The Illegal School Inside My Convent

[@robertsaunders1345]

Billy, I always enjoy your videos. This is my first time posting on your videos and may I make a suggestion. Because the building is so large, it would be very very helpful for the viewer to see which room you are working in and renovating. Perhaps you could start each video with a graphic (a 3D map would be incredible) showing which room you are renovating and where it is located on the property. Just a suggestion. With regards to this specific room, I truly believe you should design the room around that beautiful fire place. Keep up the great work.

[@Anne3000]

Great idea! We always say we’d like to see where the room they’re working on is on a full building plan etc. at the beginning of the video.

[@bullzeyez3236]

Search his videos. He did a 3D scan of the whole building. EDIT : Ok , so I did a search and the links do not work. EDIT #2 You can search his videos for the title - Abandoned French Convent | FULL TOUR . This will help to get a feel for the layout of the building.

[@karenviglione503]

Looks like a wonderful place to begin with artistic area plans! You need to be careful you work hard as you all do but you need to have a back when you get old😊

[@oceanbrzzz]

@@bullzeyez3236 Thank you for that follow-up! 👍👍

[@PJJ196]

-_-

[@floriangerard7736]

I learnt English in that room 15 years ago but my real teacher has been Michael thanks to him again!!! Merry Christmas and Happy new year to you Billy and all your family ;)

[@dianaspellman3800]

Nice commendation Florian! 😊

[@stevenedson3057]

We haven’t seen you in any of Michael’s videos for a while, Florian. Hope you are well. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

[@kathywillis7459]

As an artist, Billy, I would highly recommend keeping the room as a whole, allowing for as many windows as possible for natural light. It would be an amazing creative space. You give so much thought into each room!

[@JudyCarter-kl7be]

You didn't ask for my opinion BUT (Lol!) I think that beautiful fireplace is so huge that removing the room divider completely would bring the room and fireplace a little more into scale. I know you have your own visions and I respect that. I see this room as a 'gentleman's' (and gentlewoman's) retreat with big sofas, meeting table, billiards, small bar, etc. I'm excited to see what you do with this room and eagerly await each update!! Crack on!

[@casscara]

My first thought too.👍

[@claretan5469]

I think that room would make an excellent “living room”. Beautiful sofas, grand piano, etc. Just a beautiful, calming room where people can go and relax, socialise, etc

[@jenellebrophy7055]

That is exactly what I was thinking. If the Convent is eventually used for events and rooms to stay. Having a lovely lounging room, especially with that beautiful fireplace. Definitely a wood floor of some sort over tiles. Warm, comfy and cosy.

[@Sisteryoda1440]

Especially with that gorgeous fireplace. Does it work?

[@girlnorthof60]

I was thinking that too, but a space for artistic use (with Michael?) would be amazing.😍

[@fionaknights3457]

Me too.😊

[@katiemac5661]

I agree that wood floors and rich rugs would be add warmth to the room. Get rid of the dividers, giving it access to the courtyard on one side and the garden on the other I think. I envision a roaring fire in that gorgeous fireplace, and big comfy chairs and ottomans set around. Having said that, the printer needs to go somewhere else, some sterile modern corner.

[@JudyCarter-kl7be]

Agree...find an 'off' space for the printer. And wood floors in this room would be gorgeous!

[@archibaldsusan1]

Isn't there room in your enormous office upstairs for the printer? Of course the room you're currently working on would make a wonderful studio for Michael and then the printer could stay! 13:51 r​@JudyCarter-kl7be

[@laurelbrennan6295]

Perhaps a small room can be created at the end of the main area. It could be a small office set up.

[@sarahframe7542]

As someone who has designed large group retreats, that room as a lounge would be perfect. I would be able to have large group activities and small group discussions around the perimeter with chairs and tables. At a similar facility here in Minnesota we had a large room with a similar fireplace. For safety reasons, the board of directors installed a wood burning fireplace in theirs. On one side was a wood box and the other was a set of fireplace tools. Those filled up the space and maintained the cozy feeling of the room.

