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Italian house renovation and cost to live in the le Marche region of Italy. My rural farmhouse restoration continues. Buying a house with land – rustic design decisions that I am finding difficult. Creating space and organsing so that I can continue the DIY house renovations easily. Tools storage. Building materials don’t arrive on time and are the prices good? Le Marche, Italy. The best region in Italy, in my opinion. If you are looking for a house to retire or holiday in, make sure that you visit and explore Le Marche before you buy a cheap house or villa in this wonderful country.

Three Acres of Marche is my story and adventure as I renovate an old farmhouse that I bought for less than £50k and have a small budget for the renovation and restoration. I plan to work from here (Digital Nomad Visa) and retire here. Links to the products that I use in this video or that people ask me about all the time. (I bought all of these products – none are sponsored).

My house is located near Corinaldo, within the Marche region. Here I share my experience and my top tips.

Contact me
https://www.threeacresofmarche.com
https://www.instagram.com/threeacresofmarche – you can DM here.

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CHAPTERS
00:00 DIY aching
01:09 Septic Tank
03:30 They’re back!
07:09 Italian Wine
08:10 Fireplace design plans
12:10 Shall I use these bricks?
17:37 New tool!
18:45 Kit test in the wind
21:14 Mini Tour and plans
24:43 A trip out for materials

Thank you for watching. Likes and subscriptions help my channel grow – thank you for your support.

If you like the channels that I am inspired by, such as @RaisingVoyagers @MartijnDoolaard @Mrandmrsadventure and @WildWonderfulOffGrid then you are in the right place (there are many more great channels that I watch and am inspired by…)

This is my new’ish channel which is all about my big plans to renovate an old disused rustic farmhouse that I purchased in rural Italy. I show you why I chose to buy a house in Italy and why I chose to live in the Marche region over places such as Tuscany, Umbria, Abruzzo and Puglia.

PS: Some of the links in this description are affiliate links that I may get a small kickback from. 😊

