Derelict Victorian Villa | House Tour (Ep. 2)

A full tour of the house including photos from way before works began.

[@debrav3273]

I really like how you have a picture of the floor plan with the room that you are in outline in red. So useful to keep track of where we are in the house. Thanks!

[@deniaridley]

Yes, great touch!

[@fdort3971]

I agree!

[@TangentOmega]

Architect here. Keep up the good work! In linear bathroom layouts, the vanity should go closest to the door, then toilet. Toilets are "shin knockers." Love the corner shower. If budget permits, think about adding glass to the wall by the windows. It will bring tons of light into the shower.

[@brendariley8982]

Agree, I was thinking glass blocks would be so nice in that spot for lighting.

[@N0N4M30]

Please also use the room from the staircase on second floor to make her closet and the room next too the master bedroom as master bathroom! It’ll be way better

[@karenwotton1727]

We have 26 rooms in our house, we have separate heating etc for 4 parts of the house so in winter we only heat what’s needed…. Loving these videos .. welcome to the never ending housework club…. Your realise why they had servants 😮 renovations are going to be amazing 😊

[@Mandy-q6c]

Wondering with cold damp climate in UK(correct location?), what items does one use to combat moisture/mold? Humidifier? Even with no heat to room?

[@hypnotherapy69]

I love that you are keeping so much of the intended layout and not just ripping out every wall you can.

[@lindasherrell3335]

Old retired photographer here. I just found you and am watching the second video back to back. Under the food for thought heading, try not to stand between a window and the camera. The camera blacks you out and you are much too pretty to be blacked out of the photo. It also makes the camera over expose the features of the room. Just the nature of cameras. They are not anywhere near as sensitive to seeing in both light and shadows as the human eye. I was very happy to hear that you plan to retain as many of the original features as possible. Some thing need to be renovated but restoring as much of the old craftsmanship as possible just shows respect for painstaking work and cannot be duplicated in today’s world. P.S. my vote is for a stained glass window in the kitchen by the cellar door of grapes AND a wineglass half filled. Just an idea. I’m looking forward to continuing to watch your adventures and pray you will have great success. Take a break if it begins to drive you nuts.

[@elipotter369]

Last video a stained glass artist helpfully gave a lot of information about the window, including dark red or purple would come out looking black so be careful with how much is used, also suggested a light box - all excellent ideas and these savvy young owners were paying attention, so that's nice to see.

[@suecollado8696]

💕You could use those stunning doors that you removed as either the doors to your master suite or doors into your dressing room💕

[@sylvanaire]

Or doors to the pantry, depending on the size requirements.🤷‍♀️😄 Just a thought!

[@HeartSurf]

@@sylvanairelove the pantry idea!

[@Mandy-q6c]

Suggested closet but like pantry too. Both have good eye at seeing what will work. We just all have two cents too but do what you feel will make it yours

[@lisettegroot3789]

If you have the opportunity, make all the fireplaces and kitchen cooking possibilities ready to use!!!! When there are bad times ahead, YOU will have a possibilitie to keep some rooms warm and cooking warm food when many others will be cold because there will not be electricity and no gas to cook with.... or you will just have cosy fires and nice features to show your friends when times stay peaceful ❤😊

[@amybaier9593]

I saw this comment about a library instead of another bedroom. I think that's a great Idea. Unless you are planning to have a big family, I would rather turn some guest bedrooms in functional rooms like a library/reading room, office room, etc. And is there no bathroom on the ground floor? I'm so excited to see more of your progress. This video was not boring at all. Can't wait for the endresults!

[@debraderoos5225]

The downstairs bathroom will be by the back staircase(which will be removed)

[@TrinaMadeIt]

Hearing you say you want to preserve ALL the original features makes my heart so happy.

[@fdort3971]

I agree

[@joannajones8218]

what a stunning property! Thank you for preserving this beautiful building! look forward to the progress!

[@_PJW_]

Very informative. But I *DO* think you making one big mistake. You have planned more bedrooms then you will ever need. The room of 13:43 with its marvellous fireplace would be absolutely ideal to turn into a cosy reading room / library. Would do it justice. Big rectangular table in the middle, a big sofa, and some deep armchairs. Since it catches so much light it could also double as a morning room. Imagine that with Christmas.

