OPENING UP DOORWAYS IN MY STONE HOUSE - HOUSE RENOVATION PORTUGAL

This week has been quite challenging as there was a lot going on with drilling out the stone for internal and external doorways and sanding of wood. I can still hear the noise in my head now. It was also challenging outside for me too. Watch the video to see why.
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Rewind, July 2018, inspired by a friend, I had the ‘crazy’ idea that I would step out of life’s conditioning to enable me to live my life to its fullest. I made the bold decision to leave my job, buy a campervan, rent out my house and go travel the world.
After living in my van for three years, travelling to Scotland, Scandanavia and Europe and living in Portugal through Covid I decided to make a new life in Portugal. I am now renovating a previously abandoned village house on the west coast of Central Portugal to live a more sustainable life.
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Пікірлер: 78

  • @paisley293
    @paisley2933 ай бұрын

    Wow! 👏 Wow! 👏Wow! 👏Great progress on the build! You're such a hard worker Suzi. 🥰 Beijos is like your shadow now, in almost every shot you took: on the roof, in the door opening, and chatting up the lady cat too!😻lol I'm looking forward to seeing even more progress, plus lovely flowers and veg sprouting up. Have a great week! 🙏

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you Paisley. Yes, Beijos hangs out with me a lot these days. He’s very nice company. Have a great week too 🙏💕

  • @lizwilson6633
    @lizwilson66333 ай бұрын

    Wow, what a difference. Loving the view you are going to have through the double glass doors and now it will feel more like a house being able to walk through into the bedroom. Enjoying watching your progress. Xxx

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    Yes, the view is amazing Liz and it’s definitely feeling more like a house. Next week hopefully a new floor 😀

  • @kdclothes
    @kdclothes3 ай бұрын

    Lovely door. The view is breathtaking. And the bedroom is going to be beautiful as well. Thanks for sharing your journey with us

  • @luisaleonardi666
    @luisaleonardi6663 ай бұрын

    Hi Suzi,you're facing the hardest part of the renovation and once it's done proceeding will be easier. So keep up the good work. What's already been made is just so exciting.. Good neighbours on sight is certainly comforting.❤❤❤

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    I think you are right Luisa. Still a bit more of the hard stuff to finish off this week and then it will be a lot calmer - I hope 🙏💕

  • @NancysBungalowLife
    @NancysBungalowLife3 ай бұрын

    What a wonderful house you are creating! I love the view from the new opening!

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you Nancy 💕

  • @R1chiesART
    @R1chiesART3 ай бұрын

    How ironic!. Just seen your property on a channel called 'Farmer for Fun'. A year old but I was looking for recommendations. Fabulous connection's.

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    Yes, the property was on the market for over a year as the price was too high. I was lucky to see it when the price was reduced and snatched it up 😀

  • @donaldmackinnon5779
    @donaldmackinnon57793 ай бұрын

    Great progress well done, getting there step by step well done to you and your team 😊😊

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you Donald 🙏💕

  • @user-xh1ie9pd3z
    @user-xh1ie9pd3z3 ай бұрын

    They should have installed the lintel before taking down the wall below the whole place could have collapsed

  • @janetpendlebury6808

    @janetpendlebury6808

    3 ай бұрын

    I am sure the local builders know what they are doing, those walls are incredibly thick.

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    They had put pole braces and supporting pegs inside to hold the stone in place they did not want to fall. It may have looked crazy but it was done safely 🙏💕

  • @mariolanca1118
    @mariolanca11183 ай бұрын

    good choise of music Suzi! Take care.🤗🌈🎶🌄🌷

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you 🙏💕

  • @tarynkriebel319
    @tarynkriebel3193 ай бұрын

    Coming along nicely

  • @gracemeneses9910
    @gracemeneses99103 ай бұрын

    I absolutely love your home and you’re doing such a beautiful job. Love your Portuguese neighbor. Best of luck.

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    Me too. He brings me something everyday. It seems to make him happy he can help me 😊

  • @deborahwhite2339
    @deborahwhite23393 ай бұрын

    Wow! Lots of progress. The house will be lovely when it's done. Punching out the doors was dramatic. At least it's done. The view from the kitchen is incredible. 🙂👍👍🇨🇦

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    Hi Deborah, yes it definitely felt a little dramatic this week with big things happening. A but more work is required on cutting out the stone but the hardest part is done now, I hope! 💕

  • @michelleclarke8757
    @michelleclarke87573 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the time taken to set up cameras so we can see your face as you do these tasks - much better than when you were drilling front door to put a lock on it and we watched your shoulder blades! House Reno looks fab - exciting stuff. Garden is coming on leaps and bounds under your tlc. Have a great week - even if it is noisy and dusty at times! The results will be worth it.

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    Hi Michelle, yes I’m trying to think more about how the video is going to resonate with my viewers. Sometimes it’s a bit more tricky to get the right angle. Glad you appreciated my efforts 🙏💕

  • @cdh2328
    @cdh23283 ай бұрын

    I’m so glad you’ve been able to get people to do the work. It’s really coming along.

