Renovating the Home My Great Great Grandfather Built

I spent four years renovating the home my Great Great Grandfather built. Most people said to burn it down or push it into a hole, but I cared about the memories of my family in this house, and I wanted a challenge. It wound up being one of the most meaningful things I have ever done in life.
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[@Emanistan]

As an architecture snob, this brings a tear of joy to my eye. Would that every old house was treasured this much.

[@amiry2589]

Would have been so much easier and faster to knock it down and rebuild/modernise it!

[@wag0nman889]

@@amiry2589 thank God this house didn't get passed down to you. You don't understand history, clueless.

[@janaschraders316]

@@wag0nman889 I think he's trying to say that it would've been easier and faster to knock it all down and modernize it, but he didn't. He kept the charm of the house, just made it safer and nicer to live in while putting in extra labor and costs.

[@lanawhite1670]

Your great great grandfather is smiling down at you. Well done.

[@inactiveuser555]

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD AND HE COMMANDS ALL MEN EVERYWHERE TO REPENT AND BELIEVE IN THE GOSPEL. THE LORD GOD SENT HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON TO DIE ON THE CROSS FOR OUR SINS AND BE RAISED TO LIFE FOR OUR JUSTIFICATION. SET YOUR HEART AND YOUR SOUL TO SEEK THE LORD GOD!

[@jeng151]

I absolutely love it when people do this. Cherishing the labor of previous generations and reinvigorating structures is just an incredibly wonderful thing to do. Thank you so much for sharing the story of your work with us- it is inspiring and impressive that you accomplished all of this.

[@azimus1776]

"My great great granparents built this house" - it is SOOOO awesome that you live there!

[@maryronan9758]

They would be so tickled if they knew that family continued to live in their house!!

[@trishdiggins]

So. Cool.

[@spbissen]

As an owner of a 175 year old farm house in Freeville, NY, I understand what you have had to go through to renovate your house. I applaud all you've done to this beautiful old house.

[@nancycolbert2703]

You were the right ancestor to inherit the house! What a labour of love that will hopefully be handed to the next generation at some point.

[@c.c.c2062]

I know isn’t that so cool, wish I had this much history.

[@AntarikshRajkonwar]

I think you have mistaken 'descendant' word with ancestor.

[@twistoffate4791]

@@AntarikshRajkonwar Correct you are.

[@inactiveuser555]

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD AND HE COMMANDS ALL MEN EVERYWHERE TO REPENT AND BELIEVE IN THE GOSPEL. THE LORD GOD SENT HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON TO DIE ON THE CROSS FOR OUR SINS AND BE RAISED TO LIFE FOR OUR JUSTIFICATION. SET YOUR HEART AND YOUR SOUL TO SEEK THE LORD GOD!

[@conniedowner1831]

I absolutely love that you kept part of your history! It’s generally a sad sight to see old homes deteriorated and left to rot.

[@inactiveuser555]

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD AND HE COMMANDS ALL MEN EVERYWHERE TO REPENT AND BELIEVE IN THE GOSPEL. THE LORD GOD SENT HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON TO DIE ON THE CROSS FOR OUR SINS AND BE RAISED TO LIFE FOR OUR JUSTIFICATION. SET YOUR HEART AND YOUR SOUL TO SEEK THE LORD GOD!

[@markvittorini5163]

I'm glad you're sharing this. You and your wife are everything that represents America and I know you all are proud to have ressurected your families home and history. Looking forward to the rest of the story as Paul Harvey used to say!

[@michaelmcneil4168]

I think Joshuah Slocumb quoted Lloyds about a ship's provenance about his boat, the Spray.

[@deerespetes8849]

I love seeing old structures restored to be useful again instead of torn down. Building your character and the houses.

[@darinbuck5493]

Pete I remember watching you slowly week by week chipping away at that monumental task. The neighborhood was very proud of you for saving the the house and the finished job you two did.

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Thanks Darin!

[@theburnhams2925]

Yes, Pete and Hillary are credits to civilization. Any community would welcome "the likes of them!"

[@FlamingBasketballClub]

Wait, for real?

