Should We Knock It Down and START AGAIN? - ASK

[@Sarddukkar]

As someone with family roots in the Beira region, I feel compelled to compliment you for preserving our vernacular architectural heritage. Keep up the good work, and thanks for the value content!

[@arturrosa3166]

Yes! My thoughts exactly. My roots are in Beira Litoral, the buildings here are not exactly the same style, but these old buildings do spark a lot of memories in me too. I really appreciate keeping them and giving them a new life. Thank you!

[@gecoimbra3612]

As 🇵🇹 I also agree. Thank you for preserving our "memories"

[@kattihatt]

As someone.

[@boscoclifffernandes8572]

The holes in the wall were used for kerosene lamps. My house in Goa too had these holes all over, as my house too is built with Portugese building techniques and architecture. these holes were used for lamps and to put wood beams in them to climb up towards the roof or the higher sections of the house to get any work done in those sections.

[@The2wanderers]

Great video. I will never understand people who react to a historical building reno with "why not just knock it down." Regardless of whether it would be cheaper or not, you'd get a very different product at the end, and one which would be of less value, too.

[@luminyam6145]

I was not convinced regarding these old buildings until I saw what The Indie Projects did with their stone barn. It is really stunning now. And having enjoyed your videos of your previous renovations I am so excited to see what you two will come up with. Whatever you are planning I know it is going to be pretty spectacular. I love your vision. You are an amazing couple.

[@Redhotcook]

People in Europe already know that what you are doing is completely right for Europe. It’s possible that people from other countries may not understand what the laws are in Europe and UK. They see it in relation to what they can do in their country IE- wood construction which is easy to replace and demolish, simple too build with very little skills sets. Your doing amazing work 👏👏

[@patriciachuchian1255]

At 73 I'm so thankful that I now have a kitchen with mostly drawers and not cupboards...........there is no way I can bend or kneel to access most of those shelves.............and most of my drawers are 8" 10" and 12" deep.....:)

[@grassabrutta]

The main reason there are metal doors is that the manure generated in that room would have filled up ... and you cannot have that in contact with wood

[@chronicfish]

I live in Greece where we have a lot of old, gorgeous, derelict buildings. Unfortunately, the mentality here is to pull them down, always replacing them with a new, ugly block of flats, made from poor construction materials, like cement and cheap hollow bricks. No damp proofing whatsoever and within a year of construction, these flats are riddled with damp and peeling paint. It *REALLY* p**ses me off! (especially considering our history in Architecture). Why anyone would choose plastic windows and a cement "box", over wooden beams and thick stone walls (and history of course), is beyond me. Moreover, another thing that riles me is when they go and cover 100 year old terrazzo floors, with cheap, white, shiny tiles! It's maddening! 🤯 ( Rant over ...)

[@ozner303]

The Schetchup was great for the over-all picture in my mind.

[@juliaeb1494]

Never demolish what you could refurbish and give it your '"touch"...definitely a good choice. love it.

[@lulubelle0bresil]

The beautiful old house was the reason I kept coming back to the channel at first (before getting to know your lovely personalities)

[@bridgetkeyes6170]

Some humans are compelled to spend redoing the work of previous generations in so many different ways. I love old peasant houses even the tacky stuff talks so much of a different time and enterprise. Thanks for sharing.

[@anneavery5799]

Omg kylie what a hard worker you are you put a lot of men to shame your one very committed and hard working lady all credit to you for having a go 😊👍⭐️

[@barrington7774]

regarding the holes in the wall, if theyre equal height and dimensions, maybe they were originally for timber to be stuck in with boards on the outside of the building to act as a form of scaffolding platform for building/repairs etc? I seem to remember that being a thing in old buildings. Just a thought :)

[@gaynor3976]

It's never crossed my mind when watching your renovation videos to knock it down and start again. I'm loving watching you learning and working through your projects. The kitchen plan looks really good and makes the most of the space you've got. Loved the video thank you xxxx

[@Redhotcook]

From previous experience of replacing 7 kitchens, the one recommendation I would give is look at Draws for your cupboards either side of the cooker 2 deep draws with a smaller internal upper draws for cutlery & utensils, bottom part is deeper for everyday pots/pans. So much easier than getting on your knees to reach too the back of each cupboard. Likewise the tall thin 400 cupboards either side of your fridge & freezer go for individual slide out internal drawers otherwise they get very heavy & don’t last long. Iv done both & by far the individual ones are so much better long term.

