Renovating our 150 year old Stone House in Portugal

We had unexpected progress this week and we're excited to share a wonderful development in the building process. Plus, there's a couple of cool new treasures to identify.
We’re Meraid and Dan and in 2021 we bought an abandoned farm (quinta) 7500 m2 (approx 1.8 acres) in the Coimbra district of Central Portugal. Our old stone house needs massive restoration and works started in January 2024.
We've been gardening and growing food for many many years and we absolutely love growing , eating and cooking what we grow and preserving surplus harvests for year round enjoyment.
We're currently restoring this beautiful terraced land back to the bountiful homestead it once was. Already, after only 2 years, the land is coming back to life and producing wonderful harvests. We hope you'll find some inspiration and share some of your thoughts and ideas here too.
We'd be thrilled if you like this video and hit the SUBSCRIBE Button and join us on our big adventure to make this our dream home.
Thank you for joining us for what will surely be fun and exciting times ahead.

[@essietangle9931]

These fellows are great workers. Your smile says the rest as they progress.

[@NearbyVeggies]

A great team indeed. Thank you 😊

[@ninemoonplanet]

At first I couldn't quite figure out how they were going to reinforce the wall without losing its charm. Now it makes sense. I am definitely going to see how the stonemasons rebuild so many parts of the house. It's getting to be a lost art elsewhere around the world. Summer and the patio, two people, perfection.👏

[@NearbyVeggies]

I’m really looking forward to the stone masons as well. 😊

[@user-uc9by4sw6h]

Good day to you, dear caballeros! Your castle is getting more and more beautiful! We are pleased to observe your noble work! The planet is made blooming by you.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@heatherlee1128]

You always have a beautiful smile when you start your videos great to see the progress happening

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you so much 😊

[@Susan.I]

A beautiful artichoke!

[@NearbyVeggies]

They tasted great last year. 😊

[@Leed216]

I thought that rusty panel was an art installation. Would look cool in the garden standing up.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Great idea. Thank you ☺️

[@avivat3010]

The men continue to progress quickly. It's interesting, but they never seem in a rush. Just a methodical, steady effort. As they say, real professionals make it look easy. The youngest of the group is looking a little tired. I love how happy you are with the progress, Meraid. You have a beautiful smile. I see you're missing Dan. I hope he'll be home soon. Take care!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Dan is home again and I’m extra happy 😊 The men are great 👍

[@avivat3010]

@@NearbyVeggies I'm happy for you!

[@mm.6991]

Love to see your smile and the progress in building the house. An extraordinary house deserves a well-deserved reconstruction. Congratulations on your will and courage. 👍😘❤️

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@Susan.I]

These men are a talented crew and kind to you!

[@NearbyVeggies]

They are 😊

[@patriciathorp4911]

I agree with other commentators, great progress by only a handful of lads. Happy Easter. 💚

[@Susan.I]

Happy Easter!!!✝️✝️

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you. Hope your Easter was peaceful and happy 😊

[@HeatherCairncross]

I LOVE your videos! Beautifully filmed and edited and best of all your sheer glee and excitement shining through! Can I be cheeky and ask how old these obviously very experienced builders are? I look at the rooms full of stones and mud and wouldn’t know where to start, but they just get on with it and methodically make amazing progress. Their younger chap is getting a great training. I love how they move slowly but work so hard. I don’t think any builders of that age in the UK would still be still be doing the physical labour that they do. Amazing!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you. They are all working age. 😊

[@kathleendenison8925]

Yes, keep the little window, looks awesome ❤....it's going to be grand...

[@NearbyVeggies]

I think so too 😊

[@Pauline-m9m]

Another great video and it’s wonderful to see it really taking shape now. The kitchen, dining and living space looks fabulous and the views out of the windows are fantastic. Thanks for sharing, Pauline

[@NearbyVeggies]

It’s starting to take shape 👍

[@teresamason5155]

Lovely work this week ! Thanks for the tour of all the rooms to be and the window views are amazing! Happy Easter.❤

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you. You too.

