RENOVATING A RUIN: Antique Furniture Thrift Shopping & Spring Cleaning a Tuscan Farmhouse (Ep11)

Buongiorno! This episode we're spring (September) cleaning and clearing out rooms of the farmhouse with chests that haven't been touched for 100 years. We go hunting for secondhand antique furniture in what is called a mercatino dell'usato or thrift stores near Florence. And there's a bit of morning beauty for those dreaming of escaping to Tuscany. You can find many more videos on my channel about how I learned Italian and moved to Italy. Making these episodes alone is very time consuming and expensive and if you would like to support my work, you can find my Patreon page here:
/ kylieflavell
You can find my recipes and other information on moving to Italy, learning Italian or my filmmaking equipment on my website:
www.kylieflavell.com/
Please don't follow me on Facebook as that person is not me - they have stolen my identity for the past few years. You can follow me over on Instagram for daily inspiration from Italy and around the world to make you dream, learn a language, cook, travel, move to a foreign country, film, edit or pursue your passion:
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#Italy #Italian #slowliving

[@Lisamakes]

I am sitting here with a glass of wine, knitting a sweater, dreaming of Italy. Thank you, Kylie, and grumpy Guido. 😆

[@bolewts58]

I grew up surrounded by antiques as my parents were avid collectors. They later went into the business and I paid my way through university buying and selling antiques. So, I was very interested in this episode and noticed several things of interest. The two boxes in the storage room date from the 19th century. The smaller one is older, maybe about 1860 and the larger one, maybe 1880 or so. Both originally would have been used for storing blankets and linens and therefore were generally referred to as blanket boxes. The "flat-to-the-wall" pantry cupboard you liked was probably around 1870-80. That little love seat with the attached table with drawer was actually a phone chair (the phone would sit on the table and the drawer was for a phone book)) from about 1930s-40s. It's 18th century in style, which came back into vogue during the late art deco period in the late 1930s-40s. I look forward to your next antique shopping trip as it's interesting to see what the shops have in Italy.

[@beckybryant9891]

I really enjoyed what you wrote here. My grandparents both had the phone chairs you are speaking of and we adored them. I have a very old phone and would love to pick up one of the phone chairs for fun, but we have antiques and a stuffed house.

[@shaughnfourie304]

Thanks for such an interesting comment there is so much we don`t know thanks

[@bethdinatalejohnson3654]

Please save the farm records! They are invaluable and need to be in archival, acid-free containers. A research historian, like me, could reconstruct the story of the farm using them as primary sources. Yes, I'll volunteer!

[@Lea-bw9wj]

Also all the artwork needs to be kept in acid free containers. Please don't put them in plastic tubs

[@ryanfleming55]

I often have no words to express how beautifully your videos are. They make me feel as if I live in Italy. So I will just say thank you.

[@sevahnmerian1299]

I love how much affection you and Guido have for each other. The advice about procrastination is very helpful. I'm a morning person too! You have a pure heart and God is blessing you for it. You inspire your followers to work hard and to remember to reward yourself after you accomplish your goals.

[@KylieFlavell]

Thank you!! 💙💙💙💙💙

[@gaslitworldf.melissab2897]

- makes this worth watching to me. I love love stories, even though I am perpetually single.

[@wendywalrabenstein]

An Italian friend of mine called a room like that (with all the stuff she didn't want to deal with) "il sottoconscio" (The Subconscious). Hilarious!

[@leroux-ianni]

I don't know another person so far more passionate and joyful than this woman, if only I could have a tiny part of her passion !

[@angelamoreno5914]

It's incredible how one opens their window to view what is a paradisal almost fantasy view at their doorstep. I actually shrieked as you opened the window and the chirp of a bird in this breathtaking setting, was the first thing your senses are confronted with. Incredible! It's therapeutic to live as you live Kylie. I love Italy, but seeing it from your perspective, (not to mention your personal love story) it's a very different level of appreciation and love story I'm experiencing.Thank you for all your efforts, and sharing almost everything, that you are so blessed to have, with us. You're one very special girl!! xxx

[@gracegiven5093]

I really enjoyed this episode (as I do all!). It was fun to go through the antique shops and to see others appreciate the craftsmanship of the past. The aerial photography is breathtaking! Every time I see the little round chapel, my heart sings. There is something just so beautiful about this building against the blue Tuscan sky...

[@KylieFlavell]

Oh I did wonder if people might be sick of the chapel but every time the light hits the stone in different ways I can’t help but want to film it. 🥰

[@Gajdacsi61]

Hi Kylie, I only discovered your channel about two months ago. It gives me enormous pleasure to "work" my way through all your old videos. It gives me so much hope to see that such lovely and loving people as you and Guido exist. I'm seriously considering joining the ranks of your patrons, as you have deserved it a hundred times. Wishing you the very best. Márta

[@KylieFlavell]

Thank you Márta! I’m so happy it gives you hope. We all need a little hope. 😊💙🙏

[@privateuno8897]

I cried when the beautiful rock room got plastered. I LOVE ROCKS, BLOCKS AND STONEWORK.

