Would We DO It ALL Again? The House, The Tent...? - ASK

We've been renovating our dream home and rejuvenating our land in Portugal for two years now. We've done a lot but have a lot left to do. And of course there have been lots of surprises - and undoing and redoing - along the way. We've been working hard and living off grid in a tent for the last 18 months.
Are we crazy?
Would we do it all again?
Will this be our last project?
Would we recommend living in a tent?
Let's find out...
Plus, as a bit of a bonus we'll also show you our second attempt at making melon fizz (because the last one went a bit pear-shaped!)
club.makedogro...

[@1965gracebug]

Love your answer. I am almost 58 and we bought a 5 acre farm with 4 pastures and a home that needs quite a bit of work and I too feel this is out life and our adventure. I personally believe challenges and hard work keep you moving as well as entertained! :) We have chickens and getting a milk cow in the spring.

[@ruthnoronha8206]

I love you and Kylie. I think as a woman I’m so impressed with K. I think she’s an amazing example to all us gals who want to get things done and feel we can’t do it. I hope her tenacity inspires many of us to go for it. And Guy you are amazing to. I love how you support and take her lead it’s just wonderful to watch you both.

[@seanadams6328]

Hi Guys, a sentance that you use which proves your life has changed....." Im weeding the french drain!!" Be well and be safe guys xx

[@toegrovesgrandmamouse4269]

I really enjoy the variety of content you share - sometimes excavating, limecreting, recipe trials, garden produce, chicken coop - but totally understand that having a 24/7/365 project to complete is a challenge that you can't escape from. I love your honesty and feedback on things that go well as well as things that don't always succeed first time. You're a great partnership and your hard work will be rewarded with each stage of completion. I thank you for giving such a great project to watch.

[@lorimontcalm9086]

Oh my, I sort of think you guys are bonkers!! Hard working definitely!! Of course this provides me with joy knowing you will be producing years of content!! Enjoy that melon fizz!! Hugs from 🇨🇦

[@robertagardner7638]

How about having the old house in the local town, being divided up into apartments? They could be rented out long term, or sold for retirees to use. An idea, because I'm a retired widow living in Canada, and would love to live in Portugal part time to get away from the awful winters here. A safe, comfortable, pretty environment is a great incentive for seniors like me to enjoy. Thanks for your posts, very enjoyable!

[@colly1952]

It may seem to take a long time, but you've accomplished so much, not only reno, but also à lot of gardening and tending the land. It's admirable.

[@ruthkirkparick3535]

A grumpy day. You do need them sometimes. However long it takes you (or however long I live), I'll be subscribed and cheering you on.

[@klazyy641]

Your description of the melon fizz sort of reminds me of the lemon squash the Brits were so fond up back in the late '50's in Iraq (I was a mere lad at the time, of course). It was sweet, but in my mind, sort of 'flat'. In 120 F temps, it was quite refreshing if my standby Pepsi wasn't available at the Alwiyah Club. Thanks for another Memory Lane trip for my 78 year old brain.

[@musicbyenokk]

About that lovely building in town: Do a little boutique hotel with a all locally produced food experience and get someone to run it. If you had an investor or two that would help you set it all up and help with reno's might be worth it. Either way, you guys are doing great right at the mome, so crack on!

[@glenn65]

Way to much work. Small apartments, long time rentals: steady income stream, less hussle, just my 2 cents.

[@onkelbebo3139]

I just had the same thought. Do you know what town is the building located?Thanks

[@relocatetoItaly]

Very hard to run a small luxury hotel it's not as simple as hiring someone, finding a person who is dedicated even harder because that kind of person will run their own business.

[@rachelfrees1268]

Try ear plus for noise and eye masks for lights to aid in sleeping. Love your videos.

[@stephenconnolly1830]

Snap! See my comment on this subject too.

