A Journey of Renovation and New Beginnings
Jacob Harrell and his wife Amber are on a unique journey as they work to transform a 500-year-old cottage in the Cotswolds. Their story has captured the attention of many, especially through their YouTube channel, where they share their progress with over 251,000 subscribers. The couple has been working on this renovation for nearly two years, and while it’s been an exhausting experience, it’s also filled with excitement and personal growth.
One of the most significant milestones in their project was the installation of an artisan tiled roof. This allowed them to finally sleep in the house after 11 months of renovations. However, there’s still a long way to go before the property is fully completed, with floors and interiors yet to be finished.
The couple’s journey has taken an unexpected turn as Amber discovered she is pregnant. This news adds a new layer of pressure to ensure the home is as welcoming as possible for their growing family.
Challenges Faced During the Renovation
The process of renovating a centuries-old building comes with its own set of challenges. When Jacob and Amber first entered the property, which had been derelict at least twice in its history, they found nearly everything to be wet. The original roof was in poor condition, allowing water to seep inside. The annex next door was even worse, with 50 dead mice in various stages of decomposition, a petrified rat, and maggots everywhere. There was also a need to deal with poison in the area.
Dealing with dampness in the main house was another major issue. The old heating system, which included an oil tank and an Aga system, wasn’t up to scratch. As autumn turned to winter, storms, rain, and snow made the situation worse, with water pooling around the house. The lack of insulation led them to apply for a government grant to install an electric heat pump, which provided a £7,500 discount but still cost roughly £10,500.
Overcoming Obstacles
Despite these challenges, the couple found some relief when they were finally able to access the roof. They removed old overgrown ivy and dealt with wasps’ nests that had formed. Jacob had to use a leaf blower to clear out the dead mice, but eventually, they managed to make the roof watertight again.
When it came to choosing the type of roof, they were quoted £77,000 for a rethatch. Instead of going for the traditional Cotswolds aesthetic, they opted for clay tiles, which were significantly cheaper. This decision saved them tens of thousands of pounds.
A New Chapter
In addition to the renovation, the couple also managed to purchase additional land, expanding the property to an acre. Jacob was emotional about the completion of the roof, calling it “a work of art.”
The journey has not only been about renovating a house but also about learning and growing together. Jacob reflected on how their initial plans have changed. He said: “A year ago, we took the biggest leap into the unknown we’d ever taken. We thought renovating a 500-year-old cottage would be the defining thing that happened to us this year, the thing that everything else would revolve around. Well, we were wrong! All that’s left is to make this beautiful wreck of ours a home.”
Lessons Learned
The renovation has taught them valuable lessons about patience, uncertainty, and doing things properly when there are no shortcuts. They are not professional builders, and much of what they’ve done has been learned along the way. Some decisions took months, while others were forced on them overnight.
Most of the year was spent trying to prevent the house from getting worse before they could even think about making it better. Despite the challenges, they remain committed to turning this historic property into a home for their growing family.
