I Turned this Ruined Cottage into a Stunning Secret Garden Home

[@Spectreblindfolded]

This is fast becoming my favourite channel on KZbin!

[@gemmawheeler]

Thank you!

[@fredericapanon207]

@@gemmawheeler I am curious. What software was used for the 3D visualisation? Sketchup? Or a CAD software?

[@gemmawheeler]

Hi Frederica, I use Sketchup

[@fredericapanon207]

@@gemmawheeler Thank you. Sketchup certainly has some nice rock wall textures and outside environments. Or are those plug-ins?

[@gemmawheeler]

@@fredericapanon207 ah that’s all added in Lumion where I did the rendering

[@trish-f5t]

This design HAS to be award-winning! The concept of keeping part of it "in ruins" is outside-the-box and just shows how much talent you have. It would be amazing if the person who bought this was recommended to you, and you got to create this!

[@seracessna]

Seconded!!

[@NOOBCRASTINATOR69]

Thirded!!

[@kallymavromatis123]

Fourthed!

[@chrisdavis6374]

I’m Humbled I’d have just extended the darn thing in similar coloured stone - this is next level awesomeness

[@AshTPush]

My partner and I are looking to move to Wales and this very "property" came up some months ago. We were interested in using the land to place an off-the-shelf tiny house as we believe that this would be a great way to live in a beautiful part of the world without the expense of a traditional home. If we had the money and sold our present house we would change our plans and absolutely employ you for this building. We hadn’t even considered living in it. We love how you’ve kept the romance of the ruin but also made it luxurious. Genius!

[@gemmawheeler]

How amazing Ashley. It’s a gorgeous location and with that much land around it has so much flexibility. Let me know if you follow through with your plans and thanks for your kind comments.

[@jtwillis9855]

Lovely plans! If you move forward with these plans, if able, please provide an update:) Good luck!

[@James-In-Exile]

It seems as if there's another similarly-sized ruin about 200 metres to the south-west of this property.

[@amyholman354]

I really enjoy the ways in which you incorporate the natural world in your designs and this one, in particular, including the way nature overtakes a structure and makes it a ruin. Nature here embraces the ruin.

[@peterfalvay]

I love your calm and relaxed voice when you present your ideas, it's a delightful contrast to most KZbinrs nowadays who are shouting all the time for no reason.

[@verapryadko2472]

OOOOOOH MY GOD HOW AMAZING THIS IS

[@a-traveller]

You've totally changed my previously held views on old architecture being redesigned with modern styles. 👌 I love how you've retained an unrenovated space inside everything else that's going on. This is really inspired.

[@quietestkitten]

I love how beautiful this is, respecting the original, while also making it modern.

[@chrisgreek4285]

What a stunning proposal! I could live the rest of my life in that little cottage and want for nothing. I really admire not only your obvious talent, but your respect for the ruin, the surrounding landscape, AND the people who would live in it, considering every detail such as the rooftop garden and even how the sunlight (or lack thereof) will affect day to day living.

[@susank580]

1000xs BRILLIANT from the garden entrance to the wildflower roof, all while maintaining the integrity of the ruin balanced with modernity and light!!! GORGEOUS!!!

[@wakingtheworld]

Creating that courtyard area as the entrance (plus the other one) to highlight the fact this was once a ruin is genius. Absolutely loved what you did with the extension to benefit from the sun.... I'd live there in an instant!

[@anitacollingwood4224]

I LOOOOVE this!!

[@donnacowell7415]

Your designs are fabulous!

[@grigorisgirl]

I love the idea of inner outside rooms or courtyards. Probably not the first thing you think of in UK but with glass as well the possibilities are endless. Great job.

[@gemmawheeler]

This is another life goal for me. Especially to keep out of the wind

[@junbh2]

I live in Canada so I immediately imagine these spaces filled with snow. But I actually think that would be beautiful as well. Or imagine watching a snowstorm through the glass.

[@s.y.8922]

That would be fine until spring thaw.

[@megenberg8]

a garden w/ a wall going up the side of the prevailing winter winds would be nice too! espaliered fruit trees and plentiful spring bulbs w/ perennials and fragrant herbs.... and vegies!@@gemmawheeler

[@ahveganpizzabella]

​@@junbh2your existence really limits your imagination as father Marx remarked. UK never has snow, it's a wet rainy island on the sea... The rare time a bit of snow comes once every 5-10 years it's only 2 inches that melt after 3 days

[@geoffmarriott2493]

I.m no fan of most modern design, but this I love. You really have merged old and new in the most wonderful way.