[@andreacrashe9894]

*Kylie & Guy, Just keep on being who you are. As each job is completed, you are that one step closer to finishing the house... even if you have to take a few side steps along the way.... like now, having to sort out that window in the bathroom. But most important for you both is keeping fit, healthy & doing the jobs safely. No matter how long it takes, you have 55.3k subs cheering you along with a helpful hints too. Then when you feel the time is right.... maybe then look at doing up the mansion up the road... but first we want a tour of the mansion up the road.*

[@footplate0]

As with life everything has its ups and downs, pros and cons. Its refreshing to hear the honest answers you both gave. As you rightly said nothing is perfect as if it was perfect it would be boring and of course boring is not perfect. I think that the smaller glass fermenter did the trick with the vinegar. You might consider using some sort of airlock when fermenting. It only needs to be a piece of clear plastic tube bent in such a way to form a p trap and situated low enough so that the liquid can not be sucked back into the fermenter. As always thanks for posting

[@knotgleo6663]

Can you show us the property in town? I'd love to see a second channel of that project 🙂

[@glenn65]

Easy to find, be creative. No , I will not share the location.

[@VillaAroldi]

Glad to hear that you are considering other projects after this, means we have years and years of entertainment ahead!

[@pattyflagler6353]

Do it while you are young enough and your body is still strong. I never thought that I would weaken so much with age. I was ridiculously strong. I’m 71 now. 😢

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello how are you doing?

[@stephenconnolly1830]

I recommend using foam earplugs to reduce sleep disturbance - after using for a few weeks one gets used to them. They are very effective.

[@ithacacomments4811]

I started to experience vertigo after long-term earplug use. Although....I would have never made it through the construction project next door without them!

[@goyoucotube]

Yeah I use them too because of a loud road but they usually fall out in the night.

[@northernstar4811]

It can`t be easy living in a tent during winter when it`s cold or when it rains a lot.

[@notyouraveragegringos]

You guys are amazing and have such a good attitude and approach to the restoration. I agree that renovations make life interesting and give us something to do, but I don't think I would be comfortable in a tent myself, I get cold too easily. We're fortunate to be able to live in our ruin while we renovate, although it is dusty and in a constant state of chaos so sometimes it can get overwhelming. I think we would sleep very well here though if we didn't have 9 cats in the bed with us! But we are very happy we rescued the momma cat and her kittens. At least they will keep us warm 😆

[@craigf3624]

A good rule-of-thumb on remodel work of this nature is to assume there will be, at a minimum, 20% more costs or work than what you can see on the surface. In other words if you think the cost will be $200K, you better have a $40K contingency in your budget.

[@donnastafford9799]

The sad part of this project is we, your followers, get to know you but you don’t get to know us. If we were to pass on the street I would recognize you both.

[@glenn65]

You can meet them, in person, if you want, become a MakeDoGrow member 😉

[@gigi2212]

MAKE. DO. GROW became my favorite channel thanks to those lovely volks. I would love to meet them and of course be a member of their digital community But I think there is more than being alone and taking projects and slowly becoming old and weary end eventually all alone with no one to take care of you. I don't know what you guys are thinking but I think we could invest in people just like we invest in materials. I think a commune of let's say 12 people is the only way to grow old and not to be alone. Things will be tough for those of us lonlyners. We saw with the pandemic. Who know what is coming. It would be nice if we could join efforts. Money and skills and make something beautiful. If the future bring some turbulence and anarchy you all would have wish to belong to a group. Chose your neighbors wisely.

[@carolbulmer8253]

I enjoy watching your videos! You usually have informative content which is presented very well. I’m glad that your melon fizz turned out❤️❤️👏👏👏👏

[@leestimis9264]

Wow now that was better than Kylee using her words!!! Made me so thirsty. Yummy through the screen.

[@johannessauer9353]

I'm excited for the renovation of the sidebuildings :)

[@VinceSalzer]

It's amazing that one can live in a tent...for years. Goes to show how little one really needs.

[@arturrosa3166]

It's about the journey, not the destination.

[@kebergify]

Oh I loved how much you enjoyed the melon fizz! Bravo on perfecting the previous experiment...kinda made me want to have a glass, not going to lie. 😂

[@vickihoneycutt456]

I was so glad to hear you'd do it all again! Keep up the great work and togetherness!💙😊

[@mariushegli]

I have nothing to say really, but I appreciate your content, and wish to help with the yt-algorithms.

[@allanb9360]

Always fun

[@glenn65]

Commitment to the max. 👏👍🙏💪

[@keyem4504]

Wouldn't it be an option to extend the kitchen shed into a full blown cabin? This might be more comfortable than the tent or the construction site bed.

