THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING at our STONE COTTAGE RENOVATION!

There are major changes at the cottage this week as we remove the chimney, knock down the dividing wall and open up the historical fireplace.
With these walls being over 200 years old and constructed from solid (very big) stones, it comes down it quite dramatic fashion!
This whole process was made much easier because of Dessie and Red. DG developments were fantastic throughout. This is in no way sponsored but if you’re looking for a good builder these guys are well worth a shout. The only link I have for Dessie is his page on bark and his TikTok which I’ll leave below, or give us a shout and we will pass on his number.
www.bark.com/e...
www.tiktok.com...
Ever wondered what it's like to see a chimney come down THROUGH the fireplace, crashing onto the floor? Well it's a sight to behold!
Anyway, with the wall down, the renovation is finally moving forward and we now have the start of a big open plan kitchen/diner.
This cottage restoration is no longer a restoration, more of a renovation but we will still be doing our best to keep the old farm houses character, using traditional materials wherever we can.
Check out our instagram for real time updates..
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Where we get our music (the link below gets you a 1 month free trial)
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Hopefully you are enjoying this renovation series as much as we are, and we are managing to show you just some of the trials, tribulations, and work, involved when restoring an old property.
As usual, we have tried to include a bit of everything, including the local wildlife and nature mixed with our usual female foolery, we always love hearing what you lot think in the comments so do let us know, and as always, thank you for watching!
Check out our older videos and follow our us journey attempting to create a proper youtube travel series as we, two female travelers and vanlifers, attempted to travel across Europe in our rolling tiny home.
Hit the subscribe button to see where our DIY campervan took us and how this van life couple coped living in a van!
*We use affiliate links from which we earn a small percentage at no extra cost to yourself. Most of this is used to keep emilys snack cupboard topped up but occasionally she lets Lou have some to buy the dog treats!!

[@campervibe]

This whole process was made much easier because of Dessie and Red. DG developments were fantastic throughout. This is in no way sponsored but if you’re looking for a good builder these guys are well worth a shout. The only link I have for Dessie is his page on bark and his TikTok which I’ll leave below, or give us a shout and we will pass on his number. www.bark.com/en/ie/company/dessie-gardiner-plastering-and-building-services/lJPJY/ www.tiktok.com/@dgdevelopments?_t=8o0q2AccXHF&_r=1

[@brianlopez8855]

"Impressive and Bold" moves !

[@ritajesson5024]

Wow a lot of work done and a bit to go, but well done girls 😊❤

[@suecolclough1268]

@@campervibe keep them in mind thanks for link. Have ya measured up how big tree ya can get. Just an idea for when you can get 1

[@grahamunderwood9353]

great job, sometimes you come across trades people that not only know their job they do it to a standard that many others could not achieve, a few days and the place is transformed and not only that your beginning to see your visions for the place being turned into reality,❤

[@Ponkelina]

They were fantastic.

[@suziejames7510]

You certainly won the lottery with those two guys. What an amazing amount of work they did in such a short time. It's all going to look fabulous when it's all finished. ❤

[@gbwildlifeuk8269]

Well they are Irish, they pick and shovelled hundreds of miles of our canals!

[@campervibe]

They are amazing for sure 😀

[@Vanosphere]

I hope you know that now you live in a cottage in Ireland you have to spend most the time sat around the stove in the kitchen while the living room is just for ornaments 😊

[@campervibe]

😀😀 we are going to have a lovely stove area for that 😀

[@alidabotes6264]

That weather doesn't allow for much else! I'm at the age where I would love kicking back in front of the fire reading or knitting etc!! Use these days to cook in bulk & fill up the freezer.

