Restoring the Convent's Monumental Fireplace

[@DeborahScotts153]

The pride Simon takes in his work is unparalleled 💙

[@margielynch7196]

When this convent is finished, Yannis will be able to do almost any kind of work. Happy for him!

[@pmichael73]

And managing three languages!

[@NottinghamshireMadness]

I wash Yannis was working for me, his work ethic is second to none

[@NottinghamshireMadness]

Yannis, top man! Billy your so lucky to have such a guy on the books, I don't know his living situation but he could fill another apartment 🎉

[@kristinewatson3702]

I'm a huge Yannis fan too! He's so eager to learn and hard working. It's nice to see him learning so many things.

[@jackiep691]

Yanis is is growing in confidence and experience every day , such a conscientious young man and Simon is such a natural teacher.

[@M.V.A.M.]

Alex is such a great Artist. His angles and his feelings for scenerie is astonishing.

[@busterdee8228]

He seems to improve every day. It's nice to have someone dedicated to doing it. Surely the work is nurturing his keen eye.

[@bettyloftus9917]

I love how Simon says “ladies & gentlemen”, you don’t hear that much anymore. What a relaxing, interesting and cheery channel!

[@kimmierodriguez]

So happy for Yannis! From an outsiders point of view he appears to be learning very well, and he's starting to look like a pro. Keep teaching him Mr. Simon and Mr. Billy. 😊

[@bec_r_r]

But we didn’t know what Yannis could do before. He seems very shy to me and operating in a foreign language some nuances must go over his head. He acquits himself very well he knows the lay of the land.

[@christopher88719]

Simons quickly thrown together 'hop up' bench is better built than any furniture in my entire house.

[@blueice011]

Oh, yes. Simone's work is of highest quality, detail focused, tidy, precise, well thought trough, with sense of aesthetic appeal and vision how it will look when finished. Intelligent, hard working man who has great working ethics, skill and ability to pass that knowledge with patience and encouraging, supportive attitude. First time he appeared, my imagination saw him as an ancient vampire count who's been living for centuries, using his skills as a cover and opportunity to undetected stay close to period buildings and precious art they hide inside. LOL Amazing asset to this project. Things are moving forward so much faster and by highest standard of built since Simone joined. Yannis is amazing lad, following his mentor in most aspects so well - hard working, willing to learn fast, naturally inclined for skills he's been learning. Pleasure to watch.

[@cathymadsen2930]

He needs his own channel....

[@CarolLoch-ww7po]

😂😂😂

[@CarolLoch-ww7po]

Going to miss Simon's help and yannis happy nature xxxxx

[@ingridkelly6103]

The new camera makes such a difference, the filming is much sharper. The picture quality was good and it wasn't so noticeable with the earlier model until Alex started playing with the upgrade. Good onya Billy for purchasing it. I just wanted to say that Yanis is a real asset, he seems to give everything a go, is a quick learner and doesn't wait to be asked to do something. 😊

[@Jmp5nb]

Hey Billy. Welcome back to the channel. You were missed. I want to complement Simon. He has certainly been an asset to the channel. He has a wonderful camera presence and a great demeanor while teaching Yanis. He comes across as a wonderful human being. We really enjoy watching them work together. Plus Simon knows how to draw the viewer into the project, like a true professional. And of course Billy you're not bad yourself. 😅

[@user-yz7ds7rn9b]

Agree with JG totally!

[@9basil8]

Yannis is doing so well, learning new skills in a different language is always difficult but he’s excelling. Simon is a great teacher.

[@lanitabryant2374]

Hi, I’m from the USA. I live in Alabama. My name is LaNita. I have just found your podcast and I absolutely love it! You’re doing a great job. I love remodeling beautiful structures. I see you’re giving away a cap (crack on). You are so generous to think of others. Keep up all the good work. Your wife should be really thankful. I would be. Love the show!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@sharondavies5100]

Billy it was a stroke of genius on your part to employ Alex to film your vlogs. He has an amazing eye and really does a great job. His new camera you bought, has definitely made a difference. Mind you I would definitely still watch even if he was using a Brownie Box camera. I am showing my age now but the technolgy of filming plus computers nowadays are just mind boggling!

[@0497311]

Yanis wird immer sicherer in seinem Tun, sehr schön zu beobachten. 😊

[@BirchTrees]

'Yanis is becoming more and more confident in what he is doing, very nice to watch.'

