#52 Restoring & painting timber windows

[@storiesfromthecascina]

Thank you EazyFix for sponsoring this project. We've found their wood repair products far superior to anything we've ever used before in terms of ease of use, drying times, and quality. If you're curious to learn more about fixing wood rot on your own windows and doors, check out www.eazy-fix.nl/ or www.eazy-fix.co.uk/ (EazyFix is not yet available outside of Europe but they are coming to the US soon).

[@eazyfixnl]

Thank you for working with us! We’re glad to hear that our products have met your needs and are being used in your beautiful project in Italy.

[@remg1]

Hi guys! Your machine at 5:00 is a grape stem separator (look up for "Erafloir" in French). It could come from the winery building along with all the other winemaking equipment. It is used to separate the grapes from the stems, after the harvest and before pressing them. And congrats on your videos !

[@censon]

You have no idea what joy it brings to my heart to see the old wooden windows being cared for, and returned to serve their purpose. May they outlive us all!

[@manonlefebvre7539]

I echo that sentiment. I was just thinking that in this day and age where people throw away so much that is still useful, you are an example to us all that we should restore all that we can. Those windows will be beautiful and will keep the original look of the farmhouse but with a double glazing window for efficiency. Bravo and all my respect for the many hours of work. ❤

[@kathibrooks1401]

I truly love your channel. It's soothing to watch yet you all get so much work done. And your skills are awesome. Have 2 questions??? 1. What kind of wildlife do you have? And 2 will you ever get a cat? Your husband and yourself loved the stray. And so did i

[@terricollins8450]

I'm so glad this farm was bought by two people who see its value and want to lovingly restore it.❤❤

[@neutonrenda2303]

It's great to see your workshop in full swing, it's really needed considering all of the windows alone. I love that you are just replacing the rotten bits, but keeping it as intact as possible.👍

[@baldjohn]

One word: Respect.

[@CharlotteJanjetich-v8m]

I just love your stories, told with love and dedication about you homestead. Doing everything at your own pace. My weekly fix. I so wish I had been brave enough when I was younger to take on an adventure like this. I love how you reuse everything, nothing is wasted. Keep up the great work xxx CJ

[@hildahudson2344]

The way you work so methodically with such thorough preparation is so satisfying to watch. Some excellent editing work too. Thanks for sharing 👏

[@margyskinner2657]

Another excellent story of your journey, thank you. Having restored a 100 year old Victorian home back to its original glory I can appreciate the fact most of the hard, time consuming and most important work will not be seen when it’s all finished. Now I can just relax with my tea and watch you bring your beautiful farmhouse back to life.

[@anne4083]

Fantastic job guys on bringing the old windows back to life!! Certainly a labour of love.

[@elaineayres1989]

I have fallen in love with the country side around you. The windows are a work of art, who’d know that watching windows frames being restored could hold you fascinated . Especially enjoyed the music in today’s video combined with the outside of the property

[@ElfieSilberberger]

I could not stop watching your Videos, last 3 days and some nights I really enjoyed your excellent teamwork, cooking, and cat and nature around this property is fantastic, I wish you a happy life there, it feels really like HOME

[@64cuspofchange]

I love the way you guys are so organized ! That is a gift and talent that not many have and when you are clean and organized it makes the job much more rewarding 👍

[@cindyfreeman5660]

I admire your patience and perseverance. Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@rosemaryjasper1121]

A veritable window frame production line! Goodness but you have so many windows to renovate and make good! It must be so satisfying when you get to the end job of painting! When you started it was a pains taking progress, now no job is too big! I can imagine the wonderful smell of the linseed paint! Oh the memories of having the painter come to paint the outside of the house when we were young, the smell was wonderful! Another great video! ❤

[@Reet64]

What a great team of people you have. Great job taking care of those windows.

[@cbrashsorensen]

The picnic video reminds me of a Monet painting.