[@russmcsporran]

The living room is the ‘good room’ only used when guests visit 😂

[@gransha3]

Oh, to have a little house! To own the hearth and stool and all! The heaped up sods against the fire, The pile of turf against the wall! To have a clock with weights and chains And pendulum swinging up and down! A dresser filled with shining delph, Speckled and white and blue and brown! I could be busy all the day Clearing and sweeping hearth and floor, And fixing on their shelf again My white and blue and speckled store! I could be quiet there at night Beside the fire and by myself, Sure of a bed and loth to leave The ticking clock and the shining delph! Och! but I'm weary of mist and dark, And roads where there's never a house nor bush, And tired I am of bog and road, And the crying wind and the lonesome hush! And I am praying to God on high, And I am praying Him night and day, For a little house - a house of my own Out of the wind's and the rain's way.

[@petelumley1578]

You can’t beat a good tear down, and boy those lads know what they are doing. What a difference it makes to the cottage, and the space is much better. It makes you think how cramped the families of yesteryear live with. Now it’s time to put your feet up, get the big screen out and watch the football. Stay safe ladie 😊

[@campervibe]

So happy with the space, it’s really lovely

[@worldofrandometry6912]

Smaller rooms and windows - easier to heat.

[@alilonghair7792]

That's a lot of old fireplaces too (is that 3 or 4?...one in the end room, the back to back fireplace that just got taken out, and the one in the snug space)... makes me wonder if the property was a row of 4 small farm workers cottages. What do ya reckon peeps?

[@kimphilpin1062]

Wow. Those builders and you louise really got the job done no messing around. Your guys are really building on that dream of yours ,it’s happening before our eyes. Amazing work. X

[@Christine-xq9ep]

Aww that dress. You cant help but picture the life around that fireplace, it really was the hub of life ❤ xx

[@someoneelse7629]

Lou really found her kind of workers, lots of knowledge, no bullshit, she seemed like one of their team right away. And it feels like a lot of teardown, but it is needed, shimming out plasterboard on top of wonky walls is just temporary, and it was already done, so now you can do it right instead. Keep the stones for future projects in the garden (firepit, raised flowerbeds, around the SPA-tub), they are a part of the history of that place even if you move them around a bit.

[@alidabotes6264]

Also raised veggie garden.

[@James-rn6lo]

Wonderful workers the two guys that took the chimney down,with the help off Louise who is also a great worker. One small point,give the builders a few biscuits along with the tea..All the best James

[@LaPOLEA]

Bacon butties and sausage butties as well.😂😂😂

[@loril.mangold8160]

Yeah that's tradition and proper

[@campervibe]

😂 they had cakes and sandwiches instead of biscuits

[@maureendabrowa7555]

@@campervibej ❤

[@James-rn6lo]

@@maureendabrowa7555 Nice one,but not very original!!

[@petewarby7158]

I LOVE your editing. I could watch you gals every day... I just realised how weird that sounds😂😂😂😂 but you know what I mean... Fantastic entertainment

[@campervibe]

😂😂 na never weird

[@Dreyno]

@@campervibeIt would be if you saw him in the bushes across the road 😐

[@cassandra_raven]

That dress and the patches on it brought a tear to my eye! Amazing progress! I love the history table - maybe not the rats though 😅

[@campervibe]

The history is amazing

[@Angel-002]

Maybe get a glass display cabinet, (like you get at museums), that the items can be pinned to & label what they are & where they were found etc......even the mummified rats. They are dead now anyway & mummified so shouldn't have any disease or anything. It would make an interesting talking point. Emily could have it in her office😂😂😂

[@alidabotes6264]

You can seal them in a perspex box should you want to keep them.

[@danielrodriguez5349]

I was as excited as Emily…gritting my teeth and shaking about! Louise your editing is second to none🙌 It is truly awesome❣️❣️❣️

[@jackiecramphorn7757]

Oh WOW , now we get a vision of how it's going to be. Looking good.

[@bradkirbey1560]

What a transformation in such a short time!! That is going to be an Amazing space when you all finish. Can't wait to see the next video. Well done ladies!!

[@PurdyBear1]

I didn’t realise there were two chimneys, until I saw the drone footage. The loft space looks massive. I love the French doors idea. The red door shutter is pure genius. So you’ve more space where the patio doors are going to be, or are you going to rebuild to the old wall line? Wow! Great going you all.

