(5) From Filth to Fresh Start: Real Estate Investment Transformation of My Villa In Sicily

[@OperationSicily]

From Filth to Fresh Start! 🧹 Today, I’m tackling a deep clean to turn this villa from grime to shine. This is just the start of transforming this space into a Sicilian homestead! Would you take on a project like this? Let me know! 🏡 Stay Updated for More: 📅 New episodes every Sunday! 📷 Instagram: @Operation.Sicily 👉 Hit subscribe, like, and join the journey. And if you’d like to support the work, you can ‘buy me a coffee’ here buymeacoffee.com/operationsicily - every bit of help keeps this project moving forward!

[@starsmith1744]

The house has a soul. It has welcomed you. You are awakening it to new possibilities. All your efforts will transform this house into a wonderful home.

[@OperationSicily]

Many thanks, it truly means a lot! ❤️

[@amechealle5918]

A birds nest is good luck for a new house plus you found a coin! You’ll have a happy home! ☺️

[@LorraineinAustralia]

Just the sweep up was amazing, but hitting the floors with the mop was sensational. A whole different picture.🌸

[@cherylmatthews4066]

YAY!! YOUR WEARING A MASK 😊 Better safe than sorry. Once everywhere is deep cleaned and sanitised you can breath a big sigh of relief. Take time for yourself too, recharge your batteries, go for a walk around get to know the area, neighbours will see you around and welcome you. Cheryl from Wales

[@NickiesAdventureChannel]

Hi mate just found your channel ! Brilliant content … subscribed 👍🏻 On the birds nest question … pretty sure that’s a Swallows nest we have similar in our stables Anyway all the best mate and look forward to catching up on all the vides 🙏🏻

[@carolinewalker9148]

Both House Martins and Swallows use mud to attach their nests to properties but usually on the outside! I cannot tell you how much I am enjoying your gradual progress on this lovely old property and seeing the beauty reveal itself. Looking forward to the next episode.

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you so much, Caroline! 😊 It's fascinating to learn more about the birds. The nest really is amazing, even if it’s on the inside. I’m thrilled you’re enjoying watching the progress unfold-I’m taking it step by step and loving how the property's charm is slowly revealing itself. New episodes are out every Sunday, so stay tuned for more!

[@Ragnar8504]

If you leave doors or windows open, swallows will definitely nest inside. We used to have a nest just like that and one spring I caught a pair of swallows in the nick of time as they were trying to move into the nest again. Keep the nest if you want, they're supposed to bring good luck.

[@ivydickson7596]

Take the nest out of the inside. The swallows will make another one quickly. We have them at the hot pools complex here in Parakai, New Zealand. The hot pool has an open roof and they make nests up in the rafters. Some staff take them down, but they are persistent and quickly build them again using straw and mud.

[@dweamy1]

Ahhh, feels so much better now that it's cleaner. Well done.

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks so much, means a lot! 🙏

[@helentinkletoesadvsfromacb]

​@@OperationSicilyit looks like much less of a project and more of a blank canvas now it's clean

[@BigALPrice]

It's amazing how a sweep and clean can make the place look much better. Can you get up onto the roof? If the budget was available I'd put a spiral staircase in the tower leading up to a roof terrace.

[@Nodrog269]

He could use a trampoline and get a view upstairs now and then, that's fung sway.

[@ExpectMiracles55]

@@Nodrog269 fung sway!... 🤣🤣🤣 Feng Shui has its place in certain applications but c'mon, also full of superstitions such as "violent death" for using a spiral staircase. In that case yes, I go with Fung Sway! 🤣🤣🤣 You made my day

[@Nodrog269]

@@ExpectMiracles55 I agree fang shui does have an important place in people's lives, just joking my friend a bit of a Del boy moment.

[@ExpectMiracles55]

@@Nodrog269 And your jokle was very much appreciated. As I said, you made my day! With your permission, I'd love to use the concept of Feng Sway among some of my interior designer friends!

[@OperationSicily]

@BigALPrice Absolutely, it's incredible what a bit of cleaning can do! And funnily enough, that's exactly my plan - I'm going to build a stunning spiral staircase in the tower that leads up to the roof, turning it into a beautiful terrace with fantastic views! It'll be the perfect spot to relax once it's all done! 🌞 Stay tuned for more updates, and feel free to check out my Instagram @Operation.Sicily for more behind-the-scenes! 😊

[@MillieonaVespa]

Swallows or house martins nest am guessing….we get them every year but on the outside gable ends of the house …looking forward to seeing how you get on with the renovations…looks like a lovely property

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you! 😊 Yes, a lot of people have mentioned swallows or house martins - fascinating little birds! 🐦 I’d absolutely love to have them nest in the covered veranda area! More updates on the renovations are coming soon, so stay tuned! If you’re interested, you can check out my Instagram @Operation.Sicily for more behind-the-scenes progress.

[@Dawnsky1957]

After all the work you have done we can see your house is in fairly good condition. The floors are beautiful. You'll have a beautiful Italian home with all the work and care you're investing. Best of luck! Dawn watching from Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you so much, Dawn! 😊 It’s been a lot of hard work, but seeing the transformation makes it all worth it. The floors are really starting to shine now! More to come, and I can’t wait to show you the progress! Greetings from Sicily! 🌞

[@joeblack007]

Not going to lie, when the broom broke 45 seconds into the video I busted out laughing! I can definitely relate to that! Keep moving forward!! 😄

[@OperationSicily]

Honestly, it was soul-destroying-4 handles down, and I felt like I was in some twisted broom-breaking Olympics! Apparently, finding a decent handle in Sicily is harder than renovating the villa itself! Thanks for the support, and feel free to follow more of my misadventures on Instagram @Operation.Sicily! 🧹💪

[@salvo9718]

Nice to meet you Jonathan 😊 and welcome to Sicily. All I can tell you that you found a very nice place, I wish you a ton of luck and enjoy your life in the sunny Sicily.

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you so much, Salvo! 😊 It's a pleasure to meet you too, and I truly appreciate your warm welcome to Sicily. I'm already falling in love with this beautiful place, and I can't wait to see how the villa transforms. Your kind words mean a lot-cheers to many sunny days ahead! 🌞

[@cherriberri7161]

I look so forward to seeing more of your progress, only one man doing all this work is incredible! I found your channel purely by accident last night and thought of how anxious I was to see the next episode! Hope we get to hear the back story, how you thought of buying the villa, why you did, red tape you encountered….. Great work!

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you so much, Cherri! 😊 It really means a lot to hear that you’re enjoying the journey-being a one-man band is definitely a challenge, but it’s all worth it! I’ll definitely be sharing more about the backstory, why I chose this villa, and all the obstacles along the way in future videos. There’s a lot to tell! Feel free to follow more updates on Instagram @Operation.Sicily, and I promise there’s plenty more to come! 🏡💪

[@vanessawade452]

You are doing an amazing job. It looks so much better now. Keen to see your renovation progress Johnathan. Well done.

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you so much, Vanessa! 😊 It’s been a lot of hard work, but I’m thrilled with how far it’s come. There’s still a long way to go, but I’m excited to keep sharing the renovation journey with you all!

[@flofudge8680]

What a difference. Delighted to see you wearing a mask. Great work.

[@lindacotter9058]

For sure! Was very concerned that he wasn’t in the beginning even though he was sweeping.