[@CMri]

Yeah, it sounded more like a hotel than a house. And so many bathrooms. I like your idea (a library is a must!) and also someone else's - to make a little room for towels and bed linen, etc.

[@bobcaygeon6799]

Pretty sure this isn't going to be their "forever home". It's home for now with an eye as investment property in the long run.

[@annamo9354]

There's always Airbnb... 😉

[@AriaSumner]

A bedroom can be repurposed into a library just by putting in the appropriate furniture. Better to build it with a wardrobe so it can count as a bedroom and then decorate however they want!

[@Ruby-ev9ym]

I love the library idea! Currently making my little office into a tiny library at home.

[@Sara_H114]

This is probably the best house tour I've seen. I can imagine the whole thing together so easily. Looks like it will be an amazing place when youre finished.

[@BelgraveVilla]

Wow thank you so much! We really appreciate it 🥰

[@kimba126]

I know from the first video that you want to cover the stone in the kitchen, but it adds so much character to the room. I think it would be a nice to keep it as part of the design, as a counterpoint to modern appliances. And for the stained glass window for light to the cellar, great idea! Perhaps you can source a salvage piece? I am looking forward to seeing this progress.

[@motion.resolved]

Yeah, I think I agree here - its kinda like having a pre-made "feature" wall.

[@Bettea666]

I live next door to you! And ive always been fascinated by this beautiful building. I'm so excited to see your journey with it ❤

[@pleiadesluciernaga8877]

I find that so fascinating! I bet you’re delighted that you’ve new neighbors willing to give the property some TLC.

[@mayam297]

How lucky am I to have stumbled upon this renovation series now? I can't wait to see how it all comes together bit by bit. It's a gorgeous villa! I'd love to live in something like that one day - a house fit for generations to come

[@Lobo4ever]

Great potential lies within this big renovation project. I think your plan is very smart and I wish you good luck in abundance! I suggest you install a second laundry room upstairs, where most laundry will be generated. You'll be glad you did!

[@daveb5016]

I'm definitely a fan of keeping as much original as possible but at the same time there needs to be a balance with what's original and what's functional. Great job so far.

[@fernanda33917]

Obsessed with these chronicles!! I think I may have been an architect or engineer in a former life because this is all so fascinating to me!!! I can not wait to keep going on this journey with you! ❤

[@BelgraveVilla]

Such a lovely comment, thank you so much for following along ❤️❤️

[@teepeeX]

Make sure you have some sort of fire exit plans as it would be that second staircase.. i know it sounds funny but outside of our 3 story old house we had a small heavy duty bar put in each bedroom, ( u cant notice outside ) and a emergency harness rig set ready to go.. all you had to do was climb in harness and attach rope toggle to bar 😊 ​@BelgraveVilla

[@pegsbarton6353]

@@teepeeX Sensible idea in a big house where it would take time to run outside.

[@patobrien6364]

The chapel ceiling is stunning and worth a bit of love,as funds allow ❤️ the 2 main fireplaces, WOWZERS. All reminds me of my childhood home, an Edwardian, with welly 😎 You're being both respectful and practical in your design. Love the channel, waiting for updates to see your progress. Well done folks 👏👏 Best of British (+ Irish 😂) !!

[@TheGoodbyeGirl]

That first fireplace looked like a red coloured marble which at the time this house was built was quite expensive, usually it was plain white marble, I think in regard to the back stair I would consider leaving space for an elevator to future proof the house. I really like the fact that you are boarding the rooms to allow for the re-wire but adding in sound and thermal padding, a very smart move to save on channeling the walls and possibly causing issues with the plaster ceilings.

[@amandaoconnor2854]

Ohhh I think you're right about a future elevator. My husband was a ski racer in his youth and would have had daily problems with those stairs by age 35. You never know what ages you'd be leaving out nor why if you wanted to sell on later.

[@TheGoodbyeGirl]

@@amandaoconnor2854 Yeah, why limit your selling audience if you dont have to. Plus that location is nice and central.

