Our MOST EXCITING RENOVATION Yet! RESTORING Our MANOR'S Archive Room

[@nrstooge]

Just remember to document the journey and not only digitally - keep a journal of the projects for history

[@Digeroo123]

My daughter and I came for the spring garden in Mid March last year and it was stunning. We were staying in Weston Super Mare and the drive was longer than I expected, but it was well worth the effort. The flowers were drop dead gorgeous. 'Banks of daffodils, primroses and celandines. Magnolias, snow flakes, hellebores, camellias and more, much much more. ' I pinched that from Tripadvisor. We went round once and then had lunch, and then went round again the other way and spotted all the things we missed the first time. I do hope as many people as possible will made the effort and visit.

[@fusionfrution]

Love the idea of children consultants. Nothing makes one feel more alive thant the joyful sound and sight of chirldrebn having fun!

[@kathymateer]

Got emotional with you! Using Julie’s favorite word, getting the children involved in transforming Mapperton into a child friendly oasis is BRILLIANT!

[@ktjomeyers]

I love that you used kids as the consultants. They have the best imagination and ideas. Great job on making this a family friendly place!

[@berndhoffmann7703]

"used" 😂😭🤷🏻

[@risalangdon9883]

Julie, perhaps consider having doors made for the fronts of the shelving units. Would help protect against dust and possible future water damage. Especially with a bathroom being installed directly above. Could always do glass fronts to make them more aesthetically pleasing. As well as being able to quickly see what is on the shelves. I know you are on a deadline, but the doors could be added a bit further on down the road.

[@tzok09]

The children were adorable with great inventive ideas.

[@kellinomnom]

That's so exciting that you found that big chest full of letters! Can't wait for you to discover all the new chapters to her story

[@leahmarieezra877]

I am always surprised at the emotional pull of these videos, but Julie does such a great job of laying bare the fact that we are all on the continuum of history. It starts as a room restoration, but it becomes more about the work we all do in our our own generation, work that will sustain future ones.

[@wendyhart8968]

Why not have the cookbook published and have in your Cafe for sale. Or offer on your channel to raise money. Just a thought.

[@itzel1735]

Some of us love old cookbooks. To peruse, not cook from. And you have ready access to subjects to photograph and much history to supplement it with. Though even just the cookbook as is, would be very interesting.

[@americaneclectic]

Put in both old and new recipes. I like the recipes included in Julie’s book, Recharge.

[@cedarcottagefarm2885]

I agree!

[@teresaquintinha7361]

Great idea.

[@kathyk479]

Yes!

[@maj6190]

Seeing that box with all the bundled letters raised goosebumps on my arms. What a find! So good that she started the archiving work for you.

[@beckyjohnson3153]

Loved that you brought in child consultants to help imagine a fantastic play area. When you complete it, you should have a grand reception for they and their families to break it in. Make sure to include lots of benches for parents, and welcome picnics. Could be a wonderful way for children to play outdoors and meet lots of lovely new friends.

[@mbwyatt1978]

That's a wonderful idea ... And sets up another great video for Julie and Luke to consider 🙂👍

[@mikewinston8709]

Delicious treasure in a zinc lined trunk. Fabulously erudite.

[@commonsense246]

Julie your skills are fierce! Congratulations on your organization of this interesting space....gotta love it!

[@cece624]

As an American, there are tears in my eyes, too, for all the treasures you are finding in the muniment room. 😢😊 (We do tend to cry for joy.) Your care and enthusiasm are significant factors for why so many of us are investing time and money in the restoration and preservation of this muniment room.

[@TheAwakeningangel]

Oh it is going to be so amazing, the work done by so many already is amazing and having all involved is a true show of support to your community , as for the rug I would take a piece of it and frame it with a small back story to it and hang it back in the room, just so you have as much in there that once was, Big hugs Dede xxxxx

[@DonnaMull]

i'm into fiber arts, and was thinking if there are original designs on tapestries, fabrics, carpeting, and needlework, you could licence the works and sell for modern needleworkers to embroider, needlepoint, embroider, ect, many of whom have a love for historic designs.