[@cherylclark5975]

So good to have an extra pair of talented hands in your Workshop along with Bertus…things are moving along now…I’m always amazed to see that you have yet another little room in the house….so many….Thankyou for sharing. ..love your videos🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@anitaferrari5527]

In spite of the sounds of the drill, reminding me of going to the dentist, we are savoring the last few installments of your posts and look forward many more. More than once, we’ve thought that the chapel would be such a quaint place for couples to be married. Likely that might already be a thought in future plans or has been suggested by other followers. Especially for couples wanting something discreet and intimate without a lot of fanfare. What better setting like yours? The structure of your buildings is truly amazing to us and the history has my imagination is running wild, especially thinking about times of the war when so much of Italy was ravaged. Particularly when the shoes were found, and also the bedding in the attic. We would love to know more! And of course, that wine was made there as those beautiful blown glass demijohn bottles, the rotted canvas for the delivery cart and now the grape sorter seem to prove. I did a bit of research on the name noted on the canvas with some interesting results. We wish you so much peace and contentment with your home. You are truly deserving. I am so thankful you are sharing your progress. We’ve shared your link to several people also finding your stories refreshing. We’re waving to you from the coast of Connecticut in the U.S.

[@lauraquigley6403]

Beautiful renovations & videography! Thank you.. for bringing us along🙏🙏🙏Blessing’s

[@neutonrenda2303]

The frames are looking amazing, hard to believe it's the same thing you started with.❤

[@petrekovairena1891]

Nádherné místo k životu, váš přístup k tomu místu je opravdu úžasný ,je s toho všeho cítit spokojenost se životem. Vážím si že se o tu krásou s námi podělíte prostřednictvím videa . Moc vám fandím a těším se na další krásné video.

[@neutonrenda2303]

Hopefully Marijn will be returning lol, he has a really good energy and it looks like a great way of working with you. 😂👍

[@Neroli-Daydreaming-of-France]

Quite a window repair factory, you’re all so talented and hard working, you should be proud. Lovely late summer weather.

[@lailgrant5904]

The sunflower-framed section was wonderful. Thank you for your channel.

[@simonglover3387]

I “rebuilt” some of the windows on my 200 year old cottage using a similar technique!

[@aveldman5403]

Prachtige aflevering weer, de natuur zo mooi in beeld gebracht, fijne muziek, vrede en het werk met zo veel liefde in alle rust uitgevoerd. Dank voor het meereizen!

[@winterkoeniginwinternacht2882]

The wooden window frames look amazing after all the prep work, the wood is still in such a good state and your patient look to detail in repairs is absolutely paying off! Looking very much forward to seeing the further progress. On another note: you did talk about building some new terraces on the steep slope across the road for berry bushes. Maybe you might want to reconsider this idea? It's such a backbreaking work and adding more drystone walls to the 4 km you already have, doesn't sound like the best plan to me. The terrace on the west side you cleared in spring seams to have a nice sun exposure and the drywall will store the warmth(the brambles definitely liked it a lot 😂), it's not too far from the house either. Perhaps this would be a good location for these berry bushes. I'm loving your videos so much I did a rerun from the beginning while waiting for new episodes 😅. I 'd love to hear more about your connection to nature and the land you live on and see more of Isis' creative projects. Love your channel! Thank you for taking us along!

[@lindabrooks8242]

Wow! What an impressive job the three of you are doing on this window restoration! And, so blessed to have Marijn to help! It's so nice to see things being brought back to life. Great to see your Mother helping, too, Isis. I'm sure she's good company also.♥️

[@Sarah1212mm]

You guys are totally amazing!

[@mgh4400]

Ipv nieuwe ramen te steken, fantastisch dat jullie de bestaande renoveren.

[@minervabird1967]

Your sunflowers bloomed! That’s great! For your bamboo, depending on the thickness, in the Far East they use them for ladders and scaffolding. Definitely great though for bean and pea poles for the garden…use them all the time. 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

[@petitrevefrance]

What a mega job, restoring all the windows. But it's going to be beautiful when it's finished.

