061 || Sharing the Bathroom Design for our Villa Renovation

Obviously this is not all, but this should give you an idea of what the broad idea is that we are working towards.
Join us today as we continue working towards those ideas.
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• Villa Oliva - Our stor...
Start from the beginning - • 002 || Opening up the ...
My name is Sam and together with my girlfriend Lyanne, I am on a quest to restore the beauty of this old Italian villa from 1895. Join us as we have to let go of our Dutch habits to fit in in our Italian surroundings, were the word 'plan' gets redefined and our tastebuds are awakened.
The goal of this project is to show that with limited financial means and a lot of optimism we can resurrect the beauty of this abandoned villa in a green and sustainable way. But most of all learn from everything that we encounter and enjoy it whilst we're at it.

[@bdlodahl]

57 years ago, I was a new American bride living with her husband in Erlangen, Germany, in a lovely modern German studio apartment. We had an ultra efficient hot heater just above our tub. It was meant to turn on a few minutes before use. Notable to read German correctly, I turned it on and left it running until we received our first bill. Our electricity bill was 2½ times our monthly rent of $99, equivalent USD. That was a difficult cross-cultural experience for our limited army pay income of just over $200./month! However, it's still an endearing memory of my army bride experience. I, along with another army bride trotted ourselves down to the local electric company to plead our case of ignorance and inadequate orientation by our landlords. It was a pretty comical interaction based on the smiles of those we pled our case to, as we tried to communicate with those claiming not to understand English and we who understood very limited German. Alas, they knocked off 400 marks ($100) and allowed us to pay the rest ($150) at 100 marks ($25) per month! We were very appreciative, and I think we made their day from an entertainment factor! 🤣 I've always wished to return abroad, but at now, 78 years old, it is doubtful. Thus, I entertain myself watching KZbin channels of cross-cultural couples renovating villas & châteaux in Italy, France and Spain. Who says you can't enjoy living vicariously through the experience of others! ❤ I do enjoy this channel along with others. Thank you for sharing your very, very challenging reno project, Villa Oliva!

[@Villa_Oliva]

That is an amazing story! I think experiences like the one you wrote about are the best and one of the reasons I started this adventure in the first place. Glad to hear that you are enjoying the journey, glad to have you onboard! you are most welcome!

[@keithclark6151]

Like you've plans for the bathrooms, really like the individual hot water heaters for each bathroom

[@Scotty7268]

We rented an old house in England. The water boiler was a distance from the bathroom (a later addition) so there was a separate mini electric water heater and it was very efficient and very economical.

[@perunut4656]

And maybe powered by solar in summer, and possibly hydro in the future if that's possible on the site?

[@Villa_Oliva]

Glad you like it! thought it was quite nifty myself. Would love to go solar powered, keeping that as an upgrade for later though!

[@MrNoncredo]

I noticed from the 3D drawings that the bidet is not included in the bathroom renovation, I understand that in your culture the bidet is not used but in Italy it is almost obligatory and I swear that once you start using the bidet, when you poop, you won't be able to do without it anymore, so I advise you to install a toilet/bidet (NOT the Japanese style ones) there are many brands available and it costs little more than a normal toilet, ciao

[@sylvielucas8480]

keep the bidés,you are in Italy stay clean.

[@Villa_Oliva]

yeah I think you're right, we should put them in

[@horstbrock5819]

There are mixing water fittings in the sanitary trade that heat cold water electrically. This saves you the need for electric boilers and the hot water pipes to the fittings (taps, shower taps). You also save yourself additional standby heat losses.

[@anitariley2681]

Still loving those dark blue fixtures! So different!

[@Villa_Oliva]

they really are right, glad you like them, don't know if we're keeping them though

[@mlaiuppa]

Great idea to have hot water local. Tankless waterheaters are the way to go. Then you only use hot water when and where you need it. Less heat loss for distance and no wasting energy heating water that just sits and waits to be used.

