Finally! We’ve Got a Moving Date For Our Dream Cottage: Ep4 - Our Move to the Countryside

[@neutonrenda2303]

Even though the comments on that site were negative, I think they were giving you sound advice. Even the paint on the stone outside could be making it damp. Those old stone buildings need breathable materials like lime mortar and limewash instead of paint. If you can find someone who specifically knows stone, that would be the best route. I'm looking forward to following your journey, hopefully the damp issue gets resolved successfully. ❤

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks so much for your insight and advice! You're absolutely right - those older stone buildings really do need to breathe. We’ve definitely taken on board that we should be using more breathable materials like lime mortar and limewash instead of standard paints or modern fixes. We're going to keep looking into specialists who know stone buildings well. Hopefully, we can get this damp issue sorted out properly. 😊 We appreciate your support and are glad you're following our journey! Best, Johnny, Adam & Benji x

[@julieparry]

Farrow and Ball for top quality breathable paints in incredible period colour range 👍

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks for the suggestion! We’re actually huge fans of Farrow and Ball and have used it throughout our current house. We love the depth and quality of their colours! We just weren’t sure if it would be suitable for the old cottage, but after seeing your positive comment about it, it’s definitely back on our list. Really appreciate the recommendation! 😊🏡🖌️

[@ashTame]

My husband and I live in a four hundred year old cottage. My advice is fear not damp! It comes and goes, as long as you've a good roof it can be tackled without drastic action. Buy a descent dehumidifier for when it's bad and don't put anything against the wall. Also, use Farrow and Ball damp resistant paint, makes a big difference! Loving the vibe of the video.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Hi there! Wow, a four hundred year old cottage - now that’s incredible! Thanks so much for the reassurance and advice. We’ve definitely been a bit intimidated by the idea of managing damp, but it’s great to know that it’s something that can be kept under control with the right approach. We’ll absolutely look into getting a dehumidifier for those damp spells, and thanks for the tip on not putting anything against the wall-it’s something we hadn’t really thought about. Also, we love the recommendation for Farrow and Ball’s damp-resistant paint! That’s definitely going on the list of things to explore further. So glad you’re enjoying the vibe of the videos! It’s really encouraging for us to hear 😊 Best wishes, Johnny, Adam & Benji

[@asbosable]

Farrow and Ball. Our whole cottage was painted with it. Brilliant stuff!

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

We absolutely love Farrow & Ball’s colours and have used them in our current home! For the cottage, we’ve been wondering whether there’s a specific type of Farrow & Ball paint that’s best suited for older properties. Since we need something breathable to help manage damp, would you recommend a particular product from their range? We’ve heard Limewash might be ideal, but any thoughts or advice would be appreciated! 😊

[@asbosable]

@@TwoMenTheirDog I think the advice from the person above is spot on. Humidifiers really do work but don’t expect miracles. Never put anything tight up against the walls. In built wardrobes, your clothes will go mouldy. Fitted kitchens, the same they will eventually start to warp. It all restricts air movement. In my old village, one of my neighbours had the most incredible thatched cottage with open plan kitchen and a huge oak framed conservatory on the back (how she obtained planning I’ve no idea with the heritage stazi putting a stop to everything) but even her kitchen was not fitted. It was a free standing unit kitchen. It was awesome. All mitigates the damp finding places to break out. Bathrooms are difficult but adequate ventilation and decent extractors will make it less of a problem.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks so much for this insight! The advice on keeping things away from the walls is really helpful, especially since we’re still getting our heads around how to manage damp properly. We hadn’t considered the potential issues with fitted kitchens or wardrobes warping over time, so that’s definitely something we’ll keep in mind. A free-standing kitchen sounds like a great idea, especially in an old cottage like ours! We’re also looking into proper ventilation and extractors for the bathroom to mitigate any potential damp buildup. Your experience has been really valuable-thank you! 😊

[@Jack-eo5fn]

These 2 are really, sincerely good guys. Congratulations on the new place.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you for the kind words! We truly appreciate it and are so excited about the new place. It’s been an incredible journey, and comments like yours keep us motivated. Cheers! 😊🏡

[@SteveR100AU]

I remember in the 1980s a friend bought a Cottage in Northumberland with the same problem, when he asked the local natives called “Geordie’s” what he should do ,they said “Eeeee just live in it Pet.,The HOOSE will soon tell ya how to repair it .Remember the hoose has been around for 150 years and cared for its owners through snowstorms and sun so just divint worry” Such a quaint custom these natives of Northumberland have thinking their houses are alive 😂LOL On a Personal note I found Farrow and Ball damp proofing paint a godsend when helping in repainting the cottage in 2023 . Yes it has cared for him happily and lovingly through storms blizzards and COVID . And when I was there I found myself talking to the damn cottage much to my friend’s constant amusement!

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

What a charming comment, full of both humor and wisdom! It’s amazing how old homes like these seem to have their own personalities, and it’s so true that sometimes the house itself will "tell" you how to care for it. We’ve heard great things about Farrow and Ball damp-proofing paint as well, so it's fantastic to hear that it worked wonders for your friend’s cottage. And we can’t help but smile at the thought of chatting with our new home too - who knows, maybe it’ll offer some guidance during those stormy Scottish nights! 😊 Thanks for sharing such a lovely story!

[@MsRiverdee]

Cement between the stones has to be dug out and replaced with lime mortar inside and out then covered with a lime wash on the outside. A trench needs to be dug on the end gable wall and filled with stones then chuckies to give good drainage. (it might be wise to lift the floor boards at the same time and see what's going on under there). All learned from watching Camper Vibe on you tube who are restoring a cottage in Ireland. This is the way to go and you could do all the work yourself although it is messy and time consuming. Plus the outside work needs dry weather (difficult in Scotland!) or a massive plastic sheet to protect it while it dries slowly.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks for the solid advice! We’ve been hearing a lot about lime mortar and proper drainage, so it seems like that’s definitely the way to go. We’ll check out Camper Vibe’s videos too - sounds like they’ve got some great insights from their own restoration project. The idea of tackling the work ourselves is really appealing (even if it’s messy and time-consuming, as you say!). And yes, finding dry weather in Scotland is going to be the biggest challenge! Thanks again for sharing your knowledge - really appreciate it! 😊

[@maxcopen4676]

Hi guys, speaking from the experience, I have always lived in older properties including one listed property (300 yrs old) with damp issues and the only advice I would give you is to avoid the chemical dpc treatments, they can be expensive and are ineffective. They might initially seem like a quick fix but in my experience its a temporary cover up. The problems always return. A better option would be to first fix the cause of the damp issue and then make sure that you have good ventilation and air flow inside the property.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Hi! Thanks so much for sharing your experience - it’s really helpful to hear from someone who has lived in older properties. We’ve been going back and forth on the best approach for tackling the damp issue, and your advice makes a lot of sense. We’ve definitely been hearing similar concerns about chemical DPC treatments from others too, so it’s reassuring to know that our gut instinct about avoiding them is backed by people with experience like yourself. We’ll definitely look further into fixing the root cause of the damp and focus on ventilation and airflow like you suggested. It’s great to know that those more traditional methods tend to be more effective long term, especially in properties with as much history as ours! Thanks again for the tip, it’s really appreciated! Best, Johnny, Adam & Benji 😊

[@tinkerbell2606]

Hello gentlemen from France . All property or should I say 90% is old here and damp and condensation are always issues but infinitely easily solvable. My home is 400 years old our sons the same etc.. Its always the same culprits not hard to solve yourselves at all. . 1. Outside and inside walls must be returned to the stone first. 2. Pointed again using new lime plaster. 3. The land to the outside of the wall should be dug away lower than the inside to 1 meter width. 4. The inside floor should be checked for height incase this should be dug lower, in case of a barn generally yes a cottage is usually good. 5 of course check the trough ins (sorry i cannot spell this word).. 6. the chimney is easy point, clean, and line with flu. &, any paint should be lime with water, chalk paint as these breath. any plaster lime. lastly open all windows and doors and ventilate. Also to note that any gas ie heat source or cooking should not be used as gas is a wet source of heating. nice channel I will watch as one of our sons has just offered also on a property in Scotland also same estate agent.No where near you both though. All the best.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Bonjour from Scotland! Thanks so much for the detailed advice - it’s amazing to hear from someone who’s dealt with these issues in similar properties. Your step-by-step tips are invaluable, especially about using lime plaster and ensuring proper drainage around the walls. We’ll definitely take all this on board as we move forward. It’s comforting to know that these problems are manageable and not as overwhelming as they first seem. Best of luck to your son with his property in Scotland too - exciting times ahead for both of us! 😊

