Young couple transforms old Loire cave in unique home/rental

Alexis Lamoureux was looking for affordable housing for himself and his girlfriend Lotte van Riel when he rediscovered his great aunt’s old troglodyte home for sale by the local government in Amboise, France.
It had been abandoned for 35 years and in danger of collapse so the young couple picked it up for very little. Unable to get a bank loan, they decided to do as much of the work as possible themselves and to continue working (Lamoureux as a bartender) to pay for others to do the structural work.
Over the following four years, Lamoureux and van Riel- both previously inexperienced in the trades- learned to plumb, wire, and tile and created a stunning, modern cave home. “We were lucky enough to have a project and focus on it so all the money we had we just invested it in the place,” explains Lamoureux. Adds van Riel, “We stopped traveling, we just worked, worked, worked.”
When they finished their own home, they turned a second cave on the property, at one time used to store coal- into a nightly rental.
/ amboisetroglodyte
Original story: faircompanies.com/videos/youn...

[@philiq18]

There's something to be said about building your own house (shelter). It's one of the greatest feelings of accomplishment you can ever have. Thanks for sharing. Wonderful space.

[@annalamber5341]

Ok

[@00inwiththenew00]

I disagree. I HATE renovating & DIY, but I am okay with hiring people to do the work. Honestly, DIY it makes me resentful of the space because I remember all of the frustrations & problems.

[@fourtails1192]

Such a great idea and what a lovely couple..I wish them many happy years in their fantastic home.

[@johanna2059]

This couple put so much work into their home, going by the before and after pictures. It was a Labour of love and it shows, it's a beautiful home for a beautiful couple.

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

Wow! What a labor of love! Great union of local talent with traditional skills and cutting edge "troglodyte" technology. Thank you for yet another great video.

[@masonkim7]

you guys are pumping amazing content just constantly. Amazing work as always.

[@rodmoyes2235]

Very inspiring. Not that I'll have a cave but I think the dedication, skill and belief apply to any dwelling.

[@abovetheflood862]

I like how they updated the home but kept it fitting with the traditional French village style of the surrounding neighborhood, with local stone-masonry etc. A lot of these builds they renovate the homes to an ultra-modern style which can be nice on its own but always seems out of place when surrounded by historical buildings.

[@megaswenson]

I agree. The video's description led me to believe I was about to see another Modernist nightmare. Instead, the home, and its owners, are in perfect continuity with the region's traditions (right down to that PERFECT blue paint color for the exterior doors).

[@keeperofthegood]

I would happily live the life of modern day Flintstones! HAHA they sound amazed how well the wood stove heats the home. When I was little, growing up, at my late great aunts home before she got a furnace installed it was normal ritual to stoke the wood stove in the kitchen at 4 am. To get the bread dough rising and by 5 to get the bread baking and by 6am having hot fresh bread in the warmed house. When it was -18C/0F and colder outside, you shivered a lot to get the wood stove refired but once it did all three floors of the home were more than comfortable.

[@cynthiahofer2903]

Hard work and visualization pays off. I like that they used recycled material. Beautiful.

[@canthony722]

such a charming couple....they've worked so hard and it's a magnificent accomplishment!

[@KahaniPulaao]

there's something really meditative about your content....love this channel..

[@mjade1673]

Kanishka Singh riiiigghhht 👍👍👍

[@melovescoffee]

Wow, what a unique home! Plus points for not stuffing it with gaudy fake chique.

[@mjade1673]

melovescoffee in france? They would do that ?

[@tryn2bnice557]

im just picking up my jaw from the floor. truly amazing.

[@tabcan]

Me too. It's as beautiful as they are.

[@ConChaz100]

Beautiful! Thank You for restoring this Alexis and Lotte. This must have been very hard work but now to enjoy. Taking something old and about to collapse and making it NEW and USEFUL again . BELLE!

[@willywhite492]

What a great couple, so full of passion. I really enjoyed what they have created together and not many couples work well together. Did they say that they rent out their suite?

[@kirstendirksen]

They do. There's a link to their Facebook page in the text.

[@reworldmeditation7797]

Willy White yes

[@DanielinLaTuna]

Willy White, you have a great VW Type 2; I've never seen a yellow one. Wish I still had mine.

[@madge3628]

I admire this young couple thinking outside the box, restoring a cave with all the amenities for a comfortable home, bravo!

[@carltaylor4942]

I live in a cave area in Spain - I'd never go back to living in a "normal" house. I have no heating or air-conditioning bills!

[@kirstendirksen]

Where in Spain?

[@carltaylor4942]

@@kirstendirksen - In Jaen, Andalusia - if you want to see what it's like round here, check out some KZbin videos about Guadix/

[@v.r.2834]

You lucky one 🤗

[@carltaylor4942]

@@v.r.2834 - It's not really a question of luck. The properties are very cheap and usually in pretty poor condition. It took me a year of very hard work to get mine livable. But worth every minute in the end.

