March Recap - I'VE BEEN BUSY - Off Grid Barn Conversion in Portugal

I feel like I was working non-stop on my off grid homestead in March, but I've got plenty to show for it! The closet corner had really come together, the toolshed is slow but I'm making progress, and I managed to get out and have some fun, get seeds planted, and a few more things as well!
It's been a busy but fun month and I'm excited to share it with you! I hope you enjoy this one, thanks for watching!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
If you like my videos and would like to make a donation, my Paypal is paypal.me/travoholic (this is best) or there's also a 'Super Thanks' contribution button below the videos and it's much appreciated!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Also, I post regular updates on Instagram and Facebook so those links are below in case you want to follow me there.
Instagram: / portugalfromscratch
Facebook: / portugal-from-scratch-...
For photos of the early days of the build, you can check out my neglected website: www.portugalfromscratch.com

[@NextStopThailand]

We want a tree planting at 10000 subscribers!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Haha ok! Maybe Manny 2?

[@jackvanleeuwenkamp4706]

Manny 10000! Lol😂❤️🇨🇦

[@Reet64]

You got loads of good stuff done!!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

😀

[@deborahwhite2339]

March was busy and productive. April should prove to be really interesting🙂👍👍🇨🇦

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I hope so, thanks!

[@igneousidol]

the inside of your home is starting to look good with all the progress you have done, I look forward to all your parents will accomplish too, and all the fun you will have

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thank you! It's a lot more cosy!

[@debbieretzlaff2912]

Your creative touches have made for such a cozy, interesting, & homey space❣️

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks! I'm liking how it's coming together!

[@virginiajorgensen8614]

You have gotten a lot done in March and your home and property is really coming along. It is always nice to be able to spend time with your parents.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks! Yes I'm looking forward to their visit!

[@user-ti8bj3mp8l]

Seems like you got so much done in March. Love what you’re doing and I love your perfectionism. You will have an amazing home !

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks so much! Yes, March was busy!

[@markatag2680]

Questions: Where is the toilet? Any plans for pets, like chickens? Any plans to make and sell preserves? I'd love to try your olives and jalapenos ❤

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks, I'll add them to my list!

[@carolchisholm433]

Wow you got so much done in March in spite of the bad weather and sickness. Love your videos. Keep up the good work. Can’t wait to see the tool shed progress.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Yes, me too! Sunny days ahead!

[@ruthlarson6334]

Very productive indeed. Where are those two people looking for commitment?!❤😊. We need you to get Kristy to the 10k count. Looking forward to the next video when numbers will have been achieved. I think your parents’ visit will also boost your numbers. Get those Glaswegians on board!😂

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Haha yep! More Glaswegians required!

[@AdianGess]

Getting there Kirsty lass, place looks lovely, miss seeing the sun here in Highlands of Scotland.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

The sun left us for awhile but it's back here in Portugal, now!

[@portugal1969]

Looking forward to the flying scotsman and wife, truly hardcore

[@PortugalfromScratch]

😁 Me too!

[@annadaurie2435]

Busy month for sure. Love your woodworking skills. Family always comes first. Really enjoy your videos. Thank you

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks so much!

[@sandyadams3267]

The insidw walls are gorgeous. Love the holes.😊

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thank you!

[@susanmcknight3083]

Wow you got so much done in March! Well done !! Your place is looking so beautiful. I am planning to move to Central Portugal in the next two years and hope I will be able to do some natural building. Watching your videos has made me realize I can. Thank you so much. My question is are you planning to stay in Portugal?

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Cool, thanks for the question and natural building is the way to go! I'm happy to hear when others use it, too!

[@shehazi695]

Thanks Kirsty, take care of yourself 😊

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks!

[@kyranmacwood1278]

You have accomplished so much in march. Well done... Up to April🎉

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Roll on, April!

[@barbaradavie150]

WOW! I know you have been busy but to see it all listed! You are amazing. So interested to see how the limoncello tastes. Your channel is so good. So much variety. I love to see your outings. The bike rides are wonderful. The trips to restaurants with friends. Gives a good balance. Questions: 1. Under the tarp window. I think that needs a specialist. Is that on your radar? 2. Workshop. Where would you build your workshop on your land? I know it's a long way off but I think you are such a skilled carpenter and you seem to love it so much, I would love to see you with a big workshop, I'm not a carpenter but I'm always calling my husband to show him your tools and what you are doing. He has a couple of your chisels and Japanese saws. Of course I'm always impressed with what you make. All the best, it's been a great start to the year for you. Looking forward to seeing your parents. They are so great and supportive.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Yes listing it all even impressed me! Haha Ok thanks for the questions, I'll add them to the list!

[@daisysmum7336]

Lots of good stuff done in March! I hope that scratchy throat gets better. 🤒 ❤

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Throat is better now, thanks!

