He was a bike nomad. Now revamps derelict Alpine farmstead

After spending years cycling around the world, Martijn Doolaard was ready for a more permanent home and he wanted something with a view. Remembering the rough beauty of the peaks of Val Pellice from a bike trip, Doolaard discovered dozens of “dirt cheap” abandoned homes for sale and bought two at the top of a mountain beyond the electric grid.
Originally built as shelters for farmers and their animals, his cabins are dry stone: stacked stones supported by their own weight without any mortar. The structures were in good shape but filled with holes between the stones letting in cold and wind, so Doolaard set up camp inside one, using his tent and technical sleeping bag from his bikelife days to begin renovating.
He bought second-hand solar panels that he pre-setup so he could simply plug and play to have power from day one. These provided sufficient power for a few power tools, his lighting, and his laptop. He invested in a wood-burning stove for heat and a bottle of propane for cooking. He uses his phone as a hotspot to continue to do his graphic design work remotely.
Bike trip books: www.espiritu-libre.com
Vlogs @ Martjin Doolaard's KZbin channel: / @martijndoolaard
On *faircompanies: faircompanies.com/videos/find...

[@duncanfrere2656]

One of the best KZbin channels, Martijn Doolaard's episodes are rich with visual narrative, staggering views, epic drone shots and a work ethic matched to the demands of these rough Piedmont cabins. Thanks Kirsten for the lovely capture of Martijn's life in the Italian alps.

[@djmoxiecali3011]

It's fun to see this interview with Kirsten after watching Martijn's progress 2 years later. He's still as humble and hard working as he was at the beginning of his project.

[@monochromios]

Those house were called "case d'alpeggio" (mountain pasture houses). They were used in the period between May and September and were temporary homes, where one or more members of a family lived, mainly with cows, because of the adbundance of grass on those highlands. In September they returned to the family house, usually lower on sea level, where it was less difficult to live in winter. It was quite a rite this migration: the cows where embellished with cowbells and there was a competition between shepherds for the best and louder sounding cowbells. I know the area quite well, since I'm growth nearby. No one wants those isolated houses anymore and they are a great opportunity for someone who loves to live in nature, in all its aspects. Great video and great that the house has a new owner who will appreciate it. Thank you for sharing

[@robertogatti2872]

Ottima spiegazione Stefano, grazie....anch'io ho passato le vacanze estive nella mia infanzia in quelle zone, esattamente in Villar pellice... 😉

[@owenconnolly3041]

Wow !!! Thanks Man for this very interesting information !!! Fascinating historical information !! I hope to visit that area some day !! Truly beautiful !!

[@mikegrabarek7312]

Wow! I've been watching Martjin's episodes for the last two years. Watching this video was a time travel experience seeing Martjin's excitement and initial thoughts about the renovations. The one thing that I heard for the first time was Martjin saying that the number one priority is enjoying his new environment. He's been pretty much living up to that, which is impressive.

[@sharonlacy1837]

I have been watching Martijn since he started the renovations of his buildings. SO very interesting. I just watched video 17 and am always looking forward to the next week. Martijn is amazing.

[@Momabear1]

Me too! He is so self-sufficient self reliance. He could built anything. His video are so photographic . Gorgeous. He all done now after 2 years?? Right. ❤

[@jeanpequignot80]

When you travel, you face the world; when you settle, you face yourself.

[@nellozavattini7808]

... but, the two are not separated

[@blucheer8743]

True as

[@johnstallone5707]

It’s about inner knowledge and in general knowledge of people cultures and finally shape the who you are today.....

[@jeanpequignot80]

@David I agree.

[@user-hx7fz2kr9o]

Such a clever comment my friend!!!

[@KatkaLiptay]

Martin is fantastic, I admire him for what he do and done so far. He is such grounded, wise and calm soul. his episodes are so relaxing to watch for me. Thank you for sharing kirsten.

[@ysbyttybedbug]

When I was a child, one of my favourite books was Heidi. This is just how I imagined the Grandfather’s house!