[@OperationSicily]

Many thanks, I appreciate it! 😊 The mask made things a bit easier, even though it was tough to work in! Really glad you’re enjoying the progress! 💪

[@nevisscot7697]

Thats a great veranda for relaxing eat out area

[@OperationSicily]

Appreciate you taking the time, thank you! 🙌

[@marissaalonzo7997]

It's amazing you did that other work first. I would have had to clean the floors first because of all the sound of the crunching under my feet while fixing things. I bet it feels 10x better to walk around.

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you, Marissa! 😊 I completely agree-the sound of crunching underfoot was driving me mad, but there was so much to do that I just had to tackle things one step at a time. Now that the floors are finally clean, it feels 10x better to walk around, and it’s starting to feel like a proper home! Thanks for following the journey, and feel free to check out more updates on Instagram @Operation.Sicily! 🧹🏡

[@MsCar2008]

Let the show begin. Looking forward to all the progress. Goodluck.

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks a bunch, really grateful! 🌟

[@lucapolidori8817]

Tomatoes, parma ham and burrata cheese, now you are a true Italian :)

[@qsmile]

The kitchen sink is nice.

[@cristinacucconi7411]

💪💪🎯❤️ e in Sicilia è tutto buono

[@OperationSicily]

Grazie mille, Luca! 😊 Haha, I'm definitely trying to embrace the Italian lifestyle-food is such an important part of the culture here, and I’m loving every bit of it! The combination of burrata, Parma ham, and tomatoes is absolutely delicious. Just need a glass of wine to complete it, and I'll be a true Italian! 🍷

[@Nello353]

Is Parma ham a prosciutto?

[@OperationSicily]

Yes, Parma ham is a type of prosciutto. Specifically, it’s called "Prosciutto di Parma," and it’s one of the most famous types of prosciutto from Italy.

[@annawetton5303]

Your videos came up on my KZbin Tube recommended so I thought why not. Well safe to say I’m hooked - your videos are so well made - I could watch all day. I’m getting renovation, cleaning, nature, mouthwatering food, and sheep. You’ve got me.

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you so much, Anna! 😊 I’m really glad KZbin brought you here-what a lovely comment to receive! It’s great to know you're enjoying the mix of renovation, cleaning, and of course, a bit of nature and food in the videos (and the sheep too 🐑😂). Have you had a chance to check out any of my earlier videos? There’s plenty more to see! And if you want even more behind-the-scenes updates, feel free to follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily! 🏡🍽️

[@phyllismorris8735]

Well done! Your lunch looked great’

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks so much, Phyllis! 😊 I’m a big foodie, so I try to make a nice meal whenever I can - even during the chaos of renovation! It was Burrata cheese with finely chopped sundried tomatoes and prosciutto - just missing a glass of wine! 🍷

[@leighlaaltilio6672]

Fresh clean smelling floors is a big step well done!🎉 When will the water and electric be sorted ?

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you! 😊 It's definitely a huge step forward. As for water and electric, it's going to take a bit of time. I'm currently getting quotes for a full rewire, but the process is a bit slow. There's no mains water, so I'll be working on the water well soon to make it my main water source. 💧⚡

[@murialpack5350]

I’m new here 😁 I just discovered your channel the other day, binge watched and subscribed! I was so relieved to see you put on that mask when you swept the place. And equally relieved that you used a mopping bucket that didn’t require ringing out the mop by hand 🫣🤭😂 Your property has unlimited potential and appears to be in good shape. Great video and you were good company while I had my morning coffee! 😁😁😁

[@OperationSicily]

Welcome to the channel, Murial! 😊 I’m so glad you found it and have been enjoying the videos-binge-watching is the best way to catch up! Yes, the mask was definitely a must, and that mop bucket saved my hands from some very messy work! I’m really excited about the potential of this place and can’t wait to share more progress with you. Feel free to follow along on Instagram @Operation.Sicily for even more updates. Thanks for keeping me company during your morning coffee! ☕🏡

[@GypsyHoover]

Lot of work! Nicely done!

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you so much! It’s definitely been a lot of work, but so rewarding. Have you had a chance to watch any of my other videos yet? I’m excited to share a new one this Sunday-hope you’ll tune in!

[@eddieknox7]

I've just found your videos. It looks a lovely place, and you're doing an amazing job restoring it so far. I'd like to see you speaking more to the viewers to make a connection. keep up the great work!

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks so much, Eddie! I really appreciate the feedback. I’ll definitely work on adding more personal updates to connect with everyone following along. I can’t wait to share my new video on Sunday where I explain the journey so far and some of the crazy property viewings I had before finding this place.

[@philharrison43]

What a brilliant job you are doing. Well impressed and love the way you are methodically getting on with the task bit by bit. We bought our Italian house 2 years ago and, although it needed a bit of work, including full rewiring, it was nothing like your place. Really enjoying following your journey.

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you so much, Phil! It's definitely a massive task, but bit by bit, I’m getting there. It’s amazing to hear about your own journey with your Italian house - rewiring is no small job! 💪 I’ll be facing that challenge myself soon, but for now, I’m just focused on getting everything cleaned up and in order. Thanks for joining me on this journey, and if you’ve got any tips or advice from your experience, I’d love to hear them! Feel free to check out my Instagram as well (@Operation.Sicily) for more behind-the-scenes updates!

[@nicolagalton9457]

Yeah, loving the 'clean as you go' mentality. Very envious!

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you so much, really appreciate it! 🌟

[@kslucki]

Where are you staying in the meantime, since there's not water/electricity? Looking forward to watching the restoration progress.

[@judymcgovern8454]

Just subscribed and watched the previous videos. The transformation already is amazing, so much cleaner. A few new mop heads and regular further cleans will definitely get rid of everything. We love Italy and go to the Amalfi Coast every year. Can’t wait to see your transformation x

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you so much for subscribing and catching up on the earlier videos, @judymcgovern8454! 😊 The difference a deep clean has made is incredible already, and I’m definitely with you on needing plenty of new mop heads and regular cleanups to really make this place shine. It’s amazing to hear you visit the Amalfi Coast each year - such a stunning area! Looking forward to sharing more of the transformation with you. New video out this Sunday, so stay tuned! 🌞

[@Aug_Frappe]

My favourite part was when you became a ghost buster. On serious level really enjoying following your projects, keep the videos coming.

[@OperationSicily]

Haha, yes, it did feel like I was on a mission to bust some ghosts with that pressurized sprayer backpack! 👻 But instead of catching ghosts, I was just trying to get rid of all that grime and filth! 😂 Glad you're enjoying the videos, and there’s plenty more “ghost-busting” action to come! Thanks for the support!

[@joelaerts]

I enjoyed that. Good luck with next steps!

[@OperationSicily]

Many thanks, really appreciate the support

[@katherine2969]

The floors are very pretty & great job

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks for watching, appreciate the kind words! 😊

[@DenLD]

It’s a very exciting project. I hope you will do a video about why you decided to buy a home in Italy. Four years ago I left the US and moved to Mexico. It’s been a really amazing journey to learn the language and culture, buy a home, settle into a life so much different than the one I had. It’s a big leap of faith, but so rewarding. I can’t wait to see what you do with your home.