[@laura11654]

Remove the room divider. A big lounge with sofas, round tables and comfy club chairs in that room with a fireplace.

[@Shae_9876]

Yes!! sort of like a games room too!

[@karenniehues4786]

Along the lines of the Griffindor gathering room from the Harry Potter movies!!!

[@SBel65]

Maybe utilize those beautiful stained glass panels that were removed from the room that will be a future bar.

[@JillRicetti]

I’d definitely remove that divider. Maybe give the glass to Sadie & Stan for their windows! My thoughts for the room would be big comfy sofas around the fireplace in a seating area. Add your printer in the back of the room and a big table or two to add more purpose for the room. A divider would make the room darker…leave it out to let in the light - artists love light! Just my thoughts! You’re doing such great work on the rest, I’m sure whatever you decide will be just as brilliant.

[@EquestriaDodge]

Personally, as an artist I recommend a wood floor in this room - just seems it would give it a warmer, softer, more inspirational feel.

[@EquestriaDodge]

But regardless, you've got a great vision, Billy. And I think you inspire a lot of people!

[@morpar318]

Yes, and take out the divider wall as well

[@1penianne]

I love this room. It is probably my favorite. If it were left to me, I would make it a lounge. A place to sit and relax. Have conversational areas and highlight the fireplace. Leave it as one big open space. If you're going to use the convent as a retreat, you will need something like this. A bar is a bar & has a different atmosphere. Being between the library & bar is a perfect arrangement.

[@linneagimby2734]

This room was what was known as a "solar" my best guess would be. A place to withdraw to and relax. It almost demands a wood floor! If you must remove this floor to level it, I'd recommend a lovely, yet resilient, hickory wood floor stained lightly and then covered in a resilient clear coat. Just saying, it needs to be gorgeous.

[@tombloy4244]

Definitely agree with you that if this building is used for retreats, breakout rooms are needed for meetings, arts and crafts and such.

[@skloak]

I’m a big fan of ripping out all the things you know you don’t want (drop ceilings, lino, crap walls, etc.) and then deciding what you’ll do afterwards when you can see the bones. Those bones can give you an indication of how the space can be best used, or they may point out some underlying issues you didn’t know were there that will end up changing your plans. Plus honestly I just like seeing all the old dodgy work pulled out, removing all the naff is an automatic beauty improvement for the place 😂

[@ji8044]

I am bowled over by your work ethic, and of course Yanis too.

[@jasoncarbone5553]

A plot of each floor that demonstrates the layout of the convent would be of immense help when trying to understand all your wonderful projects. TYVM

[@KFolmer14]

I agree I just posted the same comment. It helps understanding his ideas when he is working on them.

[@justinanovak8040]

A floorplan yes… to also see the flow of one planned area in relation to next.

[@brentsweer8900]

Leave it open. With the fireplace, it would be a great music/game/ relaxing space.

[@Jane-3229]

Ooooooo an art studio will be amazing 🤩 look forward to this project very much 😊

[@kandacehazard127]

Billy, let Paddy take a look at the purchased library stuff. He may have ideas about how to use it that you don’t. He sees how the construction happened.

[@Amelia-ce3ge]

Yanis is so precious. I hope he stays around for a long time. I remember when you first purchased the convent. What an incredible change so far. You are doing an amazing job 😊

[@barbaradetmer9927]

Get rid of divider, let that big fireplace shine!

[@girlnorthof60]

This room has been on my mind since you tore out the cabinets, exposing that massive fireplace. So much potential, I'm looking forward to the neat projects in 2025 🥳

[@_MANNATESTIMONIES]

Billy, Make the room a "lounge" fully open.... like a rather large "snug" antique boutique hotel vibes, arm chairs, sofa's, lamps, etc......

[@charlesheinz4393]

with some cigars (for those who smoke, bit of whisky, maybe a piano and some chill music

[@SweetOne.]