[@Sarah1212mm]

My husband and I watched your last 6 videos together. We are both fascinated and amazed. Amazed at the amount of work you take on and fascinated as we are doing the same thing. We are just coming to the end of our farmhouse renovation in Abruzzo and we hired a lot of people to do most of the work. Some of it my husband did but its a big farmhouse and we certainly did not do our own windows!!! It has taken us several years to complete but we are almost done - inside. Outside will never end! LOL As we watch you cut the lawn and prune the trees, cut the firewood, we were laughing as thats what we do constantly. Mind you we have only 10 hectares but its NON-STOP!! We have an olive grove [about 250 trees] and we are heading back there at the end of this month as it will soon be time to pick the olives which produce the best organic EVOO ;-) Buon lavoro voi due! :)

[@celesteaida48]

Bravissimi. Visionari, intelligenti e rispettosi. State diventando i miei favoriti! ❤ Grazie mille You both are doing such a wonderful work! Thank you for restoring this beautiful place. Wishing you the best! You are creative, respectful and obviously very caring and intelligent! Great baker as well! Kudos to you both!

[@leighlaaltilio6672]

The windows are gorgeous! Well done!!

[@JessicaLouiseOfficial]

Bamboo is SUCH a phenomenal product & versatile. It is also an invasive species and nearly impossible to get rid of. But very very great material with endless uses.

[@MDee-g5d]

There are horror stories about bamboo. Hopefully, your neighbour will be able to get rid of the roots.

[@carlaheskel8476]

how fabulous to see that you're renovating the old wood windows... I live on a Greek island and bought 2 original stone houses here - one was 400 years old the other 200 - the windows were in great shape, surprisingly, but the frames of the windows had dry rot at the bottom - for love or money, no carpenter on the island or mainland Athens was prepared to replace the frames and re-install the windows - they were fantastic but ripped out and tossed... very sad

[@sharong8511]

When my mother had her single pane windows replaced with double pane I asked the man what he did with the old wooden framed glass. He looked surprised by my question and said they are trashed in the landfill. The reason I asked was because the dining room windows were flawed and the glass looked wavy and distorted your view of the outdoors. It was one of my favourite things to do as a child, look out that window. So. Progress? I suppose it is. I’m not sure.

[@LoraEwinaga]

​@@sharong8511the wavy glass were probably really old mouth blown glass panes! so precious and so sad that they get tossed away 😿

[@RoscoeJames]

Let me just say, wow. Your friend fixing the window frame with Easy Fix, wow. Because, as a hobby carpenter, my first thought would be to recreate that part. Which would represent maybe 20% of the total frame. And would require careful measuring and profiling. But using Easy Fix knocks it down to a rather straight forward repair of, maybe 7%. Fast. And preserves much more of the original frame. Really. Wow.

[@florentinean7766]

The "machine" at 5:00 looks like a sorter/cleaner -- maybe for olives after harvest or some type of nut? My grandparents had similar machines for walnuts and almonds to remove hulls, twigs, leaves, etc.

[@WravTil]

Yes, that's what I thought. A fan blows air through the cylinder so the lightewr leaves and twigs get blown out and the olives drop down.

[@lukasstancik225]

Yes, I'd say it's some sort of a Trieur drum separator. I used to use a similar looking machine 30 years ago during my summer job to clean up poppy seeds (we use poppy seeds to sprinkle over or as a filling of baked goods). It was a rather slow process but it worked REALLY well.

[@richardhaughton4303]

They are excellent for fencing😊

[@nickjones3600]

When i watch your content, i feel as relaxed and welcome as a neighbour who's popped round for a cup of tea! Keep up the good work, best wishes to you both.😊

[@ceciliaferrari5832]

🎊 🎉Huauuuuu di mercoledì 😂👍🏻magnifico video grandi progressi 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻se continuate a questi ritmi avete terminato le finestre prima del inverno ❄️ Bellissimo avere famiglia e amici che aiutano grande fortuna 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 💝 Adoro guardarvi 🧚‍♂️🎩 Buon lavoro 👍🏻🍀🍀🍀 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🌸

[@lindamitman4538]

EasyFix looks to be a superior product. Glad that you were able to get the hang of using it thanks to instruction from your dear friend and helper. I’m sure that skill will come in handy in the future. The windows are looking great. Hello to you Mom Isis - I’m happy she is able to come and help you.

[@wandakoehorst8734]

Je kunt een prachtig natuurlijk zonnescherm van bamboe maken als je ze met touw aan elkaar vastknoopt. Ook perfect voor tomaten planten en stoksoerziebonen.

