Moving Madness, New AGA, and a Devon Getaway (Behind the Scenes Sneak Peeks!)

This past week has been absolutely crazy with so much going on as we juggle moving logistics and household chaos. We've had the removal team over and a new AGA stove arriving, all while managing a full house for the holidays-it's been hectic! While Simon's been busy at the new house, Beth and I have been handling things here, clearing out the garage, moving furniture, and dealing with the general madness.
Despite all the chaos, we've made great progress. I'm excited to share that our new AGA from Rangexchange has arrived. It's a reconditioned dual-control electric model that's perfect for our kitchen, and I can't wait to start cooking with it! Rangexchange have been fabulous to work with, offering excellent advice and ensuring we got the perfect stove for us.
We also took a mini-trip to Devon, which was a very welcome break from the moving madness. While there, we enjoyed the beautiful scenery and took some time to relax. On the way back to Sussex, we visited the site where our new Shepherds Hut is being made-it’s coming along beautifully and I just know that Archie is going to absolutely love it.
Lastly, a little update on an upcoming new collection from Bower Collective, my favourite eco-friendly household products. They’re launching some new fragrances and since I've adored every one of them so far, I’m thrilled to try these new ones out.
Join me this week as we navigate balancing family time, adapting to new surroundings, and get some behind-the-scenes sneak peeks! And do subscribe so you don’t miss a moment of this Ask Charlie chapter.
Love, Charlie x
Featuring:
Rangexchange - rangexchange.c... - AD/Partnership
Mecca Cosmetica - www.mecca.com/
Bower Collective: bowercollectiv... - 15% discount code: ASKCHARLIE - Ad/Affiliate
Falcon Fabrics - falconfabrics....
TEALS Farm Shop - teals.co.uk/
Blackthorn Salt - www.blackthorn... - AD/Gifted
#MovingMadness #NewAGA #DevonGetaway #HouseholdChaos #FamilyLife #ShepherdsHut #EcoFriendlyLiving #BowerCollective #AskCharlie #BehindTheScenes #VlogLife #HomeUpdates #SustainableLiving #ReconditionedAGA #HouseMove #FamilyAdventures

[@fionnateys3592]

Melamine! 😊 Enjoyed the Vlog Charlie, beautiful Aga indeed. How adventurous for Archie, his own Shepherd’s hut, splitting his own firewood 😉. Everyone will probably want to take turns sleeping out, brilliant teenage accommodation solution. Have a great week, look forward to further progress.. 🌻😊

[@ask.charlie]

Thank you! He is very excited about it

[@RH-mu1ld]

I loved this vlog. Can’t wait for you to move into your new home. I do love a declutter! Everyone should consciously declutter at some point , not necessarily leaving it until house moves etc. It’s good for the soul👍☺️.

[@ask.charlie]

Yes! Thank you! X

[@joannemorris1689]

She's such an elegant horse. It's like she finishes every jump with a little àccent on the hoof. Such a joy to watch her. ❤❤❤

[@ask.charlie]

@@joannemorris1689 isn’t she a beauty xxx

[@CatherineHazelwood]

Lovely vlog Charlie, thank you so much for sharing all your news.x

[@TheGroomers]

Cometh the hour, cometh the ...mother. You are doing great! It will be over soon. Remember your you are teaching the children how to deal with change. Life is about change and adapting. Onwards and upwards.

