Our First Fire / Upcycling At It's Best / Flooding In The Big House / Our Bulgarian Home
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- Опубліковано 28 січ 2025
- This week we start by taking an old table we'd found in the house and upgrading it to take our kitchen sink.
We also put the pechka (log fire) into position in the living room and connect the flue, in order to try and warm the house up so work inside could progress.
During heavy rain, the reason for water ingress into the big house is confirmed as water simply trickles through into the kitchen..something we'll have to address in the Spring.
With some large logs to split, I bring my old double headed axe out to test the new edge which was given to it by my friend Craig, back in the UK; it performed the task superbly, making short work of the logs.
So thanks go to my good friends Bill who gifted the axe back to me and to Craig, who brought it back to life.
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I’m learning so many really useful DIY skills from your videos - thank you!!🙏🤗
Oh dear....lol 🤔
No pressure for me then.. 😂😂
I'll say thank you so much, 🙏 but in saying that, I hope the main advice I can pass on is that YOU CAN do these things.
Have a trawl through several youtube videos on the subject before you start and if you're confident, then go for it 😉 😁👍
I skim along the surface of some of the jobs we do as if I were to focus on one task on the channel, we'd be months behind instead of weeks in our videos. I totally love that you're able to gain some confidence through watching and if that's all I can pass on to you, then I'll be proper chuffed 😍👍 ❤️ Take care won't you 🙏
Hi there, great channel. love your passion and welcome to Bulgaria. It's a wonderful place you have a great old house that will look fantastic when you refresh it. Nice big yard too. Grow some vegetables in the summer, we have good climate for gardening here.
You look like a real Viking with all these axes and the Viking-style beard.
I too was thinking Viking! 😁
Thank you Nadya.. 🙏 I DO love axes 🪓🪓 😊
😂 I'll take that, but I hope there's no upper age limit for Valhalla 🤷🏻♂️😂 🪓😉
Love the axe collection! Glad you are getting everything settled in for winter! Great job on the sink top!
Thank you Diane, I definitely need to create an axe rack or something..lol 😂😂🪓🪓
Hope you're both doing well 🙏 X
The axes then the machetti 😂 and the foam removing 😂, love the progress ❤
😂😂 Glad you enjoyed it guys 😁👍 Hope you're both keeping well.. Safe travels to you 🙏❤️
That was realy funny with the axes , viking Phil 😂😂.
lol 😂😂 Thank you 🙏
Another great video guys…Hope your both keeping well.. Keep safe out there. 😊☯️
Thanks guys, that's appreciated 🙏 We're doing fine thanks..muddling through as you do..lol
Hope you're keeping warm and safe and enjoying Cornwall.. 😊
ps. Glad to see you caught your mouse..we've had several mouse encounters in Lilla and all of them were caused by a ginger boy who brings them in and lets them escape..can't beat having a humane catcher for them, can you.. 👍 Safe travels and Big Hugs to you 💜😻💜
Howling! Yep we recognised that last 'Axe' that you were hiding or banning from Karen! 😂 Bill says it looked a lot sharper! Now we know why! Craig's done a brilliant job of sharpening it.
Didn't know about the axe incident! Thought I was bad with Knives!
Brilliant Vlog. Will be great to get your sink sorted out. Bugger about the leaks in main house. Petchka looks lovely all lit and will keep you warm.
Glad you are mentioning what month you are! Great stuff guys.
Love to you both ❤ xxxx
😂😂 Yes, I figured it was time to give the old axe a whirl and Craig has certainly done a great job of restoring the edges.. 😁👍
The pechka is gorgeous to watch and of course it's lovely and warm, but boy does it take some feeding compared to Lilla's stove..big space to heat n all that..
The main house will take a little sorting, but it'll be fine, I'm sure 😉
Take care guys..hope you're staying warm..
Massive Hugs n Love from us to you ❤️ xxx
We were so excited for you lighting the fire. 🔥😄
Makes a massive difference to the house, even when it's not stacked and roaring, it's lovely to watch.. 😁🔥❤️
Здравейте мили хора.Добра колекция от брадви особенно двойната безплатен фитнес на село.😊😊😊
Здравейте, Маргарита! Да, обичам брадвите си и голямата със сигурност дава добра тренировка с по-големите трупи.