[@SjorsTimmer]

@@BirchTrees genau

[@Kerrin77JIH]

I can’t believe how beautiful that stone floor is when you add that conditioner! I don’t think it’s getting ahead of yourself. I think it gives us energy to complete projects to see how beautiful things can be in the future. And getting a little bit of motivation is always worth it!!

[@terrijuanette486]

It's such a pleasure to see the smile on Yanis' face when Simon praises him. How lovely.

[@cheryls8460]

I love the way Alex films during the beginning and in between. Of course when Billy does also, but Alex is a pro at that.

[@jeanneshultz772]

...and Janiss? Please keep this guy onboard forever. I am amazed by his spirit of partnership and collaboration. He's worth every pound, and ever more than that!

[@kathrynwitte3398]

He’s the partner of Billy’s sister, I believe. She has her own channel and they’re working on an apartment in the convent.

[@chriswilford3576]

@@kathrynwitte3398no not Yannis. Sadie’s partner is Mo

[@lindabryant4292]

The new camera is fantastic. The details visible when Simon was pointing were fabulous. Good idea that. Nice work Alex. What a difference a little change in color made to the fireplace. Striking. 🧡

[@terrileyda5346]

Moving right along gentlemen! Saw Yannis smile 😊a😊gain! He’s so darned cute! And a very well trained member of Team Simon & Yannis!

[@jillipepper5353]

Good job on the fireplace👏🏼👏🏼. Can I just say Yannis is an amazing worker, he just does whatever he’s asked and does it well. Hopefully he can accumulate tools of his own as time goes on so when it’s all done he will be ready for his own contracts. 👏🏼👏🏼 The floor is going to look amazing🙋🏼‍♀️

[@albertpeckham8708]

Yannis is a treasure! Always quick to get the job started.

[@SuperAbcdabcdabcdabc]

I did enjoy Ryan and Simon working creating ideas for the videos. Need more of them.

[@gizellabucknell]

Just love watching the energy jannis has he's a credit to the channel

[@mmgwife]

I could watch Simon all day! He is such a great, patient teacher. Yannis is in such a hard working student and is learning so much from Simon.

[@tinycotswoldcottage]

The sign of a good manager is someone who recognises skills in others and allows them to flourish and shine. Well done Billy, you are an excellent manager. It's lovely to have you back.

[@ginya15]

These videos keep getting better. I love the montages at the beginning, Alex is great. I’m liking the team of Simon and Janus.and with Ryan’s videos it like I’m getting a double dose of the convent daily.

[@dianayavetz6286]

Yannis you’re very fortunate to learn these skills from a master craftsman who does everything to an extremely high standard. He’s also showing you (and us) ways to work smarter, not harder. It’s just a pleasure to watch you two work. And of course we love watching Billy in every aspect of this renovation.

[@bilbobaggins3336]

Simon and Yannis make a great team together. Yannis is learning the skills very quickly. Thank Simon for explaining in detail the reason he does things as he works at different projects. Your choice of people working with you has been excellent.

[@lexiluphotosluanneshilling4738]

Simon is such a patient teacher. He is a master craftsman and you can sense that he loves what he does.

[@mountainbadgerab]

Yanis is such a great addition to the crew. He's always ready to help or busy doing something. He's quite the hard worker. With Simon's guidance he's going to learn tons.

[@artsmith1611]

Wow Yannis, you’re handling that wall board like a professional

[@maryannsarkady7950]

Billy, you have a core group of really talented people helping now !

[@bettyrowe1981]

O Billy...You're so clever to bring Simon in to the mix....he's a natural and we love him!

[@helenstella2666]

Loving the intro’s to these videos ☺️ in fact the whole cinematography & music is brilliant 👏 Great work guys, what a labour of love this is ❤

[@karinbergman1646]

Simon is amazing, and Yannis is an excellent student and good worker, learning the trade. The fireplace will be gorgeous with that darker tuck pointing. And the stone floor will be beautiful with the wax. 💗

[@leah-wp3dx]

You have to test patches of the floor to make plans for the rest of the finishes! You're not getting ahead of yourself Billy - you are planning ahead 😊

[@irishpiecute]

Yannis. Is doing fantastic, he’s a good hard grafter 👏👏💙🇬🇧

[@janetd4862]

I love watching the rooms come back to life! I also enjoy listening to the different ways we speak English - the different words we have for different items, and simply the choice of words in everyday speech. I don’t believe I’ve EVER said “tidy up” in my entire life, or used the word “tidy” as a verb. It’s just interesting.

