English Fairytale Cottage RENOVATION NIGHTMARE - It's All Gone Wrong!

[@stevenchrisco4641]

Okay... Now I want to convert the storage stables!!!! The 'fencing and hitching posts are Amazing!!!! And would be a great way to separate the kitchen area!!!! Thank you Julie!!!! ✨😁✨

[@williamevans9426]

No no, not a roof leak at the cottage, as well as at the Manor House. You have my sympathy.

[@marytanne4964]

Julie and Luke you have gone through a lot recently with disasters at Mapperton. You both are so committed in keeping everything at Mapperton in the best condition which is a full time job. I admire both of you for your hard work and love of what has been given to you!

[@colleenwilliams1452]

Nothing lasts forever. It is wonderful you are both keeping Mapperton for the future. Good luck.

[@carolannaitken5812]

I don't have ton of experience with home renovation but I know enough to know that there's always a glitch. It will be beautiful when it's done.

[@ethereal980]

I have always admired Julie’s resilience and positive attitude towards life and I appreciate she’s still very American 🇺🇸 😅

[@susanrobertson3479]

Loved the auction items! You got a lot of treasures! Susan🇨🇦

[@stevenkaskus6173]

Hope the keeper's Cottage can be finished in time with all the work that is being done on it. What ever you do I know it will be done Right and beautifully. Those Eagle's sure need some major work but you've got them to the right person and then the stone columns, what a job to do it right but it will be worth it to have them standing proud and guarding the entrance to Mapperton House again.

[@catofthenorth64]

One thing I've learned about projects like this, is that at the moment you feel like it will never happen, it just falls into place.

[@christina3521]

Absolutely no reason why this will not come together! And beautifully! English fairies 🧚🏼 angels and ancestors all in love to assist. Sending you love, hugs and Light🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷

[@LSTEdD1]

Yay!! You got the chair!! 🎉

[@lindaokeefe4526]

Keeper’s Cottage is going to be wonderful! I made a small donation to help with the poor eagles. If the eagles don’t already have names maybe for a large donation, 2 sponsors can name the eagles. Just a thought. These projects take time. You and Luke are doing a great job with Mapperton.

[@johnmichael7570]

I don't think anyone can appreciate the effort and the stress that goes into tracking down something as simple as a roof leak.

[@kimberlyenglehardt5770]

Ugh. I’m sorry to see the eagles in such a state! He must be truly talented!

[@22304abc]

I always enjoy Julie's and Luke's enthusiasm. The unscripted programming ( or almost) is so interesting.

[@chand4327]

Prayers for Luke and Julie for the "Keepers Cottage" renovations! Wow, you have a lot on your plate. Fingers crossed, love and prayers. ❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏

[@rosannegrimball4970]

I am in awe of Mike’s projects. The eagles are in good hands.

[@fredrika27]

What would it cost to recast those eagles using the metal of the old eagles? Or is that not allowed?

[@janinepeckham9925]

Roof leak is a challenge, but it’ll get resolved. The cottage can be done on time. May need to double the reno team size and put all hands on deck 6-7 days a week to finish. But with the will and a large, skilled team, it’s achievable.

[@penneyburgess5431]

Roof leaks are the worst. It took my husband and myself over a year to track down a pinhole in the roof joint over our kitchen that was ruining our kitchen. We resorted to placing plastic containers everywhere we thought it was coming from in the rafters. There is this roof goop my husband applied to everywhere we thought it was and eventually we tracked that sucker down. My heart goes out to you. Fingers crossed you find it quickly.🤞🏻

[@blakehahn-atlantaga8510]

I am stunned at the condition of the poor eagles! It’s a miracle they didn’t fall sooner!

[@christophermaulden733]

Kin to Jessica Hahn ? 😮 Sorry , I just had to ask . 😂 Atlanta has a lot of beautiful historic Architecture especially the Swan House and the Pink Palace . I can't think of the actual name of the Pink Palace - glad it has been restored .

[@nativetexson]

The chest of drawers from the auction is a handsome piece of furniture. Congrats!

[@jackwilliams9114]

I am also a native Texan ---fifth-generation Dallasite & seventh generation Texsan

[@nativetexson]

@@jackwilliams9114 I love the geographic diversity in Texas, but despise the politics. I now live in France.