[@berndhoffmann7703]

OMG Julie I can tell you it will be a huge success! why? 22:42 I had that as well: A radiator in front of your desk! You can warm your feet and the head stays cool - one can think and breath freely, but warm feet means the train of thought is much quicker!! I am celebrating you for that very wise decision!

[@caropapa]

The fun and healthy imagination of the young is so heart warming, and watching the kiddo`s playing in the water while they are working on their project is wonderful, oh to be young and carefree again.

[@annetteenchelmaier2474]

You mentioned Warburg Castle, which I found interesting since it was the place Martin Luther was given protection when his life was in danger. He also translated the Greek New Testament into German during his time in Wartburg. It’s a very historically significant Castle.

[@penneyburgess5431]

I know you are hanging the first Earl of Sandwich painting in the room. It would be lovely to include a nice picture of Alberta to complete the homage. Your plan for this room looks amazing. Looking forward to its completion in March. So exciting.

[@MappertonLive]

Sounds great!

[@diananoonen2262]

The carpet can be cleaned- maybe sections can be saved and finished into smaller pieces. Maybe even framing a large piece as an art piece.

[@lonesomevalkyrie]

Genius to involve the children in planning!

[@patriciabaughn4749]

Loce the idea of publishing a cookbook. Please if you do, make it available to purchase on line for those of us who might now be able to visit your cafe. Bravo Julie on all you have accomplished in that room so far.

[@heatherordonez1490]

I'm going to have to save my pennies and surprise my husband with a trip there someday soon. What you are doing is amazing

[@mngagnieux]

I love all that is going on at Mapperton right now and yes there is great energy and intention full of heart! What a genius idea to bring in the kids as consultants!! Such a win on so many levels. Bless you all. Julie and Luke your spirit is bringing so much life to Mapperton that must certainly make your past and future generations very proud.

[@thelampfamily6290]

Hi Julie 🌞 wanted to offer an idea for the Persian rug runner - why not make cuttings from the remnants and use maybe in a bath or even somewhere in the keepers cottage? I would purchase a remnant even for my house 🙂. So exciting to see the developments!

[@MappertonLive]

Great idea!

[@kathymcfarland5516]

@@MappertonLive Yes! You can keep some of the less worn bits and make 'entry pads' of 2 X 3 feet, or even use some squares to make floor cushions! Those edges can be bound with wool and backed with a heavy canvas, Imagine, having your own piece of Mapperton! Not sure of the fabric from the worn curtains, but same concept --- floor cushions or lumbar cushions with a different backing fabric. Is the runner too heavy to make a tote bag out of it? Some of the more worn bits could be backed with a stabilizing fabric and make some incredible 'hippie' bags! Certainly one-of-a-kind! Endless possibilities!

[@milmom4281]

I was also going to suggest once cleaned, you could recover a seat pad for your desk chair and a small entry rug for the room to keep the history there

[@Tracy_R]

​@@MappertonLive LUKE & JULIE, why not start a community garden where the kids can plant themselves and bring their families back with them & they can learn gardening & self sufficiency & the love of gardening & maybe get volunteers in to help? Just a thought

[@irisfulkerson6968]

Such a great idea to get the kids involved

[@trixesatelier]

I live close to Clematis Cottage & Ridgley .....in fact I used to clean Clematis Cottage and know it extremely well. I am so excited to find what you recover and write. So fascinated for so many years. I used to walk my dogs on the property and saw a beautiful albino deer there too. Can't wait!!!

[@patriciabaughn4749]

More letters! Wow! I think you will have much more work to catalogue. But when the archive room is call complete it will give you a beautiful room to work in. I love the windows in that room Julie.

[@studiogirl1967]

Julie you should absolutely use the runner and turn it into pillows/seat cushions❤

[@jaimejewell9686]

This room holds and tells so much stories!!

