Sad changes to our 200 year old cottage. DIY Renovation

Hi, we are Bec, Sam, Isabella & Euan. After selling our house in the UK & travelling Europe in a motorhome for 10 months, we have bought a derelict stone cottage in Ireland. We are keen to try and live an off grid life, free from debt whilst bringing the farm back to its former glory. We are doing this on a very tight budget and plan on doing the work ourselves.
Please follow along on our journey...we need all the support we can get!
This week, we have a tough decision to make.
Work with us: contact - [e-mail]
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The Irish Homestead
Border Parcel Motel
11 Main St
Belcoo
Co Fermanagh
BT935FB
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[@kategreen-adarkcarnival6747]

The brick fireplace didn't look right anyway Sam and Bec - you'll be able to build a beautiful stone replacement that's really safe. Will look like more like Bec's dream kitchen when done! x

[@Ragnar8504]

It wasn't even brick in the first place, it was concrete painted to look like brick. I thought something looked off about it but I hadn't expected it to be all concrete. The bits behind the concrete were original though.

[@lfuentes4098]

The stone part needed re-building. I would save those stones and maybe just try a recreate a beautiful fireplace that takes up less room as well. Similar to the original.

[@rhondag9700]

We don't let our chickens out til 10am. Eggs always in coop. Then off they go for the day. Enough to do without egg hunting!!😢😊😊

[@theirishhomestead]

That's probably the right thing to do. I feel so bad though as they just walk up and down the run and hold the eggs in til we let them out but maybe I need to just be strict on that. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@shooster5884]

​Yes you need to get them in the habit of laying them inside.. apart from not finding the eggs, once they are broody and know their eggs are disappearing from their outdoor nest , they will start another one and sit eventually on them there to hatch them. They and the eggs and chicks will be vulnerable to fixes and other predictors who very quickly learn when hens have moved into their area.​ Even if you have no rooster, the hens will still sit in unfertilized eggs forever until they go rotten. I used leave one egg with an X in pencil on it in a nest when a hen started to go broody... that way I could remove the eggs next day but leave at new fresh one with an X on it...to deter her going out and making a hidden nest.. I had a rooster soI would usually let her hatch out 2 chicks if one hen hen was really determined to be a mother!@@theirishhomestead

[@lapsedluddite3381]

It was brilliant of Euan to provide that lighthearted moment with his little tractor, it lifted the sad mood beautifully. The new fireplace will be so much better, it will be like building your own hearts into your new home.

[@patmurphy4564]

It's so sad that the fireplace had to go, but it's better safe than sorry. Sam, you could probably build a better and safer fireplace. You must be so proud of your kids getting in and helping. I wish you all the best. Love from Australia ❤

[@theirishhomestead]

That's the plan. We hope to face it with the original stone work if it's not too difficult. Hopefully it will still look amazing.

[@johnconefrey499]

Hi don’t let out the hens so early that will help

[@Scotty3146]

The way that fireplace facade came down made me think that was not 200 years old, rather a more 'recent' home improvement!

[@theirishhomestead]

Yes the concrete facade was definitely a more recent addition.

[@aliceskewthorpe8991]

​@@theirishhomestead... I noticed the brick 'veneer'... Count your blessings... You're not making do with a fake one!

[@murraydorrofield4826]

Better to be safe than sorry you’ve plenty of big stones build another later on

[@EmileTheart]

@@theirishhomestead and I spotted some beautiful stones that can be used to build a spectacular stone fireplace. Nothing will go to waste.

[@user-dd7sm8er9u]

The progress you have made is amazing, onwards and upwards. I love the way your collie dog follows Toby around. As they say here in N. Ireland youse uns are brilliant, Anita x

[@maretteschulz8898]

Just the way it fell to bits on the final leg just shows the correct decision was made. Bit sad, but, it has now opened up a huge space and there's still a great deal of 'history' left elsewhere in the build.👌👌👏👏

[@theirishhomestead]

It wasso sad but yes we will rebuild it and face it in stone. Hopefully it will look in-keeping with the cottage and become it's new heart.