[@ask.charlie]

Thanks so very much xxx

[@hannahkerby1621]

My MIL has the monkey fabric as curtains & cushions and they look fabulous! Great choice Gus! Sheppard Hut looks so cosy & the new house is coming together, we’re all with you virtually willing you through the next two weeks!! and can’t wait to see you moved in, with a fizz in hand, wondering around your beautiful new garden saying ‘we’re here!’.. xx

[@ask.charlie]

Thank you ❤ I can’t wait for that moment either xxx

[@carolwatts-yi6do]

Wow , you’ve been so busy , what a lovely vlog, thank you as always . I too missed the delivery of my Aga as I had to work but like yours it’s electric and just so versatile you’ll love it 🥰 I have to say though I do have a little bit of moving envy 😮 it’s so exciting to plan new rooms a decor. You’re doing a brilliant job juggling everything , particularly in the school hols.🤦‍♀️ Be kind to yourself this week, it’s going to be a hot one☀️and I can’t wait to see the next instalment 😘😘

[@1976shoegal]

Great vlog ❤Love your new Aga & your shepherds hug looks so beautiful ❤ I really loved the red & white stripe fabric you chose. I hope all goes well with your move. Look forward to your next vlog. Much love ❤

[@shelaghward9621]

Everything seems to be going well for you and much of the ground work for the move has been started , I’m sure you feel less pressured . Good luck with everything ❤

[@janeharrison7525]

A great update Charlie. Devon looked so beautiful, if only the weather could be sunny like that all summer! Santana & Coco looked fabulous & it brought back many memories of lovely Coombelands. Your move does look exhausting but it is a great chance to declutter & inspiring me to sort out my wardrobe. I hope the actual move goes smoothly. xxx

[@StMeadMary]

Pizza is great when you need it! Well done Charlie!!!!

[@georgiamolton]

Your daughter rides so well. What a beautifully balanced horse. Lovely to watch!

[@ask.charlie]

Thank you I love watching them and seeing their progress x

[@fluffyhedgehog7963]

Coco is excellent on her horse

[@Howtolivealife123]

Brilliant that you got an electric aga - much greener. We’ve just converted our oil aga to electric. Good luck with the move! The new house looks gorgeous and I’m sure you are making the right decision.

[@ask.charlie]

Thanks so much x

[@wendyware9738]

Lovely vlog Charlie and so exciting seeing progress in the new house and your preparations. Super Aga the controls look like mine you won’t be disappointed! The fabrics look great love a good fabric shop and enjoy making them into blinds or curtains very satisfying when you have time so good that you have the amazing Di to help.

[@ask.charlie]

I need tips from you Wendy! Thanks so much it’s fun doing fabrics etc! Xx

[@wendyware9738]

@@ask.charliejust let me know very happy to help. It was very different to my oil it’s great that you can use the tops separately and the ovens have the four settings. When I first had it I had it turned up to normal but to be honest it was extremely hot even hotter than my oil Aga, also the running costs were silly. So I run it on slumber most of the time unless of course I am baking bread and have a big bake on. They are all slightly different as you know as an experienced Aga owner, so I invested in an oven thermometer!😊

[@ask.charlie]

Yes please I would love your advice whilst I get to grips with it xx

[@wendyware9738]

@@ask.charlie no problem you know how to contact me Charlie you have contact details don’t mind a call if easier. Good luck with the move once you’re in the new house it will feel so much better and settling for everyone.

[@ArabellaIrisSweeny]

Another lovely vlog - I'd like to give you a massive Well Done as moving is always such an emotional process which is often forgotten in the chaos of things! Thank you for always keeping it so unbelievably real with your viewers, while I love creators like Ballerina Farm and Lydia Millen - Your content is amazingly authentic and helps so many people not feel so alone in the struggles of everyday life.

[@ask.charlie]

Just the hugest thank you 🥰🥰🥰

[@KrisMcIrl]

LOVE LOVE LOVE the AGA!