[@hsimpson6581]

I definitely don’t think I would paint the dark brown bookcases they will make a lovely contrast with any new paint color you choose

[@PipeDreamerJacques]

I sure hope you do some UBER waterproofing for that bathroom up above… because it will only take one leaking toilet or overflowed bath to destroy your archive!

[@FavoriteThemeSong]

This is my concern as well. Water will always find its level, and this room already shows signs of water damage. It would be a tragedy to have those irreplaceable documents, portraits, and other treasures destroyed by water damage.

[@heathermartinez8640]

So happy to see the kids engaged in Mapperton's activities!! Very excited to see what will come of their input and how many more will come through the year! Really happy the renovation is on schedule!

[@tinaparks9342]

The student consultants are precious and they had so many great ideas!!!

[@mindakahn9964]

I love your enthusiasm for all of the projects that you have going on around you. I’m living in a construction zone and my enthusiasm is waning. I also adore the fact that you and Luke are so genuine. No cult of personality on show. There are several other vlogs that I started watching during lockdown and they’ve gone by the wayside because there’s so much ego. And you are so gracious in letting us peek into your life and home.

[@marciadynes7628]

A lot accomplished in a very short period of time exciting to see the changes as it progresses and the letters Wow !

[@plantmandanreimer5570]

I could listen to kids talk in a British accent all day!! ha :) great research for the future grounds activities!

[@barbaraprice7811]

As a 77yo I can tell you that all memories near or far are precious. And to keep abreast of your history is so important to your future generations. I can only send love and happiness and health to you and yours.

[@katiem6773]

Such treasures in this room. I'm so glad you got the funding to renovate this important part of your house. Alberta would be so pleased I'm sure. I applaud your great effort. ❤

[@marytanne4964]

Julie another wonderful episode! The renovations in the muniment room are lovely keeping it historic but updated. Love the idea of the recipe book being published. I will be buying a copy as soon as it is published! What a nice idea to have the school children's input! Your new estate manager has wonderful ideas definitely need to keep him!

[@Dogsinnerwolf]

What an awesome project and a genealogist and historian dream to find. Thanks for taking on the project.

[@LaurieLeeAnnie]

I LOVE that you brought children in as consultants! Everyone should do that! And a definite YES to treehouses! If you make them nice enough, they could buy lunch at the cafe and eat their lunch in a treehouse!

[@LaurieLeeAnnie]

Water play area idea… could they have an area to build small boats and race them?

[@hsimpson6581]

This is the perfect time thank you to sand and refinish the floor it will never be this empty again

[@mamiefish4047]

Absolutely brilliant having the children as consultants!

[@rolo4945]

So exciting renovating this important room, love your sentiment and tenacity in sorting through so many papers, future generations will appreciate your legacy in the same spirit Alberta preserved her personal papers. Leaving one culture and embracing another is so difficult, principals and character lives through both

[@taiikomochiyuurichin1459]

The archive quality box you were handling is called a clam-shape box due to its shape, it opens like a clam shell.

[@leahmarieezra877]

PS - James Blatch helps run the successful Self Publishing Show with Mark Dawson, and James’s mother was Emily Blatch, also known as Baroness Blatch of Hinchingbrooke. I believe she was involved with the school, and he would know all about publishing. There are so many opportunities for great books about Mapperton, etc. He would be an amazing resource.

[@ingerdroog6409]

Wonderful idea to publish that amazing recipe book and raise funds for Mapperton❣️🌷🇨🇦

[@katrinascreationscrafting]

How awesome it must be to untie those ribbons letters and realize that the last person who touched them was Alberta.

[@dianelipson5420]

This sort of preservation is so important, so worthwhile! I applaud your efforts tremendously.

[@hubertl75]

I thoroughly enjoyed this vlog. I cannot wait to see the finished Archive Room and read your dissertation, and I hope to eventually read Alberta's biography. I know "YouTubing" is helping you, but we should all thank you for sharing your life, passions, dreams, and fascination with Alberta. Lots of greetings from Belgium xxx

[@sindysimms4001]

Really exciting and important projects for Mapperton, you both should be very proud of your efforts to run the grand estate.

