#5 How much did I pay for my Italian property, and other places I considered

[@bosigard]

I'm Italian and I'm proud to see a person that loves my country...enjoy your new house and your montain

[@gregap8282]

Hope to see Italy one day, such a beautiful country

[@nexusebtuoy]

Your country LOLOL not OUR world and look how we so called modern humans are loosening to the parasit CABAL who controls the banking,the military, all lodges ALL the United nations governments puppets who created the build back better, you will OWN NOTHING and YOU WILL be happy.

[@OceanFrontVilla3]

@@nexusebtuoy Shut up. You expect to be provided for no? What do you contribute to others less fortunate? Or do you go through life with your hand out?

[@fmls8266]

@@MrMajsterixx he already said it.

[@lugombear2269]

@@nexusebtuoy My country he means the country in your hearth, if you have some.

[@joebruntonvideo]

He paid €21k - @12:42 It's worthwhile watching the whole video for the explanation, beautiful shots of the landscape and a great insight into bidding for lower end renovation properties in Europe

[@henkondemand]

Thanks!

[@misharth]

Did he mention the total area of the property? Very curious about that.

[@andrea3v]

Around 6 acres

[@kimprice1864]

21,000. How much in Canadian Dollars pls.

[@paradiseandlove]

Did the price include all the acres of the property too?

[@marrlena947]

I also lived in Barcelona and decided to leave in October 2020 for a rural place. As a single woman I didn't want to be alone in a remote cabin. But I wanted as off grid as possible. I found a home with a mountain stream running underneath it. It's in one of the 'white pueblos' in the Andalucían mountains. I have a fireplace and use gas bottles for heat and cooking. I also bought a solar cooker and solar water showers. So I can live without being attached to the grid. The house also has a completely finished second home on the ground floor which I rent out. No major renovations needed. I paid €42,000 including all costs. It's in the Almería province of Spain in the mountains an hour and a half from Granada. Congratulations on your home. It is wonderful to be free.

[@dakshaiSoni]

I live in australia and I have been to Granada many years ago. I am looking for a rural setting. Can I reach out to you on more info ?

[@marrlena947]

@@dakshaiSoni No problem.

[@Momabear1]

I wish I have the energy and more money to built again.

[@ofeliadiaz3342]

Hi, I think its great you found that lovely place, your own one. I am a single woman too and I am looking for a house but with the possibility of create a community as this is the only way we will survive. I think we need a different approaches a sharing our skills could be so rewarding. Anyway I am looking for a 2hab home in Andalucía, preferible with a land big enough to have my kitchen garden and planting some trees. If you know anywhere near where you're I will be so grateful. Thank you. Ofelia

[@ottoginafiel5468]

Sounds like a dream, glad you found it

[@johangouws8855]

As a 67 year old bloke, I will be soon be departing the city to live on a 4 acre off the grid property. So good to see people wants to reconnect with nature…. I will keep watching your progress. Thank you.

[@lucasc5622]

@@pennypiper7382 urban slavery lmao

[@kit2130]

Very cool

[@hazardeur]

and what happens if you fall or have a stroke or anything else? at that age, a lot can happen every day. i hope it's at least not hard to reach because at some point, somebody needs to put in extra effort to help you out

[@kit2130]

@@hazardeur wow lol I hope you don’t live life that in fear that stops you from having a fulfilling life. Get out there & get comfortable with risk. Doing what you love is the only way to feel alive.

[@typingcat]

Still alive?

[@daleedwards8691]

I find it strangely relaxing watching Martijn’s progress with my cup of coffee first thing in the morning. I’ve stopped watching the news as its so distressing and these video’s bring some relief and comfort. I can escape for a short time, so thank you for taking the time to make the video’s.

[@TheRurator]

Same.

[@joseluissosa2395]

I love it. I do it at night, right before bed and it has the same effect on me.

[@thebeautyofnatureandanimal1771]

It's happy news :)

[@shorerocks]

Ha ha, I am in my music studio, play guitar, and watch the series. No idea why 🙂 Strange i already made it to #5.

[@jpcpdntp]

I watch it in bed at night to wind down. Very relaxing and beautiful.

[@stefanovepi]

I also bought a small piece of property, in a small village near the border with Austria. It was undeveloped. I built the cabin myself, and like you, being handy but not a builder, I welcomed the challenge to learn each skill as needed. The cabin is done and as I look around I see reflections of myself and memories of the journey.

[@chrisbo3493]

Can you share the province? Probably Belluno or Friuli?

[@KoDeMondo]

Hi I come from there a place called timau

[@stefanovepi]

​@@chrisbo3493 I will remain purposely vague; saying it's on the border with Austria can mean on either side, anywhere. The view is not as beautiful, though. :)

[@stefanovepi]

@@KoDeMondo Hi. Well, that's definitely on the border. I love hills and forests.

[@chrisbo3493]

@@stefanovepi оk thx. Ιt wоuld bе іntеrеѕtіng tо undеrѕtаnd thе dіffеrеncеѕ bеtwееn Αuѕtrіа аnd Ιtаlу іn hоw much реrmіѕѕіоnѕ аnd cіvіl еngіnееr ѕuрроrt іѕ nееdеd fоr оld cаbіn rеѕtаurаtіоn. Ѕwіtzеrlаnd рrоbаblу іt іѕ vеrу dіffіcult tо buу аѕ а fоrеіgnеr еtc?

