The convent could be an arts and culinary center with accommodations for visiting artists. Art in the broad sense to include theater, music, painting, drawing, food, wine, etc.
There is a house in Atlanta, Georgia, they turned into a beautiful arts center called Callanwolde. They have art classes there and it is also an events center. Surrounded by a lovely lawn and gardens. During an event at Christmas, you can go enjoy finger foods and your favorite beverage by the fireplace.
All of the above, plus Seasonal Pop Up Events, Craft Markets, Restaurants with Local Produce, Events for Children & families especially involve the locals. A friend had a gardening project where Corporate clients did Team Building events, basically he was paid for people to come & Graft ! Feel you have a gem of place Billy with Masses of potential
I'm trying to imagine girls bustling around doing chores, attending group meetings, choir singing, church services and prayer groups, food being cooked and smells wafting throughout the convent, deliveries being made and supplies being put away, the grounds being cared for, seedlings started in the green house, maybe even chickens running around and eggs being gathered!
I imagine a lot of young Lady that got knocked up and shipped off by their familys, the big sinks look like baby baths and it was known this did happen, Would be nice to know the history of this building, it would make for a good book i guess, with its nuns and the history that happen around them
Some women chose to be there. A friend of mine lived across the street from a convent. She got to know them and they had nuns that had specific skills--e.g. mechanic, chef. Baker, furnace/coal person, and so on. W/o.en in the old days couldn't live, do anything, could t have their own money etc Actually they were safe, had food, could leave when they wanted to or stay...I'm sure there were terrible things that happened too but a single women was always in danger. Convent or prostitution.
What so awesome about your values Billy is that you go in and restore your buildings and here in the US we demolish them at the drop of a hat. I am very pleased with your value system Billy, Crack on my Good man and keep on keeping on.
That lovely sink may have been a sluice, used to flush out bed pans, rinse towels etc. I think you once said it had been used as a hospital area, which would explain the wide doors for hospital beds or as you said wheelchairs. It’s such a fascinating place and an insight into a life not many know about. I love how your keeping your options open and being sensitive to the location. Wise beyond your year’s Billy:)
I agree, as a former nurse, everything about the "cells" says care facility to me. Hospital or nursing home would explain the call lights over the doors, the long bed lamps on the walls, the laundry sluice sinks, and the walking handrails that line the halls. And that woven cotton blanket is a staple item in medical facilities worldwide.
I love your channel and content… My wife and I live in “Old Town Alexandria, Virginia… In our town, the city took over and renovated an old torpedo factory from World War II… Like the convent it had many of the same sized rooms… Over 100 on three floors… What they did with the space is genius… They rented each space or room out to artists… So you have one building with over 100 different artists… It’s open to the public and the large common area, they rent out for events… Twice a year, they close the entire Main Street down for a huge art fair… You could rent your rooms out to artists or other crafts people and then use the outdoor courtyard for outdoor fairs…
I couldn't help but think how spooky it must have been for the nuns hundreds of years ago, going down into that dungeon of a basement with candles or lanterns only to do whatever work they had to do down there or fetch a case of wine etc. And actually those cells are not identical. Some have a bathroom, some have ceiling to floor storage units, some only a sink in the window etc. I love seeing all the different types of rooms and I do hope eventually you will take the door off unit 2 so we can see inside there. You have to admit there's nothing scarier than an inaccessible room in a big dark building. I love it!
I grew up in a convent school and was told nuns lived under rocks in the ground by the entrance with mother superior having the largest rock of all. You have no idea how many hours we spent trying to remove that rock and see beneath it.😆😂🤣😆😂🤣
What a magnificent convent being restored back to its former glory. Even better than ever for the world 🌎 to visit and see. So proud of The Pethericks. We ❤️ what they do. ❤️🔥💌🕊
In the US the lights above the “cells” are called call lights and they would generally be used for letting staff know the person in the room needed help going to the bathroom during the night.
From the greenhouse, I am assuming that the nuns had a large kitchen garden. Some of those areas in the basement look to me like they were fitted for root cellar type storage - winter squash, cabbage, potatoes etc are stored separated on shelves Carrots are put down in damp sand or sawdust in the lower 'tray' type bins. Different veggies (and fruits) need cool and dry and cool and damp conditions. Some of the racking may be for canned goods, also. Wine needs more humidity, but home canned goods need a similar temp - just dryer.
Dear Mr. Petherick, Have you ever thought of transforming this convent in a luxury elderly residence? You could create small apartments, combining two or three rooms with bathroom and kitchenette, for independent elderly persons that can bring their own furniture and make it personal? In the USA there are many of this elegant places, where ones can live privately and can choose to have meals in the dinning restaurant? There are so many people that do not want to live completely alone anymore, but that are not ready to go to an institution. You could provide 24/7 services like the restaurant, a nurse and a doctor, a night guard, cleaning services, drivers, hairdresser, laundry etc. You could add happy hours, gymnastics, card games room, library, and in general socialising for guests that do not want to be alone any more. Shopping trips opportunities, and beautiful outdoor could make your convent really attractive for the ones that can afford it. You can provide spacious living areas, a beautiful courtyard, and an outdoor garden. Elder, but independent residents that are alone could grow meaningful relationships with new active friends. You could provide resort-style hospitality services include housekeeping, scheduled transportation, and exciting programs on-site and off. Your staff could a supportive environment. This kind of services are laking in Europe, please consider it!
Really looking forward to seeing the library installed and full of books.
