of the first appendage in the corner of the living room and new kitchen, take away the appendage in the bedroom if it‘s facing north(just not very much sun coming in then anyways), replace with window not to lose the view but it would make it easier to fit in a bed, and about the door in the bathroom, keep it and put the shower there, then you can step straight into the shower, i‘ve seen that in another house somewhere and thought it looked kind of practical and cool. Good luck with all the decisions!

[@ryanhughes6995]

I’d open the appendage as part of kitchen, would be nice to flow through and nice open light through. The en-suite, I’d remove the door and put a full height stained window, with the style of house I think it would look lovely and the sun shining through it would leave nice colours. The appendage in the bedroom id leave it as is but build a window sill height seat covering all with a nice fabric cushion and storage underneath possibly like a book shelf. Just what I’d do hope it helps in some way.

[@ryanhughes6995]

And to do with the height difference I’d probably do your suggestion of raising 4 inches and dropping 8 on the other side, in the bathroom too, I’d probably actually leave the wall that divides , would be a nice private shower/toilet area in there and then your bath and sink in the bigger part…

[@lyndapolys761]

Bedroom appendage : I like the idea of a lovely large window and getting more wall space since you seem to be short on that In regard to the bed, I’d get rid of the appendage all together and maybe have a window up higher. The door that goes outside could you take it out put in a frosted window (window bricks) at the top and then wall at the bottom again, bc wall space seems to be at a premium. And I know absolutely nothing about any of this it’s just what I thought when I was watching 😊

[@geofft3214]

1. put a couple of steps up to bedroom, 2. make it a thoroughfare to the next room, 3. extend appendage and make a sunroom with french doors, 4. remove one appendage for and relace with a window for a wall for the bed, 5. remove the door and replace with a window. Good luck and have a great week!

[@jennifernoland]

I like the false wall creating storage/walk-in wardrobe. That way if it covers the en-suite entrance at all, it'll look better.

[@MrMooneclips]

hi there. for the question you asked 1 the floor, i would dig down half ways and then make the in cline a little longer so it becomes lower in a way.( if you get what i mean?) 2 the appendage in the kitchen/dining room, i would take down the glass and then make a wooden/ cement floor and then put up some kind of lettuce walls that diffrent kind off flowers and stuff can climb on, in this way then you have a nice spot in the evening/ morning to sit in and do what ever you want to do there. 3 the appendage in the master room facing the entrence, i would remove the stone wall then put in wood walls and make it a little bigger so you can go in there and actually move around whit out feeling claustrophobic becasue it is so small. 4 master bed, i would place a false wall a little further away from the en-suite like she showed becasue then you can hide clothes and stuff behind the false walls and you can wake up looking at the appendage and maybe even get morning sun into the room. 5 the en-suite, in the small room then i would place toilet/ shower and so on, and in the big room then i would place the bathtub and washer/ dryer and stuff like that and i would remove the door and put a window there instead so light could come in. hope this helps, have a great day ! :)

[@tamarakroog8392]

Love kayvans idea for the first appendage in bedroom, out onto a small patio with a view to the lake.

[@ChrisRaeAdmin]

Your drawing at 7m15s surely makes sense to extend the 'appendage' wall trough to the full width of the kitchen ext to make a dinning area. Would a conservatory construction on the new kitchen half be cheaper? Shower with glazed door allowing you to shower outside in the summer. and also direct access to shower when coming in muddy and wet

Bedroom appendage on the left I would cease and put Velux into the roof. On the other side, towards the lake, I'd make wide extention that gives cosy nook for 2 persons, not only for one. The appendage to the living room I'd cease fuly and use a large patio door in the original cottage wall. However you decide, keep on in the good mood. Looking forward to the proress!

[@timsecord8207]

Lower it as much as you can depending on the wall depth. Add weeping tile along the inside exterior walls to protect against water seeping under the interior floorspace. Weeping tile to drain through or under exterior wall to outside. Save all the ceiling height possible.

