Renovating 150 Year Old Stone House rather than Demolish

Why we chose to renovate rather than tear down this old stone house.
We’re Meraid and Dan. In 2021 we bought a small abandoned farm 7500 m2 (1.8 acres) in the Coimbra district of Central Portugal with a schist stone house to rebuild and become our home.
We've been gardening and growing food for many many years. We absolutely love growing, eating and cooking what we produce. Plus, we preserve surplus harvests for year round enjoyment.
For the past 3 years we've been restoring this beautiful terraced land back to the bountiful homestead it once was.
We invite you to follow our story as we create a beautiful edible garden and rebuild our first and future home together.
Thank you,
Meraid and Dan

[@gc9017]

The type of people who are telling you to knock it down and start again are usually people who don’t appreciate heritage and usually live in brand new homes on brand new housing estates that are literally thrown up with no quality, carry on your doing the exact right thing.

[@The4wildboys]

I’m a mason & worked on multiple large heritage stone projects in the UK , Canada & India to name a few .. I’ve been self employed from aged 15 & learnt from my farther.. There are stone buildings & then Stone Buildings . Believe it or not there’s lots to learn & one must have very deep pockets when undertaking such projects. Deciding to rebuild or prop up your property is the first hurdle/decision. I’m enjoying watching the N Veggies crew working on this project ✅ & it’s nice to see a younger generation learning along with older guys.. passing on their knowledge

[@gc9017]

@@The4wildboys yes I know, I own a listed property and I’m a time served joiner.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@denisesouth199]

Who on earth would knock it down! It’s wonderful and you are only going to improve it while honouring the culture and aesthetic of the place you live!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@jedtattum9996]

knocking it down would be an act of vandalism

[@NearbyVeggies]

It wouldn't feel right for us.

[@natvgerkin]

Well done for handling the insane, "tear it down" comments with such good grace.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@rosbeaton637]

I am so glad you are restoring rather than rebuilding. What a history of the region you are preserving for future generations notwithstanding the past owners and families in whose footsteps and life stories with which you will be sharing your lives. What a privilege and what an honour to the essence of the home's long history. Good on you!

[@NearbyVeggies]

We hope so too!

[@bergannon6585]

It takes people with soul and passion to complete a project like this, and your efforts are truly admired and appreciated. This old girl will look stupendous when finished. She will stand tall and proud for generations to come and will be admired by all who visit her. Loving every minute of this restoration. ❤❤❤

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thanks so much

[@deborahmapps1430]

Im on your side the passion and love you have for the old building shows so much and it's so enjoyable to watch, the old girl will look beautiful when finished and you will have many years of sitting on your balcony with those views drinking a cuppa or a glass. ❤

[@NearbyVeggies]

Maybe several glasses.

[@janmitchell641]

I love that you followed your heart like your Dad and Mum did. Their results were magical, as yours will be.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Knocking down a building and building from scratch is like ripping the heart out. The life and history gone, no character no connection with land. So im delighted to see your restoring where possible, keeping some character, history and the heart of the home remains. Love your channel.💚

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 🤩

[@raffaellavitiello1762]

You are doing an amazing job with a lot of respect. Do not take any notice to the ignorance of some people. Thankyou for sharing this amazing transformation. With your sense of humeur that put a smile on our face . Love you ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@sueg2658]

The house and land have Good Juju pure and simple!♥️ I’m so glad you are keeping the little window. I can only imagine how many people looked out it and dreamt good dreams.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Ah, thank you.

[@KittyMcGee1001]

Your stone house will outlive many new builds. She’s a survivor.

[@NearbyVeggies]

A bit rough around the edges but holding on.

[@filipar949]

So happy that this house found you 🥰

[@martinab3774]

Very lucky indeed!

[@NearbyVeggies]

We are too!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@roselynwilliams2]

You and Dan are the perfect stewards of that property. Back in 1990, my husband and I bought a home built in 1890. It had most of the renovation already done, but I loved that place. We turned it into a Bed & Breakfast and those were the happiest times of my life. We met people from all over the world. We also had people stop in who had once lived there.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you for sharing that Roselyn.