2 роки тому+6
If I recall correctly, the "bench" in the basement was intended to be put outside the covent, it was made to store beverage jars (could be a mix of wine and water and herbs, full water if the water was clean, light beers...) for pilgrims going to Saint Jacques de Compostelle (or other pilgrimage places) so they could rest for a moment and have drink on their way
Thanks for another tour. Every time you show the bedrooms/cells, I think of how tastes have changed over time. I remember when peach florals came in, in the 1980s - such a relief from the gold and avocado and orange that were praised as "beautiful," and sometime in the future your office color scheme will also go out of style.
Was nice to walk thru the convent again! Love the grand staircase, I can see you Osmo'ing all that beautiful wood! So many ideas for so much space! You'll be busy for years to come!
It would make a perfect hostel! You really wouldn't need to do much, not even change out the fixtures. Just paint the walls and fit with beds. Hostels don't need to be fancy, and all those rooms are lovely and absolutely suitable.
I’d love to hear Pavarotti’s Nessun Dorma or someone singing monastic chants in the chapel. I bet that would sound amazing. So much progress in so little time, very excited for you all.
It is no often that I reply to a comment but your is perfect... I hope they read this, I too would love to hear Enigma Sadness as well. Zelanndonii from Australia.
I just love your convent I could spend hours just roaming the place and be in heaven doing it. Thank you for sharing your beautiful place with us Billy see you tomorrow.
So many rooms, invite to a lot of idea’s for using… maybe for a hotel, or maybe apartments…or a art studio, work shop etc, love your dailies..thank you Billie.
Thanks Billy. I've been in quarantine having caught covid for the first time and I look so forward to your dailies. It gets me out of bed and lets me forget about how crappy I feel for a little while. Life saver - keep 'em coming.
Christine - my sympathies for feeling so crappy. I wil keep you in my prayers. I love these videos too. It's so interesting. I wonder what the nuns were like when they were there. They must have had a nice size community from all those cells.
Love your dailies!! I can't get over how many bedrooms it has!! Really looking forward to seeing what you do with the place. Love what you have done already with the work space!
Billy , Thank you for the tour, It gave us a better perspective of the convents floor plan as you work on it. Showed us more details .Magnificent building and really in great condition . My mind just spins with ideas. I am the one who keeps telling you that I once owned a convent myself, So this project is of special interest to me, I love every minute of this project, can't get enough. Your doing an excellent job filming. Music, narrative etc.
Billy, thank you very much for the extended tour. I am a lover of old buildings and architecture, and I think this is my favorite Convent video, to date. I love the Chapel and I am so looking forward to the future and the projects you decide to pursue. Susan
Looking good. My grandfather had pipes buried with spigots come up in the fields with a ladle hanging on them, so you could get a drink from the spring. It was on the other side of the hill and he had 500 acres of farm and animals. We thought it was great fun. Periodically happening across a spigot was great!
I could see it being a place to study! Maybe as someone else said - culinary! Or music. OMG could you imagine people playing music out in the courtyard or garden? How wonderful
My neighborhood in Pennsylvania had 3 smaller convents. The nuns were our teachers. Excellent education, strict but loving. Started each school day with Mass. I remember my friends and I quietly running in the halls to deliver mail, run errands, do chores for the nuns. We had the run of the place. Best childhood ever! Spent summers helping at the school and convent with summer projects. My mom was a seamstress and sewed the nun’s habits. I remember them and for some time becoming a nun. I would love to teach and dedicate my life to Christ. They were always so self assured, independent, and kind, even with all their responsibilities. And they took time to teach us independently. Sister Ella taught me and a few other guitar lesson for free! PS. Never saw even one pregnant lady, baby, or scary situation in all 8 + years. Sent my sons to school there. Some people love to portray nuns and Catholics as evil and mean or scary. I wish they knew the majority of the time the stories were false. I’m sure some bad thing happened but a classmate and I met up after graduation and she went on to tell stories about how nuns hit us with ruler and hated all children, because they were sexually frustrated or some crap like that. I finally stood up to say I sat behind her for 8 years and only remember one time the nuns called her mom because she dropped the F bomb. She was never hit and all the other students in the class can attest for that. This girl was a troubled child and started lots of false rumors. My friends and I still talk about the ‘stories’ we hear and the truth we lived. My classmate even swears priests got nuns pregnant and had to kill the babies. With all of us young girls running around, staff and parents, someone other than her alone would have seen something. I heard she had a nervous breakdown. She had alway had mental problems.
Hi Billy, I've seen the basement in other vlogs but this one seemed more spooky. On the subject of Alexander and window cleaning, after he has finished the Convent I have a great challenge suggestion...Come to Northern California at the Winchester Mystery House. It has a staggering 10,000 windows! Should last him well into his old age pension. Keep up the great work! CHEERS
Your work spaces are so tidy. Using the vac to clean up dust when plastering! Dust floating around is kept at a minimum. Oh my what I'm learning from your videos. Love them.
I recently returned from Iceland and 1 of the places that we stayed in was an old school with rooms very similar to the cells in the convent. Would be a great Hotel. There was communal washrooms/showers, which is something that is common there. They offered breakfast buffet with the room but no other food. Great daily vlogs thanks for sharing!
That vintage wallpaper is very nice. There may be value there, if the company is no longer in business you may have some of the last unused rolls of paper. Thanks for the tour.