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks, DenLD! Mexico sounds like an amazing adventure, and I completely agree - it's such a rewarding experience to immerse yourself in a new culture. I’m definitely planning to do a video about why I chose Italy, so stay tuned! And yes, I love Mexico too-the food, the weather, the people-it’s all fantastic! But that 10-hour flight is a bit of a killer for me 😂. Thanks for following my journey, and I hope you enjoy the transformation!

[@deborahgriner5592]

The floors are in amazingly great shape. Keep what you can in the remodel.

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you, Deborah! 😊 The floors were definitely a pleasant surprise and in much better shape than I expected. I'm definitely planning to keep and restore as much of the original flooring as possible-it adds so much character to the villa! If you want to see more of the progress, stay tuned for the next video on Sunday. Feel free to check out my Instagram (@Operation.Sicily) for behind-the-scenes updates too!

[@carolmcreynolds7761]

What a huge difference a good cleaning made to the appearance of the house. Looks like it has good bones. Looking forward to seeing how you fix it up.❤❤❤

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you, Carol! 😊 A deep clean really did wonders, didn’t it? The villa definitely has some solid bones, and now that the filth is gone, I can finally start visualizing the transformation! I’m excited to share the journey with you-lots more to come!

[@wolscheline]

Well about the birds you got told already what might it be. It is nice to see you will keep it most likely the former 'owner' of the nest thought it will be safer inside to take care of the little birds then outside sometimes they do it like in barns with horses or so. It is enjoying to see how you reveal the place back to a place you can start to renovate and make it your own. I can only imagine how hard it was to clean it with the mask, any it is was absolutely needed, in this temperature. Hopefully your plans with the replacing of the trees will work out as you have really some nice ones out there. Almonds for almond milk and other great stuff to use it for and figs that you can enjoy with burrata and tomatoes or for chutney. You are really lucky with what you have still alive there. Looking forward to the next episode in the hope that the smell of the urine will have vanished with the cleaning then too.

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks again for the support! 😊 I’m happy to report that the urine smell has completely disappeared after a hell of a lot of cleaning and loads of disinfectant! It was a tough job, but well worth it to finally get that fresh feeling. As for the bird’s nest, I sadly had to remove it, but I’m planning to put up plenty of bird boxes around the property to welcome more feathered friends. In a later video, you can even hear the owls nearby-it’s such a peaceful sound at night! Stay tuned for the new video coming out on Sunday! 😊

[@wolscheline]

@@OperationSicily oh I beliefe that with the owls. In my childhood when we had more wild area around my parents home we had Long a Eared Owls around they were so pretty and the sound so wonderful to listen to.

[@OperationSicily]

@wolscheline Long-Eared Owls sound absolutely magical! 🦉 It’s such a special experience to have wildlife so close, and I’m hoping to hear more of them as I continue to work on the property. Nature really adds a whole new dimension to life out here. Thanks for sharing that lovely memory, and I’m glad you're enjoying the journey with me! Looking forward to showing you more of the renovation-and maybe more owl sounds-in the next video! 😊

[@livmaria942]

How nice it looks now.🤩 Now you can better sense what the house is like. Swallows build nests everywhere on people's house walls, walls where they can get to it. This is because they make a kind of glue from mud and straw that sticks well. They do it because they know their baby birds are safer this way. So they are quite clever with their method so they don't need hedges and trees. Actually a big problem for many houses as they destroy the wall over time. They love horse stables too but people don't want them flying around. However, it is actually a good thing for the horses because they eat the flies and help the horses. Thanks for the reply today and thought I would post here after the video. Yes, we are looking forward to the trip when the new year starts, there is a lot we need to get under control before then. Continued good will to work, it must be difficult without water and electricity because it is difficult to do it all. Hope you get it sorted soon so you don't have the trouble- Have a good time, thanks for the video. Maria.😊

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you for such an insightful comment, Maria! 😊 It's fascinating how clever and resourceful swallows are with their nest-building, and I’m truly impressed by how they manage to create something so secure with just mud and straw. It makes sense they choose walls and stables for safety, though I can see why it might be a bit of a challenge for homeowners over time. I hope you enjoy your upcoming trip, and I'm sure you'll fall even more in love with Sicily! It’s been tough without electricity and water, but I’m taking it step by step, and things are gradually coming together. I’ll keep pushing forward, and I’m glad to have you following along on this journey. Wishing you all the best with your own plans, and thanks for sharing such great info! 😊

[@livmaria942]

@@OperationSicily Thank you, it was so little, but yes, exciting with those birds because when you see their nests it looks absolutely fantastic. Smart birds one must say. I see some videos about Sicily and there are actually many who are considering moving there. Yes, now we have to see when we can take off from here because there is something that needs to fall into place, but I am very much looking forward to the trip and so is my son. It's great that the house is progressing, but phew, it's hard work because there is so much to be done. but my experience is that you have to just take it easy and one step at a time, otherwise you get stressed and drive tired all the time. yes actually try to live and enjoy the process at the same time and not put a timeline on it. Because that's what you get stress from. Keep up the good work. Maria🙂🙂.

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you, Maria! 😊 You’re absolutely right-those swallows are incredibly smart with how they build their nests, and it really is amazing to see. It sounds like you and your son are going to have an incredible adventure in Sicily-I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it just like I did! You’ve got great advice about taking things one step at a time, which I’m trying my best to follow. It’s a lot of hard work, but I’m enjoying the process as much as I can. My new video is going live this Sunday, so stay tuned! Thanks again for your lovely comment and support! 😊🌿

[@allisontison40]

It’s a lovely building, awesome garden with walls. It’s gonna be so nice! Good luck!

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you so much, Allison! 😊 The garden and walls definitely have a lot of potential, and I'm excited to transform this place into something amazing. Keep an eye out for more updates, and feel free to follow along on Instagram @Operation.Sicily for even more behind-the-scenes content!

[@tomjowitt8554]

Congrats Jonathan. I have subbed and binged watched all videos to catch up. Your project reminds me of ‘Real Algarve Living’ and ‘Escape to rural France’. A few respectful and humble suggestions to consider going forward: 1. Long term you may want a steam mop with pads to keep those tiled floors clean. Cleans better than traditional water mops. Less than £100 usually. 2. When rewiring, have the sparky quote to run Cat 5 or Cat 6 cabling as well for internet access and televisions etc. A reel of Cat 6 is less than £100 and will help with internal connectivity long term, as your walls look thick which will hamper Wi-Fi coverage and reach. I assume you will have to opt for a Starlink Satellite on roof if there is no local fibre broadband? 3. Is the plaster on the walls ok? If so, whitewash them may be cheaper alternative than replastering or rendering them, and would retain rustic theme of property. 4. Maybe consider emailing press depts of manufacturers of portable power stations (Ecoflow, Anker, Bluetti etc) to see whether you could ‘review’ or feature their devices on your KZbin channel. This approach may work for tool manufacturers. Just my 10 pence worth. Good luck mate.

