We Bought a Cottage!

[@Thomas-pq2qz]

Some years ago while working as a brickie my fellow tradesman said he had been at a job where he met Patrick Mc Goohan.He of PRISONER fame.On asking the actor where he came from in Eire, the reply was “Leitrim,the asshole of Ireland”! Had a chuckle at that.May you have only good experiences there and never have cause to describe any of your dwellings so. You seem very honest about all the ups and downs.The best of luck to you both,and your cats.

[@420AuditsIreland]

Jesus girl. What a beautiful cottage. Cant wait to see how yous got on with the renovations.

[@nazminnarine7901]

Love you from Trinidad Caribbean love to visit beautiful Ireland. I am crazy about Irelands every aspect about it. It is so colourful and intriguing. Season Greetings and Congratulations on your beautiful cottage on a lovely acre of land. Happy Bar be cueing. Make that home made Christmas Pudding.and Ponche a creme and ginger beer and christmas turkey and ham. Cheers my dear and best wishes.🏝🏖☃️🥂🍾🌴🌺🥀🌲🦃🐔🐴🐕🐩🐏📪🌷🐞🌻🌹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇬🇧

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thanks so much Nazmin! Hello to Trinidad from rainy Ireland and Season's Greetings to you too! 😊 We'll be sure to share the BBQ! 😍🍖🥔🍗🥗🔥🌞

[@Mookiethedog]

Awwww that place looks awesome! I know this viddy is a year old but I'm just getting up to speed. So happy you two found a place.

[@seandavis11961]

I hope it looks great when you finish.

[@pennyrowe9705]

I am so happy for you two! As someone who is disabled, visible and not, I understand the difficulties that go along with finding affordable, accessible (for me at least) housing. Last year we were finally able to buy a home thanks to Habitat for Humanity. If it weren't for them we would never have been able to have our own home and we would still be moving from apartment to apartment as rent was increased. May your new home be everything you need and want.🙂

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thank you Penny! I'm so glad to hear you've been homed. It's a terrible road indeed, until it's suddenly not anymore!

[@naominicoda9517]

Congratulations 🎉

[@cynthsalas2429]

Congratulations!!!

[@TheOnlySMG]

Yay! Congratulations 🎉

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thank you!

[@youareamazingyesyou5880]

Thats brill! Congrats! Enjoy !

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thank you!

[@MaraElaineOGrady]

Oh that is fantastic Tara! So delighted for you, we will have to meet up in the west. I hear you deeply, in a similar position myself and its so hard on the nervous system. A new chapter for you filled with hope. Well done!

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Wishing you luck on your journey too, Mara! Yes, a meet up for sure!

[@kendall7041]

I hoped this was the news! A thousand congratulations and blessings to you and your new home Tara!! I'm so looking forward to what you share of the adventure!

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thanks so much for your ongoing support Kendall! Yup, you guessed right 😁

[@savyjett]

Yay!! That’s what I was hoping you were getting at!! Congratulations!!!

[@savyjett]

You do what ya gotta do to have a livable space. I will be here when you get back. I follow a channel that hasn’t posted in over two years, but I keep it just in case!

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Gods bless you Savanah! Thank you!

[@carolineainenibhreithimh7652]

I live beside that coastline, well I live in bundoran but at the boarder. Other side me fence is Leitrim and i can see the sea of tullaghan from me bedroom and bathroom window x

[@bernadettemccann2618]

Tara, Been following you a couple yrs now.. i wondered where uou headed off to. I am absolutely DELIGHTED for you & your partner on this cottage. The land! My partner and I want to do,have something similar in the future... seeing this has me buzzing for you! Can wait to see updates! 👍🤩🏡Best wishes from Dundalk

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Oh waow, that's great to hear! Tomorrow's video is all about the pros and cons of derelict properties, might be useful for you two! 😀

[@bernadettemccann2618]

@@DiaryofaDitchWitch 🙏🤩😊💗

[@lisadoyle6005]

Congratulations Tara and Dave. Brilliant news 🥳

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thanks Lisa, and thanks for your support! Making all the difference in the world ❤

[@kaygiddens776]

Oh, how exciting!! I can see it in my mind....cozy and warm....vegetable garden with a basket of veggies on your vintage wooden table that you found cast out, but restored it.

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

You're reading my mind 😊 Thanks Kay!

[@charleenramus3731]

Awe Tara ...so dang pleased for you both . 👏 Congratulations on your new home . Sounds like you will be seriously busy as all get out .

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thanks Charleen! Yup, this summer is pretty much a write-off. But by the end of it we'll be on-site 😊

[@Shyannam]

Thanks!

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thank you!

