TRANSFORMING AN OLD HOME | We Bought a Portuguese Village House

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Theo and Bee gave up their busy city lifestyles in 2014 to explore alternative living, and have lived in vans and boats since then without looking back! Along with their cat Ginjey Bear they have been driving around the world in their self converted Sprinter van. However, when the global pandemic hit they began converting their abandoned stone barn in Central Portugal to turn into a wonderful tiny stone cottage. Along the way, they have rescued a playful cat called Furrnando and have a wonderful flock of Chickens!

[@theindieprojects]

🥳The first 1,000 people to use the link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/theindieprojects0822

[@fondoftheduh]

I think the rugs in the new place might be museum quality and very special. I'd look into that before walking all over those tapestries.

[@Kassiopeia1978]

Love this cozy house. Perhaps it is possible to put the kitchen on the ground floor and convert the old kitchen into a laundry room with a linen closet. Especially since this great cold pantry is attached to the big room on the ground floor. And there would be room for a nice table to sit and eat together 🙂 And I would turn one of the small rooms into a bathroom with a composting toilet and a vanity with a small water reservoir at the wall or on a shelf for handwashing

[@theindieprojects]

Many ideas! 😀

[@colliecoform4854]

I like that idea. Could be two rental units or just a larger house, more bedrooms. The house has a lot of possibilities.

[@vivsalittlebitcrafty4854]

LOVE that idea 😍😍

[@kmarshall53]

I thought the same thing…an en suite bathroom would be lovely!

[@angelahite75]

That's what I envisioned also. Except I was thinking it could double as a way to open up to the village to sale all that wonderful fruit they grow.

[@joyceb5864]

The house is a fascinating trip through time!! Some of the items I see in the house really belong in a museum!! Just far too precious to use for decoration. Maybe you should have an Antique Appraiser do a walk-through, if for no other reason than insurance coverage. In your renovation, please consider a restroom on each floor, if nothing more than a composting toilet and washstand. Future visitors or renters will appreciate it as no one likes to climb stairs in the middle of the night to use a restroom. Another option would be a waterless incinerating toilet as it only requires electricity. Please show us more of the house!! I would love to see an actual floor plan. Love watching you & Bee and all your progress!!

[@eduardoavm4197]

The 'Braseira' is used with almost ashes from vine twigs that have been burnt before. The cloth on the table should be really heavy and long down over to the floor. Most of the carbon dioxide would stay under. But the whole thing works because the old houses were not completely insulated. Some air would always flow in from outside.

[@marirose19]

@Eduardo AVM I love the education & useful information, not to mention the many suggestions people like you & others offer in these comments. TFS.✌🏼

[@nickoblack]

That's true. But let's face it, the braseiras were still very dangerous, and caused many silent deaths. People would quietly went to 'sleep'!

[@eduardoavm4197]

@@nickoblack Yes. You are right. They are dangerous! Lots of cases of old people that insulated (changed doors and windows) their houses unaware that they were creating a time bomb for the winter

[@kerrylynnparsons9441]

What an adorable little house!!! You have the best of both worlds!!! I loved Furnando chillaxing in the hammock chair!!! 😂😂😂❤️❤️❤️🐈🇨🇦

[@alvaalvarado2587]

I'm glad you took the curtains down, it's much better that way

[@maeveskelly4686]

Have no doubt the renovations will turn out fantastically as you are a craftsman Theo. Bee really miss you on the videos as your voice adds such a lovely counterfoil with Theo. Appreciate you’ve stepped back for your own health so no pressure - just want to say how valuable you are as a person . Keep well.

[@kingingit]

SUCH a charming little home guys ❤ It's beautiful, we're excited about this project! x

[@jilllangman9343]

Theo, could you turn the little skylit room into an ensuite / dressing room? Older people need to use the bathroom overnight and an ensuite toilet is very helpful. This is exciting ,having another project to enjoy vicariously. Thanks for showing the goats. Love to see the whole family enjoying their lives in the sun. Hugs from Australia .🐨🌈💕

[@HB-MrCatLover]

Hello, Bee and Theo ! I truly love your films about your life on your farm with all the animals. The videos are always beautifully filmed and ooze peace and serenity. Thank you for the lovely moments you offer us. Hugs to Ginjey Bear and Furnando.Take good care of each other. 🙏👍🐈

[@carolbulmer8253]

Theo, I agree with you and Bea to switch the bedroom to the front where the window is and make the smaller room a dressing room. I like The changes that you have in mind for the rest of the house😊

[@amcab1625]

Love the village house. A kitchen and bath on main floor may be a good idea.

