This Just Saved Us €2000 on Our Old Stone Cabin Renovation

This week we found a way to save over €2k on our old stone cabin renovation! 🤩 Say whaaat??! Building our own home as amateur DIY-ers always results in challenges, & budget control is a constant battle as we transform our abandoned farm stone house.
Quotes for custom-made shutters for our cute cottage’s 3 little windows blew the budget for this building project right out of the water, so we calculated what it would cost if we did it ourselves & were pleasantly surprised….albeit a bit daunted!
So like most jobs here, we’re going DIY & creating our own bespoke wooden shutters - but we weren’t prepared to compromise on style or quality! Well, after decades of neglect, this old abandoned cabin only deserves the best right?! 😉 But if we were going to pull this project off, we’d need to do some tricky calculations, precision woodworking & have patience by the bucketload! 😅 Wish us luck! (Confidence going into the project….50/50!)
LIKE THIS VIDEO if you enjoyed it and SUBSCRIBE to follow our journey as we document our life here in Portugal and the many DIY projects that we'll be tackling including renovating a tiny stone home, setting up systems to grow some of our own food and finally restoring the 100+ year old farm house.
Also say hi in the comments! We'd love to hear from you 😊
Ricky and Victoria x
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We're Ricky & Victoria 👋 We're slowly bringing an abandoned off grid Portuguese farm back to life & transforming it into a beautiful homestead for us & our two rescue dogs Teddy & Poppy.
We both agree that we’re not experts in anything that we do here, however we don’t let that stop us from giving it a try. We live our life by trying. We live our life by doing. We live our LIFE BY LIVING.
#stonehouse #abandonedfarm #renovation #homesteadlife

[@psnchsky]

I love watching you two grow in confidence. Tackling things out of your comfort zone. Entertaining your audience. You have a great relationship and wholesome attitude to life. You truly are a joy to watch.

[@bobhale8325]

Beautiful shutters and well worth the learning curve. Your work benches are a great addition and really a crative solution. My wife is 77 and I am 81..........my wife says "She's cute". Ricky, you have yourself a great working partner.

[@user-dw7ck9gk4k]

You have a great sense of humour Victoria adds a touch of frivolity to some serious renovating days!

[@lindamaldonado6807]

When you guys made the work tables, you really did yourselves a big favor!

[@tracyplath863]

Beautiful! I think given the age and the handmade nature of this lovely old building, your handmade shutters fit the whole aesthetic so much better than something machined. I love it that so much of this renovation is done with your own four hands, just as the original owner and builder. Just lovely.

[@esmekaffen4961]

Lovely comment and totally agree. ❤

[@kitchenworker446]

You two are so resourceful and full of ingenuity...I bet that the only people who can see these tiny imperfections are you...and let's face it if you had bought the shutters they would have had imperfections too...things are rarely perfect...even bespoke. Well done.xx

[@HelenAndRonny]

Was it just me who couldn’t watch all the “we have tried it laying down, standing up, we just can’t get it in!” With a straight face? 😂

[@AbigailGerlach-zt1sh]

Naughty! LMAO Sometimes, the best line are totally unintentional. 😂😂😂

[@tracyplath863]

I thought it was just me! 😂

[@chantaln6843]

I hadn’t thought of, until you mentioned it & now I find it hilarious 😂

[@DanSmithBK]

And how about ‘I can’t even imagine what it would be like to do all those lengths’?! Lol!

[@TheImanuelita]

😂😂😂😂 me too

[@genevaharner780]

I love watching your videos. You two are amazing. Love your sense of humor Victoria. And Ricky's work ethic. He can do anything.

[@lindamaldonado6807]

Wow! Now you know why the custom shutters cost so much-all that precision measuring! Etc.

[@TheWebtuts]

Brilliant work/craftmanship - ignore your quirks, trust me as a carpenter what you did free hand looks amazing well done 👍

[@Prah123]

Honestly I'm really impressed, this is not a simple piece of carpentry you're doing.