[@yvonnethorpe5224]

@@theirishhomesteadalso the history is retained but just in an adjusted format. All the stones you are keeping to make outside walls etc is still very much the history and heart of the building. Using up the original stones rather than getting rid of them is a beautiful example of recycling 😀

[@kayechorley8373]

Love Becs picture of her dream kitchen, go for it girl, it's beautiful !!

[@lieuwina]

Sam you are so tuned to Bec's feelings and it is so sad to see it go and as they say better safe than sorry. All the children coming to the fore to help dad with taking the rubble out from the remnants of the chimney to save mom from seeing it all, bless them. Your intro to todays vlog was lovely the aerial view of your little farm and all the animals safe, content and happy. Toby with his doggy friends, the rabbits and the hens scratching around and the rooster giving a good morning call. All those beautiful sounds of nature what more could a person want and I thank you and Bec for sharing and letting us have a glance to it all. Have a lovely day.

[@mafish7962]

Perfect video of watching the family work together and then seeing Euan being just a youngster playing with a tractor. Priceless memories for you all. Have a great week, Laura 🌸🌸🌸

[@Fungigal]

Lovely that your son loves tractors too. You are creating lasting memories

[@theirishhomestead]

Ahh, yes, Euan loves his tractor/trailer toys.

[@joesture9991]

Morning one and all, beautiful drone view of your mini kingdom and surrounding countryside. All the animals looked like enjoying life to the full, Nell on guard duty having doggie time with Toby to catch up on the gossip. Yes never nice to demolish a feature but when it is structurally unsafe it has to be done, rather than wait until full house build done, moved in and then chimney had to come out. With those stunning stones you recovered and kept safe certain you can and will build a stunning feature for the fireplace.

[@theirishhomestead]

We will use all the stone again somehow

[@brianfarrelly7151]

Space is enormous without the firebreast and progress is so obvious. Well done to all the family and welcome back Rebecca.

[@faithvansanden82]

Love the intro so calming and seeing the animals. It's nice seeing Rebecca back ,with the fire place it's better to be safe than sorry and having the children help you pick up all the rubble ❤

[@lynwill65]

I choked up seeing your kids working so hard as well. Bloody good on them. Bec, your dream kitchen is GORGEOUS and I hope it comes true.

[@michellewood1890]

Such a shame about the fireplace. But safety is so important. Lovely to see you again Bex. Would just like to add that Toby is looking so much healthier now. All thanks to your TLC ❤. Good job Sam. I know you are sad about losing the 200 year old fire place ,but it's opened up the living space massively. Thanks for sharing. Lotsaluv Michelle xx

[@theirishhomestead]

😉

[@margaretorden7568]

I always love your intros with your pets and I am looking forward to seeing who you foster. Regards the chimney it’s better to be safe than sorry!

[@clionamm]

What you replace it with will be so much nicer, not to mention stronger! The cement façade wasn't as beautiful as a nice stone one will be. You're playing a blinder, all of you. 🙂

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

I took one look at your fireplace months back and my gut said....'that needs to go'! It just looked as if the concrete facia was there to up hold a crumbling structure. I am sorry it is more expense and work but I am glad Sam, it just didn't look right. AND I am sure you will rebuild a wonderful fireplace and chimney with all that stone and all those new skills you have gathered. Onwards, upwards. Sending you all everything good. ❤

[@finiangsheehan]

My brother inherited a 30 acre farm with a similar cottage in Co.Cork, also hundreds of years old.We had to dismantle the chimney from the top down as it was also unsafe.It was an extraordinary feeling doing this as we imagined those builders,(no doubt speaking in Irish), crafting the opening in an amazing spiral design. In many ways it was a shame to have to remove it.When we got to floor level.we found that rats had burrowed from the outside,to within a foot or so of the hearth, out of sight, and built a nice and snug nest.How many generations of them we can't begin to guess I renovated part of an old house after this.Your own journey brings back a lot of memories! Go Raibh Maith Agaibh agus beir bua. Gearoid.

[@dianerayburn1728]

Toby is looking in tip top condition, and is obviously good friends with the dog, the cats and the chickens...