[@janmccann8081]

Super progress. Great music, too! Thank you for sharing your adventure.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@gasparini76]

the combination of piano play and construction is perfect! lol

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you ☺️

[@margieperse9490]

I had no idea of the size of your project. Thought it just needed some plaster and a roof. Amazing!

[@NearbyVeggies]

A tad more than that 😂 Thank you for watching.

[@j.n.sloane]

That rust pattern is really beautiful! I love it! And your discovery item... I have no idea but it's lovely, too. It could very well be a stirrup. Or maybe some kind of scoop? I always look forward to your videos and the cool experiences you're having. When we bought our finca, the old owner had suffered some kind of accident and wore a peg leg, climbed up and down the mountain wearing it, and lived to be 93. That peg leg hangs in the property today because we are so honored to own this home of the strong people who made their living on this land. It's the spirit of these places, right? We honor their spirit.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Your find is a lovely reminder of the hard work and love that went into the old farms and buildings. We agree 👍

[@vivianhagler9584]

I love your joy! Can’t wait for Dan to see. Alabama, USA

[@NearbyVeggies]

Dan got quite a surprise when he came back home.

[@bwitched3810]

So loving your excitement . The views are going to be amazing .Your own little piece of heaven.. Thanks for sharing. . I hope Dan gets home soon . Love and hugs from California

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you so much and Dan is home again. 😀

[@jhindle7883]

It's a monumental project you've got, but you have the right people to do the job. With each post there's always lots more been done and, as others have said, there never seems to be any rush. I've been eagerly waiting for things to start on the house and now it's full speed ahead. Love the channel, love your laid back approach and Dan must have a great surprise every time he comes back from his travels. Oh yes. love the music too, I always think that music reflects the character of the person, and I don't think I'm wrong. Love from an old fogey in England.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you so much 😊

[@sammie44]

Bom dia. It’s so interesting to see the progress with your house build. You have a committed work crew. We’re able to understand what they say, every now then, and they sure are funny at times. Lol Above all, your enthusiasm and cheerful spirit is a joy to watch. Boa semana. 😊 🌷Sam

[@NearbyVeggies]

The men are always joking with each other and me too. A joy to have with us for this project 😊

[@Aotruba]

Wonderful renovation tour!❤ Thank you for filming the great progress! Floor plans look much clearer 👍🥰👍

[@NearbyVeggies]

You’re most welcome. Thank you ☺️

[@user-lr7tk7bl2z]

It's coming along!!! So exciting!!! Can't wait to see more.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 🤩

[@cynwalts771]

The permanent smile on your face says it all lol, such progress and such beautiful views. I would keep the small window and as many original things as possible. The garden wall would make an awesome protected area to sit when the wind is howling around, I can picture it rendered, painted white with lush greenery around it..utter bliss. Have a fun week.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thanks for the tips!

[@lorielove7046]

Keep that wee window it will be a stunner all polished up.

[@NearbyVeggies]

It’s really cute 😊

[@valeriemulholland4282]

I so agree about the characterful little window. It’s a treasure.

[@lindasoaft9303]

Those Calla Lilies are gorgeous!

[@NearbyVeggies]

They are indeed. 😊

[@AntonioLourencoAntunes]

great work...restoring the old old house is a fantastic job...congrats💪

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thanks 👍

[@darylpike8547]

Wow very nice. 😊😊😊 Look at you grinning like a Cheshire cat!

[@NearbyVeggies]

I thought the same when I was editing. Long may it last 😀

[@darylpike8547]

@@NearbyVeggies good on you girl 😉❤️

[@kdclothes]

Exciting changes going on. I am able to visualize your interiors better now. Beautiful.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Yay, thank you 😊

[@Maddychrisbee]

Christine here WOW amazing progress, it’s great to be able to envisage the rooms now! Hugs xx

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@Susan.I]

Wonderful view of the garden!!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@iniabellepaz445]

Hi Meraid, wonderful job with this video. Love to see the progress…love the stones. I can feel your excitement and so happy is coming along. Stay well.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@42apprentice]

You must be a delight to work for as your joy at progress is infectious. I agree the concrete with the rust is beautiful. If it could be polished and sealed it would make an amazing kitchen splashback. I hope you can save the wee stirrup too. x

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank. Oh we’re keeping the stirrup though I might have to remove the completely wood wormed wood. 😊

[@claudiah5643]

Keep the tiny window, and any other unique finds. ❤

[@NearbyVeggies]

We’re going to reuse lots of the old finds. 😊

[@damc1719]

Keep the little window, it is lovely!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Agreed 👍

[@kathleenpitt1981]

If I could do needlework, I’d put the pattern on the front of the stirrup across the bottom of tea towels for the kitchen. The metal design is a wonderful abstract, too.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Love that.