[@helma2014]

Ja perfect voor in de moestuin om bonen, komkommers, tomaten etc. tegen aan te laten groeien

[@damdekmyhomeដំដែកផ្ទះខ្ញុំ]

Thank you for sharing your journey

[@isvanalles7747]

Wauw so much respect for your dedication and love for what still is good. I am sitting here in a house in the south of the Netherlands from around 1890 with single glass windows and the frames could use some love and attention, and double glazing. Very inspiring this weeks vlog for to see what is possible 💮

[@thomasflaherty476]

Hi it is so lovely to see all the hard work that you all are doing just to say thanks for all the video

[@KMD2832]

Thanks for another great video :) I’m so pleased EazyFix are working with you…..I suspect you will be needing their products for many different renovations on the farm. What did you make with your blackberries? My absolute favourite is blackberry and apple pie 😊 …. Then the debate….. on its own, with cream, with custard or with ice cream……when I was a child we had to have all options available as we all liked different toppings😂

[@doreenwilliams9622]

In Jamaica they are used as props for washing lines and to get the fruit from high up in the trees.

[@doreenwilliams9622]

Bamboo served me well in Mozambique as a structure for mosquito nets.

[@stknmggs1788]

The right people to take on this property. It is so beautiful.

[@EricOnYouTube]

Again, beautiful work. You guys are killing this. Love it. :)

[@sharlettedavidson81]

Just like the way the paint takes to the wood in one coat, it’s very impressive ❤

[@k.j.2481]

Great job. Sometimes in life it comes down to the question "Do I have more time or money for projects?" I hope you succeed in both.

[@janabarnes9910]

Thank you very much for your beautiful and very inspirational videos. It brings me such a joy to see people care so much for things. We are thinking about moving to Italy and your experience is so important to us!!!❤

[@WhomJesusloves_Audrey]

Watching from Philippines! God bless :)

[@josjewosje]

Those windows will be so beautiful and serve you for a long time. ❤

[@billiekallberg123]

Finally got all caught up with all you episodes. Can't wait for number 53. Truly enjoy everything you are doing, from working hard and relaxing in between. Sunset and sunrise are a great way to start and end your day especially with the two of you together with your arms around each other or just sitting the enjoying the view. I am looking forward to the next episodes and seeing how the windows turn out. Billie from USA California

[@mariapottery]

You are doing an amazing job with the windows! It is fascinating to see the precision work you do.

[@robertsteele8688]

LUV U GUYS!😀🙏❤ and especially LUV YOUR SOUL FULL SPIRITS💯💪🙏🙌

[@hirsutusi5536]

Some friendly words of advice on on the drip deflectors (the sloping piece on the outside, bottom of the windows). The top edge should slope down/away from the window (the example at 34:13 looks like it was mounted incorrectly, it slopes towards the window and will trap water). The bottom face of the drip deflectors would benefit from a 3mm half round groove around 3mm from the outside edge - appropriately called a drip groove - prevents drips from moving inwards towards the window frame. I built windows and repaired frames on my house in England many years ago. Tony.

[@storiesfromthecascina]

Hi Tony! Thanks for sharing the english terminoligy for these window parts. We have copied the drip deflectors exactly from the original ones (we had to take them off to fit the windows under the router setup, not because they were rotten). There were no signs of rot concentration or moisture ingress on the old windows around the drip deflectors, so it seems that they have been holding up just fine for the past 60 years without a groove. Marijn (who is a professional window painter and restorer) confirmed that drip grooves in practice don't make a difference for the longevity of a window frame. As for the slope, they are cut at a 90 degree angle, sanded to slightly slope away from the window - again, just like the originals were.

[@Nancy-j8o1t]

You guys are amazing! So much admiration for you! ❤

[@Aruneh]

Had to do a double take when I saw "Nyborg, Denmark" on Bertus' shirt at around 8:00. I guess it's a jousting tournament? Had no idea such a thing took place in my country, but it sounds cool :D

[@storiesfromthecascina]

Yes, it is a jousting & club melee tournament. It is part of the annual Danehof event in Nyborg. The extra cool thing is, that the tiltyard where the jousts and melee's take place is the main square of Nyborg, which was constructed in the 16th century by the Danish king as a tiltyard.