[@paulpuckerinGM]

Such exciting times ahead so glad you invited us along for the adventer. ❤❤❤

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks, Paul! 😊 We’re so excited for what’s ahead and couldn’t be happier to have you along for the adventure! ❤❤❤

[@craigpaton]

Hello Guys. Your you tube channel popped up on my feed today and I am so glad that it did. I´ve now watched all of your videos, albeit chronologically backwards from newest to oldest! Best of luck with your new cottage. From your style I can tell that it will be superb. Your story resonates a bit with me as I am from Ayrshire and four years ago moved to Madeira, Portugal after I lost my husband of 44 years and spent a year renovating a wreck. I look forward to seeing your story unfold. And pet to Benjie from Pixie (I didn't name her, she was a rescue!) Cheers Craig

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Hi Craig, we’re so sorry to hear about your husband. It’s inspiring to hear how you’ve taken on such a big project in Madeira after such a difficult time. And what a small world - Ayrshire isn’t too far from where we are! It’s great to hear that our story resonates with you. We’ll definitely do our best with the cottage and hope it lives up to expectations! Give Pixie (love that she’s a rescue) a pet from us and Benji. Thanks again for following along with our journey-your support means a lot. Cheers! 😊🏡🐾

[@janechamblesswright119]

I was 60, husband was 64 - ten years ago when we sold everything and moved into a derelict stone schoolhouse in northwestern ireland. We are both New Yorkers . Our home is warm and comfortable, thanks to the heavy insulation we added to the inside. We had it gutted down to the bare stone walls, added studwork throughout, and placed 6 inch thick, solid foam insulation panels with foil backing (allowing a couple inches between the stone and the insulation to allow for air to move - no cold-bridging) across the entire interior. “Sure your can heat the whole house with a candle” our contractor told us - and he was right. I too had a romantic notion of exposed stone - and left a couple places on the gable ends. Being warm with manageable fuel oil costs, beats the romance of open stones and freezing winter nights - hands down. When I built my studio out of the old stone schoolhouse lavatory in the back yard a few years later - I opted for a roll-out, more affordable insulation. I deeply regret this, as it’s difficult to keep it warm enough in February. Do NOT skimp on quality insulation. Do it right, leave the ventilation space behind the panels - and keep the stone “breathing” as it must. if you think about how the old cottages were meant to perform? The fire NEVER went out. The interior was heated, and the damp was pushed outwards. The modern home has the heat on only when we get home from work….allowing damp to build up inside. You can get your damp issues solved fairly simply if you know how the cottage worked for the first 175 years - and don’t fall for the equivalent of the Victorian advertisement for the “electric belt” which promises to cure halitosis, consumption, and falling arches… In the spirit of bright good will to you both? Please know and understand that you will both become different people. Moving is more than a change of address. You have spent your lives in an urban/suburban environment - and will find yourself in a few short weeks - in a rural world. We are NOT the same people who commuted through Grand Central Station every morning. This rural life has shaped us into completely unrecognizable folks - and this necessary to survive here. You will miss your usual comforts - and must hold onto your new lives with joy and humor. It ain’t easy. But all will come to pass if you are patient, kind, and never lose your sense of humor. Best of all great good things to you both. You got this.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Wow, thank you so much for sharing your story! It’s incredibly inspiring to hear about your journey from New York to rural Ireland and the transformation that came with it. Your experience with the old stone schoolhouse gives us a lot to think about, especially regarding insulation and the importance of keeping the stone breathing. We’re definitely taking all of this on board as we move forward with the cottage. We completely resonate with your point about how moving is more than just a change of address - it’s a whole new way of life. We’re ready to embrace those changes, even knowing it won’t be easy, but like you said, with joy and humor, we’ll get through it. Your message has made us even more excited for this next chapter, and we feel so grateful for your kind words and advice. Wishing you and your husband continued happiness in your home and sending all our best from Scotland! 😊🏡🐾

[@janechamblesswright119]

@@TwoMenTheirDog Ha! Yes. The family saying here is “Shit’s heavy. Nobody’s coming.” Cold? Drive 30 miles to the fuel depot, buy kindling, wood, kerosene, and a fifty pound bag of coal. Drive home, drag it into the house - build that fire. Shit’s HEAVY. The oven dies? The sink backs up? The washing machine overflows? The septic tank misbehaves? Get onto KZbin, learn how. Order parts you need online. Fix it yourself. NOBODY’s coming to help you… Welcome to rural living. Smile and keep walking!

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

It sounds like it's going to be quite an experience. I just hope the three of us are cut out for it 😄🏡🐾

[@neutonrenda2303]

Congratulations, great news. Scary stuff, but very exciting at the same time. Benji looks very happy and entertaining lol.❤

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you so much! 😊 It’s definitely a bit scary, but so exciting at the same time. Benji is loving every minute of it and always keeps us entertained! 🐾 Stay tuned for more updates! Best, Johnny, Adam & Benji x

[@cajsheen2594]

Benji is happy because you are, same as when you were sad, he's picking up your vibes! ❤ XXX

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

That’s so true! 😊 Benji definitely picks up on our vibes-whether we’re happy or a bit down, he’s always in tune with us. ❤ XXX

[@SharynWilliamson]

Yahoo great news ,how exciting Benjamin has his teddy ready to go. It will give you the chance to have a big clean out , I think in a life time you should shift 4 times . Luv Sharyn and Rosie 🇳🇿

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks so much, Sharyn and Rosie! 😊 Benjamin’s all set with his teddy, and we’re definitely going to use this move as a chance to have a good clean out - although I’m sure we’ll still keep a few ‘treasures,’ haha! Four moves in a lifetime sounds like great advice! Love from Scotland to New Zealand! 🏡🐾

[@judewilliams9345]

Fantastic..... congratulations 🎉❤. So happy for you all ❤❤❤❤❤

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you so much! We’re absolutely thrilled, and your support means a lot to us. We’re excited to share this next chapter of our journey with you all. Stay tuned for more updates! 😊🐾 Cheers, Johnny, Adam & Benji x

[@PeterMccabe-h3q]

Brilliant stuff ,All the best Peter from South Africa Lots of love

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you, Peter! So glad you’re enjoying the videos. Sending love all the way to South Africa! 🌍❤️ We really appreciate the support and can’t wait to share more of the journey with you. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from our move to the countryside! 🏡😊

[@jonclassical2024]

CONGRATS Fellows!!! Can't wait to see your new place and what you get up to around the new place!

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you so much! We’re really excited too-it’s going to be a fun (and likely challenging!) journey getting the new place sorted, but we can’t wait to share all the ups and downs with you. Stay tuned for what’s coming next-we have so many plans for the cottage! 😊

[@annetteweston4135]

Oh the joys of buying an old house. I originally come from the isle of Wright but moved to Australia... here brought a 140yo house but in Queensland they are wooden houses and we have problems with rot and the biggest one is termites which get in thr walls and eat the frame work and its only years later when the outside or inside walls have holes that you know. New brick houses have them to and its even harder to know you have them .. well good luck you will find away of fixing it.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you for sharing your experience - it’s interesting to hear about how old houses present different challenges depending on where they are! Your story about dealing with termites in Queensland sounds like a real headache. We can imagine how stressful it would be to not know they’re there until much later. Luckily, here in Scotland, termites aren’t an issue, but we’re sure there will be plenty of other challenges. It’s all part of the journey with old houses! Best of luck with your home too, and thanks for the encouragement - we’ll definitely find a way to fix things! 😊🏡

[@ellieb3930]

Congratulations. Exciting but busy few weeks ahead for you both. This video just crossed my feed and I've thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking at your current home and garden I wish you could come to NZ and do mine for me. We have similar - and obviously good😉- tastes in decor and gardening. Good luck with the packing. That's a job I hate with a passion, but it'll all be worth it in the end.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you so much! We’re thrilled to hear you’ve enjoyed the video and share similar tastes in decor and gardening - it means a lot! We would absolutely love to come to New Zealand and help with your place, sounds like a dream! 😁 And yes, packing is definitely not our favourite either, we're just trying to find the motaation to do it, hah ha! 😄 But like you said, it’ll all be worth it in the end. Thanks for the encouragement and good luck with your own projects too! Sending good vibes from Scotland! ✨😊🏡

[@marygiacobetti4678]

Your back patio is beautiful.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you so much for the lovely compliment! We’ve really poured our hearts into making that patio a little haven where we can unwind and escape the hustle and bustle. It’s great to hear that it comes across as the peaceful spot we intended! 😊 We’re definitely going to miss this oasis when we move, but we’re excited to create something similar in our new countryside cottage too! Thanks again for watching and sharing the love!