[@jackwilliams9114]

​@@nativetexson I am in full agreement. I care for my 91 yr-old mom. When she passes I am moving to the highlands of Mexico, the city of Morelia. I seriously considered France. But I decided on Mx for being closer to family and easier ability to access Medicare if needed, I also speak passable Spanish. I watch lots of vlogs about chateau life in France. Mexico is like France in many ways- great food, architecture, diverse climate, and more liberal in many ways than US. Enjoy your life there!!! Jack W

[@nativetexson]

@@jackwilliams9114 Mexico is a good choice. Good memories traveling through Mexico while growing up. After high school graduation, I went to school in Boston and spent most of my adult like in Boston, New York, and overseas assignments. Similarly, I went back to TX when my mom's health was failing to be near her. She's been gone just over 3 years and she made me promise to follow my goal of living in France. So I bought a house in the south of France. All the best to you-

[@jackwilliams9114]

@@nativetexson Thank you, all the best to you likewise.

[@heathermartinez8640]

Saddened that the cottage renovation is not finished ahead of schedule. I do hope the leak is found and everything is ready for the April booking!

[@1lavishone]

The Keeper's Cottage will be wonderful!! Sending good wishes that it is ready on time!

[@chand4327]

Hi Luke, Julie, Barry, Mike, Chris and Phil. Wow, what a lot of work with the eagles. What a skill you have Mike, amazing!

[@silva7493]

I know a little something about old vacant houses, and I cannot say any of this is at all surprising. You might've got luckier, but it isn't too likely. Thank you guys for sharing your pain, I have been wondering what the status was on what will soon be such a remarkable, gorgeous little place. It's going to be so lovely, and what an incredible vacation spot. Keep your eyes on the prize! It's coming.

[@CathyMiller0711]

Fingers crossed that you get that sneaky leak sorted! Poor eagles. Nice finds at the auction. That's the best organized auction house I've ever seen!

[@beautifully_wonderfullymade]

Absolutely, was super impressed with the auction house.

[@AnnieWarbux]

Love me some antiques!😉

[@juliacobb4355]

Starting one job when another isn’t finished equals panic! I think all will go well as you’ve got great help! 😉 good luck!

[@librarynan4610]

I have that same box except the inside had been cleaned out and relined. What a surprise to see another going into Mapperton. I store embroidery floss in mine.

[@lesleywilliams323]

I have one too… it was my Grandads…… I keep old cards & menus from the Cunard ships circa 1962 ish ( it doesn’t have the innards)

[@caropapa]

Its heartbreaking to see such glorious birds in such strife, to a person that has no skill in that kind of restoration, it is wonderful to listen to such a skilled person with so much knowledge on how to repair these eagles.

[@klezmersue]

Wooooah! Hang in there Julie and family!

[@Lea-bw9wj]

I just learnt that a chair that I inherited from my Grandparents (they probably got it second hand) is Queen Ann. I new it was old but never realised what style it was

[@JoannaLouise200]

One of the best videos...beautiful historic building details and stunning period furniture (both my delight!). Good luck with everything!

[@sharoncameron281]

I’ve donated all the way from Australia. When the eagles finally come home, PLEASE title your video ‘the eagles are coming!’ 😂

[@sandyhill5766]

Or .. the eagles have landed..

[@MappertonLive]

Thank you SOOOO much!!!!

[@brettanymichellelawson-top5197]

​@@MappertonLive believe in yourselves in what u can do trust in yourselves

[@sheilabing9588]

Oh Julie, you've had quite a few knocks over the past year with various buildings and the weather. Take heart you're doing a wonderful job saving the estate's heritage for your family and the nation. You go girl 🎉

[@barbarakelly1020]

Restoring these old places can be a nightmare. Haha Julie, you should have gone all the way and brought a Mini to take the furniture home.

[@anitamattner6906]

Another wonderful video - love your antique purchases - so happy you got your chair! It will all come together, love your juggling projects and commitment to all of them in different ways! Love your updates!

[@leahloveukulele]

No hesitation on clicking on this video ❤

[@nanabutner]

Luke is so cute! Not sure how helpful, but very cute! How far are the beavers from the fairytale cottage? I truly love the beavers! My grandfather use to take me behind his house for miles and miles to see beaver dams, catfish fishing, crawfish catching so it takes me back over 60 years to my childhood. Thank you for letting me remember.

[@katepenk3401]

Julie, you are delightful! I love your quick wit and funny comments. I want you for my best friend!!!

[@bettecannavino4047]

I’m so sorry that this has happened. I too have missed the videos on the cottage. Wishing you all the best in finding the leak and getting the job completed in time!

[@markkinder7637]

Can you replace the roof? It looks like it has seen better days. I know the building is registered as an historic sight but the driving rain going through the roof will ruin the work you have already started. Love the show. Good luck with the restoration. 🥰

[@sorbabaric1]

Whoever first made the eagles did a beautiful job.

