Abandoned French Convent | FULL TOUR

For inquiries contact: [e-mail]
Join The Convents Renovation: patreon.com/JoinTheRenovation...

[@robertarogers998]

One thing that the chapel is not missing is ghosts. Did you see the door open while Billy was speaking? Interesting!

[@jjhorine]

I saw it as well.

[@MrsPink64]

I saw that

[@juliannehollingsworth1631]

Was just coming to the comments to see if I wasn't the only one. Phew.

[@susannehodgson]

Yes me also lol

[@carolynewilliams1194]

Me too! 😬👍😂

[@Robin-xr2tz]

Again the respectful manner in your restoration towards the convent has been amazing. Hats off to you and Gwendolyn for being brave and taking on this project.

[@sushirules]

Glad you're feeling better and extended the tour you began yesterday. Now that we've seen you all going in and out and through the building so often, the reintroduction gives us a better perspective of the layout. Thank you!!!

[@Sol-Cutta]

Anyone else desperate to hear the stories of the place after 4pm?? Billy pls pls do a sit down video in the style of the 70s , where u sit in a dim lit library (when finished) and regale us with tales of the things u can't quite explain about the place after 4pm. Pls pls 😊

[@josieconerly9559]

Billy, you have just done something that means the world to me. Last year on the 22nd of December you first rang the bell...my mother who was 100 passed way on that day. I felt like your bell rang her into heaven. I was hoping maybe you would ring the bell again this year on it's anniversary but you were so busy rightfully so getting the organ ready to be played for Christmas...but...you just rang the bell today on the 29th and it's was the day of her funeral last year...so...I did get to hear the bell...and it made me feel close to my Mom....thank you!

[@BernardAguiar]

A bit of historical context… The chapel was built in the same year the French people were helping the American people gain independence from Great Britain.

[@TheShumoby]

Wow! Amazing, it's as old as United States of America.

[@hollykeller1545]

Ya, thanks for that France❣️🇺🇸

[@user-hz8uc9iu8c]

waaaay cool contextual comment!! i live just down the road from a place that claims Jouarre, France as its sister city! and the mountain range (more like hills now, pretty old) is named The Uwharries!! ...they are also said to be haunted.... 👻😸🥸

[@Grahamvlogs802vt]

Amazing fact ❤

[@chrisdouglass7962]

Love that snippet of history 😊

[@shannoncamilli663]

Love how the door opens as he starts talking about the nuns ❤ You know who’s there 😊

[@3in2Art]

@ 2:23

[@matishtar]

Yes, draft. 😝

[@KarmaGeeGee]

what the fuckkkkkk@@3in2Art i cant explain this 😂

[@joking2052]

@@KarmaGeeGee I can easily, it's a big drafty building. Grow up.

[@sulliax694]

You should create a museum-style room to display all the interesting stuff you've found during the renovation (paintings, furniture, objects etc). Maybe in the room with the secret passage hidden behind the cupboards, since that's already a great historical feature. You might want to extend the room into an adjacent nun's room, as it might be too small to be used as an exhibition room. Or find another room, I don't know.

[@tinycotswoldcottage]

I love this idea!

[@juliarichmond5904]

Hear, hear! That is a wonderful idea, to honor the place’s history and occupants.

[@user-vb6gl6nf7c]

A small gallery with displays, and mysteries that no one has figured out, yet. Maybe, someone would come see it, who heard their grandparents speak of something when they were very young, or, who heard rumors about it and didn’t remember them until they saw the object. Sometimes, the oddest little object has such an interesting history. 😊

[@hallymariah45]

yes, I do too...@@tinycotswoldcottage

[@christicovington]

Im so grateful for people who love history enough to want to preserve it. Thank you. ❤

[@Jinjerella]

I remember when Michael started his KZbin channel. And you didn't even want to be on it and now you've got Almost 350000 followers. You have come so far. So proud of you and your channel. Happy New Year to all of you. Give your mom and dad an extra hug. Cause they did a really good job on you guys.

[@ellen9575]

That's how I found Billy through Michael's channel. Really, look how they have grown.

[@juliehilton1701]

What? Michael has a channel too? What is it called please?

