It's Been Intense | RENOVATING TINY OFF-GRID COTTAGE

Hi, we are Harriet and Mauro and in February 2021 we bought an abandoned smallholding in Castellón, Spain. In these videos we share our life as we restore and improve our little stone house, learn to grow and preserve our own food, and bring our 4 acres of farmland back to productivity.
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Music in this video:
Eternal Sunshine - Rymdklang Soundtracks 2
Cooper's Island - Martin Klem
As Lovely as You - Wanderer's Trove
Almost the Same (Instrumental Version) - Peter Crosby
From EpidemicSound

[@jennyjohnson9012]

I know how you feel Harriet. I felt as though I'd had a baby and yet I hadn't! The strangest feeling. We had central heating put in before our little one came home as of course she'd been used to high temperatures in the ICU dept. The house was like a bombsite. I spent my day split in two as well. Travelling to the hospital which was an hour and a half away and then coming home to all the mess. It was a long time ago but I've never forgotten how I felt. You two are amazing. Sending hugs to both of you 😘

[@charolamas8357]

Please read the comments that warn you about the foam melting and releasing toxic dangerous fumes once you make use of the chimney!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

Thanks, we have! ☠️

[@sabinaschot564]

Even when it might not burn, it risks a bad reaction when the foam gets too hot, and it might produce something that is harmful for you to breathe. I've been living in the South of France with my wood fire for more than 30 years, and we've encountered similar problems before. Wishing you all the best to your lovely family.

[@minime7375]

It will also crumble from the heat, it does in the sun

[@MauroGestoso]

I will look into it, thanks for the advice

[@shawnfromportland]

yes

[@janohdegroot989]

About the content of the channel. People seem to start watching for a topic or something specific and they keep on watching because they like you 😊. Same here. And I'm interested in your life with everything and everybody. That is what happens when you like people 😊. Be good, bye 👋 Btw: I like your nails 🤗

[@Sweet-Aloha]

You two are exceptional beings, and so precious to witness how calm and lovingly you embrace this beautiful life you've chosen. Your sweet boy will be home and basking your nurturing presence in perfect time for all the big essential projects to be complete so that you all can 'nest-in' with your usual ease and grace and with comfort and security for the seasons ahead. Thank you for sharing and reflecting such hopeful reverence for life with gentle loving hearts. Deep bow to you both. Namastė🤍🪷🤍

[@soniacoleman5247]

I feel your stress, i just want to say, dont look to weeks ahead, enjoy your life now, daily, appreciating all you have and all you have done. The wirds to the song came to mind while watching you this week......"one day at a time.sweet Jesus"

[@v_hovila]

I'm alfraid the foam might melt when the chimney pipe is hot. That might either smell very bad or cause a fire hazard. I'm from Finland so I'm somewhat familiar with chimneys and wood burning stoves.

[@sgrvtl7183]

good thought & advice! I am a 73 woman and know n othing of the foam, but it seems it might melt?

[@HitCha_K]

Some foams are made to be resistant at high temperatures but it doesn't mean that it can't melt or burn at some point!

[@arjanvogel6444]

Just put stone wool around the pipe to keep the hotness by the pipe.

[@MauroGestoso]

Good advice. We are planning on insulating the pipe, that's why we made the hole bigger than the pipe.

[@robinsouth8555]

My thoughts as well, be safe!

[@janetbecker4282]

You remind me of my younger self when I had to learn renovation due to financial restrictions. If I ever have a windfall of money I will be paying it forward to you for renovations. Blessings on our beautiful baby.

[@jellymoth]

Thanks for the laughs this week Mauro! "I'm a miner" 😆

[@MauroGestoso]

😎

[@deborahlee8135]

I really love your outlook on life Harriet, a beautiful mix of dreams and reality. You do what needs to be done, and that takes a toll sometimes, and you keep dreaming. You live in the present, but take time out to make plans and prepare for the future. Its a fine balance few can achieve. Best wishes to you, Mau and Santi ❤

[@mandytaylor1008]

Yes Harriet for your milk to keep coming you need to rest not get stressed and drink plenty to keep your milk coming. Also sometimes you have to watch what you eat as it gets passed. Through your milk. If I ate spicy food like curry it would give the baby runny poo,s. All those grapes might have same effect. Worth keeping in mind. I think you both doing amazingly well. Take care 👍🙋🏻‍♀️

[@petro3441]

Congrats on the new member to the family. Take care and enjoy every moment with him

[@petro3441]

Shame man we truely pray for you guys that baby boy will be healthy soon

[@normamurray4450]

Sending good wishes and prayers. You are a lovely couple and deserve to have everything work out for the best. Hugs.

