The UGLY TRUTH about our ABANDONED FARM & 200 YEAR OLD COTTAGE we bought at AUCTION!

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Just so I know what future videos you'd like to see in 2024, what restoration projects at our new place excites you the most? 🤔

[@VonL1963]

All of it! About the veg, most need to be in a sunny sheltered spot and you'll need to rotate them. Keep that hay for vegetable garden. You can use it in a variety of ways, and it's great for growing pumpkins on. Good luck, I'm sure you'll do an amazing job.

[@felixreali7101]

All of them. And I don't wanna wait either. So get cracking 😂😂

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Chris0vett]

We did something similar over five years with a barn restoration and a couple of acres (all sloped! 😢) my main piece of advice is get the kitchen, one room and a parcel of land, no more than 10x10m done and partitioned off, put your vegs and some evergreen planting there so you have somewhere to retreat to as you do the rest of the journey. It helps recharge as you will need it! Also get familiar with the local auctions for farm equipment, the sooner you can get a tractor and trailer to help grade and tow rubbish the better off your back will be! Good luck and enjoy the adventure!

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

​@@Chris0vettthanks so much for your insight :) Definitely going to just focus on one room at a time on this house 😊

[@HouseFairyDIY]

The previous owners put so much effort into the property and must have really enjoyed it. I feel for them though, getting elderly and being unable to keep maintaining it, and having to watch it being taken over by nature again, all their hard work going to waste. I think the moral of the story is to enjoy the journey and not just the destination and, like you say, to be prepared for when you too will have to quickly or gradually let go of the haven you have created.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Yes, that's exactly it. Will we stay here forever? I'd love to think so, but one day, I'll have to accept it may be too much. And agree, enjoy the journey and hopefully being active here will keep us fit and healthy for longer!

[@HouseFairyDIY]

@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK At least it's a bungalow so that will help. Yes, you will certainly get fit. In time, you could perhaps rent out parcels of land in exchange for cash or produce.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

That's exactly why we bought a bungalow... for future proofing 😅

[@HouseFairyDIY]

@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK It's a weird feeling isn't it to be preparing for invalidity! 🤣

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Lol... my knees aren't perfect, so didn't want to chance it with a house 😬 Also, we watched Grand Designs the other week... someone built their forever home with 3 flights of stairs to get into the house.. it didn't look like a good idea for the long term 😅

[@totherarf]

I can feel your excitement over this! You stand a real chance of getting overwhelmed and not doing much of anything ..... unless you prioritise and get a plan together. I would advise you to make a flow chart of what things you want to have done in say 5 years time and what they require doing in what order to achieve this. It is hard to give good advice without knowing much more about your priorities and your finances. I know, non of my business ..... but it is relevant here. If you had limitless cash you would just buy the best of everything and get a contractor in to do the boring and hard stuff. Equally if you were absolutely strapped for cash it would be what you could do purely by yourselves whilst at the same time generating money for materials. I don't know where you stand on this! The general thing with buying stuff is buy cheap and you buy often, but equally don't go for the best to get the best value. I would say if you are clearing the area to get a professional quality weed eater (petrol obviously) and get a blade for it. You will need the blade to cut through the bramble type undergrowth but care is needed when using them as they can do you some serious damage if you don't pat attention ...... it won't be as simple as a wet drone! Generally speaking you want to clear a lot of land so you would do well to get a small tractor with attachments to enable this (if you can afford it and you don't have any friends/ neighbours willing to lend one out for a favour). Given the condition of your land it might be worth getting a half decent metal detector (one you can get an idea of depth and what metals you are picking up) might be a good idea. It can save a lot of time and tempers not getting your kit wrapped round some junk you did not see in the grass! Normally it is a good idea to spend a year if you can just looking at your land to see how it works. I noticed several soggy spots, so drainage may be an issue. Also get a map showing heights of your land if you can. If not a decent theodolite with laser and a good level marker could let you handball the gradients of your land so you don't end up trying to push the wet stuff uphill! If you intend going for a "No dig" type of agriculture (even just a veg patch) check out Charles Dowding here on YT ...... He really does know his stuff! I would recommend getting moved into the house before looking at the rest of the things that can easily suck up your time and energy though. Once you are in you can go at your own pace. Obvious really ;o) Oh, final bit of advice ......... Enjoy the experience!

[@webcore2]

absolutely

[@tomroguk]

Tractor the way to go for all that land. Will be needed for other jobs moving things around and lifting deliveries

[@carolineslater1731]

Oooh a walled victorian fruit garden! That would be lovely.. 😍😋

[@kinetic747]

There's enormous potential with the property, but also a lot of stress if you try to do too much, or multiple things simultaneously. A gantt chart might be a good way to keep track of things, once you decide everything you want to do and in order of priority. I've a feeling this will keep us interested for years to come, good luck. 😊

[@webcore2]

gantt chart ........yes absolutely, and keep reviewing it. keep the project manageable ie 'bit size chunks' to economise on time/cost

[@Pete.Ty1]

👍👍👍 Hi Vikkie. I have seven acres and after years of struggling to keep the grounds and land under control with a ride on mower. We finally bit the bullet and bought a compact tractor. It has a front loader bucket and forks to lift pallets. Yes it is a big initial expense but it really is worth it. A Kubota can be fitted with a mid mounted cutter deck. Good luck.