[@goldfishgames]

For the future stained glass window, in order to provide some illumination for the cellar stair well- have the electrician wire the top of it now for a light. Even if you don’t use it the option is there. What I’d suggest is to get an iridescent piece of glass or have the stained glass piece made from glass which has these qualities. Once the opening is filled with your choice, have a light installed using a very low watt bulb or LED on a light/dark sensor so that it automatically comes on and off. You’re then providing a very low light or dim night light for that area. Lighting is so important for when you are living in and using the rooms. I’d be inclined to have a double stained glass window installed, one with the design facing the room and the other that sheet of iridescent glass facing the staircase. This way you’re covering up the light fixture. Biggest problem to solve is access to service it or change bulbs.

[@dsophrae]

Not boring at all, the tour was an informative, calming experience, that i thoroughly enjoyed ❤

[@BelgraveVilla]

Thank you so much! That's so kind 🥰

[@jennyjones139]

I have just come across your videos and cannot wait to see your progress with the renovations. I am amazed at the number of your people prepared to take on things like this. It is heartwarming to see. Good luck and I will be continuing to watch.

[@suzieq2958]

I subscribe to many "chateau" channels but so enjoying watching your progress from the beginning! and glad the algorithm pointed me to you. WOW 138K subs!!! Congratulations on growing your channel so fast!!!

[@debra-x5m]

Love that you're making videos now

[@robbiemoriarty7499]

Very cool house. Lots of exciting features. The plot of land is interesting too!

[@petertgeorgiev]

Great house and amazing project! Can't wait to follow all the stages till completion. The only thing I am missing in the plans fo the floors is a snug/second living room area. It is a huge house, lots of bedrooms, one day possibly children, it is always nice to have a second option, but I guess ground floor study can always be transformed into a snug in the future, it also had a fireplace anyway. Cheers!

[@samanthawright3653]

Thanks for showing us around, she is a beauty ⭐️

[@Celeste-dp5ur]

you have a really soothing speaking voice!

[@Dannyp8038]

Great job so far. This definitely going to be a fun project to follow

[@HeartSurf]

I love watching restorations, especially when the home and original features are honored. Some aren’t practical, though, and take up so much space. We have a 1790 Federal in the US and we are contemplating removing the servant stairs to build out the master wing of the home for a larger suite. Our bathroom is somehow the smallest with the worst finishes 😂 I’m looking forward to following your progress. Amazing work thus far!

[@martinbeaumont1135]

Love the longer YT format video, well done keep up the good work

[@deirdregahansuttle5698]

Fantastic house and you have got so much done already. IRELAND

[@beverlyjjohnston6207]

As others have stated, you have a splendid property and shared some well thought out plans! One thing I'd like to share ( remembering that you casually suggested 'grapes or something ' for the window giving light to the cellar stair) : please consider a leaded glass style window, whether you choose clear or textured glass, it will blend in with the style and period of the house. Many stained glass pieces soon lose their charm and become kitschy over time. Wishing you great success as you proceed in this renovation! Cheers from Canada!

[@calgram]

AGREE!!! a clear leaded glass feature will look elevated and timeless.

[@cindys2015]

Wow. That was a lot of work planing each area. I think your ideas for the white stairway are an excellent use of the space. I do have one suggestion. Instead of putting the exterior door you took out of the chapel on a wall it might be nice to use it as the pantry door in the kitchen. Keep up the good work.

[@vickimaiorano5763]

Not boring at all. Thanks for taking the time to show it and share your plans.

[@banness4711]

Love your thought process for this reno! One suggestion: use the second stairwell to install a lift (elevator). The stairwell lends itself already for one and if you both plan to make this your forever home having one would be wise as you “age in place” - additionally, it would be helpful for guests, etc. 😊 Keep up the great work! It’s looking fantastic!

[@bcgrote]

Always a struggle about whether servant's stairs should stay or go. You make a good point about not really needing 2 stairways so close. And I like the way you've "cheated" space to make the areas work for you. Exciting times ahead!