been a few weeks since I’ve done this sort of um 
labor you know this sort of work and you get out  
of shape so fast to feel like I need to really 
stretch out but I’m making and I’ve only just  
started as if you need like a few days build up 
every time to really get into it anyway brush
[Music]
okay I’m doing here is going to put a trough 
of foundation in to build a platform where the  
septic tank will go because the house is just 
here and I’m told it’s more sensible to have a  
septic tank that’s near the house so not too much 
pipe work between the house and it and then also  
somewhere accessible where I guess one of these 
vans can come that you know take it all the way  
can get to so it I figure if I put it here I can 
hide it nicely little wall good bit of planting  
around it and it’ll just be invisible and then 
the runoff is as I said before down the field so  
I’m just going to dig a nice trench put some 
footings in there so I’ll use all the rubble  
from the from pulling down the kitchen wall 
so I will come down here make it solid and  
then I’ll probably use a lot of those fence 
posts actually because they’re all just sat  
there waiting to be used and this this sort 
of thing could be could be good for it really  
solid base cuz I imagine those things probably 
a ton maybe two ton I guess when they’re full of  
water and stuff so yeah proper footing and 
that’s what I’m doing beautiful day bit hot
I’m at that stage now where I’m just putting stuff 
down randomly and forgetting about it and then I  
can’t find anything so I’m looking for knee pads 
because I need to be on my knees for ages I’ve  
got tools in not three three or four places 
and I think the uh when I had it in there  
it’s not the easiest to pop in and out of that 
so I think what I’m going to do I’ll use this
I can drag that washing machine out nice and dry 
fairly clean so it’s a good little tool storage I
think and bring all the 
tools in from the garage into  
here and then also all all 
the stuff I’ve got in in
there
mhm oh dear fresh rat poo one 
person in the comment said uh
yeah you wouldn’t be surprised 
if they’re back well not that  
there’s a prize for that but you are right
there’s my knee pads that’s what I’m 
doing this whole thing for right down  
the back of the right down the back 
of this shelving thing so I found them
[Music]
[Music]
now here’s a bit I didn’t even think about 
gone this far in I’ve not thought whether  
it’s going to fit or not it’s going 
to fit just but I got this pipe in the
way oh that was easier than I thought all 
right let’s see if we can get it in [Music]
oh dear these are the jobs that 
slow it all down you think oh it  
only take me half an hour and 
then I’ll be here for 2 hours
[Music]
[Music]
at the moment there’s no sign there’s no sign 
of rapoo in there which is quite pleasing
metal shelves with that saw on the 
back wall looks like a horror movie  
doesn’t it the sort of thing you see 
in the movie I’ll take that out now so  
guests get scared if they go in there well 
last night I didn’t actually film it I came  
out late and the moon wasn’t full but it was 
really really bright and tonight a day or two  
away from Full Moon and it should be clear 
tonight so it could be when it’s clear at  
night here um yeah you don’t need any outside 
lighting it’s amazing I don’t think I’ve ever  
felt like get that in a city in England light 
pollution and all that I suppose but it’s it’s  
amazing to come outside and it’d be bright so 
you don’t need a torch it’s lovely actually
anyway it’s not all work so good day 
done long day and sunset looks good  
so this is kind of what I bought it 
for so you got to enjoy it when it’s  
here I mean the weather might not 
be the same for the next few days
so enjoy it while it’s is as it is so 
enjoy it while it looks nice I think  
this sky tonight should should really pop you 
know that bright red deep red sunset we’ll see
cheers
all right so here’s the plan for this piece I was 
in two minds what to do with this wall part of me  
was going to put like a thin brick on it and then 
in a thin brick all this corner but I wonder if  
it’s to be to I don’t know make it feel too small 
so what I think I’ll do I’ll just keep all that  
rendered like plasted white and then I’ll thin 
brick this becasue I don’t like the red I will  
put the thin brick around the edge of this I’ve 
getting a tile for the inside of the fireplace  
which will give a little bit of warmth a bit of 
light bit of reflection and the color scheme of  
this should continue through from the lounge into 
the kitchen that’s the plan but this bottom bit  
here is where I sort of I’m a bit undecided 
because part of me was thinking of getting a  
decent brick and I don’t know put them like a 
a fixed pattern but now I see it as rustic as  
it looks all and even I quite like it so I wonder 
what color these actually are for clean them and  
then would they take a little bit of a bit of a 
color in and then because I can reset the level  
I can get load of make sure they’re all flat 