[@MappertonLive]

Thanks so much!

[@rosemariedeschenes7013]

Bravo on clearing this important room. So excited for you. Love the school children “consultants”. Just brilliant 😍😘

[@lynndixonsilva9961]

Amazing find -- bet you were overjoyed! Love following Mapperton's positive changes and successes! Yay Julie!

[@MappertonLive]

Yes! Thank you!

[@diogenes7047]

Julie, I am so impressed with all that you and your husband do for Mapperton. You have so much on your plate, keeping the estate running, working on your dissertation (PhD?), your home in Italy, etc. Love watching them all. Are you considering "repurposing" the persian rug? Perhaps you can make small rugs, pillows, covering ottomans, etc, and offer them up for sale? Your followers can have a lovely piece of Mapperton's history in their own home!

[@pamelacrowell2007]

Alberta was amazing! What a find!! ❤️. I would definitely publish her cookbook! It would be fun if your cafe chef even tried incorporating some recipes in the cafe. Oh how I would love to get my hands on her cookbook!

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hello how are you doing?

[@paulacorreal1675]

Julie, my dear, you are such a treasure…I’m sure your husband’s great grandmother would be delighted that you have taken on this genealogical project. So many of the younger generations are just not interested in their family history. Also the cherry on the top is the recipe collection…what a great find. I am 79 years old and do so admire your inquisitive and enthusiastic nature. You are ensuring the family history can be enjoyed for centuries to come. Watching and enjoying from PA, USA.

[@wendiunrein8802]

Am so excited Julie!! But I have to be honest it would be lovely to have 2 portraits of the Americans together!! Julie have you had your painting done yet?

[@aliciabalchin4559]

The Alberta story is fascinating, what a wonderful woman.. I can understand why you feel an affinity with her as you are both from the USA. Thankyou for the wonderful insight to country houses.. best wishes from London.

[@cesiahrefazo6897]

Who can’t not feel so happy seeing children play😊

[@teresaproano7984]

So exciting!! 🎉

[@Pri06]

I think it would be really neat if you could create a Mapperton Cookbook that compiles recipes from Alberta's cookbook, if your mother in law has a cookbook and yourself as well.

[@lindaokeefe4526]

Great episode! The kid program looks like fun and educational. The muniment restoration is going to be awesome!

[@dsmith9796]

American here who will probably never get to England but I'm so looking forward to your next video. While I was watching the children play I thought about a time in the future when they will return to Mapperton with their own children and tell them the story of when they came on a school trip to help plan the playground.

[@AimeeRose22]

Ideas for kid friendly souvenirs would be some plushie beavers! We have some plush dogs at the American castle of fonthill where I work and they are a hit!

[@lisadurban3525]

I was thinking about what would get me to come to visit time and time again if I had seen the gardens and house other than a walk and cuppa. I think that the cafe is the key to that. Perhaps once a week you can take bookings for special afternoon tea with a theme. Strawberry afternoon tea, chocolate afternoon tea, Lemon afternoon tea, Indian theme afternoon tea etc. Option a glass of sparkling wine. Add ons include a Mapperton champagne flute/s and a Mapperton tea cup and saucer or mug. Great for birthdays, anniversaries etc Hope the suggestion is helpful.

[@emanuelaboiardi9520]

your precious work on Alberta is going to require a huge effort.Wish you all the best

[@feevister]

The children seemed to love playing in the water with little beaver toys. Could you have some for sale in your cafe? I bet they would sell very quickly.

[@garyud]

It is my experience is that since your already moving the documents it would be best if you scan every page of your documents, especially the older documents. These days computer translation would also organize everything.

[@longwaytotipperary]

How amazing to find all that correspondence! Especially the recipe book!

[@helenlyons4887]

Fascinating to watch this process!

[@katehobbs2008]

That Persian rug could make great cushions or foot bolsters or cat beds

[@candyboyer]

Left-handed! I knew I liked Andy...😄

[@brendacook1536]

Julie, you work so very hard🎈🇺🇸🎈

[@jaimejewell9686]

THIS PROJECT IS AMAZING!!! She I BET/ KNOW!!! SHE LOOKING DOWN ON YOU IN AMAZMENT!!