[@TK-rf9th]

Do you think you will be adding more animals over time in addition to the chickens? I was thinking you could use a couple of goats for mowing duties later on to free you up for other things.

[@danicecreager951]

This was great :-) Don't forget that if you get bogged down in a large project---take a break and do something small that will have quick results and that may add some beauty to your surroundings 🙂

[@louisesemrani6860]

15-20 rooms yes would love to see that place in town 🦘🐨⭐️

[@izby2652]

Would you consider buying a house in town as a project that can be an option incase (heaven forbid) something happens to your current property?

[@marcob1729]

I lived out of a hammock while backpacking for a few months, and earplugs worked wonders for a full night sleep!

[@relocatetoItaly]

I like real people who tell it like it is. I tent to unfollow those who aren't rennovating but financing a property purchase via KZbin channel and dragging it all out with click bait. Anyways enjoying your vlog

[@patriciapadgett4696]

Well you two, as I said in my last comment,we've only just found you. Loving the videos, and catching up on the older ones. Someone asked if we had documented our journey, and, no we didn't apart from photographing. We never wanted Internet, and have only recently been persuaded by our children, but listening to you two on your past and experience, think it best we stick to what little bit we know as far as technology 🤣. As for doing it all again, well, yes ! As recent as last May we bought a property, and decided on it without even looking inside. Big project, and we are 73. Major work, but we managed to paint two decent rooms, a bedroom, and turned another little room unto a snug, so some escape from work, dust & rubble. Been reduced to tears many times, but don't regret a minute. Like you, we love a challenge, a project, hard work at our own pace, and would also be bored without this. Think secretly our children admire us, hope they do. Now I have the pleasure of watching and sharing your life, it makes me happy. Love from sunny Spain 💙❤️💙❤️

[@davidjones8224]

I feel you. I am living & completely rebuilding my retirement small home & it makes things much more challenging "NS Canada"

[@carolleenkelmann4751]

That's a Melon Must! - as in vinum mustum, minus the bits and pieces(skin, seeds). You should have kept the vinegar from the last batch, remembering that a good vinegar takes time. Anyone for melon vinegar as a vinegar taste? A little "Melonigar" perhaps?

[@deecee9051]

You two are absolutely the best. I just came across your videos about a week ago and I am binge watching all your videos at this time. I love your chemistry together. I love the uniqueness of your project and the uniqueness of your restoration. Definitely a huge fan.

[@luminyam6145]

You are truly just the most amazing couple. Congratulations on the melon fizz!

[@ruthconstantino6861]

I'm glad you'd do it all over again. O've enjoyed following your journey and admire your industriousness amd outlook. Inspirational.

[@edwardweeden8837]

Life IS learning! When YOU learn, WE learn! Keep curious and carry on! And by the way, 'this place' is already fantastic - you ARE making a difference! When you make and do, you GROW . . . us too!

[@livinginthealgarveportugal3357]

We are in the Algarve and ended up knocking ours down …this is our channel link if you want a laugh …..I said No I would Not want to do it again this was 2 months ago on our first video….now we’ve sold our house and buying another but it won’t be another knock down job…..people can’t really comprehend what’s involved my major dislike was the dust ….this time round we will have a ruin on the land so we are hopefully going to do that up first whilst we rough it in the house, which currently has no water,toilet,kitchen or heating 😹 why do we do it 😹 well done we love your channel

[@ruthconstantino6861]

I like watching your channel, too. 😊

[@livinginthealgarveportugal3357]

@@ruthconstantino6861 thank you Ruth it will be around the 8th November before we move into our new property and start all this again 🙄😹 I also watch Frankie off grid and the Real Algarve life Andy lives in the next village from me, Sanardas although we haven’t bumped into him yet.🌞

[@vickyoakes4584]

Great attitude! It's your life and you are enjoying the journey...as it should be!

[@sdbigguy]

Great video. I think that life would be a little boring if you had no challenges and if you are the one who gets to decide what most of those challenges will be seems like a big win in my mind. I would be really interested to see what the next project is, after this one has reached a ‘finish’ point. Really glad the melon fizz is working out, even if it needs a tweak or two. Thanks for sharing.

