Hey Everyone, Things didn't go as planned on the Homestead! We had a big disaster moment with the barn conversion 🥵 We where quite upset but have to keep moving forward. Something always goes wrong 🙈 but what can you do. We feel its also important to also document the challenging parts and struggle as building a homestead is not a easy thing. 🔴Update - We are also going back to weekly videos from now.....

Your honesty is one of you strongpoints, you learn from your mistakes, it’s only natural. I love the fact that you are both up front and honest and what comes across strongly is what a great team you two are, mutual love and respect and you complement each other perfectly. I love your voiceovers too, Laura, you paint with words and, this may sound a tad cheesy, but you remind me of Earl Hamner when he used to do a voiceover at the start of each episode of the Waltons (assuming you know the series) - it was made in the 70’s. You should write a book, I know you have it in you. Well done to the both of you ❤️🌟

You guys have the right attitude, you're starting from scratch, in a new country, off grid, that's about as difficult as it gets. When you look at what you have achieved already, I'd say that you are following your dream, more than most people can say.👍❤

I can't imagine how you guys must be feeling, but seeing you reset and go at it again is great to see. I absolutely love what you are doing, and how much you put in to it is plain to see. I can only say that I am truly rooting for your success.👍❤

The pointing has brought the building to life .. well done 👏🏻 it’s all a learning curve and you’re the only ones that will ever notice the little bits that aren’t right. Keep going 😎

I’m 62 years old. Working on a factory job. Thrust me. You will look back in a few decades and realize that you live a live With meaning. Keep up the positive spirit. Your are Amazing 🤩

I watched one of the most careful and accomplished renovators on you tube put his moisture barrier on his roof the wrong way round - I didn’t comment but watched in sadness as I knew how upset he would be. Nothing wrong guys with trying and failing and no shame in learning from your mistakes at all. I’m in awe of you both having a go and getting stuff done

I know as youtubers you'll not want to put up certain things in videos like making mistakes etc. But I like that. It keeps things genuine. And yeah people might say something about it but let them. You guys are doing an amazing job and you should be so proud of everything you've done so far.

I believe you two are stronger than you realize. When I’ve had major challenges in my life, one saying got me through; “I once worried because I had no shoes, until I saw a man who had no feet.” Your approach to taking a few days off to reset was perfect! ❤🇨🇦

Hello my sweet friends! I am so sorry about your setback. After Dan finished telling us what happened I prayed for you both. I could not imagine how you both felt. When Dan mentioned it brought you to tears, Laura, I teared up as well. I have no doubt it is challenging, but you both are so strong and blessed. What amazing teachers you will be to those in similar climates. You both are important to me and I am so proud of all you have accomplished. God is truly blessing you, keeping you safe, and protecting your relationship. Love in Christ, ~John

i been in construction for 35 years and i know that professional problem solver is your true title when working on houses . every day is a new issue to overcome no matter if you are a beginner or an old hand . keep up the battle your doing great . enjoy the adventure

Perhaps Nick would be a great resource for answering your questions instead of the comment section. He is so knowledgeable and willing to help. The pointing looks amazing and you are both doing a wonderful job.

You know what - while we all feel for you when things don't turn out after all your hard work, we too can learn something along the way. The barn looks wonderful!

Stoic philosophy is a good one to embrace when you have to deal with tough obstacles like this. You guys are invincible! Unshakeable!

Sometimes viewer here..... Looks very good, and done right ! " Happy wife---Happy life " 😀

On the advice, guys, just listen to Uncle Nick. He knows what he’s talking about. You’re both doing a great job, and you’re both grafters. You’ll get there xx

We moved to France 20 years ago to renovate our property, it's very challenging, and most of all a feeling of a love / hate relationship with the property. However, on beautiful days when you can sit and relax with a very rewarding cold beer on your terrace and soak in those views, you know it's been worth it. Try not to set your goals too big in one go, Don't loose sight of your vision and dreams, it will be worth it in the end. Keep up the good work and be proud of what you have already achieved! Just moving to another country takes guts, determination and courage, It's not easy in a foreign country, Best of luck.