Thanks so much for the tour Billy. The convent is such an intriguing place. I’m thinking that the two bedrooms that have their own bathrooms are perhaps the infirmaries for when the nuns ever became ill. You are so much braver than me, going down into the dungeon. I was expecting some dark creature to jump out of the shadows. 😅👻 I am just loving The Dailies! Thanks again for taking the time out of your very busy days to keep us all updated on your progress. 👍🏻🇨🇦😊
I believe in the wing that has the studio/offices are 6 or 8 rooms that were more set up like an infirmary. You can kind of tell that the 2 bathrooms were made by a cell that was in between them. I'm guessing that he is right and they needed a few accessible rooms.
That was a great video Billy! I love the tours. That is such an interesting place. That would make a great place for the elderly retired people to come and live. I used to deliver hair care products to one that was high scale retirement apartments. At night before dinner on the weekends they would get dressed up and someone would be there playing the piano they would serve drinks and eat in the main hall. They also had smaller finning rooms for people who didn’t want to be so formal. There were two hair salons, a church, rooms with tv’s and video games. They had daily activities. They would help out gardening if they wanted. They had small busses to take them to dr apts or to the stores. It was so nice. It was a big full blown business but basically the rent per month was really expensive because of what they had to offer. It was such a beautiful place. There were guards there and if you came in as a vendor of a family or friend you would have to sign in at the front desk. They kept a Dr and several nurses there all of the time too.
Wow, that sounds an awesome idea. A retirement village with office spaces and other recreations spaces. It would become a hub. Imagine the 'vibe' the place would be ahum with life. Great thinking.
Billy you have a good head for business and engineering, a great artistic eye for architecture and antiques, and I am confident you will discern the best use of this beautiful structure in order to generate an ROI. There are a multitude of excellent suggestions here...my favorites include all the arts/artist possibilities. Artist-in-residence programs, artist workshops, music workshops and presentation, an art or music school, music venue (the chapel and courtyard must have beautiful acoustics!) travel agency, brocante, office space to let, bed and breakfast, tourist groups... All or none or some...You could have the location put on lists for films production, restoration seminars, gardening and preserving workshops, textile/quilting groups...SO.Many.Possibilities. Whatever you decide I'm sure you and your team will make it a success!
I think a good use for the convent would be an arts and crafts centre, people could stay and do short courses on art and craft related topics, restoring antiques and old buildings, moving to France etc.
Hi Billie…when you started going up the stairs to another room, I knew right away where you were going, the vegetable & fruit room. This is a testament on good your tours are. As you walked thru, I thought, “if those walls could talk”. I had to smile when you corrected yourself when you said sink, then basin. We call them sinks in the US. It’s great that the residents are checking out your courtyard. I immediately thought, “oh, go talk them and ask what they think. Silly me, your much to busy, but still, wouldn’t it be great to have an open house soon just so the community could see what your doing there?
What a huge opportunity for many things. A wonderful retreat for conferences? With all the bedrooms with bathrooms and gardens to explore and have some peace and quite. 🇨🇦
Nothing I like more now than to have a cuppa and catch up on your daily progress - this is fast becoming one of my favourite times of the day! The convent is huge!
That was a good walk around - loved it. I even like the creepy places. BTW The lower sinks in the toilettes is for wheel chair people to bathe. I still say this would be great for groups to have offices, meeting places, conferences, but probably best to go with what the town suggested as they have probably made surveys etc. to what will be the best usage. Anyway the end result will be just as interesting as the start of this adventure.
In this daily you talked about trying to keep the convent warm since the old boiler is unusable. Well you have plenty of roof on the old convent. Using solar panels could be a good solution! Or at least a help with other concepts. That might be even better.
You’ve got a destination wedding or retreat vibe going on with all of the rooms available for individuals and large spaces for receptions or conferences. The parking is the big problem. The garden is beautiful, perfect for rest and relaxation. It would also be perfect for a work/residence. Have apartments with a separate business area so a person could have a nice place to live and have a small business or office area as well, working from home with lots more space. I think the place with the medical vibe would have been the infirmary for those who lived at the convent, smaller cells for postulants and larger for the sisters. Just some thoughts….. Thanks for the video!
Love you taking us along with you on this journey, thanks. As a amateur architectural historian it is great getting to see not just the surface but the guts of the building as well as the layout and what you are doing to re-vitalize the property. Thanks. Has anyone told you you have a striking resemblance to Mark Sheppard the actor?
Are you never daunted by the scale of work to be done Billy …..? I watched you and Gwen together with Michael when you first bought the Chateau and thought you were so young to tackle such a big project but that turned out amazing and you have grown so much in confidence and what you can physically do it’s awe inspiring …..! Thank you for sharing it all with us …..you are doing a fantastic job …..all the family are such hard workers ! I adore your two children and your lovely wife Gwen is a treasure ! x
Hi Billy ! Thanks for the visit ! I'm wondering how is the acoustic in the chapel ? Just imagine some concerts, with chorals (baroque music for example...) I'm thinking about exhibitions of paintings too, art in general in fact. No limit with imagination ! ;) Good luck to you and your family
Those old oak doors are classic keepers! My idea would be to combine two, possibly three cells, for an apartment. But then I am not doing the work . . .
Oooooooo Billy you’re so brave! There’s something about long corridors that scares me.😄😄that vlog was fantastic thanks, it’s very interesting looking around the convent . Hope the random people didn’t sneak in xxx💕💕
Hello Billy and family! I wrote a gentle suggestion on Carol and Adrian’s site requesting a holiday tour to also include Terry, Ash and their family as well🎄. All chateaus are so lovingly care for, all inspirations!! I’m sure each chateau will be well decorated this coming holiday season ❤ stay well!