[@carolineainenibhreithimh7652]

This is basically what my uncle lives in but it's kept because he lives in it still. These kind of cottages usually have a history of 150 years x

[@gemmamcgowan6648]

Huge congratulations Tara. Leitrim is glorious. We were hoping to move there ourselves but couldn’t get planning to extend our cottage unfortunately. Will hopefully get to renovate it one day. Leitrim has been a haven for artists for a long time. I’m sure you’ll meet tons of great people and have wonderful adventures. Beannnachtaí ar an obair.

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thanks Gemma! Wishing you luck on your journey too!

[@authormichellefranklin]

Well done, Tara! So happy for you

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thanks Michelle!

[@brigidteehan6414]

Excited for you. 🎉You had me crying at the end. Tears are great for releasing emotion.

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thank you Brigid! The relief of securing our own home after such a difficult road was like a gift from the gods 😊

[@carriered4715]

Absolutely Thrilled and Overjoyed for you both Tara ! Your Cottage looks Really Wonderful, this is Such an Exciting time for you!! It's going to be a Lot of work, but just So Much Fun! Leitrim is a beautiful place, and I know you're going to be extremely happy there, although I'm going to miss you being here in Dundalk, but you Have to Spread Yourself around a bit, So to Speak ! 😆 Can't wait to see the Renovation videos!! 🕯️💗😊

[@WayneCarolan]

Huge congratulations to you both!

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thank you so much 😊

[@WayneCarolan]

@@DiaryofaDitchWitch we’re around 2-3 chapters ahead of you and not finished yet. 4 years with keys and 3 years in. We did things from the inside out. Only advice I’d give is try pick up a 40ft container for storing your bits,(you can put pitch roof cap on it to make it pretty in time) get wifi set up for security. The mistakes we made: We were too sensitive to the previous owners layout on the property. Looking back a large digger to clear all the overgrown crap back first would have saved so much hassle. We thought out entrance/lane was big enough. It wasn’t! It took serious effort to do it in a panic to get stone down for trucks to deliver concrete etc. Don’t worry about solar/heat pumps but do install empty pipe work to fit in future. A back boiler stove/Stanley etc is the most affordable way to make heat. If I were you I’d knock the shed and rebuild with blocks and face the front with stone. This could be your living quarters until house is sorted and potential future studio/office or Guest accommodation. Be sure you guys do not take things too serious and enjoy the process.

[@jessgeoghegan]

Aw Tara!!! ❤️ I'm sobbing while trying to cook my dinner... the most wonderful news and a fucking great end to your rent life!!! 🥰 well done on all your hard work!

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thanks Jessica! Totes emosh, for sure!

[@christianeweckop4507]

Aaaw we are house shopping in Louth at the moment, I´m so happy for you two having found your lovely corner in the world. Please stop crying you make me well up too

[@dbaider9467]

Good luck with the renovation. I live in a very similar cottage in Cork that I renovated recently. French drains, lime on the outside and all that keep-the-house-dry goodness. A micro digger will be your best friend to dig the floors up inside and dig the outside drains. Micro diggers can fit through a 32" wide opening.

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Great tip, thank you! We plan to check the floors for dry lining, since it looks like they were fresh laid in recent years....but please stay tuned and offer any tips you have, we need all the help we can get 😆

[@WishboneWoody]

I love this project of yours. I wish you every success. So many people will only see all the problems. But with a positive attitude and a bit of visionary sight you'll have a beautiful cottage!!!

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thanks Grace! We can't wait!

[@TheCraftyCailleach]

Ah Tara I'm absolutely delighted for you! 💜 looking forward to seeing what you do with the space

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thanks Amy! I'd love to just sleep for a month now, but the work's only just beginning 😂

[@TheCraftyCailleach]

@@DiaryofaDitchWitch oh I can imagine! If you're throwing a meitheal party or something for working on it I'd be happy to come up and give you a hand with painting or whatever I can do to help 😊

[@donnyskinglongliveme]

I once stayed in an old house in Donegal that had a number of other deralict buildings round about, the owner had cleared out one of the most deralict ones and put a timber & perspex makeshift roof on it & had growing tomatoes & all kinds of fruit & veg in it & had a lovely picnic table in there! It was lovely!

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

You read my mind 😉

[@humankatcrafty]

Your video made me smile! Just seeing you so happy. Congratulations!

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thanks Kathleen! 😊

[@Suzyboo73]

Delighted for you 😀 Congratulations 🎊

[@brandyjean7015]

Huzzah!!! Couldn't possibly hate you, dear one. To find a country property, I could afford & was in a sustainable environment... I moved almost 1,000 miles north. Kudos to you both for having the courage to make your dramatic life change 💚

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

That's a very big move Brandy Jean, I don't feel so bad about leaving Dundalk now, thank you so much for your ongoing support! 😊

[@CannaboeCakes]

Congratulations and a big welcome to you both to Lovely Leitrim.