[@CUBuffnSD]

The issue may be electrical load or access to Propane/NG?

[@Villa_Oliva]

great point made and great response. That is the problem, I don't have a electrical connection that can take such high electric loads (if you start adding up devices)

[@mlaiuppa]

@@Villa_Oliva My tankless is gas but a few years after I had it installed I read there was a model, I think electric, that turned on automatically when the water started to flow. Mine is 20 years old so I’m sure the technology has advanced quite a bit, especially since here in the US we tend to be behind in energy saving technology. I had to wait almost a decade until I could get one installed. None of the plumbers knew or were willing to put one in.

[@margomoore4527]

Tankless would be the way to go for an enormous place like Villa Oliva; otherwise you’d have to have a propane water heater on every floor. The reason American plumbers are wary is that the temperature at each unit is very high and some people are worried about the danger of fire. As long as fuel is comparatively cheap, tankless will not catch on in America.

[@mlaiuppa]

@@CUBuffnSD you put a small tank at each water point, bathroom and kitchen. It only draws power when the water runs and hot water is needed. My Aunt put one in her WWII house so I don’t think it didn’t think power was an issue as she didn’t have the house rewired. It is something to look into and consider. Putting in one hot water tank in a central location and then piping it out to every sink would be both inefficient and cost prohibitive in that it would take a lot of power and would be constantly heating the water to keep it hot. With that cold stone building the water would lose too much heat on the way to the bathrooms.

[@SilviaAxisa-rn1gn]

It's the highlight of my evening watching you and your dad renovating your chateau

[@Villa_Oliva]

That is just so sweet, love to hear that!

[@Mynameisjenn_]

Just know that my unemployed self is spiritually there assisting lol this home is an absolute dream!

[@Villa_Oliva]

hahaha that's great to know, thanks!!

[@DvD4845]

Really cool design ideas for the bathrooms and your goal to live in the villa during renovation is a sound plan. Your dad is going to get a big head from all the compliments, but they are certainly well-deserved.

[@Steve-Meiz]

An electric tankless water heater for a single bathroom can be fairly small and could be hidden in a cabinet in the corner where the water enters the bathroom. This would allow the shower to remain open on the top thus not looking like box in the corner.

[@Villa_Oliva]

very true, the advantage is though, that the shower becomes a smaller place which heats up quicker. so you can enjoy a warm shower instead of feeling a constant draft. that was the reasoning behind it at least. And using glass to not feel locked in

[@susanschmid2271]

You may have fewer problems with mold if the water vapor doesn't condense directly onto the ceiling.@@Villa_Oliva

[@westcornergroup4375]

If I had thiskind house than I make full hot water system on the house. Not only locally. Also I would install to the roof sun heating water system so I have free hot water system. Also You need for this bigger storage tank where You have all this sun warm hot water. If You already make all new pipes than it easy also install extra hit water system. Id also go with this to the basement. Than You have possible to install some heating system for winter or something.

[@Villa_Oliva]

I get your point, but that will be an upgrade for later maybe. I can't afford it at this point in time. Good thinking though, thanks.

[@marthasherwin46]

I'm so glad you shared this information. Helps put into perspective all the work you and your father have done in last several videos. Now I know where you are heading!

[@Villa_Oliva]

great to hear that!

[@glenyscallaghan1195]

It sounds good,the ceiling looks like fun.👋⭐️⭐️

[@user-dg8vc3bw2s]

Love you’re plans for the bathroom keep up the good work Ann 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@arleenfotiu6095]

What a puzzle!

[@Villa_Oliva]

it definitely is :)

[@sheilajohnson3668]

I love the blue bathroom fixtures. Its a shame to not use them somewhere in this villa.

[@Villa_Oliva]

Yeah, maybe we will, let's see what we can do

[@CatherineH.-gf7mm]

Great job! Plumbing detectives!!

[@cindybanks6844]

Alot to repair, but great progress.the bath plans, look amazing.