I can't wait to see everything redone but I cant wait especially to see the chapel refurbished, lit up and beautiful! I for one am really enjoying the dailies! I'm not usually a commenter but I will try harder since comments will help you! Thanks for all your hard work in getting these amazingly interesting videos up and out to us all Billy! Love them and your hard working, beautiful family!
Oh my. what a wonderful day . We have been gifted with 3 fantastic videos . Mo ,Billy and Sadie Thank you for making my Sunday so special . Take care and have a well deserved rest tonight.
I think the venue idea is a good one. The kitchens, larger rooms and chapel would make ideal spaces for weddings, concerts, functions of all sorts. Some of the 40 rooms could be rented for the wedding guest, or function attendees. One wing could be made into apartments, either as holiday rentals or for permanent tenants. Consider keeping some apt space for the event staff/property management staff.
I have stayed in many of these convents in Italy, Spain, and France while walking and cycling various Camino routes. They are in similar and sometimes more updated states. They provide a bed, a shower, a place to hand-wash the day's laundry, and if lucky, a communal evening meal from the sisters. I love the feel of these old places. I can feel this convent's history with that walk through. It was once a very busy place. What are your long-term plans? Did I miss this info?
I like #3 because of the bright red trim on the fixture plus the pale pink/pastel coral flower paper! i really like that. And i like the one upstairs across from the wallpaper room because of the hue of natural light coming in from the window!!
That was a very satisfying tour. I so appreciated seeing the rooms with old wooden boards and plastered walls. Gave me a better sense of the original state of the rooms. A huge undertaking. Such a great adventure
Yes, those lights above the doors are part of the call light system those particular ones in the convent are for emergencies you can tell from the design since they can easily be pulled n case someone was to fall or have an emergency they could summon help quickly. All nursing facilities have these systems it's a way for people to summon help.
Hello Billy and sweet Peeps!! Hope all is well!! I love this channel, and so at awe with your motivation in renewing these gorgeous buildings back to their glory! Im sure if you have ghosts they are smiling and happy!,
Once the renovations are completed, you should try and find some former residents (if there are any left) and bring them to see the convent in its former glory, they would freak out 🙂
This would be a nice place to hold seminars or workshops. The participants could stay on sight and attend the classes in the larger rooms. With the kitchen finished, you could even offer meals.
I’m dying to see inside Room 2 😳 Are the walls between the cells solid or load bearing? I’m thinking about options for knocking those cells together into flats.
That's a great question about taking down walls. Could just add a doorway/passage between rooms, and turn one side into kitchen/living area. Billy: "I can't get into number two. Don't know what's in there." Everyone watching: "Ohhh ... what's in number two? Go get it open right now. We're dying to find out."
At least add a shower & toilet into each unit w/a small sitting area. Knock two rooms into one unit. That would be ideal if you’re thinking of using it as a hotel.
It does seem a bit spooky, but I can imagine how loud it would be with all those rooms filled. Will you install the library in the room that will function as a retail outlet of some sort? One of those dark underground rooms would be perfect for growing gourmet mushrooms.
I loved seeing this tour of the convent. I could see the nuns quietly walking down the corridors beside that walls. No wonder it's kept so beautifully.
The convent could be an arts and culinary center with accommodations for visiting artists. Art in the broad sense to include theater, music, painting, drawing, food, wine, etc.
There is a house in Atlanta, Georgia, they turned into a beautiful arts center called Callanwolde. They have art classes there and it is also an events center. Surrounded by a lovely lawn and gardens. During an event at Christmas, you can go enjoy finger foods and your favorite beverage by the fireplace.
It is so huge they could even open a trades portion and their dad could teach some building classes. 🧘🙏🏻🌎☮️
All of the above, plus Seasonal Pop Up Events, Craft Markets, Restaurants with Local Produce, Events for Children & families especially involve the locals. A friend had a gardening project where Corporate clients did Team Building events, basically he was paid for people to come & Graft ! Feel you have a gem of place Billy with Masses of potential
That’s can excellent idea!🐝❤️🤗
The village probably has a planning committee of some sort that can advise to prevent bumping heads re possible competing projects.
I'm trying to imagine girls bustling around doing chores, attending group meetings, choir singing, church services and prayer groups, food being cooked and smells wafting throughout the convent, deliveries being made and supplies being put away, the grounds being cared for, seedlings started in the green house, maybe even chickens running around and eggs being gathered!
Something like Whoopy Goldberg movie...
History of old buildings is so fascinating. Really important to keep that heritage.
I imagine a lot of young Lady that got knocked up and shipped off by their familys, the big sinks look like baby baths and it was known this did happen, Would be nice to know the history of this building, it would make for a good book i guess, with its nuns and the history that happen around them
Some women chose to be there. A friend of mine lived across the street from a convent. She got to know them and they had nuns that had specific skills--e.g. mechanic, chef. Baker, furnace/coal person, and so on. W/o.en in the old days couldn't live, do anything, could t have their own money etc
Actually they were safe, had food, could leave when they wanted to or stay...I'm sure there were terrible things that happened too but a single women was always in danger. Convent or prostitution.
I am dying to know more of the history
What so awesome about your values Billy is that you go in and restore your buildings and here in the US we demolish them at the drop of a hat. I am very pleased with your value system Billy, Crack on my Good man and keep on keeping on.
Front one US citizen to another...well said.
That lovely sink may have been a sluice, used to flush out bed pans, rinse towels etc. I think you once said it had been used as a hospital area, which would explain the wide doors for hospital beds or as you said wheelchairs. It’s such a fascinating place and an insight into a life not many know about. I love how your keeping your options open and being sensitive to the location. Wise beyond your year’s Billy:)
Well thought out!
