Realities of Taking on an Old, Abandoned Farm

Рет қаралды 76,529

Жыл бұрын

Hi, we are Harriet and Mauro and in February 2021 we bought an abandoned smallholding in Castellón, Spain. In these videos we share our life as we restore and improve our little stone house, learn to grow and preserve our own food, and bring our 4 acres of farmland back to productivity.
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Пікірлер: 351

@erikalouwrens3992 Жыл бұрын

Flabbergasted at what you manage to do all on your own!

@pattykelly6621 Жыл бұрын

If you can't rehab and use those tools, you can just use them to decorate the outside wall of the shed. Like a tribute to the farming past. Keep moving forward. You're doing a great job! Almost 71,000 subscribers! Whoo -hoo!

@LittleSpanishFarmstead Жыл бұрын

that's exactly what I had in mind! Polish them up a bit, put new handles on some of them (even if not functional) and hang them on a nice whitewashed wall!

@spring_spirit Жыл бұрын

Actually, the scoops from that pile would be very handy in the garden. And many kitchen items can be used as planting pots. I once had lobelias in an old kettle, it was rather charming)

@dorothyallen3614 Жыл бұрын

It’s going to be beautiful old farm kitchen! Ya work with what you have and the kitchen is much needed spot in the home. I’m so glad you’ve started on your kitchen, it’s where your life is nourished and food always makes you happy and filled. Be well and safe, much love to all ❤.

@IRSA1 Жыл бұрын

You are like a busy beaver, forging ahead, come what may, and doing some excellent work in the process. Well done .

@sgrvtl7183 Жыл бұрын

well stated!

@SFlaidlaw101 Жыл бұрын

Even with the hardships I still want this lifestyle. ❤❤❤

@mirandaandrea8215 Жыл бұрын

Harriet I can’t get over how much you do on your own! I’m sure it will look gorgeous, rustic, arty and quirky! I can’t wait to see it all complete! ❤

@LittleSpanishFarmstead Жыл бұрын

Hehe me neither! To have an actual cupboard in the kitchen... the dream!!

@joannadrawe6654 Жыл бұрын

Amazing young woman!

@marilyndavis5798 Жыл бұрын

I really admire your willingness to dive into whatever work needs to be done. Mauro is a lucky man

@Juanfernandez-sm8jl Жыл бұрын

😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 Hi Harriet! I don't know how to tell you but I am so proud of you, you have a strong conviction, you are leting a beautiful house and what you don't know you learn and if it goes wrong you do it again, always go ahead, what I said is very proud of you !! from Málaga my best regards!!

@teresitamariabarredorios8941 Жыл бұрын

Un lujo de MUJER

@Renewedmusic Жыл бұрын

Enjoy watching the transformation. It's great seeing you all just jump in and do things and learning as you go. Some of the lessons and techniques may help us learn as well.

@Clavel688 Жыл бұрын

Ese embudo para pintar es un accesorio para pintar con la técnica del gotelé, moda dominante allá por los años 80, Harriet. Normalmente te pongo los comentarios en inglés, pero me falta vocabulario para este comentario en concreto.

@MauroGestoso Жыл бұрын

Jajaja no se si hay palabra en ingles para "gotele" 😂

@LittleSpanishFarmstead Жыл бұрын

Gracias!

@estelasantillan787 Жыл бұрын

Hola orgullo de mujer 👉 muy Trabajadora 👏eres inspiración pura 👏 tienes mucho trabajo por delante , espero pronto poder ver ese lugar transformado 👉 me imagino que será un maravilloso lugar de descanso 😍 te envío un fuerte abrazo desde Argentina 🇦🇷🇦🇷 con muchas bendiciones para ti 🤗 yo aquí disfrutando de tu vídeo me encantó 👏👏 gracias

@keikeiki Жыл бұрын

I really loved this, I really love when you do these types of videos! I find is so interesting to see the techniques you use and how (seemily) easily you build things. It differs so much from what I have generaly seen people doing in the UK to build stuff like, well, kitchen cabinets! It's just great perspective! Thank you Harriet 💗💗💗💗

@moonhunter9993 Жыл бұрын

I agree. I really enjoy these videos. Very creative.

