We Bought An Abandoned Convent... Revisiting The Attic

[@duncan_p]

Damn... I need to get back up there and cut those cable ties.. also I meant to put that piece of insulation back where the cables drop down👍😙

[@jenniferflores925]

Billy, you are the only person I know that has a torch bright enough it could kill a vampire. Also, I imagine that is the reason you chose this one to explore the creepy attic. 😂

[@bluemoon3927]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

I can handle attics. It's basements I have a hard time dealing with. After finding my husband deceased in my basement is one sight I can't unsee.

[@jenniferflores925]

@@kathywrightjohnson6804 I can imagine that would be very difficult, if not impossible. So sorry for your loss 💔

[@nancyirwin3150]

Ryan got you at the end!

[@jamesbaker429]

​@@gaelenecole4053 sorry for your loss and experience.

[@secretlysweetlottie602]

Traditionally in the 18th & 19th Century people would often leave old shoes, usually just one, in the walls, under the floorboards, or near an opening of the house to ward off evil spirits.

[@spongebobsqueeze]

I have never heard anything about this. Is it a religious thing, time thing, cultural thing?

[@prarieborn6458]

i have heard of that custom or practice trhough reading historical novels One story I recall was about peasant /country folks laying a hex on a neighbor by leaving a shoe in their field. Old scores got settled. When the shoe was discovered, it was replaced by another shoe to couteract the bad luck.Nowdays, in these advanced modern times, everybody knows that it is bad luck to be superstitious :) edited for typos

[@sme_sage1241]

Thank you for this information. How very interesting! It’s odd how what you can do with shoes can mean different things depending on culture.

[@nicolastanley7355]

I have also heard that leaving one shoe behind means that you will return to that place. (If not in person, in your heart and dreams.)

[@leighnisbett9691]

@@spongebobsqueeze it's an old superstition that goes back hundreds of years ,such as placing an old shoe under the door slab as protection against evil spirits and witches also to bless the home and the people who dwell within . It goes back to when holy orders had massive churches , abbey's ,convents and small parish churches and the locals were encouraged by the church to be superstitious .

[@stuckinmopro8533]

May I suggest leaving several fire extinguishers up in the attic? There is so much extremely dry wood, paper and fabric which would make perfect tinder for a fire up there.

[@adeleshaak4107]

I love that they continued the decorative spindles & bannister on the staircase, all the way up to the attic. Usually once you're past the living area it's just the most basic wood structure.

[@steveschulte8696]

There are several places that need a finial replacement, mostly shaper work. Continuing the stair case up to the attic landing would be great, and replace the attic door, in the future, Billy.

[@sr.marycatharineperry6693]

This is because in a convent every thing is done to give God glory.

[@IratePuffin]

Like he said, it used to be open all the way up to the attic. So it used to all be visible.

[@helenstella2666]

The beautiful music, your superb filming, the intrigue of this amazing building .. your wonderful friends .. I’m so hooked on your channel Billy .. thank you. ❤

[@amandalevy1227]

Me too! And thank you @Helen Stella For your comment I think you speak for many of us. And thanks Billy and crew. ❤️💕

[@annaibarra3447]

Same here.

[@judyharrison3038]

Me too. Love the music with the convents history❤❤

[@jenniferstrachan7084]

I would love links to the music that is used please

[@tstrong7910]

Watching Billy walk through the convent alone gives me chills everytime. His genuine commitment to serve as caretaker of and reverance for this magnificent property is practically palpable through the screen.

[@melinayorke7462]

The staircase is such a beautiful and unusual feature, I’m glad you’re planning on making the most of it. This is going to be such a special space. Once you’ve taken all the “institutional” fittings out I think it will feel a lot less “creepy” in the long hallways upstairs. The building will really come into its own when more people are about and actually living there. This place was never meant to be so quiet. In such an old construction you’re bound to hear the building creaking and banging. Billy you’re going to have plenty of opportunities to use your quality tools. 👍😃. I love your vlogs!

[@busterdee8228]

As you fill up that kitchen, it becomes obvious that your choice to remove the dividing walls was a good one. It is still looking intimate, but lovely in its verticality, capped by those beautiful beams.

[@roseharvey2664]

It's amazing how Ryan gets away with wearing a Lidl hat. Not many could pull that off.