[@nataliekeane8944]

Oh I loved this episode. So many interesting updates in the one vlog, it's all getting so exciting. Please don't miss out a single step in the renovations, I'm here for them all! Even if its just a time-lapse of the tiling being done!🙏😅

[@elisabeth6108]

I guess it was a bit of a blessing that the one eagle tipped over so you discovered how compromised they are before it is too late. Good luck getting the leak sorted - such sneaky things. But the cottage will come together fast.

[@Susan.I]

Lovey furnishings. Julie!!!

[@marilyningram9280]

Love watching all your channels, fun being a couch potato . good luck with all your projects.. If I ever get out of Canada I know where my first trip will be.. Just one thing. you don't have to clic bait your stories with odd statements or funny faces . Just smile your wonderful smiles and say plainly what's happening. Have a wonderful day!!

[@sandyhill5766]

Holding thumbs it all works out….. ❤ I still cannot wait for the completed renovation … it will all work out in the end 🙏🙏

[@krisboyst6362]

Such a lot going on..take a breath because everything will get done and you will do an amazing job decorating and getting all the projects done. What great fun you had bidding on all the amazing items that will make things feel comfortable, cozy like home:)

[@genevievemurray7743]

When I visited Versailles, they had photocopied canvas images of the restoration walls in question in front of the rigging. Could you get some temporary image flags of the eagles to mount on the front gate pillars with a temporary plaque describing the work in progress and where to donate?

[@carolynpredmore5153]

We rented an historic cottage at Williamsburg one summer. When we arrived, the cottage was having plumbing problems. We were whisked away to the Williamsburg Inn instead for the week. Might you have some rooms where the yoga participants have stayed in the main house as a backup if Keepers Cottga e is not finished? I doubt anyone would be upset about staying in the main house.

[@bnadvornik]

You guys are great! One small victory for history at a time.

[@fredrika27]

Sometimes you need to bite into the sour 🍏! I know it's expensive, but take those tiles off the roof, sort into usable/unusable, fix the support beams and relay the tiles, then insulate. An entirely new roof would cost you easily £120,000! Doing it this way, might reduce the cost to half (£60k) or even 60% (£48k)! This way, you ensure the work for another 50-60 years. If you rented the cottage out at £125 a night with 50% occupancy, you could recoup your investment in about three years! If you rented it with a 3-5 year lease, all cost would be recovered by year three depending on the rent you charge. But you know all this!😊

[@karstenjohansen6881]

You will need to restore the whole iron-gate fense too and the gate doors ass well at some point 😃 it’s a big project. But great work guys 😃👍

[@rosemariedeschenes7013]

Praying you find the leak in the cottage soon. Praying your fund raising for the eagles 🦅 is successful. Lovely items from the auction. Thanks for sharing 😍😘

[@jensvonbrasch1466]

I’ve too come to enjoy Julie and Luke’s programs, including American Viscountess and Julie’s Italian house program. Big congratulations to them both! Do keep it up. As to the eagles, I can’t help wondering whether replacing them with copies in new and better weathering materials mightn’t be better and cheaper and less painful in the end than trying to restore those fine 17th century relics that may not even survive well if restored to their plinths. It may be that there’s something in the rule-book about only restoring the old but sometimes this seems the lesser choice thinking long term. The original eagles of course go into a museum where they always remain available for ‘redeployment’ as it were.

[@Maggs.19]

I LOVE this cottage!! Absolutely adore it. ❤❤

[@christophermaulden733]

Is slate on the roof of the Keepers Cottage ? What type , where is it from , and what is the age of the existing slate/tile on the roof ? Why not just replace the roof with new slate or tile with new copper flashing and drainage pipes ? Probably cost . At least you would be assured the roof isn't leaking and in good shape for many years . What are the various types of roofing material appropriate for that era/age of building ? The furniture choices are lovely and I can't wait to see the finished interior design . The colors and fabrics are perfect . Excellent taste .

[@jeffreyport1099]

Renovations on an old place always prepare 3x estimate cost and 3x finish date to include all the inspection to pass.

[@jeffreyport1099]

I wanted to send something to you in the mail, but not sure how to address it. ty

[@TrudyAnnBarker]

I know you adore your decorator... I wish I were closer because all his green and tans are boring for a fairytale cottage. . Best Wishes for 6 weeks completion!!!