[@v.r.2834]

Carl Taylor But now you are lucky to enjoy it 🤗

[@Apafej627]

Wow, this is just simply beautiful.

[@unfabulouslyfabulous]

i cant get over how wonderful this is! a labor of love that turned out truly spectacular!

[@kariec3197]

I want to stay here!!! FUN! And LOTS of work, but definitely worth it!

[@jonmessenger5621]

Did anyone else catch the cat @ 4:39? LOL His reverse works really well. Thank you Kristen for doing these wonderful videos. Stay safe and may God bless you and your family.....Jon

[@lorrilewis2178]

Boy, they really earned that place. Amazing!

[@kerryoke68]

I am in love with this home and I agree with everyone else, they seem like such a nice couple. Another great video. Thank you.

[@retrobebop61]

Omg Kirsten!! A cave!!! So cool!!! Thanks so much! Happy New Year!!

[@d.e.7467]

Beautiful place and the story is fascinating.

[@helenhines2712]

It looks so much better in the inside than from the outside. Wow, the couple did an amazing job renovating that cave. It's definitely homey and livable now.

[@ashurgeorge4604]

Another great video from my favorite channel on KZbin.

[@wolfgangweber2516]

what a nice multitalented couple, not lasy at all. my respect.

[@TheMrsemmapeel]

Mrs. Dirksen I wish to thank you for your videos. Your style of making videos about unique and tiny living spaces through the heart and the work of the builders/owners makes it fun to watch, especially for those with a fascination for unique and tiny living space. Through your eyes we can be kids in a candy store.

[@jenniferditchett4950]

Great video as usual. Love this young couple and their beautiful house.

[@jimmyfortrue3741]

What a delightful couple. Not afraid of hard work and taking chances. Now they have one of the most beautiful and historical homes in the world. Built with their labor and the labor of peoples past. Wonderful video. thanks.

[@CrankyBubushka]

Wow, That is so lovely. They did a wonderful job.

[@evah787]

Amazing! This couple have done a great job. What a lovely home....who would have thought that a "cave" could end up looking so comfortable. Blessings to you! (From Australia 😊)

[@VectrexRoli]

Amazing! Thanks for showing this!

[@deemic654]

What a charming couple. They really did an amazing job and they have a truly unique and beautiful home.

[@SageBlackthorn]

I really like this place Kirsten, it is gorgeous. I especially love how they left the tool marks in the ceiling at 14:00 or so. The history behind this home must be incredible.

[@curtisburnham8099]

Thank you Kirsten for all of your hard work.

[@jackyblue67same10]

That is just absolutely beautiful inside & out. I know they worked really hard on that home & it really shows.

[@marynichols438]

Your home is beautiful and cozy. I admire all of the work that you put into restoring it.

[@christopherswartz792]

So stunning! Was not expecting such a beautiful place inside but that was gorgeous. Great couple full of life.

[@lisakilmer2667]

Another informative and inspirational home! What a colossal amount of effort this couple have gone to. One can only hope it was worth their work. Beautiful melding of old and modern.

[@Paul-tu8fg]

How interesting. Your videos have truly expanded my perspective. There are living models out there that I had never even considered. Keep up the great work.

[@tommyboybr]

Wow, I love it!!! It looks so cozy.

[@carl5192]

The french always have style

[@T.J]

And we actually say troglodytique

[@AudreyHeadley]

Wow really enjoy watching how you renovate this beautiful cave in your home just awesome

[@jameskennedy9655]

Home Sweet Home. beautiful couple, loved your video😊

[@dodecaheathenblue8132]

So lovely- thank you for sharing!

[@petronellakayanan5160]

It is a miracle that two people can work together so well - everyone's dream. Very nicely done.

[@erlindamendez8633]

I love this stunning & beautiful cave ❤️ so much love and talent went in this beautiful home 😍❤️

[@almabayomi8065]

I love the cave home! Beautiful! This couple has a beautiful and bold personalities! They deserve the very best!

[@Swampwitch99]

What an amazing couple, so genuine and passionate! I love seeing people who are not afraid to go after a dream and share their experiences with others so openly. The comments are unsurprisingly filled with love for this couple, they are truly inspiring

[@rwatts2155]

I absolutely LOVE your home! I'd love to live in one of the caves in the Loire. Congratulations on creating such a beautiful home from the ruin.

[@Valerie-SPTV]

How fabulous .... thank you for sharing!

[@dcat1285]

they worked so hard to restore this home - and the result is beautiful!

[@erikasauder3757]

Love people with extraordinary good taste and visionary know how. What an incredible project! Loved the tour, many thanks. Erika.

[@toffthe]

One of the most beautiful places I've seen. Also I want to have a drink in that guy's bar. He's brilliant.

[@angelaconley162]

Love this. Ty for showing all these incredible places

[@leannaestep3066]

A beautiful and unique place to live your lives.

