Oh Billy I truly wish you would stop considerate on negative comments; you're a wonderful human being and who really cares about what other people say. I am a 60 year old gay man; I've been watching you for years. One thing that I have learned in my many year's is that if you try to make everyone happy you lose yourself in the process. "To thine own self be true " The testimony to you is the truly wonderful friend's and family that have always been by your side. Please do not question your ability to make the best out of your life. To you and your brother and sister; I appreciate that you all allow me to go on this journey with you all. Love you guy's! ❤

@janpixnow3369

3 күн бұрын

I agree

@pamabernathy8728

3 күн бұрын

@@johnwilliamtuckey2796 Beautifully stated. Love from a lady almost (but not quite!) a decade your senior, in Southern California, USA.

@blueice011

3 күн бұрын

You're so kind and sweet. Bless you.

@lukehartman9386

3 күн бұрын

Very wise comment John. Thank you for sharing! Have a blessed day. Keri💜

@cliveklg7739

2 күн бұрын

I wish people would stop considering other opinions, 'negative' comments. Unless they are specifically bashing on him, they aren't. They are just different perspectives.

If someone is critiquing your building techniques, they can get their own convent and do it their own way

@barbarakloise6790

3 күн бұрын

Exactly, that's what I think too. I am so glad that billy said what he said to those people, everybody's got one!

Not gonna lie...I really want to see the garden restoration. Behind the scenes planning, full drawn layout, species list. And ecosystem service considerations.

@ThePethericks

3 күн бұрын

it’s a fabulous idea and i haven’t given it much thought. priority is to get these 3 rooms finished and then we can make a start outside

@NickBoileau

3 күн бұрын

@ThePethericks no, of course. I'm just excited to see it as a gardener.

@elizabethbesco4758

3 күн бұрын

The " plate rack back panel could be covered in leather with religious artifacts circa the convent. Also the library rooms final color could be drawn from the chapel ceiling as an omage. ❤❤

@juliecoggins1170

3 күн бұрын

That’s a great idea! Maybe the backing could be made of something to add a little color? That space will be Hughes of brown. I love the idea of religious antiquities and artifacts.!

@carolinestagg6807

3 күн бұрын

I want to see how beautiful the garden will be(as well as the library), it’s all so exciting to see the progress the team is making !!!!

Hey Billy! That was a great shout out to all the arm chair contractors and carpenters out there! It's so easy to judge when you are not involved in a project. Crack on with your plan, it's your time, your money and your future.

@sunnyndelaware6159

3 күн бұрын

My thoughts exactly! Everything that Billy has done has been gorgeous and first-rate construction. So just "Crack On," Billy!! ❤

@heehaw8401

3 күн бұрын

For sure! Everything Billy has done has been great! I think he knows what he is doing. Michael needs to do an update on the chateau kitchen.

@pollytiks3885

3 күн бұрын

Must say though, for those of us who are not contractors in any way, our concern about the vapor barrier issue was that we were wondering if the integrity of the indoor side of the stone walls would be compromised by the moisture coming off the barriers with nowhere to go. At least, I was wondering. Thank you Billy for explaining that the moisture will dissipate through the outer wall.

@cliveklg7739

2 күн бұрын

You do realize there are some people who are professional, not just armchair contractors, that watch this? Sad so many people are so touchy they can't handle another opinion being posted. It is suggestions most don't care if he takes them or not. The overreaction to this is as ridiculous as the few hate posters.

@user-ke2qo9ky8y

2 күн бұрын

@@cliveklg7739 come on look at what the 4 of them have done so far. Do you seriously think Billy wouldn’t have had every inch of his plan checked…again and again and again.before he even ordered the wood and steel.

I really love that some thought is being given to bringing back the food gardens! The land there can grow practically everything your family would need to eat. That kitchen would be heaven to can, dehydrate, and prep all the fruit and produce. Start small with the gardens and figure out what works. When you have guests down the line, “farm to table” food would be such a selling point! I sure the nuns grew everything!

@BTRPaganMedium

3 күн бұрын

I started craving fried potatoes seeing the fingerling ones they unearthed! Farm to Table cooking is fabulous and many people search for it in destinations to visit.

@heehaw8401

3 күн бұрын

I live in metro Atlanta. There was a little farm down the road from us that had a farm to table event in a field. It was very fancy. They had a tour bus drive from downtown Atlanta to the farm loaded with people and adult beverages. At $125/person it sold out.