[@pinkladypro]

Well it’s a learning moment for sure. Most likely every cottage on the estate needs a new roof and chimney update. Better to figure that out now then after you have beautifully made over many others.

[@abbiejoliec3133]

Best Wishes!❤

[@jonimarchese7655]

Hi Julie and Luke, I am so sorry about the "Keeper's Cottage," there is nothing worse than water damage, the problem with it is, the damage and be at one end of the house, but the leak can be at the other, it makes it so hard sometimes to find the root of the problem. Now the Eagles, 20,000. pounds is just crazy, don't worry, everything will work out as planned. Just like you got all the auction items you wanted. "yay" Love from N.Y.

[@juliepixler]

Ok - crazy idea - but what if the eagles were just retired as museum pieces - behind glass & honoured that way - instead of pouring 20k into the pieces. Thinking - they're not lost - but just retired. You have probably already considered this option - they are so special & intricate & beautiful. Good luck on all of your endeavors always. 💛

[@sakurapablo671]

Oof. That’s like finding a needle in a haystack on where it’s coming from. And it is a wonderful cottage to be preserved. But I do hope that you’ll find the location of the hole for it on the leak. ❤

[@aliciadupuy9228]

Oh, nooo!! I hope it doesn't all go wrong!! But, it seems there is always a bigger project than planned when it comes to renovations. 'Labor of love'.. just keep repeating that to yourselves!!! Xxoo

[@mindakahn9964]

Thank you. Nicest people on this feed.

[@chateaudelannoy]

you get there , the eagles will look grand once done , success with the cottage ^^ grts Yves

[@maribethallen4947]

As I continue to watch this episode I too am so very sad, right now looking at the Eagles in the workshop - I’m sure that you’ve already thought of other alternatives to full rebuild/restore of the birds and everything else, but gosh, could replicas be made of some things? And then display what’s left of originals in a museum building on the Mapperton Grounds/Estate?

[@mollymoe222]

I had a version of that happen in a spare bedroom. The roofing company removed a bunch of shingles, put waterproofing materials on a wide area, and replaced the shingles. The problem was where a higher roof section met a lower addition to the house. I hope that you figure out the problem.

[@sindysimms4001]

You guys are doing a great job!

[@marianmilner5074]

You're the best Dan your such a great dad ❤

[@charliesgrl2]

The Eagles MUST be repaired; because, of course, they represent the American, who came to this house and has been so instrumental in resurrecting it!

[@eringemini7091]

Aloha Julie & Luke! I think this video answers my question; "Why are there so MANY beautiful old buildings, homes, manors, & Castles abandoned in the U.K.?" ( its very sad).😔 But, I know with you in charge, it will be okay!😊 The cottage & Eagles will be transformed. btw I get to SEE inside many of these abandoned homes by watching Finders Beepers History Seekers YT channel, they explore these forgotten homes which are usually PACKED with stunning unique antique gorgeous furniture & other items. Too bad there wasn't a way to save all these valuables before the vandals get to them.

[@patriciahughes5592]

Julie and Luke, we have vocational schools over here. Are they available in the UK. You may get the roofing half price, and the stone work. Just paying for the materials?

[@drummerlovesbookworm9738]

Takes great patience and vision.

[@sometea4741]

It could be coming from the adjacent roof as well and just leaking along the trusses into that area. It's abutted up to the section that is showing the signs of water damage. It is possible that the place where the 2 roofs meet is allowing water. Put up some tarps. Lol it will help dry in the building. A heater blower and or dehumidifier should be run to dry out the leak moisture to preserve the integrity of the current and past renovations.

[@paulinehill8965]

Would it not be possible to recast the eagles and used todays materials. Just wondering

[@28105wsking]

Well, the first thing to do when trying to locate the leak would be to clear the walls of all those vines, because their roots are piercing thru the stonework! It looks to me like you should be able to pull them all down in one or two days. You can't restore the cottage without pulling them down. We had lots of leaks and dry rot at Manjushri due to the heavy vines all up the outside walls! They weakened the structure of the brickwork and allowed moisture to seep inside the walls. We actually found huge long ivy roots growing inside the walls from the outside vines, which seemed so pretty! One of them was thirty feet long!! Horrors! I hope you can fix it up and rent it out for some extra income. It certainly is pretty.

[@laurareutter6928]

Would you be able replicate the eagles in copper or even a synthetic material that is light weight and more durable?

[@ffanel6201]

Loved auction house…here in NJ…so much older furniture at auction, antique stores, or just on sale on different sites…no one wants it…same can be said for hummels or other collectibles..