[@heatherwalton9501]

Goodness, you certainly have your work cut out there. If there is a hidden boat, who knows what else you might uncover. How nice to have those old photos though. It was obviously much loved previously and l am sure you will bring it back to life again. Enjoy the ride!

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much! Hope you enjoy the ride too 😅 I can't believe we were able to see the old photos.... they were like gold dust! Normally with an auction property, you never get to see anything like that. It has really got me thinking about this history of the original cottage... so much so, I've been researching their family tree 😆😆😆

[@philipwilliams8114]

Lovely closing comments. You are nice people. I look forward to your endeavours. Best of luck 😊

[@Petertronic]

Great to see the full scope of your purchase. I'm pleased you've had some nice surprises to make up for the other issues. Can't wait to see more of what you can do here!

[@chipster999]

What a fantastic property. I can't wait to see you bring it back to it's former glory. I actually felt a bit emotional thinking about the old couple who owned it and obviously loved it but it must have just become such hard work for them to maintain.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

It was great to find out the history of this place and see how beautiful it was. I wish I could see what it all looked like back in the 1800s too 🤩

[@j2footballers126]

Hi Mr and my family cleaned out that barn full of straw because we looked after the pony's because the owner could cause of old age And it was about 25 inches tall. I t feels like the fields went on and on and I thought when I saw the pond with some work it would look as good as it use to.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Hi neighbour 👋 I wish we had seen those ponies in real life, we saw some old photos and they looked so cute 😍 You didn't happen to lose a 2022 world cup football did you? I think we may need to get you a new one, our dog thinks it's his and it's a bit chewed up now 😅

[@j2footballers126]

@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK Hi don't worry about the football we have got many others let the dog enjoy it

[@sharonhiggs3248]

It’s lovely to see you bought a happy home . They obviously loved the place and you will feel that in the house and land 😊 Can’t wait to see the progress . Thank you for sharing

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thank you so much and hope you enjoy our restoration journey ❤❤

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

And they certainly did!!!

[@David_Banner]

I would love that garden and land. It's also great you have some photos of it in its prime.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thank you. It's very useful, isn't it 😀

[@riggs]

Wow you have a lifetime of content now, good luck with the renovations ... I'm looking forward to following your progress. It was nice seeing photos of how it looked in the 80's.

[@across8339]

I am really excited to see the land clear and to uncover all the features that you have. A garden for food should be near the house as it will take more effort and things happen more quickly. A flower meadow or decorative garden would be lovely further out. Maybe a red brick wall to the north of a garden area, to give some reflected heat and a place to grow fruit trees against.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

I like that idea! I forgot to mention there are also fruit trees near the boat, like plums and apple trees near the lake

[@imipak23]

4 acres = a job for life -- in the good way, hopefully! Edit -- very quick and simple way to get the appearance of lots of gardening - cut back an remove compost) all the overgrowth, pick the least fertile soil area available, chuck a few £10 boxes of pollinator-friendly native wildflower seed mix down. No "planting" required, - no digging, even - its this lazy gardener's secret. Then get a greenhouse going, pick 8-12 attractive "cottage garden"-y species -- I like foxgloves, delphiniums, lupins -- stuff that self-seeds ideally -- grow to seedling size in trays, transplant to pots with a dab of hormone rooting powder other roots, plant them out after the frosts (mid May is pretty safe), get yourself some deckchairs and some gin & tonic and prepare for a great summer :)

[@ElJay2346]

Wow it looks blooming brilliant, you’re going to have so much fun , not to mention all the veg you can grow there 😊

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks ☺️ And hopefully save so much money not going to the supermarket as much 😅

[@boyscott7193]

What a great find. Nice to have the photos from the past. Looking forward to seeing all your projects.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Glad you liked the older photos. They were magical for us to discover 😍

[@bluehazeboy]

Fantastic purchase,a. Once in a lifetime opportunity,a lot of hard work ahead,

[@lynjermey6423]

Wow the property is huge with so much potential. Very exciting.