[@OperationSicily]

Many thanks for your incredibly kind words and detailed advice, Tom - I genuinely appreciate it! 😊 This is all quite new to me, so any suggestions are massively helpful as I navigate through this journey. I’ve been following Real Algarve Living @blondguy for about a year now - love his content and work! As for the steam mop, I’ll definitely look into that; there has to be a better way to keep these tiles clean without the old-school mop and bucket routine! 🧼 Great shout on the CAT cabling - I’ll make sure to get that sorted during the full rewire. And yes, I’m planning to go with Starlink; the price is pretty reasonable compared to the UK. The plaster on the walls is solid, but it's quite rough. I'm torn between giving it a skim or leaving it as is for that authentic rustic feel. What would you do in my shoes? 🤔 As for reaching out to brands, it’s a fantastic idea, but I’ve got my hands full with everything else at the moment! Any other suggestions, please keep them coming, mate - they’re much appreciated! 💪

[@MandyHassell-zc3rf]

Well done Jonathan, can’t wait for next episode 😊

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you so much, Mandy! 😊 I’m really glad you’re enjoying the journey. New episodes are out every Sunday, so stay tuned for the next one!

[@wateracumen-vs1bx]

I’m enjoying watching you. You can improve the viewers experience by speeding up certain laborious things. I’m not sure how you do except I think by editing.

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks for the feedback! 😊 I’m still getting the hang of editing, but I’ll definitely try to speed up the more repetitive bits in future videos. There’s only so much sweeping one can watch, right? 😂 Glad you're enjoying the journey so far - plenty more to come!

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

Now that’s it’s mostly clean, it must feel so much better in there! And now you can finally see what you have. There are lots of things you could do for aesthetics if you want, but all you have to do is install the kitchen and bath and repair a window or two and paint. Then you could move in and do the other over time. I would keep the birds nest. Maybe paint it and decorate it lol. A touch of whimsy is a good thing.🤗 Someone up above mentioned putting a spiral staircase in the tiny round room I asked you about. I feel so silly lol!! Of course that’s what it is for. You almost certainly have a terrace on the roof or someone was going to put one there. That would be so cool!!❤️🤗🐝

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks, Deborah! 😊 It feels like a completely different place now that it's cleaned up-so much better to work in! You're absolutely right; now I can really see what I've got to work with, and it’s so exciting to imagine the possibilities. I love your idea of keeping the bird's nest as a quirky feature! Who knows, maybe it’ll become a unique piece of 'wall art' once I start decorating! 😂 As for the spiral staircase, you’re spot on-that's exactly the plan! I’ll be installing one that leads up to the roof, which will be transformed into a stunning terrace with amazing views over the countryside. Can't wait to share more of the progress with you!

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

@@OperationSicily Oh that will be wonderful! And it will increase the floor space and the liveability by a lot too. Do you already have furniture in storage or will you need to buy it? Clearly there wasn’t much of anything to salvage there.🤗🐝❤️

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks, Deborah! 😊 I don’t have any furniture, unfortunately - it would have cost far too much to ship everything over from the UK. I think I’m going to check out eBay (if they have one over here in Sicily) and local markets to see if I can find some cheap bits to furnish the place. The only thing I managed to save was the large dining table - it had this big plastic, waterproof cover over it, which protected it from all the bad stuff. When I removed the cover, it was like brand new underneath, which was such a nice surprise! 🎉

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

@@OperationSicily That’s great! You should be able to find something nearby. You won’t need too many things to get started. Then you can add more pieces later as you can afford them. Older furniture tends to be built better anyway. I only have old and antiques in my home. I much prefer it.❤️🐝🤗

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks, Deborah! 😊 I completely agree-older furniture has so much more character, and it’s usually built to last! I’m excited to see what I can find locally. I don’t need much to get started, just enough to make it livable for now, and I’ll add more as I go. My new video is going live this Sunday, so stay tuned! Can’t wait to share more progress with you! 🛋️✨

[@viviennenoble4035]

The house and land has so much potential. That big white sink looks lovely.

[@OperationSicily]

Cheers, appreciate your support! 👍

[@PaulCousins-ko3jd]

Nicely done my son, think I’d also wear a hat a gloves! The cleaning has brought your lovely home to life👏🏾👏🏾🍷

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks, Paul! Couldn’t agree more - gloves, a hat, maybe even a full suit at times might’ve helped! The place definitely feels more alive now that it’s looking clean and fresh. 🍷 Appreciate the support, and if you’re on Instagram, check out @Operation.Sicily for a few behind-the-scenes updates. New video coming out Sunday - stay tuned!

[@canelarainha]

Desculpe se não falo a sua lingua, mas gostaria de deixar aqui o meu comentário. Descobri o seu canal por acaso. E estou a adorar. Estou a fazer uma maratona para ver todos os videos. Gosto de ver alguém pegar numa coisa, neste caso uma casa, e aceitar as condições que encontrar para depois a transformar à sua maneira, tirando partido do que já existe. É maravilhoso. A sua casa vai ficar linda. Boa sorte e força!

[@barbarathomas2561]

Mmm. Parma ham and sundried toms, you gotta like these if you wanna come to Italy! I confess I've never heard of burrata, a speciality of Puglia google tells me 🙂 Love seeing the everyday shots of Sicily, the brico. Though there seems to be no-one around. Is it because its midweek? Or too hot. 'Only mad dogs and Englishmen' lol. Incredible blue skies, not a cloud 🙂Take care, thanks 🙂

[@OperationSicily]

@barbarathomas2561 Haha, yes, Parma ham and sundried tomatoes are practically entry requirements here! 😄 Burrata is like mozzarella's creamier, more indulgent cousin-definitely worth a try. And you’re right about the empty brico! Must be a mix of midweek and the scorching heat keeping everyone sane… well, except us mad dogs and Englishmen! 😆 Thanks for watching, and glad you’re enjoying the everyday shots of Sicily’s ‘finest’ brico scenes and blue skies!

[@jeffbatt8968]

A real one man job......This lets you stand back and really visualise a plan. Nice work. An insentive to get momentum. Keep up the good work.

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks a lot, Jeff! 😊 It’s definitely a one-man job, but like you said, it really gives me the chance to step back and plan things out properly. Every bit of progress gives me that extra momentum to keep pushing forward! 🏡💪

[@joannamacfarlane5404]

Wow.. love the tower, and your floors will look amazing after the deep clean.❤

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you, Joanna! 😊 I’m really excited about the tower too-it's going to be such a unique feature of the villa! The floors have definitely come up nicely after the deep clean. It’s amazing what a bit of hard work can do!

[@zaraengland4787]

My kind of lunch yum! I am so envious you are going to have a lovely life there. I have a two decade history as an international flight attendant but never been to Sicily I must go one day. I am a lone parent currently sat in rainy wales dreaming of owning a villa somewhere sunny. Hope you manage to get electricity and water to make your life easier!

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks so much, Zara! 😊 That lunch definitely hit the spot-nothing like fresh ingredients in the Sicilian sun! 🌞 You’ve had such an interesting career as an international flight attendant, I’m sure you’ve seen some amazing places. You absolutely need to visit Sicily one day-it’s such a special place, and I think you’d love it! I can totally relate to dreaming of sunny weather while sitting in the rain, and I hope you get your own villa someday too! I’m working on getting the water and electricity sorted-one step at a time! Have you checked out any of my earlier videos? And if you’re interested in more behind-the-scenes, feel free to follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily! 🏡🍋

[@joystone6460]

Happy to see you using a respirator with all the droppings. Excited to see what comes next for you.

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks, Joy! 😊 It was a tough job wearing that mask, but definitely worth it for safety with all the droppings around. I'm excited to keep making progress, so stay tuned for what's next! Feel free to follow along on Instagram @Operation.Sicily for more updates!

[@nickiemoreno1261]

Wow, I just mopped all the walls in my house today. I used a flat mop which was easier but, still a lot of hard work! You got this!

