Difficulty Staying On Track, My Plans Revealed!

Today's video l tackle an important job, cutting back the hedge so we have a clear view of the cats when they are outdoors. Then into the cottage, it's freezing cold and difficult to stay on track with the lime mortar work, as the water is frozen.
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Here on my channel, I am renovating a 250 year old stone cottage on my property in Normandy, France. By using traditional, low-waste and off-grid methods, I'm aiming to keep the charm and character of this old building, and turn it into a furnished, finished home for family whilst keeping environmental impact as low as possible. There will also be content on living in France, visiting beautiful rural places, hunting for antiques, gardening, and more! Hit subscribe if you would like to keep up with my journey, and hit the notification bell to be alerted when we go LIVE where we have a first viewing of the video as it is published with a live chat so I can answer all your questions! See you in Sean's World.

[@wendyhood1962]

I have a spiral staircase in my house and I hate it. It's a pain trying to get larger items upstairs. When we moved in we had to lift our bedroom furniture up over the balcony to get it in.

[@Seans_World]

I have a trap door for furniture

[@nelleg152]

I would have a traditional staircase it would be easier to carry things upstairs ❤

[@NancyBartovic]

Oh nooo! Just remember the older you get, that a spiral staircase is harder to go up and down. Someday, you are going to say, " What was I thinking???" 😮

[@helendudden9638]

Those who are less mobile

[@margaretjacobs4016]

Rather than a “spiral” staircase, how about a “square” staircase (3 steps up, turn, 3 steps up, turn etc.)

[@wendykeyes7172]

Oh gosh ,spiral staircase might be a bit dodgy,safety,and getting furniture and things up there.Just my thought .

[@stewartmcardle8149]

I say "no" to a spiral staircase. Just keep it all simple and rustic. However, it's s your preogative.

[@jojones6191]

My 8nstinctive reaction is that a spiral staircase is out of keeping with the cottage. And not easy to use if one has even mild mobility issues.

[@pamkelly859]

A straight staircase would be best, since you are asking….. More ‘in keeping’ -since that is important to you?😊

[@tinadavis5626]

If you do a straight up staircase, you can enclose the area underneath it for storage/coats etc.

[@claudettehanson1802]

Spiral staircases are lovely except if you're a senior. It is quite difficult to carry something up the stairs while you are carrying anything - a book, cup of tea, a blanket - because you need to hang on to the railing as well. Maybe consider creating an extended opening up top (like a levered or trap door) as well, for carrying anything up there. that is larger.. I love you all including the kitties.

[@NancyTannehill-qn5zk]

We just enjoy spending time with you while you talk through your ideas. We love the cats also ❤️

[@Seans_World]

Oh thank you!

[@NancyTannehill-qn5zk]

@@Seans_World I had to take a screenshot of your sweet kitten with its feet in your boots. I shared the picture with my daughter and granddaughter. Needless to say they absolutely loved it.

[@suzannemckitterick2781]

Msg #3: The cat pose from its legs in your boots must be in your next calendar, Hercules...superb.

[@laurabrown7912]

Hello Sean, I am wondering if you might be able to use stairs that, instead of being spiral, are 1/4 turns. Say you have regular stairs going up perhaps 5-6 steps, and then you have a landing and do a 1/4 turn and then another 5-6 steps and a landing, continuing until you reach the next floor. They might be a bit safer then spiral steps. I love what you are doing, it is all so beautiful.

[@sharonridings7418]

Question for you… a spiral staircase makes it hard to move large items up and down the stairs

[@pamelawright1369]

Keeping things simple will work best, thank you for sharing 😊

[@melissaroth4467]

I remember a previous video about the staircase dilemma. After seeing the area available with your explanation again, I think there is no perfect answer. It will just have to be a quirky solution that goes with a quirky old building. lol

[@rosepink76]

Love watching you figuring everything out, thank you for sharing this beautiful cottage renovation.

[@petemoss1951]

You’re doing a great job Sean. I understand about weather, you can only do what you can!

