Girl Renovates Derelict Bedroom in Old Scottish Country House! - Country Life (Living in Scotland)

[@lisaosborn7046]

Alex, I implore you please don't paint the wood. Sand it, stain it and wax it. It will look glorious with the shade of green you've picked! Same with the door and jam.

[@MsKindaSorta]

I prefer wax too

[@janetpendlebury6808]

It is just wood, it would look fabulous painted to match the walls.

[@peachesandapril]

I second this. My thoughts exactly. That wood colour will look stunning with the green.

[@sallya.2412]

I agree, leaving the wood A natural finish would look nice and rustic looking.

[@Thatsinteresting363]

I tend to agree (if it were my house). However, I think you should also do what you think you would love the best.

[@kathyprecek5462]

Please, please don't paint those wonderful shutters. The wood is beautiful! They will look great with your green walls. Oh, and don't paint your wooden door! Love your videos, Alex!❤

[@deborahthomas3475]

Alex lives there.

[@Hairnicks]

I've done so much of this over the years and it's a pain in the butt to do, but to release wood from it's painted prison is an amazing experience. I love wood in all its glory, lightly oiled or stained back, the beauty is in the grain. Keep as much wood on show as you can lovely, I work with wood nearly every day in restoration and craft, nearly all recycled, it is truly a gift from above.

[@MsKindaSorta]

Agree! Allow that old wood to be its natural glory. ❤

[@suewaite9747]

Why such dark paint if the room a lighter green

[@terrimaldonado8806]

Beautiful wood! Please don’t paint it!

[@heather9328]

Totally agree I would keep the beautiful wood as it is but obviously it’s not my bedroom !!

[@suemount6042]

It’s great bringing it back to life isn’t it that moment when you stand back and see it in all it’s glory there’s nothing quite like the sense of achievement

[@sherrya6922]

The View looking out the window is like a beautiful picture

[@Hairnicks]

Sorry, me again, little tip from someone who has done many skirting boards over the years, don't cut 45 degree angles, none of your walls will be 45 degrees, not even on a modern house, actually, definitely not on a modern house, instead butt them up and draw the shape of your skirting board end on the board that is butting up and cut it out with a coping saw, the horseshoe one with a tiny thing blade, and you will get a much better fit. Basically, it becomes a jigsaw.

[@melanieronbrooks80]

Alex that shuttered alcove is absolutely beautiful. A coat of oil to bring out the natural grain and beauty of the wood. Along with the green painted walls will be absolutely lovely.

[@Phoebe-f4e]

I know right! It would be ashame to repaint them! They are beautiful raw wood, I would just do a wax on them! They would look so amazing with green walls

[@kennethboydsr3966]

You’re doing a wonderful job restoring old house Alex, you’re a hard worker and your mom has to❤😊

[@tracey7857]

I’d leave the shutters raw wood and stained…I love old wood

[@deirdrepasko9056]

Same here. In the castles of Scotland, the shutters and wainscoting are not painted.

[@lucindalandphere860]

Alex , that window alcove you're removing the paint from , I think that original wood & grain is beautiful ! If it were me , I wouldn't Paint it ! It would be such a shame to hide the natural beauty ! I'd just do a pale honey colored stain & then seal it . I think with the green wall paint you've chosen ... it would go beautifully together and really hit light your bedroom !

[@nickandlaurihyde]

Well…. I was thinking of the same thing….. I’m afraid that ship has sailed. 😄. If you will notice the very dark blotchy areas where she’s been using the heat gun…. Yeah, I think the wood is scorched in those areas and I don’t know if a very determined sanding will get rid of that damage. Ohhh well….

[@SuzyEH]

​@nickandlaurihyde The wood has most definitely been scorched by the heat gun. I would suggest buying good tools for scraping not putty knives. Also if you clean up after a days work it makes coming to work the next day far more pleasant and for a better quality of work in the end. I ran a varnishing business for 10 years doing bright work on boats.

[@lucindalandphere860]

@@nickandlaurihyde she could always use a hand torch on it & put the flame carefully and slightly to it & bring out the wood grains . Possibly??

[@lucindalandphere860]

@@SuzyEH sometimes , you must make due with what you have on hand . Especially with prices these days .

[@simhifree]

The pasture outside your window would make a wonderful riding ring, large enough for jumping. I was passionate about horses when younger and well. Do you ride?

[@ColleenHarriganStaver]

Absolutely amazed at your determination and the hard work you have done. I wish I had half of your energy! Looks wonderful!