[@cliveklg7739]

A lot of the craftmanship at the villa is just lovely... aka that opening shot. Just needs some love and care from you. Raised floor is a great way to limit damage to walls and structure.

[@dorotheaisserstedt9238]

Die eingestreut Bilder haben mir Deinen Plan deutlich vor Augen gemalt. Gefällt mir. Wird Dir bestimmt Spass machen, endlich etwas aufzubauen, das sichtbar bleibt. An die Abwasserleitung muss man ebenfalls denken. Das ist bestimmt ähnlich kompliziert.

[@Villa_Oliva]

Thanks, good to hear. Yeah definitely!

[@jimwilder5578]

The blue toilets and sanks are pretty cool. Trying to reuse them if you can I know you can sell them.❤

[@jennichristie5264]

In your first bathroom design I’m wondering if the bath could go up against the rock wall? Would look pretty fabulous. Would mean changing things around a bit but also a nice balance having the two washing features opposite rather than on top of each other. Then basin could go in the middle of that shower half wall where the bath was originally placed. Not sure abt toilet and storage but utilising the spare wall where basin was somehow. I understand this might be a bit tricky with running pipes tho.

[@UgoMuffolini]

I'm sorry to say it but in Italy there is not a bathroom without a BIDET. The bidet is the most useful tool for hygiene and personal cleansing. I lived 11 years in the US and the most thing that I missed from Italy is the bidet. Ciao

[@Villa_Oliva]

I think you're right, I think we should add one

[@Pilot333]

@@Villa_Oliva He is 100% right. Bidets are the best luxury you can have. It is a shame this is not common in Northern Europe. And give you have so much space there is really no excuse for leaving the bidet out.

[@100AnniDiSolitudine]

may be it’s sounds funny, but in italy the value of your property drops dramatically if at least main bathrooms are lacking bidet

[@sailingwhitsundays5672]

Sam with bath taps why don’t you have them coming out frm the adjoining shower wall, looks like there’d be room. That way there’s no tapware both ends of bath, giving a choice of which way you lie in it.

[@CUBuffnSD]

Not sure what is available in Italy but an electric heat pump water tank is the most efficient.

[@Villa_Oliva]

Should be available, if I would have the money for it :). but good suggestion though, thanks!

[@terrya448]

I like everything about your bathroom plan, except why not put the boiler & electronics in a cabinet in the bathrooms. You got the space and it would be easier to access, We had the same system in Venezuela which ended up be convenient to unplug when we went away. Suggestion only.

[@Villa_Oliva]

good idea, we will make it accessible though, good point!

[@SerendipitySharon]

great bathroom design, especially the hanging toilet! Have you considered recycling bath and shower water for the toilet water? Also, there are some great built-in bidets for toilets these days.

[@Villa_Oliva]

Glad you like it! very good suggestion, I would have to think about how to make that though, it would be a pain since there needs to be a reservoir and everything. but 100% agree with your way of thinking. also built in bidets, good idea!

[@bobanderson9264]

Wish I was YOUNGER and had your courage!!!! Best Wishes!! Truly enjoy your adventure!!!! THANKS!!

[@Villa_Oliva]

Thank you so much! super glad to hear that!

[@neutonrenda2303]

Awesome ideas, very creative and perfect for such a different and special building. It would be very difficult to do something in period with a building of that age, your way is going to make it a really bespoke home.👍

[@user-hd2mt9xh2p]

Going to be a lovely big bathroom. Will be nice for you to use you are both doing a good job 👏

[@yolandamgulwa4869]

I really like your design ideas for the bathroom. I can't wait to the finished product 😊

[@Villa_Oliva]

you and me both!

[@KarenWood-cj4xi]

So much beautiful tile in your Villa.

[@Villa_Oliva]

yeah I love them too!

[@debbiedelboux221]

Hi Sam, It's Debbie from Australia, love the bathroom plans, just wondering if you will be covering all the pipes so you dont see them ??