[@campervibe]

Going to have patio doors, really let some light in and able to sit watching the birds 😀

[@jmitch5161]

Blimey!! It looks absolutely amazing. What a great couple of guys you found there. Worth their weight in gold! You two are so inspirational. 🙏

[@davidmbell]

Blinking heck Emily could have had a bath in that face mask! Looking great ladies. Can’t wait for the next instalment. PS safety hats wouldn’t go amiss, and assume you’ve steel toe capped boots on.

[@martingibbs9277]

Looks like you found a good team to take your wall down. Cracking on with the job in hand, and not spending half the day on there phones, a lot of hard work!! 👏👏

[@pamthevan7340]

Those builders are worth their weight. Hats off to Lou for getting stuck in too.

[@miatfitz]

What brilliant guys (Dessie and Red) ... great work by the men and Louise.. its like an architectural site.. mummified remains, old artefacts... watch out for old books and spells...(ala The Mummy)😂😂. Ooh it's exciting...

[@nesstrick96]

Hi from Roscommon. I renovated my traditional cottage 3 years ago. I still have the fireplace with the arm that swings out with the cast iron pots. I also took an interior stone wall out which i reused in the garden lining pathways and and making raised planting areas.

[@JadedGen]

I kept checking! It’s my Sunday highlight, as we are on a two year plan to sell our current home Oklahoma and travel for a year or two looking for where we want to settle into.

[@campervibe]

That sounds like you are gonna have one hell of an adventure

[@lorettaobrien8599]

Well done girls. Well found when it comes to the two lads.... Its starting to take shape.

[@simonevans8979]

Whens a house become a home? When you lose a window, and a chimney and a wall... Nice going, the pair of you!

[@campervibe]

😂😂

[@paulineclarke5388]

Watching you in the garden slightly drunk waiting to watch the football, you are so optimistic and I hope all your dreams for the house come true, go England ❤❤

[@suefromstoke4076]

The builders have done brilliant and so have you louise x

[@nessymon]

Awaiting the rise of our Irish celebrity builders! G'wan the lads!

[@peterwhite9261]

Those two lads work hard. They know what they are doing. Don't worry, Emily, it will look better soon.

[@sinjaja5836]

The room looks so bright and Beautiful. Well done.🎉

[@Babylons123456789]

It would be cool if you could use the long stone out of the fireplace for something. A bench in the garden maybe. It's going to look fab xx

[@campervibe]

Hoping for a bench if we can get it out in once piece 😀

[@sandraoneill4431]

WOW it will look great in a year or two when you’ve finished it can’t wait for next week update ❤❤

[@aquaangelina7270]

Oh me to I'm such a impatient little toad I really am ha ha

[@WeareCreatingMemories]

Amazing!!!!! It’s all starting to take shape ! Very exciting week this wk ! I already can’t wait until next Sunday 🩷

[@SkillsLoop]

A velux window in the chimney hole would look amazing!

[@brackalack1]

Yes. Fave update of the week 😊❤

[@sloopyjoe1777]

Yeah, it's amazing how much stuff comes out of a simple wall. Nice to see those artifacts, useful keeps for later reflection. Couldn't help noticing who was on wheelbarrow duty at any one time.😂😊

[@user-vy8pc8ei6q]

Longer vlogs please, miss the cooking and bakeries for Ems snack attacks. Vlogs are never too long or boring Lou coz your editing is brilliant. You guys beat Ant and Dec for enjoyment and discovery any day. Best of Irish luck to ye.

[@Ride3ToLive]

The expectation just keeps coming every Sunday.... only another 6 days to the next one!!

[@sharpygsxr]

All that stone would be great for making a boundry wall, pond, spa/pool area so excited to see what is to come. And big props to the boys for their work, im sure there wa sa lot of x rated banter not for youtube :D

[@campervibe]

So many ideas 😀

[@sueprior9184]

An amazing amount of stone from the chimney wall. Well done all. 😊

[@leightondoswell453]

Greate work! Have you considered building the wall and fire place again but outside as a ruin to use as a BBQ and fire pit?

[@DovieRuthAuthor]

So excited! I hope you save the large stones for the garden.