[@secretlysweetlottie602]

Lidl did he know.... it’s not a fashion statement 🥴

[@lrlasvegas6427]

What is Lidl? I'm not familiar...

[@martinalemmerhofer6937]

​@@lrlasvegas6427 German grocery discount store.Aldi competitor,they did open stores in US.

[@perunut4656]

​@@lrlasvegas6427 A posh supermarket in the UK

[@debilee1501]

Not so posh here in America. More discount but international products.

[@elisabeth6108]

The perfect scraper for a frosty windshield like that is the credit card in your back pocket! The staircase will be spectacular when opened back up.

[@Mitch-Hendren]

The door on the stairs is probably to stop the cold air dropping to the first and second floor. I have the same roof in my house ( Victorian terrace 1866) slates but no underfelt. And the wind was fierce coming down the stairs in winter . Till I put a door on the landing like they have.

[@vannessa2173]

It would be great to put all the old stuff including some wood into a room like a museum

[@annelord3685]

Gros etoffe means a store for heavy-duty cloth materials. Canvas, sacking , bedding linen for sheets and pillow cases etc. They might also have had rolls of cloth for new vestments and habits Hope that helps. Love your videos xx

[@loraoflahrity130]

50% rubbing alcohol and 50% water in a spray bottle, removes frost from your windshield almost immediately ☺️ Loved the tool tour, I had no idea what was the purpose of those little tower's...now I know 😂 Great video BTW

[@sally-annbeach6427]

Ryan is a legend 😂

[@patriciablair7878]

Look at the history of this attic wow can you imagine back in time what they once may have hid up there I would clean all this out have the attic blessed.

[@steffaniel370]

Omg when I saw Billy’s flashlight I thought that would be a nice gift idea for my husband. The damn thing is about CAD $1000 😂😂😂

[@larrysmith937]

Billy, Ryan brings out the best and worst in you!! Don't ever part ways...

[@nelks1284]

100% agree!

[@Ticker2]

In regards to the Festool prices. The phrase is "But once, cry once" 🤣😩

[@leighnisbett9691]

Billy you could use the attic once it is modernised for storage of all the extra bits and pieces you find around the convent and then you'll know exactly where the old bits and pieces are .

[@craigmac6]

Billy, you could go through the loft space with a metal detector, going over the lagging etc to see if anyone left treasure hidden, before you remove and throw out the lagging.

[@matswilliams1058]

You have to come visiting Northen Sweden ! Just to compare what cold means 😊

[@peterwhite9261]

Holy crow, that torch can land UFO'S. Those tools look good quality. Now you got me thinking about the attic and stairs. You must be awake planning in your mind or asleep planning.

[@glenbolton]

Billy, when you were in the loft their was an arch form on the floor, i bet you a pound that the arch on the stairs matches that form

[@chappellroseholt5740]

Good morning from the SF Bay Area. The ongoing kitchen work is great. I'm amazed that the decorative bannisters go all the way to the top. It will be fun to see how eventually the cleaning and reworking turn out. Love to see the wood oiled and polished. Have a great day, well, evening for you now.

[@melissaslate1621]

No, no, no Dunkin’ has to snip the zip ties….. that always drove me nuts🤣😂😭😎

[@annmcgranaghan2131]

Duncan

[@susannesergent4448]

The creaking is the shrinking and expanding from hot and cold and moisture of the timber

[@jmm21340]

Billy, I chuckle at the nervousness that Ryan and you have in walking the Convent at night; my second parochial assignment had two unused school buildings and I used one for our Religious program and the other for our marching band - not nervous at all! Now for a suggestion: the staircase railings might be a good template for the Choir loft railing when you replace the loft. Keep up the good work, Father Jay

[@patriciablair7878]

Beautiful just absolutely beautiful I love this convent .

[@normamurray4450]

Thanks for taking us up in the attic Billy! The staircase is absolutely beautiful! All your tools, although a few dollars, will certainly pay for itself in the end as Sean confirmed. I've found that if I buy cheaper, I'm replacing items frequently and end up spending the same amount in the end! Now you guys can crack on with confidence knowing everything works!!! Sean is a blessing to you with his down to earth, well trained knowledge and of course Ryan brings the smile to the fold, right along with you Billy!