[@OperationSicily]

A flat mop would have definitely made my life easier, but I couldn’t find one anywhere! Even the regular mop I used wasn’t the best-it ended up breaking after a few rooms! 😂 Thanks for the support though, Nickie, I’ll keep pushing through!

[@sherribauch5481]

Every room you sweep reveals more of the tiles on the flooring. From the video, the flooring looks to be in good condition and loving the neutral colors! Lots of work, but you will look at the rooms shortly and say “good job”!

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks so much, Sherri! 😊 The tiles are in fantastic condition

[@joycourtney3675]

I bet you feel good that you finally got rid of all that filth, Jonathon! Cleaning the house out in that heat is no mean feat! It can only get better from now on...lol. Structurally, the house is solid as. Can't wait to see what you create. Food looks delish 😊

[@OperationSicily]

You're absolutely right, Joy! 😊 I was a man on a serious mission to get this place cleaned up! While a lot of things will eventually be replaced, I just needed to get it fully cleaned first so it’s a nicer environment to work in and to really see what I'm dealing with. The heat definitely added to the challenge, but now that it's done, it feels amazing to finally get rid of all that filth. And yes, the food was a much-needed treat afterward! Can’t wait to share the next stages of the renovation with you! 🍴

[@ExpectMiracles55]

Hi there, two days ago I left you a note on your previous video. I'm reposting it here because I really think it can help you in a natural way to get rid of mice/rats infestation: Hello, greetings from Newton, MA USA. My friend, you've got your hands full, what a mess! Can't wait to see what/how you're going to bring this intersting property back to life. I have one wonderful tip to share with you. Rats can't stand the smell of peppermint. Buy yourself some peppermint essential oil and a carrier oil - any oil will do such as almond, grapeseed, olive and so on. In a small gladd pour a few ounces of the carrier oil. Drop enough essential oil to get a strong scent. Soak up cotton balls in the mixture and put them in the small containers. Spread the containers in the corners of each room. The scent should last strong for a couple of weeks. Replace cotton balls with the oil mixture when you feel it has no scent left. You also have the perfect weather to plant peppermint all around the perimeter of your house. Mice, rats will want to be anywhere but in your house! Here's an article for you from an expert: pestpointers.com/peppermint-oil-why-it-works-to-repel-rats-and-how-to-use-it/ I wish you the best of luck on your new life! I've caught up on your 4 videos, and subscribed. Also I never fail to leave a like. i! helps with the agorythm thing!

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you so much for taking the time to repost your advice and for your support! 😊 And my apologies for missing your previous comment-I'm trying my best to reply to all the lovely and encouraging messages I’ve been receiving. I genuinely appreciate every single one. The peppermint tip is fantastic! I hadn’t heard of that before, but it sounds like a natural and effective solution. I can imagine it will smell amazing around the villa too! 🌿 I’ll definitely give this a try and look into planting some peppermint around the perimeter as well. Thanks for sharing the article link, and I really appreciate your support on my journey!

[@cristinacucconi7411]

Vorrei essere lì per aiutarti 🤗 ,the nest you have in your house is a Swallow's , in italiano is Rondine ❤, sta diventando proprio una bellissima casa, 👏👏complimenti

[@OperationSicily]

Grazie mille, Cristina! 😊 Sarebbe fantastico avere un aiuto in più, ma sono felice di fare progressi. Grazie per dirmi che è un nido di Rondine - che bella scoperta! Sta diventando davvero una bellissima casa e sono entusiasta di vederla trasformarsi ogni giorno di più. Se vuoi seguire ancora più aggiornamenti, puoi seguirmi su Instagram: @Operation.Sicily. Grazie ancora per il tuo sostegno!

[@josiegitto8928]

welcome to sicily ,Im canadian born and raised ,and have lived in sicily for 36 years now . Looking forward to your videos , Im in the province of Messina and we own a tiling / bathroom store . Are you planing to change the floor plan? Cant wait and see.

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks so much for the warm welcome, Josie! 😊 Wow, 36 years in Sicily-that’s incredible! Messina is a bit of a distance from Trapani, but I’d love to support local businesses like yours. I’m going to need around 150sqm of tiles for the inside of the property, the front veranda, and the large rear garden terrace. I’m debating between going with bold, patterned tiles to make them a feature with plain walls or keeping the tiles simple and going for feature walls instead. What do you think would look best? I’ll also be needing a full bathroom suite, so if you’ve got any recommendations, I’d love to hear them! The floor plan will mostly stay the same, but I’ll be adding a large back garden terrace connected to the house, all on one level. Thanks again for reaching out, and I can’t wait to share more progress! 😊

[@josiegitto8928]

@@OperationSicily Hi Jonathon , What time is your live today ?

[@uneetudiant]

Wow beautifully done sir, that sandwich is truly Italian ,I know my wife is Italian. Next year we are taking a trip to Italy. My wife always said "if the house is a mess,so is the mind," I think you just cleared up your thoughts brother, now you can focus clearly on the next project . Cheers from Ontario Canada

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you so much! 😊 Your wife sounds like a wise woman, and I couldn't agree more with her saying-it really does feel like a weight has been lifted now that the place is finally cleaned up. It's amazing how much clearer and more motivated I feel to tackle the next steps. I hope you have an incredible trip to Italy next year; it's a truly beautiful country, and I'm sure you'll both love it! Cheers from Sicily to Ontario, and thanks for watching!

[@richardspacetimeuhrensamml4236]

Super, der Küchenboden die Stein Fliesen sind noch völlig intakt, ein schon großes Plus bei der Renovierung des Hauses 🌟

[@OperationSicily]

Vielen Dank, Richard! 😊 Ja, die Steinfliesen in der Küche sind wirklich in großartigem Zustand - das war eine tolle Entdeckung! Es ist definitiv ein großer Pluspunkt und spart mir einiges an Arbeit. Ich hoffe, Sie bleiben bei meinem Renovierungsabenteuer dabei! 👷‍♂️

[@richardspacetimeuhrensamml4236]

@@OperationSicily ja mit Sicherheit werde ich ihre Renovierung des Anwesen so wie des Hauses an sich weiter beobachten.

[@OperationSicily]

Das freut mich sehr, Richard! 😊 Es wird auf jeden Fall noch viele spannende Fortschritte geben, und ich freue mich darauf, Sie weiterhin auf meiner Reise dabei zu haben. Haben Sie schon meine anderen Videos gesehen?

[@johnoliver2022]

Wow 🎉🎉🎉 Congrats 🎉🎉🎉 ❤ finally a Sunny Life in Sicily and skipping Winters ❤😂 Amazing job 😮 now you have to abandon grey/black cloths 😂 colours Discovery 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@OperationSicily]

@johnoliver2022 Haha, you’re absolutely right! Time to trade in my moody black wardrobe for some Mediterranean flair 😆🌞 Maybe I’ll even throw in a few neon colors to match the Sicilian sunshine! But hey, those grey clothes got me through UK winters, so it’s tough to let go 😂 Thanks for the support and for keeping my fashion in check!

[@loticsir]

Well done so far, first look was not good, since then small miracle of human effort. Look forward to your dream.

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks a bunch, really grateful! 🌟

[@TeresaMom1]

Love your videos. Starting from Top to bottom cleaning is the most efficient. Great Job. Holy Cow that Lunch looks good! What is that round tower room used for?

