How I changed my mind about rural living - Restoring our Italian farmhouse

Young family DIY renovating ancestral farmhouse. We're back for the summer and plan to stay in the house as we work. After doing some minor repairs and getting set up, we're finally able to spend the night here.
00:00 Back in Italy
03:13 Unusually heavy rain
04:04 Inspecting the attic
05:35 Original wooden shutters
09:12 Underground water
11:00 History of the building
12:20 Cleaning up loose plaster
14:10 A tender moment
14:41 Setting up solar panels and inverter
17:10 Bringing up materials
18:45 Repairing floor tiles

[@SouthernItalyHomestead]

This is the first of several videos from our most recent trip. There will be more coming as soon as I finish editing, which could take a few weeks each.

[@lululand1653]

Take your time, these vlogs are so meaningful for many of us and your very intentional words and filming is greatly appreciated.

[@gblim398]

I smiled when I saw you had given us an update. It was beautiful. Thank you. I grew emotional at the end as you spoke of what you hope your son gains from this endeavor. Rest assured that he will benefit in all the ways you mentioned. He is the spitting image of me fifty years ago; it's truly uncanny. I too was a biracial Asian-American boy whose family traveled every summer. We mostly took long trips by car, camping in many national parks, but one summer was spent visiting relatives in Malaysia. There is nothing more edifying for a young mind than seeing new places, whether near or far. But what caused the lump in my throat was the much greater gift being bestowed to him, the one which I did not have. My parents were not friends and ours was a household rife with acrimony and great tension. Seeing his parents collaborate in a calm, mutually respectful relationship is in my view the most impactful aspect of his childhood. It is giving him the freedom to breathe comfortably and absorb everything, like every child should. And for that I commend you both. 🫡

[@SouthernItalyHomestead]

@@gblim398Thank you, this comment is very touching.

[@patriciaramirez3139]

IS A BEAUTIFUL PLACE, SO TRANQUIL, YOU ARE SO FORTUNATE TO HAVE A PLACE IN THE COUNTRY. THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR SPACE. GREETINGS FROM TEXAS. 🤠👍

[@beatfankhauser4290]

@@gblim398ä

[@duran3d]

Finally! Somebody using lime mortar instead of porland cement for restoring an ancient house.

[@mattbrown6066]

check out atelier mavi's reno. they're doing the lord's work.

[@jedwards1975]

I'm two glasses or red in and completely invested. I'm currently doing the same in Molise except my family is not from here. We just wanted to be in Italy for the rest of our time here on earth. It's a long labor of love.

[@beaconeersofthesevenmaps3467]

Welcome

[@RanchKings]

Advice for me wanting to do same?

[@JLR1957]

Such a privilege to have inherited a gift from the past!

[@markelafrantzi4668]

I inherited a gift from the future, not so priviliged

[@anitaklamer3360]

Very interesting to be able to "dig up" your family roots. You are extremely fortunate to have this opportunity. A lot of work but in the end you have preserved family history. I am enjoying your journey with pleasure and thank you for sharing it with us followers. 🌺🍷🌺

[@TAG993]

You questioned your inheritance? Consider yourself a very lucky bastard. I mean that in the most kindest way.😎

[@carlogrignaschi8773]

Wellcome back to Italy ...and all the best to you all. We need families like your to keep our countryside alive.

[@raffaelesala992]

When you lay tiles don't forget to wet it, as you wet the floor. Another suggestion, use more water to wet the floor.

[@G_MOG_44]

Beautifully shot. It's a noble mission, a grand opportunity. Stay strong.

[@sandra4710]

Your son is a very lucky young man! You are very thoughtful awesome parents!

[@cathytownsend4600]

That cast iron Dutch oven/stew pot is priceless!

[@simonanomino3159]

Bellissimo... Complimenti a Voi L'Italia è il più bel paese del mondo Benvenuti ❤

[@ZmarleneZ]

what a lovely family, setting and restoration. thanks for sharing.

[@rodcharlton1889]

Really glad to see that you have started posting videos again. Your videography is absolutely stunning and your narration shows great thought and intelligence!! Yes, the rain does slow you down, but the rain is also what enables that incredible scenery. Keep up the hard work and I look forward to seeing more of your restoration and adding life back into the old family property.