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    Me too. When you have a good team of reliable people it makes such a difference 😀

  • @chantalcottontnvplastics8452
    @chantalcottontnvplastics84523 ай бұрын

    Incredible progress and amazing changes to the entire feel of your new home Suzi🙌🏻👌🏻 It is going to be an absolute stunner💜🐝💜

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you Chantal. I think my vision is slowing appearing 💕

  • @lfuentes4098
    @lfuentes40983 ай бұрын

    Beautiful stone buildings and lovely garden terraces you have. And that dam and water park area are so beautiful. What a nice thing to have close by to cool off on a hot day.

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you, it really is a beautiful place 🙏💕

  • @maryjanevasconcellos9013
    @maryjanevasconcellos90133 ай бұрын

    Great progress on the house! It is going to be fantastic once it´s finished. Those views... Have a lovely weekend!

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you Mary Jane. Have a lovely weekend too 🙏💕

  • @philcooklin8127
    @philcooklin81273 ай бұрын

    Loving the progress ❤

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    One baby step at a time 😉

  • @pattyseree
    @pattyseree3 ай бұрын

    You can cut that foam board with a bread knife. Your crosscut saw is overkill. Once those plastic beads get into your land they are there forever 😢 I ❤your project land.

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    Thanks Patty. I will try next time with a simple knife 🙏💕

  • @pattyseree

    @pattyseree

    3 ай бұрын

    The bread knife has a bit of serrated edge and I found that worked well. Also a utility knife that has extendable blade will work and is useful to have around.

  • @kristinoa
    @kristinoa3 ай бұрын

    You have a wonderful house. It is exciting to follow you and the progress to create a home and a garden 😊

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you 🙏 I’m so happy you are as excited by it as I am 💕

  • @NicolaCairncross
    @NicolaCairncross3 ай бұрын

    Gosh you guys are getting hit hard in Portugal with the chemtrails this week!

  • @ambykp8940

    @ambykp8940

    3 ай бұрын

    Uk is worse- no sunshine allowed round here! The land is waterlogged 🙄

  • @pammcfarland1727
    @pammcfarland17273 ай бұрын

    Your finished walls are beautiful and the doors will make a huge difference. Have you asked any locals if your grapevine will come back? I’ve never seen them like that. Lots of work but very rewarding ❤

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you. The vines are all like this in the region. Last year, when I viewed the house there were quite a lot of grapes. When they start to grow again I will train them up. Strangely there doesn’t seem to be any animals that come and eat the grapes. I think they stay in the forested area 💕

  • @debrachin273
    @debrachin2733 ай бұрын

    It’s looking absolutely beautiful.

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you Debra 🙏💕

  • @portugal1969
    @portugal19693 ай бұрын

  • @user-iu1sl5qk8f
    @user-iu1sl5qk8f3 ай бұрын

    Hi Suzi, Wow your home! looks fabulous, are you going to paint the walls? I love them as they are, what exciting times. I love your weekly message, so much so I was late for work last week! 😊😊Lots of love xx

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    Hi, thank you and no I won’t be painting the walls. The natural stone is beautiful. It actually sparkles 💖 I’m very happy you are enjoying my videos 🙏

  • @teresamason5155
    @teresamason51553 ай бұрын

    Suzi, what a great week, i love how things are progressing! Great job! I’m wondering if you do a question and answer, you could provide information on the cost so far the work you had done, the roofing, installation for the roofing installation and windows, the cleaning of those stones and pointing, and of course, knocking out walls for doors and the electrical work that’s been done so far, just to give a base line idea on what it would cost to have that kind of work done?thanks for sharing and I can’t wait for what is next.❤

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    Thanks Teresa. Unfortunately I cannot tell you the cost so far as I agreed on a cost for the whole project which is broken down into sections but for two rooms. I am paying in stage payments for the project as a whole. The whole project is €45k which will include a bespoke kitchen and bathroom.

  • @teresamason5155

    @teresamason5155

    3 ай бұрын

    @@dreamlifeportugal Thanks for sharing it gives me an idea of reno costs there. I’m trying to figure out where I wanna be Portugal or Italy. I love the fact that you’re able to garden right now and even start feedings and everything green and lush too compared to the area of Italy that I’m looking at. I’m torn!! Suppose what I really should do is come see. I’m just unsure about the heat in the summer. But I don’t like cold winter either and I would love to be able to garden in these months. Kind of hung up on what decision to make!! I don’t know if you’re open to this, but would you consider taking people for a week or so that could come and help you with projects around the home maybe set up a tent to stay with you while helping and then may be on off time getting out to see the area?? Currently own my own home I’m a widow, and I have done all the upkeep around the home and all of my gardens.. vegetables and perennial for 20 years, but I am looking forward to a warmer climate where I can garden more than the 5 seasons. I’d love to meet you and chat if it’s something that you’re open to? I’m a hard worker and would love to at some point if it’s something you’re thinking of considering!💕

