Rescue or Start Over? The Chimney is Falling To Pieces...

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Here on my channel, I am renovating a 250 year old stone cottage on my property in Normandy, France. By using traditional, low-waste and off-grid methods, I'm aiming to keep the charm and character of this old building, and turn it into a furnished, finished home for family whilst keeping environmental impact as low as possible. There will also be content on living in France, visiting beautiful rural places, hunting for antiques, gardening and more! Hit subscribe if you would like to keep up with my journey, and hit the notification bell to be alerted when we go LIVE where we have a first viewing of the video as it is published with a live chat so I can answer all your questions! See you in Sean's World.

[@andreamalik2961]

I'm 100% in agreement with you Sean about saving original features if they can be saved. They are the history of a building: it's life story. I hope you don't box in the chimney, its quirky shape is its charm & it will look beautiful rendered. It's terribly important to cherish history so thank you for the love you're putting into saving these beautiful little cottages.

[@marisnak]

So happy to see the kittens snuggled up together. They are growing so quickly...too quickly!

[@madswansfan1]

I’m really glad you’re fixing the chimney. It’s part of the charm of the room.

[@cherylmcnair5594]

Well Sean you're very brave rescuing that chimney breast. Well done, the dinner looked yummy I hope you enjoyed dessert 🍨 😊

[@aboutthetheory]

A food forest is really the gift that keeps on giving. What an amazing gift for your family and everyone yet to come. Or, as we say in New Zealand - manaaki whenua, manaaki tāngata, haere whakamua”. This translates to - if we take care of the land and take care of the people, we will take care of the future.

[@Seans_World]

True 👍

[@doriskovalcik442]

I have always thought that older buildings have so much more character than than the newer “cookie cutter” houses that are built today.

[@chrisfrear2155]

I love your idea of a food forest! A well worth project!

[@Alienor15123]

Great idea to put lime mortar in the holes. I just filled 4 tunnels in my 2.5 ft thick stone walls due to rats trying to become roommates! I live next to the Garonne River so put a few large river rocks in too. The rebar should help greatly! Crack on with the wonderful work and videos❤

[@user-ek1cx5xc1q]

Love seeing those sweet little faces.....

[@gardenlady1293]

Kitties are sooooo cute! Keep on moving forward. The project looks awesome!

[@siameseire]

Sam is always deliciously Torturing us, but I get so happy that you have cozy mouth-watering rewards after your hard cold work. I need to learn to watch these right before dinner and then have something to eat that can't compare but that will appease my very happy envy. 😊

[@donnamackenzie9124]

LOVE WATCHING RESTORATION WORK !

[@kathymarxer6952]

Love how you are redoing the cottage! You do it the right way even though it takes a bit longer. Enjoying your adventures also!

[@bogusienombre355]

Sleepy cats and a fire....awwwww, sweet relaxation.

[@Carolbearce]

I agree to save what you have. Make it stronger and save the bones. Well done Sean.

[@B-leafer]

Glad you chose to "rescue and renovate" your chimney. Well done!

[@meri8746]

Wow! Now that is some tedious work! Bravo to your patience! 👏🏼👏🏼

[@pamelawright1369]

Looks like hard work Sean, orchard will look lovely in the spring 😊

[@janetmackinnon3411]

Thank you for the ongoing explanations.

[@MikefromMOMichaelTurner227]

Looks like you saved it !! I love old houses!! You could do a false fireplace up there with a wood surround and mantel Whatever you do it will be nice 👍

[@ruthcarter8895]

What good thinking, Sean! Love the food Forrest idea!

[@petemoss1951]

Thank you for keeping in original!

[@lauralake7430]

The new render will certainly look bright and clean. So interesting to watch the repairs.

[@nicolinavincelli9369]

Sean, you are putting a lot of love in that fireplace, I like that save the past. Your garden with fruit trees will look great in ther spring.

[@christinewilkinson3772]

Looking way better!

[@charmees6637]

Brilliant idea of a Food Forest

[@deannfausett3923]

Wow, that chimney is really looking tough. Good for you for being willing to put in the time and effort to rescue it.

[@elainemcgran8828]

Great idea, growing your own fruit and veg the best thing ever. fruit guilds are supposed to be a great way of doing things.

[@lindamitman4538]

That chimney is sure giving you a run for your money. Hopefully all your shoring up work has done the job

[@kittonsmitton]

Bravo Sean, Always Rescue and Renovate, historical buildings are a beautiful thing.