[@cathyphegley7414]

I love that you say it’s about the journey, learning the crafts. Building something yourself. I think our world has gotten so far beyond this concept and it affects our connection with the earth.💕

[@barryclarke3010]

Yes we have gotten removed from the earth, but the reasons are many, for instance this guy came up against legislation, and its the same were I live, we pay civil servants to dream up legislation, then we pay again to comply to legislation, sure some is needed but a lot can be junked. Then as in Italy you have no option but to employ a builder ,every one sucking of everyone else this is inpart why we become skilless , and slaves to the system.

[@PlanetEarth3141]

Spot on.

[@bellec4453]

I totally agree with what your saying Cathy I think it is so important to enjoy and respect the Journey .. to take the time to learn something new and become inspired by it and grateful to be able to accomplish this things 🙂

[@JjackVideo]

That's very true. I know a lot of people with their only skill being charging their phone and buying stuff they don't need

[@magnumopus1628]

Being half dutch and half Italian, born and raised in Italy, and being lucky enough to have a family of travelers that brought me around the world but also all around Italy, this video really resonates with me. I think that many Italians do not appreciate many aspects of our beautiful country and seek to go outside, but if you go around the world and see all the beautiful places in other countries, you will also appreciate your own country even more. Because it's unique and special. The first time I've been on the dolomites as a kid and I still have memories of wonder. I remember looking at those mountains and valleys as if they were truly magical places. And I still think they are. Enjoy your new house on the Alps man, I'm genuinely happy for you.

[@MilesNauticus]

"I think that many Italians do not appreciate many aspects of our beautiful country" - "Being lucky enough", That's the point. Not all the italians are lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit the country, this don't means they don't appreciate to live in Italy.

[@charliesargent6225]

NO, he's right, many Italians are ALWAYS complaining about Italy and don't appreciate it. In a survey Italians were the 3rd highest in complaining about their country. It gets so annoying and sickening it's beyond words.@@MilesNauticus

[@MilesNauticus]

@@charliesargent6225 Italians can complain about the management of the country, certainly not about the wonders of its landscapes and its historical and cultural heritage. They are two totally different topics. Also, I bet there is someone in your country who complains too, or do you perhaps live in Alice's wonderland) ?

[@TheClutchSlippedISwear]

Its the first channel i find that shares all the process before buying; the thoughts, the economics, the difficulties, the regulations, everything. I really apreciate this and I also love your style of video documenting the "journey" of making your dream a reality. Keep it up for all of us who are still on the "dreaming" part. Best wishes.

[@09conrado]

Kris Harbour Natural Building shared a lot of that too. It's amazing what he's doing in Wales

[@Zezeguizee]

Indeed his channel is amazing ! I would love to know where it is to spot it on Google earth !

[@anne-miekeking5677]

hi Martijn, we also bought a barn in Italy a few years ago. We live there completely off the grid. a few tips that may help you: buy a pair of ski pants at a second-hand store. 1 to work with and 1 to take a walk to the neighbors in winter time. Therm underwear and a pair of wool sweaters. After a rat also liked our cabin and liked our food very much, we gave him or her a new place a few kilometers away. When we returned to the Netherlands, we bought a lot of large mason jars at the Action. Now when we arrive in winter, we can dress warmly and always have a supply of beans, rice, dried mushrooms, pasta, crackers and nuts etc. Dankjewel voor je prachtige inspirerende films!!! succes met alle klussen en mooie tijden op je berg.

[@deloughtane]

How much land did you get with the property .

[@arkadifomintsev3679]

hi guys! oh I love these life style and I live in Italy 🇮🇹, I I want to own similar place myself. May I come to meet you just to get to know smiliar minded friends? please pm me, kind regards

[@redwhite_040]

Waar leef je van, wat is je inkomen in die berghut?

[@hippo_Thesis]

15 years ago have bought old country side house in the end of the village, similar price, rebuild it as a summer house, but fall in love with this place so we moved there permanently. Your videos brings me back to that times and refreshing that feeling of freedom and hapiness. Thank you for that, really appreciate your effort, looking forward to further sharings ;)

[@defendero7]

Van Gogh high up in the alps. Your carpenter skills , film footages, editing & story telling has artistic touch . May you success in your renovation, turn your dreams into reality.

[@cosmo9208]

Why is he trying to look like van Gogh though?

[@ioncv5295]

@@cosmo9208 just for you to ask 😉

[@me-myself-and-i-u7b]

Had exactly the same thought!

[@lyingeyes5579]

@@cosmo9208 Hipsters man. Don't ask them why. At least he doesn't look like a lumberjack.

[@dorothyeaston3393]

​@@cosmo9208Maybe he's not trying , that's just the way he looks!

[@buffalolizard]

Matrijan, outstanding and unbelievable! I studied art in Northern Italy in 1970’s and saw beautiful areas such as yours. I agree with you, not to change a thing with the cabins just make them livable. We are living in the day of four car garages…not necessary. Good on you for following your dream.

[@Transmissions]

My family is from Italy (my dad was born there and moved to states when he was young) and we do visit - or did visit often, prior to covid. It’s truly amazing what you can buy for little money. Your video series is truly inspirational. You picked a beautiful spot. I wish you many years of happiness and good fortune!

[@tastenschlager1673]

Dieser Mensch ist mir sehr sympathisch. Ich wünsche ihm viel Erfolg und Freude in den schönen und geheimnisvollen italienischen Alpen,in die ich selber unwiderruflich verliebt bin.

