On 5 October 2021, Martijn Doolaard returned home to two charming stone cabins in the Italian Piedmont region. These cabins, nestled in the Alpine landscape, fulfilled Doolaard’s lifelong dream of having his own mountain retreat. He joyfully shared his acquisition on Instagram, expressing his passion for the space, the view, and the solitude it offered. Despite their need for extensive renovations to be habitable year-round, Doolaard was determined to turn them into his dream homes and vowed to document the process on his YouTube channel, where he had garnered a large following.
Martijn Doolaard, a Dutch graphic designer turned videographer and travel writer, had gained popularity for his epic road trips. His previous adventures consisted of cycling from Amsterdam to Hong Kong and embarking on a two-year bike trip from Vancouver to Patagonia. He captured his experiences in two stunning coffee-table books and created captivating footage using a drone he operated effortlessly while cycling. However, his YouTube channel focused on his cabin renovations surpassed these previous achievements in terms of popularity, amassing over 584,000 subscribers.
Despite the seemingly slow and mundane nature of watching Doolaard paint or carry out other painstaking tasks in his videos, viewers found themselves captivated and engrossed. Journalists wondered why half a million people would eagerly watch such seemingly uneventful content. Yet, Doolaard’s videos have an intriguing and elegiac quality, recording not only the renovation process but also any incidental occurrences along the way.
Each episode of Doolaard’s YouTube series begins with soothing piano melodies or the soft sound of distant cowbells, accompanied by aerial shots of the picturesque landscape. Doolaard greets the camera, appearing in his signature attire of a shirt, blue jeans, leather boots, and an old-fashioned hat. His demeanor and conversational tone create a sense of familiarity, as if he is speaking to an old friend. These videos predominantly feature Doolaard working alone, engaging in various tasks such as trench-digging, timber planing, stone stacking, bread baking, or simply admiring the breathtaking scenery.
Doolaard consciously adopted a slow and deliberate approach to his videos, in stark contrast to the fast-paced editing style common among YouTubers. He recognized that excessive speed in content delivery can be exhausting for viewers. Instead, he allows his audience to wander, reflect, and reminisce, creating a relaxed and enjoyable space akin to reading a book. Doolaard’s focus lies not in the end result but in the process itself. Watching him tackle arduous challenges, such as dealing with a massive buried rock using a handheld hydraulic drill, feels akin to witnessing a monumental struggle akin to Ahab’s battle with the whale in Moby-Dick.
In 2014, Doolaard, clean-shaven and without his trademark hat, worked on branding photoshoots involving confetti and swirling paint. His limited experience in construction merely involved minor cosmetic work in his Amsterdam apartment. However, his desire for exploration and adventure led him down a path that culminated in the purchase and renovation of his Alpine stone cabins. Looking back, it seems incredible that Doolaard ever had doubts about surviving without the internet or human company during his early travels.
Doolaard understands why his audience continues to grow, with many individuals expressing a desire to participate in his projects. His videos offer an escape from the monotony of everyday life and provide a chance to immerse oneself in nature. For some, watching his videos is like a holiday, while others yearn to break free from their comfort zones. Throughout the process, Doolaard has received visitors from all corners of the globe and throughout different seasons. He even recounted an instance where a young plumber from the US braved harsh winter conditions to assist him in his work.
In the latest episode, titled “Big Change,” Doolaard radiates an unmistakable joy and satisfaction. He completes the internal walls of the top floor of the first cabin and, with the help of three men, removes the floor to reveal the full height of the building. Reflecting on this particular moment, Doolaard explains that certain milestones in the renovation process bring about significant changes to the property. In this case, revealing the basement and allowing natural light to flood in made a world of difference.
Doolaard’s videos are not scripted, and each episode features footage captured during that specific week. Although some shots may seem familiar, showcasing the two cabins side by side or offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks from the picnic table, they always have subtle differences. Cloud formations, shifting leaves, and changing hues convey the passage of time. The question of when this series will conclude remains open-ended, as Doolaard envisions the project continuing indefinitely. Once the renovation phase nears completion, he plans to shift the focus to gardening, creating art, or making furniture. The possibilities are endless.
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