The building is looking fine. When in doubt go and ask the local neighbours who have a lot of experience living with stone buildings. People in Portugal are usually very friendly and like to help. That way you start making friends and learning Portuguese . Enjoy the process - I envy your youth and energy.

The walls ended up looking really good, especially that front one ☺ It must be difficult to navigate all these KZfaq comments with advice, instructions, etc.... not to mention the negative comments. I'm glad to see Nick helping you, he's an amazing guy, everyone should check out his channel and he deserves way more followers. Definitely listen to his building advice, instead of everyone on here 🤗 and keep being strong and courageous!

I know how you feel. I'm 71 and been at this type of work for decades and made my mistakes. We all do! So try not to feel too bad. Just make sure what ever you are coating gets totally soaked with water , especially rocks being hit with the hot sun, because that dry stone will suck the moisture right out of your cement and it won't stick as well and be brittle after it dries !!!! Good luck. You'll get through and will look back with pride! It's a beautiful building.

By using your hands and fingers to get the mixture in, the look you’ve achieved and the consistency of the mix between all the stones have made all the difference in the world! Pat yourselves on the back, that’s one heck of a nice job, well done!!!

As Terry Wogan used to say "everyone's an expert". So true! Don't worry about the"experts" you're doing amazing with this project!

Hang in there. You are doing great. Pick your course and adjust when you need to. Remember you are doing more and you going farther than most of the rest of us!!!!!!

Your rendering is absolutely stunning! What a gorgeous backdrop for two beautiful people. Love how you tackle your challenges with honesty, grace and love for each other. Bravo! Well done! ❤

Wow! That pointing you’ve done looks amazing and really brings out the granite, well done! It’s one of those thankless seemingly endless tasks, but it’s done now. As for advice, I hear you, it is hard to siphon out the good advice from the bad, the knowledgeable from the ignorant. You’ve quite a community of KZfaqrs/off grid people near you, Nick, Ewan and his girlfriend and the Portugal project to refer to and maybe help support eachother on really big jobs? Ewan (Frankie off grid) knows a lot about grapes in terms of winemaking and also olives for oil etc. I was also interested in your plans for the roof that you briefly mentioned, particularly whether you might perhaps extend the roof a bit to give yourselves a nice covered porch outside each door? It would also give you some extra storage space that’s dry and can be framed out quite inexpensively. Similar to your outside kitchen. Just a thought and keep going

The sunlight looks spectacular on the pointed stones. Well done guys!

Dont knock yourselves. These things happen to everyone, Dan said it! you learn from your mistakes, not everyone does, so well done. Love watching you both. You are doing an amazing job.

If every thing in life was easy ,It would be booring ? You get knocked down,you get up again ,you never let it get you down . I think there is a song in that somewhere .LOL

You are learning a lost art that in its self is an accomplishment. The walls look much better.

Please take stalk of the many things you both have learned and the skills you now have, I honestly believe that the only way to truly know yourself is to overcome the challenges facing you no matter how many tries it takes. I’m jealous of you both for what you have accomplished and will accomplish.

I know how it feels but remember what they say, if you fall of a horse climb back on. You will come across a lot of hurdles when you are learning to build and renovating old or new things. You guys have the right attitude and most important stick together. And don't forget, you guys bought a real piece of paradise up there and it will get better every month, i'm sure of that. Good luck and hope to see a new video soon.

Tuck pointing is a long and drawn out journey but so satisfying when completed.

Dan & Laura, you are not the only ones that try something and it doesn't work out; HELL I am 69 and still stuff up and then think well dammit that didn't work out right. We gotta make do sometimes and that's how the cookie crumbles. Thing is you have adjusted and now you're sure you have it right so you are lucky that you have worked it out. :) Just remember we are all human and we stuff up at times and move on. Learn from the mistakes and don't stress about it. (wish this old fart could give you two a big hug!!)

Some lessons are like a kick in the guts but not life threatening. Laura and Dan, I admire your stoicism. Keep the smiles a laughs coming.