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you so much, Teresa! 😊 Starting from the top to bottom definitely made a huge difference! That lunch was a little reward for all the hard work-glad you liked the look of it! As for the round tower room, I have big plans to build a stunning spiral staircase inside, which will lead up to a beautiful roof terrace with incredible views over the Sicilian countryside. Stay tuned for more updates!

[@neutonrenda2303]

Your house is deceivingly bigger than the initial front would show. Every room looks like a great space compared with a lot of what you normally find in Italy. I can't wait to see what you are going to do with it.👍

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you so much, Neuton! 😊 I completely agree; the villa has a lot more space than it seems from the outside, which was one of the things that made it so special to me. Each room offers so much potential, and I’m excited to start transforming them into something amazing. There's definitely a lot of work ahead, but I can't wait to see it all come together!

[@toddsholtis4470]

Great to see the progress! Doing all this solo is an incredible feat! Keep going! Can you tell us also what things cost for cleaning/construction supplies and also are you renting a nearby apartment or staying at a hotel? When will you get the water and electric turned on?

[@moragsu]

This is quite an endeavor, and it’s coming along nicely. The property looks quite large, and you don’t have noissy neighbors like we do in Ecuador! Also no dogs or chickens making noises, disturbing the peace! Can you tell us the purchase price?.

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks so much, Todd! 😊 It’s definitely a challenge doing it all solo, but I’m determined to see it through! I’ll be covering the costs of cleaning and construction supplies in more detail in future videos, so keep an eye out for that. As for accommodation, I’m currently staying in an Airbnb nearby, but I plan to move into the villa once the electrics are sorted and the water well is up and running. There’s no mains water or electricity at the property, so I’ll be installing everything from scratch. Thanks for following the journey, and feel free to check out more updates on Instagram @Operation.Sicily! 💪🏡

[@mariajara8165]

Great buy !!!! Congratulations !!!!

[@OperationSicily]

Cheers, appreciate your support! 👍

[@CherriRobb]

Congratulations and good luck. The architecture on front of the house is so interesting, love the entrance! Colorado Cherri

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you so much, Cherri! 😊 I'm really glad you love the entrance-it's one of my favorite features of the house as well. The architecture definitely adds to the charm, and I can’t wait to restore it to its former glory. Thanks for the well wishes, and greetings to you all the way from Colorado!

[@carlorad]

In Italian is rondine…swallow. Very common in all Italy in spring and summer than flies back to Africa or other warmer places

[@OperationSicily]

Grazie mille! 🐦 Yes, I've heard they migrate to warmer places. It would be lovely to have them return each year.

[@joycekepic8947]

Hello from New York City oh my goodness you're gonna have one beautiful home there with a broom and a dustpan would do. Can you keep us posted about the little kitty?

[@OperationSicily]

Hello Joyce, and greetings to New York City! 😊 Thank you so much for your kind words-it's amazing what a broom and dustpan can do, right? I’m determined to transform this place into something beautiful. As for the little kitty, I'll definitely keep everyone posted! She's still hanging around, and I’m making sure she’s fed and comfortable. Feel free to follow more updates on my Instagram @Operation.Sicily! 🐱🏡

[@joannamacfarlane5404]

Ciao again from New Zealand. Well done. The more I watch, I wish I was there. I hope you keep all your trees and just trim them a little, they will realy like that.

[@OperationSicily]

Ciao Joanna, greetings to New Zealand! 🌏 Thank you so much for watching! I’m definitely planning to keep all the trees, but I’ll need to move them to the front garden. They’ll get a little trim and a good drink of water once I have some - they could really use the attention! 😊 🌳🍋

[@Hope-fv3kf]

Your video showed up today! I subscribed and watched the beginning video forward to catch up with your venture.

[@OperationSicily]

Welcome to the journey, Hope! 🎉 Thank you so much for subscribing and catching up from the beginning. It’s been a wild ride so far, and there's so much more to come! If you’d like to see even more behind-the-scenes updates, feel free to check out my Instagram @Operation.Sicily 😊

[@nicolagalton9457]

Subbed today...love the house pretty much as it is. Just a massive wash and it'll be liveable. Good luck x

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks so much for subscribing, Nicola! 😊 I’m really glad you love the house-I do too! It's amazing what a massive clean-up can do, and once I get it all sorted, it’ll definitely start feeling more liveable. Have you had a chance to check out any of my earlier videos? There’s a lot more to come! And if you want to follow along for more behind-the-scenes updates, feel free to check out my Instagram @Operation.Sicily! 🏡🧽

[@veg-hb3kt]

Well done! You must be relieved that all the tile flooring is in great shape. Until next week.....

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you so much! 😊 Yes, I'm genuinely relieved that the tiles turned out to be in such great condition once all that dirt was removed! The only issue is with the front veranda-there’s a section where the tiles are lifting and bowing, and it goes back down when I walk on it. I’m not entirely sure how to tackle it yet, but I might have to remove them and relay the whole area. Always something to keep me busy!

[@veg-hb3kt]

@@OperationSicily I am wondering if the tiles that are lifting could be reset? It might be worth checking into that prior to replacing them.

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks for the suggestion! 😊 Yes, I think they could definitely be reset, as none of them are broken and they’re all still in good condition. I presume I’d have to remove them all first and then re-adhesive them back in place? It’s worth a shot, especially since I’m trying to save on costs where I can!

[@veg-hb3kt]

@@OperationSicily Yes, carefully remove each one and prepare the underside of the tile as well as the base it will be mounted on by removing any residue. Make sure the base is next to new clean. I hope the base is concrete and not wooden because the prep would be completely different. I'm all for saving money and reusing/refurbishing everything possible. Good luck.

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you so much for the detailed advice! 😊 Luckily, the base is concrete, so I’ll follow your steps and give it a go. I’m definitely all for saving money and reusing everything possible, especially on this project. It’s always something new to tackle, but I’m loving the challenge! My new video is going live this Sunday, so stay tuned! 🎥🏡

[@louannfellersengle5232]

Yea! You're wearing a mask. This makes me so happy!

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks, Louann! 😊 I know it was long overdue, but safety first, right? It’s not the easiest to work in, though-I was struggling to breathe, and every time I took it off, there were little pools of sweat in the bottom! Not the most comfortable, but definitely worth it to stay safe!

[@michelemichele8196]

I'm so happy you are wearing a mask

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you, Michele! 😊 It was definitely a must, especially with all the dust and debris. I have to admit, wearing it wasn't the most comfortable experience-every time I took it off, there was a pool of sweat at the bottom that I had to pour out! But safety first, right?

[@rontanser9369]

Those floor tiles looked in remarkably good condition after you clean them , I wondered if that was a mould spray or disinfectant spray good idea just in case

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks, Ron! 😊 The tiles really surprised me too - they cleaned up so well! I used disinfectant when spraying and mopping to make sure everything was properly sanitized. Luckily, I haven't come across any mold in the property so far, which is a huge relief!

[@Kitiwake]

Powerhouse, mate.

[@OperationSicily]

Many thanks, really appreciate the support

[@dianabutterfield29]

Swallows or swifts, beautiful nests, they will return and probably build outside. Do you have an open fire or wood burner, keep your old furniture for that as it will be cold later on ! Enjoying your progress.

