Love reading all your questions and comments - what would you like me to show next? Is it time for a tour of the upstairs? Or would you prefer to see more about my plans for the back bedroom?

For those still wondering what exactly these British sloes are - they are the fruits of blackthorn = Prunus spinosa. The liqueur Chris is making is called sloe gin. In German the shrub is Schlehe or Schwarzdorn, sloes are Schlehen and the liqueur is Schlehenlikör. 🙂

a rescue dog would be a lovely thing to consider. loving the house and your videos thank you.

Oh, absolutely get a dog! We never thought about getting a dog but , two years ago, we took on responsibility for my friend’s dog, when she sadly passed away. It is a real, and unexpected, joy having him in our life. He’s a brilliant addition to our family.

That’s amazing about the previous owners ❤

I live in a cottage and cobwebs are a way of life, they appear everywhere, you will never get rid of them, embrace them

If you can get a rescue dog. In 48 years of marriage we have had 4 dogs, 3 of whom were rescues. Rescue dogs love unconditionally and you wont regret it. Our current rescue is Ruby and she is a patterdale terrier, we have had 2 german shepherds and a jack russell. Dogs make a home. I wish you luck.

Your channel brings me so much joy. Thank you. Never stop.

So,so proud of you!! Every week will bring new things to the cottage!! Every time you post it looks better and better. You have become part of the cottage.

I bought my own home just under 2 years ago and I got a dog shortly thereafter to keep me company. Can honestly say getting a dog is one of life's greatest joys! They are a commitment of course, but the love you'll receive is second to none. Very lovely home, look forward to seeing how your renovations come along! 🙂

I absolutely ❤ that you included the story of the puppy who grew up and lived a long happy life. That house has good energy

Love your videos.I can picture a dog asleep by the fire.

And hahahahaha, "Do you need to look out for bears?" You don't realize what incredible wildlife America has, until they ask about bears. 🤣

Chris you have picked up a beauty in this cottage congratulations I look forward to watching more vlogs in your cozy home! I’m sure winter will be toasty warm for you here!

Quiet, nearby woods, cool house but with a fireplace for the winter? I am all in! You are creating such a beautiful home. How adorable is that lamp with the coloured glass 😍

what a lovely house - love hearing about its history 🥰

the teasing of the opening of that little nook, ha ha, I was like, NOW, the door is nearly fully open...ah, not yet. I had fun with this. It must be so amazing living in this house, knowing someone re-modeled it in the 1800s and finding these little gems. We have those berries in Germany too, and we also make liquor from them, after the 1st frost (Schlehen-Aufgesetzter).

Lovely, if I can advise. I blend the raisins with brown sugar, cinnamon, and warm butter into a paste. Then I spread it over the dough, roll it up, and cut it into buns. The raisins make all the difference

When we bought our cottage, 30 years ago (where did the time go?!) we paid £119,000 for it and our friends thought we were mad.  We sold our 3 bed terraced (nice) town house for £35,000.  It was a big stretch but we knew we needed to do it.  We had to buy on a bridging loan too as we didn't sell the town house for another year. Even in its unmodernised state we wouldn't sell this for less than £650,000.  Perhaps £700,000 now.  We had an old stone barn (once a hovel) in the garden that was totally renovated and extended a bit 4 years ago and houses mum.  That's lovely.  And our garden is big.    

The first big job we did was have it rewired as soon as we could.  And that's still about the biggest job we've done.  Our bathroom was created out of a bit of the large landing in the 1930's I think.  The kitchen about 1950 and we still use both.  They would not do for most people now.  But they ooze character and we love them.  The kitchen cupboards are built of solid wood.  Every bit of every custom made cupboard is wood.  Why would we want to replace that with cheaply produced modern kitchens?  We don't.  I would like a new sink unit though.  

Our obligatory small cupboard in the wall (all the neighbours have them too) is where we keep our chocolate sweets to keep them cool.  In face we have 2 of these cupboards.  The other one houses medicines like cough syrups and headache tablets.  Very useful.  People say they were originally for salt.  But I don't know if that's true.  What seems to be true is that once your get to the 1700's and up to the late 1800's they all have these little cupboards in the walls.

My husband grew up in Littleborough and spent much of his teen years walking the moors up at Hebden Bridge or Blackstone Edge with a group of walkers and relic hunters looking for storage arrow heads.  He's more than likely walked through those woods, or very close.  It's a beautiful area.  I love it round there.  Howarth is just stunning.

That is amazing that previous owners found you!! The history is amazing.  And a little 🐕 would be wonderful 💗🐶