[@mutternav4]

Thanks for mentioning your little one - I was worried not hearing anything about him. Pumping, etc. takes a lot of time and energy on your part, but it’s critical, and nothing else is more important right now‼️ Hang in there‼️. I love following your journey‼️❤️

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

Thank you! 💓

[@NormaRomero-xp4fc]

Les deceo mucha suerte con el bebe' , y gracias por los subtitulos en español , sin ellos no sabria de su historia , los saludo desde Uruguay

[@mandytaylor1008]

Hi both of you I do hope baby is getting stronger and growing well so you will be able to bring him home. I expect you are working hard to get the house ready for him to come home. It will never be perfect as there is always something to do but you are doing really well. Well done both of you xx👍🙋🏻‍♀️

[@annneusidl5794]

Harriet,It may seem overwhelming at the moment, but all will iron out in time. Little Santiago will pull through. He has tough parents. Bless you and the family. Life on the farm is a wonderful life. Keep positive moving forward. ❤️👊🏻

[@shawnfromportland]

wow, the bounty of the grapes!

[@ninemoonplanet]

Just look at all the knowledge both of you have gained, from plastering to irrigation to renovation and the new plants you found. Wow, you both have grown so much in skill and understanding the land. Chickens thriving, donkey is now comfortable with you, pups and cats are settled in. Now the big challenge, Santiago coming home. You've both learned so much, but Santiago will teach you far more in the coming years. Soon things will settle into routine again, take care of yourselves, that got to be the best direction.

[@mafish7962]

Enjoy your cuddle times and take a little bit of time for yourselves too. Virtual hugs, Laura ❤❤❤

[@CarolinaSanz-qy3hz]

Mucho ánimo. Es muy difícil lo que estáis haciendo. Un bebé prematuro y la renovación de una casa. Cuidaos mutuamente y no os pongáis más presión. El bebé sólo necesita vuestros brazos.

[@barbaradionne7768]

Take heart you two. You are doing everything you can under the circumstances. Prayers for you and your little son from Canada. ❤️🇨🇦

[@leva52]

It's nice to follow you on youtube. Sorry to hear about your baby. It must be tiring to travel back and forth to the hospital. It must also be terrible to leave the baby in the hospital. I really hope that everything goes well and that you get the baby home soon. Good luck ❤️🙏

[@drwizbang]

I have built a few fireplaces and installed many chimney pipes in my days... Please remove the foam and replace it with layers of cement. Double and triple walled vent pipes still become extremely hot, especially in confined areas. Try to maintain 25cm clearance from the chimney pipe with any flammable materials. The foam will off gas poisonous fumes. Hugs to you all.

[@MauroGestoso]

What if we put rock wool insulation around the pipe?

[@drwizbang]

@@MauroGestoso Rock wool is fire proof at the temperatures that you will be dealing with but it is not the best material to adhere your finished white plaster ceiling to. May I suggest that you custom cut a single piece of plywood and install it on the ceiling. Fill in any gaps between the plywood and wall with a cloth rag. Now from the upstairs room poor a liquid (runny) cement into the square hole you made previously for the chimney pipe. You want to fill the 5 to 10 cm gap all the way, making sure this new pour is bonding to the old pour; no gap`s no air bubbles. Have someone down below stop any leaks and clean any streaks of cement on the wall before it drys. Ok, now after the cement is starting to set up; from upstairs remove some cement all the way down to the plywood you installed previously. Make it round and a little bigger than your chimney pipe. Take care to do a nice round hole. Let this set up for a few days, remove the wood. Presto!!! After the chimney pipe is installed you can pour cement around pipe and level with the upstairs floor. Hugs to all, Richard

[@MauroGestoso]

@@drwizbang thanks for the advice. I was worried the new cement wouldn't adhere to the already dry one. What it's clear is that the foam has to go ☠️

[@drwizbang]

As long as the wet cement is just runny enough to flow easily into all the nooks and crannies of the 5 to 10 cm space it will adhere to the dry pour just fine. If you want, you could dampen with water the dry pour cement before you install the plywood to the ceiling. Always here to help... Richard@@MauroGestoso

[@nicolehelegda8724]

I loved the little ant cameo you filmed while you were cutting the water pipe 🐜❤

[@Jo_Lori]

A thought for the future... fireplace screens to keep Santiago safe from the wood stoves once he starts crawling. My brother had to do it for his wood stove.