[@monalingan9523]

The village house is so charming. I would keep the house and make it a seasonal rental. You could make bank!

[@kevinh.w.crabbe8748]

I sure did enjoy that that was beautiful thank you. I am very proud of you too sharing your live time out there. May God keep on blessing you both

[@deborahreynolds1552]

Hi Theo and Bea, you have me captivated pre covid my plan was to visit Portugal last year, seek out residency and properties, work another 5 years whilst visiting Portugal every year for a month or so. Air B&B a property for the duration then retire and move permanently to Portugal as my family heritage is Portuguese on my Mum's side. It's an interesting story I would love to tell you some time of how my Grandfather ended up in the far south of Australia, married and had a family. Your cottage is exactly what I would have been looking for so I will be watching progress with intense interest. I had given up on this dream ever coming to reality but you have made me look a bit deeper and do some fresh research. Thank you, Deborah

[@lindacox8156]

I just love how you both care for your animals!!! It was fun to see the village house again!

[@bex82uk]

Will always support by watching even though I can’t support you financially,love you guys🥰🇬🇧

[@theindieprojects]

Thanks Becky ❤️

[@tammystark6364]

Bea....I would never know you are a new gardener. You are doing fantastic. The plants all look wonderful. And as you have found out in this last year they taste so much better when they are grown by your own hands and hard work. You have done amazing.

[@englishmaninengland4591]

My wife’s family are originally from Scilly. The view on to the street is exactly the same as the family in Scilly. My wife & I look forward to watching you both on a Sunday afternoon. You must both have a sense of satisfaction with all of your achievements. Your family should be very proud of you. ;-) Chris the Englishman in England.

[@valeriecraun1720]

Theo, every time you do a drive up shot of that side of the barn/ house we need a few more seconds to admire the pointed wall! You do beautiful work!

[@galdessa1]

Try the pause button.

[@sue7190]

I would make the hairdressing room into a kitchen/ diner opening into the sitting room and it has direct access from the street, easy access if you have shopping. Re use the kitchen as a study maybe.

[@Susan.I]

I agree, the small bedroom should be a wardrobe!

[@amandable7106]

Spray the plastic mirror green like the walls or matt black. Cheap and will look great!

[@lorimontcalm9086]

Can you make the ground floor into a wheelchair accessible unit? With bathroom shower accessibility? They are hard to find, anyone can rent it but you can also open it up to those have mobility issues. When I see the barn in the intro it really provides a snapshot as to how much you have done. 💕 Hugs from 🇨🇦

[@maeveskelly4686]

Totally agree. I have a nephew who is wheelchair bound and finding accessible holiday places is really difficult.

[@missglenellen]

Such a lovely project! Thanks again for sharing! I think the ex hairsalon/barber room could be some kind of space for children's and adults sportive entertainment, from a trampoline to a snooker table, a swing or hammock, an exercise bike, something you can do without destroying the beautiful renovation with "precious" vintage stuff upstairs.

[@Juliegriffiths1]

Well done guys. Hope you are getting to relax. You cant please all the people all the time. Keep doing what you do. You do it so well. Keep smiling Bea. Xxx

[@Sparose3]

Adorable little place. Would definitely use the small room for wardrobe and make living room your bedroom. Would also reinforce that banister on the stairs with some spindals or something. It can’t be a gold mirror for the bathroom Theo. All the hardware is chrome/silver.

[@jenniferhill1882]

I’d turn that second living room into a bedroom and ensuite it would make a fantastic master bedroom and it’s well big enough for a wardrobe in the main area and what is now the bedroom would be the perfect size for an ensuite.

[@pauladosch7062]

The hot table you describe is like a Japanese “kotatsu” table. They have a light bulb under the table and that have a removable top. They drape the blanket over the table and add the table top. I had a kotatsu table in my first apartment when I moved to Tokyo. You and Bee would love Japan, you should arrange a group trip there!

[@pauladosch7062]

I found a you tube video which explains what a kotatsu table is and how to use it: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKOrYXxvrZ2Db9U

[@GM-cq6ez]

A lightbulb for heat?

