House renovations in Italy are challenging in so many ways. Rewarding? Absolutely. But navigating the Italian way of doing things will definitely put you through your paces.
These stones and rocks are beautiful—they’ll make any property look incredible. Natural stone walls, raised beds, steps… there are countless ways I can use them to transform the garden and landscape side of this project (or at least, that’s the plan).
The real challenge? Moving them. They weren’t supposed to be this big (I laugh… while crying a little inside).
In this video, I talk about the costs of buying natural stone in bulk, the reality check of seeing what I’ve gotten myself into, and then the reward: a perfect Sunday, living the Italian dream.
Life here is good—I can’t complain. And anyway, if it were easy, everyone would be doing it, right?
I hope you enjoy this one. I’m paying attention to your comments and trying to shape each episode more intentionally, rather than just winging it like I have up until now.
A huge thank you for watching and message me. I’ve left you a little extra snippet at the end, if you make it that far on this one. Only about half of you do—and I love every one of you who sticks it out. Let me know what you think of this edit and whether the flow keeps you entertained.
Finally Thank you for your wine gifts. I am overwhelmed by your support. In the next episode, I visit a vineyard… you won’t want to miss that one.
Cheers,Richard
I mention people coming to help. Please bear in mind that I do not have anywhere for people to sleep so if you are interested in helping, please book and stay at the Bed & Bike in heart of Corinaldo https://anticadimorasforza.wixsite.com/homepage
Those with camper vans can stay with Simone at https://terredelpiano.it/en/welcome/
Thanks all. 🙏
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CHAPTERS
00:00 The dates kept changing
03:45 The gas bottle story
06:42 How much it all cost
08:47 The cost of labour
13:22 my first attempt
18:12 60 seconds of Le Marche countryside
19:45 Wine or work?
22:49 BLOOPERS
All music that I use on my channel is from my paid subscription with Epedemic Sound. I edit myself and use the Studio edition of Davinci Resolve.
24 Comments
Be patient with yourself. It is hard work doing everything alone. No wonder that you are tired. And forget some of the not so friendly comments here. As you often said: This is not a how to channel. Everybody is free to watch something else.
Thanks again for another inspiring video. ❤
Non fare pesi con le pietre grandi,può indebolire il cuore,in particolare il ventricolo sinistro
Buy yourself a sack barrow for those stones, it'll make a massive difference to your workload
Wish I could buy a small tractor or digger for you and bring it over from the UK for you. You just need a little bit of help with all the jobs. Wish I could get a month off work to help, but I’m sure you’ll catch a break soon. In the meantime, rest assured you have support from us all. From our perspective, we can’t get enough of your videos and eagerly awaiting each one coming through. Loved the bloopers on this one!! 😂😂
Thank you all for watching and messaging me about helping at the house. Please bear in mind that I do not have a place people to stay so I suggest that if you are coming to Corinaldo then you book in at https://anticadimorasforza.wixsite.com/homepage
This guest house is very near and I can pick people up / drop off etc. Its also a good spot for us to go for a drink and dinner in the evenings.
Thanks all. This one was fun to edit. 😂
Could buy a 2-wheel hand truck or dolly to assist you moving those big stones?
When I was younger we had a lot of huge rocks my father used to build a rock wall and for landscaping. Since we didn't have a lot of money at the time, he used an old car hood with a chain to pull them to their destination with our truck. Seems corny, but it worked great! Wish you the best of luck. Too bad you won't be there in October, I would genuinly stop to assist.
Breathe Richard, breathe. Where there is a will, there is a way. Do not work when ur tired. That’s when accidents happen. Better to keep safe!
I have bitten off more than I could chew on huge projects more than once, it is just who we are.
I remember barely able to hold my coffee mug the morning after mixing and pouring concrete.
Didnt have a fancy mixer, just a wheelbarrow and a garden hoe.
Needed acupuncture years later, but probably really needed to have my head read.
We all have our limits, know them before you do serious damage.
I think you hit a wall and built a wall there. Absolutely brilliant and well done. It's hard to put into words the admiration I have for you doing this alone. In the years to come, you will wonder yourself how you did it all. That place becomes part of you more and more with each visit, each job. A pat on the back hardly suffices, but give yourself one. Your channel is so very enjoyable. Thank you so much.
get yourself a MOT failure Hi Ace pick up 4×4 and just use it on the land to move stuff or buy a tractor
Oh if NZ wasn't so far away, I'd help in a heart beat. A sunday in Italy looks perfect
The walls are going to be fab. Remember the journey starts with one step, every day is progress. Love the updates from across the world 🌎 😊
A series of pulleys with a sturdy sling set up on wheels with a push bar might ease the infliction of pain on the back
Richard what happened to the beautiful bird your mom gave you? Its not overlooking the fields
Oh my how wonderful you are getting help❤❤❤❤
Wow, how many rocks did you get Richard
What you have done with rocks look beautiful ❤
Glad you took a nice break at the beach
Just rest you go at a non stop pace at the house
Loved the bloopers
Take care and prayers for safe travels
See,you in the next video Richard ❤❤❤❤❤
Remember: Hold your breath, lift with your back. Or something like that. You’re in it now!
It's not a big deal; one stone on top another. Just a suggestion, do the work rather than talk about. Results speak volumes. You titles this vlog, "What have I done?" So far, not much.
Ah mate 😅 when it’s done it’s done
I have two words: dry stack. My husband took on rock wall building all over our property in retirement — with no experience whatsoever — and only his first used mortar (because a neighbor gave him the old cement mixer). He's since built yards and yards of stunning walls with no mortar, of various heights and rock types, and they are far more elegant than the original one with mortar. Yes we have the odd place where a rock moves and/or a rodent digs a hole or something, and I do realize it depends on how much earth you need to hold back. Anyhow it's much less time/material intensive…maybe consider it for a few of the areas you're building! And either way, in no time you'll master the puzzle pieces and zen that goes into placing every rock. 😃
If I still had holiday this year, I would come, Richard. Now it would be possible next year.
Oy! I'll be in Montepulciano last week of November through first week December. Can swing by if you need muscle. Let me know. Cheers mate!
Richard, please try and get help with moving all those rocks!! Your body will thank you for it later. Even rent some type of machine if you need to. God bless and keep well. You are amazing!
You should put a little lime in with your mix, it will give you a little elasticity