[@kevsurf2003]

Unbelievable! Here in the South of the UK we are looking at £300,000 for a crappy house with tiny garden, no parking, no views, no nature.. just debt, expenses, rising energy bills, uptight neighbours. I tried to do what you did in Spain but couldn't find the right property for me after 2 years of searching. Maybe I need to try again. Thanks for the lovely video Martijn

[@MrHeadBudd]

My family owns a house in the sondrio region, just above chiavenna! You made a great choice with the Italian alps, my man. The terrain is rough, but immensely beautiful and peaceful. I spent almost all my vacations as a child there and I'm always coming back to wander the surrounding mountains alone or with someone close! Our place was once a barn/stall for goats, hahahhaaa

[@davidoff59]

My trip to Italy was the most relaxing holiday I've ever been on. Truly beautiful place and my journey will be similar to yours one day. Some of those mountain homes have truly outstanding architecture, what were cow and sheep sheds have vaulted ceilings. Unbelievable and breathtaking

[@lucatintor4896]

We need nice people like you in Italia, that really appreciated the beauty that this country offers, which is unique in the world.

[@NoNopeAndNo]

Not many people would share such detailed information as you have. Wonderful video, beautiful view and information. Wells done 👍😁

[@tanyanosek1938]

I'm enjoying your videos, and looking forward to watching your journey from afar. I keep thinking how wonderfully lucky you were in your new neighbor, Johannes as well. You will be creating a parallel hermitage, and a different kind of personal journey on the North side of the mountain. I'm very interested to witness the life you will create. Thank you for doing this creation publicly. This is my favorite genre of modern storytelling- the video autobiography.

[@martinwelsford1353]

These videos are probably the most engaging I have seen on Utube. Courage, tenacity, the ability to acknowledge when things have gone wrong, the mere fact that its a different country and the end goal of having achieved something from which most of us would shrink - marvellous ! What you learn on the way and the very great pleasure of this superb location are things you cant express in monetary terms. Really really uplifting.

[@mrcraftsmann]

The roof will be a real headache. I`ve done 2 old barns recently. Best sequence to do: 1.Remove stone slabs,put them away in sequence. Remove rafters, check them, clean them. 2.Build proper wall crown - smooth,even,with needed openings. Good you have stones for that. Finish crown with bitumen. 3.Lay new rafters, waterproof and insectproof them. 4.Lay thick water insulating foil on rafters. 5.Lay the stone slabs properly. 6.Fill space between rafters with mineral wool, holes with foam. 7.Put anti-steam insulation, so that wool and rafters would be between water and steam insulation. 8.Add planking form bottom. My head spins thinking how much needed work has to be done with the roof alone, but I keep my fingers crossed for you.

[@janicerivera5570]

No wonder why buying a home is so costly - so many details in construction. May the force of focus be with those that can do it themselves. Stay strong, smart, independent.

[@jebise1126]

well... he will probably have to replace lots of those stone slabs. it might be the best to do in in a way where those would work as decoration and real roof would be under those. either way if he will want stone slabs not sure if he will be able to do it alone...

[@capscow_5398]

did you forget the wall plate?

[@matbagnall3304]

@@capscow_5398 I think you are meaning the wall crown?

[@firstfist2351]

You're right, being there and working is the goal. My brother and I built an off grid Cabin for ourselves and our family and friends. Building something in Nature with Wood, Stones and Earth makes you forget time. And the best thing about it is that you're never completely finished with the Work ;)

[@dorothysfriend]

Great journey, thanks for sharing the prices, I have always been curious. I built my own place on 8 acres in Australia, bought a barn kit, had it built to lock up because I was still working and getting older. Then I gradually filled it in internally, it was the cheapest option I could think of. I had to hire the odd handyman to assist with the hard bits, I am very happy here and totally debt free. More people should do this. I am on a pension now and am so grateful that I am not paying rent.

[@Kitiwake]

This is interesting. Is it the way your pension is not enough to supply you with what you need, plus rent? Why buy a place when you are of pension age when you can rent?

[@dorothysfriend]

@@Kitiwake The pension is not enough to live on if you have to pay rent. It may not be so bad if there are 2 people together, but when you are single it's not enough.

[@sagapoetic8990]

@@Kitiwake In the US, it certainly is not and rents have sky rocketed as well

[@theblytonian3906]

@@dorothysfriend It's even worse in AU if you are a couple.

[@theblytonian3906]

@@Kitiwake Aged pension (retirement) is nowhere near enough to live on if you have to pay market rent in Australia, UNLESS in a government owned and highly subsidised housing. Today, there's little of that, and none for aged pensioners unless already in situ and rolling over into the aged pension. Immigrants, the single mother brigade and indigenous Australians get priority to the scant public housing allocation available thanks to 2020 woke mentality and politicians frightened of repercussion through bad press and noise made by their respective lobby groups.

[@StephenSmith-ge1qf]

Your house is beautiful. I bought a house just above Lake Maggiore, 8 years ago, Just found it while walking and was very fortunate to be able to buy it. It's a very different situation to yours, being at only 400 metres. It was a holiday house, converted from 2 old barns in the 1960's, so I have thick stone walls, but lots of light. It was cheap for the area because the owners had planted a lot of conifers and thus removed the views and all the sunlight, so nobody wanted to buy it. 7500 square metres of land, lots of woodland, nobody else living close but only 10 minutes by car into town. As I'm in my late 60's now I didn't want to be anywhere too difficult to get to! Anyway, a lot of work has been done to put in some heating ( wood stoves and air convection pipes) and to clear the accursed conifers, all of which went off to be made into stove pellets. So now I have vegetables, fruit and flowers and a fantastic view southwest down the lake.