[@worstuserever]

What a place, and what a project! Animal antics alone were worth the tour; your adorable dog, that cheeky fly, and yes robins are utterly fearless. I'm interested in how you tackle all of it, especially curious how you'll solve the exterior drainage. At least if there's a flood you know where to find a boat. 😄

[@christopherwright1795]

What a fabulous project , look forward to see how it develops

[@theglowberries3608]

What an incredible property. Good luck with everything, I’m sure the previous owners would be very happy that the property is now in your hands and that it will be lovingly brought back to life. 😊

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much! This place really felt like a DIYers dream 😍😂 There's so much to do here.. I think we're going to have so much fun 😁

[@jean-marcgruninger9019]

thats a few years work, but what a nice project. Loads of room for a really nice big workshop and tons of space for an orchard, vegetable patch and at least 6 cars you will never repair :-)

[@ohthechitchat]

There are so many side hustles you could create from this property that would not infringe on your day to day living. A couple of summer rentals, growing food to sell on etc. This video made me feel very optimistic for all you and your husband could achieve and be very content on this land.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

☺️ it really does have so much potential, doesn't it? 😍 I love how peaceful it is!

[@craigchristensen6082]

Awesome opportunities along with a huge amount of work. Looking forward to seeing progress on the property especially the clearing and revitalisation of the garden.

[@privateuser7230]

Hi Viki What a project! I run a garden machinery business near York and would be happy to advise you regarding Lawnmowers machinery etc especially as you are likely to need different machines for different types of work on such a big plot. Good luck with this dream property.

[@nickcann5885]

Tractor is the way forward, with a loader and forks males it versatile and the attachments you can hang off the back will save so much labour.

[@kimstockwell721]

Oh my, you have a big project there. I thought mine was big but wow this is on another level. It took me one and a half years to sort my huge overgrown garden out. Had to get a digger in to shift stumps and really strange lawn which was like walking on a sponge cake! I think it's best to tackle one small area at a time and see a reward for hard work and one room at a time in the house worked for me. The huge pond/lake is amazing and wildlife must love it, just needs a good tidy up. The boat find is awesome too. Cannot wait to see how you get on, good luck.

[@SteveMonk1956]

Wow! that's all I can say Wow! what I would give to be a few decades younger and own that property. I wish you well with it, I am sure you will turn it back into something lovely again. Good luck.

[@TheSparkysdog]

Wow! That must of been an amazing place when it was maintained. You've certainly got your work cut out getting it up to scratch. I'm looking forward to seeing work progress, good luck with your adventure 👌👍👍

[@AndyCallaway]

Exciting times ahead. 👍 Also: Robin.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Nice to see you over here 👍 And completely agree 😍

[@lindaarmstrong5972]

What a great project for you and your partner. Would be great idea fir the barns to renovate into holiday cottages. Great income for your future also create work for people in the area

[@Glesga_lassie]

I've watched your videos pretty much since you started KZbin and missed you when you stopped posting as much. To so to see the absolutely beautiful house, land, and other buildings you've bought fills me with so much joy as I'm so looking forward to you fixing it up, buying a house like that would be my dream as I love doing DIY and fixing up old houses but I'm pretty much incapable now due to illness which has rendered me disabled so I shall live vicariously through you 😊 as for the driveway, there's a thing called resin bonding which can go over cracked and worn tarmac, we had it done in out garden in the house we bought five years ago which was a bomb site. We had the garden completely ripped out and landscaped and had the binding over all of the cracked tarmac, it can go over uneven surfaces, slopes, bumps ect so it's worth looking into. I'd be happy to send you some pics on insta if you'd like to see.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Sorry to hear you can't do what you used to be able to ❤️ Hopefully you will enjoy the journey - there's definitely lots to keep us busy and whether we can do everything want to do, who knows, but we'll give it a go! Yes, please send me some pictures on Instagram! I honestly thought it would need to come up as it is very broken all over. I'm tempted with gravel for ease and security, my it's not my husband's favourite 😅

[@Glesga_lassie]

No problem at all, I'll pop some pics over to you tomorrow 😊

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks ☺️

[@therealcaldini]

How about grass block pavers for the driveway?

[@stephenmartin8587]

You guys have struck gold it’s going to be amazing when you’re done with all the work I’m from the north east Sunderland

[@stephenmartin8587]

I just hope you have plenty money to do these jobs good luck can’t wait for next weeks video

[@antonymorris4180]

Hello! Did I hear stove? Looking forward to that project, loving the all round projects your doing around the cottage. And I’m most excited about the ponds! And that mystery boat sounds like a fun video to pull out and check out. Also the treasure shed.

[@malminstral]

Great seeing what you have outside, it is exciting exploring around the land, we still look around our 4 acres after 6 years, but this is for wildlife. As for cardboard for your garden use, don't use cardboard that has print on it, unless it is for pathways, look online for advice about the cardboard and the garden.

[@alisonscurr4395]

I would suggest before making and decisions on what goes were is clear the garden. It's a bit more expensive but a tractor with a brush cutter / topper mower attachment would be a good investment. You can add to it as and when you can afford it a bucket, forks and a flail hedge cutter. Try reaching out to some companies and see if they will work with you. They supply the equipment and you advertise their products.

[@mog-gyveroneill2500]

I have my fingers crossed you reach 100,000 subs before New Year! I'd love to live there, ALL the projects excite me!!