[@luminyam6145]

Michael started him on this good path and now we are all enjoying these videos. I am really glad.

[@saxman362]

@@juliehilton1701 Doing It Ourselves is Michael's channel. He posts less frequently, but is actively working on projects.

[@renemorris5269]

I agree, what your parents did shows and I'd like to hear more about both of them. If they wanted to share.

[@lisaskaggs8965]

I liked the door opening in the background while Billy is in the chapel. 😂

[@Grahamvlogs802vt]

Clip it

[@Eowyn3Pride]

@2:20 😱 WOW! That was the door he'd go into later!😂😂😂❤

[@lisaholmes389]

I saw that...wow

[@zelanndoniiwinterschoi2571]

Me Too :) HAPPY NEW YEAR 2024 From Australia.@@lisaholmes389

[@lisaskaggs8965]

@@Eowyn3Pride Maybe it was after four. That's when he said things started, 😯

[@167curly]

I admire how respectfully you are breathing new life into this abandoned, but dignified 250 year-old building. Congratulations.

[@suemccoy7533]

1776 is the beginning of my country, the United States of America. When I think of how much history there is in Europe and the fact that so much of it is preserved and or restored, like your chateau, and this beautiful old convent. It blows me away. So much of the American way seemed to be, when things got old, people demolished and rebuilt new. Sadly that means much of the history is gone. I respect the way you are saving this convent and making it into something that can be repurposed for the future. Happy New Year to you and your family and the team that helps you.

[@sylviajones4907]

Restoration Nation on YT. They are doing their best to save our historical homes.

[@judypeak2502]

Everyone that has worked at the convent should be very proud of themselves! But I can’t wait for Simon to come back and see the kitchen in real life!❤

[@user-yz7ds7rn9b]

Simon we miss you!

[@susanhill3147]

It’ll be great to see some volunteer gardeners come and turn the grounds into a thriving area where fruit and vegetables grow. 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇬🇧

[@jamesbaker429]

The slated shelving in the stores is for apples and pear storage as air circulation needed to keep months.

[@catherinefromchristchurchn6508]

And possibly onions and pumpkins

[@alessandramartin2841]

I am Catholic and passionate about history! I am amazed about what you have been doing so far. It’s absolutely amazing! What are your plans for the building?

[@stevelovelace988]

Leave your office as it is Just block off from general public.... Your office gives you inspiration...to keep the rest of the building original... I love that your office is new inside a historical building

[@belle6219]

Yes, I love the modern office. It's good as is!

[@karenwilkinson5923]

Come on people - we’ve all enjoyed the journey and send applause to all the crew that has participated in the renovation - it won’t hurt to hit the “Like” button and help out however you can. We sure can do better than a 10K views to 2.8K likes. Happy New Year Pethericks (one and all) best wishes for 2024!

[@RS54321]

That kitchen ceiling was a thing of beauty-so glad you exposed it and the fireplace!!

[@tenamedley7200]

Love how much you've renovated in only 18 months and that's why we love coming here to watch.

[@youknowme8578]

Just one correction, the nun's didn't sell everything....the Catholic Church sold everything. Edited: as a Catholic myself, here across the pond, I have many things that are hundreds of years old from our churches in New England. I just wish I could figure out how to send them to you Billy. Unfortunately, the cost of shipping, would make it something I couldn't afford at this time in my life, being more older than your Dad.

[@neilchisholm797]

Maybe start a ‘go fund me’ page showing what you would like to donate to Billy and the convent, link it to Billy’s channel and maybe get Billy to promote it on here and you will find that people will donate money to package the items up and have them shipped and transported to the convent. He has nearly 350,000 subscribers of which I would imagine would include many Americans that would like to contribute to the convent items from the New England churches particularly as the convent was being built at the same time the French were assisting in the American Revolution. In some respect it would be a nice personal thank you for the help during the revolutionary war. Just a thought. I have no idea how to set it up, maybe one of your family could help with the photographing, cataloguing and setting up the go fund me page.

[@susannystrom-marshall9437]

It might be worth researching where the catholic church might have relocated items they did not sell to get an idea of what was originally there. I am sure they would have looked to this before selling

[@luciaroslingshaw2112]

I'm sure Billy and Gwen can afford to have it shipped. They are rolling in it! Thanks to us, and of course her inheritance that got them to this place in the first place.