[@sharonfisher3179]

I have been checking daily for your next video. It is such a joy to watch the process of your vision unfold. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@SloMo2723]

What a great story! I've been to Italy a few times and feel the same way about the country and it's people! I love to restore sailboats ( I've restored several ) and love how your bringing this place back to life!

[@jameshenderson8146]

Let the journey begin! Looking forward to watching it unfold. Good luck Martijn.

[@alextrapppainter]

I ran across your vlog a few days ago and have been watching them nonstop since. I've really enjoyed them. Thanks for the time and effort you put into creating such beautiful and inspiring content. I look forward to getting to know you while watching the rest.

[@kathmediaDeutsch]

Wwwwooow. That ruin above Lake Como. What a view in all directions! A sensible decision, I guess considering the asking price and the prospects for renovating it. I would have had to take the same one.

[@MartijnDoolaard]

The one who buys it will be admired for it

[@barbaramodlin7637]

@@MartijnDoolaard Would it be possible to share a link to it? I cannot locate it on Idealista.

[@MartijnDoolaard]

@@barbaramodlin7637 www.idealista.it/en/immobile/21170665/

[@barbaramodlin7637]

@@MartijnDoolaard Thank you for your quick reply. I appreciate it. I just subscribed to your channel. I enjoy hearing about very practical things you discover.

[@martinkulik9466]

If that ruin above como was for 20k. He could just make it a cottage from the trees next to it and some stones. 70k was a lot of money probably mostly due to "pay for the views"

[@BicinViaggio]

Being an Italian living abroad for 25 years now, even if I managed to finally move and live just 3 hours from it, I envy you a bit! Great video, inspirational! 👍

[@williamsimmons8927]

Thank you for sorting it all out, enjoy your approach and determination, the roof repair is a huge challenge, thinking a-frames pulleys and ropes going to be your friend, your film works is a class act, thanks cant wait to see your progress.

[@Tipi_Dan]

You can only get what you really want if you know what you really want. Deep circumspection should precede action. Spectacular project. I am attracted to stone, but these particular stone roofs are what drew me to your channel.

[@mimmiblu6138]

Good luck with you project! My husband and I did something similar almost 20 years ago, not far from there, in Liguria in the Alps near the border with France. What I like about our medioeval house (apart from its vaulted ceilings) is the fact that we can see the Mediterranean in the distance from our terrace and we can reach the coast in 20 minutes ca. even though our village is at 600 metres of altitude. It was a lot of work but we enjoyed it: using a pneumatic hammer was therapeutic for me! We've spent all our holidays in this house for the last 20 years. Needless to say most of our friends thought we were completely insane. In reality there are far more Northern Europeans among our neighbours than Italians, but I am happy to translate for them in case of need.

[@pl4tenis]

Malaysian mews

[@alessandropetta7795]

Perinaldo?

[@Udmudmudm]

Valle Argentina ? 😊

[@Udmudmudm]

@@alessandropetta7795 ho dei ricordi agrodolci che mi spingono ad andare a Realdo e dintorni, non ho visto praticamente altri posti in vita mia, un po' di Toscana e basta ma la prima volta che si vede Realdo girata quella curva per me vale un giro del mondo....

[@I_am_ayoub]

Hi, do you mind sharing the village or region name ?

[@r1madbrit]

I did the same as you but I bought a stone, 200-year-old house with electricity and sewage and water in 2015. I'm half-way between Bologna and Firenza and have great Dutch friends about 5km away. I'm 700m up in the Appennine near the Futa pass and I LOVE it! Friendly people and my passion for renovating old houses is well fed. I've bought the little house attached next door and I have knocked through so 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms is taking me a while. I'm not as remote as your place seems to be but it's a great life here in retirement. Nice video. Well done Martijn, enjoy your beautiful home.

[@MsVivZie]

I grew up with a building like the one on the left of the 2 just above the little village. The bottom part was a cellar to store canned goods and such and the top part was a smokehouse where meats were smoked. I'm enjoying your channel and looking forward to more. Thank you for sharing!

[@junedussault400]

Watching from New Hampshire, USA. Really enjoy your videos! Beautiful scenery and love the work you put into the house to make it livable and beautiful ! This old couple can’t wait for each new video!

[@SailingTaranto]

I'm a Kiwi living in the Dolomiti for the past 10 years, lusted after the rustica baita in the mountains. Not been brave enough yet. Also a follower of Project Kamp since the man's plastic machine days. Look forward to following your own magical project :-) Cheers

[@timberdogz]

I’m really enjoying this series . I have built around 3000 homes in my career. Now I focus on building and repairing homes for low income people. I usually don’t like this type of video as sometimes the person building has no skills…..and it makes me nervous for them! Your skill set is impressive, but it’s your approach to projects, the style/dedign and the calmness/serenity that surrounds you. Thanks for sharing…and thanks for the view of that lovely valley!

[@1966geordieboy]

So I started watching Life Uncontained 3 years ago about a young American couple building their dream home out of shipping containers, then 6 months ago got into The Indie project, a couple of Brits remodelling a barn in Portugal. And now hooked on this great Italian journey. Can’t wait to watch the progress each week 🤘🤘

[@Pam-jf6ul]

Me too, same video's very funny. I have another one, my self reliance. A canadian who build a cabin in the wilderness. Great video's as well

[@sgrvtl7183]

I have the same exact pattern! Life Uncontained- The indie Project Theo & Bee and now MArtijn!

