We bought a house in CORTONA, Italy sight unseen & now renovating. Welcome to Our Tuscan Townhouse 🌻
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- čas přidán 30. 09. 2023
- Well this is it!! We have the keys and the place is ours!!! Come with us as we take you for a tour of our Tuscan Townhouse. Subscribe to this channel and follow our journey as we renovate this quaint old house that was built in the 1500's
Wishing You every success with your beautiful Italian Townhouse. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi! Oi! Oi!
@lyndaking5538 Cheers
That roof over the attic is the roof over your house. Not sure how you think you can remove it to open it up for a terrace. Maybe with a skylight but I wouldn't want to be cutting holes in a tile roof. Especially one that old.
Hi @hildacollie, it's never going to happen, it was a wish list before we stepped foot inside. Cheers😁
Just found your channel...looking forward to seeing what you do with your town house...looks amazing with so much potential. My roots are Italian so I love seeing any videos from Italy. Happy renovating! 😊
@angieinnes2001 Thank you so much for your positive comments and enjoy. Yes mine are too and means so much!!
Cortona is wonderful !!!! We were there in Sep ! Lovely scenery and wine !! Feb food omg ! La logetta and Ill falconneire was amazing !! Sylvie is a star x
Hi Sharon, 100% Cortona is amazing. There is always something going on!!
Best luck on the renovations! It was fun to find all the features and treasures with y'all. Thanks. An after video is breathlessly awaited!
Aussies!!!! Yeah ❤😊
Cheers
@louisemaree2704
I do love the townhouse. It's beautiful and still original looking.
Thanks, we have great visions for it !!
I'm in love with this!! I'd be tempted to leave the brick "cooking" fireplace"!
Hi @cecileroy557 and thanks for your comment. The brick cooking fireplace surround will definately remain, as it is original. The internal brick bread oven is not original and at this stage looks like going. We want it to stay, but the issue is fitting in a freestanding stove, as the kitchen is small?
Suggestions: Can you get rid of that free standing half wall in the kitchen? That will open the kitchen space up, and give you more configuration potential. A big island instead of a table would be more functional where people can sit where the counter overhangs on 3 sides, and have drawers and cupboards on one side. Mudding and making the opening of the bread oven smaller with a solid cast iron door would turn it into a pizza oven. Good luck with your project! We will all be living our Italian dream vicariously through you two!@@lavitapepi
@@beeARTcanadaMy thoughts exactly! And those pony walls, as they're called, have no function, other than to delineate one room from another.
Beautiful home. Best of luck on the renovations!
Thanks so much
@pamconlin-casarez7254
this is a lovely house, and quite a project. The good thing is that is has not been too messed around with during its 600 year life. However, I'm not sure that I could live without a balcony, terrace, courtyard or tiny garden - somewhere to step outside. Good luck.
Hi @elizzy8754 and thanks for your comments, and yes it has plenty of potential. We have proven ourselves during multiple home renovations in Australia that we have a good eye for finding the diamond in the rough. You are 100 %, our wish list in every property we viewed in Italy was to have those items you mentioned, but impossible to tick every box.
In towns, the Italian "living room" is the piazza or town square, where you hang out in the evenings after dinner, with friends, have an ice cream, chat, enjoy the warm weather (much of the time!), walk the baby, whatever. In most cities, having a small balcony or roof garden is a dreamed-of treasure for the well-to-do. If you want outdoor space, you live outside of town. I think the place will be lovely & cozy in winter, nice & cool in summer's heat.
@@vintagelady1 Yes, you are right, and my remark just expressed a personal preference after decades of living with and without an outdoor space or a balcony. I am so lucky now to live in the historical centre of a small town, and have a tiny garden. My old house also has its "historical" problems 😂
I agree, we live in a small mountain village in Spain and have outside terraces on all 3 levels. The plans for the roof terrace are a must.
Just subscribed...Can't wait to watch the renovations...such a beautiful home! Congratulations!
Thanks so much! 😊
What a man. True Italian charm !
I love it! Some day also I will move to Italy!!!
Thanks and You should!
Your new house has great structure; I’m sure it will end up being absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks @johnpatterson9219 we hope so too
A great blank slate! I agree, the roof might actually be able per pending zoning be able to be raised intact, and infilled with glass to create a sort of conservatory. The window views to the interior airshafts are enchanting.
Thanks for commenting and viewing
@jackstrubbe7608. Yes it has lots of potential
I have seen a lot of Italian homes on CZcams. The best ceilings, I ever seen.
👍😍
How lovely for you both. Good luck.
Thank you! 😊
@paulinefriar6916
A great place. 👍🏼❤️💫
That kitchen is incredible!
Thank you, it is special
Oh, I love it! Good luck and good life to you!
