Stone Masons at work - Stone House Renovation

Today the stone masons arrive, rebuilding our stone house by hand, using rocks hewn from the land this house sits upon here in Central Portugal. We also transform an old chestnut beam and shape it into a new lintel. Plus we have an update on the crooked wall.
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Thanks for joining us as we renovate our future home.
Meraid and Dan

[@davidwilson1043]

Not just building a house, this is history in the making. I love seeing old skills like this, it builds in character and presence.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you😊

[@valeriemulholland4282]

Thank you for the privilege of watching the artisan stone masons at work. Just marvellous.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you too😊

[@Skattie]

We are in awe of the stone masons ❤

[@NearbyVeggies]

Us too

[@christienagema7855]

They are amazing craftsmen! The walls look fabulous. You are creating a beautiful home with lots of love.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thrilled to have such a wonderful team

[@joanhesketh9419]

Its stunning already, I cant believe how hard they have worked they are true craftsmen hope they are passing it on to the next generation. Cant wait till its finished. X

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you😊

[@shirleygraham6229]

That wall is indeed a thing of beauty. Please pass on our appreciation for the great job to the artisans and workers. Best wishes.

[@NearbyVeggies]

I will indeed 👍

[@paulross8418]

I'm jealous, what a beautiful life you're building. Watching this makes me get off my backside and start building my dream.

[@NearbyVeggies]

I hope you made some progress Thank you😊

[@jeanrichardson2044]

I agree. All kinds of things shape buildings. Time, fashion, convenience, cost, war and climate to name a few. I love that you have chosen to renovate your home in the style of the original. After a while the newness will dissipate, and settle into the landscape, and the building will be sturdy and strong for the future.

[@NearbyVeggies]

So true. Thank you😊

[@user-jm6ml6ik9l]

Haven’t finished watching yet but oh my!! What a beautiful wall it’s going to be!! What a painstaking work❤🎉

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thanks again😊

[@user-hd2mt9xh2p]

I agree it's gorgeous 👏

[@NearbyVeggies]

👍

[@raffaellavitiello1762]

This was an amazing video. What l love most is the way you admire the hard work of those lovely peoples without any criticisms. And also so much joy and gratitude. You film this beautifully and gave us so much details on all the craft.... so interresting. Had a good laugh when your husband arrive.... his sense of humeur and happiness made my day. Also l love the choice of music. It is a great thing of beauty you are doing there and l am sure they all feel your appreciation. Because of you there is a feeling of good vibes. That is when the best work happen .Thankyou for sharing this , and taking the time to do it so well.❤❤❤

[@NearbyVeggies]

That is a really heartwarming comment. Thank you😊

[@monalingan9523]

What an incredible build! I am just fascinated by every phase of this reconstruction. You do a wonderful job narrating it too.❤

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you so much!😊

[@jaydegier3892]

Hi Dan and Meriad, thank you for sharing another great episode of your amazing transformation of your Portugal property. Your home is going to be stunning, but with that welcoming feeling. The stone masons are doing an amazing job. The smile on your face says it all Meriad. Coen and Jay

[@NearbyVeggies]

So nice of you. Thank you ☺️

[@susangranger3089]

Great Video, going to be an Amazing place, when it's all done. Thank you for sharing. ❤ xx

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@nancyspence2965]

Wow your home is really coming along. The speed the builders are working is fantastic. ❤

[@NearbyVeggies]

We think so too!

[@jackiegammon6854]

MORE!! MORE!! I LOVE watching these Masters showing us the skills of their trade. Hand work, and natural materials is so limited now, it is a real joy to get to watch them. Where other vlogs might get clicked through for boring stuff, I don't miss a minute of yours, even the shoveling and wheelbarrowing of sand... even that is sometimes lost to modernity. I guess I am just an old soul. Your excitement brings such joy to my heart, I feel like I'm right there with you, and I would watch every single day if we could talk you into posting daily. Oh, it's about time for a spring garden update, isn't it?? 🙂 Best wishes.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@cynwalts771]

I just love watching your delight & absolute joy at the work being done. You are indeed blessed with your builders and Stane Masons. I could watch hours of this. Until next week.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you kindly 😊

[@charlenequinilty7252]

Love watching the stone masons. Learned so much just from watching and yes they are unique. Thanks for all the videos.