[@denisemastromina7821]

​@@luciaroslingshaw2112 who are you to make such personal comments on Billy and Gwendoline finances. Which are probably just wild speculation....

[@ullebor]

@@denisemastromina7821 It isn't hard to find out their net worth.

[@ASilverLining60]

1776 is the official beginning of my homeland country. The United States of America. I'm proud to be an American but I'm not proud of where my homeland is heading as of today. I wish I had a chapel such as you have been renovating to sit and pray for my country and the world. I sadly feel dark days ahead. My only hope is God and his guidance. Your videos always give me peace when I watch and listen to the music Alex chooses. Thank you for that Billy.

[@denis9450]

It's not just your country it's worldwide therefore I believe planned UK the same

[@F-J.]

Things will get better. America is getting sorted as we speak. The world will get better and sorted.

[@dorothysmith8170]

America will come through the other side of the dark. All you have to do is know that God wins and love is light.

[@pamsmith7369]

Thought that, too! The year of our independence from Britain. But, alas, we may be losing our freedoms.

[@jeanhawken4482]

Everyone can make a difference by not ignoring poor lousy behaviour. If you walk past poor lousy behaviour then you demonstrate your values. Wishing in make believe does nothing.

[@hildaflores5759]

CONGRATS BILLY it truly has been a party for us as your Fans and Viewers but for you & Your wonderful crew are the ones working so hard to make these rooms beautiful again. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@maidaursuladawn44glasgow3]

That kitchen took my breath away the work you have done has taken the history of the building into account a very very sensitive and beautiful renovation

[@normamurray4450]

Billy you are an amazing young man and the team you have chosen to work for you and with you are the best. You have truly given us all joy in your endeavours and we all look forward to following you on this journey for time to come.

[@merrileeheard3889]

Happy New Year to the Petherick clan and to all of the extended family 🎉❤ I'm really looking forward to the 2024 projects!

[@BryanAiello]

Loved the door opening just as you mentioned the nuns.

[@virgorising7388]

There's no one on the other side!

[@solidgonzalez5070]

I saw it lol. Very exciting.

[@katokabi986]

@@virgorising7388you can see a foot kicking it open on the left

[@sciwolf359]

I live with my son and watch your channel on his acct. I’m 77 years old and in America. I love how you and many of your friend like restoring the historic buildings and homes. Your videos are beautiful. I’m afraid to many here in America are about tearing them down rather than preserving them. We tend to be a throw away society. I look forward to watching you through the entire renovation and your next projects after that. I hope the new year brings many good things to you and all the days treat you kindly and you have many joyous times. Mimi

[@julianandkate]

Billy the door opened behind you just after you named the order You can clearly see it open I think you should leave cameras running overnight in different areas of the convent great videos happy new year to the family ❤

[@renaebettenhausen3611]

I also saw that @ 2:24

[@AliWade1971]

Didn’t notice that. Well spotted

[@brefnejowers9747]

They did that already and found nothing

[@nilo70]

Probably 😮

[@janabeckman545]

It would be cool if the wall studs that will be removed could be replaned and used to make tables for the library, bar, and other places in the convent.

[@laurelbrennan6295]

Great idea!

[@AkoToMarjon]

Its so sad that no more vocation coming in europe and some of the beatiful convents are now abandoned. Convent is a holy place

[@laydownlays]

There are vocations just not for that order. of nuns...still sad.......

[@blaire-sp2tb]

did anyone see the door open

[@ChadHoskinOhio]

This is an excellent and well needed video for - as for me who has been glued to this channel watching the renovations diligently- I am unable until now to truly understand the layout of the convent. Thank you for doing this video & putting everything into perspective

[@user-pb2ww4jx6t]

As a faithful watcher for over a year now, this episode has FINALLY given me my bearings as to which rooms are where. This adds tremendously to my understanding (and enjoyment) of this wonderful project.