[@krazedvintagemodel]

Alex, I agree with others. After all your efforts to reveal the shutters' wood, won't you consider not painting them? Your guest room results were absolutely charming, so your room will be as well. Keep up the good work, as they say! Peace and Blessings to you and your Mom 🌻🐈‍⬛🎨

[@janetregan2382]

You will think I'm crazy but I LOVE to scrape paint with a putty knife and my heat gun. I did the entire outside of my 2 story Cape Cod style house with a 1" putty knife and heat gun. 40 years of thick cracked and peeling paint! Took 4 years! My husband says he will bury me with my putty knife but will keep the heat gun. Ha! I was jealous of you, Alex !

[@MsKindaSorta]

😮 I could do a weekend but 4 years?! That’s a lot of Zen time. 😂

[@ilonamollema6467]

I'm so glad to read that I'm not alone in my love for paint stripping! Last year, I've stripped of 70 year old paint. There were so many layers. I'm living in my grandparents' house, so it was great fun to see which colours they had used to paint all the doors and trim.

[@trishnickles2236]

Same here! I find it very relaxing and satisfying. 😊

[@annettewalter2273]

It’s annoying when the armchair critics keep offering advice. It would drive me bonkers. You are doing a great job, it’s going to be amazing when it’s finished.

[@ItsBrandiFolseYo]

You guys would have loved the needle scaler I got to use in the US Navy. It vibrates the "needles" on whatever surface and the paint just chips away.. sso satisfying. I was part of the first women on combat ships. They thought they were being mean making me do that but joke's on them, I enjoyed the heck out of it!

[@dianeknott3655]

Alex, no one will ever be able to say you and your Mom aren't ambitious! Great job!!

[@debbieschoop-wilson3612]

There is something so satisfying about see all that old paint come off. I'll bet the shutters are saying "Aaah, I feel so much better".

[@mariedodds6307]

You sound so nervous in the voice over Alex, don't be!!! You're so capable of transforming your bedroom, you have so much skill and talent I am totally confident you'll make it beautiful for your new bed! Also, you'll love waking up in it every morning when it's finished x

[@TheLostTowerDiaries]

I was definitely nervous to show my bedroom! It’s my personal space 🫣

[@zeegervanroemburg9146]

A personal place is always hard to show, like showing your body! But sweetheart,it’s going to be beautiful!! You are so creative and never give up! Lots of love to you both ❤❤❤❤

[@StarSystemAndromeda]

@@TheLostTowerDiaries Alex, you and your amazing mom never cease to amaze me!! You both give me courage and many smiles!! Thanks for sharing all your gifts and talents with us!! Appreciate you so very much! 💛💛

[@tls8688]

Curious…how long have you had this wonderful fascinating home? Have you found any neat things that were hidden or forgotten? Did you give your property a name of its own?

[@izabelabhering7041]

Oh I agree! To release wood from it’s painted prison, sand it, and let it be just as it is… in all its glorious beauty! That’s what I would do!😊

[@StarSystemAndromeda]

I had no idea you had a Moai head in your garden! I love it!! 🗿

[@kentuckylady2990]

You can get paint scrapers that fit curves. Furniture restorers use them. Love the music from Appalachian Spring as I was born in Appalachia, a descendant of Scottish settlers. One of which barely survived Culloden, dying a year after he, his wife and daughter arrived.

[@karenabendshien846]

Great work, Alex! It will look fantastic!

[@Hornbeam222]

Gorgeous colour for your bedroom! Old houses really suit strong colours. I hate when people just paint them cream.

[@lavonnarosenbaum1720]

You are doing a fantastic job. You will be bringing the old lady (the house) back to her former glory. Love watching you and your Mom doing whatever you do. Love this channel.

[@ssksickssk]

Pretty nice size bedroom Alex. Love the green you’ve chosen. I also agree with some of your fans, sand the stripped wood in your room, put a coat of sealer on maybe just the door. See if you like it. If not do your own thing. It’s your room. Make yourself happy. We’ll be happy to see what you’ve decided. Can’t wait! Need some help? Writing from NJ.

[@rebeccadodd1543]

Whatever you decide to do, color of paint, or not to paint, it will be all you. At the end of the renovation you can sit on your bed and look around and say, "I did this!". It's like giving a Grande Ole Lady a well deserved makeover to restore her youthful beauty, and she will love and protect you and your mother forever.

[@helgavoorneveld1530]

Lovely job I prefer the window area much more just with the natural wood. It's such a vibrant rich colour and texture. I think it would look gorgeous sanded and varnished 😊

[@pattylevasseur4041]

alex you are 1 VERY DETERMINED WOMAN!!!!!! deep bow to you for tackling such a huge undertaking!!!!! just dont give up or in!!!!!!! YOU GOT THIS!!!!!!! its going to be so alarming when you get it done and can wake up and be in awe of the hard work and transformation you done;];];]

[@traceyhacking7109]

Leave it wood? Sand and oil and seal it? Great video!