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thank you very much! Can't wait to get over and start settling in! 😁

[@idontbelieveyou]

Ah Tara... I couldn't be happier for you. The bargains are definitely in Leitrim... for an old cottage this looks to be in really good shape... I love the old stone sheds. You must be over the moon. I'm delighted for you, and so happy you have a place to call home xxx You're way deserving!

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thanks a million for your constant support Susan! We wouldn't be here without you 🧡💜🧡💜🧡💜

[@judeross3875]

Ah Tara you had me in tears at the end!! I had been thinking of you as we approach the solstice/Litha am so so pleased for you both. Know some but not all of your journey you have shared for your housing situation. Mother Mary portrait I noticed in the cottage certainly been waiting for some new life and love both in the cottage and on the land. So much love and well deserved. Enjoy the journey and the pace and flow from someone needing to take own advice!! xx

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thank you so much for your support Jude

[@rubadubwood]

Congrats and best of luck with the house.

[@harpress]

I'm so happy for you! And I hope it all goes reasonably smoothly for you!

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thanks Lysh Anna! That's not a bad idea indeed! So far it's just been pulling rotted wood out of our mobile and not very pretty....but a wee live would allow for an element of storytelling and a quick glance at what's changed. Cogs are turning.....

[@dianewatier50]

Félicitations 🎉🎊 Tara & Dave on the purchase of your first home! I am so proud, excited & overjoyed for you both. You never have enough outhouses as you never know 😉 they might come in handy to welcome guests from overseas to maybe assist you in future projects..........life is full of surprises my sweet wee ditch witch sister ❤!!! Looking forward on seeing all the renovation vlogs & life in the camper 😊.

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thank you Diane! We sure have come a long way since Vlog #1 haven't we? Thank you for your constant support and belief in me! All it took was 15yrs of envisioning my dream house and POOF! Here it is 😆 (outhouses & all) 🧡💜🧡💜🧡

[@archer125]

Brilliant news. Well done Tara 👍👑

[@amandagosling7622]

I'm delighted for you 😀 well done, best of luck to you 👏

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thanks Amanda!

[@jonhluk]

Congratulations to the pair of ye ! Lots of work ahead, but it has great potential ! Make the most of the summer ,! X

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Unfortunately I'll be spending most of it at a computer screen working to pull in the bucks....it'll be a slow-burn project, but the hardest part is done!

[@heathermurray1109]

Congratulations Tara & Dave!!

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thank you Heather!

[@LeeCurrid]

Amazing! So delighted for you!! And lovely Leitrim has so much beautiful landscape, terrain and heritage to explore!

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thanks Lee, yes I can't wait to get started! 😍

[@greendragonpublishing]

Congratulations on buying your house! I hope your renovations go smoothly.

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thanks Christy!

[@brendangormley1556]

Congratulations on the house. I can see renovation vlogs in your future.... Can't wait.

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thanks Brendan!

[@carolineainenibhreithimh7652]

This is me dream x congrats to ye x

[@nesscrisp8372]

Love your new home and cant wait to follow every step in the renovating of it from New Zealand. It's just what I would expect an Irish cottage to look like.

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thank you, looking forward to having something to share with you 😊

[@reginafinan2819]

Congrats Tara! Wishing you luck and joy in you and Dave's next adventure down in Leitrim. Those prayers to Brigid seem to have done the trick, her cloak was on your side with that acre included. 😉 I'm really looking forward the renovation videos, still stuck at that stage meself. ☺

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Wishing you the best of luck on your journey too. Brigid listened, eventually 😆

[@lisacollins8245]

Congrats and wishing you much good fortune on your new adventure!

[@DaysInIreland]

Best of luck with your new home 🏡 🥰

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thank you 😊

[@cookierah3530]

What a find😍💞! Congrats - can't wait to follow the updates

[@Gypsy235]

Congrats on your new home 🍾! Can’t wait to see the renovations 😊. So wonderful that great things are going your way in life 😄

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thanks Renee!

[@chamadodemorrigan]

I"m so happy for you, Tara! You deserve the world! ❤

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thank you 😊

[@DavidMulho]

Best of luck to you guys. Hard work begins now but you’ll have plenty of fun along the way.

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thanks David 😊

[@patsysprojects2038]

Congratulations Tara, looks class. I’m delighted for you both 👍🏻 living the dream 🎉

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

At least we will be when we get this mobile up to scratch 😆 Thanks Patsy!

[@williecollins5833]

Congrats,now you can shine brighter with your own fuse box,happy adventures to you both x

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

You said it! Thanks for your support Willie!

[@gumis123PL]

Great job Tara and good luck in your new journey.