[@frankbriley4706]

Frank here in Dallas, Texas USA. I’ve just found y’all’s channel. I’m looking forward to the journey with both of you.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks for joining us, Frank! It’s great to have someone from Dallas, Texas, along for the ride. We’re really excited to share our journey with everyone, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts as we move forward with our big move to the countryside. Hope you enjoy what’s coming up! 😊🏡

[@tonyworrall7379]

Looking forward to following your journey. We live in an old house in Snowdonia. We down sized from a larger old house nearby in 2021. They have their difficulties but we prefer them!

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks so much! It's great to hear from someone else who’s embraced the charm and character of older homes. We’ve definitely come to realise that while they have their quirks and challenges, they offer so much personality and warmth. We look forward to sharing our journey with you as we navigate our move and tackle the joys and difficulties of cottage life. Snowdonia must be an incredible place to live - hope you’re enjoying it there! 😊

[@laurabenson5404]

Cheering you on from Colorado 🇺🇸♥️⛰️Hugs for your Sweetie🐾💙🐾

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you so much for the love from Colorado! We’re so grateful to have you cheering us on from across the pond. Benji sends you big Labrador hugs! 🐾 Your support really means a lot to us as we continue this exciting journey. Best, Johnny, Adam & Benji x

[@TheJeffry11]

I just found your channel and I am very excited to start binge watching. You gentleman had taken on a task of moving to the country is so inspiring. Living in the states, I continue to ask my husband, isn’t it time that we move to a quiet country place. So yes, I’m a little jealous because I have spent a lot of time in Scotland and at the same time. I’m so happy for the two of you look forward to watching more. Cheers, Doug.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Hi Doug! 😊 We’re so glad you found our channel and can’t wait for you to binge-watch! Moving to the countryside has been a dream of ours for years, so we totally get where you’re coming from. Scotland’s beauty is hard to resist - especially after spending time here! Maybe it’s time to finally convince your husband that a quiet country life is calling 😉. Thanks so much for your kind words, and we hope you enjoy watching our journey as much as we’re enjoying living it. Cheers from Scotland! 🌿🏡 Benji sends his love too! ❤️

[@GreenHawkins]

Congrats!! Let the borage of great videos begin!! ❤

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you so much!! 🎉 We’re really excited to bring you more videos of our journey and can’t wait to share all the adventures that lie ahead as we move to the countryside. Stay tuned for more! Best, Johnny, Adam & Benji x

[@adds91]

We live in a damp Cornish stone cottage, we would totally recommend living your first winter with the damp, you’ll then see where your main damp problems are and come spring know where you want to focus first. Have read you’ve already had dehumidifier recommendations, we run a couple, we also use our window vac lots! There’s usually a good Karchr deal around Black Friday. After every shower the bathroom tiles are vacuumed & window thrown open to air the room, our bathroom is in the worst area of our cottage for damp for us. In winter even with the dehumidifiers running at night, we have to vac the windows each morning to remove the condensation. We also throw our windows open each day even when it gets very cold (just for half an hour some days) to let the house breathe, I turn off the dehumidifiers when windows are open as no point trying to remove water from the outside atmosphere! We now know the route of our problems, it’s just taking time to fix as we are slowly doing it ourselves & you do adjust to living with damp and learning how to handle it, we are about to head into our third winter in this house & Im not dreading this year. Our house is wrapped in a cement render which we need to remove. In the worst areas we have removed the bottom foot of render to allow some breathability, we’ve also discovered the land around the house has been built up & natural drainage flows blocked so we need to remove paving/ add drainage and as we tackle rooms individually we are re plastering in lime where it’s needed but we are also working to the principle if we have areas where gypsum isn’t causing problems we are leaving it be. I recognise the forum you asked in and there’s another forum that recommends a different book and slightly different approach. Some of the forums can seem to be very purist but the main thing we’ve taken from them is to look at the advice on spab.org.uk and also talk to your lime suppliers, they are excellent for advice and will know specialists that work in your area too Good luck with it and hope the selling stage speeds along for you

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience - it’s really helpful for us as we prepare for life in our new cottage. We're not in yet, but we know damp is something we’ll need to tackle, and your advice about living through the first winter to see where the problems lie really makes sense. It sounds like dehumidifiers and window vacs are essential tools for managing it day-to-day, and we’ll definitely keep that in mind. We love the idea of gradually addressing issues like render and drainage, which seems to be a common theme in advice we’ve heard, and we'll definitely be hecking out SPAB and talking to lime suppliers for guidance. It’s great to hear that after a couple of winters, you’ve adapted to living with the damp and are making progress. Thanks again for the support and for pointing us in the right direction! Fingers crossed, we’ll be settling in soon! 😊🏡

[@adds91]

@@TwoMenTheirDog I’ve learnt to accept I have to take the bad of rural living as the good completely outweighs it 😀 I never tire of stepping out the door to walk our dog in stunning quiet countryside full of mining history. A damp house and days where the wind is blowing so hard it makes it hard to even open my car door are what we have to take for a few months of each year. Other recommendations are a good pair of boots, we had decent walking boots already but we’ve both now got mid calf equestrian ‘country’ boots. Warm, dry and no laces, they just slip on & off and are fab for dog walks or walks across the fields to our local pub 😀 Another random things we’ve learnt recently is, if you are using distemper paint it doesn’t last long before it goes off, so freeze some of what you have remaining in an ice cube tray and save the blocks in your freezer to defrost when you need a small amount to patch up any areas or knocks. Distemper is about double the cost of normal paint and made to order

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It’s great to hear how you've embraced the challenges of rural living, especially with the perspective that the good far outweighs the bad. We can’t wait to experience those moments of peace and beauty ourselves, even if it means getting used to the quirks like dampness and battling the elements. The tip about country boots sounds perfect for our walks with Benji, especially since we’ve been thinking about what kind of gear will be essential. And the advice on distemper paint is something we’ll definitely keep in mind - freezing it is such a clever hack! We’re sure small things like that will make a big difference as we settle in. Thanks again for subscribing and for all the helpful tips! 😊

[@anniewalden9697]

Everything in this material world emanates energy or frequency so I am not surprised people react the way they do. Sometimes we just don't know stuff- That is all! House vibrate although you cannot see it with your eyes. It has history / memories/ etc due the previous owners. Sometimes if we are open to this we can feel it for ourselves.Nothing odd either way - some do feel / some don't!😍❤

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

That's a fascinating perspective! It's true that spaces and objects can carry a sort of "energy" or history, and some people are more attuned to it than others. Older homes, in particular, often evoke a strong sense of connection to the past. While this might sound a bit mystical, many people feel the charm and character of old cottages because of the history embedded in their walls. It’s just another layer to the experience of moving to a historical property - embracing its past while creating a new chapter. Thanks for sharing that lovely insight! 😊

[@mariaharrison1682]

Buzzing for you, thats happening quick - get that crap cleared! amazing news, try to enjoy the process - you will learn as you go as you live with the old quirky cottage. You will heat with the chimney and living in it - all will help and you will learn so much about the new language of your lovely new home x you will never rid the house of damp completely so live with x

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks so much, we’re buzzing too! It’s happening fast, and yeah, we’re definitely getting that 'crap' cleared, haha! It’s such a learning process with an old cottage, and we can’t wait to heat it with the chimney and learn all its quirks. We know the damp will always be part of it, but it’ll just add to the charm of living with an old place. Thanks for the encouragement and for following along on our journey! 😊x

[@RobbieHerrera]

This video was suggested to me by the algorithm. New subscriber here and excited to see more of your adventure. My partner and I bought our bank-owned “fixer” home 11 years ago and slowly remodeled it to the lovely home it is today. Work continues here and there but I don’t think that will ever stop 😂. Cheers!