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much 😍 I'd love to reach it by the end of the year 😆 I want to see what all the fuss is about with these KZbin plaques 🤣

[@stephnewman1357]

Wow! it's so much bigger than what I had thought you had brought! So much work! Will be so exciting to see it all progress. So nice to see the old photos of how it once was. 😀

[@philtucker1224]

Loving the drone shots! (I presume you’ve had at least a year’s experience to be able to do that!) music gorgeous too! 🙏

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Ha...no.. it felt it very intuitive, but a few weeks later, I forgot 😅 I definitely need more practice!

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

And glad you enjoyed the drone footage :) There were certain notes in that music kept being a tear to my eye... such a beautiful place that took over a year for us to find 😍

[@DaveGDesigns]

Oh vik I’m so pleased for you both I know you’ve got a lot of work ahead of you but wow what a place. It’s my dream to have somewhere so good for you. I can’t wait to see how things pan out it’s got loads of air bnb vibes I reckon you could make a lovely peaceful retreat there. xx

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much, Dave! It took long enough, didn't it? 🤣 I love how this place has so much potential and we can restore at our leisure 😍

[@imipak23]

Really enjoying the new house videos,.. but so jealous, I so wish I could do all that!

[@Picalilli28]

Wow what a property! Could you rent a couple of options for grass cutting and see what works best before you buy? The cottage is a project! I think I would be completely overwhelmed! ❤

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks! Ww definitely are overwhelmed... especially with not having the funds to prioritise it yet.

[@Picalilli28]

@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK Full of admiration to people like you who take on these projects. I thought the comment about taking time (a year) to get to know your land (and wildlife) was great advice, you’ll have so much more insight about what to do next and where to put things. X

[@tonylawlor3503]

Lots of space for fruit and veg maybe a poly tunnel you are such a joy your enthusiasm and sense of adventure good luck brilliant video many thanks😅😊😂

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

That may change when I've realised I've bitten off more than I can chew 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@tonylawlor3503]

@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK Be brave no one take away you dreams ever forward there's nothing to return but defeat

[@AntonColores]

found your channel today 🙃exiting journey you've gotten yourselves in 🤣 I think I noticed two bath tubs next to that "treasure"box ..... save them, because you can use them to start "worm composting farms" in it. the fluids out it them are great fertilizers for your garden vegies.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much!

[@diyishbychloe]

Wow I cant wait to see inside all the outbuildings - finding (hopefully) some antiques and uncovering the boat! Isn't it an old wives' tale that Robins are supposed to be lost loved ones visiting? Or perhaps he was just hungry!

[@davidprice5707]

Get the mini tractor as it will dig your veggey patch for you later. thanks for the tour there is so much potential.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much for the advice 🥰

[@michaelthom6005]

I’m really excited for you and mega jealous 😂 it’s tempting to get stuck into the house but I think I would clear up some of the outside before spring and everything starts growing again. A temporary workshop is a must as well I think. I’m interested in which route you go down with central heating. Currently I have air source which is five years old( and not working). The manufacturer has stated that they do not repair heat pumps out with the warranty period. So far four engineers recommended by them or independent heat pump specialists haven’t been able to diagnose the issue. They recommended applying for a grant and fitting a new system! I’m now going to fit an oil combi boiler instead.

[@zedman442]

Love the idea of the old couple enjoying this piece of land before you took it over it. Have you got any more history on them? 😊

[@peterwentworth9181]

Wow, Very jealous of a fantastic project with lots of potential. Having renovated several houses l will be watching each week and liking to support the channel. 👍

[@keenymeeny2]

Nice one, you have your hands full, but looks like a great project. I am all about comfort so for me getting the house sorted would be my first priority,,, then focus on the other stuff. Look forward to watching it all take shape all the best from Glasgow

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much! That's what we'll definitely doing at least until the weather gets a bit warmer. The main house is too cold at the moment until we put the ceiling and insulation back up.

[@ianunwin]

the saw blade looks sharper than the evolution one, new subscriber great videos delivered really well so strange to hear you mention donnie i live close by , keep them coming nice to see how you work the projects.

[@gl2856]

Great video Vickie, you have a lot of work to do as you know , but it has so much potential, and fancy finding a borrow boat , I’d never have guessed that , your enthusiasm is what’s going to get you through this restoration project , and wish you all the luck in the world , keep up the good work. 👍Graham L

[@Rockhopper1]

The stables I would turn into a workshop, which means you have somewhere to store gear and make stuff offsite for the house, and you can make batches of stuff, and have things drying. Get the life support stuff done in the house, but if you have a workshop you have tools at hand, the space to layout stuff, make cabinets, and frames, and even mock up your kitchen prior to installation. Saves you having to live in a building site, As for the paddocks and such wait till spring and rent out the paddocks to local horse owners to use. You will need an equine survey to look for hazards and dodgy plants. Once you get horses on there, they will naturally knock back the foliage. The lake pond, I have a business idea there. There is a chap in Europe that has a similar size pond and has put a semi-subterranean building butted up against the water line with large mirrored windows. It is a comfy place for wildlife photographers to come down and shoot photos and videos of the lake and wildlife. The cottage is a great place to do DIY classes for small groups, each group that comes does a small DIY job, and eventually, you will get it back to use, Then it will be great to rent it out and make it disabled accessible, I will rent it. Yes life support get that done, french drain on the driveway, then septic tank survey. Look at a grey water pond that butts onto the bungalow. Good way of saving money and it would be environmentally friendly.