[@joycerogers8829]

Victoria & Ricky - Your YT channel is growing so fast! I am so happy for you. I feel like I am right there with you building and repairing your little house. I look forward to seeing the progress every week.

[@andrewroland]

Very impressed with the shuttering, no wonder they’re expensive to buy. If they’re slightly out of whack they’ll look more rustic.

[@user-zs1od3ot4f]

I think we have seen all of your vids so far...and I have to say that the two of you are the most endearing people we have ever enjoyed. Definitely cheering for your success. Please find projects to add well after the house is completed. Additionally - I have almost convinced my wife to take a trip with me to Portugal...probably Porto and it is your success that has her leaning into the idea. Be safe...life is so precious and we could not be happier seeing your success from our home a zillion miles away in Indiana - US.

[@tammyslater5908]

The shutters look absolutely beautiful… good job. You both are adorable together, I love the joking around so much. Fantastic video guys, the house is looking fantastic

[@carolsakai-artist]

Congratulations for all your hard work, creativity, and patience. This was a monumental task for non woodworkers

[@katherinekurash6683]

Pea- lishous and Pea-lightful!!! I love watching you guys!! Great job, Victoria and Ricky!!!

[@HT-io1eg]

Wow! Actual joinery, building complicated shutters from scratch! Impressive

[@jaymurtagh]

Love the shutters simple / elegant .they really suit the building. You two are amazing, trying your hand at new things.

[@lacyoflittlerobincottage1403]

We must say making those work benches has to be at the top of the list of brilliant things you have made so far. Having that work bench will go a long way to saving your back and knees. The shutters look beautiful and will be useful during rainstorms and such. Fantastic haul from the garden there Victoria. I bet anything they miss labeled the seed packet, because they sure looked like bush peas to us. Always great to see those two sweet pups out and having fun. Take good care of yourselves ~ 💖🤗Lacy, Mike & Hamish🐾

[@geraldineross5168]

Hi Ricky and Victoria you are both doing an amazing job on your tiny cottage. I love it, so much hard work. One of a kind masterpiece. Love from Minnesota, USA!

[@martindevlin9152]

Wow Amazing team work and no rows, love watching you two and the silly jokes it is a real joy. Thank you fort the videos.

[@patbradford3244]

Suggestion! Take 2 boxes or pails, place them on bottom shelf of work table. One for scraps and the other for sawdust.

[@tammyhall8495]

Sawdust (man glitter) 😊

[@idapacheco7381]

Nothing more satisfying than making the shutters yourself... absolutely marvelous 💪🏻

[@mossyslopes]

I needed this 28 minutes of therapy 😃 The cabin is developing real character 👏

[@martindevlin9152]

You hit the nail on the head, excuse the pun. These videos and your interaction with silly jokes such as pea licious is definitely therapy, my wife and I relax together for our therapy sessions. Keep doing what you are doing 🤗🤗🤗

[@divaden47]

I can still remember over 70 years ago sitting on our back step shedding the peas from our allotment. They tasted so good raw, had to on the lookout for anything living in the pods though!!

[@user-hp2il6su8r]

Photography in the opening was beautiful. The shutters look great! With all your hard work. The juice box gave us a good laugh too!

[@esmekaffen4961]

Yes it was! Loved the cute little frog in Victoria’s hand❤

[@Bugs1953]

Amazing with a limited amount of joinery tools. Well done you two.😊

[@Mia-bbe]

Absolutely superb bit of carpentry.

[@ginacrusco234]

Love your spirit, love the shutters, love the dog therapy. But best of all is the "Fresky" ad.

[@margomoore4527]

I swear, you guys work order and get through way more in any given day than any reno channel I watch!

[@avivat3010]

Beautiful job, love the laughter! Dog therapy is a great idea. Thank you for sharing.

[@kubinka879]

Absolutely superb bit of carpentry😊

[@sylviamaynard211]

Well done you two, never would I have taken on that style of shutter. You should be able to build anything after that.