[@NonnaArk]

Sean is so pleasant and rides the waves of challenges with great attitude!

[@florencehodges-moore2909]

Sean is a really lovely guy just gets on with it neaver let’s anything get him down ❤

[@annettesharrock1236]

Another room right up in the attic . Like the idea Billy that take the walls out so you can see right from the top down at the stairways . Sean doing his normal a good job. Ryan does make me laugh and when you get together you are sooo funny. Loved watching. Crack On😘

[@vannessa2173]

Love all the tools. I miss my workshop, I lost it all in a fire. I was building up my tools again but now after the break-ins, I have to replace all the medical equipment, TV'S and much more plus fix my car and paid for expenses medications for my 3 boys and myself.

[@caitlyanna]

When the windshield of your car is frosted over, use a credit card to scrap the window. That's what I do here in the States. I used the edge opposite of the magnetic strip.

[@cathyhanley8658]

Or if you're feeling lazy, just use the windshield wiper fluid.

[@reladie]

I use warm water to defrost the windshield, very quick and no scraping

[@michaeltempsch5282]

​@@patrickmcneil4230rAs a Swede we do get a fair bit of use of those (even though I've got a timer outlet for electric engine block/cabin heater at home) Best type I've used is the plain rectangles of polycarbonate plastic. Cheap and 8 sharp edges that remain effective a long time.

[@annep.3067]

Impressive editing as always Billy!! Very captivating! Especially the first part of the video in the attic!

[@scottburbridge3170]

Ryan is quite the driver while he's rockin' his head.🌸 beautiful 🎶 music.

[@SN-sz7kw]

As an asthmatic, watching you rooting around in that attic without a mask makes me downright twitchy. 😂

[@faeryvixenetc]

Even tho it isn't asbestos, I still would not want to breathe the dust and possible particulate fiberglass from the old insulation. I would still recommend a particulate mask just to be on the safe side💖🦊 btw I LOVE the old door at the top of the stairs, I would keep it, even if you spiff up the rest of that area.. clean the door up and clear coat it! I also can't wait to see the stairs polished up

[@puckgroeneweg115]

Hilarious Ryan, and that hat..amazing , that attic hides more history, just like that beautiful staircase…and why so many doors…in that wall of the staircase…

[@karenmcloughlin]

Can you show us the finished apt? Would love to see how it turned out.

[@JosephGomezEnthusiast2]

It's on @sadie in france 's channel

[@nilo70]

“Never cheap out on your tools” My Father told me . I’m 70 now and he was right ! Billy has gone past good and into crazy good/expensive industrial Grade tools that the rest of us can only dream of😊

[@evilrowan]

I blame you for the dream i had last night about me renovating and old bakery in france but it was like in minecraft. Ryan was there as well lol.

[@ThePethericks]

😂

[@margarethouston8998]

Love these vlogs. Try to watch all advertisements to help!

[@guillermodelnoche]

You could try putting a couple night vision cameras in the grenier to see if you do have any paranormal guests. People love to watch live ghost feeds. Cheers!

[@lisabaker1796]

Tools r expensive. But buy once cry once. Quality is better than quantity. We built a 50 × 60 shop/ garage in Alaska. And each tool we have is still in great working condition. Plus manufacturers will refurbish or replace broken tools.

[@chrismcc2208]

The enclosing of the stairs may have something to do with fire or smoke isolation, a legal requirement when used as a school or other commercial use.

[@JohnDoe-zr6bk]

I love your GERMAN tool set. Festool is the best!

[@dees3179]

For those interested in the shoes etc, you could check out the deliberately concealed garments project. This was funded by the arts and humanities research board in the U.K. run at the University of Southampton starting in 1999. It’s not all still there as it’s an old site but it gives you an idea. I recall it being set up and spoken about at conferences. They were very excited about the amount of builders who were reporting finds and getting involved and how protective they were over the finds remaining in situ. Turns out builders in the U.K. are really superstitious.

[@elizabethmckelvie5418]

Ur explorations are great. But please with the deafening, fibre glass, dust etc all floating about ..mask up ..don’t inhale anything. Love doing the journey with you all…..no matter what , you show a positive attitude…. unlike some other bloggers who constantly complain..it’s hard watching. But that doesn’t apply to you guys…u get ur strength from each other..ur support systems are so necessary.