I agree, as a former nurse, everything about the "cells" says care facility to me. Hospital or nursing home would explain the call lights over the doors, the long bed lamps on the walls, the laundry sluice sinks, and the walking handrails that line the halls. And that woven cotton blanket is a staple item in medical facilities worldwide.
I love your channel and content… My wife and I live in “Old Town Alexandria, Virginia… In our town, the city took over and renovated an old torpedo factory from World War II… Like the convent it had many of the same sized rooms… Over 100 on three floors… What they did with the space is genius… They rented each space or room out to artists… So you have one building with over 100 different artists… It’s open to the public and the large common area, they rent out for events… Twice a year, they close the entire Main Street down for a huge art fair… You could rent your rooms out to artists or other crafts people and then use the outdoor courtyard for outdoor fairs…
Wow! That is truly genius for America. In Texas they would be charging is taxes on the property! But we are hoping for changes. 🤣🤣🤣
Greeting from Virginia! I too thought of something similar...also having a history with the Torpedo Factory. Cheers.
I couldn't help but think how spooky it must have been for the nuns hundreds of years ago, going down into that dungeon of a basement with candles or lanterns only to do whatever work they had to do down there or fetch a case of wine etc. And actually those cells are not identical. Some have a bathroom, some have ceiling to floor storage units, some only a sink in the window etc. I love seeing all the different types of rooms and I do hope eventually you will take the door off unit 2 so we can see inside there. You have to admit there's nothing scarier than an inaccessible room in a big dark building. I love it!
I grew up in a convent school and was told nuns lived under rocks in the ground by the entrance with mother superior having the largest rock of all. You have no idea how many hours we spent trying to remove that rock and see beneath it.😆😂🤣😆😂🤣
Long lights for over the hospital beds, and red lights over the door for signaling for help. Definitely adapted for old age or nursing home.
What a magnificent convent being restored back to its former glory. Even better than ever for the world 🌎 to visit and see. So proud of The Pethericks. We ❤️ what they do. ❤️🔥💌🕊
In the US the lights above the “cells” are called call lights and they would generally be used for letting staff know the person in the room needed help going to the bathroom during the night.
I REALLY need to see what's behind door #2! Also, the room to store fruits and veggies has spectacular windows!
Yes!
From the greenhouse, I am assuming that the nuns had a large kitchen garden. Some of those areas in the basement look to me like they were fitted for root cellar type storage - winter squash, cabbage, potatoes etc are stored separated on shelves Carrots are put down in damp sand or sawdust in the lower 'tray' type bins. Different veggies (and fruits) need cool and dry and cool and damp conditions. Some of the racking may be for canned goods, also. Wine needs more humidity, but home canned goods need a similar temp - just dryer.
Dear Mr. Petherick,
Have you ever thought of transforming this convent in a luxury elderly residence?
You could create small apartments, combining two or three rooms with bathroom and kitchenette, for independent elderly persons that can bring their own furniture and make it personal?
In the USA there are many of this elegant places, where ones can live privately and can choose to have meals in the dinning restaurant?
There are so many people that do not want to live completely alone anymore, but that are not ready to go to an institution.
You could provide 24/7 services like the restaurant, a nurse and a doctor, a night guard, cleaning services, drivers, hairdresser, laundry etc.
You could add happy hours, gymnastics, card games room, library, and in general socialising for guests that do not want to be alone any more.
Shopping trips opportunities, and beautiful outdoor could make your convent really attractive for the ones that can afford it.
You can provide spacious living areas, a beautiful courtyard, and an outdoor garden.
Elder, but independent residents that are alone could grow meaningful relationships with new active friends. You could provide resort-style hospitality services include housekeeping, scheduled transportation, and exciting programs on-site and off. Your staff could a supportive environment.
This kind of services are laking in Europe, please consider it!
Really looking forward to seeing the library installed and full of books.
If I recall correctly, the "bench" in the basement was intended to be put outside the covent, it was made to store beverage jars (could be a mix of wine and water and herbs, full water if the water was clean, light beers...) for pilgrims going to Saint Jacques de Compostelle (or other pilgrimage places) so they could rest for a moment and have drink on their way
How lovely. 💕👍🏻
Thanks for another tour. Every time you show the bedrooms/cells, I think of how tastes have changed over time. I remember when peach florals came in, in the 1980s - such a relief from the gold and avocado and orange that were praised as "beautiful," and sometime in the future your office color scheme will also go out of style.
Reminds me of hospital rooms, large doorways to accommodate moving beds and gurneys.
Consistency is the key! 👍🏼 I thoroughly enjoy these videos, and all the progress you guys are making.
Was nice to walk thru the convent again! Love the grand staircase, I can see you Osmo'ing all that beautiful wood! So many ideas for so much space! You'll be busy for years to come!
So glad you are reviving a historical more than just buildings. To imagine how it was 200 years ago. Thanks for sharing
The building is HUGE! It will be amazing once it is done. Indeed, it is amazing already! Thank you for the video.
It would make a perfect hostel! You really wouldn't need to do much, not even change out the fixtures. Just paint the walls and fit with beds. Hostels don't need to be fancy, and all those rooms are lovely and absolutely suitable.
Exactly what I've been thinking. A hostel half the year and booked workshops the winter half.
I thought the same thing!
I agree..perfect hostel.