You are doing way so much better in life than people twice your age so don't be discouraged when you make mistakes. That means you are trying new things and that's what they call "growth" 😊.

After that "So called pen" in Paris the whole of the Toon is crying along with Laura ! ...and its started to snow as well Frig Frig Frig.

Well done on persevering with the walls despite the setback. Consider asking Nick for any building advice, he recently covered how to remove mortar/concrete from granite. Keep doing what you do. Good progress 😊

Remember why you are doing this lifestyle. You have each other. Keep the faith!

Two adorable kids in that picture. The little girls were cute too!!😊

The pointing looks great, so sorry it was such a trauma. Overconfident bluffers with advice, are a blight on society. Lovely to see green grass and vegetation 🌱

Pointing is a lot of work. I’m glad that you now have the right mix. The barn is going to be beautiful. You have done a beautiful job with the pointing. I also think that whoever initially built the job did an amazing job laying out the rocks.

Hi 👋, I hope you are both keeping safe and well, You are both doing an amazing job, as you’re learning as you’re going, you obviously don’t have all the tools, i’m finding the right materials for the region, is very difficult, not sure whether you’ve got pennies to go and buy tools or whether you have got some wood and bits and pieces you could make something up, if you made yourself a thing called a hawk, I think it’s called I can’t remember it’s been so long, a handle with a flatboard on top, that you can put your mortar onto, and then you can use other a piece of stick around say inch square, or you can get yourself a little tiny, pointing trial, which help you to push the mortar into the holes, And when you are on the ladder you , could do with a little shelf being made that hangs on the top of the ladder, which, then you can put some mortar onto, I have a little bit of pointing up to do as well , If you’re feeling bored next year with not much to do, my building is approximately 12 m, long, 8 m high, times two for either side, then about 8 m x 8 m on one end, and then on the other end which drops down into the river which is about 8 m wide nearly 12 m in height, it shouldn’t take you long to do it ha ha ha ha, 🤣, Being in a relationship doing what you’re doing is very stressful , as you need to give each other 100%, I’m being loyal, and faithful, and truthful, and honest with each other, Is the only way this will work, If you’re not happy with something, the best thing, it is to talk it through, and hopefully come to mutual agreement, As for my relationship, I was just being used and manipulated, And I just feels that I have wasted around nearly 20 years of my life, I’ve worked all the hours I possibly could , to earn the money to restore two properties once in the UK and one in France, Where I now live. My ex partner has even turned my family and friends against me, as she was saying that I had walked out, and I hadn’t paid the bills, that is very strange has on my bank statements it’s got her name printed on it where I have transferred funds into her account, where she has used her credit card, and then I’ve paid it afterwards when the bill comes in, So doing what you’re doing, you need to be 100% loyal and faithful to each other, I wish you both all the success for the future, and look forward to seeing your next bit of progress, it’s a pity you are a little bit too far away as I’ve got lots of tools so you could probably use, Stay safe, keep up the great work, don’t let the buggers get you down. Phil for the moulin France

When you are done, write a book with all the challenges, mistakes, and successes. Let others learn from you too!

We all hit brick walls when it comes to renovations I think it's a compounding thing as we want to get it done quickly and get fed up and break down. But it's great you've captured those moments on camera as you'll look back on these times and laugh when you're all done 👍

Fantastic work on the pointing of the outside walls. They look great and add so much beauty and protection to the stones. When you mentioned seeing things moving out the corner of your eye, it reminded me, did the snake ever move out of the outhouse?

Best advice you can get is from local people close to you!

We are only human and humans make mistakes that's how we go forward. It is good to see you step back and take stock of where you are, you need to look at life as a stroll, not a race and the best thing is that you always talk to each other so you support one another. Love watching you grow as a couple and go from strength to strength. Keep it up as I always look forward to your next installment in the series

Everybody makes mistakes. Then we learn from them. It shows that you are human. Keep being you. Being honest and trying again. You will have a beautiful homestead in the end. ❤

are there not any elder locals you can ask - surely they will be able to share their knowledge ? but in the end you are getting there nonetheless, doing it in your own learning curve time… i admire you both. just accept there are and will be melt downs and move on. that’s what we call life, and you are living it in a great way!