and then have the fireplace sat on them so or  
even as rustic as it looks if I figure out where 
the four legs of the fireplace are going to be  
and make sure those four pads effectively 
are solid and then I just randomly place  
cement them in obviously fix them in randomly 
place them around it so it looks a bit uneven  
like an old cobbled street so I think 
I need to clean these up see what they  
look like clean all this out take this front 
off and decide how the front’s going to look  
this floor is all definitely coming up I think 
I’ll keep the kitchen floor which I showed in  
a previous video somebody sent me a link there’s 
a there’s a cleaner chemical that might bring it  
all back so that could be good and then I’ve 
yesterday when I was at the builder merchant  
I found some tile uh terra cotta tiles about this 
big and they come in two finishes there a there’s  
a it’s almost like a sandpaper finish and then 
there’s a smooth finish I think one’s around €1.60  
ones around €1.90 per tile so I figure out the 
floor in here and the hallway in the new Terra  
Cotter keep the existing floor because it’s 
flat it’s solid it’s good the level of this  
might change as well because of the door that’s 
going in so there’s a bit of working out on this  
which leaves me going to make this a little 
bit lower so then I can catch up or I’m not  
explaining myself very well am I it’s there’s so 
many things to figure out at this point it’s got  
to make it up as it go along but I kind of want to 
get the fireplace in and out the way even though  
it’s coming into spring and summer this is it I’m 
like 6 months behind on these things because I’ve  
been told don’t touch a thing I stupidly listened 
all right that’s the plan let’s see what happens
all right it’s only a quick clean so see how 
they dry now they lay out see this is the  
I I’m struggle with I’m honest I can see the whole 
house out it’s going to be finished what’s going  
to look inside and outside The Terraces the you 
know so the patio the swales as everyone’s saying  
mentioning get some swales in so that’s looking 
good what I’m going to do with the barns and thing  
I can visualise all that it’s just the detail 
what stone is going to go in the foot footing  
or the bed of the fireplace it’s those little 
things that I struggle with and you look on  
you look on Pinterest some amazing things 
on there and you just got to wonder are they  
thrown together by people like me or are they put 
together by designers who do this full-time every  
day and they’re experts at it and then they’ve 
got a big budget and they’ve got skilled crafts  
people putting it all together for them you 
got to wonder so I like how rustic they’re  
looking I’m sure I could get them all even 
with a bit of patience and the the beding of
it it’s the color isn’t it I’ll do a few
more lay them out and to see see what it 
looks like all right let’s go from there
[Music]
no hidden treasure no buried bones that’s a good  
sign I think well maybe not the 
treasure that would have been nice
[Music]
so they’ve had a good chance to dry now I I 
didn’t clean them properly I think I could  
probably clean them a lot better but looking 
at it there’ll be a terracotta floor so you  
this sort of color terracotta um rustic finish 
or engineered obviously so proper corners and  
everything they’re not as beat up as these things 
so that is that too much it might look all right  
on the fireplace as a base I think I might wait 
for the tiles to arrive or certainly the sample  
tile which is going to take about a week the lady 
said to arrive and then see how it goes from there  
because like I say I struggle with these bits 
we’ll see It’ll come together it’ll just get  
dirty anyway won’t it when the fire is on and I’m 
never going to clean out the fire I’m not going  
to clean out the fire every week am I this is this 
is living it’s not Instagram oh it’s not Pinterest
[Music]
this is what I’m left with after uh 
having a quick smash and a quick look  
yeah this bit here is different than 
what I and what I pulled up over there  
over there is a lot softer which is 
nearer the kitchen so I hope most of  
it solid it’s just that edge piece that I 
found is soft oh it’s hard working isnt it
[Music]
all right time for a breather it’s getting 
hot in there and it’s blowing a gale outside  
so it’s a good time to test this microphone and 
sound beautiful day where are we now we’re um  
uh towards the end of March if 
you’re in a sun trap or wind  
trap whatnot you could definitely be 
sunbathing in this this is amazing
I say it’s blowing quite hard so if this sounds 
good we’re on a winner and if it’s working then  
I’ll put the links I’ve looked into that affiliate 
thing so if you do click on something there’s a  
chance I might have affiliate linked it because 
obviously I get a couple of quid if you do that  
not saying do it but just to let you know that it 
might be affiliate links and those who don’t know  
what affiliate links are basically I put a link 