[@elizabethstreeter2145]

Not much that I can add just take each day as it comes don’t try and look too far ahead at the moment it will all come together somehow,so glad you found someone who is doing what so many of us would like to be doing,giving you a hand through this tough time thank Lauren’s from all of us who can’t help.just aim to keep your sprites up and good luck with Santi health issues,hopefully it is not anything too much and won’t be long till you have him home,remember if you need time out from social media take it,don’t need to explain it’s your life,and we are all going along for the ride,but you are living it,and maybe you need time for just you.all my love to the three of you.

[@dorothyallen3614]

Your home is going to be lovely and cozy warm for all, I love your kitchen makeover so far, it’s really going to be very useful for your family. Santiago will be much better soon and a very healthy, happy baby too. Sending the best of love vibrations and support for all your efforts and well being to everyone ❤, be well, safe and much love and kindness coming to your family and friends.

[@marilo1183]

Ojalá pronto podáis disfrutar con vuestro bebé en casa. Un abrazo y mis mejores deseos con todo mi cariño❤❤❤

[@tamsinpope8432]

What a LOT on your plates! Kudos to you both for coping with such a monstrous load. Glad your volunteer is such a help, ❤ to you all

[@julieannecook-artist]

It's amazing the hard work you put into your casa. Sending much love to you, Mario & baby ❤

[@leannekudahl2432]

I think you are both doing amazingly well considering. I hope you continue to do whatever is right for yourselves and don't listen to any negative comments or naysayers. How wonderful you were able to accept help that was offered, education comes in mysterious ways. :)

[@auntiemandy5638]

I love to hear that someone is breast feeding warms my heart that you are expressing for baby after everything you have been through, it's the best medicine he could possibly have and will do wonders for you ❤

[@lilykatmoon4508]

Thanks for the update. The fireplace area is looking wonderful. Sending every well wish for y’all’s continued health and mental well being and for little Santi as he gets over his infection. Sending prayers that his condition is diagnosed and able to be easily treated ❤. Take care.

[@cathyholt5215]

My heart just goes out to you guys. So much going on. So much to worry about. It will all work out & be okay. ❤

[@mividaenelcampo5666]

Mucha fuerza y un beso muy grande para los tres ,seguro que Santi va a seguir luchando y pronto estará en la finca con vosotros ❤❤❤❤❤

[@jbyrd2516]

Yay! Well done both of you. Best wishes for Santiago’s progress. Regards from Australia 💚

[@Me-wk3ix]

Mauro has gotten great at driving!

[@MauroGestoso]

😎

[@Jo_Lori]

I'm so happy you have a volunteer. I know you worry about providing a good experience for them, but if you let them know in advance that you won't be able to provide much & why, I'll bet you'll still be able to get volunteers. I'd happily come help, but I'm in wheelchair, so I don't think I'd be a help.

[@jldisme]

I'll be praying for Santi.

[@bevparkes2579]

We think you are doing an amazing job juggling renovation with your very premme wee man well done, daily drive for breast milk what a lucky boy. We had a prem daughter while living in a shed as house was only 3/4 built. Its not easy but what an achievement. Be proud of your work,rustic is great and fits with your lovely old stone home. Hoping Santiago will soon be tolerating breast feeds. Thank you for your videos at such a busy time in your lives love them. All the best from NZ.

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

Aw thank you. And well done you! Not everyone has everything perfect when a baby arrives but they remember the love not the pile of building materials outside the front door, right?

[@madhatter909]

so glad Lauraunce came to help, I know I spelled her name wrong sorry.

[@MauroGestoso]

Don't worry. In the time she spent here I don't think a single person pronounced her name right , she must be used to it😅

[@glenyscallaghan1195]

Good luck to you all , lots going on.❤❤❤❤

[@user-nt2ol4ui2t]

Hola chic@s! Soy Iván de Barcelona. Os sigo hace tiempo porque me parece un gran proyecto y vosotros unos valientes, aunque me cueste un poco seguiros en inglés. Muchos ánimos y mucha suerte ❤❤❤

[@auroraalonso1125]

Santi campeón!!!!!