I’d love to hear Pavarotti’s Nessun Dorma or someone singing monastic chants in the chapel. I bet that would sound amazing. So much progress in so little time, very excited for you all.
It is no often that I reply to a comment but your is perfect... I hope they read this, I too would love to hear Enigma Sadness as well. Zelanndonii from Australia.
You’re an inspirational young man Billy. Happy to subscribe
I just love your convent I could spend hours just roaming the place and be in heaven doing it. Thank you for sharing your beautiful place with us Billy see you tomorrow.
So many rooms, invite to a lot of idea’s for using… maybe for a hotel, or maybe apartments…or a art studio, work shop etc, love your dailies..thank you Billie.
As beautiful as those old doors are, the fact that they can be locked from the outside would make me feel uneasy.
Never stopping Billy ,your the best.
Thanks Billy. I've been in quarantine having caught covid for the first time and I look so forward to your dailies. It gets me out of bed and lets me forget about how crappy I feel for a little while. Life saver - keep 'em coming.
Christine - my sympathies for feeling so crappy. I wil keep you in my prayers. I love these videos too. It's so interesting. I wonder what the nuns were like when they were there. They must have had a nice size community from all those cells.
@@Masterclassonlife Thank you Barbara!
Love your dailies!! I can't get over how many bedrooms it has!! Really looking forward to seeing what you do with the place. Love what you have done already with the work space!
Billy , Thank you for the tour, It gave us a better perspective of the convents floor plan as you work on it. Showed us more details .Magnificent building and really in great condition . My mind just spins with ideas. I am the one who keeps telling you that I once owned a convent myself, So this project is of special interest to me, I love every minute of this project, can't get enough. Your doing an excellent job filming. Music, narrative etc.
Billy, thank you very much for the extended tour. I am a lover of old buildings and architecture, and I think this is my favorite Convent video, to date. I love the Chapel and I am so looking forward to the future and the projects you decide to pursue. Susan
Looking good. My grandfather had pipes buried with spigots come up in the fields with a ladle hanging on them, so you could get a drink from the spring. It was on the other side of the hill and he had 500 acres of farm and animals. We thought it was great fun. Periodically happening across a spigot was great!
I could see it being a place to study! Maybe as someone else said - culinary! Or music. OMG could you imagine people playing music out in the courtyard or garden? How wonderful
My neighborhood in Pennsylvania had 3 smaller convents. The nuns were our teachers. Excellent education, strict but loving. Started each school day with Mass. I remember my friends and I quietly running in the halls to deliver mail, run errands, do chores for the nuns. We had the run of the place. Best childhood ever! Spent summers helping at the school and convent with summer projects. My mom was a seamstress and sewed the nun’s habits. I remember them and for some time becoming a nun. I would love to teach and dedicate my life to Christ. They were always so self assured, independent, and kind, even with all their responsibilities. And they took time to teach us independently. Sister Ella taught me and a few other guitar lesson for free!
PS. Never saw even one pregnant lady, baby, or scary situation in all 8 + years. Sent my sons to school there.
Some people love to portray nuns and Catholics as evil and mean or scary. I wish they knew the majority of the time the stories were false. I’m sure some bad thing happened but a classmate and I met up after graduation and she went on to tell stories about how nuns hit us with ruler and hated all children, because they were sexually frustrated or some crap like that. I finally stood up to say I sat behind her for 8 years and only remember one time the nuns called her mom because she dropped the F bomb. She was never hit and all the other students in the class can attest for that. This girl was a troubled child and started lots of false rumors. My friends and I still talk about the ‘stories’ we hear and the truth we lived. My classmate even swears priests got nuns pregnant and had to kill the babies. With all of us young girls running around, staff and parents, someone other than her alone would have seen something. I heard she had a nervous breakdown. She had alway had mental problems.
Hi Billy, I've seen the basement in other vlogs but this one seemed more spooky. On the subject of Alexander and window cleaning, after he has finished the Convent I have a great challenge suggestion...Come to Northern California at the Winchester Mystery House. It has a staggering 10,000 windows! Should last him well into his old age pension. Keep up the great work! CHEERS
Your work spaces are so tidy. Using the vac to clean up dust when plastering! Dust floating around is kept at a minimum. Oh my what I'm learning from your videos. Love them.
Thanks 🙏
The tour around was fascinating. I wish I had a room in the convent. 🤩
Absolutely LOVED the tour of the convent!!! Most of the rooms are in great condition!!! Billy, your narrative is SO interesting!!!!
I recently returned from Iceland and 1 of the places that we stayed in was an old school with rooms very similar to the cells in the convent. Would be a great Hotel. There was communal washrooms/showers, which is something that is common there. They offered breakfast buffet with the room but no other food. Great daily vlogs thanks for sharing!
That vintage wallpaper is very nice. There may be value there, if the company is no longer in business you may have some of the last unused rolls of paper.
Thanks for the tour.
Thanks so much for the tour Billy. The convent is such an intriguing place. I’m thinking that the two bedrooms that have their own bathrooms are perhaps the infirmaries for when the nuns ever became ill. You are so much braver than me, going down into the dungeon. I was expecting some dark creature to jump out of the shadows. 😅👻 I am just loving The Dailies! Thanks again for taking the time out of your very busy days to keep us all updated on your progress. 👍🏻🇨🇦😊
I believe in the wing that has the studio/offices are 6 or 8 rooms that were more set up like an infirmary. You can kind of tell that the 2 bathrooms were made by a cell that was in between them. I'm guessing that he is right and they needed a few accessible rooms.