[@sr.marycatharineperry6693]

This is true. Churchill Saud we are 2 countries separated by a common language. I find it amusing that in the US we say cobblestones never cobbles . electricity not electrics. Etc. English spoken by the English is much more colorful and lively.

[@AliWade1971]

Here in Wales, ‘tidy’ is also an adjective, ie a tidy job, “that’s tidy” (which has to be said with a strong Welsh accent 😀)

[@janetd4862]

@@sr.marycatharineperry6693 We say hose instead of hosepipe, baseboard vs. skirting, vacation vs, holiday, bathroom vs. toilet, Tylenol vs. Paracetemol, truck vs. lorry, and the list goes on. It’s fun learning all the ways the same language is so different.

[@janetd4862]

@@AliWade1971 I cannot remember ever using the word except in the phrase “neat and tidy”.

[@lhmcd5538]

I realise because of my nasty upbringing I can’t help but notice how positive, caring and considerate you all are of each other. There is gentle sledging but it’s never cruel. I have to acknowledge this as it is such a beautiful thing to see. Yannis is changing before our eyes thanks to you. I’m not saying you don’t have disagreements and squabbles but overall I don’t see anything mean. I think this might be one of the reasons why I enjoy watching you Billy and everyone else does too. Thank you. May you please take care and stay safe. Louisa. 👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️🤩🤩🤩

[@JaxonsDd007]

It's like a great tribe you just want to be part of.

[@aileenhaggarty681]

Yano’s is such a likeable young man. Great work Yano’s. 👍❤️🙏🏻

[@mavep2855]

Simon’s experience really shows with all his skills and tips. Yannis is a very lucky young man to have two such strong mentors as Billy and Simon. Crack on tomorrow.🙏❤️

[@KarynDale]

Been waiting for this one !! 🤗💛 Alex, you are incredibly talented. The intros, filming, and music are second to none !!

[@rorystapleton2838]

So much has been achieved by so few people on this project...amazing. Yannis will be a master of so many trades with Simon's wonderful tutelage. A great team. And Yannis is never idle.

[@Highqman1974]

Yannis is picking up skills that will carry him forward in life! Your a good man for giving him the opportunity, and Simon as well for the teaching

[@Xazoutje]

Simon is such a natural talking to the camera, will miss him when he goes back to the UK. Hopefully he'll be back for more, I'm learning lot's of tips & tricks from him. Yannis is making so much progress, he'll be a great asset in the renovations. Billy clearly has a full tank of energy since his vacation. But he can't forget the chateau rooms for Gwen. You can clearly see Alex has a lot of fun with the new camera, his environment shots are so beautiful and expressive.

[@Aeb0024]

I didn't notice the camera difference yesterday, but today's video is crystal clear and much higher quality than before!

[@selinawilsonart]

What a stellar apprentice Yannis has become. He’s one step ahead of Simon with the next tool or need. A true gem. 👏👏💪 C’mon windows! Can’t wait to see the kitchen come together 😂

[@pj1043]

Yanis is a very quick learner & he has a great teacher Simon. Maybe it will inspire Yanis to renovate his own property if he has one. Billy has a great renovation team working with him. Simon’s doing great job filming too.👍👍👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@marilynwishart7260]

My thoughts exactly.

[@artslife3876]

I'm mad excited for you guys! You can really see everything taking shape, and the whole team of you are amazing! Can't stop smiling, and I have butterflies in my belly for you all! 👏💪💖😁

[@thomasherrin6798]

Well the Kitchen and one apartment, showing the remainder of the Convent at the start of the video is a reminder of how much work remains and I think they will finish the Library before the Kitchen windows turn up at the present progress!?!

[@artslife3876]

@@thomasherrin6798 I'm well aware of how much is left to do, I've been watching since the start, I'm just excited that things are moving forward with ease.

[@artslife3876]

@@thomasherrin6798 I've been watching the channel since they were only working on the château.

[@Nlingenfel]

Billy, you have such a talent for background music selections. Love your videos, continued success, and safety.

[@damealeta3541]

Kudos to Alex for bringing us a daily glimpse into the convent corners we don't see very often or at all. I'm itching to use some polish on that staircase!!! As always Yanis and Simon are getting it done. And I think those stone floors are going to look amazing when they are finished with that product, Billy! 💚

[@joannecollis1543]

So impressed with everything you are doing for the Convent. You are all amazing using your talents and artistry to renovate this amazing building. Yanis will be almost as good as Simon by the time this restoration is done. Billy, you have the best mates.