[@joshuaherpolsheimer4699]

@@theburnhams2925 not the other Hillary...she was responsible for tearing this country apart

[@jackieb596]

@@FlamingBasketballClub 8

[@shirleyrice1864]

This is wonderful! My husband and I are renovating my parents 1880's farmhouse all by ourselves. We are also working one side at a time on the exterior and so far have built a new front porch, replaced the front door and 14 windows, and at my mother's suggestion before she passed away, we've switched the kitchen to the living room and vise versa. We've MUCH more to do, but it is truly a labor of love. Can't wait to watch your next video!

[@sleepystar1638]

its gonna be great dont stop

[@carleluere4131]

Pete, you're going to get a standing ovation from your ancestors when your time comes! Bravo!

[@jefflawrentz1624]

Kudos to you all for having the courage and determination to save such a valuable part of your family history. I too saved my great great grandparents house, (built circa 1853) but since our family no longer owned the land ( it had been sold out of the family abt 75 yrs) I had to purchase it, number and dismantle it and store it. How I look forward to the day I can reassemble it. Thanks for the inspiration !!

[@purselmer5931]

Wow, wow, wow. Boy do I envy those of you who have that kind of family history and care about it so much. You are both an inspiration!

[@charliesnarky9726]

Make a you tube channel when u do!

[@infinitebeing1032]

Think I was watching "This Old House" Bob Vila would be proud.

[@isellcatlitter]

Bob Vila... This Fat Checkbook...

[@rachelrolandaharrisboyd7128]

Yes he would ! Nice story 😊

[@7SideWays]

Self-taught labor of love for family legacy preservation. Awesome!

[@geneprice3403]

My wife and I recently acquired her family home! We purchased it at a sheriffs sale. Previous owners trashed the place and abandoned it after they let the whole south basement wall cave-in. We are in the process of shoring up the remaining walls and prepping the house for a new basement! We felt that this was a place of memory and family history we could not let die! We understand!

[@jmstouter6572]

There’s no greater satisfaction than that of a labor of love!❤️

[@johnnieguitar5724]

I"m speechless! " A labour of love " does not come close to describing your courage, faith, effort and final accomplishment here. Well done Pete!

[@VanVactorFarms]

I just lost my Grandfather and we we were extremely close he was my best friend, I wish he had recorded himself telling these kind of stories, your kids and grandkids will cherish this channel great job keep up the absolute fantastic work you are inspiring

[@christopherlyon4946]

Wow! Your story is truly inspiring. I watched your ancestry video a while back, and it was very interesting, but my guess is that in 100 years time when your great grandchildren recount their family history, you and Hilary will stand out as two of the most remarkable figures of all. Very best wishes!

[@lapink141]

Your Grandparents are looking down and they are so proud of you, Great job!

[@faithasaseed]

Such a beautiful family history story. Blessed!

[@GreenDragonPainting]

It is really satisfying to fix up your own house. When my dad passed away I renovated his house to move in. I discovered white oak floors under the old carpet which I refinished. I found a wall papered accent wall in the living room underneath the old peeling paint. The paper was last manufactured in the early 40s. I was able to remove all the old paint due to the coating on top of the wallpaper breaking down. I then sealed the wallpaper with a clearcoat. I REALLY enjoyed working on that place. I really wish my dad could have seen it all new again

[@BernieDiaz]

Bogles my mind all the work you did to 'rebuild' the old house by tearing and replacing it piece by piece. You're simply amazing.

[@junebarnes5470]

What a blessing to have inherited such a treasure

[@localcrew]

I used to do remodeling in older homes - lots of plaster and lath - and those houses are problematic, to say the least. You handled this project like a pro. Actually, probably better than most pros because you care about the finished product a lot more. Looking forward to the next installment. 👍

[@innaking7658]

I want a husband like you.

[@mandycote5662]

AND What kind of a wife would you be? Men are suppose to be the head/ mind 👑

[@localcrew]

I have some short vids on my channel on my bathroom remodeling project. Small but challenging. There’s shiplap.

[@Pipsquacky]

@@mandycote5662 not sure who you are replying to but your conservative Christianity is showing. Fine if your restrictive beliefs work for you and the person that you are in relationship with, but to suggest that we all should live that way is ridiculous and, quite honestly, rude.