[@mauricepowers3804]

Please do an update on this guy when he gets the roof done etc😎

[@kathmediaDeutsch]

You can actually follow his renovation journey. Link in the Video description.

[@mauricepowers3804]

@@kathmediaDeutsch 👍🥰

[@cidie1]

@@kathmediaDeutsch Thanks I also missed that, this is really interesting!

[@wejdenboulehmi115]

@@kathmediaDeutsch He said that he will not be renovating soon. He will not spend the winter there. But i hope he will do the renovation soon.

[@carringtonherrington4025]

He has his own channel

[@theresamorton8591]

Enamored with the beauty and wonder of it all. At 76 I'm obviously not strong enough to do such, but am enthralled by Martijn's strength of spirit and determination. Congrats!

[@davidbecquer3624]

This property is in an amazing state now. It's impressive seeing how much Martjin has been able to do in a year. The roof is nearly finished by now, there is an outdoor kitchen, outdoor workshop and cozy tent

[@RoryZ23]

This man is one of my heroes. I have one of his books and he is a big inspiration to me.

[@serpserpserp]

I watched this video after watching all 52 of Martjin's videos on his channel. He has a different energy here but man, he has surely done a lot in a relatively short period of time mostly on his own. Can't wait to see what he does in 2023.

[@owenconnolly3041]

Yeah !! Agreed !! Kinda cool to see him act so differently !! Seems a bit more genuine Him !! I love his recent videos but I guess all youtube content creators gotta act a bit !! The silent Mountain Man or such !! But he is a cool guy for sure !!!

[@ichifish]

I really appreciate this "unboxing" video. Usually we don't get to see this stage of the renovations. Beautiful property. It will be nice to see what Martijn does with it.

[@kenbrown5449]

I was going to say something along the same line. Glad you put it so perfectly.

[@kidtothewolves]

He has a beautiful KZbin channel documenting all of it.

[@TheRealFreekBos]

He has his own channel where he posts weekly updates

[@daltonbedore8396]

its come a long way!

[@rogerp6903]

I have been following Martin since he first started and his work ethic and craft are inspiring. Incredible views and drone footage on his channel

[@lorrainedunbar4274]

watch Martin every week love his channel

[@glendacisneros982]

I've been watching Martin's channel for a couple of years now...when I had covid. I've really enjoyed watching him every week...I believe the last video was #89 that I watched. It is truly amazing what he has accomplished!

[@omokaroojiire]

Extremely fascinating! I visit his channel to watch his progress. Watching him is like an out of this world type of experience. It's extremely soothing, and the guy is so hardworking and humble!!

[@0relaxis0]

I envy courage ... the simplest life is the best

[@prolificlife1710]

Well Said

[@jcsrst]

I have been watching Martijn for some time now, episode 97 and he has done amazing work to the cabins and land!

[@RedRoverTW]

Love this guy's channel. It's so well done. Been watching it since the beginning. His recent one-year recap video was excellent. Such a peaceful experience.

[@tmcbgrrl0074]

He's so honest & humble. I hope all his dreams come thru 😘

[@alwayslearning7672]

Haha..What a coincidence!! So this is where Martijn ended up. I was on my bike trip also , just a few months behind him in the Andes a few years ago.We were heading south.He travelled through Patagonia in winter (mad adventure) and finished at the southern tip of Patagonia. Amazing photographer too. He kept me going with photos of the route ahead. Like him my 5 yrs year trip has come to a close and I am also looking for properties just like this. Something about bike touring the world and living in nature in our tents for years on end that makes us want to stay living in nature.

[@georgemulford2910]

Any luck finding a place?

[@iu.5146]

There are more cabins near his place and his neighbor Johannes is an awesome guy.

[@nato6321]

I love that Martijn Doolaard has undertaken a project to recover one or two abandoned farms, because it is giving life or a second chance, something that is almost dead, only with "artificial respiration". He buys it so cheap and his ingenuity leads him to recover and in the future give himself a quiet life, in total contact with the silence and beauty of nature. I would like to do something similar, but here there are no abandoned farms. Congratulations to Martijn and Kirsten for this wonderful video. A giant hug from Ecuador, South America !!