[@seanmadden3620]

I agree, I worked on my place over the last twelve years but had a skilled builder in at the end to do things I couldn't possibly have addressed. So many unforeseen things that needed to be done. And my place is very small. But I had a lovely experience last weekend when I had a group of friends and family over to visit - some who hadn't been for many years - and hearing their words of praise about how the place had changed made me realise just what I had achieved, and I did feel proud. You should too - not because of what others say but because of the satisfaction of achievement. Continue the wonderful work you're doing. All the best.

[@tysondundas1947]

Those Schweppes bottles are don't have an oxygen barrier so the bottles are not good for long term storage as the yeast will be slowly fed oxygen and eat through the sugar leaving you with a dry product over time.

[@hectorraigosa7149]

The cat behind is identical to one hanging around my backyard for years.

[@cooking23]

was the lemon fizz alcoholic?

[@MAKEDOGROW]

Yes, but probably only 5% or so

[@teddytheyorkielowellpenner777]

I cannot imagine how beautiful it will be when its done

[@davidcoombe1811]

are you saying it gets better as you get down the bottle

[@justoneacre7873]

I am glad you did it. I have enjoyed watching all you have done!

[@AEG_UK2020]

We know you don't like digging, while Kylie digs. Keep up the great videos.

[@glenyscallaghan1195]

I think you are doing so well, lots to do still but isn’t there always.

[@suesun328]

Love ya honesty and humanness about moods…I can sit here having some crap days and your days cheer me up… ( I’m in Norway darker days are looming ) it’s sooooo good to see lovely peeps able to still wear t shirts in the winter months, not trudging through snow and still staying active….y’all are keeping me sane ahahah 😂 …much love peeps 💕

[@MAKEDOGROW]

Ohh, a Scandinavian winter, I don’t envy you! I (Kylie) spent a part of a winter in northern Sweden, the northern lights were amazing but the dark and cold were more than depressing. We all have sh*t days, that’s what makes us human 😀

[@merima333]

When are you going to bury that ditch? Why not already? ...I love your property. How the house of stone is warmer in summer? Not logic

[@Bobrogers99]

I heard "when it's done". I don't think your work on this property will ever be considered "done". You will see improvements to be made and and will want to experiment with different ways of doing things. When you are fully settled in and acquire another property to renovate - probably not the 20-room palace - it will present new challenges, and you will want to use what you learn from that project at your own home.

[@jonathanjacques7250]

Love your content.

[@heatherhawkes2067]

So nice to see you two take a moment to relax…. A bit. 🙂

[@mannydossantos9603]

Good work! Just a silly question: when is the house getting a coat of fresh paint on the outside?

[@MAKEDOGROW]

Many years from now …. after all roof and windows/door works are done, then a new coat of render, then finally a paint

[@mharrisona5526]

Not in a hurry and not bothered about how long it’ll take. Wow! What a concept, and I love it! As far as what one may do with a larger property like the one in town you mentioned, I’m currently considering options for a project in Italy and may consider working with a platform like ‘outsite’. Gotta research it a bit more but it appeals to me in concept anyway. Love what you guys do!

[@Kay-xi9kv]

Wow, I needed to hear this today. I have a new 5-acre farm I’m starting from raw dirt. No buildings, only trees. But it is at the base of a beautiful mountain with majestic views and I love the land. Onward…

[@offgridwanabe]

Once you get bit by the remodel bug seems that is what you see in most for sale places, I have done a few, lost count, the trick I think is to know when to stop tearing it down once you start.

[@SailingCartagena]

Really prefer the new emphasis of this channel, and if beautiful homes and natural bounty come from hard work and determination you two will surely succeed. If you, friends or relatives need a house to rent we have one in Figueiro from 300 a month. Modern and comfortable in the historic district.

[@KiwiBabz]

Guy as regards your mood today to which I can totally relate. We are in a new Moon and Mercury is in retrograde which can upset our usual equilibrium and even cause us to mix up our words. So I have been told.

[@annie1626]

So interesting hearing each of your thought processes. And very inspiring attitudes you have. You each come across so well on camera that it's really like being in the garden/ French drain with you! Glad to know the melon fizz worked out, and funny to watch Kylie chugging it, after describing your first attempt as bottled baby sick.

[@vmonsta]

I think I'm going to need the recipe for your melon fizz if Kylie guzzling it down first time was anything to go by!