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Welcome to the channel! We're so glad the algorithm sent you our way. It sounds like you and your partner have been on quite the journey with your home too-remodeling never really ends, does it? 😄 We hope you enjoy following along as we work on our cottage! Cheers! 🍻😊🏡

[@stevehofmaster4292]

I was so happy to find your channel 😂😊😊love your dog Benjamin I have a yellow lab female I bet she would love Benjamin. What a beautiful area you live in,and I trust all will workout for the cottage .You guys look great and what a joy to come across you all.❤

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you so much! 😊 So glad you found us! I bet Benjamin and your yellow lab would get along wonderfully-he’s always up for making new friends! 🐾 We’re excited for the cottage and hoping everything works out. Really appreciate your kind words and support! ❤

[@johnnym5349]

Brilliant stone wall best of luck in your Cottage we have Cottage in Ireland built in 1885

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you, Johnny! 😊 The stone walls are one of our favorite features-they give the place so much character. Your cottage in Ireland must be incredible with all that history from 1885! Wishing you all the best with your home as well. 🏡🍀

[@MrHuismeester]

What a great news !!! Finally a date you can work on to, then there is a date to get moving to the Cottage in Scotland ! We are so happy for you guys now the date of moving is in 4 weeks from now and yes a lot of work is waiting for you in those coming weeks, but i am sure that when everything is done and you can close the door of your "old "house is will all be worth it ! Sure there will be some struggle when your have to pack and stuff maybe leaving behind or to the thrift store, but look at the horizon where Scotland is waiting for you ! Love the here the names of Barney and Elly and me and my husband were very surprised and we told Barney and Elly that they are official friends with Benjamin !! See you on the next video and success with the packing !

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you so much for your kind words and excitement! 🥳 We're absolutely thrilled to finally have a moving date, and yes, it's going to be a whirlwind of packing and preparing over the next few weeks, but it will all be worth it once we’re settled in our Scottish cottage. We're so glad Barney and Elly are now official friends with Benjamin! 🐾😊 It’s lovely to know our furry pals are a part of this journey too. Thanks again for your support, and we’ll keep you updated in the next video. See you soon and wish us luck with the packing! 🎉🐕

[@rogerbernard9572]

I love men, dogs, plants and country vistas. Congratulations to you both….I’ve never found a partner who shared the same dream/goals.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you so much, Roger! 😊 We feel really fortunate to be able to share this dream together with Benji and our love for the countryside. Wishing you all the best in finding someone who shares your goals and passions! 🐾🌿

[@brianlawson363]

Hello to you gents. I just found your channel and subbed straight away. I live in the southeastern United States where the humidity is just wretched as far as seeping into masonry and basement areas. I wish I could offer you guys more than moral support in solving the problem but will keep my ears open for information to pass on. Peace and blessings to you both. I'm looking forward to following your content.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Hi Brian! Thanks so much for subscribing and for the moral support! 😊 Humidity can definitely be a challenge-we appreciate any tips you might come across. Peace and blessings to you as well, and we’re so glad to have you along for the journey! 🙌

[@sue2611]

Make sure the ground around the cottage is sloped away to allow rain to drain away. Don't be tempted to add soil at the foundation to create the slope. Cut soil away far enough to create an adequate slope. Best of luck.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks for the tip! We’ll definitely make sure to manage the slope around the cottage so that rainwater drains away properly. Thiss sounds like a great suggestion to help prevent water from causing further issues with the stone walls. We really appreciate your advice and support! 😊🏡

[@heavenlyvilla8681]

The van wives just did a good video on creating good drainage around their lake side cottage to avoid the base flooding and getting damp.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks for the heads up! I’ll definitely check out the Van Wives' video-good drainage is something we’ll need to consider for sure. Appreciate the tip! 😊

[@toddgiaro7657]

I’ve just liked and subscribed! Best wishes from the mountains of Eastern Kentucky!

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you so much for liking and subscribing! 😊 Sending our best wishes right back from Scotland to the mountains of Eastern Kentucky! 🏞️ We hope you enjoy following along on our journey to the countryside-there’s lots more to come! 🐾

[@MarkADavisAZ]

Enjoying your journey!

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you so much! We're glad you're enjoying following along on our journey. It's been quite the adventure, and we’re excited to share more as we continue settling into cottage life. Stay tuned for more updates! 😊

[@mascottie]

Wow you do a great job on the upcycling. I used to like doing stuff like that. PS. Your editing of these videos is beautiful. First time watching.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks so much for the kind words! 😊 We really enjoy upcycling-it’s a great way to give old items a new life, and we’re glad you appreciate the work! Thrilled that you’re enjoying the editing as well; we put a lot of effort into making sure the videos are visually appealing. Welcome to the channel, and we hope you stick around for more! 😊

[@authorjdnichols]

congrats on the new house!

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you so much! 😊 We’re beyond excited to start this new chapter. Can’t wait to share all the updates and adventures with everyone!

[@RonRobertson-lafrance]

You've been given a lot of good advice about the necessity to have breathable materials on stone. If you need further advice, you might watch some of the KZbin channels on what people do in France on older buildings to deal with damp issues. Nearly all older buildings in France are stone-based (including my post-war home in Normandy). I've been told that if the base is granite (the main material in my area) you have more flexibility, but on other stone, like limestone, sandstone, and even brick, etc., using concrete as render will absolutely destroy the stone (and they have video showing the stone literally crumbling). Practically all older French buildings have had to deal with damp issues, usually caused by roof leaks, gutters backing up, poor drainage, or using the wrong renders or mortar, so fixing the source of the problem is important. French drains are often necessary, it's not an expensive process normally. Anyway, there are lots of Chateau DIY and French farmhouse videos made by UK, Australian, American and other English-language owners of these properties. I personally don't think it should be hugely expensive to resolve when it's not something major like needing an entire roof replaced.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you so much for this helpful advice! It’s great to hear from someone who’s experienced similar issues in an older stone building. We’ve been hearing a lot about the importance of breathable materials and avoiding concrete or other modern renders that trap moisture. Watching some of the videos you suggested about how damp issues are managed in France sounds like a fantastic idea, especially since it’s a country with so many stone-based buildings like our cottage. We’ll definitely look into French drains and other suggestions for improving drainage and fixing the source of the damp. It’s encouraging to hear that resolving this might not be as costly or complex as it first seemed. Thanks again for sharing your experience! 😊🏡

[@lindabroadfoot2963]

Congratulations. I am loving your channel and your taste in interiors. I love Victorian style. I also looked at your website and was amazed to see that you have a retail space in Garrion Bridge Garden Centre which is about 8 miles from my own country cottage! I may meet you there one weekend when I’m browsing the antique section!

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you so much for your kind words and for checking out our channel and website! We’re thrilled to hear you love vintage style too it’s such a big influence on our interior design choices. Wow - how amazing that you’re so close to Garrion Bridge Garden Centre! It would be great to cross paths one weekend while you’re browsing the antiques section. Feel free to say hello if you spot us! 😁🐾 Best wishes, Johnny, Adam & Benji x

[@KarenaDashfield]

Whatever you do you must use lime in your mix when dealing with stone...in your render and when pointing. You'll probably find a lot of the damp has been caused by a sand and cement being used previously. The lime allows the walls to breath whereas cement traps the moisture over time.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks for the heads-up! We’re learning so much about the importance of using lime when working with stone. It seems like cement has been used in the past, which could definitely be contributing to the damp issues. We’ll make sure to stick with lime in any rendering or pointing to allow the walls to breathe naturally and prevent future moisture problems. Appreciate you taking the time to share your advice! 😊🏡

[@janburgess-k8f]

Just stumbled on your site and will be following your journey .. check up on camper vibe doing their cottage up . They are awesome .. good luck and enjoy every moment .. ohh and I hope you picked up that dog 💩😮. Have fun . Hugs from all here ❤

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks so much for following our journey, we’re thrilled to have you on board! 😊 Camper Vibe is fantastic - we’ve definitely been checking out their work for inspiration too. And don’t worry, Benji’s little mess was definitely picked up! 🐾💩 Sending hugs from all of us, including Benji ❤️

[@joelcole8950]

Just found y’all, great. Cheers from North Carolina! ❤

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Hi there! 😊 Welcome to our channel! We're thrilled you found us all the way from North Carolina! ❤️ Thanks so much for the love, and we can't wait for you to follow along on our journey. Sending cheers from Scotland! 🌿🏡

[@stevehofmaster4292]

Benjamin loves the good news too😅😊😊😊😊❤

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Yes, Benjamin was just as excited as we were about the moving date! 🐾😅 Thanks for sharing in the good news with us, and for all your support! ❤

[@randyybanez1880]

your so handsome dude..goodluck to your new house...