[@CaptainShonko]

Mate you would probably really enjoy the Kris Harbour Natural Building channel. What this man has built in the last 7 years by hand is simply amazing.

[@Magalyaetromp]

Same here! Started to watch raising voyagers, then watching young couples buying and renovating in portugal and found this channel. Now im hooked. 🙃

[@dennismattiske5093]

Hi Martin, we love watch each stage of your reno work….we appreciate the way you research and tackle each project with such great perseverance…..we really look forward to each new session you post. Stay safe. D&J Adelaide, STH. Australia.

[@tinaboyd7574]

Love your life choice to move to a mountain cabin. Totally understand your challenges on finding the right property without having to deal with bureaucracy

[@audoroy5774]

I am starting to enjoy everything that you are doing ( from the Episode 1 to date ), it comprises all ... I am getting me more inspired to embark on my journey as well!

[@denisekarding1844]

We spent a few days in lake como. So enchanting. My grandparents are from Turin and imigrated to the USA. I love the stonework of those buildings and enjoy watching your restoration of the place.

[@enricofasella2538]

Turin is an amazing city, but the culture there is more french than Italian...

[@denisekarding1844]

Yes you are right. My father spoke a dialect of italian that i think was french influenced. He said he understood french language more then some italian.

[@beatrizmicci3738]

Hello Martin!😊 Thank you again for such a soothing video, though you are giving "down to the earth" information. Your way of speaking and your filming skills transmit peace. Something always so needed. I think you made an excellent choice! I would love to work there! (and enjoy such views) Un abrazo

[@bobbuilder767]

The view is breath-taking ... Thank you for choosing my country and you should receive a medal for having patience with our bureaucracy, because our bureaucracy is not just a nightmare but complete survival

[@IronFreee]

I lived in one of those sheep cabin/house not very far from yours. The path was scary, at a certain point the postman decided he wasn't going to climb those last 1000 meters to deliver my mail. :D It was larger than yours, I had the roof replaced with a nice wooden and metallic one. Made a very large window on the top floor. Didn't had problems with the permit on my side of the mountains. The big thing was water, apparently, if you don't have a drinkable water source it isn't considered an habitation anymore. I never spent a whole winter, everything was freezing up there and there was large quantities of snow. It was very cold and humid, not a good combination... But 2 big stoves were enough to eat the whole thing.

[@ddellagostino]

Fantastic. I stumbled onto this channel today and am already on episode 5. I love what you're doing and with family in Valtellina, I was happy to hear your mention of, and see, Sondrio in this video. Thank you for sharing!

[@HaraldBaldr]

This was just jam-packed with quality information. I also really appreciate how you're weighing the pros and cons of everything (from your stand-point) in this vid out loud for our viewing pleasure. Really looking forward to the rest of your Italian homestead adventure. PS! Surely you have a background from film or TV... given the production value, camera angles, framing and basically everything about your other vids... right?

[@X_Arkhan]

Heraldo Baldieri, never expect to see you there, but yeah, we like the same things !

[@cameroncampitelli4770]

Baldr Builds in future??

[@gardenjoey]

herald approves! :D

[@Gorgmeister]

Harald, so funny to find you here! Are you planning to settle down somewhere too? God jul from Lillehammer! :D

[@hopengalido8723]

Harald soo you are heading to Italy?

[@i10gal]

Wow, came across your channel this week and I am hooked. Luckily it was video number one I found first so I have now watched them all in order. You have absolutely amazing talent for work required and your filming and drone shots are better than any you would see on a mainstream TV channel. What an idyllic spot you have found and you would never tire of those spectacular views. Thank you for sharing your amazing adventure 😊

[@kimlittlejohn2195]

I felt like I was there with you on your journey spiritually. Your skills are incredible...just driving up that road with the lumber...yowza....the solitude, sounds, beauty the since of perhaps...peace. Take care bring some more food. Weather is so unpredictable today.

[@michaeldenyssen9945]

Sir. I agree with Harald. Amazing transparency and clearly true heart felt coverage of a dream well researched and actually achieved already. I enjoy your unique pace of life and how you communicate. factual, to the point and spot on. Yes you are in for the long haul make no mistake, but by considering all options as you have done. I understand your choice and agree. Wow. Please continue your posting. I want to follow everything you do at your own pace. Kind regards. Mike from South Africa, Natal South Coast, Transkei

[@videoframe24]

Sono contento che tu abbia scelto la Valpellice. Io abito qui da tanti anni ed è un posto davvero speciale. Mi piacciono molto i tuoi video!

[@terryschwartz6437]

What a great story. Fun to hear the rules and regulations. I am enjoying your journey. Watching from Minnesota USA

[@PlanetEarth3141]

What you said at the end of this video is what I was thinking about in the middle of the first video I saw. It's not the end result that is joyful, but the journey to it. The end will come and be an achievement, but the path your walking is the passion.

[@jonathannewby5795]

Many Italian property sites state the estimated price per square metre for restoration, plus, as here, you need to be informed about the regs. And, in remote locations, there is the cost of bringing materials to the site. In other words, even if you do the work yourself, or some of it, you need to be aware of what you are getting into, though an experienced builder can be knowledgeable in that respect. You also need to be careful that, when you buy a property, it can be sold on if you need to, probably to someone similar to yourself, since most Italians place a high value on convenience. That said, there is a lot of rural property available for purchase in Italy, much of which requires some, or complete, restoration. Caveat emptor!