[@chunkyjunky4560]

I am excited for your guys' journey can't wait to see the villa once it's fully done, and i absolutely love the chappel

[@BelgraveVilla]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@LISA75_]

Love the fact that you are not just ripping out everything , but you are willing to get rid of the stuff that makes no sense like the 2nd staircase , wish you all the best with this, love seeing places like this get a new life and not just fall into complete neglect .

[@juliaforsyth8332]

The servant's stairs.

[@headleshydra]

Just a suggestion - if you "Theme our bedroom colours around the fireplace" it may end up getting lost/camouflaged and not standing out. Choose colours that complement it instead.

[@bobcaygeon6799]

YES!!! Great eye!!

[@pegsbarton6353]

You have a fabulous place there, lots of work, but you seem to be on top of everything you need to be. It looks like the white staircase might have been like a servants staircase, same with some of the lesser bedrooms and bathrooms, intended for staff use. Though some of the lesser rooms seem to have good daylight, which was usually snaffled by the family. This house seems slightly different in that respect, but I'm just starting following your videos so haven't got the full picture yet, but it has maybe been a more public building, with the little chapel and everything. Interesting to see what you unearth as you go through your reno. The marbled fireplaces...I bought an old house [circa1897] back in the 80's and it had two very beautifully carved fireplaces which I assumed were marble. It turns out they were slate, which had then been painted with a marble design. Sadly it wasn't realised in time and the paint was damaged by renovations around the fireplace, so had to be stripped back to slate. I actually preferred the black slate instead of a strange maroon paint job but yours is a lot prettier, but hopefully they ARE marble. And the house is a much more impressive building than my old terrace so your fireplaces should be better stuff. I'm just loving all the details and quirkiness of the place, and it looks as if you are going to utilise all its potential. Well done on your find, and I wish you every success in your project. From above your house/plot almost seems like an island oasis with the trees around it. I hope you can keep them to keep that screened effect around you. Good luck with it all.

[@samantha4130]

Subscribing to you as this is a fascinating insight to what will be a huge lovely home!

[@dtulip1]

Please don't take this the wrong way, I am not trying to be condescending, but it is so nice to see young people restoring/preserving an old house and its features. Did you say in the last video that you had the old plans for it? I ask cos that main staircase seems weird, like its been cut off?

[@chazzyb8660]

Great tour, thanks. Should make a great home. What a lot of work though. My grand-parents had one of those 1929 Triplex grates in my gran's (1929) kitchen space. They lived on the moors outside Sheffield, in a house built around 1929. Although she had a more modern, 1960s(?), kitchen (this would have been in the 1970s) she still used to fire up the Triplex, mainly because it had the right heat and humidity for cooking proper Yorkshire pudding, and Parkin cake. Also it was great for heating the kitchen. Coal was (relatively) cheap, but the then new oil-fired central heating was expensive to run, and not very efficient. They should really have kept the old coal fired boiler, as the mines were still in full production back then, but it was a dirty job to load it up.

[@jamescollins6085]

That top room with the interesting ceiling would make for a lovely home cinema. The wall is the perfect width for a good-sized projector screen or TV.

[@Grasshoppa65]

Brilliant walk through. I am actually excited about this reno-build. I really like your plans for the house,

[@chippychick6261]

You did a great tour. Props for the speed of work done so far.

[@ChrisRubeo]

The metal studs and the plywood may give you quite a number of problems at the edges of the doorways, windows, baseboard, etc - unless you plan on removing the trim and somehow extending the jambs out, your new wall surface is going to be almost even with all your trim. Think about all those edges - not just your wall surface.

[@brianmellinger7981]

I’m just so excited🎉 thanks for all your hard work and your good video presentation. Hopefully you motivate other young people to do the same thank you so much.👍😎

[@angelaegan7511]

For the second floor large room, have a look at a Farrow and Ball colour called 'dead salmon' might go well ❤

[@Julie-si3hi]

I love the second staircase for servants! So much history

[@trayciewalker3268]

Not boring at all. It's going to be beautiful. Love your planning

[@michellefenton3490]

Wow it’s amazing and you have done so much already … looking forward to your continuing Reno’s 💕

[@rabczanska]

Could use the door in Chapel as the front to a cabinet.

