This couple renovated an 18th-century dwelling extensively, leaving only the roof and certain walls intact, and decided to document the process on YouTube.

In the heart of a quaint English village, Faye and Matt stumbled upon an old stone cottage, a serendipitous find in their ongoing quest for a self-build plot. The house, dating back to the 1700s and extended in the 1970s, had stood untouched since, offering a unique opportunity for a revitalisation project.

The pandemic, however, put a temporary halt to their plans, slowing down the building process. Undeterred, Faye and Matt decided to remodel and build an extension on the old stone cottage, turning it into a bright, spacious home that would cater to their modern lifestyle.

The couple lived on the site during the renovation, keeping the old kitchen for most of the build. The project required extensive work, including taking down ceilings, replacing windows, rewiring, replumbing, repointing the stonework inside, and insulating everywhere.

Due to the proximity of the neighbouring wall, they couldn't use a digger, so all the work had to be done by hand. This labour-intensive approach was compensated by the satisfaction of seeing their vision take shape brick by brick.

Matt completed all the groundwork with his childhood friend, a partnership that added a personal touch to the project. The back wall of the extension serves as the retaining wall to the neighbours' garden, creating a shared boundary that reflects the community spirit of the village.

While the person responsible for the stone masonry work on the project remains unnamed, the craftsmanship is evident in the meticulous detailing of the stonework. The extension, with its modern design and traditional roots, stands as a testament to Faye and Matt's determination and the enduring charm of the village's architectural heritage.

Their journey serves as an inspiration for those who dare to dream and work tirelessly to turn those dreams into reality, one stone at a time.

This couple renovated an 18th-century dwelling extensively, leaving only the roof and certain walls intact, and decided to document the process on YouTube.