From City to Smallholding
20 Episodes
Follow a young couple as they trade city life for the wild hills of West Wales, restoring a crumbling 13.5-acre smallholding into a dream rural homestead. This heartfelt docu-series captures the raw reality of starting over—from collapsing barns and leaky ceilings to triumphant first harvests and moments of quiet joy. Blending renovation, resilience, and rural life, this is a journey of transformation, grit, and the pursuit of a more meaningful life, set against the stunning Welsh countryside.
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S1E1 We Bought an Derelict Welsh Farmhouse
Episode 1
A couple moves from London to Wales in search of a more fulfilling lifestyle. They renovate their flat and convert a van before finding a charming but neglected small holding. With plans to become self-sufficient using hydro and solar power, they face financial challenges and intend to handle ren...
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S1E2 Our Abandoned Farmhouse Renovation Begins!
Episode 2
A couple moves from London to Wales in search of a more fulfilling lifestyle. They renovate their flat and convert a van before finding a charming but neglected small holding. With plans to become self-sufficient using hydro and solar power, they face financial challenges and intend to handle ren...
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11:30Episode 3
S1E3 Renovation Fails & Updates
Episode 3
Gavin and Nicole tackle a renovation project in Wales, encountering various challenges along the way. They clean their kitchen and find valuable items, while also involving family in the renovation. Improved internet connectivity enhances their work, but hidden damage surfaces during office setup...
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14:14Episode 4
S1E4 Transforming the Property
Episode 4
A couple embarks on a renovation journey in Wales, tackling challenges like weather and a large stump. They build a rain shelter and parking bay while enhancing their garden. As they gather materials and discuss future projects, they explore a barn, assessing its potential. The week ends on a pos...
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S1E5 Uncovering Hidden Features and Design Descions
Episode 5
Gavin and Nicole move from a bustling city to the tranquil west coast of Wales to restore an abandoned small holding. They assess the house's condition, planning extensive renovations after discovering questionable previous repairs. The couple faces challenges clearing out heavy items, while fami...
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16:48Episode 6
S1E6 Renovating the Worst Room First
Episode 6
Gavin and Nicole share their experience of moving to Wales to restore an abandoned small holding. They address significant damp issues in their over 120-year-old house, starting renovations by removing ceilings and uncovering crumbling floorboards. They find an original slate hearth and tackle th...
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17:19Episode 7
S1E7 Touring the Farm
Episode 7
Gavin and Nicole share their journey of moving to Wales to restore a small holding. They provide updates on their farm's progress, detailing the piggery's history and future uses. The couple discusses their plans for renovating the old cottage and tractor shed, while Gav organizes the woodshed. T...
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20:32Episode 8
S1E8 Demolition Chaos
Episode 8
The project starts with an introduction to a channel focused on restoring an abandoned small holding in Wales. The team prioritizes ceiling renovations, addressing structural upgrades and damp issues. They separate usable materials from waste while stripping walls for proper breathing. Plans for ...
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S1E9 Tearing Down Walls, Unveiling Our Farm
Episode 9
In week nine of the renovation, interior work and wall stripping take center stage. Gav tackles challenges solo, showcasing his problem-solving skills. A delightful moment arises when adopted cattle are discovered in blackberry bushes. To cope with the dust, a break is taken to clear the old mill...
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22:47Episode 10
S1E10 A Myriad of Work
Episode 10
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23:05Episode 11
S1E11 Outbuilding Work
Episode 11
This week highlights significant advancements in the farmhouse renovation, focusing on outbuildings and interior design. Key tasks include working on vaulted ceilings and removing insulation, which pose challenges but also show progress. Visitors help with various tasks, while organizing the pole...
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35:57Episode 12
S1E12 Six Month Progress Update
Episode 12
A couple moves from Southeast London to a derelict farmhouse in Wales, eager to transform their 13.5-acre property. After clearing overgrown land and facing renovation challenges, they focus on preserving the house's character while modernizing it. They adopt a dog and receive family support, but...
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21:23Episode 13
S1E13 Land Clearing and Trenching
Episode 13
The episode covers essential activities like the septic tank project, highlighting the need for an upgraded waste disposal system to meet regulations. An engineer assesses a new treatment plant location, and soil tests are conducted. Regulatory changes affect septic requirements. The team also cl...
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23:41Episode 14
S1E14 Bringing Stone Walls Back to Life
Episode 14
Renovation efforts encounter delays, with a planned resumption in November. Workers are currently focused on lime removal and conducting quality checks. Future tasks include wall removal and preparation for underfloor heating. Structural challenges arise from rotten joists and moisture damage. A ...
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23:32Episode 15
S1E15 Crumbling Joists: A Major Setback
Episode 15
Renovation progresses after seven months, uncovering significant structural issues like crumbling joists and lentils. The removal of the fireplace reveals original brick, shifting priorities. Creating access involves lifting flooring, presenting challenges. A partnership with WILD promotes eco-fr...
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24:17Episode 16
S1E16 Opening Up Walls for Greater Spaces
Episode 16
Home renovation faces unexpected challenges, including rot and delays. Family visits occur during tile removal and preparation for further work. The demolition of the last wall begins to enhance kitchen space, prompting a design reevaluation. Flooding leads to wood storage issues, requiring an up...
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S1E17 Spring Brings Stone Laying and Compost Bins
Episode 17
Spring brings new life to the farm as bulbs sprout and outdoor tasks begin. Compost bays are being completed, and plans for more experiments are in motion alongside house renovations. A stone laying lesson teaches techniques for strong stonework. A home gym is being established in the barn, while...
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S1E18 Repairing Rotten Joists and Prepping the Walls for Lime Mortar
Episode 18
Renovation efforts focus on resolving rot issues and preparing for new arrivals. Joists are repaired with new timbers and borax gel treatment. Paint stripping removes layers from beams, followed by neutralization. Online woodworking resources offer tutorials for all skill levels. Protective treat...
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24:08Episode 19
S1E19 What we wish we had known...
Episode 19
The session covers audience questions on various topics, including property searches and the journey of adopting a rescue dog. Speakers discuss challenges of small space living, community connections, and home renovations. Financial considerations are highlighted, particularly mortgage challenges...
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20:40Episode 20
S1E20 New Window Installation
Episode 20
The renovation project showcases a major facelift on a house, focusing on replacing poor-condition windows and involving family members in the process. Plans for a self-sufficient farm emerge, supported by Craftsy's sponsorship. The project includes clearing wood for solar panels and addressing s...