[@HillsideAcres]

Pete, I dearly admire your ability to teach your self anything. Was great to hear the history of the house and that you know the history of your family.

[@krickette5569]

You are a wonderful story teller!

[@FloridaGirl-]

It’s amazing this house didn’t collapse . The foundation sounded like a nightmare!

[@noemisartcorner841]

Wow I have viewed many video of homes getting renovated and it can all be watched in time lapas where a year can be seen in 15 minutes. Here you are showing your still photos and voicing your story. Well let me tell you I have enjoyed hearing your adventure with your home immensely. It fed my imagination I pictured you great great grandparents, grandparents and the rest of the family working hard to build and maintain this home. Then here you come and rebuild. Many folks do repairs and rebuild their homes but not many are out there telling it like you are. Your story should have started with Once upon a time just like in fairy tale stories. I have enjoyed your story very much and I thank you. Looking forward to the continuation. Blessings 🙏🏽

[@dbkyhere9229]

Very nice! I love people who preserve, and rehabilitate these old structures. I’m sure your past family would be elated to see what you’ve done through the years!💯😍

[@shaneduyvenedewit5197]

You did right by this beautiful old house and the legacy of your ancestors! Well done!

[@libertygiveme1987]

WOW, you did an EXCELLENT JOB!!!! Your Great-Great Grandfather would be PROUD!!!!

[@luthercase9001]

Sir, you are a loyal great-great-grandson, who got the ending that he deserved, and you are inspiration to people like me who has big projects themself that don't have the money or a lot of time but can do it bit by bit.

[@hammeringhankaaron7468]

My parents restored an old Victorian house when I was little. I remember what a job it was. Thank you for sharing this story and saving the legacy.

[@georgetorres9282]

My favorite part is that you saved your family's home. You did an awesome job. Thanks for Sharing.

[@theburnhams2925]

Pete, I'll swear, you're a spot of sunshine in a rather gloomy world...Thank you for takin' all of us along on your house re-birth. An' yes, she's still the same ship...names, after all, are only names.....

[@klynne8410]

This is awesome!

[@CPthetooladdict]

Something to be said for manual labor people have gotten lazy myself included I worked hard for years and this inspires me to work hard again!! Thanks pete

[@clintonirwin6825]

I’m watching you from co Derry in Ireland

[@cu4achat123]

I love how you wanted to keep all the nostalgia & memories of your past family members. Heritage homes are so deserving to be renovated. I love the home.

[@annawhitis4251]

You have done an excellent job, restoring your great grandparents home, it is exquisite !!! I redone my great grandparents two story farmhouse, and outbuildings and an original two hole outhouse or antique privy as they are called. I also redone the original screen doors, fixed the porches, and painted the original clapboard back in 1982 to 1985. I also redone the original Oak Brand parlor wood stove. I enjoyed your video very much, God Bless you and your wife. Enjoy your beautiful home !!! Peace out !!! Kevin Phoenix, Illinois

[@markgoodman6249]

I did a lot of interior renovations on my first house but nothing to the extent you have. I also had to learn to do it myself, learned framing, drywall, taping and finish carpentry as I went along. My hats off to you, I know how much work this was!

[@cbass2755]

What a beautiful home. Very, very nice. I agree with how you went about redoing the family home. I can understand how you feel about your home…you have surrounded yourself with History…..lovely home! ❤

[@benjaminsagau]

The quality and detail are impressive, new builds nowadays don’t have half the detail as your house.Congradulations,looking forward for part 2

[@mamiesews123]

Enjoyed this. Encouraging

[@kathrynb4683]

I see houses like this every day and wonder. My granddaughter and her boyfriend became like me in that I do rehabbing. I just bought them one like this. It was only abandoned 5 years or so. It is an 1880. They are finding their way thru and doing fine. I am doing a 1967 cabin...my last hooray. Summers here in the woods. Snowbird in my RV winters. Life is sweet.

[@plaidpaisley5918]

My husband and I purchased a few low cost homes in his hometown in western NY. Near a lake , all 1930’s. Hope to retire there (in one of them) for summers. He still has cousins there. Nice small town life. I’ve lived in NY, Chicago, CAL. So really looking forward to it. I love old homes.