Thank you so much! @wixom01
That must have been so exciting!
Extremely @simon54😄, thanks
I know that I could never live in this property with no view and no outdoor space but the centuries old structure is nice otherwise. Enjoy the journey
Thanks😀
Absolutely love it!! Looks in pretty good nick.
Thank you! Cheers! Dianne
So….so beautiful!!!!
Many thanks!!@joerudnik9290
1500s!!!! So much history! Can't wait to see what you do with it!
Thanks @pama.6410.
Gorgeous Furniture that was left !!
Hi @a.b.creator, yes that furniture was left😁
Amazing property. My best wishes.
Thank you very much@maruchi5200
What a fantastic place, you guys! Can’t wait to see the transformation. Good luck and g’day from Queensland! 🇦🇺
Hi Queensland🦘🇦🇺. Thanks for your positive comments @melmal2917. Looking forward to a big 2024
Nice home! Good luck with the upgrade and enjoy!!!
Thanks @Subgunman🌻 Will do !!!
A lot of potential. A labor of love. Bless your new endeavor. ❤
Thank you so much
@sharonbowers9929
This just showed up in my suggested videos. I would love to see the dolls; I am a BIG doll fan! The old tables and other furniture were also really interesting.
The furniture is a great find😀
Looks like you have got yourself a great jewel in the rough there. Can't wait to see how you spruce is up.
Thanks for your positive comments
@gemeames1597
I love the details in the rooms. It’s going to be so beautiful when you get done.
Thanks @ch784, we think so too. We plan to bring back the historical features that have been covered up over the ages. We can only imagine what we may find, Claire is hoping for some frescos🤪
Enjoy your new adventure in Italy.
Thank you
@carolynyoung2797😀
Beautiful wardrobes!!
Thank you! 😊
Yes, all they might need is a good oiling, now and again! Once stripped, you can never get that wonderful "patina" back.
Very nice find. Looking forward to more content. Kathleen
Thanks @georgebuscay8511
Wow! I love it!!! Boy you two have so much Moxi! You are an inspiration to me , my dream is to buy an already reno Chateau so day!
@mrs.anonymous6291 you can do it too! and thanks for your positive comments
I like that old sink in kitchen area hope you keep it . Lots of space very nice
Hi @Kim-J312, yes the original sink is a find. We will need to raise it to a suitable height. Thanks for watching and commenting😁
Wow guys , you really scored when you picked up this little treasure. I can see you revealing the stone in some of the interior rooms, & agree 100% I love the wardrobe they left. It reminds me of an old magicians cabinet. 🎉
Thanks 👍
@Gloppp 100% magical
Good luck with your project and you definetly won't need to to a gym with all those stairs!!😊
Thanks @petrotaljard5346 100%
I would not move that armoire from the niche it is made for and I wouldn't dare re-upholster the furniture in the attic. Unless it is actually ratty and needs it. If it's not to your taste it would sell very well and you can get something you prefer at a thrift store or buy new. It is so much fun shopping for your new home in a new place!
Thanks for commenting @tfcasper. We have plenty of decisions to make!
Maybe one large dormer in the attic with lots of glass.
Thanks for your comment @knitwit014.
tyvm, it was fun!
Thanks!!
If only those beams and walls could talk.
Thanks @SeanOHanlon, Imagine the stories they could tell 🤪
There are plenty more to work on, we have tackled the beams in the landing on the 2nd floor, and plan to start the beams in the 2nd bedroom this week.
Wishing you luck in getting rid of the 60 cm wall - that is going to cost a fortune and if not done right will weaken your structure enormously.
To buy a house full of furniture is the usual way in Italy, btw.
@lillic8522 the arch/ wall will be structurally engineered and thanks for your comments.
Would love to look at those dolls
Sorry @carolstewart4176 , they were donated to the local goodwill store. We know someone will love them.♥️
exciting
100% @conniejennings6515🌻😀
Same condition as my first 3 Manhattan rental apartments.
Hi @pcpablo2, lots of work ahead for us!! Hopefully you have seen the other side!!
That might be a load bearing wall
Hi Paul, Yes it is it will need to be strengthened with a steel beam
Please share the economics involved. Gorgeous townhouse for sure.
Thanks it's a great Townhouse @donniedotzler7387
There's a reason Mario was a plumber in Donkey Kong. Always busy...
That's us !!
Lovely townhouse...dare i ask about how much you paid....absolutely love the teracotta floors and the kitchen...wow...
Hi @Rockyamstel001. As a courtesy to the previous owners we don't disclose the price, we paid. Yes we love the original features of the house and where possible we intend keeping and enhancing those features. Thanks for commenting
So much potential! Can't wait to see the updates. How did you buy it thru the Internet? How much was it? I love the furniture you found in the attic!