[@cathycx]

I’m definitely a morning person. I love getting up early, I love the crisp air and the peacefulness of each morning, before the rest of the world wakes up.❤️

[@KylieFlavell]

Yes!!! Exactly! 🌞

[@saraoum91]

I love aaaall what you said but still can't get up early 😕😕

[@bekindfox]

Italian night owl here. :-D Hard to get to bed before 4 a.m. and even harder to stand up before noon. But still, if you have to go to work and/or have a kid going to school, you fit into the system, get up at 5:45 am and try to get your brain and body to function (which is why I couldn't do a month without coffee!). Guido is lucky to have an understanding (or at least supportive) wife! Us night owls we need love and affection and understanding, we just are productive at different times! 🙂

[@anamirta8035]

I'll never understand morning persons ☀️ when I have to wake up very early say 6 am I'm sad and everything hurts me and I think about meaning of life till noon 🙃 but when I wake up (at 7:30) I have energy till 23 pm Guido is super normal, not grumpy 😁

[@truthfinder6246]

The records and picture books! Frame them in a display case and hang them. They are your kids history. This was awesome as always. Incredible storyline and cinematography, Kylie. You're such a sweetheart. Your hubby is a really good guy too😊

[@paulfreitag7772]

Ciao Kylie! Another great video! So, I have been a subscriber for quite some time now. Since couple years now. It began when I was researching everything about Italy because I dreamed of living there. Now, at 52, I am moving to Florence one week from today! So next Friday I will be watching your newest video from bella Firenze! Thank you for being a part of making my dream come true!!! 🙂 ❤🇮🇹

[@AnaBela1990]

oh, minute 10 is so beautiful❤️ if I could be that drone and start my mornings flying around the land before everyone is awake and take it all in😌 I could look at something infinite times with those beautiful lights bringing it to magic as it is old and new everytime❤️ahh thank you, what a lovely and peaceful journey this day to day life can be:)

[@josephcharlesworby1993]

Wife's replying. You just described me. I was always grumpy at my husband it took me awhile to wake up in the morning. I'd give anything if he he was to be grumpy again. Over 20-years I don't care because wish he was here with me again because , who was diagnosed with cancer in your passed away last year nothing matters as long as you love each other

[@KylieFlavell]

Oh I’m so sorry. You’re certainly right. Love can transcend almost everything. 💙

[@josephcharlesworby1993]

You are beautiful such a beautiful couple together. To see the love between you two is outstanding congratulations on your wedding hope to hear of a special event

[@marinadean5706]

I can definitely relate to Guido's dilemma. I've been putting off cleaning up and whitewashing my desks all year. Just looking at the mess just turned me off and made me grumpy until one day I decided to start with just one desk. Cleaning it up and out took the whole day. I painted it the next, and was so very pleased with the result that it gave me enough energy to finish the whole area. Now I'm so proud, and relieved and happy. A ton of weight came off my shoulders... 😍❤️

[@beckybryant9891]

I started a 10-minute deal, where I would work for 10 minutes on one project and move on. The thing is once you start on something you get a good feeling for doing it and can accomplish far more than you ever intended when you start it. I have severe adult ADHD and for some reason, this works well for me. Anything over 10 minutes is a huge bonus for me.

[@shaughnfourie304]

Thanks we are in that situation too Looking forward to attacking task number one

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

Smiled all the way through AGAIN!🤣 Guido eating the lunch was both hilarious and endearing. Bless him. Thank you for sharing beautiful Kylie.🌻🌞🥳😊

[@susanevanko7898]

Again, a wonderful look into the life of Kylie and Guido! Has anyone commented on your music selections that compliment your videos? I look forward every Friday to seeing and hearing your posts. The music is sublime. I cannot wait to see how the villa(s) turn out eventually but the journey is delightful. Also, how nice that your parents are helping so much - have they moved to Italy? Thank you Kylie xo

[@yoyoli6985]

Congrats on the new baby!

[@3onthebeach]

Greetings from Washington State! That sketch book looks as though Guido's grandfather could have been the Italian Dr. Seuss. Amazing artistic talent. Great for you too. My wife and I will be retiring to Toscana in the next 2 years also.

[@Heartful.Living101]

You should print postcards of vis grandfather’s drawings... for your patreons e.g. 😘😘

[@beckybryant9891]

Or display them on the walls in groupings.

[@lorrilewis2178]

I'm like Guido. It takes me forever to warm up to the morning. I get more energy later.

[@theyogadoctor2530]

So glad to hear how Guido’s disposition is! I’m exactly like him! Some people are morning people like my wife! Some people are night owls. I am at my best from 10 AM to 2 PM. 🙏🙏 And goodness, beauty and truth all in one video!

[@morriganwitch]

You keep My faith in beauty alive xxx

[@mythoughts2221]

Dear Kylie and Guido, Another fine video. I am totally enchanted with you two, the restoration work on the villa among all your other adventures. This week's trip to the thrift store reminded me of the many times my mother would get us kids into the car to drive the back country roads in search of a antique store seeking out something to add to her growing collection. She was very particular in which room something would go before falling in love deeper. She would point out small details like the raw silk interior fabric or the ornate table etchings. She would love you Kylie and Guido. Thank you for this lovely video and the trip down memory lane. See you next week. Ciao!