Погрижете се 🙏😊
When you brought out all the axes😂😂😂. And then you brought out the double bladed axe , I thought ,wow, look at the shine on those blades. That will be the last one because it's the biggest😂😂😂 then you brought out a machete 😂😂😂 Very funny. Reminded me of Crocodile Dundee ' that's not a knife scene 😂 Michelle
Haha! Thank you Michelle, I just thought it would be funny..it's only when I gathered all of the axes, that I realised I might have an 'axe problem' 🤔 But it can't be too many of them, as that CAN'T be a thing.. 😂😂 maybe an axe rack is needed?? lolol
Take care and thank you 😊🙏 Phil x
Phil the mad Axeman lol,another great video,,theres just something about looking into the flames in the petchka,,seeing it all come together you must both feel proud,keep it up guys👍👍
Haha!! Nothing wrong with collecting axes as a hobby, eh? 😁👍🪓🪓🪓🪓🪓🪓😂
I'm so glad we have a glass front to view the flames..🔥 it's all I wanted and we were lucky enough to come across the pechka secondhand..it was worth every stotinki 💰
It's getting there in this house now..feels like a cosy space. compared to when we first saw it..love it.. 😉 Thank you and take care 🙏😊
I love watching your reno work. The gradual transformation of this old house to a comfortable home is fascinating. My future Bulgarian house is an "old lady" too and in need of extensive renovations to make it livable. Watching your vlogs gives me realistic idea of what to expect. I have to admit that I am a little scared. Do you guys miss UK?
Thank you so much.! 😊 We watched the video from when we decided to purchase the house, the other week, just to remind ourselves how far we've come..it's difficult to remember sometimes..lol
If you're lucky, you'll have bought a house with nothing major or structural, which is then a case of altering it to your personal wants or needs. I'd definitely advise upgrading the electrics as a basic, just so you're confident they are capable of running a modern house.
Don't worry about being scared..we've been out of our comfort zone since we moved into the van, nearly 3 years ago and never felt more alive. If you dream of a lovely home in Bulgaria, then it'll come; one room at a time..just expect to rough it for a while if you're doing a chunk of the work.. 😉
As far as the UK goes....we miss family a little, although we catch up via video chat and we miss our friends..we have SUCH great friends, some of whom video called us from Skye in Scotland the other week, trying to show us the Northern Lights from a place we'd advised them to go in their vans 😁
That was such a great call..for them to include us.. 🥰 it really made us miss them even more..
But the lifestyle here in Bulgaria is lovely. A lot more laid back, with less hassle. and the Bulgarian people celebrate EVERYTHING and fantastically so.. 😊 ❤️🙏
@@LillaHusVanlife thank you for your reply. I needed a bit of assurance. I don't think that my house has serious structural problems. It's just too old and neglected. And yes, the electrics are my first priority. Keep warm and stay safe! ❤❤
@@JuliaStewart-2023 no problem at all, I hope watching us helps 😊 take care and stay warm too ❤️🙏❤️
Such a shame that flood in the kitchen definitely need some attention, you could have tiled that work top with the new sink with the tiles left over from the barhroom project you do it once not rot whatsoever ,very durable thanks for sharing.
It is a shame, yes, but if it hadn't got the damp, then we wouldn't have done this house and to be fair, I prefer this house for the fact it's smaller.
That's a good idea, yes..the tiles could still be an option yet 🤔 we have a few left over.. Thank you 🙏😁
This place is growing on me big time!
It's coming along, isn't it.? 😊
@LillaHusVanlife It does! And also your editing schills are improving so much!