[@TeeVeeZed123]

I’m looking forward to all of it, I don’t care what order you do it in or why, it’s just going to be exciting to uncover it all bit by bit.

[@chrisjones5192]

That looks like an amazing challenge, good luck

[@matthewharmer1656]

Great house and grounds, if it was me ,I would cut down the massive conifers near the lake,sell the wood for fire wood if your not getting a wood burner. Then I would clear the land of old buildings ,sheds etc sell the boat, create a massive workshop then work the land ready for planting .

[@marks-0-0]

Well done on the progress I'm just catching up on your vlogs. I'm looking forward to seeing the land and outbuildings being brought back to life. Houses are nice but with land like that I'd be outside all day.

[@FrankenShop]

What a cool property, congratulations on the purchase! I look forward to seeing your future adventures.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much 😃

[@johnstainthorpe3427]

Loved your recent video about your 200 year old cottage - massive amount of work ahead - I can imagine - take a bit of well meaning advice please - get your workshop built first! - so you can work/repair/alter things in the warm and the light(makes the world of difference)and speeds the process up!. Also loved the drone video - being an amateur videographer - I would also recommend shooting any video in 4K format(nothing worse than blurry unclear video that people cannot see clearly or strain to watch). All the best for the future!

[@DeafMaker]

Wowser, what a property, so looking guard to seeing everything you do. What is the Robin trying to say? I reckon it saying wear a hi-viz so I don't crash into you next time. Driveway, if the budget stretches, dig it all up, put in a soak away, and have a gravel drive on top of hardcore. It's probably the cheapest way to deal with any water pooling up. Lawn mower or tractor... I think it has to be a tractor, it will be so useful for so many things you have going. The best advice would be to talk to the restoration couple and proper DIY. I am so looking forward to this.

[@AnyKeyLady]

Looks like you both did well there Vikkie! Right out in the sticks! For the outside, it all depends on the priority. If you have a storage unit that you are paying for, i would get one of those outside houses weather proof and get your stuff in there. Then think about the space where you want to plant fruit and veg for next growing season but in the similar area to where you want a future growing garden. You can whack some cardboard down as you go and put a layer of compost down. Raised bed plans, etc can come later. I would say start 3 big bin areas (made from pallets) near to where you want your garden and near to where a lot of the stuff you want to clear of brush. It might be worth getting a wood chipper as well. It can break down a lot of that stuff that needs cutting back and will speed up the composting. Some of that can also be using as lower filling for your raised beds. Don't forget that you can use grass clippings as mulch and there is no harm in cutting the lawn and leaving it where it falls like chop and drop. I would start cutting on a high/tall setting first, especially as it has been wet there but also as the grass is so tall. You can then decrease the height of the cut over time, so the grass has a chance to recover but also so the cut grass clippings can absorb the moisture and start to break down in situ. The hay? in the barn can be used in the garden so that isn't wasted either. There is a free veg planner called "veg plotter" dot com to help you plan your garden space. I would see if you can identify fruit or nut trees that you want to keep and then decide if you want to have any more of different types or if any of the edible trees need replacing. Also, if you want things that take a few years before you can eat like rhubarb and asparagus, which take 3 years, i would get them in sooner rather than later. You can even get 1 - 2 year old crowns to speed up the process. Overall with gardening, i would plan the landscape first and then put in the permanent structures in first like trees. Actual annual veggie gardening area, comes later but that doesn't mean you can't start a veg garden space in the meantime, if you know you don't think you will be using that space for a ahwile or you are sure that is where you want to setup raised beds etc in the future. Producing your own compost will also come in time as you clear the garden out and start planting fruit and veg next year. Once you have the landscaping planned you will know where you will need to run underground piping for water or electricity like for a water pump in a pond, unless you want to use isolated solar panels or other sources of energy. Yes you have a lot on your plate but as long as you can plan it well and then tackle the projects in order of priority. You also have the benefit of switching up priority tasks so you don't get weighted down on one project or you get held back by something out of your control, like waiting for parts, etc. Going to be exciting to watch all of these projects! All the best from London x

[@chatterboxpopsi8265]

Hi Vikki enjoyed watching popsi UK 🇬🇧

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks for watching 🥰

[@craigevans9617]

Wow I can't believe how much space there is, those old photos really do give you a taste of what it could eventually be like. The amount of work ahead of mental but you got what you wanted, a project to get stuck into. I'm so jealous of the lake, it only looks like a small pond from this video but the old photos show it much larger. Perhaps when the weather warms up a bit you can take us for a walk around it. As always thanks for sharing the journey.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Yes, I think it's a very misleading lake with the vegetation! When viewing, the estate agent said we weren't allowed to go up to it properly as no one knew where it started and ended and it's very hard to see. It was shallow in late Summer, so couldn't see fish either. And we can't get to the bridge properly yet either.