[@NearbyVeggies]

It was mesmerising watching them in real time. I share your enthusiasm

[@patriciathorp4911]

Thanks for sharing your excitement with us Mairead, your videos are so uplifting on a dreary Saturday afternoon. Beautiful stonework....we'll done lads. Previously I would have thought making the new look like the old as much as possible was the way to go. You are absolutely correct, highligh and appreciate the brilliant restoration.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thanks so much

[@eunicepabon6269]

It's starting to look magnífico.

[@Pauline-m9m]

Such skilled stone masons, what a joy to watch, finding the right stone, shaping it and placing just in the right place. It’s all looking fantastic and the wisteria is just gorgeous. Pauline, Australia

[@NearbyVeggies]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you 😊

[@clionamm]

I'm mesmerised watching the guys working their craft, stunning work, and the chestnut beam work, just beautiful. It must feel so good, after waiting all this time to be seeing such amazing results, your beautiful house is coming back to life slowly but surely. Wonderful 🙂

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you ☺️

[@iwasthere.]

Your beautiful vision is becoming real. You both make a great team in tandem with skilled artisans adding so much to the character of your home and property. The permaculture principles you employ and natural building techniques are really stellar. Keep going. Also, compliments on choosing the right stone masons and builders... your fantastic vision is being birthed by wise minds and skilled hands! BRAVO!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you so much!

[@davideyres1628]

As a retired bricklayer in the UK i think your stone work looks beautiful

[@NearbyVeggies]

How wonderful. Thank you 😊

[@bergannon6585]

What joy to watch Antonio, a true master craftsman. Is there anything he can't do? Well done Jose, you both deserve a few cool beers. It's great to see it taking shape. Thanks, Dan, for the visual 😂

[@woomobile]

Wow you've definitely got good builders that stonework looks amazing, i love the crisp corners and how plumb it all looks. You guys must be soo happy with the work so far.

[@NearbyVeggies]

We're thrilled.

[@peterholmesgavleman]

At 24 1/2 minutes I was very impressed that the tomahawk acts that the stonemason was using to trim the damaged wood off the potential lintel. It was so sharp it made the job look easy. I must go out to my shed tomorrow morning and sharpen my Tomahawk also known as a hand lax to make it, a much better tool.

[@martinehug-simon3811]

so if I Have understood correctly, they first built a concrete wall, left a space in between for aeration, and then mounted the stone wall? Inspiring and beautiful job. Love the fact that they choose the colour of the joints so carefully!!!!

[@Skattie]

I think that concrete wall is because its strategic in strength building for entire house

[@NearbyVeggies]

The wall is solid

[@iniabellepaz445]

Hi, the stone work is beautiful! Is amazing to see them work! They are artists! Love to see the progress, thank you for sharing! Stay well.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you very much!

[@Leed216]

It’s amazing how straight and flat they can make the walls. True craftsmanship

[@NearbyVeggies]

Absolutely 👍

[@deborahberkey4294]

Amazing stone work. Absolutely stunning. Beautiful. ✌🏻❤️🙏🏻🇺🇸

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@Humbledoor]

So happy for you both what an adventure! The happy look on your face as things come together brings me such peace at my age 😀

[@NearbyVeggies]

Ah, thank you ☺️

[@bowelterNL]

So cool. You can't not love watching the pros do what they do best. The result looks absolutely stunning! I love that you can see the old and the new, adds so much character!

[@NearbyVeggies]

So true!

[@ninemoonplanet]

I am looking forward to seeing how those walls go up. Stonemasonry is a very ancient skill, good to know some people continue to learn it, do it. Amazing how these buildings stand for centuries, unlike some of the junk built in North America.