[@didisalyers4460]

You are doing an amazing job, but I figure you have finished the room by now, but I would leave the wood natural. It would be a beautiful contrast to your paint.

[@janeschool]

When you have finished painting, how about a window seat? It seems like a lovely place to sit, read a book and look out at the world.

[@ceciliaohvall4212]

Looking beautiful Alex. ❤

[@beverlyhall2847]

Loving the shutters in your room and wow what a fantastic view xx

[@sister2717]

Alex you are one strong woman. Beautiful too. With that said I must say I agree with the other comments about your shutters and door. With the earthy green you've chosen for the walls the wood would look awesome stained. I stained my doors 33 years ago and they still look great. However it's your room, your choice. I really enjoy your channels . It's difficult finding decent videos on yt. Mostly people talking bad about others. You and your mum are rays of sunshine for the world. One more thing , I noticed the color of the sky out your window just after sunset. Dark sapphire blue. Absolutely gorgeous. Watching from Miami, Florida USA

[@DappledShade]

Alex, you are a wonder. Good for you for choosing the harder but better way of improving this beautiful window surround. The house no doubt sighed with relief to have so many funky old layers stripped off. Your room will shine like a new penny when you’re finished! Thanks for sharing your space, work, and goals with us. ❤

[@giaatta9303]

Oh I love your floor boards. I would leave them as is. Such a cool room! Green great colour. Awesome idea keeping the one wall natural!

[@sheilaabayateye1558]

Love you videos. I think all that wood will look lovely sanded and clear varnished especially with green paint with an aran bed spread blanket and wicker basket storage

[@geoWhite]

Hi from America, Alex, always a joy to see. You and your mom are quite amazing. Take care .

[@icevoss9917]

Gosh Alex I feel for you, I wished I lived close by, I'll come over and help ye....😮

[@janloewen3404]

My goodness that’s very detailed work you’re doing.

[@tayloralexander7597]

Sharon here... The shutters are really nice and once cleaned,, painted or stained they will truly be fantastic. I'm of a mind to think staining would really do them justice. See you next video! 🙂❤👍

[@StarSystemAndromeda]

What a stunning view from your window! I would sit in bed or in front of the window and just take in all of Mother Nature’s beauty for hours on end!! 🙌🙌🙌

[@clarefoskett9959]

The house is gradually being woken up. How happy she must be 🎉❤

[@malinda8668]

You and your Mom are certainly no strangers to hard work. Your room will likely look wonderful when done but, wow what a lot of work!

[@janedickson-gw4pb]

Great job!!! I wish you would stain that beautiful old wood! It shows so much character! You can always paint it if you’re not happy with the stain but it will really make your room so warm &!rich looking!! Please consider staining!!! 😊

[@mirandasearle2388]

Love the green you chose, William Morris Iris Botanical wallpaper or fabric in curtains/cushions would look amazing 💕

[@EstateofHorror1909]

I agree on that brand of wallpaper and / or curtains. Please reconsider wall papering that wall you want to leave bare. It is not attractive and looks like mold on the wall. It would be beautiful to do one accent wall in the back of your bed and curtains to match. I did this with my bedroom in my 1947 Cape Cod house. Good luck with all your renovations!

[@bethbranson9050]

Alex, So much hard work but will be worth it when you are finished! And that view!! Oh my goodness! You lucky girl!❤

[@alisonwallace]

Our Windows are like this it's because they're 🔥🔥 escape windows. Good luck with your decorating. Xx💜💜💜💜

[@tammyreeves168]

Such beautiful wood that you have uncovered. It’s wonderful that you took the time to do all of that work. I wouldn’t repaint all of that. I would put on a stain. That way you can see all of the wood.

[@TreesAndLittleFlowers]

Alex! I love this. It's exciting. Keeping a pale wall is important I think if the other walls will be darker. I agree with the others. you could consider using stain for the wood instead of paint. It would preserve the wood and look really nice.

[@kathymarshall871]

Good job,well done.The natural timber looks incredible,it adds such a warmth to the room.When you paint the walls green & polish the floorboards it's going to look ambient & lush.