[@debbiesmith1626]

Thanks

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks very much! 😀

[@debbiesmith1626]

Thankyou for all the great videos in March 🎉🎉🎉

[@PortugalfromScratch]

My pleasure, thanks for watching!

[@Bebs995]

Wow that's a lot of food😮 mmmmm

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I know, the servings are crazy there!

[@ruthbowery8325]

Hope your scratchy throat soon gets better . Great work in march kirsty 👏👊 xx.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks, it's better now. 🙂

[@lisaelder2676]

Hope your throat settles! When your parents are there, maybe your dad could sing a bunch of Glasgow songs. Now that'd be entertaining! Lol.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Haha, maybe! Throat is all good now, thanks!

[@donnahenderson2676]

@@PortugalfromScratch I don’t think anyone would want to hear your dad sing. Very scary.

[@woomobile]

Kirsty its mad that its April already, this year seems to be flying by. Looking forward to seeing ur mum n dad back on the land, especially looking forward to see what ur dad has planned for the decking. My few questions are 1). Are u planning on doing an update tour of ur land?. 2). im sure u said ages ago that terrace 3 would be good place for the tool shed, so what do u have planned for terrace 3 now that ur putting the tool shed next to the house? 3). Is there anything u wished u had on ur land,/house, but u dont? Hope ur throat feels better soon 👍❤

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I'm excited to see them, too! Thanks for the questions!

[@jbyrd2516]

Every time I see your stone feature and the bottle wall in your vids I can’t help but admire them anew. So beautiful. Regards from Australia 💚🐈‍⬛😊

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks! It's better. 🙂

[@mm.6991]

👍 March was fantastic lots of work done, Congrats.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thank you!

[@cathhumphreys3113]

Been really great watching you get so much done you're on a roll. Hope you're feeling better soon and reach 10k viewers 😍

[@PortugalfromScratch]

It feels like I am, thanks!

[@Equestrian79]

[Question for your 10k subs landmark Q&A session] The original lean-to (located on the side of the barn) was part of the original land plan (from a former feedback you gave). Would you consider adding an extension (given building permission) that could serve as an outside (close off / open up) kitchen? - or a guestroom? - or a creative office space? - or a penthouse for Mickey and Larry? - or an all-things-lemon (paying) open bar for anyone who accidentally walks down your mini 'side road' (or anyone who intentionally walks down your 'road' as your reputation as a serious multi-project natural building material creator spreads through the municipality and beyond the borders)?

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Haha, good question, I'll add it to the list!

[@joanbroadway759]

You've accomplished so much! I think it's a good idea not to write a lot of specific goals for the time your parents are there. Just record what you do and go with the flow.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I think so too, thanks!

[@joanbroadway759]

Do you have a river beach nearby? That would be a fun place to ride the e-bike in the summer.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

It would but the closest place is about a 25 minute drive I think... doable, though!

[@jackienugent2019]

The house is really coming along - great job. I love the "parent" videos. Have a wonderful time when they come to visit.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thank you! Expect lots of videos of them from late May!

[@donnahenderson2676]

Your so close to your 10,000. Hope it happens soon. ❤

[@PortugalfromScratch]

It happened! 😁

[@MarianneInmarsilia]

Great progress recently. You must be so thrilled your folks will be there soon ❤

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I can't wait, thanks!

[@barbaranielsen2888]

You have accomplished so much! Congratulations!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks!

[@jackvanleeuwenkamp4706]

Hmmmm lots of lemons…. Could you bring them to market? ❤️🇨🇦

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Everyone seems to have them at this time of year. 🙂

[@adrigeyer4738]

You have accomplished so much in March, congratulations! Enjoy your time with your parents. Greetings from South Africa❤❤❤❤

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks!

[@nickob55]

Hi from Bulgaria congrats on the 10K well deserved, thats a good March.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Took me awhile but thanks!

[@polgarauk5606]

Hi Kirsty 👋😁 What a wonderfully productive month you had 😊 lots of things in and outside the house achieved (beautifully) and time for yourself with friends which actually is the most important part 😊 Looking forward to seeing you parents and I think your video plan is excellent 😁 Questions hmm I try not too be too nosey especially personally as I believe you share what you feel comfortable with. To be honest I am sure others will have much better questions than I can come up with so I will just ask a silly one. As an Ice Hockey 🏑 fan (goalies are my favourite not sure why 😂) Did you ever follow Ice Hockey and if you did who was your favourite team? 😊

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks! Haha that's a fun question and I have an unusual answer for you! Stay tuned. 😁

[@R1chiesART]

Good job its rained. Its kept you focussed on a lot of fiddly stuff in the house. Loads done with some great outcomes. Not sure about the cover over the water unless your father makes it on a hinge so you have easy access for cleaning, repairs etc. Much respect to them both all the same. We look forward to their escapades. As always. Great work...

[@PortugalfromScratch]

He has a plan so I'll leave that up to him. 😁 Thanks!

[@jerrielindsey5939]

Would you see a covered patio in front of the house in the future? What are your plans for your roof?