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    @@teresamason5155 I don’t really have the facilities for people to stay on my land but if you came to look around the region I would be more than happy to meet up and share my experience here. You could stay very cheaply in an Airbnb. The winter here is 3 months of colder weather. It went down to just two degrees at night but there is also warm sun too. The summer July-August is hot. Sometimes up to 45 degrees and humid. But there are lakes and rivers to cool off in. But the other 7 months of the year are perfect. The further north you go the colder and wetter the winter but not so hot in the summer. If you would like to know anything more specific feel free to drop me an email suzimussell@mindfulvanlife.com or we can chat on Instagram 🙏💕

  • @teresamason5155

    @teresamason5155

    3 ай бұрын

    @@dreamlifeportugal Thank you so much for the information. I will definitely be in touch should I come over! In the meantime I will watch your videos and dream on 😊💕

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    @@teresamason5155 baby steps in the direction of your dreams 🙏💕

  • @staceysparadise
    @staceysparadise3 ай бұрын

    It's coming along so well. Have they given you a completion date? I see kittens in your future lol :)

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    I think another three/four weeks for the first room and then another six for the bedroom and bathroom

  • @GoingsoloinFrance
    @GoingsoloinFrance3 ай бұрын

    Well done, It's looking great :-)

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you 🙏💕

  • @luisagarcia3961
    @luisagarcia39613 ай бұрын

    Bom dia Suzi está ficando maravilhoso você é adorável ❤

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    Muito obrigada 🙏💕

  • @VickyMarinho
    @VickyMarinho3 ай бұрын

    Have you considered leaving an a That would provide an air buffer between the roof and the roofmate (insulation)? That will provide more heat and humidity insulation to your roof

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    There is already an airflow layer in the concrete blocks that were already part of the ceiling 😀

  • @barbarakloise6790
    @barbarakloise67903 ай бұрын

    Glad to see you got yourself a pole pruner! I bought one off Amazon USA that extends to 26ft. So I was able to get huge thick branches that are all way off the ground from my huge Sycamore tree. This tree is old and huge It has to be 125 to 150 years old. Wow I didn't know you had another room off the house for your bedroom That is awesome! Your house is really coming along and it is going to look fantastic. I'm so happy for you that you've got this beautiful place and are having it all fixed up the way you want it. Now you can garden till your heart's content. Letting a lot more light into the house add so much and now you can see all the beauty on the outside which is fantastic. You have yourself a beautiful little haven there. What are they going to do with that wall that leads to your bedroom that looks like it's all covered with render or some kind of coating? Are they going to get that wall looking like the walls and the rest of your main room there?

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    Hi Barbara, thank you for your lovely message. Even with the pole pruner it’s quite an effort with the big tree but I’m getting there. It also has a saw attachment for the thicker branches. The wall has had one coat of render and is waiting for its second coat to make it smooth. It will then be painted white or possibly lime washed which gives it an off white look. The stone houses I’ve seen with this done look beautiful as it offsets the stone on the other walls. Have a great week 🙏💕

  • @sue7190
    @sue71903 ай бұрын

    What is happening with the rough rendered wall? Will they apply a finish coat or are you adding plaster board?

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    Hi Sue, it needs a second coat of render and smoothed out and then painted or lime washed possibly 😀💕

  • @carollsbostwick9683
    @carollsbostwick96833 ай бұрын

    Did you repurpose the oil box for a door ?

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    Not yet. I won’t be doing this until I’m living in the house as I’m currently using the box as a very large dressing table 😀

  • @katiadp2145
    @katiadp21453 ай бұрын

    Beijinhos!!🇬🇷 🇬🇷

  • @katherineparsons9585
    @katherineparsons95853 ай бұрын

    I see so many things you’re I want to say doing wrong it’s not wrong but it’s not making life easy, for instance the veg garden right up to the wall, you’ve so much land and you’ve made the tiniest spot that’ll hold very little because all veg needs to be spaced out, my main concern is up to the wall, ideally it’s best to have walking space all round it so it’s easier to get around to weed etc before planting I might suggest that you work out the veg calendar for Portugal then importantly the spacing between, there’s many KZread information to learn from, no offence meant only constructive criticism. 😅

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    Thanks Katherine. I appreciate your advice. This is just a temporary veggie space for a few things this year like lettuces and tomatoes. I cannot plant veggies in the other land until I get an irrigation system set up. Here I can water using a hose. 🙏💕

  • @julianmora5624
    @julianmora56243 ай бұрын

    that s not the way to remove stone walls

  • @dreamlifeportugal

    @dreamlifeportugal

    3 ай бұрын

    How should they be done?

  • @netby

    @netby

    3 ай бұрын

    They sould have put a lintel on top and then remove the stones under the lintel much safer...

  • @julianmora5624

    @julianmora5624

    3 ай бұрын

    @@dreamlifeportugal first remove a row at the height you want the lintel, then put one thick board along the wall,then some boards across the wall to put some struts under these boards, then remove the stones below, i am an engineer,and have experience in these reno, or remos