@blueice011

3 күн бұрын

@@BTRPaganMedium Mmm...I love them cooked (boiled) with nice white cheese and home grown, tasty tomatoes. Seeing these young potatoes today with barely there thin peel...I better ask Billy how to get in shape.

@drummerlovesbookworm9738

3 күн бұрын

@@heehaw8401 Oh yes! Those can be very posh! 😂 I love Farmer’s Markets and local food events! I buy local honey and jam and wine. 🤎

I so appreciate that Mick is taking advantage of the gardens to grow food! Keep growing more, there's nothing better than growing your own food!

Billy, you seem to be stressing about comments, SO: 1) you really shouldn't care a rats behind what anyone like me who comments thinks, 2) I never could have conceived turning this area into your vision for a Library, and 3) you dream big and seem to have the rare gift of visualizing projects from idea to finish. We are living our dreams vicariously, but you are truly living the dream!

@livelovebeprouddinejoe665

2 күн бұрын

Exactly! Thank you!

@Sircaymen

2 күн бұрын

Just my two cents worth. You are ask doing an amazing job. Instead of using all the panels maybe more book shelves in between the ones you have. Just a suggestion. Take care.

@wiggy3333

2 күн бұрын

@@Sircaymenbut that is just the point he isn’t asking for nor does he need your suggestions, opinions, or perspectives. We don’t see all the comments that he gets. We just see the “better” of the bad ones. As a YT creator myself I know how tiresome it is to hear from the absolute crazies out there but those comments are “held for review”, so the public doesn’t see them.

@wiggy3333

2 күн бұрын

@@SuziSellsSound again, some people are discussing ideas among themselves and the others aren’t discussing they are telling etc. And furthermore most people in here don’t have two clues how this all works so they aren’t doing it for the engagement. It must be pretty bad if he has to actually comment on it.

@wiggy3333

2 күн бұрын

@@SuziSellsSound and another thing…just because you have a voice doesn’t mean you need to use it. Social media has given the outspoken a platform to be just that outspoken.

I've always felt that art should be included in a fine library! this includes paintings, porcelain, sculpture. You will have empty panels for the art and lots of shelf space for the other things. And you need one of those fantastic huge world globes. Very excited to follow your progress on the library!

@jennifercampbell7698

2 күн бұрын

Yes I was thinking in the corners Paddy could include a built in stand or corner shelving for artefacts, statues or porcelain vases and even corner wall candelabras. Also the porcelain shelving piece would make a brilliant convent photographic history display with a glass overlay.

Spanish sailors brought tomatoes (Colombia, Chile) and potatoes (Peru, Bolivia) from America to Spain in the 16th century. At first, the potato was considered a botanical curiosity and not a food, but its cultivation soon spread to Italian gardens and later to other European countries. It's amazing to see your father on the front line.

Nothing quite like fresh new potatoes straight out the ground - yum 😋

@nicolaablett7790

3 күн бұрын

delcious

I love that original tile and am glad you are just covering it up, rather than destroying it. Since money is not the issue, the wooden floor will be a much richer look for a library, and who doesn't like a beautiful wood floor? Keep dreaming big Billy❤!

@wendyyoung1897

3 күн бұрын

It’s not original.

@janabeckman545

2 күн бұрын

​@@wendyyoung1897 original to the 70's 😂 And Billy said below the tile is oak boards. Future generations will have many layers to explore

Live your dream, trash the negativity to the bin where it belongs. You just keep on doing your own thing in your own way 👍

Don't listen to the armchair project managers. If they want to do it differently, they can go to France and buy their own convent.

@anuhjarpe1812

3 күн бұрын

😂😂😂😂😂❤❤❤

@karenmorrison8112

3 күн бұрын

I agree with your comment. 😀

@tom8357qld

3 күн бұрын

Perfect

@ITSONLYMEWATCHING

2 күн бұрын

100%. 🤣🤣🤣

@cliveklg7739

2 күн бұрын

There are literally professional contractors that watch and comment. And they are just adding their perspective, there is nothing wrong with it. What is sad is those taking it personally when it isn't.

That original library floor covering might be ugly, but given the amount of debris you dropped on top of it, the quality is amazing

@cindyvanbuskirk1719

3 күн бұрын

I guess we now know why they kept dropping debris on it, and yes I’m amazed that it held up to the abuse.