[@harrisonandrew]

Overwhelmed is an understatement. OMG, that would freak me out.

[@dennisclark-xx5pj]

Louise is such a grafter, well done. The two girls are doing just awesome. I love watching 👀 them 😍

[@ColinOBear]

It's great fun getting a couple of builders in to get some walls out!! Ihad several walls taken out, bew roof and floor - it was brilliant! :)

[@martinaryan5051]

I can't believe how much stone came out of one wall and a chimney breast!!!! Looks like ye could build another cottage with the stone. Fantastic work by the builders and Louise, well done to all x

[@campervibe]

I know, so much stone to sort through

[@geoffs3805]

Fantastic to see how big a change this has made. Personally I prefer the kitchen as the living room. We always spend so much time cooking and eating it’s the heart of the house. The other space ends up being used when guests come round. It will be interesting to see how it ends up for you both 🫣

[@Lisa-zf9qy]

Loving the crac from your builders , you are both so lucky to have great boys helping xx

[@grapesodatravels]

What legendary lads they are. I bet they loved working with you too.

[@rebeccarendle3706]

Yes.. do the free standing bedroom over the kitchen and have it open to a high dining room. I have seen that in many barn conversions, tiny houses, and church conversions. It looks great! Ps.. that room is a SNUG... definition of a snug is "a costy, small, warm room protected from the weather."

[@robinspeas9661]

Is it possible to reuse those two beautiful vertical stones in the new "snug" fireplace surround?

[@amarillasolo5864]

You could use the fire lintel as a bench in the garden

[@pamelaselway6669]

You could give all your history to a museum, especially the dress. Well done a lot of really good work all 3 of you.

[@user-nt6zd8ny3w]

Wow, what a transformation. That was a massive task the builders took on but its made such a difference. Sooo exciting. Xx

[@duncancremin1708]

Isn’t it amazing how fast things can change, when you have help. You’d certainly have got it done, by yourself, but it would have taken weeks, perhaps even months and you’d have lost heart a couple of times, along the way. A couple of energiser bunnies was exactly the right choice. Good for you. Less fun in this episode, but look what you got done! Try to keep that stone from vanishing into the overgrowth. You can probably sell a lot of that, as long as you can find it. There used to be a two storey farm house around the corner from us and we had pipe dreams about some day rescuing it. It came up for sale before we could afford it and the guy that bought it took it down, wall by wall, selling it in dribs and drabs. Nothing left of it now, apart from a sad stump of a chimney with a fireplace. It’s okay to open the purse, to put money into it! Btw, I totally get the thrill of holding the deeds. I remember it very well. Not many people get to do that until they retire. There’s usually a mortgage provider, who keeps the deeds until they’re paid off. I glad I didn’t go down that route and I think you’re right to avoid it, if you can, too. I’m sick, this week, so struggling to get enthusiastic about anything, but this has certainly helped. Thanks for that.

[@campervibe]

Oh no, hope you feel better soon, nothing worse than being ill. That’s a shame about it that house especially if you had dreams about it. Yeah such a good idea to get some help in, it really made a difference 🙂

[@MrVillamike]

On the bright side.... It's coming home 😁🏆

[@campervibe]

🤞🥳

[@tenmen-fr1sh]

Love the look on EMILY'S face when she had the deeds for the property in her hands, and this now our home Island, we own a property in Island, you.come across as nice person Louise help the guys out doing your chimney, getting rid of the Rumble by wheelbarrow, your property we be nice when it's done, love your channel me and my partner watch it all the time😊

[@campervibe]

Thanks and yeah it’s going to be lovely we just know it 😀😀

[@elzabethmorgan8020]

Lovely to see the progress! Glad you found such great builders! Looking forward to seeing more of this amazing transformation. You two rock!

[@lisalamb2375]

Love the video. You may want to think about saving the old dress. I would put it in a glass frame so that no more damage comes to it as the dress is probably over 100 years old and is a part of the original home. Just an idea. If you can save the device that was used to swing pots over the fire, you could use it again if you like to barbeque outside over an open fire. You two ladies are smart enough to come up with a frame so that you could use the device to swing a pot over a fire. Just a thought. Well done ladies. Well done. Looking forward to your next video.