[@lesley-annknight7121]

Really enjoying your progress. You’re doing a great job with your renovation…and your vlogs!

[@Villa_Oliva]

Glad you like them!

[@nevisscot7697]

You absolutely know what you are doing so no advice....just a thought.....with all the space in the bathroom i would have a free standing bath and not attached to the side of the shower...👍

[@Villa_Oliva]

that'd be so cool. I wish we would have one, but they're really expensive though. So I have to do with what I have, and these ones aren't nice standing on their own I imagine, what do you think?

[@nevisscot7697]

@@Villa_Oliva if you go to tuscany , or even in your area , they have all these reclaim yards furniture, marble,ceramic bathtubs, sinks tiles etc.....also I saw Martyjn Doolard at a monthly market in piemonte with all these wonderful treasures .in a house like yours go for the best .p.s. I'm British but live in Liguria.

[@brookestephen]

awesome plans! Gonna look great!! I was thinking about in-floor heating and cooling, but it does screw up the step heights at the stairways, because the tubing is big!

[@Villa_Oliva]

yeah thought about that as well, but that's so much effort and costly.

[@robbiejoseph449]

Great video Sam, good commentary and short sharp details of process and plans, keep it up enjoyed this one and I think it’s the way to go, cheers

[@user-lx7nx9xm2f]

Thanks for sharing your vision of the bathrooms. Keep at it. You are doing great. 😊 🇨🇦

[@Villa_Oliva]

thank you so much!

[@kimcramer850]

wow, wow, wow i love your visions and plans.

[@Villa_Oliva]

glad to hear it!!

[@t4trojans990]

Please get scaffolding or a taller ladder

[@SuperBotanica]

I like the idea of this pedestal in the bathroom. but this box would bother me personally. Anyway - I have always had bad experiences with glass doors, as a nurse I saw serious injuries and in showers it is also very annoying to keep the glass doors clean and clear. Because that is usually left to the woman of the house.

[@Villa_Oliva]

hmm, yeah good point, I will think about it. Thanks for sharing!

[@lylelaverdure5173]

Will you be installing ceiling fans to move the air for the winter and summer?

[@Villa_Oliva]

that would be affective, I just personally really really dislike them. So I won't be putting them in

[@amaresch66]

Slow but steady progress. I was curious what you have planned for heating as you are removing the water radiators and with your eplanation of your plans for hot water.

[@Villa_Oliva]

good point, will dive into that in the next video!

[@user-sp7em4te5c]

Идея оригинальная 👍.

[@Dtexsis]

I always love your opening video! Thanks for showing your plans, it helps.

[@Villa_Oliva]

great to hear that! thanks!

[@mocarra100]

Wow, great design! I was wondering how your aesthetics were going to be. I'm sure you and your dad are piped to death lol great job guys hard work. Much love from Oklahoma USA Jackie 🇺🇸💖

[@Villa_Oliva]

Thanks Jackie! it's just an impression, but definitely helps to get an idea of what the plan is right. Yeah and we're still not finished. Everything is so much work in a big house like this

[@gloriasmestad3803]

So you are using garden hoses to assist with the water and electrical lines? Seems like a good idea. What if the tiles weren’t placed under the bathtub? Will you try to remove and reset tiles? I think someone mentioned in a previous comment that you should make schematics for all of the wiring and plumbing you are doing so there is a record that is easily accessible. But I am sure you are doing that already!

[@mlaiuppa]

Not only blueprints for all that he is doing but photographs too. His videos are a great resource but hard copy photos ensure that if formats change or a harddrive crashes there is still a record of what was done and where.

[@Villa_Oliva]

sorry didn't get the garden hose question. I am documenting everything, you bet, thanks for the tip though! We will see what happens when we remove the bathtub!

[@gloriasmestad3803]

@@Villa_Oliva No need to apologize! Now I will ask another question, are you thinking about garden plans for this year or will that be further down the line?

[@terrisantiago9128]

Beautiful bathroom

[@Villa_Oliva]

Thank you 😊

[@AS-nx3wo]

Dat wordt een mooie badkamer!

