TWO MEN decided to ditch the UK for a 200-year-old abandoned village in France that cost them £22,000 to buy.
Paul and Yip decided to buy the village located in Normandy and bring it back to life.
Two Brits decided to ditch the UK and buy an abandoned village in France[/caption]
Paul and Yip bought the derelicy buildings for just £22,000[/caption]
“We never ever set out to buy a hamlet or village, we didn’t really think oh well we shouldn’t really do this cuz we haven’t got the money,” said Paul.
“We just thought, it’s buy now worry about it later,” added Yip.
The pair decided to purchase the village and restore it to its former glory and then make the surrounding area a glamping site.
Taking to YouTube, the pair said: “It had sat derelict and covered in ivy for nearly 30 years!
“Nature was swallowing these buildings whole! Long story short we sold everything we owned and bought the lot for €26,000.
“We never imagined that we would one day own our own home, let alone a whole village.”
While much of the village still needed to be repaired, the men had been successful in turning a former piggery into a utility room for future guests.
The bathroom was complete, with Paul and Yip installing shower stalls inside the 19th-century room.
Now, the men had two weeks to install a kitchen, which they documented on Channel 4‘s Help! We Bought a Village.
The pair have spent a year making the village safe for guests and it was finally time to welcome their first ones.
The pair decided to turn it into an idyllic glamping spot[/caption]
“When we turned up, it was a million miles away from being able to invite anyone now for it to resemble a business and something that someone would want to come and spend their time and pay for it is a huge thing,” said Paul.
The pair decided to keep the village looking like it would have when it was first built, instead of using brick, they rebuilt the walls using stone, as they would have done 200 years ago.
For the utility room, they kept the stone walls but added a pop of colour with green paint for the doors and window frames.
Just outside of the utility room, the men had transformed a horse box into a small bedroom for their first guests.
Moving house hacks
1. Declutter Before You Pack
Sort through your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer need. Donate, sell, or recycle items to lighten your load.
2. Create an Inventory
Make a list of all your items. This helps keep track of everything and ensures nothing gets lost in the move.
3. Use Quality Packing Materials
Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape. This will protect your belongings during the move.
4. Label Everything
Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This makes unpacking much easier and more organized.
5. Pack a ‘First Day’ Box
Include essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks, and important documents. This will keep you from rummaging through boxes on your first day.
6. Take Photos of Electronics Setup
Before unplugging your electronics, take photos of the wiring setup. This will make it easier to reconnect everything at your new place.
7. Use Suitcases for Heavy Items
Pack books and other heavy items in rolling suitcases. This makes them easier to transport and reduces the risk of injury.
8. Colour-Code Your Boxes
Use different coloured stickers or markers for each room. This will help movers quickly identify where each box should go in your new home.
The guests were seriously impressed with Paul and Yip’s transformation and how ‘special’ it was – leaving the men in tears.
Yip said: “We’ve made a business from somewhere that was quite dilapidated and unused for 30 years and now it’s back in action, we are literally breathing life into it.”
The pair are continuing to share the renovations over on their own YouTube channel (@yipnpaulshelpweboughtavillage).
While it’s not close to being finished, and roofs continue to crumble, the men have plenty of support from fans to keep them going.
One person wrote: “You will put it all back together and it will all be lovely again. Good neighbours look after good people. Keep up the good work and don’t loose heart.”
Another commented: “A great admiration to you both. If it falls “rebuild” a lot of work. Patience is a virtue…… you will renovate your beautiful village into a humble one.”
“A bit overwhelming! I so admire your vision and your determination. One day at a time and remember to pause for self care,” penned a third.
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