[@homeemail2306]

Wonder when you can get rock base on your road up the hill, or whatever y'all use in Italy? We have rock base, 1/2inch -1"rock, from the main road to our home here in Texas Hill Country. It is a 400 +foot level road, but without the rock base, it would be a muddy, rut-filled mess.* *We have to add more rock base every 5 years or so. Latest rock base dump was 1/2inch to 1/4" rock, and it has worked best at keeping down dust, no dust actually, during hot summer months w/ no rain.

[@georginatalamo2451]

There is something wonderful when couples have a common project that forms your future together as a family. As physically straining as it may be, the bond created between you is priceless.

[@SouthernItalyHomestead]

We've been thinking about this a lot recently, how different the lifestyle is in this area. It kind of forces families to learn to understand each other and work together.

[@neutonrenda2303]

I find it incredible that you went to your family property, my family also from Italy but I have no record of their former property at all. Great seeing you guys making a go at restoration of such a beautiful place.❤

[@nexussymbiosis9270]

My family propriety was stolen by Portuguese /Angolan thieves & murderous destroyers.

[@kevnmur]

Right on Brother. Beautiful sentiments. Best of luck on your journey. I bought an old property from a relative. I was all day removing old paintt to expose the lime plastered walls. The labour makes the place feel a little more like 'mine', by degrees.

[@lagringa7518]

It's a lovely house with beautiful vistas, hoping you will all enjoy bringing it back to life.... back to where it began.

[@sandragruhle6288]

I would do anything to have remained in the home that was on our original homestead, and was in the family for 107 years. Unfortunately, there had been a fire, and the fieldstone and masonry foundation of the home was compromised from the water, and the house was razed. I believe this was owned by the fourth family since we left 67 years ago, but to me, it was the connection to my ancestors, to whom I felt an affinity, and I feel something was lost. The family that owns it now has been thoughtful, considerate, and amazing, inviting Dad and me to see it before it was torn down. I remember finding an arrowhead as a child, and feeling like an interloper, but I loved that land.❤️ I cannot imagine hesitating over inheriting a family home, and see your family as extremely fortunate. Growing up in the country and having dogs is great for kids.

[@hendrikthiele7549]

These last words of the video gave me... chills. In a good way.

[@chrishakoningswijk9354]

You’re constant sighing says it all; this isn’t a easy task.. it takes a lot of learning and hard work… but ones you slowly progress you will find a lot pleasure in knowing you did it for you and the next generations to come… ironically you’re grandparents left for a better future, and now you return for one. In the same place generations before worked and lived… it’s a beautiful thing to own that house and land!

[@critogni]

Welcome to Campania! Our storms can be frightening but when the sun shines, there's nothing like being in the mountains. I'm glad you're back. We'll be watching! Thank you for taking us along.

[@stefanoumani4038]

welcome home, you need to soake the tiles in water before fitting them to place

[@Reet64]

Nice to see you back and making progress.

[@marciaward3045]

It is lovely to follow your journey again. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@NovaTechMarketing]

So lovely and heartfelt. Beautiful work - thank you!❤ 😊

[@TheLostTowerDiaries]

You have a great philosophy x

[@DebWh]

I love what you said about keeping calm and not filling your space with negative energy and negative memories ❤

[@teresaiche4722]

I look forward to seeing and sharing in your adventures … thank you 🙏💜🙏

[@veronicaroach3667]

You need a 4x4 vehicle & create a road into your property - first thing ! It's very beautiful ! Remember in the old days they had carts & old 'Dobbin' horses that pulled them - I'm 83 - I spent a week on an old farm in UK as a child & we kids took the milk churns to the roadway for collection thru the fields via Dobbin & the cart ! Dobbin knew what to do without us making any moves, or leading him. It is how they lived in those days - that was around 1948 & that place was VERY rural ! This place reminds me of that time ! Thank you for a great video !