@LittleSpanishFarmstead Жыл бұрын

It's all interesting and new to me too, I look around at other people's renovated houses constantly to try and figure out what you can do with the materials and building techniques that are used here!

@ginacrusco234 Жыл бұрын

Hi Harriet! What a life you are both creating for yourselves! I so admire your ingenuity in salvaging materials and creating beautiful things from them, like the kitchen cabinets. When tiled and hung with doors they will be superb. I also love your ideas for a pergola and dining area near the old shed.

@dorothyallen3614 Жыл бұрын

Yes the seating area is going to be cherished by all, such a beautiful spot to put it.

@SheriLynNut Жыл бұрын

I want to thank you so much for giving those of us who are “bug squeamish” advanced warning. I have extreme arachnophobia, and I was already on “high alert” watching you in the shed and then dismantling the roof, and when you gave the trigger warning I breathed a huge sigh of relief thinking “I can relax now because she won’t show another bug again!” I absolutely adore your videos and I could listen to your lilting voice all day! I can’t wait to see your kitchen when it’s finished. What a lot of work, you are so industrious ❣️

@bridgetcalder3460 Жыл бұрын

I felt exactly the same way!! My spidey sense was literally tingling 😅

@LittleSpanishFarmstead Жыл бұрын

Aww glad it was useful, will definitely make sure I warn in the future too. This bug was particularly gross - you're lucky you missed it!!

@manolisgledsodakis873 Жыл бұрын

For those whose native language is not English, the correct expression is "advance warning". I.e. a warning in advance. The meaning of "advanced" is quite different. (Look it up.) The white grub wasn't very scary. Reminded me of an Australian "mealy worm".

@lancejames9228 Жыл бұрын

this lady fence will outlive your grandchildren well done

@shannonmartinez8036 Жыл бұрын

I have to say that I am completely impressed and inspired by you! I have been watching you for about a month now and I have the utmost respect for you and your awesome work ethic! I absolutely love watching your videos! Can't hardly wait for the next one! God bless!

@LittleSpanishFarmstead Жыл бұрын

Aww thank you!!

@deltorres2100 Жыл бұрын

No complaints from me..your doing so good ..I’m 56 and I’m so hyper…my house is so small and it’s 1925 ..yesterday I decided to paint our bedroom and I too don’t have all supplies..lol I have primed it and today I will go buy paint ..I am doing one half the room and then will flip to do the other side of the. Room .. Just what I gotta do in a small house ..but I look forward to see my end result in my bedroom we hadn’t had a fresh coat of paint in so long …No Color just a French country white and maybe a matted black trim …we shall see

@dorothyallen3614 Жыл бұрын

It’s going to be beautiful and fresh and clean and it will make you happy, a little paint could cure the world!❤✋😍

@choudharymuhammadalijutt9574 Жыл бұрын

You are such a hardworker

@anthonyanderson2880 Жыл бұрын

You guys are doing it exactly how it should be done. It’s about the journey and not the destination. I love how you turn your hand to anything. You give it a go and learn from it.

@virtualfather4117 Жыл бұрын

Harriet you are transforming from a desk jockey to and incredible MAKER. You confidence and skills a growing at an unbelievable rate of progress. Have the best year ever …😊😊😊😊😊

@deltorres2100 Жыл бұрын

I heard that the orange peels can be place on top of soil and sends away bugs in the garden soil ..try it

@annneusidl5794 Жыл бұрын

Harriet your a trooper. Kitchen storage is so needed for pots ,pans and food/jarring containers etc. Little by little things will start to take shape. 👏🏻

@borntomay1 Жыл бұрын

Hi Harriet. I'm so impressed that you learn on the job, and get so much done! I feel stifled at our place because it's meant to 'look ok' and I'm also more creative 'lets get it done' . Thanks for being a great a great role model for people, especially for women like me who struggle a bit to do diy 🏡

@MommaOG Жыл бұрын

You work so hard I love watching you learn as you go you have given me so much confidence as a woman not to be scared to go with you own ideas. Can't wait to see you next week ty💐🥰

@carolblackler9386 Жыл бұрын

Don't apologise for what you are doing 😂. It's your home and you are doing it to your style and liking 💖. I think you've done an amazing job ☺️💐☺️. I can't wait to see the end results ☺️.