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you so much! 😊 We really appreciate your kind words and well wishes for the new house! Exciting times ahead!

[@karenagnew-griffith6495]

I live in an old chalk lump property. No foundations, solid chalk lump walls. An outbuilding (was a dairy) converted to extend home. Exterior wall is partly below ground level. The lead flashing at roof junction was old. Lots of damp. Remedy was to improve lead flashing to cope with the increased rainfall when suddenly deluges of rain had overwhelmed the old flashing. Then to repoint exterior wall with lime. Then I painted bitumen on internal walls to a foot above the damp line. Then lined with insulated board with a membrane. Moisture from inside no longer condenses on wall. Moisture from ground, cannot enter home. Walls breath on outside. I cannot remove soil from exterior as dairy was built partly below ground to keep it cool and wall is on property boundary and soil is neighbours garden. They did allow me (belt and braces ) to dig a French drain in their garden and a soak away. I have humidity digital readouts in previously damp room and all sorted. I did it over time. And also ignored all the new fangled treatments that cost thousands. My advice is live with issue for a while. Measure humidity. Keep well ventilated to avoid condensation and I agree damp is nothing to be worried about unless ignored and left.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience with your chalk lump property - it sounds like a thoughtful and practical approach! We really appreciate how you balanced traditional methods with some modern touches, like the insulated boards with a membrane, and even working with your neighbor to dig a French drain. It's great advice to live with the issue for a while and carefully monitor humidity levels, giving the house time to adjust before making any big decisions. We’ll definitely take your suggestions on board and continue to explore the best long-term solutions for our cottage's damp issues. Thanks for the encouragement! 😊🏡

[@78Alcione]

We recently found your channel and have been enjoying your videos. Unfortunately we do not have plans to buy a property in Scotland but find very interesting to watch your efforts to move to the lovely cottage on the beautiful Scottish Countryside. We really like the title you have for your channel "two men and their dog". By the way, Benji the labrador is such a nice and beautiful dog. We love him ♥♥ Good luck to the three of you. Cheers from the USA.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled that you’ve been enjoying our videos, even if you're not planning to move to Scotland. The countryside here has a certain charm, and we’re glad to be able to share our journey with you! Benji definitely knows how to steal the show - he’ll be very pleased to hear he has fans in the USA! 🐾 Thank you for your support, and we wish you all the best. We hope you’ll continue to follow along with our adventures. Cheers! Best, Johnny, Adam & Benji x

[@janeyorke8684]

Wish you a very happy future both in your new home....and for sure you'll sort out the teething problems of your cottage.....be sure to get Benji Christmas sticking filled ready to hang.. I am permanently now living in lnverness Scotland since 2018...from my home town Birmingham England.... Happiness 🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤ to all three😊

[@janeyorke8684]

Hang Benji's Christmas stocking up....number one priority 😊

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

@@janeyorke8684 Thank you so much for your kind words and support! We're really excited to start this new chapter, and we're confident we'll get the cottage's quirks sorted in no time! Benji's Christmas stocking is definitely on the list - he wouldn’t have it any other way! 😁🎄🎁 Oh wow - Inverness, such a beautful part of Scotland. We were briefly up that way last year on one of our trips. Sending happiness and best wishes to you from us all. 🐾😊

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

@@janeyorke8684 definitely 😁🐾

[@KellyLewis-z6s]

Check out the advice you have been given on here and do check out camper vibe do not listen to any negativity

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks so much for the advice! We really appreciate all the feedback and suggestions from everyone on here. We’ll definitely check out Camper Vibe and take all the positive advice on board. Staying focused on good, helpful tips is key to getting through the challenges. Thanks again for watching and supporting our journey!

[@neojng]

you've inspied me and my husband to look at scotland, we want the same as you! also bought new build in 2020!

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

That’s amazing to hear! 😊 Scotland really is a beautiful place, and we’re so glad our journey has inspired you and your husband to consider it. It’s exciting that you bought a new build in 2020-lots of new adventures ahead for you both! Wishing you the best of luck with your plans, and keep us updated! 🏡✨

[@cajsheen2594]

Walk away from a charming cottage with lots of potential? Some folk give up too easily! When It's all been resolved you'll wonder why you worried so much! Everything is do-able! ❤ XXX

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you for the encouragement! 😊 We definitely agree-there’s so much potential in the cottage, and we’re sure once it’s all sorted, we’ll wonder why we stressed so much! Everything is definitely do-able! ❤ XX

[@JSAC66]

Brand-new viewer from USA,,,,,were you sitting outside in the rain under the pergola? I’m going to binge-watch your vids!

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Welcome to the channel, and thanks for binge-watching! 😄 As much as we'd love to sit outside in the rain under the pergola, it sadly doesn’t have a roof yet - so we might get a little too soggy for comfort! 🤣 The video clip of us sitting outside was actually one of those rare dry nights in Scotland, so we were taking full advantage!😊

[@rosaleezeier2559]

Go for it!!

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks for the encouragement! We’re definitely going for it and feeling more excited with every step. Your support means a lot - onward to the next chapter! 💪

[@yvonnewilliams]

Speak to, The Irish homestead, camper vibe and living the syke life, all have old cottages so may be able to help

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

That's great advice, and we're definitely taking notes! We're familiar with Camper Vibe, and we'll be sure to check out The Irish Homestead and Living the Skye Life for more insights on dealing with older cottages. It's awesome that there's such a supportive community out there! Thanks for the recommendations - really appreciate it! 😊🌿🏡

[@mohumphries7149]

Boys ,just found you 😊 I'm in for the long haul😊❤

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Welcome aboard! 😊 We’re so happy you found us and are excited to have you along for the journey. It’s going to be an adventure, and we can’t wait to share all the ups and downs with you. Thanks so much for joining us for the long haul! ❤

[@judithfenner7932]

you should reach out to other you tubers who are redoing old sometimes derelict cottages. I am watching a few of them. Camper Vibes is one of them, I believe they are in Ireland. There is also a family who are redoing their home in Ireland and they are called The Irish Homesteaders I believe. I'm sure there are way more but those are some I watch. Its amazing to see them rebuild their rock walls!!

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks for the suggestion, Judith! 😊 We’ll definitely check out those channels-sounds like they’re doing some amazing projects! It’s always inspiring to see how others tackle cottage renovations, and we could definitely learn a thing or two, especially when it comes to stonework and restoring old features. Appreciate the recommendation, and stay tuned for more of our journey! 🏡💪

[@brianWHITE-zi5qs]

We have a holiday cottage which is of a similar age, it doesnt have foundations the way of a modern house and does somewhat have a small problem with damp in the back wall in the lounge, we are unsure as yet if we want to move into it permanently as our home and if we did the damp issue will have to be resolved full stop. So we will be watching your vlog closely to see what options you come up with, we had discussed the magnet proposal however, like you thought it highly unlikely to have any effect on walls as we have which are about 2.5 feet thick. If we decide on a particular route going forward with the situation, will let you know. We thought initially it was the pointing but the builder says not, the stonework does not have any rendering on it it just the stone and the pointing. When inside you do feel secure, unlike our main house which is about 50 years old, there is no comparison between the two, the cottage has a solidity about it which gives me the feeling of it being similar to a fortified property of old. Any way good luck moving forward. Ignore people who say properties of that age are costly to maintain, once the major things are corrected then it just general upkeep as with any other property.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! It's really interesting to hear about your holiday cottage and the similarities with the damp issues we're preparing to tackle. While we haven't moved into our cottage yet, we’re definitely aware of how daunting the initial work can seem, especially with older properties. We’re also a bit sceptical about the magnetic damp treatments and will likely explore more traditional methods. Please keep us updated on how things go with your cottage - it’s great to hear from others navigating similar challenges. And you're absolutely right - once those bigger issues are sorted, it's really just about ongoing maintenance, like any home. Good luck with your journey, and we’ll keep you posted on what we discover too! 😊

[@cliveroulstone9366]

Hi regarding the damp ,could be a number of things ,1, the roof at that end 2,pointing 3, inside and outside ground levels 4, chimney,5 someone could of pointed the end with cement and not lime mortar , be you’ve probably checked them things , all the best with your move 👍