[@sherryridlen9357]

Wow

[@Farm_fab]

I'm considering doing this with my grandpa's old barn. Of course this means it will need disassembled, trailered, and then relocated and then reassembled where we plan to buy a farm. Both gas are about the same era, give or take, but I spent a lot of time in that barn when I was young. My grandpa worked on his old tractors in there, plus built or modified things he picked along the way. He built his own sawmill, and it had a 36" carbide blade that he would mill trees with. We used to go down to the mill for sawdust for around our house. We had chickens back then and one ol' miserable goat my dad named Abernathy. We didn't dare to turn our eyes away from her as she loved to butt people. My uncle, who lived between my grandparents house and our house also had a sawmill, bit his was a bandsaw. He also had a swing saw for cutting firewood, and he built his own farm equipment. He built a FEL from an old pinto car, built a garden mower from a Subaru car engine (1.8 liter), and built a yard mower from a hydrostatic mower and had a single wheel that steered with crossover cables. He prefer to build over buying as he was a problem solver. My dad built a small garden tractor from import car parts, and used it for some 30 years. He had a plow, a disc harrow and a spring harrow.

[@janety.1323]

Wow, what a story! You are beyond talented to have done so much of that work yourself. It's a beautiful house - so glad you saved it!

[@ernieruss6044]

as a retired building contractor I know how jobs like this can be overwhelming you did a great job love this video thanks so much for sharing this with all of us.

[@jackieo8693]

Amazing!

[@Mattea68]

I can still hear my moms stories about how my grandpa(her dad) and his dad my great grandpa would haul stones for the barn walls My Uncle who is a retired dairy farmer now) has lived on the homestead his entire life and everything has been taken care of, he still lives on the homestead and will never sell it or the land. The Homestead goes all the way back to my Great Great Grandfather when he first purchased the land when he came over from Germany. The Barn is still in great condition it was built in about 1900 along with the house my uncle lives in..always been taken care of

[@lisaflint7027]

Having no building skills, you did a great job! So happy that you were able to save the family home. My ancestral farm house in Indiana unfortunately didn't survive, it collapsed about 20 years ago. I could probably reconstruct it as there are photos of the house and my mother still remembers what the inside looked like, but it's too remote and I don't think anyone in my family would want to move there. May you have many happy years in your 'new' old home!

[@wayupnort6271]

Wow Pete, that’s amazing! I live about 10 miles from the Marvin Windows plant in Warroad,MN. Happy to see that the work the folks do up here help people like you put together your dream! Like you, most of the folks here are rural, farm raised, hard working people who take a lot of pride in their work so it’s nice to hear and see the end results from time to time. Thanks for sharing and God bless you and your family! Jim

[@fuzfoz]

Dude. Im about 9 minutes into this video and YOU ARE A BADASS! I could have never accomplished any of the renovations that you've made. I'm very impressed 👏

[@marthalucas1221]

What a labor of love! I remember my Mom and Dad buying and remodeling and old old house when my brother and I were young. The dust from knocking out lath and plaster was awful but it was sure fun to us kids to whack away at it. Kudos to you and wife for saving your beautiful family heirloom.👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏👍👍👍

[@lindakrumenauer1099]

Yes, Martha ,I identify with you all too.! Our 1883 farmhouse was very similar to this renovated one in structure. Twenty eight years we spent time fixing it up. My husband's grandfather had it built. I remember the knocking out of plaster, also, like you. Aarrggh ! We hauled it out to the woods. So much work over the years, but a wonderful house. Ours was still structurally sound when we started, but we replaced roof, siding windows, and interiors, and enclosed a back porch, and added a dining area over half of front porch. It still is a fine home, standing straight and well cared for. We had to sell it , because our family was grown, and we needed a one level. So we built an earth berm on the back forty!