[@scrappyquilter102]

What a dreamer! What a place! How refreshing that he sometimes "doesn't know" (YET) how to resolve his challenges. I hope you re-visit him again as he progresses!

[@mareepeters5717]

I'm 65 now and only now I feel I'm knowing a bit

[@NTRSN-Archive]

Well the good point from it he don't need the kapitalistic hectic fake world and is a free bird .

[@rustybell2722]

He has a YT channel on which you can watch his progress.

[@jonspengler5891]

@@NTRSN-Archive Kapital is the only game in town. If you think Western Europe and the US are cruel capitalists- travel the world, you will see the most ravenous humans imaginable

[@nadinemazza18]

Bravo pour tout ce travail soigné et respectueux déjà effectué. À bientôt pour la cuisine. Bonnes. Fêtes de fin d'année

[@dl7423]

she is very good at what she does as she only interjects when required to keep the flow of information moving along - and he is super cool - hope all works out for him - he is chasing a lot of others' dreams of life detached from the world to some extent

[@harrymills2770]

She's pretty awesome. And I think she's parlayed that awesomeness into a nice income on KZbin.

[@waitaminute2015]

I love how she has no intro, or explaining what we're about to see, etc. Just gets right to it.

[@georgemulford2910]

Strange how people refer to what he’s doing as a dream. Seems completely doable just a lot of upfront work.

[@NeuroPulse]

This is incredible. Every aspect of the environment is so foreign to me that this is like a window into an alien world. I have no name for anything I see. I am once again a child, full of imagination and inspiration. Thanks for sharing Kirsten.

[@tomstopper5281]

The animals lived below because their body heath warmed the floor above.

[@donwyates]

Good point!

[@1977Timp]

Above the cows there were the hay that's why the wooden boards are not nailed to the beams

[@janetdupree6353]

The more of your videos I watch, the more I realize how ordinary I am. I enjoy being able to see the multiple ways in which people achieve warmth and shelter. Thank you Kirsten for sharing your extra-ordinary life with your viewers.

[@julowe3212]

This is another man's life she's showing it's not her own video!!

[@nealwright5630]

I just discovered Martijn this week! I've been binge watching his videos. I've always wanted to visit Piemonte. This is a way to do so without actually being there!

[@yngvardtherotten6612]

He seems like a nice guy with simplicity in any kind of circumstances. Love his cabin so much and his journey in renovation.

[@griffith500tvr]

Martijn's project is incredibly inspiring

[@Noukz37]

What a dude! I love his attitude and energy! This kind of minimalist mindset makes everything easier in life.

[@RiversideHomesteadLife]

Hi Kristen, Riverside Homestead Life here, really enjoy your vids! Our Homestead Channel is growing - you are inspiring 😊

[@87solarsky]

It would be interesting to live up there in a monolithic dome and to have a geodesic dome greenhouse.

[@Chicken-Emperor]

I hope you follow up with Martijn this year. He's made so much progress.

[@thepanamahat]

His channel is fascinating, inspiring and simply beautiful. Thanks for this docu.

[@issith7340]

In ikaria island in Greece there are thousands of houses identical to this one. Lots of them still inhabited. There are traditional ways to insulate roof , walls, etc, using the plants that are all around.

[@UchihaxStudios]

What would be the traditional ways of insulating the roof?

[@issith7340]

@@UchihaxStudios I’m not pro at that, but I remember they put : dried ferns ( a plant that is abundant all over), mixed with mud, then a layer of stubble plants, and finally slate stone slabs of the area. Now, inside they usually hide the stubble on the roof, putting planks, that they paint and that’s it. Water doesn’t get in because they place the slate stone slabs in a very specific way. Placing of the slabs is the most important part, and needs someone who knows that thing well. No concrete at all.