An artists room needs lots of natural light and that room seems to have a lot. I also like the idea of it being a common lounge area with the big beautiful fireplace. Can't wait to see what you deicide as the work progresses.

[@henryyoung7006]

Mate, love everything you're doing, please no divider, you'll regret it later, think in stages. That room deserves beter than to be segregated.

[@deborahbisson37]

I think it would be beautiful wide open…a reading room or den. Love the fireplace!

[@PrincetonBallerina]

Billy, this is going to be another beautitful and sophisticated room in the convent. Once completed, this room will feel as spacious and luxurious as your kitchen. Beside the fireplace, would you consider placing two large sitting couches facing each other with a large coffee table in the middle? This space can be a very comfortable and cozy part of the room for small meetings, where one can relax, read, and have afternoon tea or a drink or two. How comfy! I would advise taking down the partition, as it will bring more light into the room. I can't wait to see the big unveiling of this amazing space! In addition to being a very skilled videographer, you have excellent taste in music. I appreciate that you always communicate with your subscribers/friends.

[@ScottyJames-o8r]

I’d rethink the purpose of this room. Nix the room divider. It would make a calming lounge - could put a few work stations for people to sit at opposite the fireplace which I’d really love to see operational!!! Plus you can always change it up as the need fits.

[@candicespencer2021]

I love that huge wooden cabinet! Glad to hear it’s getting a new life at the château basement kitchen!

[@reginamcclung6477]

MAKE IT A STUDY!!!! (The room of the topic) It is not redundant because a library is not necessarily an actual place of studying in the same way. A library is like an archive. A study is a place that learning can be conducted! Preserve this as a place of learning because it is needed in every progressive setting. My two cents and suggestion.

[@WreakinHavocN253]

That room should be a beautiful living room - somewhere quite to relax !!!

[@deborahpalm7657]

Billy, you always choose the coolest background music.

[@BillieOtero-qe1jq]

I was thinking the same thing but was wondering how you choose the music.

[@martinreinieren9160]

I think with this fire place, you should make it some kind of lounge area, as an extension of the bar. Together wirh the chapel, you can turn it into an art-gallery and sometimes give organ- concerts

[@josephinebrown6631]

That fire place is exquisite! Run the demo, bare the bones then dress her nicely; Put a lovely long desk in front of the fire place, add a draft table, a couple couches & the machine for drafting the wallpaper - & you all could have a very palatial studio/office for a while.

[@2togo53]

Hi Billy, I read a lot of the comments. I think you need to show everyone the " printer" again, Some are thinking office printer. I giggled. Love your channel. Hi Yanis. Happy new year

[@ThePethericks]

it’s big isn’t it 😂

[@2togo53]

@@ThePethericks Hahaahhaha It's F'ing HUGE LOL

[@mythoughts7859]

Leave the room open. If enclosure for a printer or whatever is needed, make a cabinet / closet. What currently looks like a closed-off hall could become part of a grand, cozy space with variety of open seating, game tables and other relaxing accommodations, such as (as one commenter suggested) coffee bar. A sort of centralized gathering room.

[@millcitymercantile]

No divider. That room is beautiful all open. Great lounge and entertainment space. TV, pool table, etc. would make this the perfect gathering space.

[@rachelledube-hayes1649]

Call the room "The Studio". Letting the light come in from both sides would create a brighter space. Storage: how about putting some of the library panels in that wall space between the library & dinning room? They would be close-by when you need them. The ice machine should be in the kitchen.

[@HabitualButtonPusher]

Always loved this room. It would be my Study, Office, Quiet Room. A nice desk, a chez lounge pretty paintings and some classical music.

[@DeborahScotts153]

A lounge/communal room would be beautiful in there. The fire gives it a cosy feel, and comfy sofas and coffee tables etc. would be beautiful 😊

[@marlenejanzen1736]

I’d remove everything and divide the room into working area and pass through using the correct placement of the furniture. The fireplace is far too large to enclose it with a partition. It makes it look off centre or out of place. I think it would look spectacular when the ceiling is raised and the floors levelled with it being wide open and with comfortable period correct furniture. If using tile for the floor I would also recommend area rugs or tapestries to alleviate echo in the room. Just my opinion I’m not a designer or renovator. Love watching your videos.