[@petervecchio8105]

Dear Ms Veronica, thank you for a small insight into UK country life of yesteryear! Cheers from Bulloch County Georgia, USA! Peter

[@JBonniwell100]

Just Beautiful, can't wait too see more of your family renovation on this beautiful home. God bless your hands and family.

[@susbs]

Very enjoyable vlog, thank you for sharing. really looking forward to more. 🌷

[@TheBluebellMoon2]

Wonderful! Can’t wait to see your progress. Oh for some ‘Italian ancestry’ …❤️. Xx

[@lizdg3892]

What an amazing once in a lifetime opportunity. Stunning area and your beautiful child is growing up enjoying the good life climbing trees. Great place to be.

[@johnnatopper6063]

So good to see you. Absolutely beautiful video. USA Fl

[@deniereynolds6119]

Nothing like a wonderful thunderstorm. I love them 😍 Your very fortunate to have a legacy property in Italy.

[@sylviaboudreau5967]

I can tell how you say that your family means everything. Keep up with what you are both doing. I will continue to cheer you on from here in Nova Scotia, Canada. I am cheering you on.

[@mc1703]

Been waiting for this 😊

[@rdvanbuuren]

Great narration! I really love the way you tell your story. Keep it up and hope see more of your restauration in the future.

[@stknmggs1788]

So happy to see you going back again! I truly enjoyed this

[@michaelmcconnell7958]

Love watching the restoration. Thank you for sharing your journey!

[@Rbmc2611]

The copper pot was probably used by grandma. Can’t wait to see the rest of your trip and accomplishments. What a blessing and gift. I remember the tree and how scary it was but you accomplished it. Get all trees removed around your house as they just come back to haunt you when they’re close.

[@dorothyallen3614]

That’s a beautiful copper pot you’ve been using. Use it with honor, take care to preserve it, so it’s going to be a part of your decor in some special way, it’s such a treasure ❤. Hi I’m new to your channel, just peeking in simply because it came up in my scrolling, it looks promising, I might peek in again to see how you’re progressing, best of all things you’re trying to accomplish especially the part where you’re learning about yourself, your family and how you want your journey to go and be meaningful for your future and your children’s future, be blessed in all love, kindness and service to others as you return it to others ❤.

[@katherine2969]

Hi Thank you so much. Lovely to see the importance of place, sharing of dreams and building of memories with your family! Universally good stuff :)

[@charmainemanley]

Beautiful storytelling.

[@vivanasperen3339]

Very nice sharing-you do a great story while talking on the video.

[@lfuentes4098]

Im just catching up with your videos. Remember to wet the area your putting mortar on and the stone as well. It keeps the stone from sucking up the moisture from the lime mortar and possibly failing prematurely. 😊

[@shannonbailey8201]

Wonderful inheritance the peaceful countryside and grounds. Thank you for sharing this it’s very interesting to see your restoration.

[@hillockfarm8404]

From what i have learned watching other do this kind of stuff : PPE! please! Plenty of dusty and otherwise long term dangerous things come out of diy. You don't want to be forced to quit or be to handicapped from the consequences to really enjoy the results. So dustmasks, eye protection and the rest. Second, while the old plaster will not damage where it is dumped it can often be reused as part of the new plaster meaning less new plaster needs to be brought in. And houses like these need those materials since they all work together as one, throwing in different ones will upset the "applecart" so to speak.

[@panjimartiandaru3081]

Completely agree with you, PPE is a must!

[@rosariomartinez820]

I would have one question: what measures do you take to prevent all stones from falling over you in case of earthquake? Great job, love it! Thanks for sharing.

[@VoklstWestie]

Just found you! 9/13/23! Just Subscribed! Aaahhhh Famiglia!!! Where in Italy? is this property?? I would love to inherit or even see places where my family came from was brought up, in Sicily....

[@yahoody9358]

I love hearing the birdsong❤️

[@margeaudyer7288]

Had been eagerly awaiting another of your videos for so long--this one was fantastic! Truly engaging, excellent film making--looking forward to the next. Thanks for sharing!

[@akLeanne]

What you are doing now will benefit your child in ways you couldn't imagine. Personally, I would want to move there full-time.

[@divaden47]

Beautiful scenery and music. I watch many restoration videos, apart from you and one other, they are all set in France. Lovely to be in Italy.