[@UchihaxStudios]

@@issith7340 Thats interesting, now reading your reply i remember a picture of a roof made with loam mixed with straw, but I don't remember what the cover was. But what you describe sounds similar to what they use to make the walls for cob houses. Do you know if there were traditionally any cobhouses built in greece or the meditarrenean?

[@issith7340]

@@UchihaxStudios of course there are cobhouses all over Greece, but only in mainland Greece and at places that are flat. At islands, the area usually is rocky with not much mud around. So they would build with the most abundant material around, which is stones. Cob houses in Greece you will find in peloponese , macedonia, epirus, atica, thrace, etc but not at the islands. Also Greece is a place with lots of earthquakes and cobhouses are usually the first to collapse. So gradually they stop making them here.

[@issith7340]

@@waitaminute2015 they use different stones fir paving the roof. Totally different technique.

[@sashastarshanti3599]

Amazing... The views are awe inspiring and he's going to create one of the most unique and beautiful of homes there. With his travel experiences he seems particularly skilled and right for the job. Please update us as he progresses.

[@kathmediaDeutsch]

He has 2 videos out so far and is documenting his progress on youtube. Slow TV style that is great to watch. See the channel link in the video description above.

[@Tris69]

Does anyone know if there's a local website to view similar ruins/properties in that area?

[@MartijnDoolaard]

@@kathmediaDeutsch Thanks, Johannes! Video 3 coming soon.

[@MartijnDoolaard]

@@Tris69 Idealista is a good place to search, for both villas and ruins

[@Tris69]

@@MartijnDoolaard ah perfect, thank you. I'll have a good look around on there. Currently doing one in Cornwall, U.K. but no harm in looking where the sun shines a little more eh :-)

[@chiaracostanzo7633]

It's really beautilful to discover special people like Martijn, that choose to buy a stone cabin in Italy almost totally to renovate. He loves and respects ancient homes, nature and its sounds. Watching his videos make me feel happy, I try to follow his example, of pure and simple life

[@TheIndigoEscape]

It reminds me to the Aldeias de Xisto here in Portugal. So lovely to see people renovating old houses and giving them another opportunity to be a home. We are in the same path in Portugal!

[@gigiis526]

Nice self plug:)

[@northernembersoutdoors1045]

Living life, that's what it's all about, very envious but very happy you shared this, thanks so much.

[@dude3678]

The change of the place is crazy now. Definitely dedicated.

[@tenletters5641]

Wow, just wow - beautifully shot. Wishing Martijn all the best of luck with this amazing project

[@zeroy]

Been watching Martijn videos since the first one and I have to admit to never had seen this one! Its quite fun looking back here and see how the property was 2 years ago! Thank you

[@maryeliason1504]

Very interesting. He has a lot of work ahead of him but he seems ready. Lots of snow coming. He isn't lucky, he has worked very hard traveling.

[@gotophotoarchive9131]

Following Martijn on his journey and his vlog it's such a inspiration...

[@gracestephens2434]

This is so cool. I was just watching the interview with Johannes and I was like wait Martinjn lives on the other side of the mountain lol. Makes me wonder if they knew each other b4 they were interviewed by the channel.

[@janetwalker3541]

He could get ideas from "Do and Be Different". Dievids and Despina, from Latvia, bought a 200 year old house that needed alot of work and he's done an amazing job! Also "The Indie Projects" converted an old stone barn into a home in Portugal.

[@alwayslearning7672]

They have inspired me too!

[@colbywilliams7595]

I think this guy's way of life is beautiful and I admire what he's doing. Another part of me thinks, how nice to be a man and to feel safe living in such a way. I hope they know how lucky they are.

[@Noukz37]

You mean that it wouldn't be safe if it was a single woman living like this? Why?

[@km356]

@@Noukz37 men.

[@garry8390]

Women are a lot safer than they think they are. I know many women who have travelled all over the world on their own but you definitely have to have a good head on your shoulders.

[@km356]

@@garry8390 of course many women can and do live like this but as Colby stated, how nice it must be to FEEL safe. There is no denying that in general, as a woman, you are at greater risk being alone and definitely don't feel safe all the time like a man would. Most men aren't feeling on edge or having to be extra alert when they're alone and someone of the other sex appears. Most women have been at minimum ogled or harassed by creepy men, so it's natural that women would admire a man's sense of safety.