[@davidbettney785]

Amazing vision :)

[@angelarawstorne3939]

i love your work!!

[@jamesecroucher]

Absolutely outstanding - the concept and execution here are both breathtaking

[@gemmawheeler]

Thank you!

[@briankesner804]

Gemma....Your complete process is exceptional and truly values the site, the ruin and a very peaceful lifestyle as well! An architectural/environmental Gem! brian in San Luis Obispo, CA

[@MikeTGCG]

Absolutely nailed it! My favourite one so far. 10/10. 😊 I'm an Architectural Designer myself & I specialise in historic & listed buildings, their revival & adding very modern & contempoary extensions etc. so I have a real appreciation for the time & effort you've put into this. It's a real gem & you should be rightly pleased with yourself. Love it. 😊

[@gemmawheeler]

Thanks Mike, I appreciate it!

[@darknessislight3689]

Absolutely gorgeous 😍 what a beautiful idea for this awesome home 🏠

[@socalstr]

I am absolutely blown away. I can't begin to tell you how spectacular this is!

[@LSUMIKE1990]

Absolutely in love with this design! I’ve watched several of your videos, and have yet to be disappointed. My background is interior design, and architecture, and have a deep appreciation for your work here. I love that you use sketch, paper and markers drawing by hand. …I miss those days. 😊

[@sm3296]

Oh I love how you’ve kept the character and history of this once loved cottage. I fell in love with a ruin on the coastal path in Fife, Scotland and would sit and imagine the lives once lived within its walls. I wrote about it as I was so enthralled. It sat on an angle facing the sea, which allowed the wind to wuther around it rather than hit it face on. The walls still stand and the roof is gone, the crow step gables still exist. I fancied acquiring it and living there as well as operate a tea stop for walkers. The location in its own wee bay and the wildflowers alongside well worn rock just captures my imagination. Its between Anstruther and Crail. Not listed for sale. But how I wish!

[@bullirish]

Has the weather of Wales been taken into account whilst planning for all the outdoor living that is supposed to take place?

[@lisadunn1164]

I love the way you've incorporated, added to, encompassed, reimagined and reused this space. The ruin remains the ruin with all the character, but somehow becomes another entity in your rendering - like a soul in another form. I've just found your channel and I'm letting myself get lost in it. Your obvious love of your work and the affinity you have with the old buildings shines out.

[@tidylife]

Brilliant concept design! ✨Thanks for sharing your thought exercise 💛

[@marioncapriotti1514]

OMG, I so want to live in this beautiful old/new house!

[@pattiodors8296]

It is gorgeous. I like how you, went ever so plainly, classic black and white with everything and muted everything down in order to let the original, 🤔 awe inspiring stone-build masonry and its pattern and natural texture speak, gosh it looks gorgeous . And you have made it look all so easy to execute too, showing and sharing exactly how you did all that. And the fire place ? Wow ! But even though you have made that look easy, and done it simply smart, I bet it was a total labour of love. Filled with challenges to overcome. It is totally I wish and completely gorgeous. I love it. Thankyou. 💜

[@vyvienvp3413]

Am so glad I found your channel Gemma. Your ideas are so much around preservation and sensitivity to nature. Simple, but oh so sophisticated. thank you. X:)

[@gemmawheeler]

Thanks Vyvien, happy to have you here

[@constancejones6044]

The concepts are genius. Such clever use of space in a truly awkward layout.

[@TikiJsLounge]

Absolutely BRILLIANT redo for this lovely relic property ... and in beautiful Wales too! It is a stunning design that ties the old with the new in a masterful way. I love the courtyard entry (the tree!!!), the outdoor elements you have included throughout, and the flat roof. Your preservation of the old structure is genius. Superb work! This is a true design masterpiece on a stunning property!

[@kelvincabrera4517]

Absolutely beautiful work. I've never seen ruins reworked so that it retains its character yet becomes modern and livable. Again, absolutely beautiful 😍

[@CresswellTim]

I really like the idea of the courtyard entrance , but I'd prefer the living area to be the full size of the available space and not have the glazed courtyard, but apart from that a it all works for me. Beautiful .