[@LaurieHiller]

Such an inspiring labor of love. Looking like you three are finding your "rhythm" and are n'sync and growing forward! Edifying, and wonderful for watch and grow with you. I really trust your direction. You do take such care in research and approach. Humbling. Grateful.

[@giovannagallottini]

For moving quantities of branches, leaves etc with minimum effort: lay a sturdy tarp over a towing strap, pile the stuff on the tarp, close the tarp, tighten the strap, attach the strap to your lawn tractor, and drag to destination. Voila!

[@daynight4902]

BEST TO YOU

[@annebarr9314]

Dutch Old Masters meet modern Dutch craftspeople. Every frame of your videos is a masterpieces. Your windowframes too.

[@Sarah1212mm]

The piece of equipment you hauled out of the painting room is a seed cleaner. A smaller similar version to a wheat thrasher. My husband recognized it immediately as it cleans the seeds from the wheat. In the 60's, there was a guy in my husband's village [in Abruzzo] that would arrive at the farm pulling this equipment on his donkey. He'd go from farm to farm offering his services. Eventually the farmers would buy their own 'seed cleaner equipment' :)

[@Grisby-g1q]

Astonishing your range of practical skills, i am really impressed. Very heartwarming to see what you are achieving.

[@SandraMarieTrebbne]

So beautiful to watch! So relaxing!

[@wolfgangfuchs1243]

Sehr interessant, Hut ab!

[@mgh4400]

Zeker de bamboestokken volledig laten drogen, anders zouden ze kunnen wortelen in jullie grond en ook een probleem worden. Mogelijkheden zat om daarmee van alles te maken, nieuwsgierig om dit te zien in jullie toekomstige video's.

[@roxanner8]

Thank you for your videos I enjoy the restoration.

[@sharlettedavidson81]

That spider is pretty impressive as well😮

[@storiesfromthecascina]

It's called a wasp spider because of it's colours. The females a pretty huge but they are totally harmless. Lots of them around in the meadows this time of year.

[@billyporter2195]

Lovely video, the white room where you painted made me think of a scriptorium, the silence and concentration especially. I would loved to have been helping Best wishes 👍

[@AliciaGarcia-hj9ms]

love how dedicated you guys are, there seems to be a lot to do around your lovely property to keep you busy. Also i like to say that the young fellow you got helping you is amazing, seems to know what he's doing, good for you all

[@averylwhite]

These are so comforting and beautiful to watch. I've been DIY renovating my home in New Orleans, Louisiana (USA) and so inspired by your content. Beautifully filmed and produced!

[@terrieshleman5825]

The bamboo canes you have would make a wonderful patio umbrella. Perfect material for the umbrella base. How pretty and useful umbrellas are. Lol

[@jpATL404]

I was watching a Poirot (Murder in Mesopotamia) and there appeared to be the same machine, as you moved out of your new painting room(4:00 minute mark in your video) in one scene around 17:00 mark in the Poirot. Just thought it was interesting to see two old machines of the same type in one week. Keep up the good work!

[@lieuwina]

Those window frames are absolutely beautiful and it was lovely to see the workshop in full swing. Bertus and Marijn (do not know how to spell his name, apologies in advance if I have butchered it) are doing a fantastic job of those window frames and that you are changing them to have double glaze amazing. Once again a lovely video and the scenery is beautiful. Have a lovely week.

[@UmaAuroville]

GRACIAS....🥰🥰🥰🥰💚💚💚💚🙏🙏🙏🙏🌸🌸🌸🌸

[@davidbiddle3257]

It’s so nice to see women who help equally on the farm!

[@lizstokes9091]

Great score with the bamboo! You listed off everything I would use it for, but the possibilities are endless! Can't wait to see what you make with them. That clean white room you were working in is such a stark contrast to what you started out with. It's looking awesome so far!!

[@SandraMarieTrebbne]

Love the pergola idea for the bamboo! We stayed at a beautiful country place in France that had a simple, heavy wire structure and then the Bamboo was tied together and laid on top. It was in the pool area and provided much need shade! It was perfect!