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you for the helpful pointers! You're absolutely right, it could be a mix of things contributing to the damp issue. We've been looking into everything, including the roof, pointing, and ground levels. The cement vs. lime mortar point is something we've been hearing a lot, and we're now leaning toward using lime for breathability. Really appreciate your well wishes for the move! 😊🏡

[@williamcramond8660]

I've just been reading that the owner of the magnetic dpc company went bankrupt. Give it a wide berth guys . Good luck.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Oh wow! 😲 Thanks for the heads-up! We've decided against using the magnetic DPC method, so we're looking into more traditional and proven approaches. Definitely giving it a wide berth now. Appreciate your support! 😊

[@raulcabral8661]

in my experience at my home was to dig out a French drain around the area and put a way that the moisture will go away from the foundation of the house

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks for your comment, Raul! A French drain sounds like a great idea and is something we've heard from others as well. We're definitely considering a similar approach as we look at all the ways to address the damp issue with our cottage. We appreciate your input-thanks for following along! 😊🏡

[@helenhall3705]

Andy from Finca Life in Spain is dealing with a very old building. Even thought it’s a completely different environment, he knows what he is doing with lime mortar etc. Also MAKE DO GROW, are dealing with old buildings and moisture. Even if you’re not planning to do the work yourself, it may give you some info on how to move forward.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks so much for the suggestions! We’ll definitely check hime out - it’s always great to learn from others who’ve tackled similar challenges, even if the environments are different. We’re gathering as much info as we can before moving forward with the traditional methods, so this will be really helpful! 🙌

[@helenhall3705]

@@TwoMenTheirDog hi I forgot to mention that two ladies are restoring a very old cottage in Ireland. Camper Vibe is their channel.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks for the suggestion, Helen! We’ve actually heard of Camper Vibe through a few comments now, and it's fantastic to see so many others recommending their channel as well. We’ll definitely check it out for tips and inspiration on renovating old cottages. It’s great to be part of a community of people who are taking on similar projects. Cheers! 😊🏡

[@penelopecarpenter5166]

We had a damp proof in a barn conversion that emitted a small electric frequency,never had any damp problems

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Good to hear positive feedback about that type of damp proofing! We’ll definitely look into it-thanks so much for sharing! 😊

[@juliejackson6638]

Great news! Typical solicitors 😂 hope your move goes well! Xx

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks so much! Haha, yes, solicitors definitely seem to have their own pace 😂. We’re just glad things are moving along now-fingers crossed for a smooth transition! Appreciate the well wishes! xx

[@theozarkduke]

Best thing to do is ask the company to give you the names of some people who have bought it and you get ahold of them yourself to see how it's working out. find someone who has one and see for yourself how its doing. or ask the company to let you have one for adds you can do on your channel for there item to help with sales.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks for the suggestion! We had looked into that, but we’ve decided not to go with the Magnetic DPC after getting lots of advice from others who have experienced similar issues with older properties. It’s been really insightful to learn about the more traditional, proven methods for dealing with damp in old stone cottages, like using lime mortar and ensuring proper ventilation. We feel confident in that direction now, but appreciate your input! 😊🏡

[@theozarkduke]

@@TwoMenTheirDog Do whats right for you, and what your heart tells you, it will save you alot of money down the line, i pray you find a way and i will be watching to see the end when you get all this done. and live in your beautiful home you built for yourself and partner both of you will fill it with love and life. knowing you both put the work in.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you so much for your support and kind words! We truly believe in following what feels right for us, and the advice we've received so far has been incredibly helpful in guiding our decisions. We're excited to move forward with more traditional, breathable methods to deal with the damp and create a home filled with love and life, just like you said. We can't wait to share the whole process with you - thank you for being part of this journey with us! 😊

[@Is_rose1234]

Ive just found your channel so I don't know if this has been said or will help you but maybe you could message these channels asking for some advice. I'm watching a few channels about cottage renovations one couple just bought a Scottish cottage and are in the process of renovating it their channel is called kinging-it. Another is a lovely pair of women who just bought a cottage in Ireland they've also just started channel called camper vibes I'm also watching Irish homestead. I just though you all could maybe have a chat with each other and pick each others brains for help. Theres another channel called skill builder he has a video up about cracking the damp treatment code. Anyway good luck.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you so much for the recommendation and welcome to our channel! 😊 It’s always great to discover others in a similar boat - Kinging-It, Camper Vibe, and Irish Homestead are all sound like great channels, and we’ll definitely look into Skill Builder for tackling dampness. It’s brilliant how the online community can come together and share advice like this. We’ll definitely consider reaching out to those folks - it could be a fun collaboration! Thanks again for the suggestions, and we’re so happy to have you with us on our journey. ❤️

[@Is_rose1234]

​@@TwoMenTheirDog well I've just subscribed and look forward to going on your journey with you.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks so much for subscribing! We’re really excited to have you join us on this journey and can’t wait to share more of the adventure with you. Welcome aboard! 😊

[@TravelByNumbers]

We just found your channel this evening and got a little caught up in your cottage situation. If it hasn't been mentioned already, there's a couple of women dealing with the very same issues with damp and a 200 year old cottage they bought recently and are renovating. You might want to watch some of the videos they've been posting and see what they are doing. Good luck! www.youtube.com/@campervibe

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you so much for the recommendation and for getting caught up in our cottage journey! We appreciate the tip about Camper Vibe and will definitely check out their videos on tackling similar issues with damp in old cottages. It's always helpful to learn from others in the same situation. Thanks for following along with us, and wish us luck! 😊🏡🐾

[@abqresident4461]

Off topic - - - I am crushing on that drippy side table that the typewriter lamp is on. Where did you find that?!? I want one. LOL.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Haha, glad you like it! 😊 We got that drippy side table from Rockett St George here in the UK. Definitely worth checking out-they have some really unique pieces! Hope you can find one too! 😂

[@abqresident4461]

@@TwoMenTheirDog Thank you!! No international shipping (SAD) but a lovely website with tons of inspiration.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

You're welcome! 😊 That’s a shame about the shipping, but glad you found some inspiration on their site-it’s definitely full of unique pieces!

[@alanday5255]

You could always use a clear masonry seal.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks for the suggestion! While using a clear masonry seal is an option, we've decided to go with more traditional methods like lime mortar, which allows the stone to breathe and naturally manage moisture. We're learning a lot from all the advice we've received, and it's been really helpful in shaping our approach! 😊

[@tonysinclair4]

Magnetic Fields for Damp? Ask the company for their contented customers that are happy for you to contact them. If they're kosher they'll be happy to do it, if not. No go...

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks for the advice! After doing more research and hearing similar feedback from others, we’ve decided to steer clear of the magnetic DPC method. We're now focusing on more traditional approaches like using lime mortar, which seems to be a tried and true solution for older stone properties. Appreciate your suggestion - it’s been a great help in guiding us towards the right path for the cottage! 😊

[@heidirobinson8734]

If anything sounds " to good to be true" - it usually is!

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

That's definitely the vibe we're getting too! We've decided to stick to more traditional methods for dealing with the damp issues in our cottage, and you're absolutely right - when something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Thanks for reinforcing that! 😊

[@heidirobinson8734]

@@TwoMenTheirDog another thing t consider.....is that the temptation to " get started" now that you have the cottage....and are re-searching' can lead some folk t get a bit " overloaded" n make a decission to try relieve the stress! It's not a race! So narrowing down your choices.... waiting a bit.....having a short break n then taking another look at the options ( when your head a bit clearer) can help! I have a question though......when a house/ building has been empty for some time they can get musty n damp merely because they are not being used..n may have ingress ( water/ damp air) via even a small leak/ cracked window/ shrunk door etc !.and even crumbling lime plaster/ mortar. that building designed to be heated by the open fire... and folk living inside! Have you considered making the repair of the chimney a priority ? So that you can actually have fires in the hearth? Open fires also allow circulation of air/ ventilation.....n will slowly " dry out....from the inside" n make any major cause of damp more obvious! Walls that need pointing are enough t create damp issues! Not only that but it will make the cottage environment nicer and better conditions while you working on the building! Or am I totally of the plot?🤭

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment! You’re absolutely right-taking a step back and not rushing into decisions sounds like a good approach. We've got to admit it is be tempting to dive into repairs immediately, but as you say, giving ourselves time to reflect and plan ensures we make the right choices without getting overwhelmed. Regarding the chimney, the current owners have been using the fireplace, so it’s already functional (although we're not sure how often the fire is used), and we will look into doing some small repairs or maintenance. As you mentioned, keeping it in good working order will help with airflow and keeping the cottage warm while we tackle other projects. Thanks again for the advice-it’s really appreciated! 😊🏡

[@michaeldeeming6530]

I hope you picked up after your dog!