[@BettyKoehler-zg5sv]

What a quandary you have figuring out your stairs. You will figure out the best way, Sean! Your kitties are so sweet! Love from Pennsylvania 💕🌷🐻

[@elisabethhopson5639]

I am not a fan of spiral staircases. My son had one in New York and it was a pain in the derière. Everything had to be dismantled, going up and coming down. Cuteness 10, practicality 0. Personally, I would keep the stairs as they were and try to increase the head space. If not, turn the stairs round, so they come out nearer the bathroom. Keep it simple. Cheers Sean, the weather is always going to limit what you can do. 😀

[@BerylMatcham]

Hey Sean, have you considered fold away stairs? Either against the wall or from the top ? Like a loft ladder. I think against the wall would be space saving and look great 😊

[@pennyneal2456]

Just wondering how to get the bigger furniture up there. A spiral staircase will make it difficult. It always does.😊

[@martinemjt]

using the doors as wood panelling is a great idea especially if your doors open to reveal a 5-6 inches deep shelfing space. can store cleaning products and extras if you are using the cottage as a rental ,even as a pantry. just an idea.

[@Chestnut442]

That is a real treasure Sean - what a beautiful hand pump. Good find, and the perfect location for it.

[@sdfilyer]

Traditional/original staircase but 4 feet further into the room away from the door.

[@pamelkamah6307]

Really don’t like spiral staircases. Stayed at a holiday cottage once that had one it was a nightmare even to get a suitcase up arrrr

[@debpate9405]

How would occupant get a dresser and bed upstairs?

[@tyredpup]

just another safety thought, gloves for handling the metal framing. My husband got a bad cut to the palm from those 🇺🇸

[@dianafessenden7361]

Prefer not to have spiral stairs because I am 81 years old with space/movement issues. But, I can see your many considerations in the build and fortunately nobody in your videos appear to be anywhere near my age with comparable issues as I. Love your channel, your family and your obvious pleasure in the build.

[@bonniemerchant-jj4xs]

We’ve had a spiral staircase for 40 years. It’s so pretty and I hate it. It’s just not safe when carrying things up and down,and good luck getting a bed upstairs

[@carolfaberpeake857]

Spiral stairs can be a challenge yes on getting furniture up; but maybe? 🎉

[@suzannemckitterick2781]

Stoney-Lane Chateau Estate is looking better and better, Hercules! So elegant and homey. You do so much!

[@lisajahn6839]

Lovely episode! Thanks for sharing! Really cold to refreeze that water!😊❤👍💖🥰💜

[@janetd4862]

I love the look of a spiral staircase, but they can be dangerous, and not very practical. It’s hard to carry anything of size up them, and children and older people have a higher fall risk because of the shape of the steps. The biggest problem, as you well know, is that steps simply take up too much space! We wanted to use the attic space in our old house (we really needed the space with five kids), but couldn’t spare the space for a usable staircase. We could have done a spiral staircase, but the only place it really fit was against an outside wall, and then the roof slope prevented easy access to the space. We tossed ideas around for years, and eventually tore off a previous addition-on, and built a new addition to the back of the house.

[@Mej_Javiky]

You have the most loving cats in the French/UK KZbin world. And the most healthy looking too!!!!!

[@ritafrye1968]

No to the spiral staircase. Falling hazard and difficulties getting large things upstairs. Leave the stone showing in the corner as a nod to the past. Plasterboard right up to it.

[@wandacasper5612]

The cats are growing up so fast. U are a great jack of all trades. Looking good Sean.😊

[@diannechapman5856]

I do like the idea of a spiral staircase, fab! In contrast to any other design elements.

[@Helen-l3i]

-27C in Canada where I live today! Green envy watching this video!

[@janeblandford852]

I agree with many....a traditional staircase needs to go in as a spiral staircase is very limiting and hard to deal with. Just my thoughts. You are doing an amazing job Sean with this cottage!!