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I'll add those to the questions list, thanks!

[@user-wb1dv9yu7d]

Great month 👍

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks!

[@avivat3010]

Hey Kirsty, I hope you're really proud of yourself. You've done a whole bunch this last month! Everything is coming together. I can't wait to see you use your new tadelakt skills. Your video quality and content is getting better and better. I agree, it's a good thing to spend quality time with your parents. I understand avoiding tough things, but I think you've really gotten past all of that. Just look at the list of things you've accomplished! Take care. Angela

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks! Yes I feel like I'm making some good progress lately. 🙂

[@avivat3010]

@@PortugalfromScratch Most definitely! 🥇

[@63Clocks]

Very productive month, well done ✨. Feel better soon Kirsty!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks!

[@lorimontcalm9086]

Q: when you are working do you carry your cellphone with you? I'm asking this in the event, God forbid, that you hurt yourself. I hurt myself taking a wasp nest down. My family didn't know I was outside. Luckily a lady drove by, got my neighbors attention, an ambulance was called. Fractured and dislocated my elbow. And I wasn't in the tree or on a ladder. Weird shit can happen unexpectedly so I worry about you, alone doing what you do. Great loads of work was accomplished. Kudos! Hugs from 🇨🇦

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Good question, thanks!

[@NashipurSinha]

You can create short videos while your parents are there. You can even do live or unedited video shorts.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Oh ya, that's a good idea! I've never really done shorts before so would need to learn what's up with them. Plus, my phone sucks which might make things tricky... but not impossible. 😁

[@assuncaomeireles198]

Olá querida Kirsty eu acho que o mês de Março foi muito trabalhoso mas o que interessa é que fez um excelente trabalho. Ainda bem que os seus pais estao a chegar eles sao muito simpaticos e tambem ajudam muito. Desejo-lhe uma boa semana e fico à espera de mais vidios. Thank you very much God bless you 🙏🏼🫶🫶🫶

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks very much, I'm excited for their arrival!

[@wandamartin6503]

Kirsty I see a lemonade stand in your future. Lol can you sell lemon bars or lemon meringue pies at markets. A popular drink in my family is lemonade and peach schnapps. It is amazing. Shucks you can sell adult drinks at market. Lol You accomplished so much in March. Have fun with your parents.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks! Sounds good to me!

[@punjabseth260]

👌

[@PortugalfromScratch]

🙂

[@NextStopThailand]

So excited for parentals visit!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Me too, thanks!

[@ManuelPineiro-dr1oc]

Presente

[@PortugalfromScratch]

😁

[@juanitakauffman6336]

A successful month.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

It was! 😀

[@deborahbasel184]

What is your favourite method of building?

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Ok, question is on the list. Thanks!

[@mariadange06]

Full on March 👏 Looking forward to Maple & Thistle's visit ☺️ Not sure decking over algae filled pool is such a good idea if you have to clean it often?🤔

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Me too! The deck will help with the algae as it'll keep out the sun but it'll be cleanable, still, too.

[@mariadange06]

@@PortugalfromScratch Win win 👍🏻

[@amyspriggle4728]

Q: Why don’t you use a lawn mower?

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Question noted, thanks!

[@wandamartin6503]

Question: Would a push mower work on your terraces and land? Or does the grass get to thick and tall?

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Cool, I'll add that to the list as it's commonly asked. 🙂

[@debravanwinkle3946]

I don’t have face book R insta gram just U tube but I’ll settle for what you give us an yes we all do enjoy your parents visits an the amount of time they stay just as we do with your friends soon to be neighbors visits So Now Drink some warm tea an take care and will see you soon 👍👀🫶🏻☀️🤗

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Great! I'll see you in the videos, then. 😀

[@fayewhelan7209]

❤

[@PortugalfromScratch]

🙂

[@user-sc6ze1bz7b]

Hi🎉

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Hi!

[@livingadventures5623]

You are very pure. 😃👍

[@PortugalfromScratch]

😁

[@jennichristie5264]

Question. You may hv addressed this before but are your plans to stay put long term or is that still fluid and shifting? If long term do you think you might build some extra living space or happy staying tiny house type situation?

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Great questions, added, thanks!

[@janemsxrayspecs9843]

Where are you from? How are you legally able to live in Portugal?

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Ok I'll add that to the list!

[@judithtaylormayo]

whats up with the blue tarp hanging just outside your front door?

[@kathleenoverton3263]

She’s addressed that a bit in past videos. It’s covering a very small opening through the stone house. She wants to enlarge it and build it out into a window. For now she keeps it covered to prevent rain, critters etc from getting inside.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

It'll be a deep dive question! It has a funny story to it. 😁

[@susanaquezada7671]

Hi Kristy. Have you been in love? What did it happen?

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Haha! Not sure about that one. 🙂

[@amyspriggle4728]

That was a bit to personal don’t you think?