[@craigevans9617]

@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK With any luck you'll get some good lawn mower suggestions and we'll get the edge cleared up making it possible to see. Frogs, ducks, fish and maybe newts too. You could have a real nature reserve on your doorstep.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

​@@craigevans9617that would be lovely ❤ we got so used to having daily visitors while on the narrowboat. I miss them 😅

[@DrPanesar]

Well done V, that is a amazing amount of country land... somewhere to spend a lifetime. Im looking for the same. Large enough for a small holding but affordable. Not easy!

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

It really hasn't been easy in our budget that didn’t have an agricultural clause... and one that wasn't in a flood zone! I hope you find one! Just keep adding "acres" to your Rightmove searches.

[@DrPanesar]

could you offer any other tips about finding a house with enough land for a smallholding? any tips would be awesome@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK

[@across8339]

What an amazing space you have got there.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much! I hope we haven't bitten off more than we can chew, but I've give it my best shot to get to how it once was!!

[@across8339]

@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK Looking at the photos of the couple who owned it before, they clearly enjoyed making it with their own ideas. I hope you enjoy doing that for yourselves too.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

​@@across8339us too 😍

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

Hi , You have got an amazing place there what a home that will be. Looking forward with the job's,construction and destruction , this is going to be an amazing adventure I'll come along for the ride😁no way you are 40😉I would love to see the out buildings my be a good sized workshop may be convert the stables have got any power in these out buildings, have fun with your drone flying and most of all enjoy what your doing and I will catch you on the next one Take care👍👍

[@andyedwards6124]

I wasn't a fan of the property when you first showed it but this is amazing. Also you've got many years of content now!

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Haha... sounds like I should've shared this video first! Lol... maybe others felt the same? 😆 We absolutely love it ❤️ And looking forward to all the hard work!

[@Vanjonsorz]

Tractor and attachments. You can drag. Dig. Hoist, tow, transport, cut, plough harvest and most importantly for your land, auger holes for fencing . Also can be used as a generator and belt driven machines. Thousands of attachments are possibke, to cater for everything, with only 1 machine needed. You lucked out with a stunning property. Congratulations

[@MakingItOutOfTheWoods]

Vikkie, it’s massive!! 😮 so many cool projects…I wanna do all of them..but love the AA box and the find in the ‘secret garden’ bit 😆 the ⚓️ SS CARPENTER’s DAUGHTER! So much excitement ahead of you guys ❤

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Haha... it's total madness isn't it? 🤣 we found yesterday while filming a Patreon tour that the little pond has another brick wall at the side of it...??!!! Wonder if it's a bricked bbq

[@lindaarmstrong5972]

What would excite me is turning some of the outhouses to holiday let's and also small houses for people that would want to learn with you and work on the land

[@Miss-PJ]

Great video I'm going to love watching your progress over the next year or so i definitely think you need a old farm tractor for your land with a loader and bucked and add attachments as needed it would be a big help with clearing the land and ponds

[@clivewilkinson5394]

My advice re lawn mower etc, would be a compact tractor, some thing like a 12 to 20hp Kubota, Iseke, or Yanmar, there are many models, and many attachments. The versatility is amazing. You may also wish to look at a two wheeled walk behind tractor from some body like BSG .They to are very versatile, going forward and have many attachments. One way to get all the grass cut is to offer a short term let to a farmer for grazing. Sheep are best. I would suggest they can graze it if they stock proof it. Grass cut cut . For the time being. And they often will help you out in return as I have learned from experience.

[@zsofiagasparek2966]

This is amazing! Many projects many areas to uncover, I’m excited to see your boat and locked away treasures?! 😅 As winter is almost here i’d love to know that you are cozy and safe and focus on the inside of the house and as the weather gets better - would be great to join ur journey to grow veg!!!! Me and my partner have been trying it for 3 years, would be lovely to grow things at the same time together! My advice is to grow courgettes, very abundant plant. I never used to like them😅 but since we are growing them my favourite vegetable ! 😂 On the flip side I used to love tomato but it’s a sassy plant - at least for us - don’t fancy it as much any more…. But have so much appreciation for it when buying them :) Thank you for taking us with you sharing your experience and it was wonderful to see the old pics! 🙏🙏 It’s no more an idea, it will be your reality too sooner than you think 😘😘

[@tom314]

I know I'm a month late, I did comment on one of you FB videos but having seen your challenge I can't recommend a small tractor enough, yes they're expensive but they do so much work. I've got ~3 acres and a kubota BX2350 with FEL, it makes so many jobs so easy from clearing trees, cutting grass (with flail mower attachment obviously) though to general groundworks. It's going to be a fun project :)