[@sadjaxx]

Wonderful recommendation!

[@lynsolms5684]

I have a tall, thin cupboard 15cm wide, which can go on any unused wall, again extra storage for all your bottles etc!

[@bobyonker8642]

We agree about adding drawers. They make life so much easier. Also I would suggest that you might measure what space you need for those pull out/swing out inserts for the corner spaces. They can help maximize storage in areas that tend to be neglected.

[@carolpatrick3567]

we have full extension drawers in all bottom cabinets and I had the insides of the drawers dadoed for thin plywood removable inserts. some are parallel to the front of the drawer and shallower drawers run perpendicular to the fronts, love the organization aspect.

[@laundryday9511]

100% agree re making unloved into beautiful. That is what we are doing in Friumes. It is so satisfying, I could repair stone walls all day every day at 60. . BTW we have those tiny square holes as well. They had wine bottles stuffed in, the odd shoe as you no doubt have found too. We intend to make wooden frames with a mesh to keep open all summer, and make a tiny wooden shutter to enable them to be closed up snuggly in the winter.

[@humblebee8028]

I think the house is beautiful and cries out to be preserved! When I visited Belem in North of Brazil there was a ranch with a square house like that and they had a deck built all around on the second floor and it was beautiful and rustic looking. There is always so much potential to renovating your home and finding ways of adding your own stamp on it. You are very blessed.

[@guy4462]

The question is ridiculous... of course it should not be torn down! You two are doing a great job restoring it.

[@franciscoafonsoferro5568]

Hello... Move the breakfast table away from that pole... Enlarge (60 deep) sink cabinet and put dishwasher on the side of the sink, keep also 60 module between breakfast table and tall cabinets... Or provide the inside measures to ikea and ask for their design / solution.... I guess they will do it for free...

[@EnglishMadeleine]

I know it’s way in the future but for the kitchen I’d advise you to think ‘drawers’ instead of cupboards anywhere that you can. Absolute game changer.

[@corrineyoung5934]

I LOVE your old building, I too love the history behind those rocks, and love what your doing, and a bit jealous.

[@OnaMuir]

Kindred spirits. Save what is beautiful craft and materials and make it/ help it (French drains s) work for today. So love / enjoy all you both are doing. Thank you for sharing the oops and successes.

[@MyPamela2000]

I think its an excellent idea to preserve the heritage. You guys are doing an excellent job

[@sheilahughes1014]

here in america they always tear down and just rebuild.....we have lost SO MUCH unfortunately. love that your tying to retain as much as possible of the old. watching your channel because YOU ARE saving the old.

[@lucyyoung5307]

Hello I’m a new subscriber from Georgia USA. Why would anyone tear down such a cool old structure, it’s awesome. Looking forward to watching your progress. I really like old houses that have character that you don’t find in most new homes that are poorly built.

[@rudymazar8666]

Keep the beautiful work people , some people don't have imagination and they are not prepare to work so don't pay any attention to comments like that. You have vision, ethics, and knowledge.

[@corinnetonelli489]

Well said! Thank you 😊

[@markduncan6690]

It would never enter my mind for a moment to dismantle this building, to think otherwise is ridiculous!

[@johnthomson1579]

A suggestion. Keep kitchen going round the room and place the pole in the middle of a rustic table with a lazy Susan round the pole. Gives bigger kitchen and potentially bigger table.