[@Villa_Oliva]

I sure hope so!

[@iu.5146]

Are you going to insulate the walls from the inside? I’ve seen French chateau renovations, using plaster board that already comes with insulation, in two different thicknesses. I’m impressed who hard you work in these challenging conditions and without proper heating.

[@Villa_Oliva]

Thank you! I don't know about insulating the walls, I don't think I will. I haven't found a reasonable way to do it let's say

[@ail-on3px]

Before installing the boilers above the shower cubicle I advise you to get the opinion of a technician in order to have the right indications , also for your safety and wich must issue you the certificate of conformity according to the provisions of the law. You can't install them yourself

[@Villa_Oliva]

gotcha

[@ail-on3px]

Thanks 🙂

[@DawnKeenan]

It would be really helpful if you could do a tour and plan of the whole villa so that we can understand where you are working. Thanks.

[@Villa_Oliva]

can imagine, will do that at some point

[@trufom6926]

I hope you reuse those dark blue bathroom fixtures.

[@CalderdaleKid]

Only thing I’m a bit iffy with is this false stone effect wall in the bathroom. I just think it’s a bit of a distraction at this time to be spending time and money on that when there is more important things to do. That being said, really like how the water will be hated locally.

[@Villa_Oliva]

I see, I will try to explain my reasoning behind it, so you understand why I am approaching it this way. This will be the first room to be finished, so this gives us feedback on the design, style, way of using water, conduits, electricity, lighting, switches, etc. So after we've invested time in learning and making all of that, which is also a lot of fun (I think/hope), we will know how to continue with the rest of the villa. Also it cannot be underestimated how important it is to have a finished room where you can (mentally) rest. Hope it's clear :) Thanks!

[@CalderdaleKid]

@@Villa_Olivaah I see, I get where you’re coming from and now I understand your reasoning. I’m looking forward to seeing the finished result. How many rooms are there in the villa just out of curiosity? I’m not sure I recall just how many there are and on what floors. Any possibility if a room walk thru at some point. I know how busy you must be but this is just a thought I had. Thanks Sam 😊

[@brookestephen]

OH! I think I know why the old water pipes have bends inside the wall! It's to stop the pipes moving and making noise when the pressure changes... like when someone turns on a tap. That way, they didn't have to secure the pipes to the wall, because they were secured IN the wall. Even plastic pipes will "talk" when the pressure changes.

[@Villa_Oliva]

Interesting! that could very well be, interesting suggestion!

[@jeroensmit2520]

From my own experience, don't make the ceiling above the shower too low, 2.20 is the minimum, and since you have the space, make it at least 1 m wide.

[@Villa_Oliva]

yeah you're right, we shouldn't limit ourselves if we have the space

[@TheAngela2468]

Awesome 😊😊😊

[@RandyRandall-dc3vr]

Thanks a lot 😏

[@Villa_Oliva]

you are very welcome!

[@user-el5jt7lw3i]

From your bathroom plan it looks like you will have a pedestal basin. Why not a vanity unit. Where r u storing all the toiletries. I never have enough space to put everything.

[@Villa_Oliva]

Yeah no you’re right, it was just a placeholder actually and probably will be a vanity unit! Sharp eye, thanks for the feedback

[@trufom6926]

I thought europeans liked those bidets. Is that a bathroom appliance in your plans? Change of subject: Here in the states we had a person who would sign out by saying "Ciao ciao for now." That would fit as something you could occasionally sign out with. I would enjoy a similar episide about kitchen plans too. Has your girlfriend approved you bathroom plans? They always have a lot to say.