[@wasblind4835]

Very beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@magicgemmaster566]

I liked this couple more and more as I watched. tres cool😍

[@cynthiamarble8384]

Why would anyone dislike this,it is like a fairy land for this couple, they r so wonderful together.who would not want a relationship like this

[@bubblebeebartend]

this is so beautiful. thanks for sharing this cool space and history with us

[@franciestokes3195]

What amazing people amazing job you done to you new home hello from Ireland 👍🇮🇪☘️

[@aldoulysses]

I wouldn't be surprised if someone made a joke about it. " how can you not know? *Have you been living under a rock all these years?".

[@pennylane77]

Lovely couple. A lot of hard work and a vision, anything is possible. Bravo.

[@lindawilliams2211]

Beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@jackyblue67same10]

Wow those tiles in that second part is so georgeous. This is a very expensive home I would think. Everything in this home is just perfect I would love to live there.

[@gigiatkins5923]

I LOVE old homes with modern amenities 🥰

[@mov1ngforward]

Beautiful!!! I love what you've done! 👏👏👏

[@chramec]

This is awesome, but I don't think I would ever get over the fear that it could collapse on top of me.

[@Day23J1k]

I was looking at news feed about elderly couple live in cave I think about 50 years and it still standing and not as morden as this one. Don't fear, because you be just fine.

[@kittykatz3518]

Earthquakes???

[@judieg.7945]

I'm with you.

[@wendyannh]

​@@kittykatz3518 In an earthquake, the safest place to be is on bedrock. That's what caves are dug out of ;-)

[@alfrancis8]

Its been around for hundreds of years.... it will be there till we are gone :)

[@BethGrantDeRoos]

Am so loving this home and lovely young couple. Bravo!!

[@bonilla2022]

BEAUTIFUL VIDEO!!!! Bravo! 8-) Thank you for doing it.

[@H11X11N]

What a beautiful dream home!!

[@ccchakras]

Thanks for sharing. Great work guys.

[@debbieboring3422]

This is so nice I love the look of this. Nice view. They have done a great job of renovating the place.

[@LtChed]

I always enjoy seeing your family in the videos and the interesting locations you find.

[@donbain4425]

What a transformation beautiful job thanks for sharing

[@joantyler938]

Amazing and Happy New Year!☺

[@joannebaker7875]

That was bloody neat. Well done for sharing.

[@BrassLock]

This couple have that wonderful passion, enthusiasm and creative energy that makes anything possible. If they can afford to travel once again, I'm sure they'd enjoy visiting the opal miner's underground houses in Coober Pedy, South Australia. They'd find kindred spirits; the same enthusiasm for life exists there too.

[@katherinegaughan45]

dav snow I was thinking of that half a second before I saw your comments. :D

[@gretheladegaard3169]

dav snow

[@loiscassels8966]

We stayed in a cave hostel when we were in Coober Pedy, nice and cool, dark and quiet.

[@MissGloriosa]

This house reminded me of Coober Pedy actually. I was checking out real estate just a couple weeks ago there.

[@rene29200]

Vraiment Super!!!Merci pour la vidéo!

[@andrer.boucher1137]

Determination and enthusiasm is the key. Both on the same page. Stunning results. Much respect.

[@hananmustafa4789]

I can't believe how much effort you have put in that house!what you have done is absolutely amazing! You are a unique couple

[@happyhermit2022]

Thank you that was awesome, what a beautiful place 🤗

[@cfapps7865]

Thank you...

[@donx03]

Good for you guy & your dog. Thanks for sharing your project.

[@rt3156]

Amazing!

[@sokhibabdurasulov3323]

I admire everything about this couple and their work

[@denaredford6701]

Very talented couple , they created a beautiful cave home .

[@aratrevino4607]

I just want to thank you so much for sharing with us such amazing places, really, makes me have a different perspective of life and human adaptation to spaces. I enjoy quite a lot watching your videos, Kirsten. ☺️☺️☺️

[@maesams6212]

this is absolutely lovely! very smart and dedicated couple!!!!

[@aaronhorton3508]

Beautiful. This place is amazing. They should be proud of the job they have done.

[@FemininePrinciple]

Fantastic job, French couple! Good job, this is my favorite so far! Magic!

[@gabym381]

very inspirational video, providing ideas finding the beauty when is hidden! !!...also push my self to self building, searching help online just like the video! many thanks for such a amazing video!

[@natashasemrau3670]

What a way to live! The tile floor is great. No large utilities bills is a big plus. Smart people to understand the best side of cave living!😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇

[@latishabrown801]

I absolutely love that home😍.

[@silenceisgolden705]

I love your cave and think you are the cutest couple! You did a beautiful job on your home. Thank you for such a nice video.

[@thatsme6727]

I love it.I need one place like that..Thank you for sharing.

[@ahikernamedgq]

That looks amazing. I bet that so easy to heat/cool. That is such a beautiful place.

[@GnatManAllinCoIronWorks]

WOW! My Dream,but in France,,,,I'll STILL take it! lol Beautiful,thank you for sharing! C-Ya!,,,,Peace!