[@sarahlovesdonuts9601]

Can I suggest building the wall cabinet units to the ceiling where the refrigerator will be? It helps the room feel taller and less broken up. I love that you are renovating this building. I appreciate all historical buildings and homes, grand and small. Although rustic, I do believe is going to be a very stylish home. I love imagining how people may have used a space or a tool. Thank you for sharing. You both are so talented!💗

[@lynsolms5684]

Absolutely agree about building units to ceiling. Had that done for myself in my garage flat two years ago, adds extra storage for all your bottled goods, removes hassle of cleaning on top of kitchen units.

[@eysteinvonenskaugvoll9976]

I agree, it also takes away dusting/removing fat from the top once they go all the way up. 👍🏻

[@castingshadows282]

Totally agree with what you say concerning demolishing the building to it's foundations. Considering the cost, and legalities, It's obscene to even think of that, renovating to your standards would help enhance it's character, along with the joy in making it look brand new, with the love, and determination, to a whole new exiting project to be proud of. It will look absolutely stunning when complete. 👍

[@LCamp-cr7fs]

Kitchen is looking good. I am glad to see a window where the door is because the room can be on the dark side. A corner seating unit is a super idea.

[@yodaz101]

So cut holes, put stone or brick lintels and put new windows in.

[@LCamp-cr7fs]

I only mentioned it because I had missed the existence of that door. A window on that wall will bring in natural light, as well as a new door on the opposite wall with some glass. I found their channel very early on and am proud to say that I commented on everyone one of the videos with more or less innate ideas to work the social media sphere. So thank you for helping my cause to boost this very deserving channel.

[@susanbrookes8247]

Couldnt agree more its just wonderful bringing old back to life... and respecting the work of those who came before. love your videos

[@louisecooper4803]

Exciting things ahead.

[@andrekotze5774]

The square holes in the wall are for scaffolding. The construction method is common for stone houses. You will find the height of the holes are parallel to the floor and each hole will have a corresponding hole.

[@moorelandhouse]

We must have some of the same viewers. We get those "it's not worth it" quite often. Great way you answered the question.

[@601salsa]

It was built in a time where there wasn't really electricity so they built them in ways to keep cool. Structurally it's pretty sound. If you can preserve the history then that's awesome.

[@foghornleghornish]

Looks fabulous - all you need now are a couple of church pews for your kitchen bench seat

[@josesiles5017]

From Lyon (France),i love your Canal and each week,we can see the progress and hard works dones.i appréciate your 3d présentation.

[@judywarburton3085]

I never questioned why you are doing this renovation, because I love watching these kinds of videos, and I am in awe of what I see being achieved! But, I did appreciate your explanations, and it is always helpful to me to know why! And…..it is so nice to know you are really enjoying it, instead of just getting through what has to done. It helps me enjoy the process with you, if that makes any sense. Have fun! Oh, and I also appreciated the video where you talked about how you work together. I found that helpful, too. Cheers!

[@maleidi]

I just realized how thirsty i was for hearing someone call some old beams, beautiful! You realy are awesome guys!

[@lorimontcalm9086]

People asking that question don't understand your life philosophy!!! Thanks for the explanation regarding your kitchen mock up. Hugs from 🇨🇦

[@lucindaboren2996]

First time seeing it or your channel. No way knock it down. Fix it, and remodel. It is gorgeous.

[@ennykraft]

I love old buildings with all my heart and it makes me very happy to see one restored with the utmost respect to its history. What you said about the rendering of the walls reminded me of carlroger's videos (father and son restoring an old French farmhouse). On top of absolutely stunning carpentry, they use a rendering technique that sound like what you are trying to get.

[@tlc1718]

Someone always has better way someone else should do (; Yes beautiful and tall are giving life back to it 👍💚

[@rachelfrees1268]

History and character. 2 things which so many folks are trying to destroy all because they lack it in themselves Everything is a quick fix, laziness etc. Thankfully you two are the opposite of these traits. If it takes years and hard work to achieve your dreams, in the end it’s priceless. Push on lovely people.💕💕💯💯

[@mleciwa14]

In many areas of Portugal it is not possible to build a new house if there are no old buildings/records of their existence.

