Run. A dream may soon become an albatross, unless you have the means to overcome the obvious difficulties. Consider that it hasn’t sold for some time. Can you wait that long or more again? Will climate change require heating and/or air? The isolation may become isolating, removing you from the experience of Italy. And, get your drivers license out and look at your birth date. How much time of full vigor do you have? It doesn’t last forever. Oh well, I’m old. Smooch!
To me, this house has an elegant presence. I love the patina of the buttery color, the simplicity of the lines and layout (so much better than a chopped up space). The window details are divine, and the interior seems bright and has charm. The fact that the house has a history, had a function in the community, is delightful (ah, if these walls could speak…). Inspiration for writing. That it sits right on the road is a bit jarring to our American eyes, but that’s not unusual for old European houses. If the road is not too busy, it wouldn’t necessarily deter me. As for view and setting, the most important thing for me is green. I can picture a table and chairs by the olive grove and a lovely garden. Sometimes, the best room of the house is outside!
Hey Jan. Apparently I've been under a rock, so was excited to see you are looking at "Home" in Italy. I know you love Europe. Two thoughts: Having built a house in Mexico, one of the most important things for us and one of the most gratifying things for us is that we live a ten minute walk into town. We have many wonderful neighbors along the way that we have developed relationships with, but also still have privacy at our casa. So I would say for you to really think about being that far away from town. Oh, and since we built, three WONDERFUL little restaurants have opened up, so we are one block from quick and yummy dining.
Second thing is the windows. Light is SO important to us. When we first moved into our home in Eagle 4.5 years ago we found it was dark inside and this was very depressing. So we repainted the inside white and added lighting and it's helped tremendously. Our home in Mexico has an 8' x 10' window in the living room and all rooms have large windows. It's simply divine.
Otherwise, I am simply excited for you in your quest for this delightful chapter. I am rereading Under the Tuscan Sun right now, so am right there with you.
Feel free to reach out to me if you want to talk about being an expat more. Or home. Or anything. x0x00x0
If you have the money to invest in renovations, then it might work. It does seemto be a bit isolated though, and with less of a view than you would like. Can't really change those issues...
Just a brief comment since I’m traveling. Lots to love, but a few cautions: it’s a historic house, so research carefully about solar panels being an option. Also heating/cooling in general--make sure you understand the costs well because usually things end up costing more in the end. The small windows would be a deterrent for me, as would being car dependent, but you seem to have thought those through. I’d say picture yourself there at 80, maybe unable to drive. Still tempting?Isolation can be both lovely and, well, isolating. Happy pondering!
Purchasing Property in Italy, Part 6
On pins and needles over here...!
Run. A dream may soon become an albatross, unless you have the means to overcome the obvious difficulties. Consider that it hasn’t sold for some time. Can you wait that long or more again? Will climate change require heating and/or air? The isolation may become isolating, removing you from the experience of Italy. And, get your drivers license out and look at your birth date. How much time of full vigor do you have? It doesn’t last forever. Oh well, I’m old. Smooch!
Wait! Where’s the kitchen??
Do the temps require a heating/cooling system?
I’m a huge fan of boxy spaces. Boxy and 4 square rooms...love.
To me, this house has an elegant presence. I love the patina of the buttery color, the simplicity of the lines and layout (so much better than a chopped up space). The window details are divine, and the interior seems bright and has charm. The fact that the house has a history, had a function in the community, is delightful (ah, if these walls could speak…). Inspiration for writing. That it sits right on the road is a bit jarring to our American eyes, but that’s not unusual for old European houses. If the road is not too busy, it wouldn’t necessarily deter me. As for view and setting, the most important thing for me is green. I can picture a table and chairs by the olive grove and a lovely garden. Sometimes, the best room of the house is outside!
I think you could make it HOME… and… I would come visit!
Nail-biter!
Neighboring olive trees seem like a fine view to me!
Hey Jan. Apparently I've been under a rock, so was excited to see you are looking at "Home" in Italy. I know you love Europe. Two thoughts: Having built a house in Mexico, one of the most important things for us and one of the most gratifying things for us is that we live a ten minute walk into town. We have many wonderful neighbors along the way that we have developed relationships with, but also still have privacy at our casa. So I would say for you to really think about being that far away from town. Oh, and since we built, three WONDERFUL little restaurants have opened up, so we are one block from quick and yummy dining.
Second thing is the windows. Light is SO important to us. When we first moved into our home in Eagle 4.5 years ago we found it was dark inside and this was very depressing. So we repainted the inside white and added lighting and it's helped tremendously. Our home in Mexico has an 8' x 10' window in the living room and all rooms have large windows. It's simply divine.
Otherwise, I am simply excited for you in your quest for this delightful chapter. I am rereading Under the Tuscan Sun right now, so am right there with you.
Feel free to reach out to me if you want to talk about being an expat more. Or home. Or anything. x0x00x0
If you have the money to invest in renovations, then it might work. It does seemto be a bit isolated though, and with less of a view than you would like. Can't really change those issues...
Just a brief comment since I’m traveling. Lots to love, but a few cautions: it’s a historic house, so research carefully about solar panels being an option. Also heating/cooling in general--make sure you understand the costs well because usually things end up costing more in the end. The small windows would be a deterrent for me, as would being car dependent, but you seem to have thought those through. I’d say picture yourself there at 80, maybe unable to drive. Still tempting?Isolation can be both lovely and, well, isolating. Happy pondering!