[@MamaK65]

The room looks like a hospital day room/ recreation room. If it's going to be a retreat, it would be nice without that partition.

[@OhNoAnotherChateau]

This room divider is giving early 20th century atelier d’artistes. Like the ones you still see today in Montparnasse. I think it’s a quirky feature that could definitely work… especially if you’re thinking artist breakout/craft room. Can’t wait to see how it turns out!

[@blakehahn-atlantaga8510]

Love this room. Def remove the dividers! Fire place is stunning.

[@maryanneslater9675]

It's always so nice to see you guys sweeping and tidying the floors as you work. Some years ago, my sister and her husband bought a nearly new house. The wall-to-wall carpeting was dingy and they had it cleaned twice but there were still dirty bits and lumpy bits too. So they had it all replaced -- and discovered that when it was originally installed by the builders, they hadn't swept up any of the clumps of mud that they'd tracked in before they laid the carpet! They even left nails.

[@laurentpradayrol]

Joyeux Noël à tous ! Bravo Billy c'est une très bonne idée que faire une grande pièce dédiée aux artistes et à la pratique de l'art en général .

[@cbrettshaw]

Agree with the other comments. It’s perfectly positioned between the library and the bar to be a lounge. I see it being a lodge setting with a large fire and lots of seating. Enjoying a nice beverage from the bar or reading a book.

[@monikastuckey8737]

Awesome clear out and great plans for that pretty room.

[@l.luther1014]

This room is amazing! Instead of a partition, maybe consider a beautiful vintage looking screen to conceal the printer. You have the gift of vision Billy! This is an exciting project! Thank you for bringing us along.

[@munchie3310]

Hi Billy, if it’s an artist room it needs to be open, plenty of natural lighting, indoor water features and yes the gorgeous fire place to give everyone inspiration for creativity, peace and comfort. ❤

[@ScottBurbridge-m2j]

you guys cleared all of that in 270 seconds; a lot of work.❤ the room will look wonderful when renovated. there shouldn't be a partition wall; it will look much better all open. Billy doesn't need a teaching license; he's a superb teacher.

[@islyutova]

The room is spacious enough for a billiard room. Thank you for your videos Billy.

[@billehall]

Billy , this is WILLIE. Thanks for the content. My nickname is Diamond Bill. I was born in France and moved to the US. I really enjoy the show.

[@tom8357qld]

The room would be a lovely old school sitting / Lounge room - like an old school club room / hunters lodge type atmosphere with big leather couches and chairs etc. especially with that big fireplace

[@BettyKoehler-zg5sv]

You and Yanis certainly earned your 10,000 steps in a day clearing that room! An artist retreat area would be beautiful, Billy. Whatever you decide will be perfect! Hope your back can get an evening’s rest. Love from Pennsylvania 💕🌷🐻

[@mavep2855]

Leaving the room open sounds interesting! I think it would look great! Re-purposing the oak cabinets to the chateau kitchen is a fantastic idea Billy! Yanis is awesome!🇨🇦❤️

[@nicolinavincelli9369]

Oh my, another mystery, school. Billy, you have so many nice things in the convent. Love the fireplace, it's just like the kitchen one. You can make into a meeting room that would be nice. Thanks for sharing.

[@FrothySeaFoam]

The Conservatory to compliment The Library 🎨📚

[@witgob]

I like the idea of a lounge - but with a nod to its previous life as a school room. Maybe you could have input/photos/memorabilia from those who were taught there. What fun you must be having! (Apart from all the hard work.) If you do keep a room divider, maybe all glass? If the room is almost a walkway to the bar and dining rooms, I get the need for a divider. Find a better place for the printer - too hard to take upstairs near the offices?

