Mr and Mrs Adventure

Saving the Most Important Part of Our 200-Year-Old Abandoned Home

The video chronicles the renovation of a 200‑year‑old watermill in southern Portugal, with the owners focusing on preserving the millstone – the historic heart of the property – while modernizing the space. Their plan includes removing the existing framework and installing a strong glass panel that will act as a “glass‑bottom boat” floor, allowing visitors to look down at the mill’s inner mechanisms and even illuminate them at night. Key tasks involve painstaking rust removal and component extraction using WD‑40, grinders, and improvised leverage, as Mario and Drew free a stubborn wheel that was held together only by a thin rusted layer. Simultaneously, they lay a French drain, apply waterproofing membranes, and prep the area for tiling, ensuring the structure can handle the region’s moisture while preserving its historic character. Throughout the build, the hosts sprinkle in memorable moments – a patron’s shipped laser measure, a mushroom‑foraging interlude, and a showcase of an 8K Hover Air Pro Max drone that captures the site in unprecedented detail. Quotes like “we’ll light it up at night” and “the wheel was only held by a little rust” highlight both the technical challenges and the emotional connection to the mill’s legacy. The project illustrates how heritage preservation can coexist with modern technology, creating a unique living space that honors the past while attracting future visitors. By documenting each step, the creators provide a template for DIY restorations and demonstrate the commercial potential of turning historic sites into experiential destinations.