[@paulettebarber7219]

Wow it’s really shaping up fast! I’d want to keep all the features I could also. Perhaps your rusted metal piece could be hung in some room. Spray with a matte sealer to keep it from damage. I look forward each week to seeing how much change has happened.

[@NearbyVeggies]

That would be cool. Thank you

[@martamariabomfimgomes5990]

São ótimos construtores, vasta experiência, pacientes, vale cada centavo

[@NearbyVeggies]

Absolutely 💯

[@maneuschwander6394]

Your Callas - are Huge and Beautimous! Love the progress on your rebuild! :)

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thanks so much!

[@louiseswart1315]

Your rusty pattern makes me think of a young Norfolk Pine. I am sure it would find a corner just right for it. Amazing how much light that little archers window lets in with the beveled inside of the wall.

[@NearbyVeggies]

It does look like a plant in an abstract way 😊

[@Coyotehello]

You are so happy it is palpable through the video, haha. You think these are horse saddle stirrup, wow that is crazy cool, and the candle holder too. I wonder why they had arrow-slit windows... You are just gonna sit on that little stool in the will-be kitchen and wait for Dan? You better be ready to pick-up Dan when he sees this for real he will likely fall on his back! Oh no!!! Its over? Has it been 20 minutes already?

[@NearbyVeggies]

You’re right about Dan, he almost toppled over with the progress. He saw it on the video like you but he missed almost 3 weeks in real life. 😊

[@flowerphotos6440]

Amazing progress.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@kassy6373]

The rust pattern is great do keep it as an object trouve. The stirrup looked weird, who makes wooden stirrups? Turns out Portuguese did. You can get them new for 230 euro´s. I guess it´s a thing for historical reenactors now. Lots of lovely details in the wall. Really cool to have an arrow slit too. Now you need a bow. Shooting into your own well walled courtyard is totally legal, or it should be. ;-)

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 🤩

[@maudeestrella8196]

Such great progress 🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@PaulaMcCormack-hd2ur]

Love watching your videos. Your hard work on the gardens and your home is extraordinary 😅

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you so much!😊

[@monalingan9523]

Wonderful progress! ❤

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you! 😊

[@lidijafichtner7080]

Thank you for sharing and happy easter ❤

[@NearbyVeggies]

Same to you

[@markdawsonbruce4457]

You & Dan must have endless cash stashed away😂😊 That's not a small project, wish you guy's the best. 🙏God Bless

[@suzilouden5964]

That's why Dan is away working so often. To pay for their dream....😁

[@waynejones750]

Just loved this one ❤

[@NearbyVeggies]

Wonderful 😊

[@mesutozsen903]

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

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@Shibalvr]

Yeah, Arties!!!😊😊😊😊

[@Shibalvr]

At 11:02😊

[@NearbyVeggies]

I was thinking of you when I filmed it. 😊

[@dannybrown1955]

Great progress! That's a quare team of builders, hi!

[@NearbyVeggies]

They are indeed so they are 😊

[@Shibalvr]

Great job also near end! Love the music and the drone shots!!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thanks so much!

[@arjanvogel6444]

Thanks for your vid 😇💟💟💟 Love and bless you guys, good work team 💯😊 it's a big kitchen and house but beautiful, you guys have good workers they walk slo but go fast 😁🐔.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Our pleasure

[@Skattie]

Oh keep the cute little window

[@NearbyVeggies]

We will 😊

[@paulacunha6792]

Eu acho que deviam deixar a janelinha 😊a vossa casa têm imenso charme com todos nichos 😊 mais 2 tesouros 😊 . Ainda vão descobrir uma Arca com um TESOURO😂😂

[@NearbyVeggies]

Obrigada ☺️

[@kyranmacwood1278]

Awesome progress...