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Of course! 🐾 Rest assured, we always clean up after Benji - just part of being responsible dog parents! 😊

[@ianwatson9668]

no you didnt you walked miles by it shame on you

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

We definitely did pick it up! We didn’t show it on camera for obvious reasons, but Adam clearly said, "I'll pick that up in a second," and followed through. There's actually a cut in the video right before he walks over to do it. We just didn't think showing the less glamorous side of dog ownership was necessary on camera! 😅

[@Mntguy-nr9vl]

Hey guys greetings from the States. I haven't subscribed to you because you're consistency of uploading was pretty s*****. But it seems like you're back on track, enjoy your videos thoroughly You're too likable guys. And easy on the eyes. 🤜🤛

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Hey there, thanks for reaching out! Totally understand the frustration-we’ve been juggling a lot lately but are definitely aiming to be more consistent now that things are moving along. Glad you’re enjoying the videos again! We’ll keep the content coming, and hopefully, you’ll stick around with us. 😊 Thanks for the kind words, too! Cheers from Scotland! 🤜🤛

[@rontanser9369]

To save losing your buyer for your house, would it be best to see if you could rent somewhere temporarily a holiday cottage? You really don’t want to lose your buyer over it?

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks for your concern, but we've actually got things sorted now! We've finally got a moving date, and our buyer is happy with it, so there's no need for temporary accommodation. Everything seems to be falling into place! It was a bit touch-and-go for a while, but thankfully it all worked out without any major issues. 😊

[@justmeajah]

Yes!! I thanked KZbin algorithm for the recommendation!! Here for more Scottish gays and domestic life please!!!

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Haha, love this energy! We're super glad that KZbin brought you our way, and we’re definitely here for more Scottish countryside life and adventures with Benji! Thanks for joining us on this exciting journey - plenty more to come! 🌿🐾❤️

[@markcampbell369]

Hola from Ecuador! The only way my Campbell family members dealt with damp Scottish houses was to move away from the UK!

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Hola from Scotland! Haha, we can totally see why some family members might opt for warmer climates to escape the damp, but we’re committed to making this cottage work! It’ll take some time, but with the right approach, we’re confident we can tackle the challenges. Who knows, maybe we’ll end up visiting Ecuador for some sun once it's all sorted! Thanks for sharing your family’s experience! 🙂

[@judewilliams9345]

First to view ❤

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Wow, congrats on being the first to view! 🎉 Thanks so much for tuning in, we really appreciate it! Hope you enjoyed this episode, more exciting updates coming soon!

[@tjbren576]

Brick and stone need to breathe so anything you put over it will also need to allow air to pass through it. Lime mortar is probably the number one choice. It's been around forever and has proven itself a billion times over. That's why castles were plastered over on the outside AND inside with lime mortar and then painted with lime mortar friendly paint. I have never heard of any technology that magically removes damp - I would not trust that. Just make sure the ends of any wood projecting into the stone wall is still sound. If the wall had damp issues, it's likely the wood also has issues.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks for sharing this valuable advice! We’re learning just how important it is for these old buildings to breathe, and it’s clear that lime mortar is the way to go for allowing air to pass through the walls while maintaining the integrity of the stone. The fact that it’s been used for centuries really says it all, and we’ll definitely be looking into it. We’re also sceptical of any ‘magical’ solutions for damp, so we appreciate hearing your thoughts on that. We’ll be sure to check all the wood in contact with the stone, as you suggested, to avoid any hidden issues there. Thanks again for the great tips! 😊

[@dianemcclure2334]

Don’t feel foolish … listen to advice from folks who live in this type of property and listen to your gut instinct x Good luck

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you for the kind words! You're absolutely right - it's all part of the learning process, and we're so grateful for the advice from everyone who's been through this. Our gut was definitely telling us to steer clear of the magnetic DPC in the end, and we're glad we did! We're sticking to more traditional methods now, and we feel much better about it. Thanks again for the support and for following along with our journey! 😊x

[@SharynWilliamson]

If you go ahead get the company to give you the names and contact details of people who have already bought this product and their options of it.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Hi there! Thanks for the tip! 😊 We’ve actually decided against moving forward with that particular option (the Magnetic DPC), but your suggestion is a really good one. If we had pursued it, we’d definitely want to speak to others who’ve already had it installed to get some real feedback on whether it actually works long-term. The more we dig into damp issues with older properties, the more we’re realising that there’s no quick fix. It’s definitely going to be a case of finding the root cause and dealing with it properly. Thanks again for watching and for sharing your thoughts - it’s really appreciated! 👍 Best, Johnny, Adam & Benji

[@bernadettemercado9564]

No don't walk away from the cottage. We lived near the ocean. Look at ameri drain, french drain options, pain the keeps that out. Tar works. All of those areas,

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks for your encouragement! We’ve decided not to walk away from the cottage, and after hearing so much great advice, we’re looking into various solutions like proper drainage systems (including French drains) and making sure the house can breathe properly. We hadn’t considered using tar, but it’s something we’ll definitely explore further as part of the overall strategy. Appreciate the tips, especially from someone with experience living near the ocean! 😊🏡

[@pangkyungflores3421]

Hope I can find my man soon♥️

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks for sharing that! Honestly, it often happens when you least expect it. Focus on enjoying life and being yourself, and the right person might just walk into your life when you're not even looking for them. Sending positive vibes your way! ♥️

[@johnfrancismaglinchey4192]

I’m somewhat concerned about the new technology that pushes damp out of the building,,,,,,, what affect would it have on the human body ?

[@AdamofCA.]

Halo (greeting in heaven; hell-o is never spoken), Adam and Johnny. Wanted to share a youtube video that explores the wet issue of brick walls. The bonus of this video is a guest expert on the issue who speaks and is seen. His name may be a lead to more in depth info for you Gents. The name of the video is: Rescuing an Abandoned English Manor House with Hopwood DePree. Press On!

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Hi there! Thanks for the heavenly greeting, haha! 😄 And we really appreciate you sharing the video recommendation-we’ll definitely check out Rescuing an Abandoned English Manor House and see what insights the expert has on the brick wall damp issues. Sounds like a great lead! We’ll press on with all the helpful advice. Cheers!

[@therobertsuk8498]

I’m guessing this works like dowsing sticks?

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Haha, it does sound a bit like something mysterious like that! But after looking into it more and reading through all the advice we've been given, we’ve decided not to pursue the magnetic DPC option. We're sticking with traditional, proven methods that will let the cottage's stone walls breathe. Thanks for following along! 😊🏡

[@johnfrancismaglinchey4192]

I’m somewhat concerned about the new technology that pushes damp out of the building,,,,,,, what affect would it have on the human body ? ….Don’t forget how wonderful Asbestos once was …😮

[@icaniwillgrow]

Is this different to an electric osmosis dpc?

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks for your question! The magnetic DPC (Damp Proof Course) we mentioned is indeed a bit different from an electric osmosis DPC. While both claim to tackle rising damp, they use different methods. Magnetic DPCs typically claim to generate a magnetic field that drives moisture out of walls. Electric osmosis DPCs, on the other hand, use a low electrical current to move moisture away from the wall base. Both methods are controversial, and many people prefer more traditional solutions like using breathable materials (lime mortar) to handle damp in old stone buildings. We've decided we'll stick to the traditional route instead of going for either of these methods for the cottage 😊🏡

[@deeringkendrick8388]

Mag-DPC sounds like a scam. If it removes damp from a house, what does it do to the human body? Any long-term implications for your health?

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks for raising this important point! We actually had some concerns ourselves about the potential long-term implications of using Magnetic DPC, both in terms of effectiveness and health. After doing some more research and receiving plenty of advice from people who live in older properties, we've decided against using this method. We're sticking with traditional, tried-and-tested solutions to address the damp issues. Your comment has definitely reinforced that we're making the right choice! Appreciate your support. 😊

[@davidwiseman7774]

Johny are you Cumbrian or from Northumberland?