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you, Diana! 😊 I’ve heard that swallows or swifts might be the ones who built that nest, and it's fascinating how they create such beautiful homes. In time, I’m actually planning on building some bird boxes around the property to encourage them to return! There are also some owls in the area, which you’ll be able to hear in my next video. Great tip about the old furniture too-I'll definitely consider using it for firewood when the colder weather comes around. Thanks so much for following my progress, and feel free to check out my Instagram @Operation.Sicily for more updates! 🐦🦉🔥

[@SilviaAxisa-rn1gn]

Hi,just watched no7first one I have seen,will carry on with the rest lovely too see you looking after the cat, how old is the villa.greetings from crewe cheshire

[@sabrinarinaldi6339]

Great job, should be much better working there now!

[@OperationSicily]

Many thanks, really appreciate it

[@christopherjohnsbarrymore2474]

A nice fresh coat of paint in there would look great but i would use kiltz paint primer mixed already that will stop any staining from coming through.

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks for the tip, Christopher! 😊 I’ve been reading up on Kiltz paint primer after your suggestion, and it seems like the perfect solution! I’m just not sure if I can get it here in Sicily. For some reason, the staining looks so much worse on camera than it does in person, and I have no idea why there’s even staining in the first place, since everything is completely bone dry. Have you seen any of the earlier videos? And if you’re curious about more behind-the-scenes, feel free to follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily! 🎨🏡

[@piaaskew3909]

I have just subscribed after your channel popped up on my feed. Can I make one suggestion please, maybe some of the more tedious jobs you can film in time lapse as I spent a lot of time fast forwarding your videos, that way you can get more content I too! Looking forward to watching your renovation project. Good luck from Australia

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks for subscribing, Pia! 😊 That’s a great suggestion, and I’ve actually been thinking about using more time-lapse for the tedious tasks to keep things moving along. It would definitely help pack more content into the videos too! Really appreciate the feedback and support-it means a lot. Have you seen any of my earlier videos yet? And if you want more updates, feel free to follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily! 🛠️🇦🇺

[@moonovermiami9787]

Hi there! Subbed today. The room at 17:21, are those water stains on wall btwn the cinder blocks? Check exterior wall, window seepage, roof etc. Also, is there an attic? That round tall room with small windows, I believe was the shooting room... note the tiny windows. I saw these tiny windows enough to pass a barrel of a rifle through wherever history speaks of multi-generational family feuds (vendettas) such as in Sicily, Crete, South Peloponese in Mani region. Same structures. You need more tools, a wheel barrel, battery operated tools. Will be following your progress. Take it slow.

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you for subscribing and for all your observations! 😊 Yes, I noticed those water stains too and will definitely be checking out the exterior wall, windows, and roof to ensure there's no seepage. As for the tower room, I plan to put in a stunning spiral staircase that will lead up to the roof, which I'll be transforming into a terrace. It’s going to be an amazing spot with views over the countryside! I definitely agree about needing more tools, but I’m on a very limited budget, so I’m doing the best I can for now. Thanks for the support, and I’m excited to share more of this journey with you!

[@moonovermiami9787]

@@OperationSicily 💕🌴

[@alexseaford4029]

My best guess would be a housemartins nest, if so they'll be thinking about heading back to Africa by now, so you'll be safe to remove it. Good luck with with your renovations.

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks, Alex! 😊 That seems to be a popular guess - lots of people are saying it's either swallows or house martins. I’m planning to build some bird boxes later, so hopefully, they’ll have a nice home to come back to next year! In my next video, you might even hear the owls that are around the property at night. 🦉

[@riccardomulazzani7436]

Great work my friends... keep going... 💪

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you, Riccardo! 😊 Your support means a lot. I'm pushing forward, step by step!

[@greybeard5774]

As for the lack of electricity, a portable 1.5 - 2 kw generator would also be a solution at the beginning .. would make it possible to use many tools to get the necessary work done. Great result after cleansing, must say!! 👍✌

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks for the tip, Greybeard! 😊 A generator is definitely next on my list, but they're not cheap, and I’m running on a pretty tight budget right now. I really need one ASAP to drain the water well-dreading to see what’s lurking at the bottom of it! 😅 Have you seen any of my earlier videos? 🏡🔧

[@tracey4474]

Something like a swift for the birds nest and if it is they return each year to breed

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you, Tracey! A lot of people are mentioning swifts and swallows - I’d love it if they returned next year. It would be amazing to have them nesting in the covered veranda area! I'll most definitely be keeping an eye out for them. 😊

[@cynthiahudson7528]

In Texas those type of birds nests are from Swallows. They arrive in March, then head back down to So. America in late August. We get them every year outside our two story entrance. After they leave I take it down with a wire brush, wearing a mask, then hose it down. Good luck.

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks for the info, Cynthia! 😊 It seems like everyone is suggesting swallows, so it’s likely that’s what they were. I would absolutely love to have them return, maybe even build a nest in the covered veranda area! I'm planning to put up some bird boxes to welcome them back next year. It’s fascinating how they travel such long distances each year! Thanks for the tip about cleaning the nest too-definitely good to know! 🐦

[@claudioboaretto]

Olá meu amigo ! Limpeza dá trabalho ! Respondendo sua curiosidade sobre pássaros, existem Andorinhas que fazem seus ninhos usando como cola a própria saliva. Procure no site da Avibase sobre os pássaros da sua região . Aqui no Brasil existe uma espécie chamada João de Barro que constrói sua casa a partir de barro e saliva . Não sei se vende aí na Itália um produto desinfetante chamado Lysoform, é muito utilizado na higienização doméstica e hospitalar, a até na lavagem de roupas , só não exagere ao aplicar, ventile os locais .

[@abocabo538]

lysoform? You can find it in all stores in Italy. Lysoform floors, lysoform washing machines, lysoform glass, etc. etc.

[@ExpectMiracles55]

Claudio, voce nao faz idea do veneno que e' o tal do Lysoform. Contem inclusive agentes cancerigenos. Aqui vai fichas tecnicas em ingles, que apontam o risco de cancer e uma versao em portugues - que nao aponta os riscos como sendo tao perigosos assim. Desconfio da idoneidade de qualquer parte associada com a pesquisa. Ha' varias formas de se manter um ambiente limpo sem incorrer em riscos 'a saude. Por exemplo, agua destilada misturada com vinage branco e' o melhor para se limpar vidros e espelhos. Existem hoje em dia agentes como o o'leo extraido da casca de laranja. Puro, ele e' transparente, quando misturado com agua se torna leitoso. Eu moro nos EUA e ja' venho usando esse produto, da marca Citrasolv, ha' muitos anos. Nao causa alergias e deixa um cheirinho de laranja na casa, delicioso. Outro produto que e' muito bom na limpeza em geral e' o bicarbonato de soda. Eu misturo com sabao neutro pra fazer uma pasta. Esfregue as porcelanas do banheiro, torneiras, qualquer objeto metalico, enxague e seque. Pronto! Espero que esse recado te ajude a pensar em sua saude e de todos aqueles que voce ama. Sucessos! chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/www.lysoform.de/sites/default/files/2023-04/Lysoform_GB-en_LYS632_12_2022-02-04.pdf chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/66436.cdn.simplo7.net/static/66436/galeria/161617717317706.pdf

[@ExpectMiracles55]

Claudio, esse produto e' na verdsade bem toxico. Tanto e' que, em uma ficha de checagem sobre a seguranca do produto que encontrei em portugues se indica varias vezes: CONSERVE FORA DO ALCANCE DAS CRIANCAS E DOS ANIMAIS DOMESTICOS" . Ja' uma analise feita em ingles, uma "Safety Data Sheet" cklaramente indica que o elemento quimico na formula e' cancerigeno! Cuidado. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/66436.cdn.simplo7.net/static/66436/galeria/161617717317706.pdf

[@MsRiverdee]

Well done!