[@gracenoga4992]

Incredible series to watch your journey, this part we (me and husband found so incredibly informative) I just admire how human you are , just not many people around like you you know

[@creativeandaliveat65]

Thanks for your story. I am so glad you went for the more practical, yet super inspiring, gorgeous place ... You have a fantastic life mission ahead of you! Congratulations!

[@laurellussen3512]

you left us a wonderful legacy of videos. That's what to watch for the Holidays

[@Velvet-Sunshine.]

You're very smart about it. And you're filming of those places you've considered---this video is well done. Excellent.

[@jeremysnowden2836]

Some of the most peaceful times in my life were formed when I visited Pannonhalma in Hungary, (12 years ago when I was 16). It is a very small village in Gyor, with a famous abbey nearby. The lavender fields, quietude of the town and the simple lifestyle was such a refreshing break from the industrial, chaotic world of the SF Bay Area that I come from. I recently took a trip to Milan, and even in the busyness of that city, my love for European culture has only grown since that trip...as an Italian-American, and someone who loves nature, I hope I can make the Italian countryside the next place where I live. Congrats on your new property :)

[@roustarousta3676]

Nice one... Buddy if it is winter just make a light air tight frame on the outside for the windows with mud or mortal behind the frame until the summer, the inside should have gap for air circulation so stop condensation building up on the plastic or what ever you use. Strait up don´t bother thinking about convention construction like lifting the roof to use rockwool, also for the moment just lay a heavy plastic or a thin rubber mat over the roof, then think about laying sod or a earth roof that is quite common in the alpines, you will save a lot of time and money by using as many natural solutions as possible, even to the extend of finding a used small wood mill, because there is more than likely some trees for lumber in the area, that you can use to place eves on the roof to support the sod and collect the water run off. Don´t worry about how far you dig down either because the whole construction is more or less one big fundament but all ways good to see what kind of fundament there is, because more than likely depending how long it has been there is at least 30cm of build up soil on the outside as well, the only wall you need to worry about is the build up on the hill side wall, long term maybe you could build a retaining wall. The best thing to preserve your roof beams is linseed oil or diesel, but it needs to be thinned down with mineral sprit with at least 3 or 4 coats, the beam that has a little water damage if its really bad just splint with 2 inch planks on both sides and maybe thank about putting a small supporting wall under, where it could be a division wall like to kitchen if it is damage that bad. Hope you liked my comments, sorry if you think l was intruding on your build with my comments, have a good one up there in fresh air (-8 Rus

[@lucasb409]

I agree with this guy. You'll have to orient towards building with the natural materials nearby.

[@jasonnicholasschwarz7788]

@@lucasb409 exactly, Rockwool gives me the itchies....and it's not a natural material. Check out charity shops, they often have old mattresses with wool as filling, this is perfect for insulating.

[@jenniferyoung2329]

Great advice!

[@fdlopezjimenez]

This is therapeutic, I am literally nodding along as I listen to you. No lie, your work has inspired me to do more work around my house and making the work and learning the skills the goal in itself

[@growingpatience8015]

I really like your way of thinking and the approach you have towards yourself and the learning process. I am looking forward to see your dream path unfold. Much love and patience from Germany. R.

[@canecorsodude1224]

Nice name, growing patience. Jesus Christ can give you true patience, it is one of the fruits of His Holy Spirit. God bless.

[@carolynmaryscott]

This was such a potent and informative summary of your experience looking for places to build. Thank YOU for your excellent editing, which was such a gift to see the places you discussed. I learned more from this one video than a dozen others. This was one of the BEST talks I have seen on what is available in the Alpine areas of Italy.. BRAVO! I would also love to hear more about Italian culture - you briefly mention it in overview.

[@lynsmith2698]

I just found your channel, now I am hooked. Oh my goodness the property is spectacular, the buildings are beautiful and I am loving your neighbour. I look so forward to follow along on your journey.

[@QuestionHartmann]

Thank you for your honesty. This gives a great deal of perspective!

[@pattyaiken8951]

I watch another stone barn build by The Indie Project. They did put a new roof on and they re-pointed all the stone walls and it is just beautiful. Theo and Bea did most of it all by themselves. I look forward to watching what you do. What a great place to live and such an adventure to build!!!

[@sandranatali1260]

Yes, Bea and Theo did most of the work themselves. Pointing the stone walls turned out beautiful. Pointing the walls not only beautiful but stopped rats and mice building nests in the wall. They added a loft for their bedroom, allowing more floor space for the living room and kitchen. They are totally off grid. Their outhouse is amazing. Visit their website, they are in Portugal, but I think you can learn from their building issues, etc.

[@michellezevenaar]

Project kamp is also very interesting. They haven't started really building or restoration yet but are just exploring the land.

[@pattyaiken8951]

@@michellezevenaar I also watch them, they won't be back until spring which is odd.

[@michellezevenaar]

@@pattyaiken8951 it makes sence that they stop making videos if they don't have anything new to document. They rely on volunteers and so if there aren't any in the winter then there is nothing to film.

[@pattyaiken8951]

@@michellezevenaar I hope they restore that big building , that will be a joy to see!!

[@andreariva5471]

Good job Martijn, I hope you can enjoy and give new life to this beautiful part of the Italian Alps. We need more people like you.