[@ValSpadaro]

Possibly, you could consider making cushions/pillows out of that gorgeous Persian rug. Just too beautiful to discard.

[@bethbleas8378]

Julie! The cookbook! What a treasure. Please try to publish in it's original like condition...faded old pages etc, with beautiful historical pictures of Alberta's life back then!! What a gem!!

[@barbieguevara1483]

The story of Alberta reminds me of Anaïs Nin, specially she kept in a truck her diaries and she documented every relationship she had between her cuban family and American family.

[@myrnaedmisten599]

You are all doing a wonderful job…honestly.

[@underwaterdroneservices7292]

It's nice to see your consultants having so much fun. That's a good sign. Here in Orillia, Ontario, Canada at the Stephen Leacock museum and grounds there was once a functioning model of a canal and lock system with boats that the kids seemed to enjoy playing with quite a lot.

[@melindajones2724]

I'm so excited for the upcoming year. Looking forward to seeing all the renovations and improvements you are planning. Keep up the great work.

[@mikenicholls4861]

Enjoyed following the Mapperton journey from your early Vlogs and now looking forward to visiting Mapperton in April😀

[@wendy-moore]

Speaking of sandy beaches ~ I added one to my front yard next to my pond so I'd have some warm sand when sitting in the sun. At my next summer party, it turned out to be a huge hit with the kids. While the band played and the parents danced, the kids were nearby, in eyesight, entertaining themselves! ... (lined underneath with weed barrier, and edged with landscaping rocks.) Mapperton needs one, too ~ maybe a fountain rather than a pond for the safety of the littles. We also have an old-fashioned drinking fountain nearby for washing off, too.

[@janinepeckham9925]

To draw visitors, how about a springtime Ladies Tea Party on the croquet lawn? You could sell copies of Alberta’s recipe book in the gift shop or Coach House.

[@nance1111]

Your enthusiasm for the job ahead is contagious. I hope the rehabilitation of the room leaves it safe for the documents and a cozy place to work for you. You're leaving your mark on the history of Mapperton in many ways that are so lovely and very important. You are a gem! BTW, you really do need to publish that recipe book. I'll pre-buy one. keep us updated.

[@mysticmimi3924]

Julie your passion is incredible!!!

[@margaretbischoff5349]

Can't wait for the room to be done. The sale of the recipe book is a great idea. Love your channel.❤

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hello how are you doing?

[@01Lenda]

I truly believe Alberta knew you were coming along in the future.Truly lovely video! Wonderful adventures ahead! 🙏🌿⚘️❤️

[@blairwarren5418]

Love the ideal of a cookbook. Being French the family recipes have been shown how to cook through learning of a maternal parent. By the way my French Grandmother kept letters, plates and personal items. All items were in the traveling trunks were wrapped in handkerchiefs. One thing l would do handling your family documents is where gloves.

[@cedarcottagefarm2885]

I have my husbands grandmother’s handwritten cookbooks written from the early 1900s through the 1950s. I love old cookbooks. I’m looking forward to owning a copy of Alberta’s cookbook.

[@TudorositiesbyMaureen]

This was an amazing project and what transformation to a beautiful working space.

[@jenjem5810]

Copyright it and charge a good amount. It will be a beautiful testament to her industriousness. She would be delighted.

[@margarethouston8998]

We used old rugs like that to upholster a kneeler & some stools. Handsome!

[@Susan.I]

I noticed vines on the stonework! Have a professional look at the stonework!

[@aidamartinez2445]

Loved the water playground THATis such a great idea brings laughter excitement and future dreams to your lovely home

[@pegschwalbach2500]

This is just such a beautiful place and such a labor of love. I wish you all the best and good luck with your dissertation.

[@longwaytotipperary]

Thank you for sharing all of this with us!

[@mindyussery5517]

I can’t wait to see the finished project. It is so fun to follow along and learn about Alberta.