[@wisher21uk]

Vikkie, If the pampas grass was at the front you might get some unexpected attention or some funny looks 😂😂😂 Looks amazing all that land and out buildings I wouldn’t know where to start either I’m well jealous 😊

[@Lord-Panda2112]

Vicky!! Please upload more videos. Once a week is torture! X

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

😆😆😆 what type of videos would you like to see? 😀

[@Lord-Panda2112]

@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK I've enjoyed all your work so far. Furniture making? How to fix videos (like the last plumbing one), the conversational tour was fascinating. Land development? Renovation in general! It's exciting to find one about to start that's not American, the cultural reference isn't quite right. Cheers for asking! Best wishes.

[@matthewvaughan6327]

You’ve certainly got your work cut out Vickie. At least you’ll never be bored. It’s tempting to try and use that old concrete drive as a foundation for a new surface, but it’s usually better to rip it up. Especially considering how uneven it is. That robins telling you to clear off! They’re very territorial.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks! I think so too!!!! It flew at me with some speed!!

[@filmbluff99]

For a good vegetable garden you need full sun, good topsoil, reasonably drained land, some shelter from the wind, and a reliable source of water. As you have plenty of space, put in 4ft wide beds, with good paths between them, wide enough for someone to walk past a wheelbarrow on the path. When I took over a rather derelict garden I double dug or bastard trenched the veg garden, incorporating lots of stable manure. I never regretted that work. As the previous owners had horses, possibly they created a well manured veg garden. As their neighbours where it was, and think about putting yours there.

[@envoycdx]

House, Workshop and then span from there would be my thoughts. It may even be worth getting the workshop done in tandem with the house so you have a mix of projects to do.

[@priestland1]

What an amazing property you have bought, I’m not at all jealous ! Who buys a house and unbeknown also buys a boat, absolutely priceless. Wonder what you may find inside the boat. Perhaps you will also find a car.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Never thought anything could be inside it! 😆 I can't wait to see what it looks like!

[@toria-j]

Driveway - layer of concrete slurry/primer to seal and for adhesion, then what about exposed aggregate? Looks like gravel but without the gravel problems. Would love to see a UK DIYer doing it too! (I'm just about to do it on a concrete slab here.) Taking some of the concrete up may help your flooding problems, or creating drainage channels. I wouldn't hurry removing some of the undergrowth around some areas as it provides some protection from the weather - when I cleared out my greenhouse, the very next storm blew out loads of the glass.

[@arifraje6291]

As you have paddocks, have youu considered using goats and chickens to clear the overgrown areas?

[@DarrenPoulson]

Going to love watching you guys on this, its a dream opportunity and I'm just a little bit jealous. ;) With the size of the land, I'd probably go for a small tractor that you can then put different attachments on. Mower, pruner, bucket, etc. Theres a lot of clear up to do and its probably going to be the most versatile. Especially if you get one that can attack the overgrown areas and hedges. Bit of an initial outlay, but it'll pay for itself with the time savings. So many projects. I'd like to see just a good clean up first. Trim back the overgrowth to reveal what you've really got to play with.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thank you so much! We're now saving up for one 😅

[@simonbaker3612]

Resin on the driveway would work well. Make sure its SUDS compliant and has anti weed properties within it, but it would avoid the need to rip out the okd concrete and can be used to level out any imperfections in the concrete slab.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much! Did you install it yourself and if so, was it easy?

[@simonbaker3612]

@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK Yes I did. It's reasonably easy 😜 the key is prepping correctly. For concrete you'd need to seal it all first then you can apply the new layer on top. It's more expensive than plain tarmac but it should also last a lot longer especially if its light use (which as its domestic property it will be classed as light use). Also important is to think of colour, counterintuitively lighter colours are better than dark colours and dark colours can fade in sunlight. I opted for a sort of pea gravel mixed colouring type of stone if you get me? Also make sure you edge the boundaries with either blocks or coping stones or even lawn edging

[@v88krb]

I'd start by making a list of the top 5 priorities, make the house habitable, secure, warm, dry and clean. As winter draws in watch what happens outside to nature and the plants. Then make a small list of outdoor priorities for the onset of Spring. Me thinks you'll be busy for years to come, enjoy it.

[@derekmulready1523]

We bought a wee cottage 3/4 off an acre in the west of Ireland. The grass is layered hadn't been cut for about 20 year's. ( Then we had Lockdowns) We bought a ride-on tractor mower. If I was facing what you are , a ride on Zero Turn Mower. The bigger the better. 🇮🇪

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much! How are you finding it?

[@derekmulready1523]

2.5 hour there and back. What we didn't realize it rains incessantly. But when the Sun comes out, well it's just Glorious. A big change from Sea air.

[@juliequinlan6564]

I think a resin drive will look great!