[@moniqueviegas1639]

Hi Martijn Few days ago I found your channel and I am so happy to look at your videos. My forebears where from the Val di Viu 1200m altitude not far from Torino close to the French side. The vilage is called Piazzette the roof was made of slate you brought so many good memories of my childhood amongst my grandparents. I think you have made the right decision to choose Italy, people are very down to earth. What a beautiful view you have. Hard work will give you a very cosy place, I am looking for to see your progress. I have chosen Portugal for my holidays place it was more convenient to fly from Australia my permanent residence to Lisbon. Cheers.😊

[@Pazaluz]

Very inspiring ! I've only visisted Italy a couple times, but it's definitely one of my favourite country's to be in. The view on that property is amazing ! A very enjoyable video to watch, it's hard to come by people that are as calm and grounded as you are here in Belgium.

[@simeonbanner6204]

What's hard I think isn't starting something like this but more mentally sustaining down the line, if you are on your own, especially. The person you are when you start isn't the same as when you are half way through or towards the end.

[@paulpurves484]

So true it’s being able to see it through!!

[@mamishami9820]

Extensive bike travels may have given Martijn that bit of extra stamina.

[@Mr.Winston]

I am in awe of what you are doing here, Martijn. Thank you for these incredible insights into this amazing project.

[@petehayes4114]

Love your videos, your thoughtfulness of the process and positive attitude.

[@tamararampold4165]

My grandmother was from Auronzo. My cousins live there. One of them has a cabin in the mountains in addition to his homes in town. Beautiful place!

[@TimMaloneyNMactor]

Very impressive . Bravo , looking forward to watching your Journey unfold . Good Luck to you Martijn .

[@juliawitt3813]

That was a great video , thank you. Very special to hear and see such a fluid and heartfelt explanation of your hopes and dreams . Thank you from Africa. I am enchanted by your vision and work ethic. ❤️ Many blessings.

[@angeladresler1855]

Hi, just subscribed to your channel and I am loving it. What a wonderful location you have in the Italian mountains the views are breath taking, wow such a piece of heaven. I am also currently renovating an old school house in Norfolk UK as my late husband and I began it together a few years ago. Nothing as remote as yours though. I have been doing it on my own for the last 2 years after having builders in and costing me a small fortune I thought I would give up my day job and take the project on full time. I have learnt some many new skills through KZbin things I thought I would never be able to manage. I am planning to sell up and follow my own dream to the French area of Menton or the surrounding mountain's area's as this is close to the border of Italy too, but I will have to wait for the virus to subside first, it is causing great problems here right now. I wish you lots of luck with your project, nature is so beautiful to just watch and let yourself submerge into , my thoughts are with you on that one. Looking forward to so more of your DIY projects to come. Ciao. I have put a few pics on Instagram account if you wish to take a peek, I have so enjoy doing it.

[@KatkaLiptay]

Martijn, absolutely brilliant video, so much helpful. You saved me a lot of time of searching etc. I really appreciate it. It seems you know what you want. Wish you all the best! Thank you for sharing.

[@wilke238]

I listened to your story with great interest .., my partner and I are trying to buy a house in the Tuscan countryside not far from Florence, so it is something very different from you but the difficulties you mentioned - the impossibility of imagining the reconstruction of a ruin as you wish, the impossibility of doing the work yourself but having to hire a company .., the permits to be able to obtain .., the small windows that cannot be enlarged even by 10 cm .. - all this resonates in me: we too have encountered the same difficulties, which for us have been genuinely frustrating. I thought it was a particular case of the Tuscan countryside but now I discover that it is the same even in the middle of the distant woods of Piedmont ...! Thanks for the sincere sharing, it is true that we need to make compromises, make choices, but I believe that at the end, following our heart, we can get to the right place for us. The difference between geometra and architect made me smile ... but in fact it is an excellent summary! The images are beautiful and the colors magical ..., thanks once again for sharing and for the sincerity with which you show yourself and show us your project, very good luck!

[@heimslach]

We're also renovating on a budget in Piedmont - overlooking Lake Orta. Italy is making huge investments to incentivise people to take on restoring its increasingly vast swathes of crumbling housing stock and to repopulate its country-side. However they have done nothing to relax the petty, inefficient planning bureaucracies which benefit the few - it is absurd. Italians are leaving in droves, predicting a 20% population drop in years to come. Place is bloody beautiful though - worth a go 🙂

[@moonrilnonloso2709]

​@@heimslach Unfortunately all those rules came after a long period of time when people were building any kind of building (hotels, horrible constructions) anywhere without taking into consideration the beauty of the surroundings, destroying the countryside, the shorelines, every bit of nature, traditional old buildings.... So they created all these laws to prevent or discourage those things from happening again... but at the same time now you can't do anything at all if you're a normal human being, or just a young person like me who would LOVE to thrive in her own country but doesn't have millions set aside. :/ Sadly there's a lot of corruption in Italy, so even with these laws, people still manage to work around them and destroy pieces of beauty, so it gets even more frustrating for the average person. Hopefully things will get better in the future.

[@SailingTaranto]

@@moonrilnonloso2709 the result of 2000 years of civilisation :-)

[@MrTinner66]

"the impossibility of imagining the reconstruction of a ruin as you wish, the impossibility of doing the work yourself but having to hire a company .., the permits to be able to obtain .., the small windows that cannot be enlarged even by 10 cm .. - all this resonates in me: we too have encountered the same difficulties, which for us have been genuinely frustrating."... But I don't understand: you cannot change anything in an area subject to landscape restrictions or / and a historic building. It is not "frustrating" it is just like that, it is for the Italians and it is for the others. How do you think landscapes are preserved by people who want to do their own thing anywhere and anyway? If you don't like to comply with these rules of Italian law, you can simply go and live in another country: France is beautiful, Spain is just as beautiful, I don't understand where the problem lies. P.S: studying architecture in Italy is not like studying it for example in the USA, not studying it at all or partially but not having a degree in the subject has its weight (geometra) in Italy.