@ThePethericks

3 күн бұрын

best quality! i’m also surprised there’s not even a scratch on it

@beckysimeone4882

3 күн бұрын

I love that original library floor. I am so glad you are just covering it up, rather than destroying it.

@keagleeagle821

3 күн бұрын

I suspected he hated the floor when he didn't put any measures to protect it .😅😅😅😅 Someone will love the floor in next centuries

@beckysimeone4882

3 күн бұрын

And wondering why it was covered up, LOL!😂

Watching dad dig his potatoes made me so envious. Love them when they are tiny as well. Billy I can’t believe how you now look even more like Michael lol 🤗

We don’t need to know how much it cost you!! we can just enjoy seeing you reach your vision and enjoy watching you family and friends bless you all…..😊

@sofiebribiesca6678

2 күн бұрын

Yeah, it isn't necessary but from the perspective of some of us considering French projects, it's really helpful.

This room is going to be so beautiful when you are done. Your vision of this space is coming to life!❤

So glad people mentioned window seats!!! My favorite reading and private time spaces!!! Built many over the years with moving from Pennsylvania to Boston and then back again!!! Most beautiful spot to watch the snowstorms roll in or just enjoy the lake views or rolling countryside!!! Moved to Oklahoma to be near Grandchildren and found my Son implementing 20 ft window seats with storage for toys etc. into their great room …guess he remembered and loved all of ours while growing up also!!!❤my favorite spot over at his home still!!

The plate display could be lovely in the dining room and would help tie the two rooms together. Love how everything is coming together!

@darlas5762

3 күн бұрын

If they put it in the library they could display historical documents in it.

@CantrixDesigns

3 күн бұрын

@@darlas5762 also an excellent idea! They would need special glass for that, to preserve them properly, but he did say he had to get new glass anyhow.

@user-fc2hb3de2w

3 күн бұрын

@@darlas5762 That was my thought as well.

@cbrashsorensen

3 күн бұрын

Great idea. Perfect location and using something and bringing it back to "life". Bravo to the idea.

@FISHBARR

3 күн бұрын

The porcelain cabinet could hold a big map of the world 🤔

The library, like the kitchen, is going to be amazing! Excellent work!! Billy.....your weightloss has been so noticable, but today, I really had to take a second look to make sure it was you. 😊

@jackierice4254

3 күн бұрын

Me too. Billy has never looked better.

@Cathy-ty3fp

3 күн бұрын

What did u do bills I need to know ha ❤

“A little drum roll, please”! Pop has a real green thumb, for sure, amongst all his other talents! Yanis was too cute fussing in the mirror! 👍. That was quite a find on your bookcases, Billy. To have those made would have been a king’s ransom! They will be gorgeous once cleaned up! It sounds like a king’s ransom the more you say what needs to be done!! It is great, Billy, that you aren’t daunted either by work OR the cost! Kudos to you for your vision!! 👏👏. Love from Pennsylvania, USA 💕🌷🐻

Yanis has turned into such a terrific tradesman! He takes his work seriously. He has become such a big part of the team! As I was watching Mick show off his potato crop I had thoughts of what this special old property once was, can & will be, in the future with the dream Billy has. I would think the village folks would be very excited and would help support the transition of the gorgeous old building into something everyone can enjoy. 😊

I know very little about construction, so for me, everything you do is bloody marvelous! When you're adding up the costs in your head, don't forget about buying some wonderful books and antique furniture and carpets to make it all cozy in a Manorhouse kind of way. As for lighting, perhaps some VERY DISCREET and well placed directional pot lights for reading in those arm chairs. Everything is coming together as your initial vision directed you! Enjoy the ride! What a magnificent manifestation is being created! 👏💖✨️ P.S. great potatoes..now life is complete!

When your done with this project it will be magnificent. You saved a building, you saved a library and your kitchen is the most beautiful kitchen I have ever seen. You have a vision and I'm impressed with your determination to get it done.

Love seeing the garden grow as well as the library coming along. You have the gift of making your vision a reality 😍😘

Lovely-your visions come into reality, for you and for us. One picture makes up for a 1000 words of description --thank you for sharing.

I'm so glad that you think as well that that 1970 floor is super ugly! Even the subfloor looks so much better than that tile! Just so you know, you're doing a great job!