[@corricatt]

Becca, the animals in the beginning was heartwarming. Glad you're home!! Don't fret about the fireplace, wasn't even real brick! I'm sure Sam will build you something more beautiful 😍

[@Jayling]

It'w wonderful to see Rebecca back - welcome home! And thanks for showing the furry ones at the beginning once again. Hopefully your heart isn't broken too much on the loss of the fireplace, but what you'll produce now can be even better - it's still your lovely cottage that you're about to and continuing to transform! Thanks again for sharing.

[@garycroft8213]

There's a reason the hearth means heart of the home - hopefully you can take some of the stonework and rebuild it into your new fireplace. Safety first though, no point doing all that work and having a problem in the middle of the cottage through sentiment.

[@sylvanaire]

You’re right, it is sad to lose an old feature like the fireplace, but as you said, it didn’t look very sturdy to be resting new roof beams on. It’s hard to judge the ease of demolition through time-lapse videography, but the stones didn’t look like they were too solid And they came out quite easily. By the way, I absolutely love the image Becky has of what she wants her kitchen to look like! It really looks warm and cozy and cottage-y. 😊

[@chamqual6480]

Rebuild it to spec so it can fit over/around your oven! You got some amazing stone out of it!

[@davidstafford803]

Good to see the whole team pitching in and creating their new home.

[@lifeisanopenroad7301]

Awww it was sad to watch but you’re right it has to be safe. I know you’ll make the cottage amazing

[@theirishhomestead]

Thank you. I have trust despite how bad it looks right now!

[@junebenson01]

Wow what a difference, it really is a shame but sadly had to be done. I'm sure you'll make it wonderful Becs and I'm so with you on your perfect kitchen!! The changes are coming thick and fast now, very exciting x

[@theirishhomestead]

👍

[@hollymcrae2685]

So sweet to see Ewan, your hard working lad, taking the time to put his tipper lorry(dump truck here in the USA) to good use. ❤️

[@theirishhomestead]

He loves his toy digger/dumper. Sam wishes it was life size though 🤣

[@AlidaLloyd]

Loved the intro to this video - it’s sad about the fireplace but safety is a priority ❤

[@theirishhomestead]

Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@chantaln6843]

Taking down That fireplace was the correct decision. I loved watching the entire family doing their bit. In addition, I LOVE seeing the dogs hanging out with Toby. This an inspirational channel 😊

[@carolarmstrong4979]

So sad watching that. ☹ But its done now . Onwards and upwards, can't wait to see the new fireplace. Loved the photo of Bec's dream ! X

[@user-wc3gu4pd4z]

Wow now the chimney has gone you have so much more useable space ❤️❤️❤️

[@WriterGeek]

The fireplace wasn't beautiful imo. I think you could build another with the same stones, which are beautiful. The stonework on the walls covered up by render is really beautiful. Would look great pointed up with lime. Thick walls are very warm in winter and cool in summer (I live in a stone cottage with exposed walls).

[@englishteacher1260]

I agree with you that the fireplace needed to be taken down for safety reasons, but you should have enough stone to rework it with original stone from the homestead. So, In a way you aren't losing anything just reworking it.

[@dhonlutje]

I like this video so much, love to see the children working together with you and also playing so happy to see, you made good progress ❤

[@theirishhomestead]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you.

[@bridgwll]

Don’t let the chickens out until mid morning. You can make the fire a two way design.

[@ChristineKelly1000]

Welcome back Becca. Trojan work from all of you as usual. It’ll look worse before it gets better, but at the rate you are going you will have the cottage renovated and started on a Granny flat before Christmas!😊❤

[@maneuschwander6394]

Love all those giant building stones!!!

[@LondonerinScotland]

Hi, Loved the wider, panoramic view of your home & the surrounding countryside. It's a beautiful setting! Your land is quite high up. Are you researching which shrubs & trees to plant along the perimeter to create windbreaks? It was the right decision to knock down the chimney, if expert advice was to do so. Becky, in the weeks & months to come, you may find that it was a blessing to have the original chimney knocked down. You'll have more options to design the interior of the cottage as Sam has plenty of raw materials (stone, wood) to build what you as a family all need & want in 2024. Congratulations on nearing thirty thousand subscribers. Best wishes to the family & menagerie.