[@pauladosch7062]

Yes

[@MrBswede]

exactly. The ones they use today have the heat from a bulb or some heat coil but I imagine old ones held coals. In Japan they would have had a vent in the ceiling if they had coals. A formal tea room in a house would have a small area in the floor to hold the coals for heating the tea and those rooms had vents in the ceiling (how they didn't burn down more houses I have no idea!!!). Portuguese were early western influences in Japan and they share some words and I wonder if this idea came from there or vice versa.

[@lanaosterfield9989]

town house bathroom looks fabulous

[@charmainemcdonald9679]

The work room down stairs entrance would be a wonderful family room..

[@joandonnelly9187]

As you plan to rent or sell the village house in the future, the tiny bedroom that you mentioned putting a walk-in wardrobe into, should definitely be an ensuite bathroom, especially if the room beside it is to become a bedroom. Much more of a renting or selling feature. I agree with the suggestion of using the hairdressing room as either a separate studio apartment as it has it's own entrance, or as a room for someone with mobility issues and put a bathroom at the back (again this helps with renting or selling), or as a games room/gym.

[@davidbloch5370]

I think the best thing to do is get a architect draw you a rendering of your home with all the changes you could make

[@yvonnek6374]

A floor plan would be great, I find I can really visualise everything then

[@melindajohnson8586]

I think making the small room a closet and the larger room a bedroom is an excellent idea. The other room I would not leave for storage bc if you use it as a short term rental it has no appeal as storage, but it would be a lovely reading room with a couple of cozy chairs and lamps… maybe library/study. It’s is so lovely and absolutely appealing!! I love it!

[@lopez2300cl]

Bathroom fixtures are currently ALL different colors. Door handlenis brushed bronze?, sink and tub are silver and toilet roll holder is black. Id maybe go with all black or the brushed bronse on all fixtures and then find a mirror that matches the fixtures as well. Im so excited to see what yall do. The house is gonna be beautiful!!

[@lopez2300cl]

Also the walk in wardrobe sounds wonderful, just another idea tho... maybe a bunk room? Larger rental properties in Texas often have at least one bunk room to accommodate kids and more people?!? The bedroom seems large enough to have a bed and a beautiful antique wardrobe since your thinking of rental property.. may not need a full walk in wardrobe for short terms rentals?

[@ros9673]

I think you are very fortunate to have so much. You have worked your socks off non stop and kept us up to date with your plans and progress i love the cats and all your animals, chickens seeyou next time 🌟

[@damarisrivera4098]

The switch is nice I agree a walk in closet is awesome 👌

[@debbiecoull6957]

The windows above each door are called Fanlights (that is their name in Britain). The purpose is purely to allow natural daylight through from rooms with windows, into rooms without. I your house's case, I imagine this is to let daylight into the hallway. Debs

[@dianebaker5243]

The property is beautiful. If you are going to have four people or more there.a big living room dinner be lovely in the room you showed us. 👍🥰

[@brucestmartin777]

I just love that village house!!!

[@gemeames1597]

Love what you did with the bathroom on your rental home. Yes, I agree, use the white subway tiles in the kitchen. I have them in the galley kitchen of my early 1900's row house, and the white brightens up a kitchen that has limited lighting.

[@gerrygold9273]

It's nice to see all the animals. Turn the front that room that you are not sure about down stairs into a studio bedsit A bedsit room may be handy for a family with an elderly grandparent who cannot go up stairs. That would be an ideal bedroom suite for an elderly or desabled member of the family. Have a great week. Love you guys.💜

[@SJC49]

With Bea’s artistic eye could you paint the toilet tank? A very pretty floral/vines pattern or a take on some of the Portuguese tile patterns would make a very unusual contrast/statement to the plainer style of the tiles and walls.

[@karenfrancis2478]

Agree on the changing the bedroom to a walk-in robe and putting the bedroom in the 2nd lounge room

[@runninggreywolf8313]

You could paint the toilet tank. It would be the perfect mix of old and modern. Maybe consider painting the laundry room roof white to brighten it a bit or add better lighting.

[@lindadwight9932]

Could you convert Hair Salon space to lil studio apartment? Bed, sitting spot, bathroom possibly. Great for travelers. Nice work guys so far.

[@KatesThings]

Would love to see the village too.

[@theindieprojects]

Will have to do a tour at some point 😀

[@suesmith5033]

I love all the character the house in town has. With your design style it's goingvto be so great!

[@verlenelewis9866]

Was so tickled by Fernando in the hammock chair 🤣

[@dacakeldy]

I love the show, so excited about the trip and this next adventure on the new renovation. We haven't seen Bea's beautiful face much lately. I miss seeing the two of you interact I'm not tired of Theo, but would like to see more of both together.