[@tracybush8115]

So glad to have found your channel - it's exciting to watch the progress! Thanks and hello from Ontario, Canada.

[@geoffcapper5025]

Great to see another episode, looking forward to more, they're top quality! I'm not off grid, but I've been working remotely from out in the countryside for a long while, it's a great way to live, though sometimes work can get in the way of all the things I can see need to be done out on the land. Fantastic way for the kids to grow up as well! Good luck with it all.

[@dharnamobrien7498]

Such a beautiful video. Thank you for such amazing work as I will soon be embarking on buying my first Italian home ❤

[@johnsimun6533]

18:18 you got a new sub, with thanks mindset. That’s a great way of looking at things. People don’t understand the ghost that can be set in the beginning of things.

[@sidninewton5377]

Awesome to have a House a family house in Italy you can restore !

[@wendybeirne8597]

What a wonderful opportunity to inherit your family home and land. So nice you've looked into how the house can be restored. Looking forward to watching your journey

[@conniepharr7426]

Wow, lots of hard work but it sure looks like in the end it will all be worth your time,work and commitment. The views alone are spectacular and I look forward to following your journey. Best of luck and happy restoration

[@georgepeat5269iearth]

Great to see your back to the beautiful area& how the weather slowed you down in Italy…..! It seems reaching out to you as you are to it. Happiness& Good Health to you all. Thank you for sharing this adventure of change.

[@johnwhaley1]

You’ve really kept us waiting and it was well worth it. Great job again and I’m looking forward to more. I like your pacing and introspection Cheers from Memphis

[@dottiebaker6623]

I was amazed to see you using the very kind of copper pot I'm looking for to make jam for a trash bucket! I'm sure much great food came out of that pot to feed your ancestors. But mostly, I'm grateful that you've chosen to share this part of your journey with us. I wish everyone could discover what you're learning. That's probably part of why you're posting these vlogs. Thank you!

[@gloriasmestad3803]

Yes, I think that is a rather expensive and lovely copper pot for making jam! I was surprised to see it being used to dispose of building rubble!

[@SouthernItalyHomestead]

@@gloriasmestad3803Unfortunately the bottom of the pot had holes drilled in it, so it can't be used for cooking unless repaired. Instead, I use it for holding kindling. It actually belonged to my father and didn't come from Italy. He bought it, along with the large copper cauldron, while he was working in Sweden in the 90s. Whoever sold it to him was selling it as a flower pot. He died years ago. The house is from my mother's family. I brought these copper pots and a few other items to have some trace of his memory here. You'll also notice that I'm using a copper pot for mortar mixing sometimes. That one was recovered here, but it had been used for mixing cement in the past (there's portland cement residue stuck to it) and was badly dented so I will just keep using it for mortar. The nice copperware, 3mm tinned pots and such, were purchased by myself. I am also a fan of copper cookware and have immense respect for it.

[@gloriasmestad3803]

@@SouthernItalyHomestead I didn’t mean to be critical, it surprised me!

[@SouthernItalyHomestead]

@@gloriasmestad3803 No worries, just explaining the back story behind those items since they're important to me :). I will talk about it more in video form at some point.

[@marthaollis5049]

So glad you are back.

[@user-gx8oc1dq8f]

sir is a new models of living pioneer. not just internet but eventually hyper mobility too when drones become useful for deliveries

[@CalienteDesign]

How very very lucky you are!

[@johumm455]

nice! good camera work also

[@sarahhudleston832]

beautiful in every way. I loved the shots of the clouds swirling! I am following your journey from South Africa.

[@jeanninef2110]

I remember watching the vlog when you were cutting down the tree....and I wondered recently if I had missed any more vlogs. So glad to see this one! Your filming is so beautiful. Very calming. You have a beautiful family and I love how you both are teaching your son through doing, and seeing and exploration. Your words are inspiring and very touching. Making the choice to restore your family's home is a wonderful thing, although it will be very hard work ! Best of luck ! Looking forward to more vlogs.

[@AdmanToronto]

I LOVE seeing couples working together on this sort of thing. Congratulations to you both for taking on the challenge yourselves. You have a strong family.