[@garry8390]

@@km356 True. Of course men feel unsafe in lots of situations as well but no doubt we have more freedom. No point wishing for something that can never change tho¯\_(ヅ)_/¯

[@ElisandeWalters]

seeing this today, after having followed Martijn for two years now and knowing where everything develeoped was fun, thanx

[@rustybell2722]

I've been watching his progress on his YT. It's interesting to see how he solves the problems of each part of the renovation.

[@JeremyHoodDaniel]

I live much the same, in the mountains of south west Jamaica, enjoy the peace and quiet, and the incredible view

[@c.s.yeater641]

I follow Martin and wow he has come so far in 1 year

[@suzettecalleja3122]

I actually started following him and his progress on his buildings on KZbin a couple of weeks ago, and now I saw this. How funny. Thank you.

[@donnaleveron6511]

Can't wait to see what he does with the cabins. Incredible landscape, scenery and property, so much potential. Wow!

[@ladeene06]

Stunning! Holy cow. A dream come true. And community water!! Perfect. Homesteaders dream. The icing on this cake? A family. Sharing this with a loved one who also thinks its stunning. Can you imagine growing up in that environment? Thanks for sharing this one.

[@mydear6788]

I would build a big wrap around patio and that's where my open concept kitchen, office and all will be. Keep the original because you have to by the law but that amazing view it's a must to see. He got balls, hope to see his big gardens and all soon. Great job 👏

[@kathmediaDeutsch]

That's a cool idea. If done (partially) in glass it would compensate for the dimm light in the other parts, create new space and keep the original. It would however change the character and people aiming for modernisation of their property have typically not received permission in that zone.

[@jewelssylva3738]

I love knowing that there are people who are doing this. I didn't have the imagination when I could have done that. But I enjoyed backpacking the wilderness of the high country in California. Then I chose to raise a family, I don't regret that. 😉 But I am very happy to know that there are folks dreaming while doing in the process.

[@aliguled2166]

He is a brave and humble man . Wish i was like him. Keep going

[@gobstoppa1633]

without doubt one of the best videographers on the net. always really great and intreasting content, cheers K. MINT"".

[@Ed19601]

Great video. If he was there only 3 weeks, you did great in finding him so quick

[@dakotaovdan]

A true cabin, not like the luxury ones people stay in around me. It’s rustic but quite beautiful, you live one with nature.

[@totality11]

Breathtaking place for breakfast. A lot of work, but it worth it. Good luck on your goal.

[@DommaPasce]

I have been following Luca for a long time, he is a great person who loves off grid life, nature, cooking, good wine and long days walks to the various refuges that Italy has on the Alps. He rightly likes to have the best equipment to have a certain comfort to face all this. I saw that you also made a video about the great Martijn Doolaard, I've been following him for a long time too. Now I'm also following "My Wild Life - Italy" a new KZbin channel and I think it will be fun with with this guy too. Another great guy is Mauro Trovatelli "Gli Orti di Mauro".

[@darrisnelson5223]

I have a lot of respect for this man and for keeping the beautiful stone buildings intact. I have a renovated home and have built a home from the ground up. Renovating, especially in such a remote location, and with the materials he’s working with is no small task. I would love to see a follow up video in a year or two.❤️

[@danthestuntman]

Just stunning. I bought 8000sqm of land near lake Balaton in Hungary 3 years ago with a small ruin. Only 4500Euros. I am going to build a little summer glamping set up for myself. Thanks for these insights.

[@jungl3ist]

wow, very nice, may i ask where exactly ? I went a few times to Balaton.

[@brianwhite9555]

Honest labor, honest living. Strong building, water available, potential for food gardens and a few animals. Great views!

[@leighalmond4128]

Hi! Love your channel! It's on the level of a BBC produced series! I found Martijan on KZbin as well! He has a great channel! Thank you for featuring him.