[@darlenerichard1589]

Are any of the Nuns still alive? I wonder what they would think of this amazing restoration. I discovered the first of your video series completely by mistake and have faithfully watched in wonder to see the tenacity, care and craftsmanship of the entire team. I've referred many to the channel to see the care you take, not just with the job at hand, but also the work, health and safety issues. For those considering a craft, to see this faithful consistency with protective gear, glasses and gloves (yes, I am that person) they would see how true professionals work. My father was a craftsman and he would have loved to have watched this amazing progress. He would be encouraged to know there are a few who still care about doing a job well and with love. It makes me miss my Dad, yet gives me hope for tomorrow where beauty still inspires. Thank you with my whole heart.

[@inaraumin2650]

@@janetpendlebury6808At one point Billy said he thought maybe there were some that lived in Canada years ago.

[@dobstaable]

Thankyou Billy, I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. I love the stairwell and look forward to watching the reno. I'll be back next year.. Happy New Year to you, your family, the workers, your Cameraman oh and not for getting Simon."Ladies and Gentlemen."

[@clintcollins7366]

Thank you for the tour to put some of these areas into the greater context. This channel has become one of my favorite things to watch. I’m thrilled there’s so many more big projects coming up. I know it’s a lot of work and actually doing them is a huge undertaking, but I’ll be here for the entire run of it. I’m really looking forward to the restoration of the original staircase.

[@richardsteele6469]

At 2:19 when Billy says "Jesus" the door over his right shoulder opens on its own.

[@stevesgilbert]

Happy New Year Billy and team! I look forward for some other great videos for 2024!

[@stevesgilbert]

Question Billy: What's above the sacristy (the door to the right before entering the office at the top of the exterior spiral staircase) ?

[@jenateer2518]

The sink at 20:20 is called a hopper used to rise soiled linen

[@cecoya]

This convent is amazing and all the history it has seen leaves you in complete "AWE". It is too bad that so much was changed and lost throughout history. You know Billy after you get it restored the church might change their mind and want it back lol. Thank you for the tour, would love to see the grand stair case restored that is beautiful. Have a great day

[@abigailgerlach5443]

Billy, may I suggest you close the little doors in front of the organ keyboards to keep the dust out? Especially since you guys went to all the trouble of cleaning it as you rebuilt it. Happy New Year!

[@forlifewelearn]

I would add to that - make sure that you throw a tarpaulin over the organ pipes before Michael starts his work on the ceiling. Will save you a lot of bother later on.

[@mauriced9335]

Actually the the door opens behind Billy and again when he is sitting at the organ? 😍 The Nuns seem to like Billy for restoring the convent.😄

[@lostscotsman]

Or they're are opening the doors like saying "The party is over, time to leave, thanks for visiting, don't come back"

[@garydodson3858]

Wonderful project. I hope I live long enough to see it completed. I'm 74 now. Best wishes Sir, and Happy New Year.

[@fredericrike5974]

Was hoping for a tour! Thank you, Billy and Happy New Year!

[@rankang2194]

That Convent is massive! Millions upon millions will be spent to renovate that place properly. Great work so far.

[@vanshpuri1175]

In the middle of the video, I got an idea: use the oak from the demolished nun cells to make the partition wall for the library on both floors. This way they are being used and the new library might still have some of the original material in the structure. Happy New Year to you all. Doing absolutely amazing work.

[@ritahemmerly4224]

I would like to see them as a feature wall to showcase old building style.

[@triciasklodowske5653]

Also, Billy would like to replace all the windows to match the ones in the kitchen so all that oak could be reused for them.

[@LoneWolf282]

He was wishing to use it at the Chateau forest to build something like a cabin..

[@AlannahRyane]

Awesome Billy Thank you ... I needed that!😊

[@gillyflowers]

I had the pleasure this year of driving to the village of Ernee and sneaking a peak at the convent in real life… (and retrieving a baguette from the vending machine next door 😂). It’s wonderful to watch the progress every day from my home on the other side of the world, and wish the Pethericks a happy and successful 2024.

[@guyindiman8701]

Those cubist-style stained glass windows bear a striking resemblance to the paintings of Dutch painter Piet Mondrian. One of his more famous paintings was recently sold at auction for 51 million dollars. Have you found any literature in the building which might shed some light on the origins of these windows? Now that I think of it, most of Mondrian's paintings involved only the use of primary colors (Red, Yellow, Blue, Black & White). These windows have secondary colors as well (Green, Purple, Orange, etc.). So, I think it is unlikely that these are genuine Mondrian.