[@truthseeker7649]

Beautiful with one exception ….the kitchen is totally unsuitable for anyone who enjoys cooking at home!

[@alisterrussell4726]

Great designs applied to human sized buildings. Love it.

[@robertshrewsbury5067]

I enjoyed your ideas. Am a bit perplexed where food storage or a work space goes... or even parking.

[@warpspeed9877]

There are some nice ideas but you lose an awful lot of space for a corridor that runs through all the rooms. You added about 30% more building space and still got just one bedroom and two sitting areas. Hmmmm...

[@brendasoler4759]

Amazing! Such a unique and liveable design that showcases the ruin, while incorporating modern and desirable features. Absolutely fabulous, Gemma!

[@domvdmformd8845]

Really gorgeous design as usual. Sacrificing a little utility to bring gardens and the old building into the house is a master stroke. 👏👏👏👏👏

[@dnyaneshwarirajput1881]

This is one of my favorites projects you have done so far!!! As an interior designer, I feel so happy, motivated and inspired by your thought process and design acumen, how you created such a masterpiece out of a seemingly simple ruin. Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@SnapdragonALL]

I just happened upon your channel. I watched the one with the very narrow barn that had the door right on the road, which led me to this one. Both are amazing. I am floored by your creativity. Incorporating part of the ruin as courtyards is brilliant. If I ever become rich, I want you to fix up some old ruin for me. One can dream! 😀(I am going to do a bit of binge watching your channel tonight. Liked and subscribed!)

[@joemanflyer2001]

You should stay with all stone to keep the charm with large wooden beams !!!

[@rudolfburggraaf]

Just came across your channel for the first time and am immediately impressed. The way you let this house/farm shine again in a very subdued way is wonderful. It makes me rethink about my ideas of building my own house and include the option of looking for some options to revitalize an old building.

[@stevewithers5317]

Excellent! Such a surprise approach to this building. Please keep this up!!

[@craigrogers2882]

40 years a fellow designer --- Exquisitely done.

[@verapryadko2472]

those internal gardens just touched someting in my heart

[@gypsetstories5611]

Your work is so fantastic! I love your use of materials. My favorite new channel. Please keep the videos coming.

[@stephaniecorwin6438]

I ADORE these courtyard gardens and the balance of secure protection in the main living and open flexibility in the kitchen and terrace. Really inspired and inspiring design. Thank you!

[@kerengosselin2974]

I cannot believe how you managed to create such an amazing design from those historic ruins!!! Your creativity and foresight is unbelievable 😍❤️❤️❤️

[@mapleleaf0]

Absolutely spectacular. Keeping some of the ruin as open courtyard is brilliant, and the indoor layout and extensions are beautiful in contrast. Wow.

[@missmagic707]

the wildflower roof garden is everything

[@CFinch360]

Your designs are simply amazing! I've never been interested in house plans before but now I'm addicted to your channel. Your soft voice is also so relaxing.

[@taceyraulerson1394]

I’m so glad I happened upon this video! Your ideas are so inspiring. I love how your plans honor the home’s history while also giving it new life.

[@marymathis9299]

That is absolutely Heavenly!!! Love the way your brain works...you pulled it together in such a beautiful fashion! Wow!!! Some lucky ducks will be really loving their new small home!!!

[@acushla_music]

Love how you incorporated the ruin portion of the structure's life. Have not seen a renovation that does that before.

[@acushla_music]

Slightly sceptical as to the utility of so much out side access in a North-Wales home though.

[@edithsavoy7156]

I love it! This house is beautiful and peaceful down to it's soul. What a wonderful place to live!

[@Leo-Crespi]

I'm a designer and you are really good. Easy prediction, this channel will grow pretty quickly.

[@gemmawheeler]

Thanks Leo!

[@li-anderker55]

You saved it! Made it liveable and I'm a little in awe of the outcome. Brilliant.

[@MarkB3h]

You're wonderfully creative and practical in these reimagined spaces. I appreciate how you blend modern and legacy in the new and existing rooms. I wish I could take your design to fruition. Maybe one day! Thank you for the inspiration.

[@jamiepotvin9818]

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DESIGN had to put that in caps. beautiful work.