I wish we could get a team of about ten people together and all help with this job it looks super awesome and it will keep all the creatures out😂

Aw bless you both, I nearly cried whilst listening to you. Everyone makes mistakes and sometimes they are hard to bare. The bad times will make the good ones even better 😘 Keep ya chin up young ens, you are doing a fantastic job and the barn is starting to look beautiful. Much love to you both and may the universe bless you with some brighter days ❤

Hey you two, don't beat ya selves up, its all new to you & it's good to learn new skills, try not to take any notice of bad comments, you know that your doing a grand job, any questions about what to use or how to do something, just ask Nick, he has lived in Portugal for quite a while, so he knows what to use & what texture to use, I think you are both doing brilliantly, love watching your KZfaq videos, so if so, have a cry & a hug & just keep going, take care, sending love to you both ❤❤❤❤

Guys mistakes are going to happen every day or you are not doing it right! Lady Christina and I STILL make mistakes with some things and we have been here since 2003. I think it's a good thing to share some like you did. You never know who might need that help later on! If your mistakes helps one family, it was not a mistake! When we built this house we had more disagreements and squabbles than any other time in our 34 years. You have the right answers though, Calm down then go back and discuss it like adults. (Easy to say I know!) Compromise when you can and remember, YOU LOVE EACH OTHER!

Hi guys,you are doing great work on your homestead. And in life,the guy that never made a mistake never made anything. ❤❤.

Hi Laura and Dan you too are amazing even when you make a mistake you both pull your selfs together and get on and do what you need to do and what you finish up with looks great and most of all you are celebertys. keep up being true to your selves and keep posting great contents for your fans to enjoy 🎉🎉👏👏👏

Hi again L&D PLZ READ You two are artists in the making always working on creating your very own masterpiece. All artists work very hard to get theirs just right in their own opinion before it is finished. Just think what you did accomplish in the week that you are pleased with!! Hard at times to keep a positive attitude but regardless hold on to your positive attitudes smile and enjoy the good times and persevere through the tough ones never losing your vision of the day when you arrive at the finish. Hold on for the ride because you can and will do this! Your piece of art will be beautiful and everything you imagined and hoped for. You are also learning and growing together as you go forward and also creating a most special and close partnership in your relationship. The day will come when you look back you will smile and know in your hearts it ALL was worth it. Heartfelt thoughts and prayers for the strength to carry on. Catcha next time...

Your patience and hard work is really commendable and pleased to see you overcome the problems and reach a good conclusion. Also, can Dan get a belt🤣🤣🤣

Great job on the pointing. Don't think of it as mistakes, just think of it as a learning experience.

You should be very proud of yourselves - great job! You deserve a vintage bottle of Port Wine and Pasteis de Nata after your hard work.

He Again from the US ..when I first saw the title of this video I thought maybe you were going stop. But after watching it through it made me smile 😃. Like I said in my last post your teamwork through the hard times says alot about your strength .no ever gets through life and especially the endeavor that you both took on without making mistakes..it's just part of learning that we all do every day of our life's. Always know that other people's opinions are just that..and take what helps and works for you both..together and as individuals..I will stop going on for now but again..watching your video today actually made my day Better and Brighter 😊..keep safe enjoy each other and the accomplishments you've made ✌️

The best advice I can think of is to look for someone locally who is doing or has done what you are doing. 👍

You are two beautiful people and don't be so hard on yourself you do learn from your mistakes that what makes the world go round.