[@gabriellechamberlain7228]

Initially I thought Mondrian too.

[@claudialandgraf4450]

This video showcases also your good sense for proportion. Nobody would buy the cathedral unit for a kitchen but you. There are few places where this looks like it belongs and the chandaler is the same. If you use too smal items it can ruin everything as can to big/too much. Well done. Looking forward the libary.

[@kathywiseman7944]

Happy New Year to the Pethericks 🥳

[@9basil8]

Can’t believe it’s was only 18mths ago you posted about getting the keys, pulling ivy off the building!!! Are there any doors between the two chapels? What happened to the hospital? Where was it in relation to the convent? Happy new year to the Pethericks team. Whatever Mr P snr is taking can I have some 😂

[@kathyrogers1703]

It was good to have the tour again. I had forgotten where the original staircase was, and the older part of the attic. It is good to have a reminder of how it all works together. Happy New Year 🎉

[@dianagrosser4202]

Interested to know if you were able to locate any of the original furnishings from that auction

[@carolynewilliams1194]

Happy New Year to all the Pethericks, all their family and friends, all their workers and helpers who have helped them over the years. May the new year bring all your dreams to fruition. ❤🎉

[@tenboom9043]

So interesting. Thanks for the tour!

[@ASMRkiddo]

This huge building will have you refurbishing it through till your retirement Billy! Well done with the works and your videos and Happy New year to you, the family and all your team 😀

[@maryedmonds7563]

I love that kitchen, I think it the most beautiful I have ever seen. I look forward to watch this every day. From Ohio, USA

[@stinki97128]

Happy New Year to all the Pethericks and crew. Looking forward to the years of renovations ahead.

[@robinschneider811]

Thank you so much for the tour! Happy New Year

[@janabeckman545]

I was going to suggest building a replica of the 18th-century wood staircase on the opposite wing. Then you said it could not be built today. The old staircase will look fantastic when cleaned and restored. Maybe in the other wing, a staircase could be built using replicas of the balusters, railings, and newel posts. Then, use more modern techniques for the stairs themselves.

[@kevinjohnson3012]

BILLY, LOVE ALL YOU HAVE DONE. WHEN IT COMES TO THE LIBRARY HAVE YOU GIVEN ANY THOUGHT OF A SPIRAL STAIRCASE CONNECTING THE TWO LEVELS? IM SURE WHATEVER YOU DO WILL BE BEAUTIFUL. LOVE YOU, MICHAEL AND ALL YOUR FAMILY. GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS ❤️ 🙏🏻

[@malagastehlaate230]

I started watching you because I started watching Michael... I miss seeing Michael I wish he'd get back to doing video's... Perhaps one day. Anways... I am excited for the coming year and the library project... finishing up the Kitchen and restoring that lovely staircase and all the work you are planning at the Convent. Finishing up some of those apartments might bring in some needed income at some point... Ryan got you a good start on one or two of them... anyway looking forward to another fabulous year of renevations and reveals at the Convent! Good luck Billy thank you for letting us be a part of your journey.

[@rosalindabarrett7508]

Thank you for the tour. Will keep watching!

[@JennyA1961]

Amazing, breathtaking, stunning. I can't wait to see what 2024 will bring. ❤🐨

[@michaelrandleman361]

Hello Billy thanks for the grand tour, happy New Year to you and yours. NOW Alex and Billy I got to thinking about "building in" a few episodes for a rainy day or two. B-roll various parts of the convent, subjects, so on and so forth. I would then "can" a few shows when you guys are to busy OR to tired. We do this in broadcast all the time where i work you guys could do the same. Just a thought good show today for sure.

[@N-A-uw5fp]

🎊 Happy New Year, Billy, family, and friends! 🥳🎉

[@janetclark5852]

Awesome tour thank you, and Happy New Year to you all!

[@emptyheadrecords]

Um, Billy, look behind you at 2:20 in the video.

[@amandajones1321]

Your office could be a sitting room and tv room at some point. Happy new year to all of you

[@carolwright4051]

Thank you for the tour, Billy!