[@XTSu-sl1bb]

It’s a nice idea of incorporating the old and new. From a pure functionally point I feel this design would be more suitable for a warmer climate. Lots of glass and outdoor space will be tough to make work in the winter months. The U value on the glass would need to be very low and very expensive to compensate for the new regs. Nice ideas tho, and I really appreciate talking through the thinking. More architecture projects should do this method as it helps to understand the concept.

[@ЕленаАлексеева-х5о]

Ваши идеи восхитительны!! Я очень люблю ваши проекты и с громадным удовольствием смотрю их..Благодаря переводу,я понимаю все или почти все...С глубоким уважением к Вашим знаниям и полету фантазии!!! Это восхищает!!!!

[@suezbell1]

Really interesting. The look of your finished project is really great. Wrapping the roof outside the stone is pure genius, practically and for the look of it. The colors used are perfect. ... but ... Wondering if most people would want more storage ... and ... it might be concerning as to how the courtyard areas would handle a considerable amount of wet weather. Glad I found your channel.

[@IrwinNenneo]

Your project is just incredible. Sleek, elegant and bold, it manages to keep the raw beauty of the ruins alive within a very beautiful and functional contemporary design. Outstanding ❤

[@patstats1]

Simply brilliant. I love your use of existing materials and how you meld them from one end of the building to the other. I questioned your placement of the kitchen in the south/west but see it works out as place of gathering or quiet respite as the sun sets. I’m most pleased by the courtyards providing a way to bring the outside in.

[@klarahulsmann3502]

simply gorgious - what a lovely place to live! Creativity at its best.

[@asafovdat]

Just stumbled upon this video and it was such a joy to watch. I loved the solutions you proposed and the attention to details, it seems like a relaxing and nursing home. Most of all I loved that this was all done without actually buying the property, leaving just the focus on the architecture and your imagination. I'm a subscriber now :)

[@donaldauguston9740]

Gemma, this really was brilliant. Thank you for posting. DA

[@janiebryant8068]

I discovered this channel this morning. Although I know little about architecture, the whole experience of seeing the existing farmhouse, the direction of it placement on the land, and your design externally for the original structure and the interior creation is brilliant. I live in the in the US yet have ties to Wales as my paternal grandfather was born there so my interest in that region of the world draws me to discover gems there. The setting and then your creation was a gem. Thank you! I enjoyed this immensely.

[@AndrewKendall71]

So many unexpected choices that really make it livable along with dramatic. Tremendous.

[@ElikeIke]

I especially like the fact that each part of house now presents a varied experience… The added extension is very impressive 👍🏼

[@JudiE7722]

Absolutely amazing design. Love the outdoor features so tropically inspired.

[@ScissorsAndSmiles]

This is exactly why you need an architect - the design is just stunning, and as a client I would have never come up with the ideas. Great work, Gemma!

[@monunyabidness5949]

Brilliant reinterpretation of the ruin. Keeping it's character while neatly folding it into a modern building.

[@justadaaam]

im actually so obsessed with your videos!!! not only are they super soothing and satisfying to watch, but you really do think about everything which is so inspiring and exciting to watch

[@saraharris7880]

Love love love. Your creativity is inspiring. So enjoy seeing your ideas. Thanks for taking the time to share them with the world.

[@helenjholmberg]

It looks amazing, I love how you made it work so well together the new and the old.

[@gemmawheeler]

Thanks Helen :)

[@stevenleroux7033]

I would never think of anything like this in a thousand years. stunning

[@fishbiscuit2000]

Very nicely done. Love the entry way. I'm a carpenter in the N.W. Highlands of Scotland and spend a lot of time renovating the typical 2 up 2 down west highland cottages you find here. Most of them are just strapped and boarded internally for insulation, a few roof lights and perhaps a porch added and sometimes a kitchen and ground floor bathroom extension tacked on. I'd love to see some more thoughtfully designed renovations like this one.

[@jennyeddison]

This is a remarkably creative re-imagining of an old farm cottage. Absolutely love it!

[@Peter-at-Heres-The-Thing]

That's quite a fantastic re-imagination of this ruin. Let's hope something equally creative is actually built. Love that I found your channel, Gemma - thanks to your rethink of George Dunnett's wee house.

[@gemmawheeler]

Thanks Peter

[@mikeburkholder7458]

I really like the way it looks " like you slotted the old into the new." Neat design.