[@lisamedlyn3818]

Spray paint the frame of the bathroom mirror gold. Find ways to use what you have to keep the cost down.

[@helenmobbs4599]

😊 Theo, I'm concerned, a machine pair of socks, was going on? 😂 another great video thanks

[@suenunn9099]

Leave it as a bedroom. It is quaint and has great charm.

[@debgibson5570]

Theo telling the goat to SIT for a treat= 😂🤣😅😆🤣😁

[@billiegutierrez2506]

What a big improvement well done

[@fastgurrrl]

What Theo was doing just about 3:00 is the beginning step of juggling. I stuck with it and learned to juggle 3 objects in one day when I was a teen.

[@callumortiz6723]

I love the village house so much. You two are the BEST at renovation.

[@larajackson7506]

Absolutely amazing video! Thank you for sharing! Much love to u all! See you later! 😘

[@nkb1]

You need a second bathroom. Maybe turn that small bedroom into another bathroom. I also would suggest upgrading your electric. From what I've been able to see your wiring is over 70 years old in places. Before replacing light fixtures it's better to upgrade your wiring and panel.

[@GM-cq6ez]

Nice video! If you're planning to turn this cute little house into an B&B, the downstairs (beauty shop) area could be transformed into a separate studio with a tiny bathroom in the back and its own entrance ... or rented out as a shop (its original purpose).

[@F-J.]

The bathroom is gorgeous 😍

[@irenelay3213]

I love the village house & looking forward to seeing the improvements you make to it, but what I'd really like to see now, is a completed tour of your finished barn/home conversion, with your kitchen put in & completed. Don't know if I missed the completed kitchen installation, sorry if you did that already & I didn't catch it. If not, I'm really, really, really looking forward to it. Maybe I'll have to wait till you get back from your trip to the U.S. & Canada. BTW, hello from Massachusetts USA.

[@theindieprojects]

We are just waiting on materials then will have the kitchen finished 😀

[@HeidiPriest]

Think we have to wait till after canada

[@coffeefortwosolly]

Thanks for update…. Bathroom looked amazing ( yes a white instead of cream toilet system will make all the difference 🤣) love the idea of bringing the bedroom to the front and the walk in closet is an excellent idea! Plenty of space to keep guests suitcases during their stay! As for the shop area maybe a playroom / games room for guests …few chairs/ sofa games table…a couple of bikes to explore the village …it’s endless 🤷🏻‍♀️ 🙋🏻‍♀️🇬🇧💕jane

[@juanitafoster9834]

love the bathroom. I would make that little room into a walk in wardrobe.

[@theindieprojects]

Thanks!

[@sherryh1014]

Love the idea of bedroom with walk-in closet

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Love your village house, your doing a grand job. I agree the little bedroom change with living room. Can't wait until all completed. 💚

[@sylviajones4907]

One can always hope!(To have a flat wall to work with one day.) Thanks for the added tour & info of the "townhouse."

[@theindieprojects]

Thank you ☺️

[@RC206]

Hey, an idea for freshening up the discolored toilet tank. Here in the US, Krylon makes a spray can paint especially formulated for plastic. It works GREAT! I used it to redo all the yellowed plastic in my 30 year old travel trailer. I painted the tub, sink, ceiling trim pieces, etc. with white and it came out fantastic...and has held up surprisingly well over the years! It was a cheap way to get the fresh look that I wanted without paying any more than several cans of spray paint. After a good cleaning, the application was easy. I used several light coats to keep the paint from running/dripping. Maybe there's a similar type plastic formulated "rattle can" paint available by a manufacturer where you are. Love your village house!!!!

[@judithparsons1920]

Sooooo nice!! Excited for you guys!!

[@gj5666]

I've already posted, but with what is happening in this world at the moment, it's great to see what people are doing. These videos help a lot of us to know, investigate, and think carefully about what we can do with our lives, currently and in the future. These videos make us ask questions! So thanks for giving us a starting Block!

[@dawnpakstas4650]

It’s looking so different already, loving it♥️🇨🇦

[@jasperdunord1702]

We really liked what you and Bee have done will the bathroom!!! Can't wait to see what comes next. Cheers and stay safe.

[@vivsalittlebitcrafty4854]

I love this cute village house so much. It has plenty of character. Maybe a video to show us all around the village itself, the stores etc.