[@halfabee]

A college of mine purchased a very old bungalow with wattle and mud walls underneath the walls there were no foundations, of course no damp proof course. One Monday morning he came into work with a photograph showing the property with no walls where the walls were he had dug out the foundations over the previous weekend the thatch roof was held up with builders jacks and the photograph was taken through the property he was standing with a pickaxe on the other side of the property having just finished digging the foundations out.

[@rubydavidson2893]

I like your vision. Please keep posting your journey.

[@adamadypopescu5318]

many years ago in Europe they were using those holes in the stone walls for scaffolding that were used to actually build the walls ceilings and roofs

[@Swede-m7q]

Love the plans and I can see your vision for featuring the natural stone and chestnut beams. One point for kitchen design is that drawers, deep and shallow, work so much better ergonomically than cupboards. As you age, getting down on hands and knees to find the crockpot under the counter is a pain in the a$$. 🌺

[@lynsolms5684]

I love my deep drawers, work so much better than cupboards!

[@mariapelleya7410]

Agreed, for what it's worth. New build anywhere in the world is a headache plus usually charmless. New build which is self build can be great, when allowed.

[@jimmyjohnstone5878]

I would have demolished but as you say, land is cheap so getting a structure you can renovate gives the best overall deal with least planning hassle. I could never be arsed doing a renovation, but I enjoy watching you do it....

[@ElectronTinkerer]

Nocking down the house would be a shame. Glad that you want to preserve it. One question regarding the interior style. Do you plan to have it modern or more rural style? I could imagine that a modern plain and simple style would be an interesting contest to the old building and exposed stone walls.

[@Ida-fz3ir]

You have to take a look at the walls: the technic was to build 2 stone rows against the other, and between a little distance. At the edges, door frames or at some staticly important points they put big stones ( in german we call them 'Binder'...they bond together...) on the '2 rows', to stabilize the wall. The benefit was, the wall insides was well airconditioned, dry and cold. The holes in the wall are to have a bigger circulation. This is Portugal, and the heat in summer is unimaginable, if You build with modern products...so, keep the holes open and plaster with lime.. silicat colour only.... You will have the best and strongest air in Your house! I think, this at once was the intention of the builder

[@yodaz101]

The holes were left open for a reason. Ventilation. To prevent black mold.. they shoved hay in Winter. Prevent cold. If you don't ventilate you will have black mold... Also white lime render. Lime kills mold.

[@stanleyweith6718]

As my thoughts go I would put the stove where you have the sink and the sink where the stove is then no problem with the dish washer that way you can have an exhaust fan going outside for the stove just my thought on looking at your design but it is your to make it the way you want the only people that have to be happy is you 2. Keep up the great work I really enjoy your channel

[@marcellasimerly8233]

I like your future feature glass window? Bottle art glass can be an option. Or decorative bottle Art.

[@aromaticsnail]

Thank you for preserving this example of traditional rural house. It seems we locals don't really value this type of style and just populate rural villages with bland copies of architecture.

[@suzmcns4900]

Have an idea for the holes in the walls... put a light in them to make them like wall scones to bring in some light. Lov'n your channel .

[@jamesmackay4652]

Thats why you buy a building like yours it`s how it looks,youz are doing a great job and i am enjoying every bit of your build.

[@sigiborutta4909]

Once more I can see the glitter in your eyes when you take me with you on your philosopy of life. Thank you so much and greetings from Austria.

[@SamMaffs]

300mm basket larder units are awesome, they swallow so much!

[@50shadesofgreen]

Good day to you guys, watching other channels and all the research people have done the holes in the walls was for wooden pole used as part of scaffolding to help build the building. Take care and God bless 🙏💚👍🇬🇧....Simon

[@offgridwanabe]

Makes total sense for Portugal and considering the amount of work this could be your forever home as you may not know it now but as you folks get older the desire to do another is still there but the body will not comply lol.