[@robertasnijders8927]

Can't wait to see the finished products. Amazing work done on those frames. The bamboos will be useful as garden trellis and more.

[@janetskitchengarden2038]

As always we look forward to each installment on your restoration and always learn something new. This week was no different. You both are an inspiration! Thank you. The old "machine" you guys pulled out looked like a hand made thrasher/separator for grain or beans. I have seen similar ones here in Texas. Also what a lovely bunch of bamboo! I am always pulling bamboo from neighbors bulk trash piles, it really comes in handy. I would think with the length of your poles that you could make a great waddle trellis for your gardens. The bottom end is sturdy enough to make the 3 or 4 pole frames and the upper portion willowy enough to weave. My husband and I have have made multpile designs in tresses always depending on the diameter and length of the poles I can, "harvest". what a great find and being a huge help to your neighbor! Marijn was a wonder with the use of the epoxy to fix your window frames.

[@seaview9948]

Lucky you’ve got all these rooms to spread out in !

[@lorrainecostanzo9092]

The bamboo canes would have been grown for stakes for the vegetable garden as I was married to an Italian (he died), you can also inter weave them and make screens or light over head frames for cucumbers shade etc

[@AbigailGerlach-zt1sh]

While I think the wood windows are aesthetically pleasing, there is no denying that the care required in their upkeep is extensive. Frigid cold in winter, and blazing heat in the summer with a wide variation in humidity means scraping and repainting every other year. I no longer have the dedication for the upkeep I would have had thirty years ago. In addition, I have no workshop nor space to create one. So, taking out windows to scrape, strip, sand and repaint is a rather labor intensive process with no real room to do the work. I will have to watch your work and appreciate your efforts to maintain the windows on your home as you go.

[@storiesfromthecascina]

We totally understand that different people make different choices and that our approach is not an option for everyone :-) That said, linseed oil paint requires less upkeep than modern paint. We've talked about that a little bit before. While we'll have to see exactly how often we'll need to paint our windows, generally linseed oil painted exterior wood only needs a fresh coat every 7-8 or so years, and there's no need to take them out and scrape them all the way down ever again. We just wanted to remove the modern paint in order to profit from the advantage linseed oil offers (better moisture regulating).

[@flyingeaglewoman8682]

Bamboo can be used for many things, a very durable plant. It can be sliced in half, the inside slat’s can be knocked out too. So this plant can be sliced down to thin pieces and possibly used for weaving baskets or otherwise. I’ve seen it used in rural Asia as fencing in gardens and as a feature in landscaping. Let your imagination loose. Do you have easy access for more in the future? It’s a very sustainable plant, grows readily as your neighbor knows I’m sure 😊. It can be invasive. Have fun with the bamboo and thank you for sharing your latest projects. Much love from America!

[@mjmuralart3674]

My favorite youtubers

[@susanhayirli8474]

Hard work ...but so worth it I .Double glazing will be a game -changer

[@KuzminaAlisa]

Я всё думаю, а как же всё это мастерили раньше без таких инструментов, как сегодня?☺

[@mitjapodreka9250]

Love to see the potato masher being used as a mallet. My grandmother had exact same one and now I know how to (re)use it.

[@storiesfromthecascina]

We got it with a set of old woodworking tools from a woodworker who passed away. We looked at it and thought "ah, that looks like a potato masher" but it's indeed handy for woodworking too :-)

[@colbertbd]

Fantastic work. One small bit of advice for your painting. You get much better, deeper, consistent, coverage when you roll the primer/paint on first and do a final pass with the brush. The work goes a little faster as well.

[@asgeirandersen]

see you next week! I think you'll be finished the restarted widows. happy week!

[@Anne-yw6ed]

Satie works so well with your videos.

[@BudaPeter]

Windows are nicely done, though I would try for a more natural wood finish, but that's a matter of personal preference. I envy your situation, it is beautiful countryside and your restoration work is inspiring. Budapeter

[@johnwhaley1]

So impressive to have an extra set of hands

[@melissaeden1219]

Wow. You all do such beautiful work! And it must be nice to have that help, too. Any sign of Velluto?