[@paulettebarber7219]

I would never tear down something that can be saved. Beside the old building has such character and is so charming. So sad about the cork oak hope you will have permission to prune it and save it from further damage. Everything is looking so lush and green from all the rain you’ve had. Simply beautiful.

[@user-uc9by4sw6h]

Hello, our dear heroes! You say you might get tired of construction. But you just need to try not to think like that! The most interesting thing in the life of this house is happening before our eyes - its rebirth and the birth of a new, beautiful and comfortable home! The most interesting thing about this is the process itself! You are busy, you live it, you are passionate and looking forward to meeting your creation! Then a moderate, routine life begins, and it becomes boring. We'll have to look for new adventures. So let's all enjoy this together! Every hour, every moment of adventure and intrigue of the old house... Amazing! 🥰😍🤩🥳❤✌

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@justoneacre7873]

Dan could be another David Attenborough when he explains something!!

[@NearbyVeggies]

That has been noted .

[@leacruz7311]

I love the calla lilies against the stone wall!

[@NearbyVeggies]

They are lovely.

[@user-yv4lb6uq6w]

Love that you and Dan give so much respect to the history of the property, look forward to the build

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you ☺️

[@janmccann8081]

Soul. Heart. Integrity. History. Vision. Memory. I love what you're achieving, and I look forward each week to watching your progress. Enjoy the process. Greetings from Devon.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Wow, thank you!

[@lindapeters9026]

I can't believe that even one person would want it torn down, no way. I'm so happy you are redoing it with the same materials that were first used originally and for them to come from the property what could be better.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@marinagarcia8524]

Well done and well said ❤️

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@kathleendenison8925]

I ❤ everything your both doing. Conservative preservation of past history is beautiful and respectful....better made than modern.... Past people worked hard on this house.... Glad the house found you both❤❤❤❤

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@user-tw8bp6jj5v]

So worth it thank you on behalf of all who has beeand all who will comanother few centuries to be there Take care love ya allen

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@nancyspence2965]

Very cool to find the paper in your walls. We found newspaper in our fireplace chimney, was used to insulate.😂

[@NearbyVeggies]

It's such fun finding bits and bobs

[@christopherbobin4268]

It's really wonderful that you have kept contact with the previous owners/family. That you respect what came before you speaks volumes about your sincerity and devotion that the property will have a bright future under your stewardship. Wishing you the best as the project unfolds. Your posts (and background music) always have a calming affect ...

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you so much!

[@sandramorton5510]

Your Souls are true and infectious, I love everything about your land. Your builders are phenomenal, good job finding them.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@kevinwilkes5969]

Think you're doing a great conservation project.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@asgeirandersen]

Stown walls exist much loHnger than concrete exist since 1900. Love that Stone Walls. Good work Harriet And Dan

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@1000djf]

Can’t wait to see this fully renovated ! It looks like such a special place

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@elisekuby2009]

Those white lilies against the stone wall of the house - oh my...they are just gorgeous!

[@user-jm6ml6ik9l]

Absolutely agree! Can’t take my eyes off them each time they get into the view.😍

[@NearbyVeggies]

They're in a few places around the house and gardens. I love them

[@maryhauser6523]

You made me cry ! Hello from Canada !!!!! yes I do remember that huge table that consumed the whole room and the meals my auntie use to make, amazing, how she cooked all those wonderful meals in such a primitive kitchen, the main meals were brunch and supper . 5 years ago my husband and I stood outside those metal gates, and I wanted to go in, but my fear of snakes stopped me, but the next time I shall knock on the "portao" , " Hello from Canada , can we share a bottle of wine, and I know I will cry " Saudades !!!!!!

[@42apprentice]

You do you! And you’re doing a grand job. I think it is one of the prettiest houses of all the Portuguese KZbin recons. x

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@suziqt8389]

What you are doing is a wonderful thing...ignore people who dont appreciate homes with soul.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@ArtistMartinaP]

I would be surprised if people who think that way followed the process. There is restoration of historic buildings, and there is the erection of new, energy-efficient buildings. Totally different projects. I love that you are busy saving this building and that you can afford experts. You will ❤ living in it, and so will visitors.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@debbiemay3265]

It's not just a house, it's going to be your home, full of your memories, laughter, hope and dreams, together. Go for it, I would love to live there, the garden is heavenly.