[@tamiweber7118]

This house is absolutely adorable 🥰 I love all the vintage furniture ❤ This house would make a great air b&b. The guest would be short term and you can continue doing improvements to the property while the income pays for the upkeep. 🥰 Also your friends and family can come to visit and they have a place to stay ✅

[@Claycat4]

I get up at sunrise to water my garden. I love it, too!

[@shalmaratrethewey9618]

Turn the storage area into a kitchen with nice size dining area. The old kitchen can become storage.

[@janetkoball44]

A grand project in a nice town. I'm sure you and Bea will make the changes it really needs. Thanks. From Central Oklahoma

[@maryhart637]

Perfect idea, Theo. Having a nice sized walk-in closet is a great idea. It's going to be thrilling to see what you do with your village house❤🤩🙌

[@annar6430]

Theo..you will now be able to live as many did in the Mediterranean. Summers on the farm...producing food for the Winters . When you stay Comfy Cozy in the Village House. Christmas and Easter at the local Church. Fernando and Gingy Bear curled around the heating bowl. 🥰🥰🏡🏠

[@Basai7]

Marvelous! This little village home has so many charming, solid aspects. Please please choose a nicer mirror frame for your bathroom upgrade, not plastic. There must be a lovely old wooden frame that can be repurposed... With regards to the hair dresser suite; it would make a lovely kitchen and dining room. The current kitchen could then become a laundry/washroom and pantry.

[@sandranatali1260]

I was thinking the same thing about changing the barber shop into a kitchen with a laundry area (with a nice long table between the kitchen and laundry area. The table could divide up the room, adding function in both areas) The original kitchen could be used for fixing coffee/tea, where food from the kitchen can be kept warm, to be served in the dining room).

[@karenminckler4198]

Very cozy. You guys have great ideas.

[@klaskelangford8324]

Amazing what a coat of paint will do! Looks good!

[@danaking9276]

SO, SO, HAPPY FOR YOU TWO! BEST OF LUCK!! STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY!!! ♥️

[@kickbuttme]

walk in wardrobe sounds good. that will be a lovely bedroom

[@barbarabowman3328]

I agree that the enclosed bedroom would be a great walk-in closet. There would be room enough for a cedar chest for storing bedding.

[@piratetaylor29]

I'm in awe about the beautiful rugs that came with the village cottage. The whole cottage is devine and has tons of potential as time and funds allow. Keep us posted as another renovation happens. Best wishes, j ♥️🇺🇸🌻🌻🌻

[@debbiegarza1287]

Very nice tour of the new place. Very romantic old world feel! Thank you.

[@samfrancis1394]

I feel like one of those tiny windowless rooms could be an additional bath, but maybe not practical or too costly?

[@deb0523ful]

It is really looking fabulous. I just love old houses

[@lannie1973]

I really like to help with the kitchen or painting. So nice to paint the stairs

[@sharonhilliard3780]

Theo the village house is lovely . I know when you and Bee get started it will all come together beautifully .

[@heleenquartel1145]

The long room cools be a utility room. You can put the washing machine in it and dry the wash. Also to be used as storage room.

[@marirose19]

It goes without saying that I love your homestead. Also, thank you for the tour of the village house. It’s going to be stunning. I love the green feature wall in the bathroom-very nice. Love you both so very much, ~Marirose NH USA 💙✌🏼🌀

[@heymsvicki983]

In the closet area(formally Bedroom) I would add a mini fridge and coffee/tea area.

[@carolinaviterironald1974]

Totally agree with changing the room and if it wasn't because of the plumbing I would make a little powder room. But, it seems impossible, so wardrobe it is.😊💖

[@radmilamiljanic5977]

The village house is a gem, try to preserve that rustic spirit in it.

[@charmainemcdonald9679]

Love 💕 the textured close up shots💕🐝is glowing and beautiful as usual 🐝Theo so heart warming watching you with your goats🐐🐐🐐🐐✨ Hope you take time to rest so you both can keep your dreams turn in to reality ✨🙏✨

[@heidibear44]

That little room could make a beautiful study with two comfy chairs and wall to wall bookshelves. 💜

[@christinamcintire1908]

Playing with your food. Great juggling. Keep working on you goats. I can't wait to see them obey you on your training. Can't wait to see the growth of the houses. The bathroom looks great. Also Information on what those things were great. Thank you loved seeing what your building and how.