Thanks for the comment @fabsmit9873, yes the furniture we found in the attic was a godsend, firstly we didn't need to run out and buy straight away and a bonus that we love the pieces and with a little TLC we can bring them back to new again.
As we know Cortona well we felt comfortable looking for a suitable property on-line, and with the help of our Italian legal team we were confident that it would all go smoothly, which it did.
We are not disclosing the price we paid out of respect for the vendors, which we trust all our viewers understand.😀
Can you share cost of purchase and your reno budget? How dofficuotbis it to get permits and apptovals to change anything? Might be interesting to install a couple of skylights in the roof and to do the same in the floor to the bedrooms to bring in light...not sure how feasible that would be.
Hi @observer1256, unfortunately i wont be able to share the purchase price, as a request from the owners. Regarding the reno budget, that is another issue. We are having trouble locking in a Geometra. Both of our contacts have not provided us with pricing for any of our works. Ditto for permits! Re the skylights etc, at this stage we will keep them on the back burner, I understand they are very strict with making any external changes. Thanks for your questions and for tuning in!!
That terrazzo is a find! I would reconsider removing that.
@johnandsharon5785 unfortunately the terrazzo was in a very bad state, large cracks, uneven and multiple colouring. Thanks
Oh, too bad!
Fantastic! I want to move back to Europe. What are property costs and materals and labor?
Hi @paulabears7882, thanks for commenting. Prices vary so much from location to location. Jump onto www.immobiliare.it/ for example and start searching, for properties. We are still waiting for our Geometra to provide us with some pricing on some of the major works. As far as materials we have used so far, they are very comparable with pricing back home in Australia, paint and power tools are pricey, though
Wow just watching your first vlog of showing us around! Where are you from? Not sure if you answer that in this first vlog as I have finished watching yet it but loved the accent. Are you Aussies or NZlanders? Good luck with the Reno, I look forward to watching. I’m from Grafton, Northern NSW, Australia
Hi @patmcloughlin6409, yes we are Aussies from Melbourne😄
That top attic, perhaps you can get permission? to add a Velux style fold out dormer style extension. It would not only allow in a lot of light but it could give you a space to sit and feel as if you had outside space??
@56music64 , great idea!! we have had a similar idea, but alas due to the age of the home we may not be allowed. We will keep on asking however :)
@@lavitapepi Good luck with that, that installation of similar would be the one thing it is missing. Enjoy your home.
Could you put in a roof terrace in part of the attic for outside space?
Not possible@jenh9252 😢
@@lavitapepi what a shame! Never mind it is still a lovely place x
How tall are you? those door ways look pretty good for an old Italian place. I am 197 cm so I watch these things with trepidation.
Hi Greg, not as tall as you fortunately!!! On the whole, the place and given it's age is in good condition. At this stage the floors seem to be the major issue. Thanks for your input!!
You will need to raise that kitchen sink to prevent a broken back.
Yes, that's a must😁
Just watch the stairs when pi😜🤪🤨d😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🎉🎉🎉🎉
100%
Hi, are you moving there from Australia? We live in Qld and would love to move there. Can you live there or are you only staying 6 months. Please give us some details on how to move and your costing. What a great adventure?
Hi Lindsay, DM us on Instagram @lavitapepi if you can, and we will be happy to set up a call via WhatsApp etc.
I think the socks add some character and I would put my socks and maybe some underwear out there.. HaHa....
Hi @roberto-gp2dt , yes the socks and the array of washing that are paraded are definitely entertaining😂
I'd investigate that creepy closet in the master bedroom. Every other wall is thick stone. Every other wall is straight, yet in the master bedroom, there is this closet indented into the old-school wall. I'd ask permission from the neighbors to see what their room opposite your bedroom looks like. Is there and odd rectangular box jutting into their room? Or do they have huge closets flanking your tiny closet. Lastly, is the back of your closet some thin wood which, if punched out, would find you staring into your neighbor's bed room?
Hi @roberthigbee3260. Not creepy but a great find!! We can assure you all good, as behind that closet is an external wall
@@lavitapepi So, does the outer wall jut outwards because of the closet? Or, is there a secret room to the left and right of the master bedroom closet?
You need to talk to an artchitect or engineer but it looks like that wall between the kitchen /dining/living and hall is a load bearing wall that will require substancial re-engineering and some steel beams to open up.
Thanks @victorianantiquities. All sorted. Thats one of the first things! We did engaged an Engineer.
i bet ut will look great, whats it like at night?
100% Thanks, excellent
omg, dont reupholster, just clean it.. its beautiful
Thanks for the tip!
How did you buy online? How much was it?