[@MrTinner66]

@@SailingTaranto - Are you sure? I know of nations that barely reach 500 years of history, pass for the most advanced, but have suburbs and neighborhoods as big like a normal European Mediterranean city entirely populated by twenty-year-old zombie junkies with no chance of an at least normal future...let alone a bright future.

[@MrArlington900]

Sr. Doolaard, You did a wonderful job in choosing a most beautiful location. I believe that i have never seen a more peaceful, serene and beautiful spot. Bless you and good sailing.

[@sherrynordan9821]

Amazing beauty to see as you step by step walk and work. And just look at your work, very nice! I love everything about your videos! May God bless you as you work your land with your hands! May He bless you with health and the strength needed to complete so you can one day reap the benefits of ALL your hard labor! Love from Georgia in the USA!

[@bill5926]

´… i have a few Skills, but not much…´: I would say more modest than that a man cannot be. What an hero! All the best Martijn and good luck with your adventure. It is so beautiful to watch your films.

[@francine8302]

I'm excited to see your adventure begin. I can't wait to see what you do and how you transform your new home. It's very exciting!

[@Raekonn]

Beatiful!! Thank you for showcasing the world this beautiful side of my country, so many people don’t even know we have such great mountain landscapes. I wish you all the best in your adventure and I will follow it as much as I can.

[@DCL26]

Just found your channel, and I admire your pioneering spirit and willingness to take on the many challenges of building and reconstructing alone in the gorgeous Italian wilderness. Your thoughts about the everyday goals and deriving satisfaction (and some setbacks) is inspirational. It's becoming one of my new favorite channels on KZbin. Thank you. 😊

[@mountain5623]

Keeping it simple, and personalized to your preferences. Your a smart man. The joy of creation is soothing to the soul.

[@boldrys4500]

Just stumbled across your channel and so glad I did! I hope one day I can do similar. That view, that country, that freedom…look forward to following the journey.

[@onelove8062]

Excellent point, differentiating an adventurous remote project land and the airbnbable holiday house...

[@natalinaaparecidacasaroto1713]

Parabéns pela aquisição Martin, fantástica, o lugar é espetacular, as casas estão ficando incríveis, muitas felicidades para você nesse canto abençoado com essas vistas explêndidas.

[@jmvdkooij]

Fantastic mate. I just purchased a small hill in the mountains in Bali. It has some clove trees and other local trees. Amazing views, lots of clouds, warm when it's sunny and nice and fresh when the sun is covered. Living the dreams Martijn. I will keep following you. Keep it up!

[@BigAlunWyn]

Really great to hear the process you went through and amazingly useful for someone like me who would be interested in doing something similar. It's alway a minefield but when I heard "helicopters" for supplying the place above Como I did think "oh oh". Sounds like you made a really well informed decision!

[@portugalonawingandaprayer473]

Hazel ☘️ … I think you made the right choice … you place is magical ! Good information … thank you 🙏☘️😘

[@annemaehle7700]

Thank you for sharing so much of your experiences with us. It has all made me think a bit different about my future plans. I have been living many years in both Italy and Spain, and are living in Wisconsin USA right now. I have known all the time that I'm going back . I thought I was going back to Spain, though I love Italy to. Now you have made me rethink my plans. I did already look at some village areas in Italy in the 80is, but moved to Spain in the early 90is, and lived there for 13 years before leaving, and though that's where I was going back to.... But I might have to change my plans... As I'm also an herbalist, beside a few other feets to stand on, they are both very interesting... But foremost, thank you for taking us through your amazing experience... Looking forward to the next part of it

[@yvonnebirch6026]

The colours of fall are all around you Martijn. So beautiful ! ❤❤❤

[@tuckersbowtie]

That view of Lago di Como is unbelievable. Fully understand why it wasn't your choice but .. amazing

[@kkulikov]

That is amazing place. I know how difficult it could be to renovate all this stuff but i feel it will be just a beautiful project. Good luck, man.

[@Kris-fg7hc]

Hi, just discovered your vlog yesterday, you find a very nice place and barm. I live not far from you (about 50 km) if sometimes you need some help for hard work you can tell me, I'll give you my contact. I m happy that people from abroad appreciate our valleys that still are not so turistics but intact. I work as fireman and if you want i can tell you something wrong that you have done with the pipes of your stove. Good luck for the project 🍀😀

[@rotwolf5722]

This place & the house was a good choice! The wood and the stone architecture of the roof, just amazing!❤ my best wishes for many lovely days on your property🌈🌞

[@MrElmag12]

You definitely saw some great properties with so much character and potential. I'm planning in do something similar what you've done but I'm still on the phase of working on my campervan atm. Thanks for all the information. Much appreciate!

[@MartijnDoolaard]

First things first :)

[@maxmeier532]

@@MartijnDoolaard Hey Martijn. You mentioned the houses, respectively ruins and the prices. I would be curious, how much land is involved? Those ruins overseeing the Como lake looked like they were close too each other.

[@banmadabon]

@@maxmeier532 Even George Clooney has a house on Como lake...It's too fashionable to be cheap...