@lisaclark361 Жыл бұрын

It's looking fantastic! I think your way of doing one side at a time is perfect, less stress and mess😉I hope you both have a great weekend

@vivalaleta Жыл бұрын

What an orange harvest! You realize you live in a slice of heaven? That's how it appears to me.

@onenation9510 Жыл бұрын

You're doing great far better than I would do!

@TheHilary49 Жыл бұрын

Harriet that worm is a beneficial compost worm. They’re usually found in compost piles. Lucky find.

@deemiller4824 Жыл бұрын

The tool is a Tamp, it’s used to push down earth/soil to level places where holes and trenches have been dug. Love your site, you remind me of myself when I was young ,strong and energetic. Keep up the good work.

@LittleSpanishFarmstead Жыл бұрын

Ah thanks for that!

@_ananda_ Жыл бұрын

El trabajo que hace alguien no tiene por qué ser perfecto sino hecho con el cariño y lo mejor que uno sabe, y el resultado es que queda impregnada la esencia del que lo hace y trasciende al entorno haciendo una estancia armoniosa y bella Ya verás que preciosidad queda todo 🌱🌿💚🎋

@adrianchance Жыл бұрын

❤

@jacquionly Жыл бұрын

Working hard as usual and enjoying it. I think the kitchen is going to look good and be functional. 🙂

@charlottecaywood1099 Жыл бұрын

I love watching the organic creative building. So much more exciting to watch than a perfectly straight even engendered build

@sophiafridsen8675 Жыл бұрын

You are so inspiring and I love watching your videos.

@jpennturner Жыл бұрын

Thàt funnel thing is for spraying cement render onto walls, I saw Dan using one on escape to rural France.

@ninemoonplanet Жыл бұрын

Those bricks are something I don't see here, and I do like how they're made and look. The filling of the blocks is going to cut down the cold breezes and keep "critters" of various sorts out. The long bricks from the top of the shed are unique, certainly will make a solid surface for the cupboard top. To get the shed solidified I noticed some gaps, after watching you knock down the rickety roof. Removing the tree, patching up the shed, adding a sitting area will make that are a good place for morning tea or coffee. Play with ideas for the kitchen, try to walk through the plan and see how it "feels". Amazing amount of changes in so short a time, even your bridge engineer is ingenious. 🇨🇦 Well done!

@LittleSpanishFarmstead Жыл бұрын

Haha all the building materials are different here to what I'm used to! The bricks all have holes in.... and these long bricks, never seen them before and they're used everywhere!

@manolisgledsodakis873 Жыл бұрын

@@LittleSpanishFarmstead I'd have considered leaving one or two brick holes open for each cupboard. Cover with insect mesh and they provide essential ventilation. Sorry, a bit of "barn door" advice!

@FrankieOffGrid Жыл бұрын

The kitchen cabinets look amazing! Cant wait to see them with the doors on and tiled top :)

@LittleSpanishFarmstead Жыл бұрын

Me neither!!

@danyoutube7491 Жыл бұрын

Regarding the iffy looking liquids in old containers in the shed, I recommend getting in touch with your local council and finding out if there is some sort of facility you can drop such things off at. That's what I'd do in Britain, anyway.

@teresaedwards3659 Жыл бұрын

That was fun to watch. I like the rustic look, also seems very sturdy! Also love how you like to reuse materials where you see fit.

@originaltwyla4991 Жыл бұрын

These are my favorite kind of vids! Building with available materials and hard work! Brava! ❤

@lilirehak5569 Жыл бұрын

Love how you use all the old materials. Everything can find a new use!