[@saddaddrummer]

Having spent all my working life as a professional decorator, I fully appreciate the hard work you put in to the paint stripping. The thing I remember so well was the smell of the burning paint, the occasional hot flake blistering my skin and of course the blisters. It was a miserable job that seemed never ending, but was so worth it in the end. Well done Alex, and I say that not in a patronizing way, but recognizing the talents of a fellow decorator. 😘

[@barbarafoster1898]

If im not too late please just wax the wood ,no more paint I agree with others will look stunning with green walls , I love watching you how long have you lived there was it handed down by family also is your brother camera shy 😂 wishing you all well xx

[@ttscrafts6765]

I thought that perhaps some of that wood would look awesome refinished and left as wood.

[@johnnabuzby6103]

I'd love to see it with a clear or light colored stain on to reveal the wood grain and the remnants of the green paint which was underneath all the glossy layers.

[@maryhilton1558]

All that work uncovering that wood to just repaint. 😮😮😮

[@johnnabuzby6103]

I hope Alex will opt to go with a stain on the shutters and door instead of repainting that beautiful wood.

[@amandapittar9398]

You can get a “gentle” paint remover, which might help, but if this is January and it’s now June…. Well done with all that hard, hard work! The fast motion is incredibly satisfying! Thank you for taking us along on your journey. Watching the silly schwoo gazing out at the pouring rain was so sweet.

[@tanagerbirder]

Hi Alex, you have done a wonderful job on those shutters and it's such a blessing that they are still there and that you have successfully freed them and stripped them down to their former glory. Look forward to seeing the next episode, but really do hope that you have not painted them, all they need is some bee's wax polish.

[@supershaz42]

Can't wait to see the next instalment of this project - that window is going to be beautiful! Love the green paint colours 💚

[@georginacoote3831]

A nice wax or oil would be great on that beautiful wood with the green paint,❤👍

[@tammykaltreider]

What an absolute wonderful, terrifying job to undertake!!!! I love it!!! I haven’t finished the video yet but a window seat with storage below would be beautiful….

[@maia8106]

🇳🇿Watching from the NZ. Thank you for sharing your journey. Fantastic photography with the soothing and relaxing music makes for a most enjoyable Sunday watch. Awesome job Alex, it would be a shame to paint over the wood of the shutters. Leaving the shutters and floors natural wood would warm the room & look absolutely amazing.

[@christofmaupin2023]

Abstract Expressionism on the walls! 😄

[@borderlass101]

It's great that you have another bedroom to get away from the makeover. I can't wait for the next instalment. ❤😊

[@arielarenado]

Alex love that work light. This is going to be a beautiful remodel.

[@mariong.2241]

Ich bin sicher, dein Raum wird wunderschön! Es ist aufregend zu sehen, wie unter den vielen Farbschichten das Holz zum Vorschein kommt. Viel Erfolg bei der weiteren Arbeit. Ich bin ganz gespannt den Fortschritt zu sehen. Danke, dass ihr uns daran teilhaben lasst. Liebe Grüße aus Deutschland!

[@SueFeige]

Call me crazy but I like the way the wood looks now. Reminds me of the Japanese technique of burning the wood to protect it. I can’t remember the term but it begins with an S. You’re doing an amazing job Alex. I’m sure that whatever you do will look fabulous.

[@vickinoeske1154]

The stripped wood shutters are so pretty. I know it's labor intensive, but it's so worth it. I hope the green doesn't make your room too dark.💚💚💚

[@VickieV1333]

Ah, Greensleeves! My father played an old pump organ and he never knew music notes, he played by ear. This song was my favorite he played.

[@ericrose5039]

Good job Alex! Your home is gorgeous. I agree with the other comments I read please don't paint the wood, stain and varnish would look I'mmaculate.

[@geri1864]

That was serious work. Glad you are working safely. It will look great when you are all finished !!

[@lindaleggett3929]

Good luck with your new room with your love for beauty it will your special place. Take your time and make it yours.

[@jacquilambneveroncethought281]

You are going to have a glorious home ladies

[@cynthiat6505]

You are so brave to show us your bedroom. It will look so wonderful when you’re finished. So much work but so worth it! I will be doing an entire house with wood floors under the carpet. Asthma, so carpet has to go. Such cool windows!!! You are the best! And I love the Schwoos! Blessings!

[@TheLostTowerDiaries]

Thank you so much! ☺️

[@f.k.burnham8491]

It can help to put your screwdriver in the slot and tap it with a hammer. That can help loosen the screws a bit. I had to do that on my early 1930;s house. Also they make a drill bit that is hollow to let you basically "core out" broken screws. Remove the core with the broken screw in it, then glue in a dowel or whittle a plug for the hole. This works for stripped out holes too.