[@mariacatharinameerburg]

Billy is onvermoeibaar😃Heel erg fijn dat we ook tussen kerst 🎄 en nieuwjaar jouw kunnen volgen 😊❤

[@brendariley8982]

I was wondering when you would start this room. I would love to see, a real fire in the fixed fireplace, old leather couches and chairs, warm dark wood shelves. maybe a Brandy cart and a Humidor in the corner. A huge warm rug and make it fun and welcoming to relax and enjoy. Just a fantastic place to warm up and chat. ( But these are just my vision suggestions)

[@paco7992]

I like the idea of this as a breakout room for the retreat. I multi function space that can change from tables to auditorium chairs for lectures.

[@ViolentRoseAu]

If you are wanting to possible use the convent for retreats and the like, you need areas where you can run workshops, lectures etc. This would be a great room for lecture/workshop. As for divider, maybe have a sliding divider sections where it could be open or closed depending on requirement.

[@samoatodd8730]

❤thanks for such an year! Excited !!!! ……about the future🎉 Great Progress❤

[@claret6937]

I think this is a lovely room with great light - think it would be great opened up altogether and also make the little dark areas off it, less so!

[@JuSutton]

Another fabulous room with potential - can't wait to see the transformation, especially if going to go with something similar to the beautiful kitchen style you designed and created - it WILL be amazing. Definitely no partition, the room is far too beautiful to have anything restrict the 'double aspect' views and amazing light which will flood into the room. Perfect for all creative works - the more light and space the better and enables flexibilty for different types of uses.👍👍

[@saraehrke7617]

If you do decide you would like a room divider, consider making one that will mimic the beautiful windows and doors you are installing. It would still allow a ton of light for artists, and help to keep some of the look of the building cohesive throughout the different rooms

[@ScottnotBob]

DANG! I forgot COMPLETELY you had another massive stone fireplace in the building! Now THAT is another exciting feature for accent!✌️🤘🇨🇦

[@cdanilana]

The divider does not fit with the style of the room. It begs to be removed so the room is fully open. A pathway needs to be there though. I love that there is door to the outside?

[@BeachClubNovaScotia]

How about a wall divider made from the stained glass panels and/or those great arched doors you just removed from the room ... would be really artsy ! 🎨🖼

[@sherrylelee8274]

The colored glass panels do not fit in with the period of time Billy is replicate. They are 1960s

[@cbrashsorensen]

Getting the various items for the library sorted is a great idea as you are continuing to think through the wall finishes.

[@theangendeavor9910]

Billy, I love the partician. I dont think it looks like a hospital. I like that it creates a separate space with out closing the space off. I think if you had a nice oak version built with the many windows like that it would look cool. It reminds me of an old school from the old days. It also would remind me of an artists creative space. I think an oak version of that stained dark with a nice varnish.

[@iamdawt]

I love your idea of a space for creatives! It makes sense if you're going to use it for the large printer anyway. There could be spaces for painting and mixed media, and even simple bookbinding projects (I make journals and could totally see that). Artsy retreats are VERY popular, and this would work quite nicely. I love everything you've done with the place and look forward to seeing more.

[@morpar318]

Just take out the divider wall and have a wood floor. it will give it a nice large comfortable feeling

[@naomimeyers84]

It would be so nice to see that huge fireplace in use. Although maybe after you're done with all the printing of wallpapers and things. I can't wait for demo day... my absolute favorite part of the renovation process. :)

[@lynnpetti3817]

It’s a lovely space. Keeping it open would keep the essence of the original room..

[@bonitareardon5987]

I agree with laura, get rid of the room divider altogether. It would make a great lounge or party room, which would be a great money spinner.