@Iamusertoo thank you, I try to learn all the time.. 😊 glad you appreciate the time.. 🙏
Total game changer phil getting the fire sorted,,when you sorted the Leakey wall give it a flash over with water repellent,on the outside it,should fettle it,,,take care guys,
Absolutely Kev, it's loads better having the fire..even if it's just to watch the flames..lol
I'm thinking that a concrete slab down the side of that wall would also be a good thing..I'll look into it 😉 Take it easy won't you 😊🙏
Sure looked cosy with the fire lit. You are right that is where the leak is,
It's beautiful when the fire is lit David..makes a massive difference to the space 😊🔥😍
At least we're sure on the cause of the damp now..we can sort that, when it gets to better weather 😉👍
Fabulous video Both. Oh lighting the fire was amazing. Could just sit and watch the flames. Keep Loving the Lifestyle Both. Love and Big Hugs 💙😻💜
Thank you so much Asa 😊 The fire is a game changer in the house..the glass is a bit of a pain to keep clear, but it's SO worth it to watch the flames, yes 🔥❤️🔥
I hope you're doing well my friend..take care 🙏 Love and Big Hugs back to you..take care 💜😻💙
Not everyone can boast a genuine waterfall in their kitchen! And I think you are maybe two axes short of a complete collection haha I saw a video of how to make your own non toxic wood worm treatment that you only have to use once indoors. It might be the best option if you can get the ingredients given how much wood you own on your property. I will dig out a link if you are interested
Lmao! I never thought of it that way... 🤔 we could make it a feature of the big house..lol 😂
It doesn't matter how many axes I have now, if I see an axe, I still think ooo, an axe... 🤔 but yes, a couple more can only be a good thing, I agree 👍😁
Karen has found a woodworm treatment which a friend recommended, but by all means, a link would be of interest, thank you 😊🙏
Loving your videos ❤ can't wait to start our life in Bulgaria ❤
Thank you so very much Nicola ❤️ I hope it's everything you dream of 😊🙏❤️🇧🇬
Enjoying your journey from “ down under” . What will you use the entry area for? Our little Bulgarian adventure put their kitchen in their similar space. Could you put a bedroom next to the bathroom? .
Hi and thank you from a chilly Bulgaria.! 👋😊 The entry to the house is turning into a kitchen/dining area as we have a small table we bought secondhand along with other items like the pechka.
The room next to the bathroom was initially looked at for being a bedroom, but unfortunately there's not enough floorspace to have a bed there..a bit of a shame as it would have made it almost an ensuite, but then again, visitors would have to then walk through to get to the loo 🤷🏻♂️ so...the area is plumbed to take our hot water boiler, washing machine and kitchen sink, so a utility room as such.. Things are evolving each week, so you'll get to see the space we have in there to play with. Thanks again and take care 😊🙏
@ sounds great.
Well done guys 😊👏
Thank you 😊🙏
@ ❤️
I see what you mean now, and that walls bad, but they are not 'uk morter joints'.
But you should have only a few weeks till it warms up but will be a 'fun job'
Looks good now you got that far, i assume youre doing it all again on the main house ... 😮
Yeah, it'll be a task, but at least it's a definite now and that gives us options..when Spring gets here, then we'll make a start on that and get the house drying 😉
Once this house gets finished up, then yes, it's on with the big house, although I think the majority of the rooms are in an ok condition to be fair, with that kitchen being the biggest task.. Might have to AirBnB this house to fund things yet.. 🤷🏻♂️ we'll see.. 🤔
@@LillaHusVanlife I would start with drainage, even now would be a good idea, soft ground digging is so much nicer than dry hard summer earth.
If you open the fire doors, the dryness will happen, but with stone and porous materials it tends to draw through wet. you may find that in the little house.
I couldn't tell what the main house rooms are like, from when you first went in, they looked ok, some now look like a builder merchants . ;p
and little things tend to crop up, i would assume there is floor damage from where the water has came through?
and dealing with that wall will mean acro props and taking some of it down. I did have a look at a house with worse water damage which required too many wall to be taken down and put back up! nice big place such a shame really.
yes a rental is a good idea, I was thinking that was what you were going to do, seeming as you have choices there .
North of VT? id come rent, if you make a big enough place I may bring the kids/tribe as I am still house hunting as I was let down.
Lol. Mel was the same lethal wae any tools. . magic Tae see fire going. Hugs xx
Haha.! 😂 I struggle with Karen..I want her to be capable, but I know how she is and I don't want her hurting.. 🤷🏻♂️ The fire makes such a difference in there..love it.! 🔥 Big Hugs to yous XX
@LillaHusVanlife lol. Guess we have to know oor limits. Many times I would see the dugs and cats running and diving for cover shouting " dad,dad" . As Mel was swinging an axe. Would take me hours tae get them doon from the trees. Aye nought better then watching those flames. Hugs from the dafthermits xx
It must be ace to have a fire. Where does the flue vent to - I've forgotten x
It's such a difference in the house Julie..really kicks out some heat.. The flue goes into the wall, which has the remaining chimney breast on the other side (it has the purple doors in the kitchen which were originally used to feed the jamal fire) xx
Believe me, in the 40 degrees hot summer you will miss the cold winter. 😀
@@m.sh.5180 He is digging a pool soon.