[@lindawebb5244]

So interesting watching all the stuff you do to these cottages of the past.

[@anitariley2681]

It takes a bit longer doing it your way, but I agree, it's the best way!

[@nelleg152]

Sam is keeping you fed and watered she really looks after you❤

[@kariannecrysler640]

I think either side of the chimney would be ideal for a built in bench with storage underneath. My grandpa built something similar for my gran with the seat as a lid. It was in the entry and she stored canned goods, extra cleaners, boots/shoes and winter coats in it. Later he built her another to hold spare pillows, blankets, crafting supplies, boas game’s & puzzles. If people are living or staying there, it provides storage for their things and things you want to provide. Worth considering.

[@sallykeen3791]

I'm so glad you are saving the chimney

[@ritaspeers1259]

What a pretty pile of cats!❤

[@victoriatracey5919]

Wow Sean that roast dinner looked superb, Sam is a fabulous cook. You are one very blessed man 😊 I enjoy watching you do the restoration and yes it is important to restore rather than tearing everything down 👏🏻😊

[@roywills5387]

Hard work keeps us strong ....planning future gardens keep us young.

[@user-kq9zv4hu4p]

Caramel and pear tarte 😮 You lucky man ❤

[@lisajahn6839]

Amazing with the kitties sleeping together in small bed! Must be toasty!😊

[@athomeinfrancewithsam837]

Yes they have another bigger one but often squash into the smaller one altogether 😂

[@keggs1961]

Great idea on the Garden, would love to watch the transformation

[@neilbigh2654]

The garden project is gonna be epic 👍

[@suzannemckitterick2781]

I love your respect for the old days...Yes, if it has lived this long, it can be repaired a bit to last longer. I salute you. I'm doing same with my picket fence. Your stone masonry is amazing. The cottage will be incredible. Thanks for another fascinating day. God bless to you & yours.

[@Hollybank5]

The trees and garden are going to be so nice!! I love watching you restore the fireplace; I’m anticipating the finale ❤

[@rebeccawoods5119]

That chimney is going to be good as new when your done with it.Glad your taking care of it.Happy your saving it.Kitties are just so sweet.That plate of food looked delicious.Sam is definitely a good cook.Your a lucky Man.Hi there to you both from Indiana in the USA.

[@jameskyle380]

Be so nice when roof fixed, new chimney liner and pot/cowl and decent flaunching and your new wood burner installed. Be lovely and cosy.

[@sandragoss48]

Great job, Sean. I am enjoying your new channel as well. Take care of yourself. ❤ It was a joy to see your kitties.,❤

[@pamkullman8839]

I’m glad you kept the old chimney! It wouldn’t be the same after you saved everything else. The kittens are so cute! I love the updates on them and Fifi❤

[@susanaleonard5953]

It's all about the the coziness of the space for your classic French cottage. So rebuilding the chimney is important. I believe this will help your bottom line in the future, renters. So keep up the good work because I enjoy seeing the process.

[@goldenlady9797]

That took a lot of willpower to leave that comfy house! 🤣😘

[@happymark1805]

smart move in making that z bar going into the chimney that will make it much stronger especialy when it is bonded in inside the chimney, and good to see you could save the original chimney

[@bodhindia]

If we got rid of all of the old things, I’d be in trouble. lol. Seriously, though, we’d all be in trouble because we would lose so much history. Thanks for preserving everything you can. And, OMG, those kittens are so cute.

[@karenmorrison8112]

Hope you can save that lovely old chimney Sean. I am sure you well. Your orchard is great. Be awsume in summer sitting amongst it all.

[@elisabethhopson5639]

Gosh Sean, you really have caught this in the nick of time. Another couple of storms and this could easily have been badly damaged. The leaks from the roof must be quite significant. I agree with you about saving original features, so this chimney is worth saving. I am also interested in your gardening project, it sounds like a good investment in the property. 😃

[@kaye-q1k]

Safety first good thing your repairing it

[@LC-bb6jd]

The kittens appear healthy and happy!