[@susanhoover7925]

Love your channel

[@OurCountryRetreat]

We are buying a characterful but run down English cottage right now, so we will be following your videos for ideas 🙂

[@MappertonLive]

Wonderful!

[@SchalkP100]

The steel is corroding because it is protecting the lead due to the electrolytic difference between the two metals. Stainless steel will however corrode the lead eagles, due to electrolytic difference between these two metals. Rather consider some or another resin, which will be electrolytic inactive for the restoration.

[@SchalkP100]

If making use of stainless steel, it must not be in direct contact with the lead by separating it from each other with an inactive material.

[@lianefehrle9921]

When you lay your head down at night to go to sleep tell yourself over and over, that there is nothing you can do about right so I might as well go to sleep. I really do enjoy you.

[@LadyLJOII]

So sad about the Eagle Twins, even greenery growing thru one's tail....they have been in existence for a loooooooong time. Can they be repaired or do they need to be replaced? Not surprised on the cost. You could keep the originals in a special exhibit. Just an idea. It seems in life in general, you have to create a Plan A, B, C, D...... Aren't English cottage leaky roofs a tradition? Not that you want to have one....🙂

[@papagaaiable]

I would think about measuring them up in 3D and make a replica in a 3D printer. You can then decide to make a cast and a metal copy or using some resin that looks pretty well like bronze. Artists use it, it is also lighter in weight, great for the crumbling gate. A lot of historic places use replicas of their statues outdoors to protect the originals from decay through the elements. Keep the old eagles as an exhibit indoors and use the replicas at the gates. The old eagles have reached their pension age and deserve a nice warm spot indoors.

[@28105wsking]

You can get the cottage finished by April if you hire crews of workers, but you have to get those vines down and clear the outside up. I fear you have severe dry rot in the roof timbers from that longstanding leak. See what the price of having new eagles made would be, instead of repairing the old ones. You might ask the woodworking classes at the local high school or community college to make you new ones! Give the kids a chance to develop their skills and feel like they have a hand in restoring Maperton! It may add to the excitement of having people stay in the cottage if you just tell them that it is still in the process of repair, but 'rusticly ready' if they are up for a bit of rustic country living for a bit!!

[@lorikeller7990]

Sadly the eagles can only be afforded by people who are independently wealthy. Considering the cost of repair a person has to ask -how much other renovation work could be done with the donated money ?

[@normasaldivar8645]

Deep breath. Deep breath. Time will expand to meet your needs. What seems untenable is merely a mirage. You will do it. Deep breath. Deep breath. Chin up, Chicago. Fellow Chicagoan is sending you positive energy.m

[@leahmarieezra877]

I was noticing that Mapperton has over 132,000 subscribers and 20,000 views on this video. If all 20,000 viewers gave £1, they would meet their goal. Just a thought.

[@sharonrobb.94]

Julie a question. What sculptures were in the niches below the Eagles?

[@MappertonLive]

There weren't any - they have been like that for 300 years too.

[@pamelafayebradshaw]

❤LOVE JULIE ❤LOVE LUKE ❤LOVE COTTAGE❤😘BEST WISHES TO ALL!❤

[@maryjanekolesar8325]

Gosh, what a nightmare; water travels and it can be so difficult to find the origin of a leak. You should always have a backup plan to take away stress; doesn't mean you've thrown in the towell just that you're prudent.

[@lin2thez341]

I have a 100+ year old house that had a leak and no one could find the source. It rained one day and, fed up, I busted a hole into the third floor wall.......and found that leak! Water can be quite sneaky.

[@edramirez1240]

I feel your pain. I found out that the main electrical cable of my home has to be replace. The excavation & installation will come to $12000 USD. Aaaaaaaaah!

[@madelinejarvis7353]

Do you have an attic? If it comes from the roof could pinpointed the source

[@sarahstorey8492]

Forget the eagles I think a Julie and Luke would be better. Put the eagles on display. The cottage will be amazing fingers crossed you do it on time. Xx

[@13soap13]

@eagles. That is too much money. Maybe you should begin a "museum" for heirlooms that can not be repaired. I have no doubt that there is not an artist in all of UK who could duplicate this pair of eagles much more economically and use state-of-the-art materials to make them last even longer.

[@LSTEdD1]

You can do this! (Or, already did it!) The 70 room Breakers in Newport, in Rhode Island was built in 2 years! 😊

[@vickilynn1204]

I would try to get the moss off the roof first. You cannot see a thing with it on there. Best of luck.

[@mariadange06]

Why not melt and recast the two eagles? Might be stronger and easier?