[@TheToolnut]

Have you considered a suspended timber floor? They are much warmer, more traditional and easier on the back. I'm partial to them because I'm a carpenter/joiner. A new chimney with an Aga wood burning stove would tie the whole place together in my opinion, 👍💪🔨🇮🇪

[@Catherine-j7j]

It might be sad to have to take it down but Sam you can always build another one for Rebecca

[@frogdxb5648]

Loving the whole family getting involved especially the young lad! Tremendous effort all round! Really enjoying this

[@jenh9252]

I like this new view of the farm in the intro😊

[@morrigans_cottage]

These old houses really love to throw spanners in the works! My little cottage is the exact same 🥲😂

[@dianethompson2458]

I am so sorry that the fireplace needed to be removed. You have plenty of stone there ro make another one with a modern wood burner inside it. It will be more energy efficient and can be designed to your own liking. The house will be beautiful when it is finished. ❤

[@yvonnethorpe5224]

Loved the intro. You have picked a fabulous spot. You never know, in time, one of your landowning neighbours may sell some more land to you. Toby is looking fabulous as are the chooks 😊

[@sandratweedale2579]

Those aerial shots were great. We got a wonderful overview of the property. Loved this intro of the creatures you care for and of course Sam hard at work as always. Bec so good to have you back

[@polh6462]

A sad but necessary task. Sorry Bec. ❤

[@theirishhomestead]

I know. Still 💔 though.

[@maxinedurling3425]

Sam you do realise you are going to have to build a big fireplace in the loung with the kettle holder from the old one it will look so nice christmas time

[@kevinmcmullan100]

Sam, I think your stonework has seriously improved, and you have enough cut stone to make Becky a cool inglenook stone fireplace for her Dream Kitchen and put the cooker there. It'll be a nice, well built and safer feature. Love the progress so far.

[@agnesoneal7816]

I know you hatred to see the fireplace go But now you get to put back what makes you you happy and everyone Will be safe Have a grand week 🤗

[@sandrawanless5736]

Aww Becs, I get you feeling sad about the fireplace but you can rebuild it in the place you want it and have far more space. I love watching the progress and am with you every step. Chin up it will be amazing once it's all done, you guys are living the dream. Xx

[@michaeldoyle2588]

Lads, a grand job in each and every video. With all the stones you have you can build something epic that will last another 200 years, in turn leaving your own legacy behind.

[@imeldadiaz4164]

Absolutely love Bec's dream kitchen💗

[@denisepiekarski4159]

I'm sorry, Rebecca that you had to lose the original fireplace. That loss will lose it's sting as you and your family fill that space with your blood, sweat and tears and lovely memories of your own.

[@garymilsom4873]

Such a shame.the removal of the feature fireplace.but the difference and space its developed is amazing and becky will get that cottagegy kitchen look when the major works are completed .great to see you back as a family again as all your team efforts will show great divedends in the end.i wish you well.keep the videos coming❤❤❤❤

[@theirishhomestead]

We agree! Thanks Gary. It just looks bad right now! Hopefully like you people will see our vision and trust that it will come good in the end. The house needed a new heart that's all. ♥️

[@garymilsom4873]

@@theirishhomestead its already got that withing you and becky xxxxx

[@lapsedluddite3381]

@theirishhomestead - So true, the house needed a heart transplant! And you are just the folks to do it right!

[@Pete.Ty1]

👍👍👍 Another amazing episode. Thank you.

[@plot1895]

You’re breathing new life into a derelict building. Whether you build a new fireplace, have a log burner, range etc I’m sure it will be wonderful. Although you’re disappointed your building now has endless possibilities. Enjoy dreaming.

[@katrienvh4289]

You could always use some of the nicer stones you pulled down to perhaps a feature in the house to replace the fireplace.