[@rominademattei1266]

Les envío mucho amor, que Santi esté super bien muy pronto y puedan empezar su vida juntos y felices al 100 % 💜

[@santiagonavesgomez8332]

You’re a fantastic people and I wish all the best to your family because you really do deserve longtime ago I told you about putting some fish on your alberca…..

[@MauroGestoso]

We've had fish for a while now. Our original fish are probably great-grandparents by now 😄

[@morganleticia2316]

Enjoy watching your journey/ my son was very sick when he was a toddler it is very stressful going through that give yourself some time for yourself sending prayers to your family

[@madhatter909]

I'm so glad you are all doing well.

[@mompuff]

Congratulations on the born of your precious son!! I’m so grateful God send you one of those amazing people that have the desire to work hard & help you!! Wish you nothing but blessings & health for your precious gift!! Much love & admiration 🙌🏻🦋🤗

[@dianedahle2692]

You both are doing an amazing job, I’m so enjoying your journey, the only thing that worries me is the foam on the fire, but I’m no expert, my love to the three of you 🩷♥️💙

[@Ghostbastards285]

It’s a lot, really. ❤

[@Me-wk3ix]

I love your beautiful home! Sending best wishes for your new little one and for both of you!

[@natxotxuri]

Kaixo Harriet Mauro eta Santi. Os felicito y os agradezco todo lo que estáis haciendo, para poder compaginar el nacimiento de un bebé, y la obra de restauración de vuestra masía. Y todo ello con la sonrisa y el sentido del humor que os caracteriza. Al final llegará la recompensa, y podréis disfrutar de todo lo que habéis conseguido. Saludos a los tres, y a la Quebequense Laurence. Agur

[@mandytaylor1008]

I am sure you are very sensible with regards to baby being in your videos. This is your life and he is in your life part of your family on the homestead so he shouldn’t be in it a lot or little but just as it comes. I think you are both very sensible and will do the right thing for all of you.🙋🏻‍♀️

[@josjewosje]

Wow! You are doing so well. All the best for you all.

[@alber4842]

Congratulations on the birth of your son, so sorry he’s unwell and can’t be home with y’all. Pray he gets well soon so he can join his family. Your home is looking great best wishes with the renovations, you’re doing an amazing job. Many blessings ❤❤❤

[@leafside]

Pumping is no joke!!I did it for a year and that was all I could manage.. it felt like that’s all I was doing and felt slightly like a cow!! Big hugs to you xx you are doing amazing things and baba will be with you soon xx

[@lisabarajas1654]

Most excellent!

[@mary4482]

Mucha fuerza para continuar!!!Cariños desde Chile 💚🌱🌈💪💪💪

[@sgrvtl7183]

Nice to hear an update on Baby Santiago and Mama💙💗 You do have some very unique challenges to deal with in the living area with the old fireplace/stove pipe etc. Glad you have some help! 💛🤎💚 Your grapes look gorgeous and very good! Great Vitamin C in the purest form💜

[@lolimontes5904]

"It's a bit wonky but we'll fix it in post". Dicho por un verdadero profesional! Que bien chicos, gran laburo se están mandando! mucha fuerza para ustedesss! va a quedar hermoso y calentito

[@tracytanasiychuk8253]

Praying for baby and both of you. Thank you for the update. Blessings from Canada 🇨🇦

[@SpatchG]

Harriet and Mauro, you are amazing. It must be so hard not having Santiago at home. Praying for the three of you.

[@juliannapasztory3819]

Lo estáis haciendo genial, pronto estaréis los tres disfrutando de todo por lo que luchais!

[@mariafloresvillegas3279]

Ánimo!! lo estáis haciendo muy bien,todo pasa y todo llega , pronto estaréis con Santi en casa, saludos 🌳💚🌿

[@stefankatomova-nikolova213]

I have the same color of tiles in kitchen and entrance😊. It's getting so cosy. Hope you will solve all problems with materials and everything will be OK, I am sure it will! ❤

[@marcie685]

Hi guys thanks for the update your both dealing with a lot well but then that’s what being parents is all about . Hugs to you from Tasmania Australia 🙋‍♀️🇦🇺

[@alvaalvarado2587]

Lo estais haciendo muy bien, lastima de no tener dias de 26 horas para poder descansar dos, pero esta lucha sera recompensada con mirar la carita del niño cuando este en casa, espero todo salga bien, os lo merecéis, hasta la proxima

[@shawnfromportland]

vamos!