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thanks!

[@retiredsoon1365]

Mairead, Do you have any idea of the history of the house? Arrow slits, thick walls and the size of the structure would seem to be an indication of a fortified old house. quite a find.

[@NearbyVeggies]

There are 2 arrow slit windows. This was a normal traditional building of the time and place. It was always a farmhouse and the little arrow slit windows were to allow light and ventilation into the ground floor rooms which housed animals or food storage. The small opening ensured that the heat from the sun did not cause too much heat to enter and the thick walls also provided insulation.

[@joaohenriques9582]

Yes, its a traditional stirrup from Portugal.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@bridgetnaughton435]

Happy Easter From Ireland Guys 🎉🎉🎊🥂🎊🎉🎉

[@NearbyVeggies]

Same to yourself 👍

[@HeloisaVidigal]

Como dizemos aqui no Brasil:"Partiu segundo andar!"

[@charlenequinilty7252]

Fabulous

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@marivaldopintodealmeida8823]

Parabéns pela persistência na realização do trabalho de restauração.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Muito obrigada 🤩

[@dingc.velasco6038]

ln three month's time, it will be an imposing beauty that will be the envy of the countryside. More power to you!!

[@NearbyVeggies]

We’ll be happy to see it shaping up as our home 😊

[@sharontibbo2510]

Wow so much progress! Just you being able to walk in the furture kitchen must be amazing for you. I love to see the excitment in your face. You bring me joy. Are you planning on opening up the window in the love seat area? I know you mentioned countertops but it struck me as such a lovely original feature that you might want to keep it.

[@NearbyVeggies]

We love it too but we do have another one in the living room which we’ll keep. Opening the one in the kitchen would make our kitchen less useful and require changing the plans. 😊

[@ulrikeklaschka6898]

Yes, it is a stirrup. Must be medieaval Knight…

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@user-ih7zg4tf1w]

Thank you for another nice video. Your workers doing a great job, really amazing! That lovely small window, you will keep it, I think. It's so nice. Hang in there, even Dan isn't there; we know why. Wooden stirrups exist! Here, in the Netherlands, on Marketplace, you can buy them, (not for using). With kind regards!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you very much for your support 😊

[@NearbyVeggies]

We are going to keep the window.

[@sybilreneemcgowan1472]

Hah! You got to eat the asparagus by yourself! Now you have an artichoke !

[@NearbyVeggies]

I’m going to share the artichokes 🤣

[@Shibalvr]

Perfect!!!!😊😊😊

[@NearbyVeggies]

😊

[@offgridwanabe]

I hope Dan has a good paying job this rebuild must be very expensive.

[@Susan.I]

Keep the old window!!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Yes 👍

[@jms8346]

You are right that is a Portuguese stirrup according to Google. Might be another one around somewhere.

[@NearbyVeggies]

You never know

[@patriciathorp4911]

I think you should definitely try to incorporate that accidental piece of art (rusty metal) into the room.

[@NearbyVeggies]

We both think so too 😊

[@nicolebury2743]

Hi good to see you. I haven't seen your husband for a while. Hope that all is well.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Dan is home again and all is well. Thank you for asking.

[@frankhanzlicek6550]

Ich habe es schon einmal gesagt solch eine Ruine renoviert man nicht sondern reißt sie ab und baut an die Landschaft angepasst neu! Ich hoffe, daß sie ihre Entscheidung nicht bereuen werden! Drücke ihnen die Daumen!

[@punjabseth260]

👌

[@NearbyVeggies]

👍

[@hanspeterfluck4828]

II would change the wooden frame of the window

[@NearbyVeggies]

What would you change it into?

[@vivalaleta]

The rust form on the cement looks organic, rather like your orchids. What is the closed opening between the windows upstairs? Do you store firewood there?

[@NearbyVeggies]

That closed window will be part of the kitchen. The fireplace will be on the opposite wall.

