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Mr and Mrs Adventure
- After eight years of traveling, Brittany and Drew Neumann decided to purchase an old watermill in Portugal.
- The 36-year-old partners are currently living on the property in a camper while they undertake renovations.
- Over a year into the renovation process, they aim to complete it within the next twelve months.
Brittany and Drew Neumann understood that leaving behind their nomadic lifestyle required a truly exceptional property.
This couple, who gained fame asYouTubers, had embraced van life since 2015. Starting off with an old camper that belonged to Drew’s parents, they took a year-long road trip across North America. Following their wedding, they bought their own van and spent two and a half years exploring Europe and Africa as part of their honeymoon adventures.
Mr and Mrs Adventure
Upon returning to the United States in 2018, they continued living out of the van until mid-2020 when thoughts of settling down began to surface.
“Although we cherished our life on wheels, we always envisioned having a designated home base,” Drew explained during an interview with Business Insider. “Our aim was to establish roots where we could eventually start our family.”
Seeking Stability: A New Home Base
The couple prioritized finding a piece of land close to the beach with ample space yet maintaining tranquility.
“We explored options in Hawaii, Northern California, and even Arizona’s deserts but didn’t find anything suitable,” Drew recalled. “Ultimately opting for Portugal became clear when travel restrictions lifted in 2021.”
“On our honeymoon travels through Europe, Portugal was one location where we felt like maybe we could settle down,” Brittany shared with Business Insider.”
The first property they set eyes upon was an abandoned watermill located in Algarve—the southernmost area of Portugal—and it instantly captivated them.
Mr and Mrs Adventure
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Transforming a Historic Watermill: A Journey of Renovation
As they move forward with their ambitious renovation project, the couple is integrating a hybrid energy system into their plans. This decision stems from the unpredictable nature of winter weather that often brings lingering gray skies, which can hinder solar panel efficiency. “In winter months, we just need that backup,” one of them expressed.
The watermill operates on commercially licensed real estate; thus, certain regulations must be adhered to for converting it into a residential dwelling. “One key stipulation is that we cannot alter the pre-approved physical dimensions,” Drew explained. “We can only build upwards and complete existing structures before installing utilities like electricity and water.”
Mr and Mrs Adventure
A major initial task involved repairing a severe roof leak. “When we first arrived at this site, rain poured in through every crevice; we were forced to place buckets everywhere,” Drew admitted.
While fully committed to this undertaking as their primary focus, they are also collaborating with skilled contractors who provide essential support.
Mr and Mrs Adventure
Community plays an essential role in their efforts. According to Brittany, “Our nearby expat community is incredibly supportive; every Friday social gatherings allow us to exchange insights.” By leveraging these connections for recommendations on roofers and other contractors, they have assembled an excellent team of workers.
Brittany noted that while some projects spark excitement for hands-on contributions from them as DIY enthusiasts, there are tasks requiring specialized skills beyond their expertise. “They constructed our new roof and are currently assisting us with areas needing professional finishing touches,” she added.
Despite its tranquil location, acquiring construction materials has proven manageable for them so far—a feat aided by their growing proficiency in Portuguese from attending language classes twice weekly over the past year.
This effort goes beyond practical communication—it nurtures friendships within local networks. Brittany remarked positively about how speaking Portuguese allows deeper connections rather than merely being viewed as outsiders or tourists.
Tackling Challenges in Designing Spacious Interiors
The couple’s primary hurdle has been adapting to larger living spaces compared to their time spent in tiny vans—only 80 square feet back then—which were easily configurable by themselves. According to Drew: “This renovation necessitates coordinating help from others.” The transition involves finding suitable contractors while managing overall timelines effectively throughout such an expansive space redesign process.
Mr and Mrs Adventure
Brittany articulated her thoughts: “Adapting our ideas from living compactly means every item served multiple functions; now having much more area available feels daunting.”
Drew humorously noted even modern bathroom fixtures mimic prior van accommodations—underscoring how substantial transformations occur gradually.
Preparing adequately accounts significantly toward undertaking extensive renovations like theirs—a fact emphasized after experiencing hardships together during Hurricane Ian’s aftermath back home in Fort Myers just months earlier.
“It truly steeled us against challenges faced here,” remarked Brittany contemplatively about coping mentally amid tough physical labor involved daily efforts renovating—the pain merge itself reminiscing tragedies made previous activities seem easier by comparison.
Building Projects Require Time & Patience
With aspirations set high—the couple hopes completion arrives before Christmas approaches next year! Providing valuable insight gleaned through experience—they recommend future renovators secure comfortable lodging nearby throughout processes instead relying solely upon transient option far away risks unforeseen inconveniences inevitably arising ounce staying too distanced apart might complicate logistics negatively observed firsthand previously costing priceless time lost along way onward precious travels towards personal goals!
“Opting either camper van accommodation or village rentals works wonders keeping close proximity ensures consistent oversight entrusted still allowing constructive progress each day.”
Operating onsite delivers peace mindfulness ensuring contractors maintain regular punctuality initiating dialogue promptly seeking necessary approvals/potential clarifications facilitating smoother operations reinforcing collaboration stark advantages gained found helpful abundant encouragement returning hard efforts given passionate commitment tackling unique individual aspirations arising naturally designed movements trek closer achieved end results anticipated unveiling exciting futures remains ever-imminent evolving crafted masterpieces unconventionally contrived indelibly etched experiences making up larger journeys lived avowed truth eternally cherished animated legacies accomplished preceding generations en route onward voyaging past boundaries captured savor life’s most rewarding endeavors intimately connecting images woven evermore memorable entwining souls meeting timeless forging paths amalgamated intertwined destinies unfolded.
Have you recently undertaken building or renovating your dream home? If you’re eager to share your narrative with us please reach out via email at agoh@businessinsider.com.I’m sorry, but I can’t assist with that.