[@benjaqsonworkshop9974]

The house that just keeps giving! It's a DIY and youtuber's dream. Living nearby I suspect the winter will cause a lot of what's there to die back so maybe help it along on the occasional dry day that lets you but it's going to be too wet to get much done outdoors so I'd be tempted to focus on areas close to the house - clearing a strip around the house will reduce the mice that will want to find shelter once the frost establishes. In early spring you might want to clear as much as you possibly can. There are loads of really good suggestions in the comments. We bought a small house and barn in France ten years ago that had been left to grow wild and spent a long time (fruitlessly) trimming it back until we finally bit the bullet and cut everything back to the ground - we realised we were managing the old owners' garden instead of establishing our own. We lost a few lovely plants but we needed low maintenance that made our lives so much easier. It's less than an acre, mostly grass and we have a really good second hand Husqvarna sit on mower and it's just enough. It's charming and fun but as it rains so much in Yorkshire it's just not fast enough and you'd spend all your time mowing. Also with the capacity to pull trailers and maybe lift if you can afford a lifting front end, when the bigger jobs come up you'll be equipped. I'm sure you keep up with Tim at DIY Farm (Restoration Couple) and The Indie Projects who bought cheap tractors then upgraded. Get somewhere in the house sorted for the three of you to live warmly first - even parking the van in the garage would make it warmer now the cold is biting. Sorry this is so long but I'm excited for you! You might want to rethink your you tube channel too as this can be a major focus for the journey and a primary source of income for a while - I think the last few videos have been absolutely perfect and spot on for an audience wanting to escape to the country with regular weekly updates! It's along way from 'DIY shed shelves' so please take us all along for the ride!

[@davidnyeste7282]

So much potential for future projects. The only recommendation I can make for you is maybe consider dedicating some of the land around the lake and building your own nature reserve with a dedicated gravel path so as not to disturb any wildlife that may move in

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

This is definitely the most likely scenario for the lake area. We do a lap of the land every evening, and when we reach the lake, so many different species of birds get nervous and fly away. they're going to have to learn to share 😁 but I want to minimise disruption to that part and just enjoy them. I've been told I need to clear the reeds if we hope to get ducks, which i really hope we do. !

[@BarriosGroupie]

Most professional gardeners recommend familiarizing yourself with the garden over the first two years to gain knowledge about how the changing season affects things, what currently grows where, what wild life is where etc, and the maintenance needed. The previous owners seem to have worked most of this out already so initially working with what's already there is a step in the right direction IMO.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thank you so much for your insight! That makes me think to work on the formal areas first (like the photos) then work on areas beyond after 😀

[@filmbluff99]

This is good advice. However the area is now so overgrown that a lot of serious clearing of brambles and other large plants needs to be done , so that you can see the bulbs and herbaceous perennials that may still exist. I am certain it will be an interesting experience and will give some good videos. Consider hiring a brush cutter to remove the brambles etc.

[@GTFarming]

A compact tractor with some sort of topper would be best for clearing that brush and grasses. Something with a front loader with attachments would work and depends on the scale of gardening you want to do would be handy for that

[@andreacrashe9894]

*Garden near the house.... as in time you may decide to have a few sheep or goats in the paddocks as they will keep the grass down. Tractor with the mowing/scrubber to attach at the back, but see if you get one that you can attach forklift blades & also a bucket to the front, as they will be handy to do things on your huge property. If you can't get a tractor to add onto the front... then also look at a skidloader on tracks too, as then you also put on the blades & bucket.. Yes you have a ton of work ahead of you... clean the mess around the outside of your home first... and then slowly work your way around the property. But also take time out for yourselves every so often, to reboot your energy levels, as this is gona be a lot of hard work.. 🙂.*

[@jamesbartlett5005]

Amazing project for house and garden, you won't be short of future content for your channel! I would definitely invest in quality landscaping gear like Stihl. U could cut all the hedges and strim over winter. Good luck

[@over-engineered]

re. the drive area, rip it up and put through a small crusher and use as a new base. probably need to lower the soil level a few inches first. then compacted crushed stone. Top it off with just 25mm depth of 20mm gravel. looks nice and is self healing. tyres don’t sink into the gravel as it’s only 25mm deep.

[@paulyh4531]

Wow it looks fab , plenty of land and space eh , how bizzare having a boat stashed in the bushes , might be able to use that / turn it into something interesting or flog it. I rem the aa boxes had one down the road from me , i still got my key for it somewhere 😂 👍

[@BillsAllotmentDiary]

With all that land you could make some rent from campers also there is also renting plots for allotment plots? Keep the videos coming.

[@ianpearse4480]

Barns to workshop would be cool. Enjoy.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much :)

[@sallyh5555]

What a wonderful opportunity

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

We thought so too 🤩

[@doloreslipper6897]

Robins are a sign from heaven, he's telling you he's minding you 😊 old Irish belief 😊

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

That is such a lovely thought! We've now named him Alf 😆