[@fernandomorais4184]

The roots and the future, nice project, I’m doing the same it’s my footprint in preservation of my grand mother’s old house in Portugal. Good lock am enjoy.

[@florentinalily]

Thankyou for the most restful and beautiful vlog. I have just subscribed and hope to see more x

[@humbertochaves4099]

Hearing your thoughts about your feelings for this house and how you wish your son may feel for it later I get the feeling that the difference between civilization as in the US and culture as in Italy may be dawning on you. I hope this will grow to full enlightenment.

[@michaelshearer3559]

Such a blessing. Keep learning, keep growing. Beautiful home, thanks for sharing.

[@briantyhy4880]

Working on your dream, looks like lovely and charming project. I love italy and would love to have the opportunity like this. best of luck construction work is rewarding and challenging at the same time. cheers

[@shirleygraham6229]

Welcome back. Best wishes from Australia.

[@ArtistMartinaP]

The area is breathtakingly beautiful. At least the plaster is lime - no thoughtless intrusion of cement to get rid of, if i'm correct? This is very special. Not easy at all but so meaningful.

[@Spiroffd]

Wonderful story telling and videography. The landscape and property are simply stunning.

[@garysu5443]

Took me a while to find your channel again. With two videos your channel is already one of the best.

[@mocarra100]

Just found your channel and subscribed. Much love from Oklahoma USA Jackie 🇺🇸💖

[@shannonmartinez8036]

Awesome job! Can't wait to see more videos!

[@glanmiregal6513]

Beautifully put together. The film, the house, the feel. Thank you.

[@dianneraphael8248]

I love this old home. How lucky you are! Loved listening to the rain too.🙂

[@ivanramos3201]

What a really well made vídeo!!! I love it!! You guys will have a wonderful live in this place and your son will have great memories from his childhood… Wishing the best!!!!

[@bmhollie]

Beautiful house! I have a similar waterway on my land. From a spring, it rises above me , mostly underground but part open . I couldn't make a water feature or divert it as it feeds all the farm land along it's way.

[@cornelone3860]

Congrats ! Very good to see your passion . I do the same with my heritage house from my greatgrandparents . All of my heart in the job just like you do . The feeling is uplifting to restore a piece of history of our family . I hope you will enjoy every day your journey ! In bocca al Lupo ! 🤌🤌🤌

[@Mac65]

You are articulating both verbally and visually why property is so central to civilized living. Molding your own environment on your own property is the essence of property rights.

[@shanecrawford6023]

Good on you for taking this adventure on.🇨🇦

[@lancedaniels]

Thanks for posting and sharing.

[@wrenwest4887]

Purposefully staying happy is a discipline for some of us who had too many disappointments such as abandonment in our lives, so your great-grandmother probably felt she had few options and found others' joy irritating for which she had no guard to resist. It's a discipline that redemption in Jesus can handle. More power and keep looking up!

[@Linda-it6ci]

I'll sign up to watch your advancement in rebuilding your grandmothers farm house.....you have my heart with you darlings.😊.......

[@mekon1971]

That original shutter would make a beautiful wall hanging, or doors to a cabinet/pantry.

[@SouthernItalyHomestead]

That's actually a very interesting idea, thanks for mentioning it!

[@sgrvtl7183]

Beautiful~! Thank You for sharing, look forward to more videos.

[@robertunderwood3393]

You are such a lucky man

[@dallassukerkin6878]

First ... envious :) Second ... envious ... of that view! My word :) I don't envy the work that will be required to bring that lovely house back to life as a home but, one day, you will be able to relax within and float on that cloud of deep satisfaction that *you* made it happen.

[@carinevalery3053]

Un travail monacal ! et la voix seule avec le bruit du travail manuel, c'est superbe !!!

[@rochellezimmerbishop4681]

it's certainly been raining, but it's possible that that summer rain will bring truffles in the fall, and /or many other mushrooms. Thank you for the thoughtfulness of you and your wife's vlogs, thanks for posting.

[@lizkuisma238]

Poetic.

[@zinnia3684]

Your so blessed. 🙏.