on my page it’s unique to me if you click that  
and you end up buying the company the other end 
will give me a cut I don’t know how much it is  
could be a few percent could be a fixed rate I 
don’t know yet but I’ll get something so that’s  
what affiliate is and most people on YouTube do 
it and you know you got to be really honest and  
transparent about these things this sounds good 
what is this kit it’s a GoPro hero9 and it’s got  
the media pack but it’s got a an extra microphone 
on top and I’ve used that microphone now on a few  
videos where it wasn’t so wind and it definitely 
was good and I used the headphones anyway I’ve  
used the headphones for years they’re really good 
um Bluetooth headphones amazing quality and a and  
a really good price but like I said this is about 
house building not about Affiliates and stuff
but anyway I’m rambling
I stare at this all the time thinking I should 
take that down and I’m even talking about it
now I thought the wind might have blown it off but  
I should take it down shouldn’t I really 
let’s close the door for my new storage
room okay so that’s a good test
all right morning everyone um it’s late actually 
I’ve had uh what a week ah what am I going to do  
so I’m feeling I’ve woken up and I’m feeling like 
I’m a bit disorganised again I sort of let things  
creep up on me as in um leaving stuff lying around 
and I haven’t really got a proper plan I think I  
need to get I want to make space in this room and 
really go at this room over this over this weekend  
I’ve got a few days now because it’s a bank 
holiday in the UK so I’ve got some days off and I  
got four days to go at it should we say fireplace 
needs to go in although the bricks haven’t arrived  
and the tiles haven’t arrived they on order so 
that’s behind already and I think I really need  
to get on with this corner here and put the office 
in because I’m a bit crammed in the bedroom and I  
also think sitting at that window sitting at the 
window there it would be quite nice I do sit at  
the window in the other room but it’s not the 
same I’m looking at the I’m just looking out at  
the bank the the mud bank whereas here I think I 
can get an angle right across the field and when  
I’m on those long teams calls you know I know a 
lot of you are retired and you’ve missed out on  
the teams generation but oh teams meetings my 
they go on okay anyway yeah so let’s I’m going  
to tidy up make some space I now the weather’s 
changing I feel more comfortable putting some  
things back outside or I could put them in the 
garage actually and then I’m going to be free  
to do the lounge this dining kitchen area and 
then the kitchen I really want to get on with  
the kitchen but I’m conscious so I could start 10 
jobs and finish none I was saying in another clip  
and I don’t know if I’ve edited that in or not but 
I’ll just say it again what I think my plan now  
is I’m going to do as many jobs as I can and go as 
far as I can and then start another job and then  
let’s say I get four jobs going where I go to a 
certain point and then I need some help I think  
then I could probably get some help in to help 
me finish those four or five jobs off and then  
that person disappears for a while and then I can 
get back on and start four or five other jobs so  
I getting help is difficult I really appreciate 
everyone offering help I really do I mean if I was  
if this was in real time I’d love people to come 
I really would I’m I’m close to having somebody  
come and sit at the house because they they can 
work from here and they they visit and stuff so  
house sitters help me out quite intrusive for 
this YouTube thing but anyway I ramble what am  
I saying okay so uh yeah clear this space I think 
that’ll be good for me how I can really make this  
good start to render that up and get it tidy and 
then also the ceilings I can sort of scratch them  
all down or clean them all back with a brush and 
start to fill all the little gaps in there and and  
maybe point that piece so maybe even at weekend I 
get thiso this little zone here finished and bits  
and Bobs elsewhere that’s good and then I think my 
next big job if I can get to it start this Lounge  
get this clear set out the floor in because I’m 
going to raise the floor over slightly leave gaps  
where the plumbing sorry and then leave gaps for 
the wiring where the wiring will go so I can get  
all that set out and marked out and if I’ve got 
a even a temporary floor in there the sofa can  
go in there and I can even just put a telly in 
there so I can have a different space to relax  
in yeah because at the moment I you know relax 
on the bed read on the bed it’s not quite warm  
enough to see outside yet I have the odd evening 
out there well that’s a long one it’s too long
[Music]
five bags of plaster five bags of sand 33 
is all right I think that’s all right to  
be fair the bricks I wanted the rustic bricks I 
wanted um they don’t stock so it’s an order and  
they only do it by the pallet load so I need 
to be more organised for that sort of order