Really admire the grit you two have. One day when it’s all done, I’m sure you’ll both look back on all of these type of challenges and realise it was all worth the effort. Keep cracking on, you’ll get there, I’m absolutely certain. Two great people 💪💪❤

Dear Laura and Dan,your hard work is paying off,the pointing is making a game changer on the outside of the house. So go on and don't loose your lovely smile.❤❤❤

Considering you both are beginners and figuring this out by yourselves I think you are doing an amazing job. No joking, that pointing looks great! Mistakes is where you learn… some let themselves be put off by the idea of not knowing what they are doing and the fear of making mistakes and don’t actually DO anything…and others throw themselves in, do their best, make mistakes, learn along the way and move FORWARD. You are doing great. I know it’s very much easier said than done, but don’t give those with unkind words any thought. I think you are bother extremely courageous for going at it AND posting it all online xxx

I really love your honesty - its very refreshing. Living this kind of lifestyle is as challenging as it is beautiful, however, some people only ever report the good stuff making it appear easy which it isn't. We feel your pain! We moved to Portugal 6 years ago and we are also renovating a home as well as regenerating the land. It can be immensely challenging and we feel alone with it too sometimes. It's so very different to living in the UK. Don't worry about making mistakes - we do it all the time and it's how we learn. I think it's important to take a break when it all gets too much and also to look at how far you have come and what you have acheived. You are doing a fantastic job!

I think it looks absolutely fabulous! Be proud, guys. Humble is good, but a pat on the back for all the hard work is well deserved here. Whoop whoop 🎉😊❤

I just want to say I am really enjoying your learning journey. You are so brave to do this, and that Wall looks great

You know your property and the conditions there better than anyone, and you have proved that you are more than capable! Nothing in renovation is easy, but you're doing great and doing it your way. Love from fellow North-easterners, Gail & Alex!

Yes sometimes life can be very challenging and at the same time frustrating Obviously there are times when working so closely with a partner can also put pressure on each other Thank goodness you are able to communicate with each other and support each other You are not only undertaking a big physical challenge but an emotional challenge also Sadly, things do go wrong and it’s only natural to get upset Don’t ever feel guilty about feeling upset Walk away, support each other and reset Sending a big supportive hug ❤

I keep waiting for a Hobbit or a gnome to pop out of the door. . .it's looking mighty fine, you two!

The end result of the pointing looks great, should be proud of your efforts.

The patience they have is admirable. Excellent work and greetings.

Don't be so hard on yourself. You have done amazing. Your skills can only improve. If you need advise ask uncle Nick,he knows what he's talking about.😊

It’s not just the way you are living that things go wrong. Things go wrong for everyone so don’t feel alone in that. What you need to do is get your chin up and soldier on. Just think of life as a trench. A trench always has a way in and a way out. You may have a few bumps along the way but you can never get stuck because the other end has a slope where you can walk out. You both are doing a magnificent job so just take life easy and enjoy the ride be it good or bad. Love from Australia 🇦🇺

That end wall is screaming out for a doorway to be knocked out of it leading out into an extension 😉🇬🇧

Hey guys . I'm just going to say it ...screw the negative comments. Yes this is KZfaq and people are going to put their two cents worth in and yes you count on subscribers to help you financially .. but in the end this is your place, this is your dream and you need to be very proud of what you've accomplished so far. I'd suggest if you're looking for information or to build your skills to check out other KZfaqrs who are living in your area and reach out to them for first-hand knowledge. The pointing looks amazing.

Your Everest is looking pretty amazing, Laura. Im glad you are leaving the iron on, why waste it. What you are wanting to achieve is a warm secure home, not perfection. Few Portugese farmers from what i have observed, had much more than what you are planning, and you both work so hard. Ignore the trolls, if you don't feed them, they soon disappear.

Hi Laura and Dan fantastic job you done on the pointing really looks good we have to do the same job on are place in France if it comes out half as good as your job we will be happy, but please please ignore all the negative comments of people that never dared to do what you have done you twos are are doing a fantastic job and your having fun RESPECT to you two. Jason and Anette.

Like I’ve said before Laura,Dan it’s all a big learning process. Life goes up & down & to be quite honest, when things go wrong & get really tough; it just makes you stronger. I think you are doing a brilliant job. I also think it’s good that everyone has their own opinion, but people who give the most advice on internet; are the ones who have never done anything like that before in their lives. If you want proper advice ask a local builder or farmer who know the Country’s climate & local ways of doing things. Take care you two, & when things get tough again or go wrong, just take a break go to the beach or drink a bottle of wine & reset. 👍

great job...persistence pays off. Since you know Nick you've got a great local source for advice. I just have best wishes for you both.

