Permit problems on our abandoned land. What happens now?

Frustrating times as we still wait on a permit from our local authorities to build our dream home here on our farm in Portugal. Eight months later and we are still waiting. Despite the set back though, we continue on renovating our stone house ready to live in.

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THANK YOU!

We are John, Tara, Crusoe and Sawyer Newby. A family of explorers who've taken root in Northern Portugal where we are renovating an abandoned farm into our dream off-grid homestead. Please support us by giving us a thumbs up and making sure to subscribe to follow our adventures.

On and off, we have been traveling for over 20 years and have explored more than 160 of the world's 193 countries, it’s been quite a journey, and now we are sharing our projects and adventures weekly here on YouTube with new episodes EVERY SUNDAY.

BE BRAVE - THINK BIG - EXPLORE

Thanks so much for watching!!!

[susanammgoncalves]

Dear friends, portuguese bureaucracy is a test of patience. In the end there is learning. But don't give up because it may take time but you will make it! It's extraordinary to be able to welcome extraordinary and enterprising people like you to our country. And it's a pleasure to be able to follow your family's extraordinary journey! Love, Susana🌻

[cynthialapp]

I started watching the Newbys way back when. You were traveling around the world in a small van. At about 7 weeks of age, Crusoe joined you. Even though your house is small, it is bigger than that van. Your boys don't know anything other than small. Don't give up your land. Even if the worst happens and you can't build, you can make it work. I have faith in your creativity.❤

[Maya-rrqh]

Dear Tara. How your positive spirit changed. At the beginning, when you bought the farm, you were in love in the property, you didn't even speak about new house. Suddenly you don't see the future without new house.
P.s You could conect both houses with a "bridge" and get a lot of space.
Greetings from Switzerland.

[tararedwine]

Oh dear friends I feel your frustrations! We bought an Amish house (no indoor plumbing or electrical)15 years ago and had to wait for ages for approvals on things and permits. But we made it through by the grace of God. I think about those times often, when my boys were little and making shadow puppets on the wall from the flickering oil lamps we had for lights.... going to bed at dark and waking up at dawn. Our children helped so much and even though it was hard and so frustrating at times then.... it brought us to now.... happy and safe in our home. I will keep positive thoughts and prayers for you all. Hoping those municipalities get on the ball for you all and you start receiving good news soon!

[stateofgrace]

Hi John, trained plumber here. Water will take the path of least resistance so with the open end on the pipe, the water will whizz by the holes further up the pipe. If you restrict the end it will allow the pressure to build up along the length of the pipe & should then cause it to flow out of the holes along the length. Balancing pressure & equal flow is always a tricky thing to get right. Possibly installing extra taps where you can increase or decrease the amount you open the taps can help, just like balancing the flow for radiators

[crystallindsey]

Thinking outside the box!
Connect the two houses with a walk way that would connect the second story floors and making a covered area over the front gates that you would be able to walk under. By doing this you will have enough room for bedrooms, bathrooms, and living space and play area.
I hope you understand or can visualize what I’m suggesting.

[annhardesty]

Patience. It will come. Relax and enjoy your beautiful life!

[starrylight]

I've seen neighbors and friends raise families in some pretty tiny houses.i would never give up the land and life you've built there over a house.i think the space you have with the addition is great! Mind you..I don't live in it.but I'm sure unless you're planning on a huge family you guys can make it work

[irili]

Dear John, when watering a garden with drippers, the line should be separate from the direct water line. In order to have a constant water pressure at the beginning and at the end, you must have a separate faucet with a pressure regulator filter especially for drippers. The holes you made are not fit for purpose. You must insert eyedroppers into the holes. Increasing the holes will increase the problem of uniform pressure along the pipe. A 25 or 32 diameter pipe is used for the main line and a 20 or 16 diameter pipe for the drip.
I am a gardener in the Mediterranean region

[Kitty_cat]

A lot of people live in small homes & manage-your property is spectacular don’t give up.

[SJC]

Your commitment to this beautiful property should leave no doubt in anyone’s mind that you are the right family for this land! 🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞😍🇨🇦

[Swim]

What can I say how Smart & Curious your First Born is! Your instructions with patience is unbelievable! You’re doing something right.

[ecijaosswald]

Dear Newbies, just look what you have accomplished until now despite setbacks!
Have faith and keep going ‐ I'm convinced you will receive the permission!
There cannot be a sound reason to turn it down. You have transformed this place already into a paradise! I would try to contact the building permission office and offer to make adjustments on your blueprint in case that would be the reason it wasn't approved yet. It is good to show readyness for compromise to speed up the process.
Love to watch each episode and wish you patience and persistence you already showed.

[krisscamire]

Tara I will ask the universe to help you out so you get your house because I love watching you guys and I really want to see you happy because if Mom is Happy everybody's happy❤❤

[sandroiavazzo]

Hey guys as suggested by other people just join the two buildings together as you already have a functional kitchen, but do it now, don't worry about the new house for a while even if you get your permit and no stress about keeping us entertained you are amazing at that.

[mariamanuelarolo]

Hello Newby's family...remember my last comment...in Portugal everything takes time and patience, a lot of patience, especially building permits for housing. What usually happens is that people build first and then apply for the respective permits, but being an agricultural reserve makes the procedures more delicate. And as you say...be brave, be strong and adventurous, don't give up.☺

[teresaboto]

Hello. I´m Portuguese and i´m soo sad that you are having these burocratic problems. Yes this is Portugal in it´s best! And i feel so ashamed whit this situacion. But please don´t give up. Put a bit of pressure in the autorities, locals and others.
I have followed your amazing journey. The love for the land, the respect for nature....I´ts incredible. And the way you transmit that to your beautiful children have no word´s. Thank you soo much for that!!
A few weeks ago you made an episode about olive trees, and my friends I´t touched me soo much. I have a personal story with these amazing trees and the love that that episode sent me...
We need more Newby´s in our life.
Thank you soo much.

[nancibishof]

Have you invited your mayor or council for coffee at the farm yet? That would allow the mayor or the council to see how wonderful the improvements you have made to the land are and your commitment to it is.

[giaholman]

You guys are happy, healthy, and your kids are beautiful and your life there is amazing....just be Patient...life is a journey..you have a home..many are losing theirs..you are blessed to have what you have now ..🙏🙏🙏🙏

[grahamredfern]

Don’t despair Tara, I’m sure the officers in charge of planning respect everything you are doing regarding the land management of your farm and will eventually give you permission to build your dream home. Maybe with some small agreed conditions but nothing to hold you back.