49 Comments

  1. There are several stone clearcoats that really explodes the natural shine.
    Apply after a thorough cleaning. Perhaps muriatic acid if directions say so.

  2. The fire bricks are perfect. Either lay them in Mortar or in sand.. Your tiles look really interesting . I haven't had the opportunity to check out the fire brick on the inside of the fireplace in my house. Maybe I will get some ideas from your inspiration. Thanks for sharing the adventure with us again. Katie in Abruzzo

  3. The last shot randomly has made me hungry for a nice pizza… Your enemy is teams calls – mine are zoom calls…

  4. I have a question for you….
    It's for you, not for me..
    Are you renovating a house and videoing "it" or…
    Are you making a video about renovating a house?
    It' s a different thing, and
    When it is (eventually) done…no one will be watching any more and there will just be you and your house….eventually..
    Are you doing this for you, or for the viewers
    I don't need an answer.

  5. I am retired but not so long as to have avoided Teams meetings, I share your pain, they were awful, a platform for waffle talk, the only good Teams meeting was where they were led by a ruthless facilitator! Cut off the wafflers.

  6. I’m enjoying the multi job approach as we get to see things change and progress in various parts of the house. Another nice relatable video! All this with having to travel back and forth! Impressive!

  7. Enoiugh of this guilt of wanting to make a few quid. A few pence if your an amazon affiliate. Theres nothing wrong with making a few quid. Its actually a good thing. It doesnt cost a buyer anything. Amazon or whever take the buyers money not the affiliate. Theres no need to mention it as the internet has been around long enough for people to know. Sorry, you shouldnt have to be transparant. we all know, so theres no need. Its like Though sahlt not kill. we dont mate. Thats the governments job. haha. rant over.

  8. Great video Richard
    If you keep the original bricks from the fireplace they are beautiful
    Interesting how you made your new storage area it is very convenient to house
    You do have a lot of projects but you got great ideas and you will get to the finish sooner or later
    Beautiful area you live in and great to take a break with your wine on your deck
    Take care and will see you in the next video
    ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

  9. Richard, don’t overthink it too much. I’ve seen plenty of channels of work done to houses that are outstanding and they’ve been done themselves.

  10. Pinterest is designed to make you wonder exactly that. I don’t wonder, I just do. I imagined my kitchen and just did it. It took me awhile because it was weekends and days off and a two week vacation to finish it. It’s not to everyone’s taste but we love it.

  11. Love watching your videos!!! It’s my inspiration as I am hoping that I will be in Italy soon renovating my future home!! I’ll be buying in Abruzzo so just south of you!! Thank you for sharing your adventure with us..

  12. You should whitewash that fireplace. The red brick peaking through the thin whitewash would look great. I whitewashed my fireplace a few years ago and it looks great.

  13. Richard, picture and sound quality is awesome, affiliate links are there to help you out, use them my friend. Those tiles will come up beautifully with a sealant❣️keep the colour palette as neutral as possible and let your soft furnishings & decor make the statement, use the big green demijohns and convert them to stunning table lamps, or just as decorative floor pieces, I desperately want some but the cheapest I’ve found in australia is $370 each. 😮it’s a marathon my friend, I’m finally getting my laundry & main bathroom installed next Friday 3 years after we started our rip tare bust renovations, when your doing most of it yourself it takes time, lots of time ❤ Ciao Michelle 🇦🇺

  14. Go rustic, keep the old fire base and dont go overboard on the tiles. As for the rats, a rat trap with pumpkin seed or peanut butter as bait ………………… dead rats.

  15. It’s going to look amazing when it’s completed!!!! Don’t you worry about being unorganized right now. It’s normal when you’re renovating and you’re only one person. Keep those videos coming because its been wonderful to see them. 🌷💕

  16. If you're being knocked sideways by the heat, increase your salt intake. You can just lick a sprinkle off a spoon or, add a slurp of soy sauce to a mug of hot water or, have marmite on your toast or, you could pay through the nose for an electrolyte product from the chemist. ☺

  17. You are not very methodical, this video is all over the place. Plan a bit, and pls stop moaning, we watch to be entertained.😂

  18. Hey! Rich, nuvva blitzin' vid. I'm with Catherine, 'no tiles' clean the original pavers make it rustic/earthy, It's your vision, live you dream, don't need designers. What you've done so far is gr8. Yeh!! think it (even over think it) but stay true to your instincts, it's goin' good so far. From this end anyway, Cheers, crappy Friday in Melb, Aust, nice to come home and find one of your posts. Rally nice can't wait for next

  19. The green demijohns are great, I have 2 in my garden in amongst plants, they make a real feature. I bought them back from my sisters in Piedmont on the back of my sons lorry years ago on one of my many trips there.
    The fire tiles are a lovely original feature, they could be sealed to keep the colour.
    Don't feel too overwhelmed, you have to break eggs to make an omelette!!