[@johannefoucault9992]

Simon is truly a great artist in his work, so meticulous, excellent teacher. Alex does great camera work. Love the intros. Yannis keep up the good work. Crack on.

[@lindamarin6290]

Simon is such a pro! The darker color looks so much better!

[@maryb.7043]

One can really see the progress Yannis has made by the shoveling of sand, etc, into the mixer. He's been practicing a lot! Way to go Yannis. Beautiful pointing, Simon, it's like an artist paints with a pallet knife. Interesting technique with the wallboard and the stone wall instead of gooey mastic. I think testing the stone wax is a good thing. At least you will see how it will do prior to the whole floor being done. Not premature, I'd say! As always, Alex your work is perfection. The new camera equipment is wonderful.

[@shelovesitaly]

Simon’s attention to detail is commendable 🎉 and Yannis is soaking up all Simon is teaching him. Love it 🥰

[@aimeecho6927]

I love seeing the progress of the renovations at the convent. I'm looking forward to seeing you open it up to the community and the creative uses for the beautiful historic building. Thanks for working so hard to save it and for loving the building and grounds so much 🌈💜

[@gailpacolt4353]

The craftsmanship displayed is what will make this building amazing! It will be an amazing journey!

[@user-yz7ds7rn9b]

Simon is indeed a master craftsman or probably a grandmaster tradesman. Yanis and Billy are lucky to have him on this project. He has the experience and is highly skilled.

[@loraoflahrity130]

Due to operator error yesterday I failed to welcome you home. The channel has more structure to it, but I still love the process of renovations Cheers guys, and crack on!

[@annettewalter2273]

The floor finish is so nice Billy. Another successful day for Simon and Yanis.

[@nuttienattie1]

Billy you have such a great team there. Yannis has come such a long way and a asset

[@lesleytaylor-brett4176]

As always the craftsmanship is awesome to watch. My Gran would have said that Yannis needs ‘a good gravy dinner’ 😄 He is obviously very fit and strong though. A great team, creating something extraordinary. Look forward to each video. Thank you.

[@elizabethbesco4758]

Has Simon installed his windows on his home yet? Love to see his craftsmanship. P.S can anyone save seeds from flowers, persimmon tree to plant new growth in garden?

[@lindamitman4538]

Yannis is becoming a real pro. Simon is such a great teacher - so calm and encouraging, let’s him learn by doing. Simon is an artist with the pointing. So neat. Can’t wait to see how it dries up

[@joanmacdonald360]

So nice to see professional tradesmen.

[@mannyortiz4814]

Billy,Simon,Yanis, and Alex my convent Angels. Very good work on the pointing of the fireplace. Until tomorrow. Take care and stay safe. Love ya guys 🍺🍺🍺🍺🌞🇺🇸🌈🕊😇❤️👍🙏🌹

[@joyjoyrn55]

Simon has really grown on me. His skill and enthusiasm for the work, the artifacts, everything is endearing. Plus he is a natural at describing and explaining his methods. Would love to see his eventual progress on his own cottage.

[@stephaniegaromon3244]

I love watching all of you work together. It’s light years from what it was. Alex your camera work is beautiful. xx

[@georgiakline13]

I love watching your videos. It's the first thing I do when I get home from work. But I miss Billy doing the narrations as they work. Simon is artists indeed.

[@supremlyfoxylass]

Simon is such an excellent teacher and yannis is getting the most incredible education. Great team Billy !

[@daphneerler8496]

Honestly Billy, ( wonder project manager ) you really do have the Dream Team working alongside you, professional, quality conscious and so easy to get along with - each respecting the other's expertise and the youthful Yannis such a willing and dedicated apprentice 😁 Blessings always for your health and safety

[@JaxonsDd007]

He is a fabulous director and producer and we all got here watch Billy mow the yard. 300k strong and you worked for everyone one of us Bill

[@vsalvati123]

Simon is such a good teacher. He explains everything for the people watching will understand. Yanis has done a great job. He is picking things up pretty quickly. Alex you are so good with the camera.

[@lizowens3180]

Yannis is a superb, intelligent, hard worker! A young man going places! Simon is an amazing, skilled teacher and mentor. I love how they can put these skills into making The Convent excellent! Awesome!

[@LollyJK1]

I love listening to the delta blues music while watching a French convent being updated by these talented men.