[@rosemaryhowes8047]

I love the stone walls too, so hope you can keep them exposed within the building laws. ❤️🇬🇧

[@denitsavm]

Hi, Kylie & Guy Thank you for sharing your experience and your life. I really enjoy watching your videos and I am learning a lot from you. I found you while I was doing a research for lime plastering a couple of monts ago and I still catching up with the older videos. In two words you are living my dream. And I am excited to find people who think like me and restoring old house with mainly traditional approach and no cement. One day I will do the same. I am writing to you now to give you a little advise in your restoring journey - don`t sand the old wood. Sanding will take the character out of it. It can be cleaned with soapy water and medium to stiff brush and oiled or waxed /or both/ would look amazing. If there is an old varnish or shellac, they could be removed without sanding to keep the character. I did one old door like yours cleaned it with presure washer to remove old varnish and then used it as a headboard and whoever had seen it said it is amazing Thank You! Wish you all the best!

[@keithaspin5160]

Great Job 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@jeroenvandeneijkhof191]

Just commenting for the algo because these are great videos! Thank you

[@ponyrang]

My best friend, Nice video... Beautiful place Enjoy watching this video... Have a nice day.

[@gailordroberts]

Rock on, you two. This is inspiring. Much love and energy from South Africa.

[@00carlabento]

In the kitchen, I would advise rethink the bbar, because would allow opening the room and dynamic. The eucalyptus column would be nice integrated to table. The bbar is probably only for one who the other is cooking?

[@miguelrecio7464]

As I've noticed on other reply about windows size and position of the ground floor, you'll manage with what you've got, but seems to me that the originals were placed not for common use and they seem to be a bit unporpotional in relation to the walls. It's a pity 'our' Portuguese strict laws and burocracy with these kind of small changes. The house is beautiful but could have more generous windows, lighting it completely and give better inside views to the surroundings. You both are an absolute inspiration. Keep it going. 👍✨

[@zlatahume3134]

I understand totally your thinking about the house, locals always have the weather knowledge and keeping cool must be of importance where you are. I would vote for fixed benches in the kitchen as they can have additional storage and if you have unplanned influx of people coming in, they can squeeze in much better on corner seating, looking forward to finished article 🤪😃

[@moanahughes3593]

Could you have your table equal height to a matching pullout from your breakfast bar for the big jobs??? Love the banquette seating, good storage 👍😁

[@filipemar21]

Here it goes my input. Have you thought about the smells and fumes extration for the stove? You should get one on top of the stove. The problem to resolve is, to where runs the pipe? The easiest one, should to the side and through the wall. The right one for me should be all the way to the ceeling and throught the roof with a nice little hat, it woulnd´t mess with the good looking of the house. Hope to have helped :)

[@irenespear1831]

Love the old building and all the hard work you are putting in to preserve it. An idea: instead of seating for the counter, make the banquet wrap around that area with a table in the centre, will give you more space for seating and extend your working/cupboard space where you want to put the fridge/freezer.

[@alri3675]

Planning a kitchen is pretty individual, but I have got a few thoughts on the scetch considering the dish washer. Don't stuff it in the corner. Opening it there will cause conflicts with the neighboring door. Rather place it next to the sink, with place for cabinets towards the corner. Spices and condiments I find useful next to the range. I'll take advantage and tell you guys how much I love this great post and the stone it rests on. Wish we had something like it in our abandoned sandstone farm in Germany. Hope to see lots more, keep on working, love Alke

[@jw6191]

I really like the character of the stone walls. Can they be painted? (Except, of course, where insulation is required.)

[@yodaz101]

Not paint.. lime render, followed by lime wash, super white, breathable, and anti microbial.. but stuff can burn you. Know how to mix properly. Use gloves, eye protection. Mask, long sleeves.. no skin contact.... Lasts centuries...

[@yodaz101]

The stones are the skeleton. Like castles. They were white. Bright white and painted. Go see Greek or Irish houses or Nordic houses as examples

[@jeffjones9792]

Good to keep the stonework: will absorb warmth and radiate back, like storage heaters, if you like. Add a rocket mass heater and warmth, hot water and basic cooking sorted in one go....but thats another story. Not wanting to be nosey, but ergonomic layout in the kitchen?