[@ninemoonplanet]

Do they add lime to the clay? In other parts of Europe they do.

[@netby]

Usually 2/3 parts of Portland cement and just one part of lime...only to give some plasticity to the mix

[@ninemoonplanet]

Lime is a way they used to regulate the moisture, plus it has the ability to cut down mold, mildew, and fungi. The "cement" I understand, it was the "mortar" between the stones that has clay, lime as the larger amounts, cement much less.

[@NearbyVeggies]

You and me both!

[@bealbocht63]

Just incredible! Love watching craftsmen work their magic. ❤ (Side note, those lilies against the house look none the worse for wear though out this whole process)

[@NearbyVeggies]

They’re tough 😊

[@adoniscortereal2666]

... Over time, the walls now erected will look the same or very similar to the originals... The rains, the humidity, the sun, the microbial activity made this whole process of aging that in the end gives that charm that we like so much... Great choice of traditional shape reconstruction... The house will be splendid, a true work of art... Congratulations for all the work, effort and commitment... I'm sure your choice was the right one... Congratulations again😉✌️🍀

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you so much for your kind comment 😊

[@42apprentice]

It looks beautiful, and how nonchalant the masons are with their amazing skills. Enjoy it all. x

[@NearbyVeggies]

Beautiful to watch

[@janmccann8081]

There are some horrible things on KZbin. There are some pleasant things on KZbin. And then there are some fabulous things on KZbin. Yours is the latter! Huzzah for Saturday mornings! Greetings from beside the sea in Devon.

[@kathytucker2491]

Loving the stone work

[@rosbeaton637]

You and Dan must be thrilled with the way the house is progressing. It is a real privilege to watch such skilled craftsmen at work, and it is excellent news about the walls. It is lovely to see you both looking so happy and excited about every completed step of the build❤❤

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you so much. We’re thrilled with the progress 😊

[@kdclothes]

The crew are amazing. They work so hard and do a beautiful job. I bet you can't wait to see it finished and you are living there.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Can't wait!

[@sharontibbo2510]

So much progress!. The stone masons are doing really nice work, and it seems like it is going fast. tou must be so very happy, congratulation on finding the team.

[@bernardheynes]

I've done quite a bit of stonework in my life but nothing compares to this, an absolute privilege to watch

[@NearbyVeggies]

We feel privileged too.

[@ishasanchez3061]

I am fascinated watching the videos I don't miss any of them It is a true work of art what you are achieving with that beautiful house I congratulate you on your choice And I really appreciate all your efforts to achieve your dream.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Many thanks 🤩

[@lizwilson6633]

That wall looks amazing. How clever they are eh. Experts. Lovely to see your excitement

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@DreamofaHive]

Its fabulous watching the house being resurrected so skilfully!

[@NearbyVeggies]

We agree!

[@Coyotehello]

There you are, I needed to watch something positive this morning. I love to see the progress on the house and glad to see these cinder blocs disappearing behind the clay and the slates/stones! The craftmanship is incredible and all (mostly) done by hand. I could have watch these walls and lintels and all the intricacies for another hour! Cheers, a.

[@NearbyVeggies]

I'm so glad!

[@guyroget7529]

How lovely to see it starting to come together. Very excited for the pair of you. Please keep the videos coming.

[@NearbyVeggies]

That's the plan 👍

[@heatherlee1128]

It's looking wonderful those guys take pride in what their doing

[@geraldinegallagher2895]

Thanks for taking the time to explain the different coloured mortor mixes. Excellent presentation skills, it's fascinating to watch your enthusiasm and your house begin to take shape well done 🎉🎉❤

[@NearbyVeggies]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@patjohnson9287]

Love it everything!!!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you😊

[@juneprice3977]

Wow, things are really coming along now. The Rock work is absolutely beautiful!

[@NearbyVeggies]

It really is!

[@billdevanney130]

Such craftsmanship, wonderful to watch. Thank you 👌

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you very much!