[@276tracey]

Brilliant video as always...you make a brilliant team..love the natural banter too.. you must have the patience of a saint making all those pieces of wood fit together to make a lovely looking shutter... Looking forward to next episode xx

[@G.G.999]

The patience you guys have is admirable. The shutters look great!

[@kdclothes]

You two work so well together. Those shutters are really nice. It finishes the little house! You two are developing skills! Yoo Hoo. And the dogs are so adorable

[@divaden47]

That amazing work bench is certainly coming into great use today!!

[@merrylmarsh9037]

Be kinder to yourselves😀 You are doing brilliantly!!! Such great results. All from scratch! Well done, so impressive❤

[@AbigailGerlach-zt1sh]

I know this is a very American suggestion, but if you build a simple box frame, cover it in screen material and just slide it into the window frame, I think you'll find the benefits of fresh air and lack of insects will be well worth the short amount of time you'd invest in it.

[@birdsndog5819]

Window screens. Ah yes. I taught my German counterparts about that. At first they thought I was making it up. After paying a little better attention ….. they turned it into a business!

[@chantaln6843]

Yes indeed, that’s a standard solution in the US. All windows & doors are screened in. it keeps flies & mosquitoes from entering your house.

[@HomeOfMacWoeffie]

@@chantaln6843 as if they open the windows to air the house of apartment (joking) most Americans married to a dutchie complain about the cold in the house, because we Dutch are use to air the house summer or winter

[@HomeOfMacWoeffie]

@@birdsndog5819 they were here forever I can remember .....I'm Dutch

[@margaretingleby679]

Same easy solution here in Australia , but for style and beauty the shutters win hands down , plantation shutters are very popular now and come in timber , plastic even polycarbonate materials and open and shut from left / right , up / down , bifold , anyone can buy them but full marks to those who take in on themselves .

[@54mgtf22]

Victoria was born too late and missed her calling as a writer for ‘Carry On’ films with all her double entendres. Never fails to make me laugh.

[@deborahpalm7657]

I'm chuffed too Victoria. Another great job. The shutters look amazing on the tiny house. A full set will be the icing on the cake.

[@nf3959]

Outstanding work. Specially for a first time. One thing I would consider is priming and sanding before cutting and assembling. It will be hard enough to paint the finished piece with all the nooks and crannies but at least no sanding.

[@user-ix9jo4nv3i]

Love the way you tackle all your jobs and solve the problems whilst maintaining your wonderful sense of humour.Well done you two.

[@davecleggett9371]

Another great video from your life-library! Good teamwork produces these sort of results, you should both be very proud of your achievements. If I may, can I suggest you treat and paint before you assemble? Will save you many hours of finicky work later on. Thanks for sharing and uploading.

[@MirandaHorger]

Love your word life-brary. Very appropriate, especially for this channel with the focus on learning by doing right from the start. ♥️

[@davecleggett9371]

@@MirandaHorger Thank you for your comment Miranda!

[@jacquelinedrury2251]

I ❤Victoria's sense of humour 🎉😂lol.

[@katherinekurash6683]

Me too- Parmesian explosion!

[@Harryset1]

Do. Undo. Redo. - In the end: Success! Well done.

[@BenvanBroekhuijsen]

Love the see the fun you have together. Very important in a relationship. Why did you not choose to put one dowel on each side so you actually can open the shutters? This way you can regulate how much light is coming in.

[@heatherleask3752]

Ricky is so meticulous and a total workaholic! Hope he does take a little relaxation time.

[@ruthnoronha8206]

That’s a proper shutter, thank goodness for ready made ones, who wants to spend the whole day making those.

[@nicolaharris3709]

You two are so funny 😂and work so well together. Poppy and Ted are always lovely to watch . The stutters are brilliant and will add such class to the tiny house. ❤

[@Toqueville2023]

The hounds are a great emotional boost

[@esmekaffen4961]

Yes! Canine therapy is the best❤

[@larrygould8246]

Ricky is turning into a quite skilled carpenter!