  20. Love the videos – thanks. That’s a big project to take on yourself and a stunning location – sunsets to die for – huge kudos. How do you get internet in such a remote location? Starlink?

  21. @threeacresofmarche not sure what the time delay on filming and posting is but… the first things to consider when the tank is being installed are the fact that 'run-off' can stink and which way is the prevailing wind direction. Some types of plant can mitigate run-off and stink, but they can't change the wind direction… 👍🙂

  22. Just remembered something else… never throw away / have taken away any broken stone, concrete, brick etc – it is free hardcore for any future groundwork and paths you want to put it.

  23. Hi, I had some work done recently to check the status of my foundations at my place, while I was away. Came back to find that I had had some freeloaders come visit. I know where they were coming in – and even though I put down the foam filler and wire they still managed to munch their way through (it was wishful thinking!!). I bought these sonic sound emitters – and since then haven't had any signs of them. Might be worth a look into (I leave them on a higher frequency when I am not home, turn them down when I am home – as you can hear them). Happy to share the link!

  24. When I planned my house in the north Georgia mountains they told me that the size of the septic tank will be determined by the number of bathrooms and square footage of the house 😅

  25. It is easy to get redirected with a project everywhere you look.
    Finding things can be so frustrating and yes, a waste of time.
    #1 – A good tidy up and store all tools out of the house to make better use of space.
    That makes for visual breathing room.
    Less shifting stuff around while you work.
    #2 – Tools put back in storage area at end of day – then you know where they are.
    A clean slate makes for a better start the next morning.
    #3 – Once floor is in and electrical – finish one room at a time. That gives you some living space bit by bit.
    #4 – Not much of the inside of the fireplace will be seen once the the wood burner is in.
    How much light can be reflected then? So does it really need new tiles inside?
    #5 – Red brick not that bad for now, part of the old farmhouse vibe.
    It might even grow on you in time.
    #6 – Keep it simple – coo-zzzy! It is a getaway – not a Pinterest bank busting designer showroom.

    This is your house – your vision.
    It is all personal taste.
    Simple and neutral is timeless.
    Off white paint, it has a softness and warmth to it – cozy feeling.
    Open plan area = total tile job throughout what can be seen.

  26. You put a lot of effort into the camera angles – it doesn’t go unnoticed. And yes Teams calls are shit but allow us to be out of offices. Keep up the good work.

  27. Key Line is another approach similar to swales, Richard, and worth checking out too. Your land is pretty straightforward so it doesn't need to get involved and complex – K.I.S.S.!
    May I suggest that as soon as any landscaping allows you to, get planting your key infrastructure plants: trees and shrubs really. They take time to establish of course and autumn planting is by far the best time. You woukd be amazed at the amount of root growth tgat goes on during the 'dormant' winter months. This is critical to supporting the top growth in the following season and will potentially minimize hand watering. It never hurts to give, shrubs especially, a prune prior to planting, again to help ensure the roots can support the top growth. About 1/3 of the top growth is a general rule of thumb. Much harder for certain plants like currant bushes, or roses. If you like roses always bury the graft well, 2"-3" at least below the surface.

    Always just be 'you' in your vids. We love the authenticity it brings to the vids. We all chop and change ideas and plans, drift into rambles or digressions, get things bang-on or create the odd FUBAR. We are all just human and living in a western culture that has become very shallow and image concious, especially in the media. Down-to-earth, honest authenticity always resonates.

    Loving the channel and keep up the good works and never let the channel become the tail that wags the dog! 👍

  28. Hello Richard, it looks like your ideas are starting to come together. Finally you got some power tools. That will make your job faster and easier. Good luck keep up the great videos.