[@NearbyVeggies]

That's the plan!

[@user-ih7zg4tf1w]

Something old, something new, with a top team you create your new live, together. It's so great to see it grow. Thank you for showing this. Highlight of this week: Dan is back and a paper is found. Lovely!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you. Great to have Dan home for a little while at least.

[@andie1769]

Oh lovely! Your joy has been palpable these last few weeks, and bringing the heart back to this home is immense! Thankyou so much for taking the time to video, it becomes a living history of the process of new life for this building. So sorry about your oak tree, tis the cycle of life! 1915? I think I’d frame those bits of newspaper. Cheers to you both! 😊

[@NearbyVeggies]

Great idea. Thank you 😊

[@sharonbower6446]

Your doing a good job xx

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@willaharlatt4862]

you should mount and frame the old newspaper and put it on the wall as a bit of history...........it would be so grand to keep it in the house

[@Maria-bs1ds]

That’s a great idea!

[@essietangle9931]

You have to do what your heart tells you, that says it all. All the best and thanks for sharing it with us.

[@NearbyVeggies]

I appreciate that!

[@SusanFreeborn-km2ry]

I'm very glad that this house ended up in your hands and that you chose to honor the building. You can see what it could be once again. Well done.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@martinehug-simon3811]

Love the colour of your stones so warm and lively! Continue your project without listening to bitter people and remember "the dogs are barking but the caravan passes" African proverb!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@lindasoaft9303]

I love how you feel about the house and its connection to the previous occupants and family members who come back to visit!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@The4wildboys]

Nice to see more progress .. I’m retired mason of many years , on some of my large projects I’ve taken 1000 year old churches down & rebuilt them stone for stone , exterior stones got painted by myself with numbers & photographed , these are large worked stone buildings. I’ve visited many ancient stone structures all over the world & find them fascinating. It was a huge part of my life . We have after many years looking bought a property in C Portugal , but not a stone building believe it or not. The vast majority of older buildings around 120 years in pt are of poor condition due to moisture ingress & after working on them for decades I only see money pits . There are some stunning cut stone buildings but the majority are of basic stone construction then rendered. I’ve slacked lime many times for heritage projects, it’s an interesting process. It’s quite the balance using so much concrete on a renovation project like yours… I’m sure your builders will be retired in Madeira after 👍.. We love your Garden 🪴🥰

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@marcosfigueiredo8515]

You experienced together with the former resident the feeling of emotion, first of all, of returning to a place that marked your lives, according to you, for helping to preserve an important place for someone.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Ah, thank you

[@davidwilson1043]

Its yours (for a lot of years hopefully), your home, your life, you are doing what you want and need to do. Your personality and love will be forever etched in and added to the stones of this old building and the land around it.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@suzilouden5964]

Greetings from France....our weather has been the same as yours.....cold with endless rain. Here's to some spring weather soon...🍷🍷🍷

[@NearbyVeggies]

Sounds great!

[@louiseswart1315]

I firmly believe that houses have souls that make them homes, because they certainly die when they don't have people lovingly and caringly living in them. Love the nocturne you played for the broken tree. Bless your heart. My goodness, one should decoupage those newspaper sheets onto the plastered parts of the wall of the office if the museum cannot use it!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@mesutozsen903]

Eline emeğine sağlık bu güzel vlog ve video için kolay gelsin hayirli işler bol bereketli kazançların olsun

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@user-bc2dc4xq3x]

Only 489 likes ! 2409 views .... come on, folks, ❤ the updates !

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@vivalaleta]

We love how far you're bending to save this building. If you can afford it that's fantastic. It does resemble a cliff over the land.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@markdawsonbruce4457]

Dan its a great story teller, if he was reading a nursery rhyme at bed time, I'd be out like a light😊

[@NearbyVeggies]

Me too ☺️

[@farmyourbackyard2023]

I am in total agreement with you! I would never knock that down. It's amazing. Some people don't treasure history,. I'm glad you guys treasure both history and the resources of your property. You will end up with a much better home that you could build from new today.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@user-mz3wl5uh1k]

I’m with you . There’s no way I would demolish such beauty. I truly admire your patience and determination. If I were younger and able I’d come just to help. I anxiously await the finished home. 👏 Bravo

[@NearbyVeggies]

We're looking forward to that day too and enjoying the process as we go.