[@Toqueville2023]

Smart on the shutter idea. Refine the design avoiding future mistakes. Save money and learn

[@Ckay00]

They turned out absolutely louvrely 👌

[@jimburge5298]

For the 2nd shutter, try only putting dowels in one end of the slat. So you can bang the slat in place before you put the other dowels in.

[@LMB-vj4we]

The shutters look fabulous! Well done. You both deserve champagne 🎉😊

[@Losttheplot1970]

When it comes to time " it takes what it takes" do what you do it's great

[@susannahwhitaker994]

You made an amazing job with the shutters, well done. You really are ambassadors for the saying “ team work makes the dream work” 🤗

[@jules7239]

Those shutters are so beautiful, you are both talented and game in how you tackle these varied tasks! Well done you. 👏🏻🎉🌸

[@mariadange06]

Immaculately done shutters... l'd be chuffed too, they look great. The bench is a work of art also 👏👏

[@tammyhall8495]

Job well done. The shutters look great. Put the man glitter (Sawdust) in a bucket and you can make your own wood filler with some wood glue.

[@Ernitschka]

You guys are really amazing! I live watching your videos and being inspired by you! ❤🎉

[@christophersibley3023]

Great job team working together is wonderful 😊

[@costasworldofmusicmemories5792]

There is always a learning curve when doing anything. You guys found that out with the window shutters. Nevertheless, you guys did a wonderful job with it. You guys are not afraid to tackle. anything. What is called ? It's saving money. All the best to you both👏👏 Jim, Harriet and Yuki

[@Lizraymond13]

Peas can climb up bamboo sticks. Great job 👏

[@user-lx7nx9xm2f]

Fantastic job on shutters you two. Such a pleasure to watch you two work together. Love your humor 😊 🇨🇦

[@elsestelema6273]

You should both be really very proud of your shutter, it looks great❤️

[@micheleparadis2808]

Your shutters look really, really good.

[@elainemcgran8828]

The peas are probably dwarf type they will keep giving you peas for a while but not as long as normal type ones.

[@fredericksmith7418]

I have been watching you both and your dogs from the start. It goes to show with a sense of humour and going way out of your comfort zone what can be achieved from Australia .

[@goblinking4995]

You should add a gazebo that match the building on the side cuz it would help with heat and if you change you mind later brick it in

[@joketendam5806]

I am impressed great work. You have a right to be proud. They look fabulus

[@valeriehayward5708]

Absolutely gorgeous shutters. Well done you I had no idea how intricate they were to make.

[@anneliesjoss]

Aaaaaawwwwww, that tiny toad was the cutest!!! Are you guys loving summer rains as much as we love them here in New Mexico?(besides the veggies getting a pounding 😳) Oh wow, those shutters are a huge job. They look great!

[@tammyroyal7547]

Hi guys!! I've said it before & I'm sure I will say it again & again but y'all are just totally mind blowing amazing!! I mean making your own shutters!! How awesome!! You two definitely arent afraid of hard work or taking on huge challenges!! Great job!! They look spectacular!! Y'all take care ❤😊

[@lenacoleman1142]

Well done!!! When are you guys going to open your own shutter business!!! Looks amazing!! Nice job!! And to say you built them yourselves!! That makes it all worth while!! You guys are awesome and love watching your channel.

[@user-ll2nx7ki9j]

Hello you lovely human beings. We have followed your videos from day one, the transformation of your cottage is outstanding, your workmanship is top quality. You work so well together in all you do. The shutters are going to look amazing.. The dogs have an amazing property to run around in. You make us laugh with your antics. Overall you both are simply the best. Regards. Deb and Wal from New Zealand.

[@kburne1234]

Good work. I hopre it`s not pine you are using, if so treat it before assembling, or it will rotten quickly. Use a hard wood, like oak

[@AdamofCA.]

true. But the lumber yard was closed on the weekend. Ricky bought the wood from a store.