[@jillychandler]

Such beautiful music, it makes me think of sleeping Beauty, a little sad, but rising from her sleep, just as your Convent is rising from the ashes, in you and your helpers capibale hands! xxx

[@themomvlogger1856]

That stairway is going to be beautiful once it’s cleaned and polished up!

[@paulacorreal1675]

You guys do know you can just put the wipers on and use the windshield spray to clear that little bit of frost, don’t you? 🤪 love your channel from PA, USA.

[@melissasueferrin3409]

I was thinking they need an ice scraper, if I'd waited around for the ice to melt I'd never get anywhere on time!

[@andreamalik2961]

That staircase is absolutely beautiful x

[@kristinewatson3702]

I keep hoping Billy finds a cache of gold or relics or something in a hidden nook somewhere. Lol

[@sallybarker5109]

New toys for Billy! And yes the attic is creepy!

[@theghost6412]

That attic itself should be its very own project further down the track. Perhaps to pull up all those boards and put the insulation, or replace it with newer and better insulation, down underneath and put the boards back over the top. Give it a thorough clean out and use it properly as a massive storage area. remove all those little stand alone walls that someone put up in the past. Stack all the various wood pieces and furniture up there neatly for easy access if you need them and also so you know what you actually have there at the convent. Also would help empty some of the wood panels out of the garage and make more room to make it a proper workshop. I noticed a lot of the panels in the garage are also found in the roof attic.

[@mavep2855]

With the amount of renovation work you do, those tools are a great investment. The convent is an absolute diamond in the rough. Crack on!🙏❤️

[@jstani21]

It seems there is a red book at 4:37 in the lower left hand corner.

[@chuckt7636]

I was thinking the same thing... the tie wraps didn't get snipped. When I was working in the factory we always had to trim. I always hold a lighter flame on the cut end also to melt it a bit to take off the sharp edge. It's like a razor. I had a fellow mechanic hit his head on one and it sliced him open. From then on....

[@LL-sq8se]

Billy you are awesome 🙋😊

[@janicecrowley1246]

Hi just a hint to help demist the windscreen is to put the sunscreens down and it helps the air to stay and circulate in the windscreen area 🤔😁

[@lbuffc]

Have you ever thought of letting a production company for films or tv know about your Convent so it can be leased for movies or tv? It would be brilliant to use for period pieces or horror shows!

[@brad1699]

He talked about being on tv with his château and it didn’t go so well.

[@gelflingfay]

Those companies usually don't show the owners or the property any respect.

[@196hendrik]

That flashlight can see into my future

[@diamondrosealkire7997]

Hi Dylan before you just start to strip or anything's that banister try using Murphy oil soap and water to clean it and see what the wood looks like after you've cleaned all the dust years of dust off of it keep up the good work

[@terriesakrueger7745]

I think it will be amazing to see the staircase brought back to beautiful, it looks amazing now. Can't wait to see it without the wall cutting it in half and the top covered up. Billy I know you will do an awesome job!

[@kariannecrysler640]

Tip from a snow bird, you can scrape frost off a windshield with a credit card or other plastic card. It gets so cold here the insides of the windows can frost too. That is how I discovered that tip 😉

[@doudou53d44]

Billie, You had yourself some Christmas presents with those Festools 🎉😎🐕‍🦺

[@marymurphy7037]

You could get some tool lanyards to hold the tools so they don't fall very far and won't get damaged.

[@kireland8]

Billy, I admit to avidly following your progress, a bit astonished at the level of renovation you've undertaken. I also wonder what the hell you're going to do to make some money. It's not quite a wedding destination but maybe. What about a cooking school or a food retreat? I see that enormous beautiful kitchen. Why not rent it our to chefs. You have accommodations for their students, and even a chapel to pray that the souffle doesn't fall.

[@chelsealeonardbaum23]

Thank you for posting every weekday. I so look forward to seeing everyone and everything that you are doing. xoxoxoxoxo.

[@MissGimpsAlot]

That stairwell is going to look so epic one day....

[@tomkuzma239]

Billy the music you choose for this episode (Skin) is outstandingly enchanting.