[@Greta-v2e]

I wouls hang the stirrup under a tree for birds to make a nest, and I would put that pole at the entrance with directions: east-west- south Porto, Lisbon, big waves (Nazare), good restaurant, UK, etc ....

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@robertlee6479]

I think it would be quicker easier and a lot cheaper to take it down and start from a clean sheet. But up too you.

[@NearbyVeggies]

We understand

[@coby6417]

🌟👍🍀💐

[@miriammuskal5402]

It's almost comical watching the workers getting things done

[@11rosane]

Where is Mr. Dan?

[@NearbyVeggies]

Back home now from Indonesia

[@manny-perez]

You are completely on the wrong track, it's not a stirrup; it's a wooden scoop for grain!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@MiraWronska]

Hey guys, are you okay? We worry.

[@NearbyVeggies]

We’re fine. Took some time together in the garden (we always let you know with our community posts when we’re taking time out)Thank you so much for thinking of us. 😊

[@MiraWronska]

@@NearbyVeggies we are cery glad that everything is fine with You. Have a nice timer together. Enjoy 😍😍

[@faibishclassical]

you are right, I am horseman

[@robinfereday6562]

And I am Batman

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thanks.

[@NearbyVeggies]

I thought you were Robin. 😉

[@valentinaestacio6693]

Sra desculpem para mim continua a Bíg + big mess ,wawww. 🥱😩😳🥵muito trabalho. ,e ficará seguro ,waww 🙏🙏👍👍🍀🙏🇨🇦boa sorte.Sra ouvi a Sra dizer, português classe Sra leie português eu aqui 🇨🇦 aprendi a ler o jurnal e ouvir talk chow. Sra ouça 👂 anetena um RTP Lisboa. Das+5- AM as -7- José Candeias. Mas é bom ter classe para escrever ✍️ saber os verbos e bom Sra vá continue. E boa sorte 👍🍀 🇵🇹🇵🇹🇵🇹bjs 🇨🇦🇨🇦👏👏🙏🙏👍Sra gosto muito de vocês. A Sra ê um espetáculo 😃🙏🙏👏Sra faça uma grande cozinha aqui no 🇨🇦🇨🇦 as coxinhas muitas muitas são pequenas. Sra está casa tem -2,418- pés quadrados e a cozinha e pequena. Sra faça grande cozinha ,uma cozjnha descreta. 3 armários com gavetas. Eu gosto com gavetas todas com gavetas. ,e a Sra faça num quarto. Uma cama 🛏 na parede como wall bed 🛏 como armário. E bom 👍 eu tive -2- párias que tinham. Abrem e feuxam fica como um armário. Sra e uma ideia minha ,peça ideias. Sra trabalhei nas casa -43- anos. Eu gosto de saber e fasia pergunta 🙋 etc Sra boa sorte. Happy face 😄🙏🙏👍👍🇨🇦🇨🇦😘😘😘

[@quicknumbercrunch8691]

Looks good. I do not think you can call this a renovation. A rebooted ruin? A new house with some nice old stone walls incorporated? You at least need roof, kitchen, and bathroom to call it a renovation, no? Ruin reboot? Building on the past, home? In Japan they sometimes replicate a home or temple from the ground up. The important thing is to use the same type materials and techniques. That's what I've been told. They might say you are renovating. Good luck whatever the hell you're doing.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thanks

[@estherfarquharson1892]

Are you going to have fireplace in your home?

[@NearbyVeggies]

Yes.

[@isabelandrademourarodrigue3891]

Gosto da janelinha

[@NearbyVeggies]

Concordo 👍

[@williamavery9185]

There cant be many old houses/farms left to renovate in Portugal. Judging by the amount on KZbin that keep popping up annoying everybody. Just get on with it ffs.

[@user-jh8jr5id2c]

This kitchen is really going to be “the heart of the home” 🫶🫶

[@NearbyVeggies]

It will indeed 😊

[@hilde-ruffles2010]

So happy for you guys cause they are working hard and speeding off the job!

[@NearbyVeggies]

They are.

[@coby6417]

🌟👍🍀💐

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you