[@lieuwina]

I laughed at your lovely your comment 'Pealicious, Pealightful', ha ha. Victoria you are on a roll, ha ha. Always a good idea if something is not working out, leave come back the next day. Wow!! that shutter is just wow!! for never have made a shutter before you guys nailed it. Congratulations!! Victoria and Rick they are awesome. Better slowly but surely. Have a lovely day.

[@HelenAndRonny]

The shutters look beautiful already! I would personally use a clear varnish. As a Casa de Madeira owner I would highly recommend varnishing the wood every year. Great work, great video!

[@lilianbates6555]

Congratulations to you both. You should be very proud of yourselves, for what you’ve accomplished. You just stick at it until you get there. I just love your attitude towards everything you do. You will achieve your 100 thousand subscribers, no doubt about it, and Weill deserved. Lilian Australia

[@user-bc5gl4tb2v]

A wrap around porch will look so good on your cottage. Can't wait for your videos each week! You make a great couple and are very talented

[@user-it2jo8bx4n]

What a good idea to put your shutters on now keep the heat out too that shutter is really good don’t knock yourselves about great job

[@joygood9811]

Absolutely peafect. You two work so well together, so proud of you. 💯

[@futurekron]

Amazing work, guys.

[@lauraquigley6403]

You guy’s have almost done it😊I am so proud of you both since the beginning I knew your channel was going to be a huge success! Gorgeous shutter! The combination of work ethic,honesty & comedy have Equaled Success ❤🙏🙏🙏Blessing’s

[@mikedeman5351]

For the next shutters, consider using a pencil parer to taper the first few millimetres of the dowels so that they are narrower at the top, making them easier to engage with the holes in the timbers at the side. Also try fill the joints with external-grade wood glue to prevent ingress of rain water resulting in wood rot.

[@billwright5228]

Try growing the peas up large twigs, they withstand our Scottish weather

[@cindyhalfacre3214]

You two do such a great job! That little stone house just looks more lovely with everything you do! So happy to have had your vlog pop up on my laptop!! We feel your pain of working in the heat; we own and have renovated th interior of a small house in the desert of Arizona. We are currently working on converting a cement floored patio into a wood floored screened porch....in triple temp, monsoon season. It's those dreams of enjoying many days and maybe sleeping nights in the garden that is our back yard, that inspire us to persevere! We always look forward to your next vlog. Cute dogs! Cute couple! Charming cottage! All on a beautiful piece of land! Blessings to you both! Cindy & Larry, two do it yourselfers who are much, MUCH older than you!

[@charlenequinilty7252]

That is amazing..talented couple for sure

[@lindabuck2777]

Your videos are so ‘aPEAling’ 😂 love all the one liners that just come naturally and so funny! Just so much fun to watch you two! Carry on🙏🏻❤️🦩💨

[@jdkerk]

They turned out to be beautiful shutters! Well done!

[@lindabrooks8242]

The shutters look fabulous! Thanks for always sharing your wisdom and humor. ❤

[@KBITH888]

You guys are a dream team. Love the approach to figuring out steps to solve the complex puzzles and the “relax, think it over and keep going” attitude. Super duper!! See you guys on Sunday then. ❤️

[@AnneHeyns]

Love the shutter! It looks really good! Good job you two!☺♥

[@brendasoler4759]

Your custom rolling workbenches worked a treat! Sturdy and very functional. Well done, you two!

[@LisaElevateDJ]

Who else clocked the mouse at the beginning running into the wall as Victoria removed the window covers?? Right as Ricky is talking about keeping birds and animals out 😂

[@elainemcgran8828]

Didn't look like a mouse though it looked like a type of lizard

[@matishtar]

I saw it and had to watch again lol. I thought it was a lizard!

[@crystella777]

You two are so great together.. Lovely to see. God bless you both.

[@lynnemac1402]

You two make a really lovely couple, you can work together and laugh together - great combination. Good pea harvest Victoria. Well done Poppy clever girl on the trick before getting her ball again and Teds face when he was getting a head scratch, heavenly. The shutters are beautiful Im so impressed by what you both achieved, they are very complicated to make and you have done a wonderful job, well done both of you x