[@maeveskelly4686]

I was salivating at your description of the melon fizz!

[@Sema4beach]

Love to see your ' Future In town Property' that hopefully u will own and Reno one Day!🕌🛕

[@funfuronahotday]

thanks

[@mafish7962]

🍻🍻🍻

[@TexasHomesteaders]

5 years later and people are still asking when we will be finished. Cracks me up.

[@coby6417]

🌟👏👍🍀💐

[@tejolisboa]

Have fun! I know I do when I see your videos.

[@luananavarro4]

You guys are great. Love to watch your channel ❤️

[@montedaestrada3563]

Do you make and update lists of work to be done? I know you have an overall plan. BTW I have 2 x 6 metre yurts for sale if you're interested. We are giving up our accommodation business.

[@MAKEDOGROW]

Yes, we have many lists, one for building work, one for the land work, one for video ideas, one for admin tasks, and one for crazy project ideas 😂 We spend quite a lot of time planning, updating, re-planning

[@machellep1]

Is that’s not your cat ?

[@MAKEDOGROW]

That one is actually ours 😀

[@Mitch-uy7wy]

I've just noticed how full the cork bottle is getting full. . 👍🤭😂

[@MAKEDOGROW]

That’s a whole other project 😂

[@joannecalcutt6724]

Love your videos.

[@OvertheWheels]

Thanks for another great video. Is the wood burner enough to heat the tent during winter time? Like, to make the space comfortable.

[@MAKEDOGROW]

Yes, the wood burner is all we need. When we were Aldi sleeping in the tent we also had electric blankets which helped to get through the night after the fire had gone out. The weather has started to turn cold here at night already so we’ll be setting up the wood burner again the weekend …. I’ll see if we’ve got enough interesting tent footage to put it in a video 😀

[@OvertheWheels]

@@MAKEDOGROW Thanks. It's great to know from someone who is really using it a lot like you guys. I am planning to buy a tent for glamping and the ideia of freezing in winter time was killing me.

[@leacruz7311]

Is it possible to install the tent inside the house?

[@dianeleirer9878]

What a great idea😆!

[@MattyO-72]

Do you plan for an internal staircase for those bad weather days ?

[@MAKEDOGROW]

Yes …. one day there will be one, but many years away yet unfortunately 😂

[@MattyO-72]

@@MAKEDOGROW It is cool how you are converting that downstairs area into real living space via your drainage system and new flooring. The home's original design (outside staircase) would indicate that area was really just an above-ground "foundation" and used as (musty) storage. All the best !

[@layna8924]

HELLO KYLIE & GUY...WHY CAN'T YOU GET THE KITCHEN DONE NOW & PUT A WOODSTOVE IN THE HOUSE, SO YOU CAN SLEEP COMFORTABLY AT NIGHT...HAVE I MISSED SOMETHING YOU SAID?...YOU ARE BOTH DOING SO WELL IN ALL THAT YOU'VE DONE...MAYBE NOT TRYING TO DO EVERYTHING AT ONCE, PLUS, MAKING ALCOHOL ALL THE TIME...LOL...CONCENTRATE ON WHAT MUST BE A PRIORITY...SUCH AS HEAT IN THE HOUSE FOR SLEEPING & FINISHING THE KITCHEN...BUT, WHAT DO I KNOW?...ALL THE BEST...🙏🏻;)

[@hemlock40]

Good answers. Hard work, not all of it is fun but some of the journey is, and it's ultimately rewarding and worth it in the end. I'm super curious as to the majestic ruin Kylie loves in a neighboring village as I look at PT real estate for fun. Hidden neglected gems waiting for love. The T9 in Cernache do Bonjardim perhaps?

[@MAKEDOGROW]

It’s not currently on the market - apparently they’ve tried selling it but haven’t found any buyers. We heard they’d put it on for €500k last time …. seems way overpriced given the work it requires Just also saw an old palace in Tomar for sale, absolute gem, also with an eye watering price tag

[@adamosman7284]

Naa!! kac meel iska fariiso,waad daashayee

[@mariajoaocarvalhomarques4973]

You are so great, and i love so mutch see your videos 💪💪🥰

[@ehrenfriedklemt4031]

[@hiramatangi1736]

New Make. Do. Grow. video = straight to like 🙌