[@rita1959-ps1bo]

Happy New Year🎉 Billy and the guys 🎉

[@kathleensenior9413]

Thank you Billy for a fascinating tour of your convent. Although I never miss vlog it has helped to see just where each room is situated. The work you have done so far is wonderful. I always thought you were married Billy…lol

[@Nicholas77550]

Thank you billy and everyone concerned for letting us all be part of your terrific journey, it’s amazing the progress that you have made already and with so much more to come absolutely incredible can’t wait till the new year starts happy new year to everyone god bless x

[@gudrunasche9124]

Thank you so much for explaining all this. Have a wunderful new year.

[@sheilacasper2030]

Billy. Thank you for the very interesting tour and your ideas regarding renovations. It gave me a better idea of the floor plan. Another interesting tour would be of the apartments. I just cant understand the layout of those. Renovating this convent is obviously going to take decades. Im so glad you and Gwen are in charge!

[@campabino2969]

Ok my eyes nearly popped out of their sockets when while Billy was talking in the chapel the back door slowly opened!!!😮😮😮 and nobody was at the door 😲😲😲

[@gailgoldys3706]

Door opened in its own behind Billy

[@bobbyhall3636]

Thanks for the tour, Billy!

[@joanmacdonald360]

Happy New Year to you and yours. Thank you for this YT channel.

[@AliWade1971]

I started watching the channel about a week after they started renovating the Convent (went back and watched a lot of the older videos - and some of Michael’s channel). So interesting to see a tour of a lot of the building. Every month that goes past, the building slowly comes back to life. I definitely recommend watching older videos to see all the work that has been carried out.

[@SarahsUKGraveyard]

Who saw that door in the chapel open on it's own ?

[@3in2Art]

@ 2:23

[@F-J.]

Yup😂

[@user-sy1wb7ie4q]

Yep

[@joking2052]

Ooooo the wind oh noooo

[@pattilynch922]

Happy New Year Billy! Brilliant video, TY

[@pennygarcia3039]

Great tour! Love your channel!

[@jelenanovakovic7828]

Around two and a half minutes in, the door in the chapel opened - without the handle moving down!

[@jacquelinenoble6640]

Thanks for the tour Billy,wow what an undertaking. it's such a beautiful building. The work that you have done so far is outstanding . Congratulations to all .😊🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@patwilkes4122]

Thanks so much for the full tour of the convent Billy. Happy new year to you and yours.

[@terrileyda5346]

Thank you Billy, for the entire tour. The convent and your aspirations for its renovation is an amazing thing! I wouldn’t miss your videos for all the tea in China! So well done.

[@susansouthern6704]

Please dont destroy the hidden room Billy..its so historical

[@andreamalik2961]

Billy there were 2 doors that opened by themselves in this video: the first being behind the organ at the beginning. The main staircase is absolutely beautiful. I'd give my eyeteeth to volunteer to help with the restoration of it.

[@davesoucier5531]

Great tour, Billy! Cheers to continued progress in the new year.

[@cathydoucet6918]

Enjoyed the tour, thanks!

[@marshabentley5276]

WRAP the RSJ’s in the old chestnut. From that height, it will look exactly the same. Use that money and time on another great project!

[@geriburdon6120]

Great tour Billy. Just shows how far you have come with the renovations. Talking of strange things, whilst you were in the chapel, the door in the far corner opened, a draft presumably 👻😬👀💗🇬🇧

[@barbarakalergis2647]

Great orientation of the building. Thanks. Happy New Year!

[@aidankershaw669]

Happy New Year, Billy, and all the Petherick family and friends thanks for your channel

[@marcust4238]

Wonderful tour, thanks

[@HawkGirl69]

I would love to know your plans for the elevator. I also think the pantry should stay a pantry for obviously food, extra kitchen supplies and appliances that aren’t being used for the moment. Just a thought

[@tinycotswoldcottage]

I love the pantry with the original shelving too. I hope they keep it!

[@HawkGirl69]

@@tinycotswoldcottage I hope so too. It’s so cool!

[@carolfaberpeake857]

Thank you for the tour! I’ve been watching your channel for a long time. Fascinating!

[@_JanetLouise]

Great Tour!! Thank you!