[@ADuckie4u]

I have watched you both and your filming and your garden evolve and anticipated the house build. Waiting for permission with an anxious hurry up attitude for so long that I feel a sense of belonging to a place I've never been! I also feel like you two are my friends with like minds. It was further reinforced when you shared your sailing adventures. However we are just beginners on the sailing front but loving the process so far. Thank you for sharing your lovely journey. By the way your calla lilies in front of your house are amazing and doing well in-spite of all the industry!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@zuzanatauvinkl5195]

So beautiful, and what a joy watching your channel and your excitement. All the craftsmen are impressive, slow and steady, and incredible amount of hard work is done.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you so much 😀

[@claudiah5643]

Really enjoy watching the progress. It’s simply beautiful.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thanks so much!

[@kateblood7091]

Well done, looks great. So wonderful to see these trades and the artisans continuing

[@NearbyVeggies]

Many thanks!

[@HeloisaVidigal]

A parede de pedras ficou maravilhosa!!😍

[@NearbyVeggies]

Muita obrigada ☺️

[@catarinatorres6378]

Ficou lindo!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Obrigada

[@maudeestrella8196]

Another fabulous episode. The stone work is amazing 🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦

[@NearbyVeggies]

It really is

[@arjanvogel6444]

Thanks for your vid 😇💟💟💟 Love and bless you guys,is really beautiful the wall 😍 good work guys 💪👌👏👏👏

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@csabanetoth6386]

Hatalmas munka , de csodálatos lesz!❤

[@NearbyVeggies]

👍

[@paulettebarber7219]

I would have a very difficult time not sitting there watching the stonemasons build those walls. It’s such amazing work, so beautiful 🤩 😍

[@mesutozsen903]

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

[@isabelandrademourarodrigue3891]

Que lingua é esta?

[@LittleChena]

Such an enjoyable video. For me it’s art! Could watch for hours. 😢 Love the contrast between old and new! Not hiding the history of the house. Beautiful!!!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you ☺️

[@andie1769]

Beautiful wall! I’d be just as excited as you are! Just watch out for that wisteria on your block wall! It will take the wall down without regular pruning! Cheers! 😊

[@yvonnebailey9973]

The stone masons are doing a fantastic job. The walls look great. It will be good to see it finished. Thank you for sharing. Take care and stay safe. ATB from the UK.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@owenp65]

That was such an enjoyable watch, you just know that you are going to end up with a very very special home. So good to be able to film these men working at their craft as well. 👍🏼😉

[@NearbyVeggies]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@simonkelly2339]

Stunning work, the quality and pace is incredible. You’ve both chosen well.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you so much 😀

[@silviafernandes2583]

Fantastic!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you😊

[@nanoresmith2697]

That wall looks amazing! 😮 And the Wisteria crawling over that wall really looks great 💚

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@lizpinto7079]

The wall looks amazing, can’t wait to see more wonderful changes, have a great week🇨🇦🇵🇹

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 🤩

[@lynnehodgskin7478]

Wow! It is really taking shape! It is beautiful!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you! 😊

[@larhumba4233]

Looking wonderful! And what lovely builders! 🥰🌷👏

[@NearbyVeggies]

The entire team are amazing.😊

[@stevejohnstonbaugh9171]

Nice shot at 16:46 of you possible formal terrace. With all of the footage leading up to this point of stone, I suspect you can get a sense of what a remarkable contrast a ~1 meter tall wall finished with a white sand render would be. I think it would be a stunning way to really focus ones attention on the stone and cause the wall low white render wall to disappear for people sitting on the terrace, This terrace is an ideal location for some type of water feature. (reflecting pool with jets around the perimeter arcing upward, a plunge pool) I think the water feature should have a practical purpose beyond being beautiful and that would be evaporative cooling of the terrace area.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you

[@gmaurey]

Excellent video. You are very lucky to have experienced tradesmen in Portugal. We are also renovating a 1800 house here in South East of France and it's very difficult to find original tradesmen. In fact We finally found a 60yo Portuguese mason thanks to recommandations. The young generation have for most lost the know how and mostly work with new materials. Anyhow Enjoy!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 😊

[@roselynwilliams2]

It looks amazing. Such excitement!