[@amyvetter1830]

not sure about a spiral staircase, take into consideration, getting mattresses, chests of drawers and wardrobes up a spiral staircase.

[@elf5012]

When I remember back to how that cottage used to look, it is incredible how far you have come. Well done you.

[@Charlotte-ow3vi]

This will seem bizarre perhaps, but my grandfather cut a hole in the flooring above his garage and used the flooring as the bottom of a homemade elevator. He had two ropes, one with red twine in it and the other with blue, and used an old motor to slowly raise it up to the top floor where he had his workshop. My grandmother and I used it to visit him. You tugged on one color to go up and the other color to go down. Very simple and useful! This was done in the 60's in Ohio, US.

[@sharonheron7559]

The spiral means you have trouble getting furniture up stairs perhaps? Your home looks so cosy!

[@Seans_World]

It will have a trap door for that

[@sharonheron7559]

Can you not place your stairs where you placed the ladder?

[@janscorza7549]

Spiral stairs also have awkwardly spaced treads which make it difficult for older people to navigate easily. You might want to think long term.

[@annetterobinson2853]

Spiral stair treads are so dangerous...not the same size of tread across the stair. From personal experience, when distracted, a slip down several treads of the stairs, landing very, very hard on tailbone, requiring emergency room care.

[@janscorza7549]

@@annetterobinson2853 exactly! Ive had the same experience.

[@janetmcclellen733]

My brother in law collects old well pumps he's lined the outside of one of his barns with them

[@lisajahn6839]

I love the hand pump!😊❤

[@Ruth-e7h]

I like the stairs as they are. With a hand rail and taking your time it will work. Steep stairs are not necessarily the problem. Folks are used to running up and down. The garden is looking fantastic. Time and patience, it will get done. ❤

[@earlsandyevens]

Spiral staircases save space. However the bringing items up & down has to be assessed before hand. Big items in & out a window ?

[@user-Mike755]

Spiral staircase is a real bad idea!

[@earlsandyevens]

After writing concerns for spiral stairs I see you could have a trap door. With a trap door the spiral stairs would be perfect!!

[@SJC77.]

No, spiral staircase isn’t the answer. And they’re a pain when moving furniture 🪑 😊

[@Lemon-i1v]

I think you'll be very limited with a spiral staircase, fitting the rooms with beds, drawers, wardrobe ect

[@TheAngela2468]

Good progress 😊

[@Antiqueanalytics]

Great video mate!

[@daveglover6115]

A spiral staircase takes up double the width of a conventional stairway - ie think diameter. Those cats should be free range, they're well domestiCATed now and won't run away...

[@Devon-r1f]

I agree, we have a European cat believe me they need to roam free it's in their nature otherwise according to cat protection etc they will become bored restless and depressed. So sorry for them, but they will stay around their own territory ours does

[@janetwhitney233]

Stairs. If the cross beam is going out maybe you can move the stairs to another location.

[@DEEDEE-cn1ud]

It is too bad you don't have a small wood burner in the construction zone, to light up when there is work to be done. The stove pipe could go out the window that you plan to replace at the end of your project anyway. It would be a little bit warmer while you are working and many of the products that are temperature sensitive could safely be used and cured correctly. A temporary repair to that damaged entry door would also help to keep the warm air in your work space. When you need extra ventilation just leave the door wide open. You would be so much more comfortable and temperature sensitive products would be safe to use whenever you need to. Alternatively, a small electric heater close to your immediate work area might improve your comfort and increase your productivity as needed. You have great problem solving skills and do quality work. Be kind to yourself, if you can manage it. You deserve it.

[@Seans_World]

Thanks 👌

[@andymccabe6712]

@@Seans_World well..I'll bet you never realised you could use a heater to make the building warmer......!?!? ..... where WOULD you be without the KZbin comments service to put you right......!!!?

[@jandolph7509]

I was thinking the same thing. I am 75. I could never get up and down with a spiral staircase. Sean, I know you can figure out a solution. This is really cool.