I'm sure we will 😂 We saw 47 degrees in the courtyard last summer and the thermometer only goes up to 50..lol 🤷🏻♂️😂 I thought it was going to blow it's top.. 🥵😂
Maybe one day Nadya..no doubt I will leave it until the hottest day to start digging..lol 🤷🏻♂️🥵😂
So thats why there is an axe shortage! Hope all is good with you guys x
What?!? No one told me there was an axe shortage.!! I'll keep an eye open for more, just in case.. lolol 😂
Yeah all is good here, ta.. hope you're enjoying being back, despite the paperwork 😉👍😁 xx
French drains might be needed 🙄 but where there's a will there's a way...
There's a house down the road which had a trench dug and then filled with concrete..I'll have a look into what we can do as we're absolutely sure what the issue is now 😉 When the warmer weather get here, then it's on the list 👍
I wouldn't be allowed near to any axes either x
😂 It's okay..I'm sure your skills are more suited to other tasks is all.. 🤷🏻♂️ Karen is better than me in other areas, which is why we sometimes split jobs up between us and that's fine.. axes 🪓 aren't for everyone 😉 Take care x
Well done!
Thank you 🙏☺️
Hi, great video. I thought fire was your first task. Isn't is better for you to redister your car in Bulgaria? I beleive so.
Thank you 😊👍 We will be registering it in Bulgaria soon, I think..we need to look into the costs of doing that and what we would need to do. I believe it will be cheaper in the long run, yes 😉
Sabrina suggested letting Karen use your machete on the rubber foam
Ah sorry Mike..it's on the banned list...lolol
If you had the clips that come with the sink they compress the foam as you tighten them and make a waterproof seal, if you don't, they don't and it won't, too late now anyway 😄. Bochemit is the most widely available wood worm treatment in BG. It comes in clear and brown. All the ''big box'' stores stock it.
I found it in a hardware shop in Pavlikeni after this was recorded. many thanks 🙂
After the foam removal championship, silicone was the only option 🤷🏻♂️😂
I see she's already commented, but yes after speaking to a friend, she managed to find a bottle of the clear concentrate for any further projects.. Thanks for that 😊👍
I have to admit, give me power tools, to shoes and handbags any day, but dont let me near an axe. It would be an accident waiting to happen.
Karen is exactly the same Elaine..girly things aren't her thing..she actually loves demolishing things...that's HER thing..if we hadn't got the digger in to demolish the chicken huts then she'd have taken them apart, bit by bit..lolol 😂😂 Take care 😊🙏
@LillaHusVanlife sounds like a woman after my own heart. 😁
The BEST way to be hon.. 😉 in MY eyes certainly.. 😊👍
You Russians are just so funny. 😂😂😂
😂😂😂
Such lovely high ceilings. The pechka is really lovely too. Will you tile behind it or add metal sheets to protect the walls? Hate rain, but Bulgaria does need it after such a prolonged hot year. Is the ground higher on that external leaky wall? Maybe you could try this for the double axe?
ua-cam.com/users/shortsJtl9T_jJfV8
It's one of the things we thought when we first looked at the property..we have been to other places where my head is skimming the ceiling and even to the point in having to duck down at certain parts of their room and I'm not that tall..lol 🤷🏻♂️😂
We've now moved the pechka further out of the corner and also added those foil covered reflector panels behind it..they help to project the heat, massively.
Yes, the ground comes up to about chest height for that room..one of our videos where I explained the problem shows the gaps in the pointing and daylight once it gets above ground. We'll get it sorted when we get to nicer weather 😉
The axe handle is damaged below the head, from a previous user, so I'll feel safer getting another handle for it, but thanks for the link..worth a look 😉👍
Think you need a few more Axes 🪓 Phil 😅 But well out of Karen's reach 😮
My thoughts too Asa..one for every day of the week, plus spares? 🤷🏻♂️ Might need to make an axe 🪓🪓🪓🪓🪓🪓🪓🪓🪓🪓🪓🪓 rack 👍😂😂