[@gasparini76]

It is part of British culture to preserve everything possible in a house restoration. This is the British mindset most of the time....

[@arleenfotiu6095]

Clearly, if you wanted a new modern home, you would have bought one. You made the much superior choice.

[@NearbyVeggies]

We think so too. Thank you

[@martinab3774]

I'm sure you'll have a beautiful and confortable stone house in Portugal's countryside and you deserve it!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@phillippawalker3930]

Hi Harriet and Dan I have been watching Your videos ever since I found you both on you tube You are definitely doing the right thing Keeping the character of your Home Can't wait to see the end result You And Dan sitting Back on the veranda You both are inspiring us to make the Move to do the same thing We just love the old Stone buildings You both are amazing Keep up the good work Can't wait for your next video ❤

[@bergannon6585]

Whose Harriet 😂 it's Meraid and Dan ❤

[@phillippawalker3930]

@@bergannon6585 so sorry got mixed up with some one else

[@phillippawalker3930]

🤣

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thanks so much.

[@NearbyVeggies]

I can be Harriet.

[@Maria-bs1ds]

I think it’s wonderful what you are doing! It’s a joy to see your garden and the progress with the house. I pray you will have many years to enjoy your lovely future home .

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@avivat3010]

I love listening to you tell a story, Meraid! It's nice to know that you have the table from the family and that it will sit in your dining room. (If not, that's okay too!) You and Dan show such respect for the history and the land, I hope that reassures the family that it's in good hands. I agree completely, "You know when you know." Your parent's home in Donnegal is quite beautiful! I think a gardener learns to look to the future to see the results of a project. You didn't have to convince me that you and Dan are on the right track. You're going to save all of the bits and pieces I would save. The little window seat, the little window, the little cubbies in the walls, all are gems. On a completely different track, I wonder why there's a button hole in the bib of your overalls!? See you next week! Glad you have your Dan back. Best, Angela

[@NearbyVeggies]

The table is moving back to the house with us. Now I almost forgot to answer your last question about the buttonhole in my bibs. Well, the design is based on old railway workmen's overalls and that little buttonhole was for a pocket watch. There was a little bar at the end of a chain and you would secure your watch that way.

[@avivat3010]

@@NearbyVeggies It's good to hear the table is moving back with you. Thank you for answering the buttonhole question. I'm familiar with the bar and can imagine the importance of workers on the tracks knowing the time!! It's also great to know where the overalls came from - not yours, of course.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Mine are only about 5 years old 😂

[@avivat3010]

@@NearbyVeggies And look great on you!

[@Susan.I]

Glad to see your gardens are getting watered by nature!

[@NearbyVeggies]

They are indeed - ever since October.

[@stevejohnstonbaugh9171]

I really like your intention to repurpose the old steel casement window and shutters to close the window into the office space. What a wonderful acknowledgment of the buildings history. I would not restore them to "perfect". I would suggest fully functional. How they may have looked 10-20 years following installation. Many people comment on the beautiful calla lily's against the house. I'll suggest moving them to a temporary safe location after they are done blooming for the season and making some divisions in the process. There must be a big mass of tubers, densely packed. If you do the temporary transplant and some divisions now - they will be thriving when it is time to distribute them to permanent locations. In fact, I imagine there are enough tubers to make white calla lilies the feature plant in your piazza's formal gardens. Another acknowledgement of the buildings legacy. A few words about the cork oak; The law provides that any cutting or pruning done on the heritage trees (cork and holm oaks) must be limited to the health, welfare and endurance of the tree. You can't make drastic pruning to make firewood. If you hire a local so called "arborist" - that is what you will get. The rules don't apply to the locals. So it is up to you to protect your heritage trees. If you can find a bonified climbing arborist, that's the best scenario - but not likely. That particular tree is in decline. Your aim is to not accelerate the decline. So the priority is to cut off the ragged part of the branch that was left behind. The final cut should be 1/4" from the branch bark collar. With any luck, there is enough life left in the trunk for the branch bark collar to callus over the wound, closing off the interior from weather, insects and fungus. On the opposite side, you can make reduction cut pruning's to the height you can reach. Same guidelines apply - do not damage the branch bark collar and do not leave a stub to rot. And for reduction pruning, make your cut about 1" away from an outward facing limb so the canopy is more compact. And the final step is collecting acorns from that tree when they drop. Plant them 1" to 2" deep on their side in a prepared garden bed or in extra deep nursery pots that the growers of your purchased trees provided. Do this in the fall of 2024 so you preserve the genetic material of this particular cork oak. All the best friends 🤓👍