[@johnbroadbent9034]

what a transformation with out the fire place a new canvas

[@user-uc2mk6ud2w]

At first it was very sad to hear and then see the fireplace had to come down. Your videos though have been about reconstruction from the beginning. Your lives, your farmstead is all about taking what’s already there and making improvements that offer strength and stability. I love watching how your world keeps opening up to new and exciting changes! A rescue sanctuary for not just 4-footeds but for many of us 2-leggeds too♥️

[@lapsedluddite3381]

Beautifully said! 👏🙏

[@sharonpettman1274]

It is sad to take away old features, but wow looks at the space and lightness you have now....Bec can have a lovely dream kitchen done by you both ❤🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@cherdidi88]

I think this part of the project is the "trust the process" phase. Sad to see it go, but safety and structural integrity first!

[@vickyeblatherwick284]

I’m glad you listen to your engineer I think will be able to put in some thing it doesn’t take up so much room and while you’re disappointed with having to demolish the old fireplace I know you’ll have a delightful cottage kitchen

[@judithmalan1502]

Outstanding to get to see that depth of history: but this is a new chapter in THE HISTORY of this farm...❤❤❤❤❤ All throughout history, people put their own Stamp on a Property that they own, and that is good...❤❤❤❤

[@user-fv4uy4kx6g]

Sam and family , sorry you had to demolish the fire place Sam but there is some good stones that came out and you should be able to build a new fireplace for the stove to go in and it will be safe Becca will love you for it ❤

[@karenwerth8484]

You have many stones so you can build one again and have the pride of reusing the stones that large, better to be safe

[@kaye-q1k]

That really opened up the space. It is to bad that the fireplace had to go. Love seeing the family all working together making memories and a special home.

[@lapsedluddite3381]

Bec's dream kitchen is gorgeous! Now the space is there, her dream can come true!

[@eileendeshpande5902]

It will be good to have it done safely and right, sad as it is to lose a feature. You have to do what you have to do and that’s all! All the animals together at the beginning of the video are adorable and heartwarming. Wishing you and your family a great week! And you will have more lovely old stones to work with around the property.

[@Vanessa-pl3br]

I was so afraid something happened to the animals...I noticed over time, that architects and engineers are rarely in agreement with our visions unfortunately!

[@theirishhomestead]

Ahh no they are all good. Sorry if we worried you. 👍

[@JoHarmon-hg7wz]

Well it was sad to see it go, but it is for the best. Becky you dream kitchen is gorgeous!! Good to see home and everyone chipping in again❤

[@mohumphries7149]

It's a shame about the fireplace,but it wasn't meant to be ❤😊❤😊

[@mlife952]

Sorry for the loss of fireplace.

[@dottiebaker6623]

The opening drone shot was not only beautiful, but now I understand how the land lies, where the lake is, etc. Very helpful - thanks!! Wow, that chimney was crumbly wasn't it? It's a shame about the fireplace, but if the kitchen can end up looking anything like Rebecca's dream kitchen it will be well worth losing it. And the egg situation - the price to pay for having truly free range hens. I had a fantasy about an egg finding drone to save you time. Someone will probably invent it soon....

[@elenorbrodrick407]

So cute watching your so doing the clear out with his wee tractor and traylor.

[@anniedavis4569]

I’m sad too as to me a fireplace makes the home, but i fully understand the safety aspect. Wonderful work each and everyone one of you. Lovely to See Nell guarding Toby and the rooster 🐔 crowing amongst the hens

[@lindawells2332]

Oh lovely to see you back Rebecca, what a transformation has happened in the last few weeks, very sad about the fireplace, but look on the bright side more stone for Sam to build you some outbuildings to house all those little adoptees . 😂

[@TheHavasu_77]

Welcome home Becca! 😊❤ I love the animal shots in the beginning, and an animal sanctuary sounds awesome!❤ It’s sad to see 200 years of history torn down, but in this modern age ya don’t need it, and that’s more living space! Safety first. 💚

[@martemacdougall1985]

You are creating a beautiful HOME! I am living in a 1 bedroom apartment..nicely decorated and cozy...but it is not an Irish homestead! I am grateful to have a secure place to live and enjoy watching you and your family establish and build everything you want and need. Thanks for this video and I absolutely love Bec's dream kitchen ❤️ 😍 💖

[@Balancing.The.Budget]