[@user-bo4cf3pm1l]

Hi lovelies ..... Hard hats👷‍♀👷 🥰

[@sandsmarine2791]

One of the best factual channels out there. Take all the advertising opportunities you can it's your choice of life and it must work for you both. Don't mind the grumblers you're living the life they would love to. 👏👏

[@annajeram9251]

I love watching your weekly updates! 🎉

[@thomasphelan7086]

Nice work guys. You can really see the scale of your cottage with the layers going down.

[@user-vh2bi6hq4f]

What I love is there’s no fancy architects doing it all for you, it’s evolving, much like we do anything, going to be amazing, well done to you both xx

[@andrewkedian7244]

Hi guys looking good you both have work so hard have a lovely week 😊😊😊

[@lisamarie68]

Excellent, great work folks! 👍👏😊 x

[@hmoto7108]

Wow, you've really got on with it. I could happily watch this renovation every single day!

[@michaeloneill6409]

Enjoying watching your journey on improving your new Irish home, the best of luck......PS...I hope you enjoyed your visit to Sam & Bex's cottage, what a job they are doing in bringing their cottage back to life!!!!!

[@christianasampson2852]

Amazing work you’ve really got stuck in 👏👏 I hope every day you both wake up and see your vision coming true

[@joannebarrett1837]

You guys are the bravest couple! Your cottage is going to be AMAZING 🤩!

[@angelaharper4527]

How exciting for you! It will be beautiful when it is finished!

[@jayneboulton4672]

Soooo much room. Looking good ladies. I’ve been through a build like this and as it all comes together is so exciting. Cannot wait until next week xx

[@TeezerDriz]

Great work DG and Louise hard grafters. That's several tons of stone and bits shifted by hand. ❤

[@dessiegardiner5332]

Thanks

[@workinprogresssince1974]

Well at least you can build yourself a massive rockery now! ;)

[@roscoau]

You should build your own Stonehenge in the back yard.

[@carolemcnulty2009]

Plan starting to come together, looking intriguing. ❤ Lovely to see you are recycling a lot of the remains.

[@adamodell9088]

Aww this video made me cry , for all different reasons I think, happy sad and nostalgia

[@madeljacky]

Good progress made getting the middle wall down, good builders are hard to come by and looks like you have found two good ones. Keep the cups of tea coming for the workers, you wouldn't believe how much a cup of tea is appreciated in Ireland, a few bickies to go along with the tea would be like hitting the jack pot !

[@dessiegardiner5332]

The kettle was flat out such lovely people to work for. Poteen incoming😂

[@madeljacky]

@@dessiegardiner5332 now your talking !!

[@contactsuzi7096]

That was the scariest fireplace I've ever seen and in the middle of the house! ...you cleared out a shocking amount of stone but the space is already lovely. It's wonderful to see the two of you so happy with your land! I love the idea of the red door acting as a shutter for a more modern door that will keep the chill out. Rock on ladies! xoxo Suzi

[@saadiathomson6881]

The builders plus Louise,what a team! I bet Emily can't wait to clean up😂 Look forward to Sundays and following your renovations.

[@rebeccarendle3706]

Back from 3.5 week holiday/road trip... now time to catch up on what you lovely ladies have been up to. 🙂

[@raquelfernandez463]

Hi Louise, Emily.Louise, you and the 2Men Kick Butt on the Fire Place and the Wall.And Emily you are a Strong Women you are always doing all kind of things and always Making Sure everything is going well the way you want it to be.And Louise is always Watching Out for you not to get Hurt and taking Care of you and you taking Care of Louise.Love you Both.Raquel.