Wow, it really is coming together. What an ambitious, amazing vision. The contrast between new (wooden stud work & steel), old (the library cases & paneling), and older (the convent walls) is absolutely stunning!

Billy, my dear friend, when I saw you dad dig up the first hill of potatoes of the year, I nearly burst into tears! My grandpa always did that and then saved the rest of the hills until they were larger. If you need a recipe, boil them until fork tender and then slather in butter. (My grandpa’s personal recipe!)

@catherinefromchristchurchn6508

Күн бұрын

May I add cook twice as many as you need, the next day fry the leftovers in butter until the outsides are crisp and a bit brown, season with salt and pepper, yum!

@lorna5609

Күн бұрын

@@catherinefromchristchurchn6508 unfortunately my grandma and grandpa never had any left overs. We always are them all!

Subscribers would love to send you books for the library like they sent letters for your time capsule.

@ThePethericks

3 күн бұрын

we will get too that!

@denisewhitlow7493

2 күн бұрын

@@ThePethericksyay! I have books I want to donate. Old books that would be perfect in there. Can’t wait to hear the plan. ❤

Beautiful potatoes Mick! New potatoes, smothered in melted butter and dill.....that's my go to anyway. Billy, as far as those who always have a negative comment, hmmm, why are they still watching then? Obviously what you're doing is worth watching! You are one fantastic young man....so energetic, smart with a wonderful practical side and so darn entertaining! Your Dad, Yanis, Simon, Rick, and yourself....the perfect team of great men!

Love seeing something old being used again! Bravo! Remember childrens books plz!

@clairetremblay3023

3 күн бұрын

Recently I saw a video in a channel call "Homeworthy" in KZread. Beautiful. I have seen a home from Vermont, USA. A gorgeous home transformed. All the decor is a mix of ancient furniture and more contemporary ones. Splendid. My home is created in the same principle. If you have a chance to see it. 💘 A loving, charming and happy place to live near the nature.

Those cases are thinner than I remember. They'll work fantastic there. Bringing them in and laying them out really shows what you are planning really well.

Thank you for giving an update on your father's vegetable garden. It is just unbelievable how large the potatoes have grown in just six weeks. Kudos to Grandpa Petherick!

It was great to see how excited your dad got with the potato harvest! The library is progressing nicely!😊

New potatoes are the absolute best!!

It's all looking fabulous guys, well done! I also now have a huge appreciation of the filming thanks to Alex's channel. 🤗😊👌🇦🇺

This library is going to be stunning when completed. The potato garden is fab and brought a memory of my dad digging up potatoes in our English garden as a young girl. The glove of new grown potatoes are so wonderful. My mum used to put a sprig of mint in them and also peas. What a blessing your dad is Billy and how wonderful he is to still be able to keep cracking on … I just love all your family. Well done on all your achievements so far… ❤❤❤

Agree with you Billie, this floor of the '70 was so ugly... I am sure you are going to do something more beautiful than that.

@roywills5387

3 күн бұрын

It reminds me of my junior high cafeteria floor which was in the basement. AKA the dungeon.

I agree with you leaving the walls to breathe rather than putting up a vapor barrier that would trap moisture in them. Old buildings were meant to breathe, and with you doing a stud wall as well, leaving that little extra space where there are gaps, you won't have to worry about moisture ruining your beautiful library as it will have air to evaporate in behind the wall.

You need to insulate interior walls if you want to control sound. Also useful for if you want to heat or cool only part of a building. I would imagine that is needed on a building of this size.

Hi Billy. Just an idea for the 'plate rack' piece: it would be a great place to display old photos & maps of the convent. Back it with beautiful fabric or wallpaper maybe? It would make for interesting perusal in the library 😊

Every single day is a day well done Billy! Love love love the vision you have. All of you deserve extra kudos!! 💕😊🇨🇦👋🏼

Given that the shallow display cabinet was in a library, it probably displayed weapons - swords and daggers. While some of your work processes elicit a WTF response, we remember my Scottish grandmother's words: Fools and bairns should not see the project till it's finished.

your dream we are just along for the ride. I so love the work your putting into it I am in love with the dream, thanks all of you.

Oh goodness, the library might top the kitchen in beauty! ❤

4:33 As a builder, if you haven't been bitten by the hook from a tape measure , you aren't doing it correctly. 🤣

Amazing! Love the old book cases! Can’t wait to see them full! I’m a book collector and own thousands of books and love preserving old libraries.