Such a shame, but it has to be right. Well done guys on making sure its safe for the next 150 years x

[@annjarvis9300]

Awwww what an amazing space without the fire place sure you can build a better one with some of the rockswell done children for helpiing youlovely to see all the animals Rebecca and so good to see you well done Sam safety first tc now all luv from the oldies xxxx🤗🤗🤗🤗💐

[@VMSmith]

First time I’ve noticed the original fittings in the fireplace. Hope you’ll find a way to sympathetically reinstate them in the new fireplace 🤞🙏

[@rhondawoodard7203]

So sad I wish you could have used the bricks for another fireplace outside or pad in front of door or flowerbed. That way they would remain part of the homestead. Y’all are all doing a great job. Loads of hard work. Strong family❤️🙏👩🏻‍🦳

[@peterincork3121]

It's totally understandable to have misgivings about taking it down, but on the plus side you have a blank canvas to design (redesign) the internal layout to suit your needs.

[@rachelcarter2443]

All the dismantling you've done makes me trust that you will know how to build a new fireplace safe and beautiful.

[@kylieharrison3782]

Maybe the chooks will appreciate laying boxes littered around the property? You could leave a very high stakes reward in the lauing boxes to entice them. Then add another high stakes reward in replacement for the eggs you collect. Something like a piece of fruit they adore...

[@lapsedluddite3381]

Bribery works wonders! 😂🍓🐔🍒☺️

[@colleenrodamer9497]

Look at all that space once the fireplace is gone many blessings from North Texas ❤

[@aliceskewthorpe8991]

Lovely to see Rebecca back... Hope the change was as good as a holiday... You looked refreshed/ recharged ... So sad to see the fireplace go... But i noted that it was only a super thin brick facade... Aesthetically pleasing but not the real deal... I'm sure you will build a fireplace feature far more creatively and with more function, than that one of yesteryear... You'll look back and wonder why you were so emotionally invested in it in hindsight...? About the chooks laying eggs all over the place... You'll have to shut them up till they learn to lay in their nests... then let them out when done... Tell them no free time till the works done... 😂 After all... Mum's train their children, and then there's the cats and dog.. and Toby... It should be a breeze... Blessings to all ❤

[@user-rw1bk2is4f]

It is really sad the fireplace has to go but honestly it will be better to know it’s all perfectly safe and secure and she will know it’s solid and safe. Once you have rebuilt a brand new one from the old materials it will look fabulous and still fit in with the look you want. I totally agree this needed to be done. It will look beautiful once Sam has worked his magic, I have confidence it will be beautiful 💕🌸 deep breadth “everything will be fine “

[@y.lelivelt2619]

It's sad but necessary. Safety first. How is Toby doeing,can he have a friend now? Or isn't he changed a bit? I hope you can have a sanctuary for animals Becca.

[@deehalpern8988]

I do love all your animals. ❤️

[@user-jz4mm7eo3c]

love the way your animals seem to get on together

[@oliverwebb3252]

Morning all! Nice start to my Wednesday morning watching this. Sorry to hear about the fireplace, but perhaps you could replace with a beautiful big log burner, would make it feel loads bigger, create space and still have that homely farmhouse feel.

[@antonyedge2098]

That is a dream kitchen

[@lilyofthevalleynaturechannel]

Its always hard to say goodbye to history, but you two will make new history that should last just as long as the one that wore out.

[@theirishhomestead]

That's the plan. Thank you for having faith in us.

[@marshallhumphreyshumphreys8385]

With the free range hens and their nesting habits, watch out for the hens cackling for a few minutes after they have just layed the egg. They don't hang around, but they always call out as if to say"what a clever girl I am!!" This they do, close to the nest, so you can narrow down the hunt over a couple of days. Also they tend to lay at about the same time each day, and will settle in and brood once they have accumulated 12 eggs. Good hunting!

[@zenalawrence9903]

Brilliant work Sam love to you all. Perhaps leave the hens in till they have laid in the morning let them out later. Just a thought xxx

[@junemcmanus2457]

It may be a very sad dission but I am sure the new fire place that you rebuild will look amazing. X