[@brandispry576]

I absolutely love the different camera angles you film. It’s not just abrupt cuts from scene to scene. Wonderfully done 👏🏻

[@maryellenmorris8524]

Lads should wear masks in those situations!! Love exploring with you.

[@steffaniel370]

Your filming is crazy good. ❤️🇨🇦

[@thewilliamseswonderfulworld]

My husband would love that bright flashlight! Boys & their toys! 😄

[@tamelatoggle2897]

Question : Where's the phone booth ? 🚪 As I suspect Sean is Superman in a plaid shirt ! With a project this big ,you had to call in a Superhero ! No disrespect to his Louise Lane 👸 But you both are not just exceptionally hard workers With an eye toward Master craftsmanship. I'm super duper impressed . 🍩 ☕🍴

[@thomasbubacz7402]

There are two newel caps in that attic space. “Rob Peter” to replace missing or damaged ones?

[@amyjohnson2000]

You guys are drunk on sunshine this morning 🤣 loved watching Ryan dance though

[@kimsytsma8493]

Duncan did a wonderful job with the wiring, nice to see. The guy that ran our internet wire, left them drooping, low enough to strangle me ( 5 ft, 4in tall) if I ran into to them. My husband had to come along behind and staple the wire up to the joists.

[@jenniferalexander920]

In the US we call it a scissor lift

[@connieworcester55]

Nice tools Billy,, Carl Rogers uses a lot of Festool.. don't know if anyone watches him, but he has a good channel as well..though he doesn't post very often.. He and his farther are restoring an old French farmhouse from the 1700 hundreds, a little further south.. ... Crack On with that kitchen.. love watching the progress.. looking forward to the walls, and the floor.!!

[@Jayrose59]

That certainly is a stunning staircase. No paint to take off!!!

[@farfelonius]

Put the sun visors down to keep the front windshield defroster airflow concentrated on the front and speed up the defrosting - saves a ton of sitting g around waiting!

[@Moran1298]

The staircase to the attic is beautiful. Shame it’s covered. Love your videos.

[@paulinedixon3490]

I’ve only just noticed how beautiful the bannisters on the stairs are.I’ve seen them so often but never registered how lovely they are. Lots of hidden gems.

[@sandylee9564]

Seeing all those power tools gave me a headache thinking about how much it all costs: I'd be packing to go off to the poor farm. It would be a wood workers dream to have all of these. Only the best for our Convent.

[@steadholderharrington9035]

Lovely job everyone is doing on that stud wall in the kitchen there! One question though, Do you not use sill plate gaskets between your sill plate and the concrete to provide a moisture barrier between the wood and the concrete? Its a standard procedure over here in Canada, so I was wondering if it was not anywhere in the building code for new wall construction in France there?

[@marybeshay8504]

Such a great idea for top of the staircase. Love the staircase it's gorgeous

[@blakehahn-atlantaga8510]

That staircase is stunning. I really like the rise of the treads. It looks like a very easy staircase to climb. Really beautiful woodwork.

[@jenniferstrachan7084]

I just love the background music that you use for your videos ❤

[@cherbinsted2378]

Beautiful staircase but I’d hate to have to hand polish the bugger! 😊

[@nelks1284]

I’m ready to see a fire in that humongous fireplace, and it would keep Sean et al warm while they work!

[@charminsavage2512]

I had to clean coffee off my desk after those last few comments ... "he is a stud" "and you're a tool" ... spit it straight out like a fountain. I love watching all of you, your camaraderie is amazing.

[@jesschee5891]

Your banter together was so fun today. Glad to be able to share the laughs. Thanks Billy for a bit of fun.

[@elisabethhopson5639]

I would still wear a mask in that attic, the amount of dust being disturbed was considerable. I think you should ozmo the staircase bannisters and rails. They would be amazing. Sean is doing a fabulous job in the kitchen. 🤗

[@kscruggs21910]

Billy, have you considered a shadow box of some kind for the shoes and other bits and bobs you've found of the convents previous life? Might be a way to display a few of the interesting finds. 🥰

[@brittawrolson5936]

Your Festool equipment is beautiful. I must say, though, that I was giggling whilst watching Sean trying to return them to their cases. A bit like assembling Lego when getting them back in🥴 nice seeing Ryan pop in an out. He always looks debonair, even with the Lidl hat🥰