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you so much! 😊 It's been a lot of hard work, but it's all starting to come together. Your support means a lot! Feel free to follow more of the journey on Instagram @Operation.Sicily for extra updates! 🏡🌿

[@sharadachillalshetti2279]

Your channel popped up on my feed and i subscribed right away..its amazing how you are willing to take on this massive challenge and show absolutely no fear in getting down to do even the dirtiest of jobs! Hope you get the electricity and water sorted soon, your renovation process will be so much easier once the basics are in place. Most men in India where I am from have zero clue how to do anything themselves, just hire people to do all of it so this is amazing for me to watch😊.

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you so much for subscribing, Sharada! 😊 It’s great to hear you’re enjoying the journey! I’ve definitely had to get my hands dirty with some of these jobs, but it's all part of the adventure! 💪 I’m working on getting the electricity and water sorted, which will definitely make things a lot easier. It’s so interesting to hear about how things are done in India-this renovation has been a real learning experience for me too! Have you had a chance to check out any of my earlier videos? And if you’re curious for more updates, feel free to follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily! 🏡🔧

[@DennisdeLara]

The house seems in great condition

[@OperationSicily]

hanks, @DennisdeLara! 😊 I also believe it’s in great condition. From day one, I could see beyond all the rubbish and rodent infestation, and I knew it had potential. I can’t wait to share what I paid for it in an upcoming video! Out of curiosity, what do you think it's worth in your opinion? I’d love to hear your thoughts! 👀 Oh, and don’t forget-new video going live tomorrow! 🙌

[@angela64355]

Looking good 👍

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you so much, Angela! 😊 It's been a lot of hard work, but I'm really happy with the progress so far. There’s still a long way to go, but it's starting to feel more like a home each day!

[@JacquiMcintosh-dl2tl]

Hard work in the end it’s worth it that’s for sure

[@OperationSicily]

Absolutely, Jacqui! 😊 It's definitely tough work, especially in the heat, but I know it will all be worth it in the end. There's something so rewarding about seeing the transformation step by step. Thanks for the support!

[@judyshuck5751]

If you can use a gasoline powered power washer you could pressure wash the floors and use a giant squeegee to push the water out of the house. It would save a lot of time & effort for you. I clean my garage floor the same way.

[@OperationSicily]

Great suggestion, Judy! 😊 I wish I had the setup to use a power washer - it would’ve saved me so much time and effort. Unfortunately, with no electricity or water supply at the moment, I'm doing everything the old-fashioned way! But who knows, maybe one day I’ll be able to upgrade! Thanks for the tip! 💪🚿

[@joyjoy7126]

You need to turn up the volume . Can't hear you. Love the work you have accomplished so far. Good luck on your endeavor.

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you so much, Joy! 😊 I apologize for the volume issues-I'm actually saving up to buy a microphone, which should really help improve the audio quality for future videos, especially during the talking sections. It’s great to hear you’re enjoying the progress so far! Feel free to follow along for more updates on Instagram @Operation.Sicily. Thanks again, and I hope you continue to enjoy the journey! 🎥🏡

[@peggyclio1199]

I notice most of people bring dust from a part to another of the room, and collect it. I suggest to do smaller drift and collect them instead to move all the dust in one place.

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you for the tip, Peggy! 😊 I did my best to collect all the dust as I went along, but it’s definitely a challenge without electricity and using just a regular broom! A vacuum would have been ideal. Be sure to check out my progress in the next video - I’m making headway bit by bit! 💪🧹

[@salvo9718]

15:25 That is a Swallow Bird nest, they Swallow nests are made out of mud pellets, hair, grass, and feathers. They usely build them either under balcony and outside house wall that are protected from rain. They are very fast and tight changing direction flying birds, that are after moscito and other flying insects. And if you don't mind Bat's and build a specific for Bat's type wood house, they catch ton of mosquitoes and other insect, but the wood house must be positioned on outside wall, somewhat high and ensure that your Bat house faces South or East in such a way that it receives as much sunlight as possible, in order to maintain an elevated temperature inside (ideally, 8 to 10 hours of sunlight a day).

[@OperationSicily]

Grazie mille, Salvo! 😊 That’s amazing info about the swallows, and a bat house sounds like a brilliant idea - anything to keep the mosquitoes away is a win in my book! 🦇 I’ll definitely consider putting one up. It’s fascinating to learn about these little additions that can make the villa more in tune with nature. Thanks for the tip!

[@Lonewolf-i8p]

Get that pizza oven going!!😂😂😂❤❤

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks, TruckGal! 😊 I’m definitely thinking about getting that pizza oven going as part of the outdoor kitchen plan-just imagine all the homemade pizza in the Sicilian sun! 🍕 Have you checked out any of my earlier videos yet? My new one is going live this Sunday, so stay tuned! 🏡✨

[@Lonewolf-i8p]

@OperationSicily Will definitely check it out. I so admire and envy your courage and stamina!

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks so much, means a lot! 🙏

[@derrihanson9876]

Hopefully you purchased a step ladder 😊 It looks like a Swallow's nest

[@OperationSicily]

Thanks for the comment, Derri! 😊 I actually managed to buy some extension ladders recently, which has been a game-changer! I was really eager to get up onto the roof to check out its condition and explore the potential for a future roof terrace-and of course, to take in the amazing views from up there!

[@neutonrenda2303]

As far as I know I think it's a swallow nest, I have seen them here in South Africa as well.👍

[@OperationSicily]

Appreciate it, thank you! 😊

[@medicalnegligence]

Tip: Wet the floor surfaces down with a light spray of water to contain airborne dust particles.

[@ExpectMiracles55]

That's an excellent tip. I always use it when needed.

[@OperationSicily]

Great tip, thank you! 💧 I’ll definitely keep that in mind for next time, especially with all the dust I’m dealing with! 😊

[@ibosquez5238]

Yes please mop again as a rinse to get more cleaner off the floors.

[@OperationSicily]

You're absolutely right! All the floors got three separate mops to ensure they were as clean as possible. I really wish I had electricity and water on site-it would've been amazing to use a vacuum and jet washer for a deeper clean!

[@salvo9718]

Thank you for showing us this beautiful villa and your viewers appreciate it inmesly and it's hard work, we get it. But no criticism intended, 😔 I had to raise the playback speed to 2X, while (does anybody know the gentleman name) sweeping the floor and other cleaning tasks. 😊

[@OperationSicily]

Thank you so much for watching, Salvo! 😊 I totally understand-it can be a bit slow-paced when it comes to cleaning, especially with such a big job to tackle! I’ll try to speed things up a bit in future videos. By the way, the name’s Jonathan! Feel free to follow more of my renovation journey on Instagram @Operation.Sicily. Appreciate your support! 🧹💪

[@LittleChena]

@@OperationSicily I like the speed. Don’t worry.