[@rosehughes599]

Maybe within that huge pantry?

[@gryff8400]

Saw a similar property near me, outside UK. €100,000, 4 floors, cellar, stables, built 1870....But all listed and protected. Can't drill a single hole without lots of paperwork and approvals. Had to pass on it. Good luck with your project!

[@bobcaygeon6799]

Yes, I wondered the same. Any video I have seen of these European properties, the OP's usually (and very quickly, unfortunately) run into the proverbial "wall" of red tape & hoops to meet and jump through, which seem to change from day to day and cause the project to be hung up for weeks/months. Which then translates into a huge financial outlay that wasn't truly planned on in the early days. I mean, I'm super HAPPY for them that it's flying along. Just wondered how they're pulling it off.

[@nmmn391]

I love your work and the passion you are putting in.

[@lauraa1570]

Loved an detailed tour of your home, thank you for sharing ! A stable type door could work well on the inside of your walk in wardrobe, to not eat to much into the room but allow you to show off the brick !

[@WeeltjevVanNassauw]

Hi dear hardworking house owners, what à Beautiful historic old building you have purchased, Beautiful old Doors , old fireplaces with those mantelpieces, really fantastically Beautiful wow ❤ Thank you for sharing your journey, to turn this old beauty into à Beautiful, livable swan again, really cool. Love it all 🎉🎉🎉

[@scarletmontana7]

Preserve the original features as much as possible including the brickwork and it will be absolutely fantastic 🥰

[@samanthakl447]

So so pretty!! Your villa is amazing and you guys have done an excellent job with this project so far 💕 props to you as I can only imagine just how much work this takes!

[@chadholtsclaw793]

You might need a map for people also!! I was getting so lost, lol Very nice renovations and ideas though!

[@empressrolla5398]

Wow your homes is going to look amazing and worth a lot if u decide to sell. Congrats guys❤

[@stephanied.k.3589]

Quite a brave renovation.

[@missglenellen]

Not boring, really amazing!

[@elkevogel6910]

What a lovely house, like a gem. And i loved that you many things keep and you have good ideas with it ❤

[@lmh64]

A beautiful house I look forward to seeing the progress 🤗

[@kellyh8347]

You can use the doors for your bedroom or wardrobe…can that beautiful oven be used as a pizza oven? Did you or can you keep any of the old wallpaper? Great job so far--save everything you can!!!

[@ianstyles9759]

I look forward to seeing the work over the next few months

[@lesthiele4921]

Hi guys, many than in s for the tour around this fantastic house, I think you two are very brave to take on a project this large, but you seem to have all the work planned out, I like the idea of the metal framing for the walls, I was hoping to see the basement and garage, maybe next time, congratulations on what you have achieved so far, best regards from a Kiwi living in Australia, Les

[@pamelapeel4893]

Well done great house tour ..please show us gardens next time very curious 🤗 Good luck huge undertaking

[@louiseeedy9909]

I cant wait to see this project come together. Id love to be able to do what you're doing but financially i wouldnt be able to do it in a million years. I can picture how stunning its going to be on going by your ideas. Cant wait to see it 🎉

[@danielkoher1944]

16:20 This is quite a Lovely ☺️ find with eloquent Beautiful articulate UK 🇬🇧 Speech.

[@normmcrae1140]

I definitely think that the small rooms in the top floor and the small "second Staircase" were originally for Servants - Very often in that era, they were segregated from the owners, and were not even permitted to use the same stairs! I just found your channel and have started to binge-watch to catch up! Just curious about the roof - in the first episode, you showed pictures that showed the roof in very poor shape - I hope you've rectified that before you started on the interior - especially the top floor!

[@lorismith9105]

I love every second!!! Thank you for sharing your home

[@bridgetcooper6331]

Beautiful place! ❤

[@imeldadiaz4164]

Love your ideas!!

[@forwardocho]

If you're taking the second staircase out, would it be possible to put a gallery skylight in the roof so it floods that space with light? Maybe change the existing windows to 1 pane of glass or maybe tall smaller panes of glass. Its a beautiful home and we're all on the journey with you 😊

[@DaleTruman-u3u]

Just beautiful!!!