[@barrysilvester]

I never knew that Mauro was so adept at DIY,also Harriet congrats on Santiago's birth it must be strange not having him at home,but at least it gives you and Mauro time on the house, bet you can't wait for the day he can come home and start being a "normal "mum and dad. Best wishes to you 3!!xx😊😊😊

[@MauroGestoso]

Now I'm on paternity leave I finally have time to do it!

[@jannetomlinson1831]

Thanks for update. Stay well and take care of you.

[@WravTil]

I think you are both doing really well too, the best you can in the circumstances. Probably best that you can't find a builder - if they are available at short notice they are either not very good, and/or would be very expensive ! Good luck and hope Santo comes home soon.

[@LittleSpanishFarmstead]

Yeah good point!

[@teresaedwards3659]

Thanks for the video!

[@gardentours]

All the best to you 💕

[@donaldmackinnon5779]

You are doing a great job. That’s life every day is different and your coping well and learning new skills. Hope the baby is getting stronger. Love to you all ❤

[@bluelilly22222]

Everyone have stress but mother's stress next level....everything is gonna be ok. You both are a astrong person ❤👍👌💪

[@ihaveghosts]

Melrose looking so handsome without hiding behind those glasses 😊 such a cute pair you both are! I hope your little one can join you at home soon. I can’t imagine how hard it must be being separated.

[@mariapilaribarzcuchi8553]

Ánimo para los 3 y espero veros pronto todos juntos en la finca besos😘😘😘

[@siobhanvanderlinde5401]

Wishing you strength and fortitude!

[@anadorsamp3560]

Os deseo todo lo mejor para vuestro precioso bebé. ❤❤

[@luananavarro4]

Im so glad you have someone to help you ❤

[@wendygillard2133]

It is great to see Mauro learning new skills! You are both working so hard. Stay well, hopefully Santi will be healthy enough to come home soon. I enjoyed seeing Tofu out and about in this video. 💐 🙏 💖

[@ruthnoronha8206]

Congratulation on the baby !

[@Rostha846]

Toda la suerte del mundo para tu bebé, que este bien muy pronto💚

[@mirandaandrea8215]

Your both amazing! Sending love and light to you all and baby! ❤

[@Jo_Lori]

The stove platform looks amazing! Well done, Mauro! Yum! Home-made grape juice! It freezes really well. If don't have much room in the freezer, cook it down into a concentrate (a slow cooker is ideal for this), then add water to taste when you thaw it.

[@trishwalton6628]

You are both doing so much! You are very lucky too! Congratulations ❤

[@arjanvogel6444]

Thanks for your vid 😇💟💟💟 Love and bless you guys, good work guys 👍😀.

[@xarinini]

You two are amazing!!!! 😍😍 Mucho ánimo con Santi, seguro que todo va bien y pronto estáis los tres en casa. Best regards!!!

[@maryannknox7158]

Praying 🙏 for Santi and you both ….Blessings

[@kirstenlund4313]

Lovely to hear you are doing so well, all things considered. I admire your calm, stamina and positive energy. Solving every job and problem with good spirit and ease. You two are a amazing couple. Sending love and light from Denmark♥️

[@vivalaleta]

Beautiful. Stone is the best house material. It all looks clean and strong.

[@mompuff]

I love the name you choose for precious Santy ❤️❤️❤️ Santiago ❤️❤️❤️ I love his nickname of Santy ❤️❤️❤️ Much love & blessings 🙌🏻❤️🙏🏻🇺🇸

[@user-el9ik1iv7n]

Good luck to you both, so nice you have a volunteer! with love from Panama. Wishing your baby strength and health ❤

[@macebove]

Esta es una gran prueba como familia pero SEGURO la pasan con creces uds son super apañadores los felicito y espero bb este cada dia mejor

[@gerryryan1372]

I think you are both doing amazing. It must be so emotional not having you baby son at home with you. I wish their was more people to help you both. Ye are such a lovely couple ❤

[@catherineclement7798]

Bonjour, Ravie d'avoir de vos nouvelles, prenez soin de vous et de Santi et merci pour la vidéo, c'est toujours un plaisir de voir vos aventures

[@IRSA1]

Gosh, you are doing so well, given the amount of pressure you are under, right left and center ! But I have no doubt you will manage to do all that needs to be done , through hard work and sheer perseverance. Sorry to hear your little one has had a temporary set back and that you still have to wait for some medical decisions to be made. But he seems to be in good hands and it is just a matter of time before you can bring him home to your loving care and the most perfect surroundings to grow up in !