[@nancymcclain2533]

Weird, I love that room divider. Not plain as it is . The windows are pleasing to the eyes but maybe stained darker woodwork and panels on bottom ...printed pattern, Bead board, decorative squares, ,diagonal shiplap??? That's a perfect rest or gathering area. If close to library lots of sofas for reading. Maybe additional shelving along panels for misplaced books and boardgames. FFT

[@TheSassy1962]

I think you should make that room the gift shop…keep a divider but make it more like shop display windows. Have a few souvenirs like posters of the convent, or post cards, some local history books, Crack On hats, etc. It is fortuitously placed between two destinations in the convent.

[@marilynwade9448]

Beautiful big fireplace

[@staceyalbert3523]

Billy…you knock it out of the park in every video, and your accomplishments are unparalleled, but your choice of music to compliment each of your videos is just absolutely brilliant! Well done in every aspect!!!! Bravo!

[@sherrylelee8274]

The title should read: Our covent! Not ‘your’ convent - don’t ever forget Gwendoline❤

[@loraoflahrity130]

Every room has so much potential, especially with your design ideas 😊

[@anitapresnell6403]

Well there you have it Billy. Everyone is saying that you should not have a divider and it would make a great lounge area so if you decide otherwise it up to you as it's your project but the vote has been cast for you. 😅

[@cecoya]

One more job complete, all cleaned out and ready for the next stage in life. So much to do, I think a room divider is a great idea. It will allow you to be able to create and make the wall papers you need. Also, allow you the privacy to do so while everyone can move about freely. Have a great day

[@SusieMonk-jh8tj]

Trust you To go The easy route dear Billy 🤣🤣👏 remove ceilings, divider ,see what’s there ,level the floor, plasterboard ,insulate plasterboard. Normal Petherick bodge job!!! Never change Billyyou are a superstar🌟⭐🌟⭐🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳

[@teamum7729]

Removing the partition is key if eventually you may use it for artists. Artists require natural light for painting

[@ftwtexasstephens9629]

Having a room divider makes the fireplace look off balance.

[@ej12349]

You are making a lot of progress with Convent. Looking forward to seeing what these new rooms turn into!

[@SusanJoyHood]

Billy, in that room you need to have a room divider if people are going to be walking by it to another part of the convent, best to have a degree of privacy, just my thoughts. I love what you are doing with the Convent.

[@kimrafferty7170]

Hi Billy, I think asking Michael for his input into whether that room would have enough light for artists to work in and yes a tiled floor would be lovely but maybe not what you have in the kitchen because whether it is used for artists or as a room for printing there is a risk of paint or ink getting on the floor so having a floor covering that can withstand accidents would be more practical. It does seem a shame that the fire place would not be seen or used by more people, the fireplaces at the convent are such an historical feature that the room maybe better as a lounge but as I have said many times before it is your convent and it is upto you as to what you do with the space. Whatever you decide it will be a lot of hard work with the correcting the floor and ceiling plus the divider. Love as always to you all xxxx

[@rosemariedeschenes7013]

Love the idea of that room being a lounge with sofas, comfy chairs and a wood burning stove. Keep as many windows as possible for natural light. Nice job with the clean up 😍😘

[@gregb6469]

What you all are doing to restore and repurpose this grand old building is most commendable!

[@bonnie329]

Leave it open. Such a bright and beautiful space. The fireplace will be better balanced in the room if its left undivided

[@janinebertman4167]

What an interesting room. I can’t wait to see what you do with it! I’d take the room divider out and leave the room as one space. What a beautiful living room it would make!

[@donab1369]

Watching you move things around never gets old.

[@aimeecho6927]

Can hardly wait to see what you do with the room! Gutting it will be a vast improvement 😂. You are absolutely right, it is very institutional looking. Oppressive. The fireplace is amazing and is going to be stunning when you finish it.

[@LorraineEffenbeck]

Love Yanis and his attitude

[@KonTikiBea]

it would make a nice living room /morning room etc. place to have english tea maybe? a place to put a christmas tree ? tons of posibilites :)

[@krystynadawson3318]

Billy, I would remove the partition and leave it open. Your doing wonderful work. Krystyna in Wisconsin

[@Burbankelly]

I think it would make a really great sitting room, especially with that awesome fireplace!