[@aedwards4428]

I think maybe an orangery where living room appendage is with access to kitchen too. Glass window where door is in bathroom, and block up small appendage in bedroom for bed,and patio area for the other,but definitely in need of a bootroom/utility room by kitchen too. Good luck guys 😊😊

[@alexiswhite4800]

Hi from Western Australia! Just watched your latest episode and in terms of the external door in your ensuite, wanted to suggest an opaque floor to ceiling window. This would allow privacy, bring in some muted natural light, and allow you to have a shower or bath in front of this space. It shouldn’t detract from the original stone front of the cottage if done tastefully. All the best with your renovation. We are enjoying every video 💗

[@helenstewart2085]

As someone who has renovated a old house with several extensions, external wall cladding under plaster board etc, at least you can install underfloor heating, you are at the most critical stage as you are aware, reducing the steepness into your room future proofs it, personally would ensure you can assess the bathroom as easy as possible, because it will have your only downstairs toilet!!! Replace the door in the ensuite, with a window. The false wall in the bedroom against the ensuite, would allow you to have a storage area etc. The current lounge appendage would make a great mudroom or attractive entrance to your new lounge, plant growing area etc.

[@TheHylander27]

Could you block up the internal door to the en-suite and create a corridor via the rear appendage into the back door of the en-suite? Would give you a solid wall for the bed to go against and not waste any corridor space in the room.

[@KatarzynaPryciak-q7m]

I like the idea of wall with hanging wardrobe on the back, you could make a wall with a bedside tables with lamps and some sort of fabric cover part of the wall for soft touches 😅

[@paulisawinsong8224]

I think putting the bed in the center of the room with a 5 ft decorative headboard with possibly a decorative chest that would double as storage and a seat.

[@donnaduprey5197]

Question 5: how about removing the door, build out an appendage like the present ones, then install a walk-in pseudo -outdoor shower?

[@annjarvis9300]

Go with your own hearts forget all suggestion’s from others it just gets confusing it your home and what you both want this is from experience good luck blessings from the oldies 🤗👍🤗👍😊

[@hyland1984]

Q.2 suggestion. Either go out all the way to the far wall or pull down the appendage & block it up. Try not to have to many corners in your cottage - corners lead to heat lose & cold bridges, resulting in higher heating bills. Plus use live near a coastal area. Q.5 block it up. It's a bathroom. There is a place called Mcgoverns salvage in Islandbridge, Dublin - near the city. They may have the historic stone or period features to blend in. They have a website. You could spend hours walking around the shop.

[@breannshawmarsh7433]

I would leave door in ensuite and build an outdoor shower outside the door. Easy place to hose off if needed before coming inside. I like the false wall with possible small wardrobe behind it, or get rid of the back wall appendage. I would attach other appendage to kitchen, great place for plants or seed starting.

[@barneygoddard6421]

Question 2. - I highly recommend you hir an architect. From our own experience we went ahead and made modifications to our home in Southern California. Later, we hired an architect and discovered we could have saved ourselves time and money had we hired her first. We ended up having to redo a couple of areas. However afterward we were extremely happy. Last question- I would brick up the opening halfway up. Install a large window. Would give you more space for tables and lamps, and I would let you enjoy the scenery and light.

[@miriammuskal5402]

Best wishes on your renovation I'm sure and confident that you will be very successful

[@osteomatt1]

Best bits of all your videos is the out takes . More of those please lol

[@jimriffel6969]

I think others have said to make your kitchen, but extend your "appendage" to make a solar off that side of the kitchen.

[@trevorread9115]

Good luck guys hope all goes well for 😊

[@GlosterSA]

Just a wee comment have you taken into account Moisture and vapor Pressure in the building you are restoring it might be something Kayvan might enjoy reading up about. These old cottages were built as protection against the elements and marauders. But the draftiness served a purpose prevented large temperature fluctuations in between the inside and outside of the building.

[@philkfoto]

I had to convert the vast area of a first floor into the upper roof space of a single storey in the Scottish Highlands. It was a new build with stairs going to nowhere. Did I employ an architect, no. Like your thoughts, I wanted to create my own ideas. Yes I had to draw up detailed building plans to get planning consent. It was accepted. I did all the work myself, plumbing, lighting, ring main and construction with no previous experience on the last two. After getting an electrical safety certificate, the building inspector gave me a completion certificate.