[@jennyvanderwesthuizen4321]

Can't wait to see more progress on the top floor

[@georgiaobree]

Hi Sean, I love your posts on ALL subjects - wasp filled chimneys, vintage markets, building, digging, waterproofing, Ecoflow, the view from your bench over the field, your lovely family but ESPECIALLY THE GARDEN. I am a horticulturist and had a very successful Garden Design practice in Sydney. I now live in Brisbane which is very hot and tropical. There was an Australian lady called Ester Dean and she has written a lot on her VERY SUCCESSFUL practice of "No Dig Garden". She was way ahead of her time and met her about 25 years ago and had a lovely chat with her - I got a signed book. However, there is quite a bit online on her very easy NO DIG GARDEN and from a creation point of view and maintenance point of view AND RESULTS POV it is very effective - it uses nature to our benefit and you can use cardboard, straw, manure, layer upon layer to create your own soil and results are extraordinary. Good luck and love from us in Australia. xxg

[@Seans_World]

Lovely story

[@laurensouthgate2458]

Youll figue it out Sean like to see you keepit. A good forest that is inspiring too.

[@dalehargreaves966]

Loving it. Therapeutic and cathartic Sean. Thx!

[@vannessa2173]

Be safe with the storm coming. We have a cyclone 🌀 hit us again in North Queensland Australia 🇦🇺

[@darlenec2812]

When Sean pushes the mixture in the cracks I think about getting pastry bag and squirt it in LOL

[@melissaroth4467]

That actually exists. I make cakes and cleaning out piping bags is big pain to me. I keep trying to picture cleaning out a huge one filled with cement or render and it doesn't make me happy. lol.

[@joebrooks3436]

looking really good Sean

[@peterwhite9261]

Sam got you spoiled. That duck meal looked delicious. I am glad you are saving that chimney breast. It is an important piece of history. It already looks safer. I know it is hard work, but it will be worth it in the end. Those kitties are so cute.

[@Supercheeseburger666]

I have absolutely no knowledge in fixing/rebuilding chimneys, so I will rely on your expertise if it needs to be rescued or start over. I don't think I could be a pointer because the scraping noises bother my ears. Cats will always want what another cat has, so they try and share everything at the same time. LOL Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@julieholcombe7422]

I agree that keeping the original is best when possible but, not going to lie, I was/am worried for your safety as well. Please be careful Sean.

[@ruthkendall5486]

I love the look of the stones and mortar leaving it rough in areas where you can.

[@Sciayam]

Im happy that you plan to prep any food-shortages, cant wait for Spring .. Chimney looks much better now, good job

[@annettesharrock1236]

Nice job on the repair Sean , better to be safe than sorry😘 Your dinner that Sam cooked looked very appetizing I must say ,plus a tasty desert

[@mavep2855]

Sam is a beautiful cook, your meal looked really delicious! We are having freezing rain here this evening and through the night, not nice! Amazing work on the chimney breast, glad you are preserving it. Garden plans sound solid, come on spring. 🙏❤️

[@annekabrimhall1059]

I agree that it should be repaired not replaced but I’m surprised local inspectors let you do it that way. It would never be allowed here. But there is nothing in Colorado 250 years old. Funny to think about!

[@Smalfry47]

It is very foggy here in Toledo Ohio, cold, icy…… not a favorite time of year. I think keeping the original and repair is always the best.

[@pamelablume1637]

I’m in Columbus! My first time living in this sort of weather, my husband is from here. I made sure I had plenty of little “projects” to keep me occupied.

[@janetwhitney233]

It is looking good.😊

[@marcvance]

I always enjoy watching.

[@Seans_World]

Thank you so much Marc ☺️

[@lindamarsden8024]

Canard à l'orange was my mothers favorite. I agree that preserving the building and it's character is important. I'm enjoying your other channel it allows me to see an area in France I have never visited plus it let's me get a sense of the area that your surroundings. I'm also a history buff so I appreciate your talks. 😎❤

[@lindagage7315]

That will be fantastic when your done!

[@maryallen6334]

I enjoyed this video. Will be interested to see how you do the vege garden too.

[@stephaniegaromon3244]

I agree 100% with you to save the chimney as long as in the end it’s safe. Too many old buildings get torn down because it’s easier and cheaper to rebuild than to restore, but what do you have by doing that? A building without character or history. Nothing left for future generations. Great job fixing the chimney. Sam’s dinner looks delicious, and dessert too…how lucky are you? Lovely video as always.

[@autodidactin]

Glad you decided to save the chimney Sean! It will be so cozy when all done!

[@maryhartwig7682]

Looking great!

[@dotell8925]

Interesting work today 😮

[@NailahRoberts]

I would do built ins or tables either side of the chimney and use the chimney as a huge headboard for a bed 😁❤

[@TheAngela2468]

Great work 😊😊😊😊

[@katherineleavitt7275]

The chimney is looking great Sean, glad you are filling in the cracks to prevent further damage. I'll be glad when the inside is pointed then we know it will be safe to have a fire in it. Kathy USA 🇺🇸

[@dyannejohnson6184]

Very nice garden area ….i appreciate your soil development

[@gingerschatshow]

yum love the meal. :D Looking good Sean :D Tell Sam Hi for me.