Awesome 👍 thanks for the tour I enjoyed it very much 😊🙋
That was a great video Billy! I love the tours. That is such an interesting place. That would make a great place for the elderly retired people to come and live. I used to deliver hair care products to one that was high scale retirement apartments. At night before dinner on the weekends they would get dressed up and someone would be there playing the piano they would serve drinks and eat in the main hall. They also had smaller finning rooms for people who didn’t want to be so formal. There were two hair salons, a church, rooms with tv’s and video games. They had daily activities. They would help out gardening if they wanted. They had small busses to take them to dr apts or to the stores. It was so nice. It was a big full blown business but basically the rent per month was really expensive because of what they had to offer. It was such a beautiful place. There were guards there and if you came in as a vendor of a family or friend you would have to sign in at the front desk. They kept a Dr and several nurses there all of the time too.
Wow, that sounds an awesome idea. A retirement village with office spaces and other recreations spaces. It would become a hub. Imagine the 'vibe' the place would be ahum with life. Great thinking.
Billy you have a good head for business and engineering, a great artistic eye for architecture and antiques, and I am confident you will discern the best use of this beautiful structure in order to generate an ROI. There are a multitude of excellent suggestions here...my favorites include all the arts/artist possibilities. Artist-in-residence programs, artist workshops, music workshops and presentation, an art or music school, music venue (the chapel and courtyard must have beautiful acoustics!) travel agency, brocante, office space to let, bed and breakfast, tourist groups... All or none or some...You could have the location put on lists for films production, restoration seminars, gardening and preserving workshops, textile/quilting groups...SO.Many.Possibilities. Whatever you decide I'm sure you and your team will make it a success!
I think a good use for the convent would be an arts and crafts centre, people could stay and do short courses on art and craft related topics, restoring antiques and old buildings, moving to France etc.
Hi Billie…when you started going up the stairs to another room, I knew right away where you were going, the vegetable & fruit room. This is a testament on good your tours are. As you walked thru, I thought, “if those walls could talk”. I had to smile when you corrected yourself when you said sink, then basin. We call them sinks in the US. It’s great that the residents are checking out your courtyard. I immediately thought, “oh, go talk them and ask what they think. Silly me, your much to busy, but still, wouldn’t it be great to have an open house soon just so the community could see what your doing there?
Most impressive building - What a fabulous job you've done already - Thanks for sharing... I'm really enjoying the vids....
What a huge opportunity for many things. A wonderful retreat for conferences? With all the bedrooms with bathrooms and gardens to explore and have some peace and quite. 🇨🇦
This is such an incredible building, really looking forward to seeing it develop over the coming years.
Спасибо большое видеооператору! Так хорошо говорите! Любо-дорого послушать и посмотреть)))
I am looking forward to seeing the garden, what is uncovered.
Nothing I like more now than to have a cuppa and catch up on your daily progress - this is fast becoming one of my favourite times of the day! The convent is huge!
That was a good walk around - loved it. I even like the creepy places. BTW The lower sinks in the toilettes is for wheel chair people to bathe. I still say this would be great for groups to have offices, meeting places, conferences, but probably best to go with what the town suggested as they have probably made surveys etc. to what will be the best usage. Anyway the end result will be just as interesting as the start of this adventure.
Love all the ideas listed for what to do with this property. The original doors are works of art. Thanks for sharing 😍😘
In this daily you talked about trying to keep the convent warm since the old boiler is unusable. Well you have plenty of roof on the old convent. Using solar panels could be a good solution! Or at least a help with other concepts. That might be even better.
The whole building is so very interesting!! My mind is just racing….what to do with it all…..a real gem!👍
You’ve got a destination wedding or retreat vibe going on with all of the rooms available for individuals and large spaces for receptions or conferences. The parking is the big problem. The garden is beautiful, perfect for rest and relaxation. It would also be perfect for a work/residence. Have apartments with a separate business area so a person could have a nice place to live and have a small business or office area as well, working from home with lots more space. I think the place with the medical vibe would have been the infirmary for those who lived at the convent, smaller cells for postulants and larger for the sisters. Just some thoughts….. Thanks for the video!
Thank goodness it's all so clean..so many rooms.. wow..still would not stay overnight......all the best
Love you taking us along with you on this journey, thanks. As a amateur architectural historian it is great getting to see not just the surface but the guts of the building as well as the layout and what you are doing to re-vitalize the property. Thanks. Has anyone told you you have a striking resemblance to Mark Sheppard the actor?
Are you never daunted by the scale of work to be done Billy …..?
I watched you and Gwen together with Michael when you first bought the Chateau and thought you were so young to tackle such a big project but that turned out amazing and you have grown so much in confidence and what you can physically do it’s awe inspiring …..!
Thank you for sharing it all with us …..you are doing a fantastic job …..all the family are such hard workers !
I adore your two children and your lovely wife Gwen is a treasure ! x
Hi Billy ! Thanks for the visit ! I'm wondering how is the acoustic in the chapel ? Just imagine some concerts, with chorals (baroque music for example...) I'm thinking about exhibitions of paintings too, art in general in fact. No limit with imagination ! ;) Good luck to you and your family
Those old oak doors are classic keepers! My idea would be to combine two, possibly three cells, for an apartment. But then I am not doing the work . . .
Oooooooo Billy you’re so brave! There’s something about long corridors that scares me.😄😄that vlog was fantastic thanks, it’s very interesting looking around the convent . Hope the random people didn’t sneak in xxx💕💕
I agree those corridors are spooky, as Billy pans from one room to another and then the corridor Im bracing myself for the appearance of a dark shadow
@@1mocara yes me too 😄
Place is amazing. You all have done beautiful hard Wonderful work.