[@trishnickles2236]

What a lovely reading nook that would make. A window seat, with a good book and a nice cup of tea! Whatever you do tjough I know will be wonderful!

[@deeannmcginnis2115]

When you replace the curtains, I think floor length curtains would look lovely there.

[@susanroller6905]

Alex, you poor dear, that's a big project to deal with, however I know that you will work until it's stunning ! I tend to agree with all the others, the shutters would be a lovely highlight to your room stained and waxed. Of course it's your space so do what makes you happy, that's all that counts. Looking forward to seeing your progress Love and hugs 🥰🥰 xx

[@lemoncat138]

That's a killer job Alex...well done :) the longer you take on the prep the better the job.... so they say...easier said than done i say lol

[@LadyNajaGirl]

I can’t wait to see what your bedroom will look like. As always, amazing work!

[@juliadouglas872]

This is probably long after but you can boil the hinges and it will clean them up much easier.

[@alisebradley6706]

Hey there Alex, I know that when you're done with your bedroom, it will be amazing. But take it slow one step at a time.😊

[@ameliagfawkes512]

You will almost never see any joiner do it these days, but a really professional skirting corner join has one piece of wood butt up to the wall and the other (90 degree) piece is scribed/coped around it. Look for videos describing it. If you're going to do a job, do it well. xx

[@debbiebarnard2922]

I agree with all the others that recommend staining the wood. I also like the light green to the left of the window, vs the darker green you've chosen. On those dark, dreary days, I think it would be more cheerful. Anyway, you got this girl!!

[@whatanitemare]

Once upon a time, the correct way to install skirting boards was to butt them in the corners BUT the profile of one had to be cut into the other. They fit together a little like a jigsaw puzzle. They did it this way because they were being applied to plaster walls that were seldom straight or plumb.

[@christhompson4270]

Awesome job Alex, please don’t paint the alcove, just wax or oil it to honour the old grain of the wood. Good luck 🤞 in just know it’s going to look amazing 👏🙏❤️

[@judithstonier9872]

Oh I really felt for you throughout this video ,a horrible job but well worth it, I actually love the stripped wood and would just wax them but you know what you like and I love the wall colour ( I would as my sitting room is like it ! ) 😊❤

[@samcollage7682]

You are so skilled at the heat gun and scraper. That's also a much safer method than chemicals.

[@michellecook2338]

Yes wood looks great with the green you have picked . Be so lovely . Big job , you can do do it 🌟🌟🌟🤩

[@claudiaveltrie1532]

I love the original color of the shutters! Such a soft green! You’re doing a great job. I can’t wait to see the next video and the progress you’ve made!

[@fishinwidow35]

Such beautiful wood under all that paint. I know was not easy to do. Well done Alex.

[@viridiangreen8259]

Well done Alex - love your plans and looking forward to the reveal

[@marziabrusa4381]

Well done Alex, you're doing a great job. I racommend the light green for the room since your forniture dark. Bye bye and good evening 👍👌💯👋☘️🇮🇹

[@elizabethpaints]

Wow Alex your bedroom is beautiful! Sure would love to work on it with you! And the furniture is gorgeous! I wonder how many people were inspired and motivated to get to work on a long put-off project after watching you? I'm sure you have loads of people offering all kinds of suggestions for your bedroom. Looking forward to the next installment : )

[@DanaDesmond-BonnySoulDesigns]

We have screens on all our windows in the USA, which gives a false sense of security. 😂

[@VickiLong-v4m]

You have done a wonderful job. And very much happy that you are taking precautions on the removal of the hazardous paint. I admire the knowledge you have and the willingness of doing this task. Good luck and can't wait for more videos of your progress. Be safe and Peace ✌️ from Illinois USA

[@Suziluci65]

That wood stripping truly was a labor of love. I agree with the many who implore yiu not to paint, tho this is an older video its possibly too late.

[@juliederry3719]

Now you’ve stripped the paint off the shutters Alex, when you stand back from the window it looks like a beautiful framed picture, amazing job by the way too, tfs x Julie

[@Lorraine4305]

Beautiful job, can’t wait to watch all the progress you make

[@loriellison3723]

Painstaking work accompanied by some lovely music...it will be lovely when you can enjoy your new room!

[@leebrennan2609]

That is totally awesome .Looks wonderful.You did a great job

[@BeFree-BeFrugal]

That back wall that you’re thinking of just leaving ..the small cracks would look could if you made a feature of them..like the Japanese pottery..paint fine gold paint along the crack line

[@julieseymour6452]

Love these videos of you renovating your beautiful home :)

[@sadielevens1144]

Hard work but I'm sure you are going to love the results. I can't wait to see it.