@wrightwood92397, the process of buying online was simple. We know Cortona very well and felt comfortable looking for possible properties over the internet. We found the property through a Real Estate search and then through the agent we arranged a video walkthrough which lead to us negotiating and then writing up the contract with help from our Italian team. In regards to the price we are not disclosing that out of respect for our vendors. Cheers
A very dark place. Bad zen. No sun. Ughhh.
Top floor gets plenty of sun@craigjasper2502 . Unfortunately difficult to tick all boxes, cheers
Better have an architect check things out before taking out any walls to enlarge a room.
All taken care of
@aznboycols😀
Where is parking for the car?
hi @jimherr152, there are numerous car parks scattered around the outskirts of the walls and also a couple of places within. But YES parking can be a challenge😀
🥦🟦what's the view from the attic?
Beautiful Rooftops and buildings
What'd you guys pay for it, if you don't mind my asking?
@newytuser24, we have had this question numerous times. Out of respect for the vendors privacy we are not disclosing the price we paid for our home. We are sure you understand this decision. Please keep watching
No living room? You can make the entry floor room into a living room,
@natashanewyork2112, we are exploring all options at the minute, and not rushing into anything.
Next video please put the camera horizontal it works better.
All Sorted with the latest ones,Thanks
Is it old school?
@cindycreateforlife yes 100%
Seriously ? ... A rooftop terrace in an Italian medieval town center ? The city commision will laugh you out of town .
Hi @YesItsMeGuys68 we will definitely keep everybody entertained🤣
Speaking from experience or speculating?
Delusions of grandeur. We're moving this wall and that wall etc. We've got architects coming and we're going to do this and go to do that, all these videos are the same of all these grandiose ideas laughable. I've seen nothing but leaky moldy dilapidated holes that delusional old people are going to transform! All these decrepit steep stairs are a challenge for young people let alone the aged. Why do they think people have practically given away these dumps and fled? They can put all the good money in against bad money but will never recoup twenty percent of their effort. The Italians are rolling on floor laughing their asses off behind closed doors, waiting for them to spend some more money.
You can always tell a New Yorker ----you just can not tell them anything.
Completely speculating, clearly. There are terraces all over tuscan medieval town centers and that IS from personal experience. Every commune and fine arts commission may be different but it’s a COMPLETELY reasonable and common Tuscan medieval historical center feature to pursue. Best wishes you all. In fact here is a link to a video we took from a terrace in historic center of Pistoia last week: czcams.com/users/shorts4hS_vx3hZcE?si=Lj0FIfx-zO-4uZq4
take the tv apart and take down small pcs.
Hi @karipreston1204 TV and other non usables are gone
Is that one of those $1 houses they were selling?
Hi @randomvintagefilm273. No not in Cortona. Merry Christmas
They are embarrassed to reveal the price they paid for that prison. Lol. They must have some unlimited funds more than sense or they are making a lot of CZcams revenue and it's all an investment for that purpose.
Hi @@joegy9944 , thanks for watching and contributing to our CZcams channel 😁
And the price?
@LivingLegendMe we have had this question numerous times. Out of respect for the vendors privacy we are not disclosing the price we paid for our home. We are sure you understand this decision. Hope you are enjoying the channel
@@lavitapepi The leading question on many peoples minds....nope don't really understand your decision, unless your vendors moved next door and are Mafia members...
What did you pay for this please?
@energeticsoulhealer888, we have had this question numerous times. Out of respect for the vendors privacy we are not disclosing the price we paid for our home. We are sure you understand this decision. Hope you are enjoying the channel
Guess no garage
No unfortuntely @abidnessman
Not loud enough!
Apologies @sweetladyjane6462
Why? Do you speak Italian? Will you raise kids there or just a flip?
@johnmurray8454, we have always loved Italy. Phil is Italian and its great that he has come back to his ancestral country. Our children are all grown up, and at this stage no plan to flip the house.
Better you then me…….not impressed
All good
Why do you want to change everything you should have stayed in England or wherever you came from.
I seriously can’t tell of you’re trying to be sarcastic or if you’re actually that rude and stupid.
It is their own home, and they clearly aren’t “changing everything.”
Hi @brendasnow8255 100% correct with your understanding of our plans. Thank you for your positive comments
They are from Australia, as am I, and not I am not sure where you are from, but changing the few things they mentioned is far from “changing everything.” Good luck on your new adventure 😃🇦🇺
It's their home, and if anything they are not taking the integrity from the home.Iam sure it will be absolutely beautiful, when it's all done 👍🎉.
Unless i know what you paid for it... who gives a sh**.
no problem. Have a great day
Nice home! Good luck with the upgrade and enjoy!!!
Thank you! Will do!😀👍