We Bought An Abandoned Farm in France - One Year Progress

This video is a timelapse on our first year in France. In June 2023 we took a leap of faith and purchased a neglected 34-acre farm in the Dordogne region of Southern France. From the moment we arrived, we were faced with the enormous task of clearing the overgrown vegetation and cleaning the property’s old buildings. The farm included a cute but rundown farmhouse, several barns in need of repair, and a small ruin. One of our first projects was transforming one of the structures into a chicken coop, and we soon began settling into the farmhouse, making it our home.

The journey has been filled with challenges. From repairing barn beams infested with woodworm to preparing for the winter by installing a woodstove and setting up solar panels, every day brought new hurdles. Philippe took on most of the heavy physical labor, digging trenches to address water issues and clearing contaminated soil, while I focused on video editing, managing paperwork, and caring for Odin.

Despite relentless rain and unexpected setbacks, we’ve made significant progress. By spring 2024, we had started our vegetable garden, rescued an old tractor hidden in the brambles, and cleaned out a junk site to name a few things. While the road has been tough, our determination to restore this farm and try to live a more sustainable life keeps us moving forward. As we continue this journey, we hope our story inspires others to chase their dreams and find joy in the process.

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[nileshsaikotyada]

Philippe is a carpenter, plumber, farmer, and engineer. He can pretty much do it all and is totally self-sufficient. He's a role model for anyone who wants to learn new skills. He makes me jealous, but also inspires me to learn new things and work hard. I wish you both a happy life on your farm.

[hermithag]

I can't imagine a more patient man than Phillipe. So very well done young man. Your family must be very proud.

[erlindamangcao]

Philippe is such a husband material. You are one of the luckiest woman for having him. Sooo reliable, hardworking and a kind of “do it all” guy..

[Jamilamohamed]

Best husband of the years award goes to philipe. This man is a full package 🎉🎉

[glennb]

Anicia, your script and editing were so well done. Your descriptions were a delight and really came alive. Philippe, you are a wonderful partner and father to your family and an absolute hard worker. You have such a great work ethic! Odin is his wonderful self. It was really fun to see the year in review. Thank you so much.

[tarisedai]

This is what our modern culture is lacking so much of these days. I love channels like these ❤

[SPEAKEASYAZ]

They might not have a lot of money, but they are very rich in motivation and knowledge of so many projects truly they have been blessed. Would rather see this than all the big city rich people rolling in their own God of money.

[xtech]

I didn't realize that this video has one hour until it is done. Great job, guys! Your son is lucky having you.

[danielgoldberg]

At some point the old farmer parked that tractor in the shade under that tree, not realizing that it would be the last time he drove it. A lot of things in life are like that. You often don’t realize that that one time was the last time.😊

[vibhakarmirajkar]

Peaceful. Nature. Child. Dog. Cat. Man & Woman. Perfect universe.
Great job. Best wishes frm India 🙏

[Writs]

I must say phillippe is a very very productive man.
He is totally a husband material which is lacking to see now a days
You are really a lucky woman to have him .
Please preserve him at any cost.

[JayDKB]

Man this dude is a beast with these projects

[ihgmuci]

This video of several months just shows hard working you both are! And watching Odin as he grows is awesome!!!❤

[jojialex]

People like this family are a blessing to this world and environment. It's is called vibrant living!❤

[moniquepenning]

What a hardworking practical man! What he (and she) did in a year would take much longer for many of us

[ramdas]

New generation need to learn a lot from this couple. My dad and his father grew up on a farm. Besides farming they knew blacksmith and carpenter trade very well

[LMStevens]

Philippe. My brother’s name was Philippe..I’m French by birth but now living in the States. In the 60’s, Papa, Philippe and I renovated, a 300, year old, house. Maman cooked and did laundry. We had a system going. The walls of the house were 3 feet deep. We rebuilt the chimney. We dug the trenches for the plumbing. We installed electricity. We installed the kitchen and the bathroom. We installed the mazout stove. The roof was good, so were the walls. We brought in water and electricity. I was 16 years old. I griped a lot but I learned a ton. And so we lived in one room which accommodated 3 beds, the dining room table/office, and the stove. We added a kitchen and a bathroom. We did not have snouts money for a tv. My parents lived there for over 50 years. I got married and left after 4 years.
What I learned was invaluable: cement, carpentry, electricity and plumbing. Those became a life saver so many times in my life.
Philippe died in 2018 of cancer in Paris. Our parents died in 2014 and 2015.
I’m now very old but I remember the feelings of safety and love listening to my dad and brother snore softly in that one room.
I applaud you for being willing to restore such a home. You will never regret it.

[DashCamAdventuresU]

You guys had me captivated until the very end! The skills, determination, hard work, and patience that you guys have as a family is unmatched by most!

[barbaracilley]

I can’t believe all the work you have completed. Please do more videos. We are 75 years old but with what is going on in the US today I’d be happy with 2 acres a 1 bedroom house with a kitchen and I’d be happy. We will be voting in early November and our Democracy is on the line. Your video made me so happy. Watching Odin grow brought smiles to my face. He is such a handsome little guy and so smart. Peace and favorable weather be with you. I look forward to another video.

[CB-vxzs]

He is a real man may God continue to always bless them and keep them safe 🙏🙏