[@oliverswinburne2603]

This is a stunning transformation Gemma!

[@gemmawheeler]

Hi Oliver! Thank you :)

[@stacey__withanE]

This design is a work of art. Just stunning.

[@gailooo1895]

Love the keeping of the original stone throughout (masonry repair could get expensive). Where the hall closet is I would add a half bathroom instead (so guests aren’t going into the personal bedroom). The kitchen I would extend the wall too the edge of the building (that part seems like wasted open space currently) with one of those full wall folding glass walls. Which then you have the option of the side wall or the back wall to fold open completely. Extending the side wall gives room for a refrigerator and more working counter tops.

[@Turtledove2009]

I would do the same.

[@Leon-zo4if]

This is an absolutely incredible design! I loveeeee it!!! Very creative and classy.

[@SarahSmith-nr2wj]

You are very talented, I always watch architectural channels and mostly their vision is off for my taste. I was thinking that this would look better with more weathered muted wood, but then you mentioned you'd tried that already I could understand why you made that decision. I think you and I have a similar eye for things, lovely ideas you have, gem of a channel, inspiring , thanks x

[@jeannerogers7085]

I enjoy tour work very much. These wonderful old stone buildings deserve renovation.

[@ceciliaSF-TX]

Fabulous work. One thing: with so much outside area & the courtyard at the entrance, it feels like the living area is a bit small with the small open area there. Just my reaction to it. Absolutely love how the kitchen has so many options with the open area & sliding glass walls - the two side fireplace is just a great addition. Love it!

[@megenberg8]

it is perfect for being outdoors often in summer and indoors cozy in winter. In spring comes the garden and walking and more active times, whilst in winter (after the autumn prep for winter is complete) comes the more relaxing/quiet days w/ those early nights. reading, cooking, online, staying by the fire. it is quite nice!

[@kathleensheehan5582]

Love it! I’m always looking at ruins in Portugal. This gives me lots of new inspiration.

[@Svboru1]

Absolutely brilliant! You are so very talented. I love this mix of indoor and outdoor living and combined with the respectful treatment of the original structure (which must have sheltered generations of people) is a truly unique home. Thank you so much for putting these out for all of us that may never have the opportunity to work with such a creative architect.

[@isabellet4374]

Exactement. C'est tout ce que je souhaiterais comme maison ancienne/nouvelle avec une organisation de l'espace parfaite et cette combinaison rêvée d'intérieur/ extérieur. En particulier ce traitement de l'entrée patio, et même son toit végétalisé est vraiment génial ! Quel talent !

[@seventiesmom8045]

Absolutely stunning. I'm speechless...

[@jennicollins4427]

I love the design. My critic, and mainly because I like symmetry, is to not break up the roof in the middle with the courtyard. Keep the courtyard and on the backside add the roof all the way across. Then on the courtyard side add more windows to meet with the roof or not and create a storage space above.

[@megenberg8]

I'd build an extra garden plot w/ landscaping adjacent to a small type of 'summer house' enclosing an endless pool and spa - think sauna & shower, with a covered space attached for the storage of firewood and tools/small equipment. One could have a great place for growing vegs & herbs and collecting rain too! a couple of small blooming trees like cherry or apple for bloom in Spring 😊

[@janicebleasdale7140]

Love your videos. Love to see 2 interior designs, one modern as you usually do and one that’s traditional and cozy. Love your voice it is so soothing.

[@James-In-Exile]

This was such a stunning transformation, but the most beautiful aspect was seeing the sheer sensitivity of the design to the building's history and the local habitat.

[@homemoviesandotherstuff3419]

I just love to watch this process as you creatively bring these bldgs. back to life! My favorite KZbin channel!

[@b_altmann]

Really like this, with the integration approach. In a residential area I would not have any concerns. What about security concerns in a rural setting, especially when it is not permanently inhabited? I guess the glass could all be laminated acoustic glass, so it’s not easy to break.

[@wesleyschol6182]

A beautiful & poetic solution. Bravo!

[@jmk1962]

Stunning design Gemma, I love it and would happily retire there. Am thinking if it's still for sale you should contact the selling agents and send a link to this video. It would certainly help to sell it to a discerning buyer. Need to watch it again and again to fully appreciate the beauty of this design.

[@gemmawheeler]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@Purplefishish]

STUNNING! I love your vision