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Hi there! I’m actually from the Teesside area, so not quite Cumbrian or from Northumberland. It’s great to hear from people who are curious about where I’m from, though! We’re absolutely loving our journey here in Scotland, and it’s always interesting how people’s guesses on where I’m from can vary. 😊

[@davidwiseman7774]

@@TwoMenTheirDog Teesside, is that Stockton, Darlington way? I love tuning in to accents. I am guessing Adam is from the South of England ?

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

You’re spot on! Teesside is indeed around the Stockton and Darlington area. As for Adam, you’ve got a good ear! He’s from the South of England. It’s great that you’re tuning into our accents-adds a bit of fun to the videos, doesn’t it? 😄

[@robertfencl4401]

well water, septic systems?

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Great question, @robertfencl4401! The cottage has mains water, but we do have a septic tank for the drainage. 😊 Thanks for watching and for your interest!

[@hispid1]

That Magnetic DPC thing is a con. See if any links go to any Scientology groups as it appears that's where it all started. Best thing you can do is sort natural materials that breath. Ie not cement.(Cement mortar actually increases the issue). Agree you do need an old building specialist and not someone coming from modern building techniques.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks so much for the heads-up! After hearing advice from so many people, we’ve decided to stay away from the Magnetic DPC option. The more we learned, the more it seemed like it wasn’t a reliable solution, and we definitely don’t want to risk using something that might cause more harm than good. We’ll be focusing on traditional methods using natural materials like lime mortar to ensure the house can breathe properly. Thanks for sharing your knowledge - it’s been really helpful! 😊

[@johnfrancismaglinchey4192]

I’m somewhat concerned about the new technology that pushes damp out of the building,,,,,,, what affect would it have on the human body ? ….Don’t forget how wonderful Asbestos once was …😮 I’m not sure if the firm got back to you almost immediately,,,,,,, they can’t be very busy.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

That’s definitely a valid concern! We’ve had a lot of feedback from viewers about the potential health impacts of unproven technology like this, and after doing some research, we’ve decided to stick with traditional methods to tackle the damp issues. It’s always good to be cautious, especially when new tech sounds too good to be true-kind of like the old asbestos story you mentioned! Thanks for looking out for us. 😊

[@NanciRathbun]

Since human and canine bodies operate on electromagnetic fields, consider how this technology might affect all three of you physically.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

That’s such a great point, and it’s something we’ve definitely considered! The idea of using a technology that affects electromagnetic fields raised a few red flags for us, not just in terms of how effective it would be but also the potential impact on our health (and Benji’s too!). After doing our research and receiving lots of advice, we’ve decided to stick with more traditional methods to resolve the damp issue. Thanks so much for looking out for us-your support means a lot! 😊

[@davidspensberger7862]

Idk I’ve heard very promising info in America makes sense to me

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

That’s interesting! We’ve heard mixed opinions on it, but it’s great to hear some promising info from America. We’ve ultimately decided to go with more traditional methods for the damp issue, but we’re always open to learning more. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! 😊

[@flyoverurbangarden4315]

Adam is a grumpy old fuss, at least he's nice to the dog.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Haha! 😄 Adam might come across as a bit grumpy at times, but he’s all heart, especially when it comes to Benji! 🐕 And trust me, once you see him relaxing with a cup of tea after a long day, you'll see the soft side too! Thanks for watching and sharing a laugh with us! 😄 Best, Johnny, Adam & Benji

[@AdamofCA.]

No need: for the "rush to judgment" (a legal term). I've viewed a number of the vlogs. Adam is an earthy practical Gentle-man. Hence, his countenance is more pensive. And, in 1 video, my eyes saw that Adam (while he was swimming) has hair on his chest. That means that he's a natural He-Man. Johnny is a philosophical idealist. He easily leans to the optimistic positive perspective about life events. Together, the two Gents complement each other into a solid balance of wisdom and humor about the journey of living. Add to those attributes such pleasant faces and sensual baritone voices with a Scottish spicy accent. With all that said, U can guess that i'm a fan. Adam Young

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks for the thoughtful insight! 😊 You've really nailed it-we do balance each other out, with Adam's practical side and my optimistic outlook! And yes, Adam's definitely our "He-Man" 😄. We're glad you're enjoying the journey with us, and we appreciate having such thoughtful and supportive viewers like you! 🙌

[@davidmcnicol5322]

Why does the older guy keep putting down the younger guy on camera. He seems so unpleasant, grumpy and acerbic. Can’t watch this!

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Hi David, thanks for your feedback! It’s really just banter-Adam’s got a pretty dry sense of humor. But don’t worry, I can give just as much back-it just doesn’t always make it on camera, haha! 😊 We appreciate your honesty and hope you’ll give us another shot!

[@rileymccoy8040]

KEEP ALL "OF YOUR CRAP"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PISSING ME OFF BEING ON HIS BACK ABOUT GETTING RID OF ALL OF HIS STUFF BECAUSE YOU DON'T LIKE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@petebartlett2229]

It’s called couple talk

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Haha, point taken! 😄 Don’t worry, I’ve got a secret stash of my “crap” that’s definitely not going anywhere! Sometimes a good declutter is needed though… or so Adam tells me! 😜 Thanks for having my back, and thanks for watching! 😁 Best, Johnny, Adam & Benji

[@joeberta368]

Do you have an organization like our Better Business Bureau? If so, investigate the company through that source. - Great glad you got good advice.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks for your comment! We don’t have something exactly like the Better Business Bureau here in the UK, but we can check reviews and feedback on companies through sites like Trustpilot and other review platforms. Fortunately, we’ve received plenty of sound advice and have decided not to go ahead with that method. We’ll be sticking to more traditional approaches for resolving the damp issues in the cottage. Appreciate your support! 😊🏡

[@asbosable]

I lived in a six hundred year old thatched cottage for many years. I don’t now. I can tell you the advice that you are receiving might be negative but it is correct. You cannot apply modern technology or methods to old buildings. Damp has to be managed and not cured. Damp and water ingress was almost a fact of life in the cottage. As long as the roof is sound and the walls can breathe it’s never really a huge issue. We found that open fires or wood burners were essential to drive the air circulation around the building. Sealing doors and windows up with draft excluders and insulating strips etc is a mistake. The rooms must breathe and ventilation and air movement is essential. To wrap an old building up like some modern day sealed box will never work. You have to think about it differently. Anybody who has lived in old buildings will tell you this. Don’t let it put you off. Just change your thinking some what.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience-it’s really helpful to hear from someone who has lived in a similar type of property! We’ve definitely been learning a lot from the advice our followers have been giving us, and it’s clear that managing the damp, rather than expecting to fully “cure” it, is the way forward. Your tips about keeping the air circulating with wood burners and open fires sound spot on, and we’ll make sure not to over-seal the cottage and let it breathe like it’s meant to. It’s reassuring to know that as long as the roof is solid and we take the right approach, the damp won’t be as overwhelming as we initially feared. We’ll definitely be keeping an open mind and adapting our thinking-thank you again for the great advice! 😊

[@asbosable]

@@TwoMenTheirDog just make sure you are BOTH going into this with eyes wide open and willing to put the work in. It’s not all about dog walking and lovely views. That all changes in the winter months when everything can become quite oppressive, covered in mud and miserable. It broke my marriage with my husband as he isn’t a very practical man. More of an office man. Suit, tie, etc etc. He couldn’t deal with the cottage and its variables, the ticks in the summer, huge spiders in September, rats and mice and even worse : squirrels and other beasties moving in to your space and to be honest it broke us. We are still good friends but he lives in a thoroughly modern new build and I moved back to live in a village. Just be cautious. It’s not as romantic as it all seems.

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Sorry to hear about your relationship breakdown, that must have been a difficult experience. We’re definitely going into this move with our eyes wide open. Adam actually grew up in an old cottage in the countryside, and while his parents are in the south of England (where the weather might be a bit kinder than up here in Scotland!), he’s no stranger to the realities of living in a rural home. We know it won’t be all dog walks and stunning views, especially in the winter months, but we’re ready to face those challenges together. Thanks for the honest advice-it’s really valuable to hear from someone who’s been through it! 😊🏡

[@asbosable]

@@TwoMenTheirDog I wish you and your other half all the best. Sounds like you will be fine. Let the adventure begin! I will subscribe to your channel. ❤️

[@TwoMenTheirDog]

Thank you so much! ❤️ We're ready to embrace the adventure ahead and excited to share it with you. Welcome aboard, and thanks for subscribing! 😊