Hello Billy and family! I wrote a gentle suggestion on Carol and Adrian’s site requesting a holiday tour to also include Terry, Ash and their family as well🎄. All chateaus are so lovingly care for, all inspirations!! I’m sure each chateau will be well decorated this coming holiday season ❤ stay well!
Thanks for showing us this amazing space. It's in good shape.
I’m so happy for you and your family. What a dream come true.
I can't wait to see everything redone but I cant wait especially to see the chapel refurbished, lit up and beautiful! I for one am really enjoying the dailies! I'm not usually a commenter but I will try harder since comments will help you! Thanks for all your hard work in getting these amazingly interesting videos up and out to us all Billy! Love them and your hard working, beautiful family!
Oh my. what a wonderful day . We have been gifted with 3 fantastic videos . Mo ,Billy and Sadie Thank you for making my Sunday so special . Take care and have a well deserved rest tonight.
I think the venue idea is a good one. The kitchens, larger rooms and chapel would make ideal spaces for weddings, concerts, functions of all sorts. Some of the 40 rooms could be rented for the wedding guest, or function attendees. One wing could be made into apartments, either as holiday rentals or for permanent tenants. Consider keeping some apt space for the event staff/property management staff.
I have stayed in many of these convents in Italy, Spain, and France while walking and cycling various Camino routes. They are in similar and sometimes more updated states. They provide a bed, a shower, a place to hand-wash the day's laundry, and if lucky, a communal evening meal from the sisters. I love the feel of these old places. I can feel this convent's history with that walk through. It was once a very busy place. What are your long-term plans? Did I miss this info?
I like #3 because of the bright red trim on the fixture plus the pale pink/pastel coral flower paper! i really like that. And i like the one upstairs across from the wallpaper room because of the hue of natural light coming in from the window!!
Absolutely love the daily vlogs!
That was a very satisfying tour. I so appreciated seeing the rooms with old wooden boards and plastered walls. Gave me a better sense of the original state of the rooms. A huge undertaking. Such a great adventure
Yes, those lights above the doors are part of the call light system those particular ones in the convent are for emergencies you can tell from the design since they can easily be pulled n case someone was to fall or have an emergency they could summon help quickly. All nursing facilities have these systems it's a way for people to summon help.
Hello Billy and sweet Peeps!! Hope all is well!! I love this channel, and so at awe with your motivation in renewing these gorgeous buildings back to their glory! Im sure if you have ghosts they are smiling and happy!,
Once the renovations are completed, you should try and find some former residents (if there are any left) and bring them to see the convent in its former glory, they would freak out 🙂
Thankyou for sharing. Very interesting place.
Hi Billy, I’m curious - what went through your mind when you first saw this property, outside and inside? What attracted you the most?
good question! it’s location is great and it’s a sturdy structure with many use cases.
@@ThePethericks had to get rid of the tree in the courtyard 😜😜
Love that each room has a window.
This would be a nice place to hold seminars or workshops. The participants could stay on sight and attend the classes in the larger rooms. With the kitchen finished, you could even offer meals.
I like the old fashioned and outdated look. Thank you for sharing.
Those really wide cell doors look like a bed can actually be wheeled through them, not just a wheelchair.
very good point! also the lift is very long too so possibly also for beds?
@@ThePethericks I agree, moving an ill or infirm patient for treatment or even possibly outside for some fresh air and sun?
Enjoyed the guided tour. Thanks Billy
I’m dying to see inside Room 2 😳 Are the walls between the cells solid or load bearing? I’m thinking about options for knocking those cells together into flats.
That's a great question about taking down walls. Could just add a doorway/passage between rooms, and turn one side into kitchen/living area. Billy: "I can't get into number two. Don't know what's in there." Everyone watching: "Ohhh ... what's in number two? Go get it open right now. We're dying to find out."
At least add a shower & toilet into each unit w/a small sitting area. Knock two rooms into one unit. That would be ideal if you’re thinking of using it as a hotel.
A fascinating building with so many possibilities! Thank you for the tour.
I’m not going to lie, we felt spooked watching todays episode!!! 😳 Have you ever experienced anything spooky?
Thank You for showing us around, wish that I could be there to see it all myself.
I wonder if you setup sound recording equipment in various locations over night or over a few nights, I wonder what they might pickup.
What interesting property! Enjoy your video reveals and remodeling. Great channel!
Have you given any consideration to locating a previous occupant to go around and give you a guided tour?
I love the things you notice like the old doors and keys and windows and the garden finds and that you appreciate their history
‘Eh up .. it’s Billy & the Dailies 🥰 Crack on … 👍
This place is so vast. Thanks for the tour.
It does seem a bit spooky, but I can imagine how loud it would be with all those rooms filled.
Will you install the library in the room that will function as a retail outlet of some sort? One of those dark underground rooms would be perfect for growing gourmet mushrooms.
Billy, your videos are so entertaining. Thank you.
How are doing today billy?
Very good thank you 🙏
It's amazing to look back on this a year later and see how far you've come!
Has anyone else, like me, started saying “Crack on” more often ? ☺️
😂
Yes. Billie have you thought of doing merchandise with ^ Crack on ' I would be in for a tshirt.
Meeee! 😂🤣😂
I would so wear a shirt that says Crack On😄
Meee !!
I loved seeing this tour of the convent. I could see the nuns quietly walking down the corridors beside that walls. No wonder it's kept so beautifully.