[@marshawargo7238]

Behind the stained glass window opening, does the cavity open to the top floor? I was just thinking if it does you could put in a dumbwaiter for food, laundry or anything else that you wouldn't want to carry up or down the stairs. Speaking of stairs, a second set in a house that size would be nice as an emergency exit! Great buy, new subscriber!

[@joycepayne3505]

Exciting and fun to remodel

[@clohol2010]

Wow ! Had no idea you guys were in Gower area. Beautiful part of the country just up the road from me 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@betsygiddins6553]

Instead of walling in each shower with drywall, use glass walls instead, it makes the room and shower look bigger.

[@lebekf]

Are you going to keep the Walls in the main- staircase? I kind of love it. Old but amazing

[@Timhey0912]

Great tour!

[@trudeyhenley4982]

I'm really enjoying your videos. Your house reno is so interesting and you explain things very well. When you remove the back staircase will you complete the floors at each level?

[@kaleygoode1681]

That second stairway could be a lift ... Old houses used to have lifts that you'd operate by pulling a chain inside the lift and winding yourself up and down... No hydraulics or electrics required!

[@Seignil]

I hope we get to see the cellar :D Cellars hide the best secret. E.g. if there was a house prior to the now excisting one it might be visible in the cellar walls (Different stones etc. etc.)

[@dianehathcock9240]

The back stairs, I think, were mainly for deliveries and staff.

[@sandralove44]

Beautiful House ❤❤ looking forward to see the progress

[@bevcovich7861]

I suggest putting in a lift where the second staircase is.

[@robinbearden7158]

Just found your channel. On the second set of stairs...i would keep them. Hopefully not . but in case of fire it would ne handy to have that vase.

[@thecocktailian2091]

It is no small amount of pain that you removing the servants stair. I also understand it though. There are significant vestiges of the old house there, but by and large it's just an empty shell now. Will be interested to see the added panelling you plan on doing. I loathe the common kitchen/ dining room, would NEVER happen in an old home. Would have liked to seen her before the church got to her.

[@tikagdg]

This was very interesting! I wonder if it would be more practical for you both to share one of those huge wardrobe spaces so if you sell ever or eventually have kids one of those spaces could be a nice little nursery?

[@BillsCountrysideAdventures]

Also taking out that servent stairs, have you considered one of them sun tunnel vent things, as natural light will be taken away with new floors going in

[@steve10]

What will you do with the trees , I live surrounded by trees owned by the council and they are a nightmare , they block all the light into the house and if they arent cut back regularly then they become a mess and make walking on the paths difficult. I'm not suggesting cutting them down , but I would seriously consider a tree surgeon to see what they can do. Looking from the drone footage they surround the house , it will be nonstop darkness all year round. I admire anyone taking on a project like this , I couldn't do it , the good things are the little finds , like the blocked up old doorways or the fireplace, I'd like to do it for that reason , I'm just not very adventurous on risking doing up a huge house. I'm guessing it will be worth every penny though.

[@TheAwakeningangel]

I have not watched all this video yet, so I would suggest you re edit it, as you give too much info of where you live, just to be safe, xxxx Dede

[@kamilhess8734]

They already showed that info in previous videos so idk, they don't seem to mind

[@didisouth7486]

In normal cases yes but this house has a name and is heritage listed so the location info is already out there 😊

[@nicolad8822]

So easy to find anyway. It’s right by a busy road. If they didn’t show anything people would say but please show us the outside!

[@punnypuns5103]

I agree. Most people do not value online safety tho

[@lulumoon6942]

AGREED! 🙏🕊️

[@normajones6680]

It’s going to be a beautiful home.❤

[@Fever1984]

1. Wire Ethernet round the house. 2. Just invite people in the summer then you won’t need to worry about heating the other rooms 😂

[@beverleysmith844]

I may be just a worrywort, but I think of fire exits safety. Even though those second stairs may be close to the main stairs they are still another exit if there should be a fire and someone was upstairs. Or do you have plans for a second safety fire exit. Love what you are doing to the house.