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@user-if9wy6lx1z]

So good to see Dan back, I love your stone house, so pleased you haven’t knocked it down and are saving as much as you can….. You have such a connection with the land, just seeing how concerned you were about the cork tree….. Love your excitement when you find old treasures….. Can’t wait to see what happens next, best wishes Ruth from NZ…..

[@NearbyVeggies]

My true love is the land (after Dan of course)

[@seanfitzgerald4344]

I like watching the progress, what an undertaking. You will have a gem when you’re done.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@Mikesay.]

If you start from scratch it would lose that ……patina, it’s authenticity. I love it. Thanks for sharing.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@kathleenpitt1981]

You could have a house built, I suppose, but it would be something anyone could build. Your house is unique and wonderful!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@margaretingleby679]

What a great job you are doing , that old newspaper 1915 , maybe have it framed..not printing anymore 1915 editiins .

[@NearbyVeggies]

Good idea

[@joanhesketh9419]

Its going to be a loving home that has history not a home that has no soul you are bringing the love back into it . Looking forward to see it finished and the land all around it, cant wait for the next vidio . Your father was right . Xx

[@NearbyVeggies]

It really does have a lovely feeling about it.

[@offgridwanabe]

It must be coming apparent just how big of a job you decided to take on, but it will be glorious when completed.

[@NearbyVeggies]

It was apparent quite some time ago.

[@asc3184]

Thanks for sharing another video. I can easily understand your fondness for the house n its stone walls. At some level, it must remind u of some of the stone houses in certain parts of Ireland. The schist at ur home looks like it has a summer colour to it; light. It us a joy to see how u progress with the house n ur gardening.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Very true. Thank you 😊

[@melvaoconnor]

love love what you 2 are doing to save, and respect the culture and the history ....bravo

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@claudeross126]

Progress is amazing and the greens 💚 are beautiful

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@ail-on3px]

A big hug for you and if you can,take a trip to see your relatives so you can detach yourself from the thought of construction. You might as well have a nervous breakdown ❤ 🙏

[@NearbyVeggies]

My relatives visit regularly and I absolutely love being here.

[@ail-on3px]

Good 💖

[@dasher5529]

Keep up the good spirits. It will be worth it when its all said and done. ..

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@carlosmolina6432]

Felicitaciones a uds, estoy en la tercera o cuarta edad soy seguidores de sus videos, me siento interpretado por lo que hacen, desarrollan y disfrutan de ésta propuesta a sus edades (envidia sana)

[@NearbyVeggies]

Gracias

[@Skattie]

Hello amigos and Amiga

[@NearbyVeggies]

Hello

[@Coyotehello]

Knock it down?!!! That is heresy. That house has all the history of Portugal in its walls! That house speaks to you and that is fantastic too. "It would have been much faster..." People saying that obviously have never lived countries like Portugal or central America or many of the islands where the administration is enormous, done by hand and on "island time". Haha, you could frame those news paper! For Dan's office, you know, to stay current with what is happening in the world! At the same time that cork will need pruning or at least support until you know what is allowed to be pruned, otherwise it will certainly topple. You are doing fantastic. We would love to find some old estate like that, very happy for you. Excellent full of emotion episode, thank you. Cheers, a.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@johncooper5293]

I would have bought it as it is a gem of a building (project!). People who say knock it down have no idea about heritage or even the costs that would incur. I keep looking at it and can see how fabulous it will be when completed. It is an awfully long time to get to where you are but you just have to look forward to it being completed this year and it will be worth it. Wonderful you'd had previous family visiting who loved the placed.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thanks, John.