[@ladyrickysummers777]

A pantry for all the bottled goodies you going to make to store it? Good luck and enjoy all of it you doing and keep it easy. 🐔🐓🐈

[@annettemccabe3669]

Oh no...the charm of an old building will never be found in a new build...you are perfectly right in restoring the house and keeping the soul of it. It will turn out absolutely wonderful I'm sure...love your channel and the Indie Project...your two houses will probably be the two best quality hoses in Portugal when you are finished 🤩...🥰

[@igneousidol]

your plans sound good, I love you will have feature stones...I started watching all these portugal youtubers to see all the stone buildings...I wish there were more of them in the USA...I love the little holes in the walls being left open, a great place to put things you don't want to lose like a spare key in the bottom of your decorative bowl, or if it opens to the other side is it big enough to hand a cocktail and snacks through?

[@andypsunshineisle5655]

Cant fault the reasons for sticking with the existing building. Bearing in mind the experiences of using contractors on earlier projects and the requirement for reliance on registered builders for a new build Ii would add the fact that you keep the ability to control as you are your own customer and nobody else can affect your progress. I say that slightly tongue in cheek as plenty of other things can still upset the apple cart .

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

That looks like a good plan! I do like your idea of a glass brick to bring in light within the little nooks👍.

[@newdawn9653]

Beautiful building...keep up the great redo!

[@alexs3119]

I have to say - It's all about journey not a destination......of course destination in tis case is your home, but I would always rather do it my own way than give a builder chance to make money. Travelling through all those ups and downs of course is challenging but pleasure in it's own way. Keep the fingers crossed for you, and wishing you a lots of nice hours, days, weeks, months and years in your journey to the destination you've imagined in your heads. GOOD ON YOU GUYS.......GOOD ON YOU

[@dawnkerr6966]

May I suggest dont put a waterfall bench top on the cabinets with the pole have it overhang over the edge so the pole is the only thing standing in front and the cabinets sort of dissapear underneath front view on, if you know what I mean

[@doracaetano4603]

O custo da construção em Portugal disparou em 2022. E há trabalhos que infelizmente se fazem cada vez menos em Portugal (falo de construção corrente e acessível) as paredes em pedra, a estrutura de madeira, neste momento preservar e proteger é um luxo. Se conseguirem resolver as humidades ascendentes vão ter casa para uma vida. Parabéns, bom trabalho, continuarei a acompanhar o vosso caminho.

[@HelenRullesteg]

Apart from all the reasons you mention for not knocking it down another, important reason, in my view, is that the building industry is one of the most polluting industries worldwide, so instead of this craze everywhere with knocking old stuff down, one should maybe think much more about using what is already there, modernizing, updating it etc.

[@1965gracebug]

love hearing your chickens scratching around you :)

[@adbc8737]

Thanks for another excellent video! 🌀💚🌀

[@jjbetofonseca]

Makes total sense. Also doing it by yourself is way more exciting too :) Btw Guy, in this sketch you are going to block that small window that you were showing as a feature, it’s going to be behind the fridge I think.. :p Cheers!

[@dtgphoto]

Superb again. Love the kitchen design and insetting the sink into the window bay. We are having similar thoughts in ours so thanks for the ideas 👍🙏

[@jonathanleonard1152]

Do plan in a nook or hooks to keep the step ladder for fetching the top cabinet little used items.

[@shirleyrice7093]

I can always identify the future kitchen by the post.

[@brettn4337]

G'day again from downunder Kylie and Guy It boggles the mind to hear some people ask you why you didn't demolish the house and start again. What did they expect you to build, a McMansion ? Keep up the good work 👍

[@craigbalaam9008]

Double check the regs on light and ventilation. Awesome vision. Great work guys.

[@izzywellnicewellizzy3054]

Amazing work! Beautiful house😍