[@lisajahn6839]

Another outstanding episode! Loved watching the process! Thank you all very much for making and sharing this great video!😊

[@lorispencer2046]

It's good to see you back Billy. I hope you and the family had a grand holiday. I get ahead of myself just like you do. The floor will be beautiful. Alex, you are doing such a great job with the videos. Definite resume material. Simon and Yanis, i can't wait to see the finished pointing. That fireplace is so grand, it deserves a professional (and his apprentice) to bring out its beauty. 😊

[@rmontano3450]

The effort you and your team are undertaking is wonderful! Don't forget the electrics in the entryway before you board! Maybe consider adding some "up-lights' to the ceiling edges to enhance the grandeur for future guest arrivals. This would be the first look at the interior of the structure for arrivals.... Maybe plan for a period chandelier? Keep up your high standards and "Crack On"! The videos are excellent!

[@carold8345]

IMO, the mortar color was spot on. Congratulations 🎉

[@deanbrunner261]

Just having all the mortar the same color helps it disappear. Great job

[@jacquelinenoble6640]

Simon should definitely think of starting workshops(when he has time) to pass his skills on. He's a born teacher, Yannis is a great pupil. 😊🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@kristinb5121]

Yannis has a sense of urgency in his movements. He doesn’t move slowly. As long as it’s done with precision, and it looks like it is, that’s a great quality in an apprentice.

[@imuneik]

it’s really nice to watch YANICE grow in his training…. He’s learning so much!❤

[@carolynhamilton9529]

Billy, I hope you had a wonderful vacation! I’m ready for the channel to go back to normal now though. Everyone did a really great job, but you do it best!!!

[@emorel48]

The fireplace is going to be so fantastic!

[@fyrekrystaal27]

I wish I could learn from Simon. He is such a good teacher. I always like learning new skills.

[@torrerobb2238]

Yanis is really coming along well, you can see that most off the time he is more confident and always willing to learn and really frees up Simon so things can progress quicker.. Wouldn't say you are getting ahead off yourself Billy, checking out the wax is important in case you need to order it as that small tin wouldn´t go very far, also if it didn´t give you the desired result you need time to source an alternative product.. Keep up the good work Robb Torremolinos Spain

[@GizliBiraz]

I love how you pay attention to the small details. You're truly doing your best to bring the craftsmanship back to where it was and to restore this place with love and care and patience. Taking the time to brush off the old mortar before adding new so you can be sure the lighter color wont' show up is a level of dedication often missing in construction these days. Well done, lads!

[@johnpritchard2772]

what a tremendous effort from Yannis, Simon and Billy !! Great job done!! Best wishes from Lincolnshire

[@pamabernathy8728]

Great music & filming for the intro. Had to pause the video to tell Alex. ❤

[@butterflyj1967]

These videos just keep getting better and better!

[@tammaragill9347]

Great choice if music in the video for whomever edited it - GREAT JOB!

[@donnasauer5462]

Love the Na’ Orleans Jazz music-perfectly suited to this tedious fireplace work.

[@karlasmit7535]

I definitely see a difference in the new camera. The camera seems to provide better clarity.

[@bethswann3224]

I think it is wonderful that Simon is willing to share his knowledge with Yannis. He’s very kind in his teaching.

[@bowiearcangeli11]

Love the new camera! Everything is so sharp and crystal clear. Well worth the money spent on it. Love this channel 💜

[@busterdee8228]

Billie was wise to bring on Alex. Longer content; deeper dive. We see much more of the talents going into this worthy project. Every hand seems a good choice. Truly enjoyable.

[@suehall3298]

Brilliant video Alex 🤗👍 Just love the teamwork🤗👍🤗👍🤗👍 Love Sue.❤❤❤🇬🇧❤❤❤

[@joannecalcutt6724]

The video at the beginning was really well done. The shot of the peeling paint really spoke volumes.

[@chriswilford3576]

Yannis, thank you for wearing a mask as well as the safety glasses. We want you here for a long time! You are learning heaps of excellent lessons from Simon and I hope your English is being helped along as well. A super thank you to Simon for his patient teaching, both of Yannis and we unskilled watchers. I’m always happy to learn something new every day ❤to you all from Brisbane Australia 🇦🇺

[@kimrafferty7170]

Im glad you had a good holiday Billy and I hope you were pleased with everything when you got back - did you like the flower Ryan left for you in the lawn 😂 Will we be seeing you finish the bedrooms, now you know you can leave the convent in good hands you can crack on with the bedrooms and keep the boss happy 😉 A huge thank you to everyone who kept things going while Billy had a much needed holiday. Live to you all xxxx