[@ritamariekelley4077]

What a gorgeous view from the window! Once the roof is repaired, holes plugged, it will be warm in winter and cool in summer. Idyllic!

[@jeanhawken4482]

It s stunning and once insulated from the weather it will be a haven. Stunning Cinematography.

[@rachelfrees1268]

Please keep us up to date with his progress. What a magnificent view.

[@arqdandrade]

Amazing house, and amazing way of life, i'm a real estate agent, in my area of work we have a lot of houses like this one for sale. The most amazing places in Portugal are Arouca, Serra da Estrela, São Pedro do Sul, and a lot more places where you can live your dream

[@MrRebar15]

*Kirsten Dirksen* Stunning place, lots of work. Thank-you for taking the time to show us. God Bless.

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

What a view! And the little cabins have such potential❤️🐝🤗

[@spaghetti_monster]

Hopefully you get to revisit this place in a few years to see how the reno is going. What a beautiful spot on this planet, magical.

[@kjterz]

another gem......thank you so much..........

[@MWSCologne]

I don’t think the thumbnail with „dirt cheap“ does him justice. This man is an artist. Show some respect.

[@jamesdavis-vc9ww]

oh man that gave me goose bumps, I'd love to have a place like that.

[@IronFreee]

I used to live in a similar (renovated) place They are cheap but they are not meant for spending winter. Snow get pretty high and what was already difficult to access becomes an insurmountable obstacle. You'd better have a backup solution until snow starts to melt. And everything is complicated, the postman didn't wanted to go up to deliver my mail, the small train linking all the villages to the rest of the world had interruptions because of a lack of profit, forget about fast internet... One time I had an electricity cut while working on my PC, I had to walk down 1000 meters to find two guys who just literally cut the line, thinking there wasn't anyone relying on it... The watched me like I was some weird creature coming out of the wood yelling "did you cut those wires?" :D

[@80Matthias80]

You always find the coolest places and people to interview! It’s also neat to see at such an early stage. Thank you for another great video.

[@norastorvik4155]

Kirsten please revisit this man, incredible progress to date!

[@nabil200131]

The first steps of Martjin…. Fantastic

[@eobage369]

Wow! What a sight, absolutely gorgeous view. This man is a genius, he has the best views on top of the world! The property is amazing beyond belief, like a fairy tale that jumped out of the book. I didn't think anything like that existed anymore. Kudos to this man for snagging a marvelous piece of property and I'm in love with the stone cabins. Oh, kudos are in order for his impressive stamina riding a bike around the world. My God man, that's so impressive all on it's own! This man is at the top of my list of heroes! Thank you all so much for sharing.

[@panpansadventures]

So inspiring to hear these stories. Keep them coming!

[@joannegagnon-marihart]

Thank you for sharing

[@itslukkeee]

This is incredible, really rally excited to see this guy followed up in the future

[@SimpliciusTeutsch]

Beautiful. Thanks for showing.

[@mrs.onyango6504]

thanks Kirsten, great stuff!

[@damrunner1]

Beautiful place! Thank you!

[@sutats]

The reverb on headphones. *Wow!* Super bass.

[@armandob.castenelli3525]

I love Martijn and am following his progress. He is awesome.!

[@aNaturalist]

Ah, yes! Another video showing old natural cottages in Europe. My favorite! That area is absolutely stunning too! What heavy roofing stones! My business is landscaping, and sometimes I deal with big stones. They're so heavy.

[@kmm2442]

This just gives me life. Makes me feel happy and alive.

[@damrunner1]

Great place and great people. Thank you!

[@lancedaniels]

Thanks for posting and sharing. Beautiful scenery.

[@lisareatherford8097]

I love watching Martin Doolaard’s videos , I think he is very interesting person and love the progress that he has made on his mountain farm from when this video was made

[@_JanetLouise]

Love your interviews / tours!! beautiful, amazing structures and man. mahalo nui

[@earthgrazer5511]

This is beautiful and inspiring. I've always dreamt of doing something like that.