I was Watching for that Snake who entered into a crack in your wall, good Luck for the rest of your Renovations.

Hi Laura and Daniel. You have truly stepped out of your comfort zone to take on this challenge. And that on itself will make it a great memory for you. The reason I am watching your excellent channel with interest is because I have a similar vision to you. I have scheduled 2025 as my buy date for a homestead in Portugal. I'm not sure where in Portugal I'm going, but all the same going I am. My plan is to buy a static caravan to live in until I can get a house built. I will be 63 years old by the time I take this on lol. Its just what I need. In truth when I first moved to London as a homeless person I was squating. In many ways its quite similar to homesteading. Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for your great content on your channel.

That wall looks amazing, that is definitely the best mixture.

Guys you are amazing,never give up. It’s really great to see you are so dedicated and in love.

Dan it’s alright to dry, we have emotions for a reason.. tear ducts was created in our bodies so we would cry. ITS OK FOR ME TO CRY MY FRIEND. 🙏❤️

I really like how the mixture looks. It's a handsome structure, and very strong- some of those blocks are massive!

That wall looks amazing! Congratulations!

Guys don't get disheartened! look at what you have achieved, the walls look beautiful! i know your off grid but will you be putting lighting in the barn? if you are don't forget to run the cables before you do the walls. i'm loving your journey . xx dont worry about the cracks mine has done the same just if you can repoint it?

I’ve been nocked down on my butt more times that i care to remember in my lifetime I just got up and carried on some time with a lot of tears but I got there eventually I never gave up love what you are doing stay strong love you guys ❤❤

I don't comment much but I watch every video. Just want to say I think you guys are awesome. The barn is looking amazing too. You always make me laugh and smile. What a lovely couple. Thanks for sharing it all with us 👌

Stand back and look at your beautiful stone barn, the colour of the granite is stunning, don’t dwell on the errors you make along the way, it’s how we all learn, am excited to see you develop your new home…..kindest regards Ruth from New Zealand…….

Laura, you have a way with words and your words are encouraging to others.

everyone makes mistakes guys. we all learn from our mistakes and move forward. its awesome that you guy have taken on this challenge and you will only benefit and grow from here. you will learn all you need to and be as successful as you can. to be honest i have also seen mistakes you guys have made but hay why comment on it. its your mistakes. a lot of people out there are very unforgiving and they should realise that they are not perfect. they should put themselves in your shoos before making there comments. Laura and Dan your doing an awesome job keep it up and don't let the little things get you down.

You’re awesome. Don’t let the comments to close. It’s much easier to criticise people than really to bugle up and actually doing the things you do. Everybody sitting comfortably at home not living the way you both do should rethink before posting any nasty comments. You both have jumped into something by taking on the homestead most wouldn’t have the guts to do. So be proud of yourself 💙

Never missed an ep ever since started.. laura&dan you're truly blessed as you're most humble and honest with such beautiful farm.. only wish more power to you guys❤

So proud of you two........... you both are achieving amazing things and learning soooo very much!!

Your doing a "Fine" job. Your young. Your brave to move to a foreign country, buy property, tackle things you've never done before. Mistakes are part of learning. Life is learning something everyday. You stop learning, you stop living. I for one are very proud of you and what you've accomplished to this day. One day at a time. You've got your whole life ahead of you. Enjoy the journey! 🎉 Cheers 🍻 🥂 Dan & Laura 😊

You two are doing more what others who will not go and make changes to their life as you are doing. Be proud, have pride, see all those who have and are doing what you are doing. Watchers like me see the sweat and toil. Some are supporting some are not able to support but I am sure they are giving good spirit to you. As many prayers are given much help comes about. I see you are succeeding. Since I have started watching 'The Origin Homestead', you are fulfilling your goals. You have given me much in my twilight time. Much thanks.

Trust your selves and discern advises. Consider only the ones your heart fill they are good to you.