[@FFWDdriving]

Replace the appendages with floor to ceiling windows, simple job and relatively cheap. That’ll give you plenty of light and maybe save a few bob by not having to deal with the awkward shape of the appendages…

[@margaretboyle4701]

All your questions are so important. We have been very lucky to have built four houses of which we have lived in and two older ones we have also modernized. No matter what you do you will discover something you would do different. You are so right to try work as much out as possible at this stage. The appendages are they really usable spaces. The one where you said you like to read and saw yourself sitting reading a book, how many times would you do this? but you did say it looks out on the the lake, it brings in light so l would keep it with a lower roof. The other appendage off this room get rid of it The outside door off the bedrooms just replace it with a window so you wont need to replace the stonework. Perfect door use it somewhere else. Remember cant have enough plug sockets. Love the idea of the false wall with storage space behind the bed as you enter the bathroom.

[@FFWDdriving]

Regarding the master bedroom, why do you need the bed to be up against a wall, and a “fake” wall at that? Just place the bed fairly centrally in the room and you can walk around it freely, will make it really easy to make the bed in the morning.

[@neutonrenda2303]

Lampshades 😂, if you think you will need a socket somewhere, fit it. You can never have too many and it's a nightmare if you don't have it. I would also suggest two way light switches on the stairs and larger rooms with two entries, it's easy to do and plan at this stage. There are so many things to think about, I think asking for input is a great way of not forgetting about something. Take care and stay calm lol.❤️

[@vickiwicker5765]

You could use the “appendage” as walk in closet. I would consider one of them closing off from the bedroom so you have wall space but access it from the outside as a small greenhouse to start your seedlings. The house will help minimize how much you would need to heat it.

[@TheCatlady63]

I agree with what was said for the height issue. The second appendage in the bed room put in a half wall and window to give yourselves more wall space. but not loose light. In the en-suite just get rid of the door (if safety laws allow.)

[@ChristineKelly1000]

I like the idea of steps leading up to your bed room. Yea, the wench hauling has resumed 😊😊😊 you two are definitely of one mind! 😅😅😅

[@evalundin1855]

Love the idea with a window and a wall for the bed.

[@johndunngalvin6409]

Some shallow steps would nice and cottagey . Just remember you live in your kitchen and sleep in your bedroom I would swap them around.

[@jeremypotter4956]

I think I would lose the appendage at the back of the bedroom, giving you a wall to put the headboard against. Half brick up the door in the en suite with a window instead. You should be able to match the stone work on the outside. I think I’d lose the triangular windows too. They look a bit modern

[@annec1005]

Have you thought about flipping the kitchen and bedroom spaces might diminish the appendage issues -love your channel glad I found it ❤

[@veramentegina]

get rid of the appendage if you gonna have nice windows in kitchen/dining room area. It doesn't make sense anymore. Also 6 inch ramp is a great idea.

[@janetbruijns6260]

Integrate the appendage with your extention maintaining the lightflow with the left hand side of the appendage. This creates a bigger space without the loss of light or viewing angle. Your outdoor space is limitless so that is more flexible. Doors can be put on the left hand side of the appendage or the entire space(the appendage corner) can be opened with bi folding doors giving an oudoors inside set up. We renovated our old house from scratch too and as and where (financially) possible its best to future proof things at this early stage so id retain the appendage but with a different us, i.e the entranceway to your patio..leaves you more walls for your kitchen too and more central. Sorry for the ramble, Im just passionate about interior space having done this myself for so long. Its a complicated thought process so I totally get it, but its fun too😊

[@glenncoetzee5906]

Move the entrance of your en-suite flush with the left wall. That will create a bigger wall to put the bed against. In doing that you can even make two entrances leading into the en-suite on either of the bed. Left & right

[@valorieforzano3372]

Kayvans idea for the floor discrepancies, the 2 "appendages or popouts". Kori's idea for the bed/wall. If you have the false wall as Kori described, you can have your closet/storage outside of the bath and have all the space inside the ensuite for the things. I would suggest replacing that door in the ensuite with a window the same size of the door that way you could still put your bathtub there, and not have to worry about matching the rocks on the outside of the cottage. Enjoying watching your journey!