[@lidijafichtner7080]

Thank You for sharing your Story ❤

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thanks for watching.

[@duosiris34]

Knock Down that beautiful house? thats crazy

[@patriciathorp4911]

Of course, you did the right thing saving the old structure wherever possible. You'll have something that has character and history both of which you are passionate about. Your Calla lily looks great ...way ahead of mine, first flower attempting to open. I've never seen passion fruits growing before....how wonderful it must be to be able to just go and pick one off. I hope your weather improves....along with ours 😂. Have a good week. 💚

[@NearbyVeggies]

There was a time last year where I was collecting 20 or 30 passion fruits a day. They fall off when they're ready. Delicious.

[@iniabellepaz445]

Hi, I love the stone and with all the history It’s more especial! I would frame the newspapers. We are having a cool wet spring also! Stay well.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Great idea!

[@arjanvogel6444]

Thanks for your vid 😇💟💟💟 Love and bless you guys, good work guys have a nice weekend 😀💯

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you too

[@kassy6373]

That is some proper antiques! I wonder if you can still read some of the stories.

[@NearbyVeggies]

We sure can, but the writing is very tiny.

[@zuzanatauvinkl5195]

So glad you did not take the house down.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Agreed

[@lorielove7046]

Oh your place will be wonderful, so looking forward to watching up and coming videos. Loved the piece of metal with the rusty bits on the previous video. It looks like someone wrote something with a big brush. Definitely show it off somewhere! On a concrete post maybe or above a window? Love it.

[@NearbyVeggies]

What a great description of the rusty metal bit.

[@maggiemorgan8422]

Great video! Loved hearing your chat ❤ x

[@NearbyVeggies]

Glad you enjoyed it x

[@helenavilhena5804]

The walls are beautiful

[@NearbyVeggies]

We agree

[@waynejones750]

Keep up the fantastic work 😊

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@faizalabrahams7704]

Keep the stone look but insulated for the cold

[@user-bm9gu1yg6x]

Ignore these stupid ideas. I think this will be lovely when finished and has bits of your own character built into it

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@mariaortega8702]

Its going to be amazing!!.

[@NearbyVeggies]

And our home

[@paulacunha6792]

Jornais de 1915 e de 1923 ficavam bem num quadro dentro da vossa maravilhosa casa😊 é um achado Hitorico ...eu acho que é uma pena ir entragar a um museu ou Universidade😮

[@NearbyVeggies]

Concordo.

[@fbelzer]

The people saying this stuff are idiots! We have property in Portugal near you in the Figuero dos vinhos area and one of the houses is a stone ruin we plan on remodeling - you are correct about the laws being complicated and the tear it down folks have no idea. They should keep their mouths shut if they don’t understand

[@NearbyVeggies]

Not everyone wants the same type of home, we're all different and I understand that too.

[@victormpmac]

A vossa casa vai ficar linda, è preciso ter calma.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Muito obrigada

[@ninemoonplanet]

How many cement buildings will last as long as the Great Wall of China? Very few if any. Cement is cheap (now, won't be for much longer) but any stone building built with as much care and skill as the cottage in Ireland or this one will outlast the rest. Here 🇨🇦 houses are now built to only be covered by the builders for 15 years, how many people would save money buying tents instead? Yes, the durability is only for 15 years. 😲 Plastic siding is extremely flammable, it's regarded as being like jet fuel if it's on a house, goes up in flames fast, hot and very dangerous. 🤦‍♀️ Stick with the home you have, people will be able to enjoy it for another century.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@heidiedwards4160]

Its certainly not a decision to take lightly. Far too much time, money blood sweat and tears for it not to be done how you want it. It will be so fabulous 👌

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thanks Heidi.

[@Skattie]

Gee i would never say that , or tell anyone to do that!!!!!!, what a cheek!!!!!

[@user-mz3wl5uh1k]

Were those little alcoves in the walls, a place for an icon? I see them in a lot of the barnes ,houses being restored in Portugal. I would leave them, I think they’re lovely.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Little statues and candles