[@ask.charlie]

Isn’t it super

[@sarahmosley4396]

Bravo Sigh! 😊

[@SallyAnn191]

The monkey fabric is so much fun. Great choice. We moved house last year, so I know what you're going through. The very best of luck. xx

[@ask.charlie]

Thank you so much! Xx

[@joannemorris1689]

Hi Charlie Your advert for Schoffel in the South of France just popped up. Lovely picture❤

[@ask.charlie]

@@joannemorris1689 thank you 🥰 Gus was my photographer 💙

[@joannemorris1689]

❤

[@Suze69]

So enjoyed watching. Thanks, Charlie. I’m flat out on my sofa with a hot water bottle and gall stone pain. Could you possibly make 1 hr daily videos until my scan on Tuesday? It would really help 😁😁. Missing the Game Show as well 😩….. roll on next year :) xx

[@adreaminfocus]

Oh gosh I hope you feel better ❤

[@ask.charlie]

Oh so sorry that’s so painful, wishing you a speedy recovery xxx

[@suzannemortimer9752]

That little aga is so cute. I would be very interested to see how the running costs work out. Our Everhot, 60cm wide, is on constantly and quite economical, but the whole top is the lid and heavy to lift….although it does mean we have a vast area to cook on.

[@ask.charlie]

Will keep you posted x

[@DollyBobsPaws]

I think the word you were trying to recall is "Melamine" but I think these days they call them "acrylic" glasses. Love the Aga, Id really love one but I always wonder how I'd manage with only two "hobs" when I've traditionally always had four! I subscribe to Country Living but haven't had chance to read it yet. I've actually got a box of Blackthorn Salt in my cupboard ready for when my Maldon Sea Salt runs out, our local farm shop was selling it so I thought I'd grab a box whilst I had the chance so I'm interested to read the article.

[@catherineparr1927]

Can I ask if you leave the electric Aga's on all the time 24/7? Or do you use it like a conventional electric oven and just turn it on when you need it? Also, are they more economical than the traditional gas or oil fired ones? Thanks in advance to anyone who can let me know. ☺

[@ask.charlie]

It’s left on all the time but some have a slumber mode x

[@kateincheshire]

Lovely vlog as always. The beach looked amazing is that in Devon? We have only been to Woolacombe so far in Devon

[@ask.charlie]

Yes it’s Devon at the far end of Woolacombe xxx

[@bevnichols9162]

My I ask where your dining area will be? I think the new house is really coming along.

[@jennifersouthin7764]

Everyone needs a Di in there life I loathe sewing , love the fabric.

[@ask.charlie]

She is just the best xxx

[@alimacindoe811]

Hi Charlie-I have been desperate for years to get an Aga-Range Exchange sounds ideal, and more affordable, we can’t afford a new one. Does your cream one need a flue?

[@ask.charlie]

They are much more sensibly priced and no the electric ones don’t need a flue so can also located anywhere in the kitchen ! The most helpful company xx

[@alimacindoe811]

@@ask.charlie thanks Charlie, we just need to sort out getting the kitchen floor reinforced, then hopefully we will be able to go ahead! Can’t quite believe it might actually happen after all these years!x

[@juliejakubickova3401]

Melamine ❤

[@sarahmosley4396]

Coco and Santana look so beautiful! 🥰

[@mariak8943]

Please can I ask, and forgive my ignorance. I understand you are moving due to a change in circumstances but is it not expensive renovating this new home which you are only renting and it’s not yours? How secure is the tenancy? Purchasing an AGA which is very expensive etc. all this money, would it not have been used towards the mortgage on your family home? You also have other homes on rent which are the b&bs? I hope I have not offended, it is more so to form an understanding to appreciate the videos more and your new journey. Thank you Charlie

[@gabrielletanner5339]

Perhaps they had to sell for debts!!

[@roseryan98]

Where are your coloured elasticated bracelets at around 13 minutes in from please?

[@ask.charlie]

Millielovespink aren’t they fun x

[@Tck3403]

Beautiful Aga Charlie, hope you have many many years of happiness with it. It is normal for renters to pay their own money for a new kitchen & Aga in a house they don't own & are only renting? Seems very odd to me........

[@ask.charlie]

My kitchen is a huge part of my business, hence putting in a new kitchen. We are hoping to live here for a good number of years so will be worth it

[@bevnichols9162]

Melamine

[@JanetThorpe-uv2ev]

Melamine 🙄😊