The plate rack would be perfect for housing all of the finds from the hidden room! The wallpaper, the picture that was hanging in there, etc. 😊❤

@user-fc2hb3de2w

3 күн бұрын

YES!

@kathywiseman7944

3 күн бұрын

I'm pretty sure those are going upstairs in the gallery.

Mick building suspense - he's a KZread natural AND those potatoes deserved a drum roll! Well done, Mick, well done!

Billy you all amazing I am a 77 yr old woman who has followed you from the beginning looking forward to seeing the library ❤

Everything's turning out beautiful! I would like to see the garden finished with roses against the wall ,dhalias, and so many colorful flowers with walking paths. But the library has to be done first!

I find these projects absolutely amazing. And documenting them on video every day even more so. I’m a retired librarian so the library project has me saying, “Wow, that is so cool.” Or “ so that’s how they did that!” Billy, your vision is incredible and added to your knowledge and skill makes for great content. Keep cracking on.

Absolutely amazing! I can see the window seats with plush tapestry upholstery. And the middle under the gallery filled with leather wingback chairs, side tables, a couch and lamps. It's coming together and I'm here for all of it!

I love, love, love the kitchen. Im very sure your taste in the library will be equally as magnificent. Fabulous work on the kitchen garden!

The porcelain piece might be nice backed with satin and a display with historical papers from the convent. (Original plans, photos, wall paper snippets). Would add to the library theme.

@andreastieff

2 күн бұрын

I was thinking similar. Maybe a beautifully rendered watercolor by Michael of the entire property showing the convent layout, the gardens etc.

Your house your rules. Keep doing you! Your vision has served you well. I can see the library!

I can not wait for that Library to be finished Billy, it will be OUTSTANDING! Already is looking beautiful like the Kitchen. 💕💕💕💕💕

Those cabinets are stunning! Looks like Michael has a job ahead to restore the gold borders! So excited to see it come together 🎉

Talk about a beautiful social area. I can already smell the old books, new wood and beeswax. One of the cupboards under the bookcases could be really useful for storing some classic board games. It would also be great to see an oak card table and chairs with a lovely baise top under the window. The gallery will be a lovely quiet reading area with, as you say wonderful views and warm sunshine coming through the windows.

Yes!!! A Mick garden moment 🌱🥔❤ I’m so happy about this little segment 🥰

The glass cases would be a great place to display all the artifacts you have found throughout the convent

From someone who has aphantasia, thank you Billy for the visual peak of things to come. It helps me see what your vision is.

I think it's worth every penny that you have to spend! It's sooo much fun watching it all come together. Spare no expense, I'm watching every video and enjoy them immensely.

Suggestion for false walls… hidden cupboards for cleaning equipment and supplies? Saves MANY footsteps and time in the future!

You could build niches into blank wall places (or over doors!) for statues/icons as accents. There will be lots more antiquing sorties in your future, for the library as well as echoes for the reception room. Imagine how they would shine in the light!

Everything is coming together beautifully! I can see your vision and it's going to be gorgeous. You all are such hard workers, you should be very proud of what you have accomplished. Can't wait to see more, thank you for sharing

I know it's not possible or practical, but how many of those of us who are dedicated fans of the channel would love to spend a month doing anything at all to help the team at the convent? It's such an inspiration. ;)

@meganhall1306

3 күн бұрын

Yes, i would love to x

@maryfrench9757

3 күн бұрын

Sign me up!

@AliWade1971

2 күн бұрын

I will be there as soon as life allows 😀

Floor may be ugly but it looks nice and straight. That's a plus for what you want to put over it.

I cannot believe how quickly this project got this point. I thought it would be a long time to get the upper floor modified and structurally sounds but boom - done! Of course the quick part tends to be demolition and structure, it's the detail work that takes time. Take the time, this is going to be incredible. Brilliant vision to see this in your head, and then make it real!

If I had a room that was as elegant as your library is going to be, I’d just live in it surrounded by my favorite books. This is going to be wonderful, Billy!

So excited to see this come together. I hope you can find 2 beautiful old leather wing chairs to curl up and read beside the fireplace.

Your dad digging up the potatoes reminded me of my dad who used to grow his own vegetables but mostly potatoes. I can still remember the taste of home grown new potatoes with butter melted over the top - delicious 😋

It’s wonderful seeing rooms come back to life…..