[@peterwhite9261]

Little by little, you will get there. There is a lot of pondering in the process.

[@sandylee9564]

I agree with Claudette but will add, how do you bring furniture and large decor up a spiral staircase? Closets? where are you going to put your clothes? Options are you can fold them all and stack them in a cupboard of sorts.......too much to think about. I'm glad it's you doing this and not me, I get fuddled too quick.

[@Grandma-C]

Lucky kitties ❤

[@victoriatracey5919]

I’m sure you will work out the best way forward as you always do Sean. Always love whatever you are doing 😊

[@joysticksnjukeboxes]

If you're going to put in an old pump for decoration, maybe think about finding a rustic hitching post, too. I'm sure they must have had something to hitch their horses to in the old days.

[@carladejonge4951]

Spiral staircase? So hard to get bulky furniture up! Please rethink it! I don’t think you’ll be happy when it’s all said & done!

[@sparrowkay]

Our yard needs work too…haven’t done anything outside over the fall/winter..I’d be afraid of snakes in the brambles and bushes..

[@DEEDEE-cn1ud]

My yard is getting daily care, with all the snow shoveling and ice chipping for safety. But I do miss the green grass and deciduous trees in leaf. Northern Ontario, Canada

[@brandyjean7015]

If you live somewhere that is cold in the winter snakes are not active. They enter a state called brumation, similar to hibernation for mammals. On a very warm day they might appear, but if it's nippy they're curled up somewhere protected.

[@sparrowkay]

We have several kinds of snakes here; rattlers, copper heads, cotton mouth. Just to name a few.. the uk only has one poisonous snake? The adder?

[@pipemma1893]

@@sparrowkay. Do they multiply?😅

[@joellenmeek658]

Real Americans love and respect Canada.

[@PennyHarding-yc7bl]

Sorry to hear about the spiral staircase. The cottage will lose a lot of charm as well as it not an easy task to use one.

[@barbarariddick5321]

Think about getting furniture and bathroom fittings gs up a spiral staircase. Think again.

[@rebeccawoods5119]

I'm a Cat person so, I always love seeing your little Furbabies.A spiral staircase would save space. It's gonna look good whatever you decide. ❤

[@jandolph7509]

Sean you have a good way with making your landscaping look perfect. I don’t see how you can put so many features in your videos.😊

[@Seans_World]

Thanks 👌 😊

[@mocarra100]

The high today in Oklahoma was 81, and tomorrow it's going to be 46 for the high lol

[@colmcrae3377]

Its -30 on the Canadian prairies....

[@mocarra100]

@colmcrae3377 wow

[@janeblandford852]

I love how you always consider safety first Sean. 👍. You and Sam take such good care of those cats. Will you be keeping them all? Just wondered? They are adorable and gorgeous! It's nice to be outside again Sean in the good weather.....nice to move around the different jobs. Always enjoy what you do!!

[@treehuggingmusician595]

Cat in the boots. . . that was cute.Whatever you do will be well done, but I think spiral staircases are a good esthetic that is more difficult to actually use. Can you make a fold-able stair/ladder that will be mostly down but can be pushed up when you need more room on the main floor.

[@greglance4712]

Step down to a platform winder or two winders , then straight to your stone platforms , hard to know without (goings and rises). I agree with those that have rejected spirals.

[@louiseemerson331]

I like the variety you show.

[@shirpaten]

Spiral stair cases are among the most dangerous types! Please reconsider.

[@shannoncampbell8538]

A spiral would be awesome!👏🏻

[@daynight4902]

best

[@mdfalco4]

if you put spiral a staircase in it will cost you time and money, your original plan makes more sense. The choice however, is yours.

[@Micknan]

Have you thought of a catio for the cats? If you put the catio, connected to the house, outside the door where you put the heater hose thru, the cats will be able to move back & forth to get out of the rain, sun, etc. I’ve seen folks put in large tree branches in the catio for climbing. Only limited by your imagination.