[@campervibe]

Aw thank you 😀

[@Mayso1]

Well done guys…..it’s coming on a treat. Please tell us you’re going to keep the big stones. They will look fabulous as features around the garden 👍🏻👍🏻…..that’ll teach me to watch all the video before typing a comment 🤦🏼‍♂️😂

[@maryziggy8802]

Great to be back inside the cottage

[@levt7651]

Wow! Until that stone crossbeam came down, my stomach was in my throat! I'm so glad Louise could tell it wasn't a load bearing wall. Huge relief. Opening that space makes all the difference, eh? Never heard of a snog before, but I see your concept of a separate living room. So much work accomplished in this video. Bravo! Hats off to ya!😊 Lauren

[@thelmalewis7870]

Hi a snog is a small cosy room, if you look at old photos of pubs or houses they had theses rooms , warm and cosy

[@noranneduffy]

​@@thelmalewis7870 snug! A snog is a long kiss! 😂

[@alidabotes6264]

It's actually called a SNUG! A room where you can snuggle up. Normally less formal than the living room.

[@levt7651]

@@alidabotes6264 ha-ha...see how much I've never heard of it?

[@SamSmithVev0]

Great progress. We are all on this journey with you. Very exciting.

[@paulryan522]

It’s weird, I don’t know you but I’m feeling very proud of you for what you’ve achieved already! The outside has been transformed and now you can start to see the potential in the inside. Well Done for getting stuck in and making it happen! And thank you for sharing it with us. I’ve no doubt that you’re inspiring others to turn their dreams into reality too!! Give yourselves a big Pat on the back from me!!

[@miriamkivlehan3498]

What a transformational teardown. And a bonus to have salvaged such great quality stone. Great workteam and a fabulous result.

[@dennyd9225]

Great to see good progress, love your plans for the place a big challenge for ye both. Good shout out to the Leitrim lads DG Development’s. We moved from the South West of England 16 years ago to North Leitrim with its great views and friendly people. Best of the luck with the project.

[@lindar8583]

Again I couldn't wait to watch your video, it's amazing how much was done in a short time. As for the mess, I'd struggle to see through it, but with your optimism and hard work I think the mess will be turned into a dream, sooner than later. Roll on next week's video. Louise yes safety first... You don't want to breathe in any of that dust. Thank you both for your uplifting motivation.

[@ashleymckee1140]

Looking lovely! I love the irish accent and crack. So fun to listen to. You ladies always make me smile. I felt a bit of a pang at the end of the video because I have to wait another week to see you again. Thanks for sharing! 😊

[@campervibe]

Oh I know the Irish accent is so lovely

[@ianlove3]

Great job all. Take care.

[@dcimedic]

I’m not going to lie I got choked up when your builder just pushed that hearth lintel off and it snapped in 2.

[@junerobinson8169]

You have so much space, and what a find you have there from the start of your build …I wonder how old the dress is fantastic find, but not too keen seeing the skeletons of the rats 😂😂., but that is part of it’s history. Well done Louise for filming it while you’re working. See you both next time take care.😊😊

[@campervibe]

We are loving the history we are finding 😀

[@AbzScotland]

Fred Dibnah would be proud of the chimney demolition by hand.

[@1525ism]

Wow I can't believe how much rubble came from that one wall. Excellent video. Love the progress so far. Well done team.

[@CLFL14256]

such a divide when we thought it could be renovated room by room, lol! The end result will be stunning

[@campervibe]

Tell us about it 😂

[@lovesomeone7285]

I like the vaulted ceiling too!

[@user-pp8yc9de5j]

Well done girls. Can't wait to see The renovations completed.

[@RobertCretanhero]

Take it from me that, whatever you picture the finished project to look like, it will be a million times better. With the addition of a hundred or so curses and disagreements. I have so much respect for your enthusiasm and energy. 😎🇬🇷

[@campervibe]

😂 we hope so 😀

[@JLR1957]

Huge effort! I am glad you got some professionals in to do that chimney and internal wall ❤😊😊🇦🇺

[@user-zw3bg9vr5g]

❤Well done men and Louise! That was a big job and a lot of hard work. Keep those men’s details they are great workers.❤That room looks huge now. It will be very cold in winter with the ceilings down. Might be a good idea to install a multi fuel aga or wood burner.