@susanyates4233 Жыл бұрын

You have done a brilliant job of clearing out the shed, and what hard work in your kitchen refurb. Best wishes from Susan in a chilly UK.

@tomjackson2105 Жыл бұрын

In the shed u held up looked like a paint gun with bucket attached I've seen this being used with loose cement for pointing around exterior bricks on walls on other programs

@dorothyallen3614 Жыл бұрын

Yes, I believe it was for spraying on the stucco for stuccoed walls. It would make a cute flower pot for a tree or wall hanging.

@yadiramunoz566 Жыл бұрын

Congratulations! Great job !

@mariatajes9054 Жыл бұрын

You are amazing Harriet 👏, I wish I had a tenth of your energy.

@PeterJames468 Жыл бұрын

You are doing a brilliant job there with the kitchen bench area. It will be solid, rustic and tolerant of water spills etc. Can you put iron sheeting on the shed roof? With a few flat cross beams fastened perpendicular to the existing round wood beams you could make a level foundation for roof sheets, just a thought.

@mompuff Жыл бұрын

I couldn’t wait for your video!! I hope you could upload at least twice a month 🤗🤗🤗 Much love and admiration 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

@MauroGestoso Жыл бұрын

Harriet uploads once a week, so you're in luck 😄

@mompuff Жыл бұрын

@@MauroGestoso muchas gracias Mauro!! Los estaré viendo cada semana!! Bendiciones de Kentucky!!!

@tracytanasiychuk8253 Жыл бұрын

You are brave as you trudge forward. Blessings from Canada 🇨🇦

@monawashere2022 Жыл бұрын

I enjoy watching you working with all that stuff you just have. You are a true inspiration!

@jrhythm77 Жыл бұрын

I wonder if that wooden tool is something like a tamper to compact/flatten soil?? (also, I just love following your restoration... it's so inspiring!)

@LittleSpanishFarmstead Жыл бұрын

Yes I think maybe it is, as that seems to be the most common suggestion so far!

@wendee7276 Жыл бұрын

I love the way you transform your place using what is around.

@vivalaleta Жыл бұрын

The breezeblock part of your kitchen always flabbergasted me. It's one thing that made me wonder how old the place was as it resembled a "summer" kitchen of yore.

@LittleSpanishFarmstead Жыл бұрын

I think the kitchen was rebuilt on top of old stone walls which were probably half collapsed when it was rebuilt. Because the walls are very thick which suggests original stone. But the fixes have been done with modern materials.

@dorothyallen3614 Жыл бұрын

@@LittleSpanishFarmstead I believe it’s designed to be an outdoor kitchen with some protection, especially with that outdoor grill in the wall. You make it yours now!

@kirstenlund4313 Жыл бұрын

Hi Harriet I just want to tell how much I admire you❤.. from the start you have picked up every challenge with confidence and solved the problems along the way. And with such good results. What a wonderful place and life you and Mauro are creating together. Very inspiring … love your videos and wish I was 30 years younger😅.

@LittleSpanishFarmstead Жыл бұрын

Aw that's very kind of you 💚

@amaiabecerrilestrada7313 Жыл бұрын

Hello Harriet, you work very hard. I think you' ll have a wonderful kitchen... Time to time

@annh.8290 Жыл бұрын

It all looks good to me, such fun to be doing it when your young! Still, I'm in my mid 60, and have been working, with limited funds as well, on an old house that was damaged in a fire years ago myself, still having a blast! it's amazing what you can learn on youtube!

@tomjackson2105 Жыл бұрын

U r doing great 👍 I've seen the worktops done with sealed would then tiles look great, and the bottom for pots and dishes some put curtains, but I like it left open I love this rustic look

@susanaquezada7671 Жыл бұрын

Esta quedando estupenda tu cocina Harriet. CONGRATS

@natxotxuri Жыл бұрын

Kaixo Harriet. Eres una artista haciendo la cocina, con sus paredes, suelos, y ademas reutilizas los bardos viejos para hacer la encimera. Eres una mujer trabajadora y encantadora. Estoy encantado viendo tus vídeos. Te felicito. Agurrak

@helenlatimer9230 Жыл бұрын

Your awesome Hunni. Keep going. There’s no mistakes just leaning opportunities. Your so inspiring and you’ve helped me to try thing I didn’t think I could. Bles you and your hubby. X

@madhatter909 Жыл бұрын

Harriet!!! You truly are a "Jack of all Trades!" You never cease to amaze me! Your idea with the wall was nothing short of pure genious!! Please buy a Hard Hat. And yes, of course, you are right, everything will turn out just fine. Can't wait for your new video and boy did those oranges look good!! We just got 4" of snow in Indiana.