[@Villa_Oliva]

It’s mainly Italians as far as I know, so it’s important to have one in the bathroom I think. We should add one. That sounds like an amazing way to sign out, thanks! We will definitely do one if we start with the kitchen. We have brainstormed together, so it’s a team effort :)

[@schnickschnack2000]

The French too. The german speaking area no. When I saw that thing the first time, I thought it is for washing the feet. I don’t get the technique for it’s purpose till these days. 🙄

[@scottsorby7966]

Hi Sam, my apologies just in case I missed it, you appear to be using the heating pipe routes to run cold water supply, how are you going to heat that massive house if you are removing the infrastructure pathways? Also loving the videos, thanks for sharing

[@Villa_Oliva]

no worries, I want to heat most rooms individually so I can heat them when necessary. The ground floor and basement will be a different story though, more on that in the next video :) Thanks!

[@colettemcneil143]

Keep in mind that heat will collect in those high ceilings and the living space below will be much cooler. Maybe consider lowering the ceilings and hiding your electrical an water supplies up there. As well, if your water supply is going up only one side of the house, stud those walls and run the pipes and electrical behind those walls.

[@patrickwiklund2039]

👍

[@catherinefoster2517]

I would not have the platform in the bathroom and take the pipes along the top of the walls

[@Villa_Oliva]

the platform is mainly for the bath and shower drain though, does that make a diffence? or did I misinterpret what you said

[@hedgewood7152]

✨🌞✨

[@gailbenjamin5137]

How many bathrooms were there, and how many will you end up with?

[@Villa_Oliva]

there were four and will be four, for now at least. trying to stick as much to the original design as possible

[@elonwiklund2502]

Rörläggarna är i gång

[@stephanieprice9639]

Will the green ceiling be real plants😃?

[@Villa_Oliva]

I would love that, just don't thing it's feasible to do that unfortunately. I would have so many green ceilings, walls, a huge garden to maintain on top of everything else. so I don't think they will be,

[@Pilot333]

@@Villa_Oliva That idea of a green ceiling is really rediculous to be honest... it is so artificial. So over the top fancy that it is NOT fancy. It has no class and within 5 years you will most likely think it is a nest of dust. To keep such a feature clean is a whole lot of work... Please don't try to be smarter than designers. Same goes for that stone wall (the picture you showed). That will also be a dust collection, cost time to clean it and you will soon be bored with such explicit features that are just temporary (unclassy) hypes.

[@suzynoel]

Who’s going to clean that rock?

[@Villa_Oliva]

Probably me right

[@schnickschnack2000]

Es Grüessli us de Schwiiz 🇨🇭

[@Villa_Oliva]

Thank you so much!! Greetings back from Italy😋

[@ackermankellylee]

✨🌟👏🙌🏻💪🏼🤙🤘😃🎉🎊🎇🎆🍾🥂💯Thank you for sharing your journey it is Fascinating!! 😁😁😁😁😁😊😊😊😊😊i

[@radiogramgramophonetoons5802]

Is the villa just for you and your wife, or are you sharing with others……….. like parents or friends ?

[@Villa_Oliva]

yeah no just for us, but we've got space for friends, as you can imagine ;)

[@user-qh2hg9sz9u]

Bidet ? You need to have at least one.

[@Villa_Oliva]

Yeah good point, I will add one

[@lindamounts2193]

I get that you're trying to place all the items in the same place or near for current plumbing placement but why cram everything on that wall. Put a wardrobe where the sink is and move the sink across the room. Break it up, some. It looks much more luxurious. For me, it is too stacked with shower, bath, sink and toilet all pretty much on one wall and it's a good sized room. Why not put the tub under the window? Just my opinion. .

[@Weesperbuurt]

You bought an old Italian home with loads of character. Why turn this bathroom into a modern Las Vegas style eye sore? Why not reuse vintage antique bathroom pieces in keeping with the character of the house? The same goes for the kitchen….not something new and flash and tacky that will go out of style in two minutes.

[@simonrobin9416]

The plumbing videos are becoming very boring.

[@Pilot333]

Ok... I don't like the designs very much, as in: not at all. Too much of a circus. And really not in style with the villa. Please reconsider and find advise from real designers.

[@user-vy3vk2sb8p]