[@lindamarin6290]

It's hard to go back to work when you have a full belly. LOL!

[@KatherineAlfaro-zf2gk]

For me, the more authentic the chimney, the better. It is like time traveling. You can see and touch what people constructed 400 years ago. I feel a connection with those hardworking people from the 1600's. I have a great appreciation for their efforts of building, living and surviving in that time period. We experience all those feelings just by seeing and touching the chimney. My life is enriched seeing the cottage come back to life and eventually make a home for another person but from this time oeriod. How wonderful!

[@Seans_World]

Thanks 👍 😊

[@Mej_Javiky]

So refreshing to see watch someone honoring the past. It is really a problem in the USA of just tear it down and rebuild.

[@janetwhitney233]

😊Geez Sean I don’t know about that upper chimney. You saved the downstairs, but the upstairs might be better down. It would take a ton of weight off and give you a lot of extra room space. If you save it that would be awesome, but !!!

[@melissaroth4467]

If you take down the upper, there will be no lower. Without a chimney, how would the cottage be heated?

[@raywhatsthisfor1283]

Good luck and safe repairing!!!

[@susanross1651]

I’ve got to be honest, I’m a great believer in saving old architecture & keeping original things, but that chimney frightens the life out of me, & knowing a metal chimney liner is going up there, I’d be taking it down & rebuilding it but with old original old stones, & maybe making it a bit smaller. But I suppose when you render it all, it will hold it together. Having said that I can’t wait to see the wood burning stove in there 🔥

[@teresamcfadden2414]

Sean, don’t comment often but the chimney looks so much better. Good job

[@Seans_World]

Thanks 👍 😊

[@mariagillinson8527]

Sean I rent or borrow a tiller makes life much easier

[@sniderspider7034]

I was thinking it's about time to get that greenhouse up and running, so you have some baby veggies to set out once the garden space is together. Raised beds are the way to go, I've even put in little soaker hoses inside the bed to help with watering.

[@Seans_World]

That's the plan!

[@lorassorkin]

I love the idea of creating a food forest, they can produce an enormous amount of food. In that large an area, pathways through it and perimeters around the trees to avoid branches would be good ideas. I know it's been a very wet year in France, but perhaps swales could be of benefit in the food forest for years when it's dry.

[@Seans_World]

Yes swales are very useful 👍

[@brendajones1763]

I agree to save it if it can be repaired, nice work.

[@deannayoung5311]

🪴🌿 hello Sean sweetheart thank for showing us the orchard 🥰🤝 it's all looking tidy 💐😸 I love the out side work you do... And the respectful restorations You patiently do... is just the best 👌 That chimney is very precarious 😬 yikes Your such a great Craftsman 👍 Sean.. I do respect your thinking" Theres just somethings you can't replace' its holding on to the old ways of crafting... And maintaining what's hundreds of years old... every one wants to knock it down put up knew 😢 That's why many of us respect You Sean 💓🤝 Aww Sam you are such a Wonderful wife ❤ you keep The home fire place cozy 💐💝

[@Seans_World]

Thanks 👍 😊

[@juliewilliams1545]

Clear and mulch 5ft diameter around each tree. Mow the rest. Must cheaper and nice green between the trees. My opinion.

[@SweetOne.]

You need a bucket of water with small rocks in it up there for doing the pointing, mortar should never be wider than your thumb between stones. "Rule of thumb" My Dad was a Master plasterer and Stone Mason. New stones/tiles/brick should be soaked well so they don't pull the water from the plaster before the old stones stick. It's looking good and it is a time consuming job to save it. Putting in the metal bars is called stitching and they usually do it width not depth by scraping out the mortar adding the bars and pointing over it. It's hard to tell on camera but It looks like someone packed it with clay & straw mix in places as a quick fix in the distant past. Those are the really dark areas where the straw has rotted with damp or burned with the heat and smoke has come through. Pick it out if you can adding small stones and mortar, then point after it sets, then render. The ash/soot will actually make the lime render stronger.

[@Seans_World]

That's great 👍 yes all the stones and tiles where previously soaked and l sprayed the stone work with water first. I also have big thumbs 👍 😆😊

[@SweetOne.]

@@Seans_World LOL My father had very large hands too, I'd have to do a 2 thumb rule - again that is width not length haha