@LittleSpanishFarmstead Жыл бұрын

Hahah hard hat, yes, that's what my Mum would say too!

@shannonlynne1558 Жыл бұрын

Please don’t apologize for any video! They are all wonderful and fascinating to watch. I have always done renovations way outside the box similar to you with surprisingly good results. I always thought I was odd for my approach but watching you makes me feel normal. 😉

@clickswiipemarketing7518 Жыл бұрын

Well done Harriet! Love watching you ! Xx

@Katy_living_simply Жыл бұрын

Harriet! You did such an amazing job! Every video I watch I always tell my husband how industrious you are!

@HeidiPriest Жыл бұрын

Oh my you are hard working. Does nothing scare you? Like said earlier proud of you, we started our spanish journey in benicasim, loved the Area all around castellon and into the hills

@andunabu3238 Жыл бұрын

Well done, you’ve the heart of a lion.

@carolmcmillan1108 Жыл бұрын

Well done again Harriet you certainly know how to use the most of what you have .. Well done can’t wait to see the tiling on the top of the bench I think it’s lovely and suits your little farmhouse 👌👌😂

@mmanderson1031 Жыл бұрын

Harriet, have you ever looked at videos about the Earth Ship homes here in the US? They utilize a lot of similar building techniques. Plus they use glass bottles which look gorgeous when light shines through!!

@ChipWick Жыл бұрын

Thank you for yet another great video! I wish you all the best 😎

@tamarf4596 Жыл бұрын

Great job! It seems so daunting to tackle cement jobs. I'm so glad for you, that the kitchen wall is finally sealed in. When the windows will be installed, you will finally have a warmer kitchen to be in, in the winter months.

@mompuff Жыл бұрын

You are a very smart girl!! 🤗👏🏻🤗 Safety first!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

@joannecalcutt6724 Жыл бұрын

This was an excellent video. I enjoy following your thought process. Wonderful progress. Best wishes from SC.

@dsnmttr Жыл бұрын

Self leveling floor will only help you if the difference is 9< mm or less, after that it will crack. Also take into account it is much more expensive than regular flooring mix. My advice would be to take a shot with regular flooring and pour a final thin layer of self leveling flooring if it turned out too wonky

@LittleSpanishFarmstead Жыл бұрын

Thanks for that - I hadn't looked into it at all yet really, just assuming. So that's good to bear in mind. I am sure we can do a rough job with normal cement first. Thanks!

@dsnmttr Жыл бұрын

@Little Spanish Farmstead no problem, you will find regular flooring mix and you should also find one mixed with fiberglass which is more resistant overall and helps with temperature difference. Goodluck on your endeavors, you are pretty scrappy so a few vids on how to do it and you will do just fine. Just buy a big level and spend time on marking the levels with some chalk string and maybe some wood bits, pouring a floor is all about preparing the pour more than is the actual pour 🙃

@dalpi Жыл бұрын

The old roof take-down was so satisfying to watch 😍 And awesome job on the kitchen renovation, keep it up!

@Aniol97 Жыл бұрын

Super nice video today! Love the renovation in the outbuildings, kitchen building process! Go girl! :D waiting for more

@patriciawilson6524 Жыл бұрын

My goodness you are always a hard working human.I only wish I had your energy. Best of luck on that kitchen.

@just__katlyn Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for how you inspire me to jump into my own farm and renovation tasks with creativity and a can-do attitude! It is easy to let my perfection brain get in the way of my creative heart. I'm bringing a hundred year old farm back to life as well, and figuring out which string to pull in what order and how to reuse everything in a way that works best for all the new things you don't know everything about yet is such a puzzle!