Lovely spuds! I was always taught to wait till the flowers died before digging them up! Think I've been fed a furphy!!!

What you really need is a 15 pound beef roast to put them carrots, potatoes & pearl onions around. He did plant onions as well didnt he?

@wiggy3333

2 күн бұрын

Yum! 😊

Whilst daydreaming about this project this morning, it suddenly occured to me how beautiful a purple damask wallpaper such as in the "Salon Violet" of Chateau de Chantilly would look next to those oak bookcases - maybe above where the panels stop, or in recesses in between.

@brigid6609

3 күн бұрын

yes! I had the same idea, a beautiful damast wallpaper, maybe like the blue one from the secret room?

@leighnisbett9691

3 күн бұрын

Or a nice deep red with gold accents to go with the oak wood and gold trim or a nice golden yellow to complement the gold accents in the library doors .

@cmitchell5707

3 күн бұрын

@@brigid6609the blue from the secret room was stunning - could you imagine with some complimentary drapes- maybe a touch of stained glass. So many possibilities but that blue was stunning.

I hope books will be carefully selected and the library will get really heavy use. It will be beautiful, but will cost far too much to be spent on looks alone. As for how it's constructed beyond satisfying local regulations, that's 100% up to those who are paying for it. Also, I agree you shouldn't get stuck with any new wood "bananas." You already have more than enough old ones above your head. 😉

Thank you for letting us in on this journey with you. It's lovely and amazing.❤❤❤❤

The potatoes look so tender and will be so delicious. The carrots can be left in the ground all through the winter months as well. Just pick them as you need them too.

That big frame could be used for a large map of the area you live in. Very common in libraries.

Billy, will the doors going into the library be pocket doors? It will help to not have doors swinging into furniture. Whatever you do, it will be amazing!

Billy, your build, your extensive research, your decisions once all theoretical work completed .... all round, your success aided by your brilliant team. And always remember(Michael should know this truism as a fellow artist), "A critic is like a legless man who attempts to teach running).

Billy ,you make a wonderful teacher ,with your explaining ,Library looking great ,Dads potatoes ,

Billy, your dad is a treasure ❤🧑‍🌾 I love gardening too 🧑‍🌾

I thought the shot of Yanis making sure his hair was symmetrical was playfully amusing.😊

We love your dad and his energy levels. The garden soil appears ideal. 👍👍👍

Excellent! Things are coming together very well! Be well, stay safe all. 😊❤

I had an idea with the wall between the library and the dining room. With the space between the walls, you can make a hidden door and use that space for storage. Like extra chairs folding tables, or things you might need for the rooms.

@smiley2477

Күн бұрын

Great idea!

The rebirth of the Convent kitchen garden is a testament to the resilience of the building and the grounds. You need to send the former order of nuns a few pictures. I'm sure they would be delighted with the new life!!!!

@gerriejennings2148

3 күн бұрын

Invite the nuns for Sunday roast dinner at the convent 😊

@janabeckman545

2 күн бұрын

Are any of them still alive?

@valeriemcclain9001

2 күн бұрын

@janabeckman545 I wouldn't think the nuns that were actually there are still alive, but surely there are nuns familiar with the building. Someone had to move them, de-consecrate the chapel, sell off the furnishings, etc. I think the order is based in Canada, if I remember correctly from what Billy said on a previous video......I would bet they have a historian for the Order.

Everybody who knows about potatoes loves digging them up including me. You really never know how your crop is until you start digging that first plant up and the thrill is like finding gold in your gold pan.

I am really excited to see the library go in

Oh my ......the library is taking shape nicely. Yanis rocks!¡

That room will be quite the experience when its done. ❤

Great gardening, Mick!

Garden is doing fabulous! Super potatoes! 😊❤

The porcelain cabinet could be backed in fabric again and used to display photos of the convent before and during the renovations as well as small items found in the garden or during the renovations. It could also be used to display the some of the original wallpaper from the hidden room.

Great crop of spuds Mick. Boil them up with mint and serve with lashings of butter…..yum.

Lovely to grow your own veg

Given the dead space behind the paneling, perhaps it could be turned into cupboards with hinges and knobs added to the panels. If the focus of the newly-made panels is to be doors, locks could be included as well. I recall a 19th century safe in your collection. A safe could be added into or behind the paneling as well. If all that is too expensive . . . consider a secret panel . . . just because it's fun.