[@aussiepastor4352]

With a spiral, can you have the exit face the front(as you are further back) or any angle from front to the right? Also, have you thought about putting a harness on Pixie so he can be with you more? Pixie does act like a dog around you, as your best mate.

[@Devon-r1f]

They're restricted enough without a blooming harness!

[@aussiepastor4352]

@Devon-r1f i think you misunderstood me, so Pixie could follow Sean everywhere while he is working in the yard or Cottage

[@donnastorch4462]

What about pull down attic stairs??? Mind you i do love the thought of spiral stair. Absolutely in keeping with the cottage.

[@normamurray4450]

Thinking of my older age, I couldn't make my way up a spiral staircase for love nor money as the saying goes. I have a straight staircase in my home and under it is what my grand kids refer to is... "Harry Potters cupboard", which I keep a multitude of treasures in and out of the way. Of course it's up to you!

[@cecoya]

I don't understand why you would consider putting in a spiral staircase there by the door like that. How are you going to get the furniture up there? That to me sounds like more of a hassle than anything else. I realize it is you project cottage but I am curious as to the reasoning behind them this late in the restoration. Have a wonderful day Sean.

[@RitaMoore]

It is also hard t carry a mattress up a spiral staircase

[@johncurley8486]

What about getting out of the box a bit and having the stairs going through the barn on the other side of the wall? basically just claim enough space for an stairway

[@saracontois1492]

What about wooden steps coming out of the wall ???

[@beckysimeone4882]

Spiral staircases are for looks but very impractical for use.

[@smgreenartsprivate]

What about making a wood and chicken wire enclosure for the cats with a wooden roof. Pallets are a good source of wood will last through winter and fall weather. Maybe use a tree in the middle with steps around it. Is an idea I have seen people do with ramps and steps. Not warm enough to do winter gardening where I am. Maybe find an architectural yard reclamation centre for some steps maybe with a landing or wide steps. I would wish that with your resources in real estate that someone might decide to change their stairs they might give them to you to get rid of them something you would have to add to, to make them work. Chateau Lalacelle did that for their cottage.

[@charmees6637]

I’m not sure you’ll like a spiral staircase Sean in the cottage. Hard to get furniture up them. I love wood myself.

[@aimeecho6927]

What if you make a retractable stair case to save space on both floors. So the staircase is part of the 2nd floor flooring unless you need it to up or down the stairs.

[@carriegraham1318]

I love that you normally show the kitties ❤ The jobs are never ending but I love that you get done what needs doing. ❤

[@freedomforusa1658]

Lol those poor shrubs. 😂

[@lindamoore9405]

Since your buildings are so old, do you need any special building permits.

[@teamum7729]

If you do the spiral staircase, I know that you’ll make it a “spiral-esque” rather hybrid one with a plan for getting larger items up and down with a trap door. It’s a non standard living space so it will need a non-standard staircase. Your ingenuity will be drawn upon to make it work for you and that space. Can’t wait to see how you address that.

[@sheilacondit8886]

Reconsider where the steps go up to the other side of the room. Trying to get around the door and squeezing between the door and the kitchen will always feel awkward. You will find it easier to get renters if the layout isn’t awkward

[@BA-ef4pr]

What if you keep the stairs where they are, but add a landing part way up to change its direction to avoid the low headroom area upstairs?

[@susansouthern6704]

If it was being finished modern you could put a small elevator in..also no good for furniture moving though

[@ImpyChan]

I don't think you can fit the rise in the run without blocking off the kitchen anyway, even if you do a spiral, so you should lean into that and reorient the whole stairs to climb towards the fireplace.

[@jennyvanderwesthuizen4321]

How you going to get furniture up a spiral staircase

[@Seans_World]

Trap door

[@rickb4384]

With the metal trunking, do you hear noise when complete when the building moves? We have metal struts between rafters in our modern home, and we hear them twang when people walk above.

[@victoriavillegas5]

You have an opportunity to create shelves for shoes at the bottom of the wall.