@LittleSpanishFarmstead Жыл бұрын

Oh wow, best of luck with your projects. I get such a lot of inspiration from KZfaq, I know what you mean!

@shirleygreaves9650 Жыл бұрын

You are amazingly hard working and skilful. I love how you use your land for every day food. I really admire you both and feel a little envious about your youth and enthusiasm. I love your blog and I look forward to seeing your homestead getting better with every blog, take care you two. X

@kitty-yu4xe Жыл бұрын

Du machst das klasse !! Ich bin von meinem Mann weg gegangen und habe mir ein Haus gekauft und renoviere es seit 2014 nebenbei, ... es ist verdammt gut, wenn ein Haus fertig ist bevor Kinder da sind !! Glaube mir, dann ist es viel, viel entspannter und man kann sich dann nur um Haus, Garten und Kinder kümmern !!

@stacylandis9806 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your journey with us!

@lindakilmer2548 Жыл бұрын

I find watching your videos so uplifting. You and Mauro are spreading so much joy!! And if physicists are correct, that joy goes to the end of the universe and back. I can’t think of a better way of bringing joy to the world except for 2 beautiful people having children.

@sherriblake6887 Жыл бұрын

I'm loving your new kitchen. You do wonders with recycled materials! Can't wait to see what else you do in there.

@graciela1146 Жыл бұрын

Harriet, yo levantaría un poco más la altura del cobertizo... y la pergola quedará mejor y más alta... Me encanta la idea de hacerla en ese sitio, quedará increíble... Y con respeto al primer cobertizo que derribaste su techo, yo no lo techaria, porque le quita la luz a una ventana que tienes ahí.. Pero todo lo que haces me gusta.... Y esa cocina quedará genial... Hasta la próxima ✌️🇪🇦

@LittleSpanishFarmstead Жыл бұрын

Eso no se me había ocurrido pero ahora que lo dices, creo que esto de acuerdo y me gustaría levantar el techo un poco. Gracias!

@carolfreeland2531 Жыл бұрын

You don’t have to explain how and why you are doing what you’re doing! You’re doing amazing things

@belengarcia6689 Жыл бұрын

Hola Harriet me encanta como dejaste la cocina, en un futuro cuando construyas con ladrillos estos deben ir "trabados" entre si, sino se pueden fisurar y partir

@davidwilson1043 Жыл бұрын

Lovely videos, I love the intention and ethics you are applying. Reusing, designing and creating something new with every project. Never mind if it's not what someone else would do, this is yours, you have made it so, enjoy it.

@deettarichardson3682 Жыл бұрын

I think you are doing a great job, I love the way it is turning out. I like how you reuse thing.

@transcendcapitalism Жыл бұрын

total cliffhanger at the end lol, like i really was sad the video ended! can't wait to see it with those beautiful tiles!

@anniekoffgrid Жыл бұрын

I just love how you build everything by yourself, amazing to see! Truly inspiring how you reuse all the materials, love that!!

@boukanastasia Жыл бұрын

Hi Harriet with oranges peels you can make sweets Its a traditional Greek sweet You can find it on Internet

@AdomasSve Жыл бұрын

Wonkiness is perfect!

@deborahlee8135 Жыл бұрын

I love your optimism with things turning out, and they do 🥰 its looking wonderful Harriet.

@mysoulrambles Жыл бұрын

Yayyy I've had the same idea so great I can watch you first 🙂🙂 Wow over 70K, that's amazing!

@charola41 Жыл бұрын

Girl, you do work hard!!!!

@virtualfather4117 Жыл бұрын

Love your thumb nail photo, seems like prefect lighting

@sheljustdoes Жыл бұрын

I just discovered your channel and it’s been a joy watching your journey. I just wanted to say, don’t feel need explain or apologize, you rock and are doing something that many folks dream of doing, and you are doing it well! Keep it up, definitely looking forward to where things go!!!