[@chrisblack8390]

I can't believe you saved that house! You've got my respect! I told my neighbor who was born in my house in 1896 that I was going to save it. I got divorced and didn't ever have enough money to fix it up. That was 1990. I'm still here an have done very little to it. It was built in 1890. I wish I could save it but I'm an old woman now and just hope it lasts as long as me. Thank you

[@ljones98391]

Fascinating story. Wow, did you have a steep learning curve for this undertaking. I particularly love that you used radiant heat in the floors and milled your own oak and maple for the floors. You have so much to be proud of.

[@johnabraham6634]

amazing...truly a Joy to see you tell this story. God bless you.

[@LBB2622]

Your ancestors must be SO proud of you. Fascinating story, would love to hear more about your great great grandfather’s diary

[@francinesicard464]

Such a moving story.

[@Cougracer67]

This project reminds me of the fellow who owned George Washington's axe. A visitor said it sure was in great shape for being so old. The owner said "Well, the handle has been changed 4 times, and the head twice." Seriously, It's refreshing to see a project not focused on the money, but on the memories.

[@kellyanne7225]

Those who think the old, beautiful vintage homes need to be torn down just because it will require some work, have no vision or appreciation for the amazing history and beauty these homes hold! Our 1961 ranch style home, which had zero character and boring, straight lines, now has added vintage character! 60’s and 70’s homes were just plain ugly and old. Thankfully, our house does have history! The transformation is so much fun. I kept the photos for a before and after scrapbook when we sell in a few years. I love your story of your house! 😍

[@harrybanks4608]

It's so Great to see Tradition still matters , and is alive . What a great video. Thank you P.S. Your grandfather is looking down real proud.

[@timothyhill4630]

Been there, done that. It was a 4 year project that I loved.

[@anthonysmith3187]

Congratulations Pete your house looks really good, your hard work really paid off.

[@crowznest438]

Love the gable surrounds. And the kitchen addition w/ cistern was very interesting.

[@dannywilsher4165]

WOW!!! I have watched a few of your videos and have enjoyed every one of them. But listening to you telling how you rebuilt this house is most intriguing. I live in a house that was built in 1940. Four years ago it was pretty much destroyed by hurricane Harvey. Water was up to the roof. By the time we could get anything done to fix it, termites had moved in and the foundation up to the rafters made the house almost ready to fall down. The rafters and the roof was still salvageable so I built stands and beams and used hydraulic jacks under the ceiling and lifted up the roof about 6 inches. I then tore out everything from the ground up and built a new house. Like you did yours, I did one piece at a time till I got it to where I could set the roof back down. I smiled a lot watching how you did yours because it reminded me of doing some of the same things. Thanks for sharing!!! On to part 2...

[@valeriesjeans]

I agree! A whole new view of this “dad joke” farmer/rancher!

[@aussiepressconferences.4755]

Just trawling through all your old videos. Every ones a joy. Thank you.

[@bruce7560]

Watching this was allmost exactly what my wife and I did to our 1880 farmhoust that was scheduled to be torn down. the house even looked the same. It was a lot of work as you know but sooooooooooo worth it. I really enjoy watching you keep up the great work . I ordered your book cant wait the read it

[@HollySchuyler]

WOW!! You did an amazing job!!!

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Congratulations Pete, you did an extraordinary job, especially being self taught on a lot of it. The best part is you save some of your heritage, and past to pass on down to your kids. looking forward to part 2 thanks for sharing.

[@stevenandrews6627]

Awesome story Pete 👍👍👍👍👋🇨🇦

[@miraclefarm1927]

Love this! It's amazing we did the same thing around the same time. We only gave $1,200 for out trailer and it had to be fixed up, but it took us 13 years doing it ourselves to restore the little farm house. Blessings

[@dawnf8410]

What a labor of love and tribute to your ancestors. I'm sure they're right there cheering you on ♥️

[@louiserawle8999]

Pete the dedication and commitment you put into anything you do is truly astounding,and shows me you have tremendous self belief in yourself. I admire you and Hillary so much,love your videos.God Bless you and your lovely family. Following you from Australia.

[@ediefrasier2932]

Wow! You did a fabulous job. What an undertaking. I know you great great grandfather would be proud of you.