[@hazelcrowley6606]

Well done, with ya girl. After over 10yr of trying to buy we bought 2yrs ago (renovation job too) moved Dublin to Galway Honesty the trauma of it all the renting bit, the mortgage bit or the repeated non mortgage bit. Tears n stress...It was wonderful to come across your channel. Guess what renovation on a tiny budget would make an interesting you tube too so here's to your new part 2. ! Best of luck Hazel

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thanks Hazel! Ye made a good choice moving west at least, I don't know how anyone is surviving in Dublin these days! Yup, 'reno on a budget' is defo the next direction for the channel, though it'll likely be in dribs and drabs, tis the nature if the beast. Just so glad to be out of the rental market, I feel like Indiana Jones sliding out with his hat at the last minute!

[@hazelcrowley6606]

@@DiaryofaDitchWitch :) 😀 go indi !!! Enjoy x

[@Grounded_Gravity]

A huge congrats to you! That is absolutely wonderful and must be such a relief. 💖🏠

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thanks Michelle, you can say that again! 😅

[@abutw0]

Well done you two. A true adventure and great canvas to work off. Best of luck!

[@multymedia5320]

hurrah! brilliant tara and dave, thats great news. co leitrim is lovely (miles from anywhere but lovely lol) youve a lot of work ahead of you but health and happiness to you both

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thanks John! Sure everywhere's miles from anywhere until you discover what's nearby 🤣 We'll have you down for tea when we have somewhere to put you lol

[@subspeciez]

Congratulations! I renovated my home last year while living in it and that was quite the struggle, good luck on your home it looks quite fun 😉. It has lots of potential but will be some of the most challenging times. I look forward to following along in your adventure!

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thanks Christopher, it will be slow going, for sure. But we'll get there 😊

[@weezyheartsbaby]

Massive massive congrats to you both! I know the relief you feel must be unreal, it is so exciting to finally have a place to call your own and not live with the constant threat of your housing being pulled from under you at any moment. The very best of luck with all your renovations in the future, it will be class! :^)

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

100%, Thank you! 😁

[@Ogham]

Aw love, I'm so glad for ye. Well done!

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thank you Lora! Slightly concerned about being only 40mins from Rathcroghan but hopefully Herself will go easy on me 😆

[@carriered4715]

I'm So happy for you both Tara and Dave, it's fantastic for you ! Tell you what, why not renovate the outhouses too, then you can Rent one out to Me ?!! 😁

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

We'll renovate all, as the budget allows, then we can open the doors to share our little piece of heaven with anyone who wishes to come 😊

[@Heikover]

Well done! Will have to swish by some time. :)

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Can't wait to have you both over!

[@caraddict1234]

Over 50 grand to buy though ,terrible isnt it ,ah well atleast u got something good luck im stuck on half that budget and not a hope of mortgage r loans r property here for that price in 2023 now

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

I recently made a video called "Can I Buy a Home for €25k?" which has some food for thought on ways to make €25k stretch a lot further. Best of luck with your search.

[@hahawhybother]

Why is it bad news to be moving to Leitrim?

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

It's only bad news for my Dundalk viewers, who are used to me covering history and myth from Dundalk 😊 It's great news for us! 😁

[@mrgreen6221]

Well.. there ya go. You're now officially a homeowner. Gotcha a house warming gift for you both. Text you soon.

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thanks for your help, Mr. Green. You gave us the confidence to nail this one down, for sure!

[@elizabethfarrell23]

Yes - yes, the house, but how about saying what lipstick you are wearing? (for those like me, who care).. :D Renovating too, also while sporting a red lipstick.. ;D

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

😂🤣🤣 Maybelline matt lip ink, shade 'Pioneer'.

[@cereusareoles9123]

You look so happy! Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

You said it! 🔥

[@ericcuthbert5974]

Hi Tara and David,. Are you sure that you are both doing the right thing ?. It's in the middle of nowhere - you will be spending a lot of money on fuel when you move there + All the other expenses , it could be a risky move. Best of luck to you both.

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Well it's either that or waiting to become homeless again Eric. There isn't a house on the east coast of Ireland that we can afford to rent, let alone buy. But thanks for your concern, if it comes to that, we'll jump to Plan B - horse & cart 😋

[@ericcuthbert5974]

It will cost a fortune to do that place up. The mobile home is a good idea - I am sure you could have put it very close to Dundalk - and then be patient and I am sure somewhere would have become available. It would haved saved you spending a fortune. Take care of you both. Eric.

[@ericcuthbert5974]

Fergusons have lovely large mobile homes in gyles quay with All facilities - shower - toilets etc it's also beside the beach and the bus stop is only a half a mile up the road. You could live there All year round. Please don't be upset with me for making these suggestions Tara. Take care of you both. Eric.

[@LouLou-bl7lw]

Be positive Tara & Dave The cottage has great potential It will take time to get it right on a budget but it will be a labor of love you are both young with plenty of time to do it up bit by bit Congratulations and best of luck with your new venture.