  29. Hi mate, as I’ve mentioned many times, I live just a few kilometers from Corinaldo, in Fossombrone. I’ve renovated a country house and have already gone through many of the phases you are dealing with. Unfortunately, from your videos, I can’t quite grasp your vision for the house… What do you see? What’s your dream for the house, what are the next steps you plan to take now and in the future? Are you aiming to keep the traditional Marchigiano country house style? Feel free to write anytime and maybe next time you’re back we can meet up. P.S. I really admire the passion you’re putting into this, though you seem a bit unsure about what to do next. un caro saluto.

  30. I'd plant rows of Pecan Trees upon your land. Good income, good wood. Shade.
    I'd also join COSTCO in England, bc they can assist you w products you need, like a power washer, etc, etc. Power wash those roof tiles and re-lay them, replace broken ones.

  31. I love this channel but the main problem seems to be a lack of focus. Too many tasks trying to get accomplished at once. Clean up is part of the job. Why take all of the tiles off the walls just to leave them in a heap on the floor, then run off to the supply house for materials? Love the channel and the project but being a pinball only costs negatively. Best of luck.

  32. Hi Richard, my husband and I have recently started watching your channel. We're quite addicted to reno experiences, and watch lots of channels similar to yours. We live in the Toronto area of Canada (but I'm a Brit) and are also working on a total renovation of our house.
    We completely share your aches and pains. My husband enjoys your banter and how you're capturing the reno, and surrounding areas. I love how authentic you are, so many seem to be trying to create an online persona. It's nice to see someone who is honest, includes the mistakes and isn't shy of taking on a challenge or admitting to a mistake or uncertainties. The information about buying and renovating in Italy is also interesting and useful to know.
    My husband has lots of experience with DIY and I project managed commercial renovations. I'm also a designer, so whatever I design, he can make it happen.
    I appreciate your challenges, especially when it's all down to you. Most of us have someone to bounce ideas and share the work and stress with. It's not easy for everyone to make selections, especially mid renovation when you have so much sensory clutter.. It always helps to have a second pair of eyes for an opinion from someone who's taste/opinion you trust.
    Perhaps a friendly volunteer would create some GC images for you showing different finishes on the fireplace and other elements of the project.
    I would recommend to keep yourself organised, perhaps build or buy a cart with wheels, that you can keep all your frequently used tools on, (with hooks for hanging stuff on etc). instead of laying things down and forgetting where they are. It's easy to drag it around the house from project to project.
    It might be an idea to buy a small caravan to provide you with a tidy/comfortable space to rest in. (Not sure if that's permitted where you are). Living in a renovation can be stressful and is always right in front of you, so being able to step into a non renovation environment can be therapeutic, espcially when the weather isn't good enough to enjoy the view outside. We all need a break, even if you enjoy the work and your guests could use it later on when you have extra visitors.
    As for structuring the work into an organised manner, as others have suggested, you know that many jobs are interdependant, so it's difficult to simply start and finish one and move onto another, but once the infrastructure that is linked from room to room and externally is in, you can then focus on finishes just as you said, during wait times.
    Please keep sharing your experience, it's refreshing to watch. Can't wait to see the rest of the story and how it all turns out.OK enough, just sharing a few throughts, but ultimately it's all up to you and I'm sure it will be beautiful .

  33. Swales are not always the answer because they can lead to landslides under certain conditions. Richard Perkins at Ridgedale Farm talks about swales vs keylines in some of his videos. He went with keylines on his sloping fields

  34. Thank you for posting, you've got a beautiful place.. Question, how well do you speak Italian – I would think it would need to be pretty good in order to do something like this ?

  35. the designers (like me) don't always have a big budget. If you want to brainstorm … just let me know, maybe I can help and give you some simple ideas and tricks as an interior designer … and thanks for bringing us to Italy and living the dream with you

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