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you😊

[@michellephilips8807]

Beautiful, beaetiful and beautiful!

[@suzilouden5964]

Ab fab, such a pleasure to join you in your renovation adventure. Good job the neighbours will be a long way off when Dan does his "au naturel" on the balcony. I'm guessing the concrete pillars will also be faced in schist? Onward & upwards folks...❤❤❤

[@rhonaanderson3820]

It all looks absolutely wonderful. I hope it's turning out just like you pictured it. ❤

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you. It is coming along nicely.

[@kathleendenison8925]

Just absolutely beautiful ❤❤❤❤

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you😊

[@bonniefrench9884]

So awesome ! The realization of your dream is happening !

[@NearbyVeggies]

It really is.

[@hatcherhollerhoodlum4418]

Another successful video!!! Can't wait to see the next😊

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you😊

[@darylpike8547]

That wall is looking gorgeous ❤❤❤❤

[@NearbyVeggies]

It really is. Thank you😊

[@rogerchassignol3666]

Tout simplement fabuleux !! Aucune intelligence artificielle ne sera jamais capable de faire ça !

[@ingevansand9180]

I love everything about this build and your team! It's gonna look amazing ❤

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you😊

[@johnleeman5992]

Wonderful, taking shape

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you😊

[@the.artist.donaldb]

The stone walls are starting to take shape which must be a relief to you both. Having watched other channels where the old wood lintels are being rehabilitated, I would suggest the use of a wood treatment that prevents wood worms from re-invading the undamaged heart, but still allows it to breathe. Just in case you might not be aware there was a good deal of volume loss while you were talking. A clip Bluetooth microphone with a wind baffle would solve this aspect of your vlogs. Crack on!

[@carlosmolina6432]

desde la musica de fondo ,hasta los canteros reviviendo las construcciones de antaño .saudos desde chile

[@NearbyVeggies]

Gracias.

[@davehawken1218]

I ve been following you since almost the start in Portugal and love your oulook and determination to improve yet maintain the original aesthetic rather than just rebuild as new.watching this episode puts me in mind of another couple in Italy renovating an old barn on a mountainside in italy, Heather and Brady @raising voyagers. I expect you will already know of them , if not have a look when you have a few moments spare.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you 🤩

[@user-ih7zg4tf1w]

It looks terrific, what a difference, really nice. I'm glad to see you both so happy! I think it means you made the right choices. I love your music with a smile on my face! World-famous builders (LOL), they are great, still. Have a good weekend. (Netherlands)

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thanks so much 😊

[@deborahbasel184]

Wow. Those walls are beautiful

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you😊

[@evelynkelly4790]

Wonderful progress again this week

[@NearbyVeggies]

Yay, thank you!

[@WhataTry]

Artisans wonderful to see

[@NearbyVeggies]

Totally agree.

[@paulacunha6792]

Que excelente trabalho 😊 com o acompanhamento da valsa até me faz dançar sozinha 😂😂

[@NearbyVeggies]

Muita obrigada 🤩

[@greeneearth]

They are doing great work! 😊 They must be tired in the evening....

[@NearbyVeggies]

Very hard workers.

[@deborahwillis1396]

All Hail the stone mason artisans with their skill and their ancient craft 🫡

[@NearbyVeggies]

We do Thank you😊

[@waynejones750]

Absolutely gorgeous 😊

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you! 😊

[@andypayne1571]

It all looks amazing and when you see the expanse of stonework needed to be replaced you think it's going to be weeks but they just cracked on and it's done.

[@NearbyVeggies]

It’s amazing to see the workmanship. 😊

[@ArthurDentZaphodBeeb]

Beautiful work. Interesting to watch.

[@NearbyVeggies]

Thank you😊