[@lisapop5219]

This is my first vid of yours. I can't wait to show my husband. He always wanted to do this kind of extensive work but we couldn't afford it. We bought a 45 year old house that needed all the things he knew how to do (electrical, drywall, plumbing, hvac, finishing carpentry) and he did it as himself. He wasn't confident about roofing, foundations or structural stuff. He will love this!

[@randyl6541]

It looks fantastic. What a man can do when he puts his mind into it. My hats off to you sir.

[@1885dr]

funny how things come around, just yesterday I was having doubt about a extensive project i’ve been working on . you are an inspiration. thanks

[@joseramos7476]

Amazing achievement

[@richardcompton2555]

Well my friend, you are indeed an amazing person. You kept your family history in front of you as you made your way through the rebuild knowing that your ancestors were watching you with pride. You and your family have an amazing history to preserve and carry forward. I pray that your children will continue the work and life on this beautiful farm. It looks amazing! Love from Tempe, Arizona

[@gailgaddy5340]

Wow, congratulations on your beautiful home, can’t wait to see part two. Yay

[@fredrose9285]

So glad you salvaged, rebuilt and improved this family homestead. It took a lot of effort, but look at what your efforts have to show now. Kudos and much respect!

[@davidrasch3082]

Houses, and all buildings for that matter, have a personality bordering on a soul, and a memory which is timeless.

[@littleroo340]

This story was awesome. I love hearing your stories about your farm and all about the stuff y’all do. Keep up the good work and keep the great videos coming.

[@pamhutzell8268]

Labor of love!

[@anniehooker5410]

You did a great job. Family members meant a lot to you. BLESS YOUR HEART.

[@fonhollohan2908]

Your grand father would've been one proud man to see what you did with this restoration. You did a great job, it looks beautiful and quite the achievement. It must of been a really satisfyingly accomplishment. When all said and done. As far as I'm concerned it looks like a real labor of Love. kudos to you sir ...well done....Obtw it would've been awesome to have seen you record this on video it would've been a great series to watch. Thanks for sharing!!

[@scottjohnson6173]

The fact that you did it, you and your wife that says something cares what other people think the only thing that matters is you and your wife took around his job and he created something wonderful

[@mackiebenson9467]

Your home turned out beautiful. Your dedication and commitment to this paid off big time.

[@sheepdoglogic]

You sir, are an awesome man and many men could learn from you. I would love to be in the position you are in, living in your Great Great Grandparents house, that is just awesome to me. I know who my Great Great Grandparents are and I even know the property they were given so many years ago but, unfortunately, I have an uncle who was able to sell off that land and house without telling anyone else in the family. Most people don't even care about their family's history but your sir obviously do and you can be proud of what you have accomplished. God Bless and I can't wait to watch part 2.

[@qphelan]

What a great story. Love all the progress photos. I can only imagine how proud you must be of your efforts. Can’t wait for part two.

[@LazyDaisyDay88]

I can't begin to explain how happy I am to have found this video - what a JOY! Thank you.

[@carolineg3397]

Compelling family history, really appreciate all the detailing. Looking forward to part 2! (Hilary was such a dazzling bride. _)

[@Michael_1946]

Wonderful !

[@brooke7464]

My mom has restored homes so been there done that. It's wonderful how you saved and restored your family home. It's great how some people are able to keep such historic treasures in the family

[@simplytrueyou9202]

What a beautiful old house. Thank you so much for saving it. Everyone is so quick to say, "tear it down! It costs too much to renovate!" It does cost a lot, but it can be done, bit by bit!

[@WildWestGal]

What a marvelous story and beautiful home!!! Had I inherited the family farm I, too, would have wanted to preserve, and live in, what my ancestors had built. While a lot of the pieces are "new", what can never be altered is the history and the energy imprint left by your people. Extremely impressive job... Well done, you!!!

[@lavonneschultz2362]

I can only dream! Love seeing the old houses built with TLC . It was a beautiful home ,glad you took time to rebuild. WORTH EVERY CENT, BLISTER&BACKACHE----- A LABOR OF LOVE!

[@JAdams-jx5ek]

Wow, that's real dedication to the job and to the history of the family house. You deserve to be proud of it.

[@the_resourceful]

A-ma-zing! Loved the whole story! Your ancestors would be proud! Beautiful home❤