[@portuguesehydrangea4818]

The sketches are so great! I’d find a way to display them☺️ Kylie, you are so darn cute!! I love watching your videos/content. You are living the dream! 🙌

[@marthaizaguirre6363]

Buongiorno principessa! ("Life is Beautiful" film) is how I greet my doggie each morning. We rise early so I can do yoga & she can enjoy the cool morning before temps get to 85° + here in Honduras! You're wise to let Grumpy get his beauty sleep! Love your stories and look forward to each new chapter. ☺

[@itsmewende]

Yep, I have a junk room instead of drawer as well. I have 2 huge chests like yours, they came over with my ancestors from Germany, my mom used one to store old Christmas decorations, the other seasonal clothes. Even tho I know a drone is filming the aerial views, that music has me picturing myself hang gliding over the farm, drifting like a butterfly. I love the story that's unfolding with this renovation. Look forward to Ep. 12.

[@Leila2023_]

same story with my ex and i... I'm a morning person and he was so intensely grumpy every morning. French. anyway now we are split... the kids had a bad time with him last weekend. my son accidentally dropped a huge jar of nutella first thing on Saturday morning, it smashed on the floor.... what a way to begin the weekend! it was all downhill from there. honestly, this story made me laugh so much. it's like the worst morning you can imagine in France. the nutella dissaster.. . I'm currently up at 6am feeling amazing. i love mornings so much. i can't understand why people want to sleep all morning... they miss the best part of the day. you're either a morning person or you aren't I've decided. now i live in countryside in france. i bought a good quality microphone. sometimes i record the morning sounds of the village waking up... love it.

[@angelafedida5024]

Love Love Love this episode. I have been watching you for a while after discovering your channel at the beginning of lockdown last year here in Melbourne Australia. I love my Saturday morning tea watching your latest episode, and i cant tell you how much it has helped escaping to the beautiful scenery, the music the cinematography and your positivity and creativity. Love Love Love 💗

[@martinezdirce9225]

I absolutely loved it again ♥️ and wow ! You are a morning and night, you are a HAPPY person in a very stressed, needy world… what a blessing 😘✨

[@paolaarchimbaud9076]

Is so beautiful see how y’all appreciate every furniture, tile and Guido’s Grampa stuff. Everything about y’all is art.

[@shellywilks883]

Yes, thanks for taking us with you bella kylie🤗👍😘

[@terrilee36]

Thanks for taking us along. What fun.

[@drj5758]

Wait until the end!! The pasta makes me miss Italia even more!!!

[@NyreeAlana]

This was wonderful! I could feel your excitement, looking at all the antiques, like kids in a candy store! ❤

[@james-jq8sk]

You could have some beautiful luxury holiday accommodation in your Farmhouse, I can just imagine going for beautiful walks, fabulous local food and wine, so relaxing...

[@shirleygeorge6351]

Absolutely enchanting! Those brilliant 20th century sketches are priceless! Stay blessed you two gorgeous soulmates.Praying that my happily unmarried son @ 35 meets a wonderful person like you & lives happily ever after.😁Your antique stores visit flooded me with nostalgic memories of me tagging along with my parents after church to the Staynor Auction House on Calcutta's famous Park Street to treat ourselves to the spectacular heirlooms of many a royal house.Thank you, Kylie for bringing in such joy & priceless memories.

[@charlescurtis853]

I am liking Guido more and more, he is a really good balance for you Kylie, in fact you both fit so well together

[@angelacruz1628]

Yes you must save the historical files and for future little babies, what a treasure to have pictures and creative things your great grandparents did. That priceless for family to see the pieces of them, to know parts of them especially since you could never meet them. To have a piece of who the were. You owe it to them since you are the person who has them. I had my maternal great grandparents painting in my home growing up and it was my most important thing I would of grab if there was a fire. So yes, you should find a place in your home for them.

[@barbhuber7502]

I love this series….almost as fun as going myself!

[@kimberlypuravida5690]

So many beautiful warm feelings from this episode. I can't begin to comment on everything that moved me. Thank you for bringing us along.

[@caldepen372]

Thank you for this. I love the 'day in the life' nature of your films. Showing us the detail without losing the 'filmy' nature of your style. Bravo. It also helps tide my wife and I over until our next visit (Spring 2022). We have family in Liguria and spend 5-6 weeks there every second year with brief hiccups caused by global pandemics..

[@melinaspiliopoulou8765]

What a nice video, old things with memories...The music also is incredible!!! A heaven on earth....is this place!!! Many greetings from Greece!!!

[@jeanninef2110]

Oh yes!! You must keep the old accounts!!! It is a part of history!! I so love your vlogs!! Beautiful! Thank you for sharing!

[@monstergirl59]

Loved this episode Kylie , couldn’t think of anything better to do than browse through an antique shop in Italy , music was so love too thankyou

[@lroitsch]

your lunch caused my mouth to water - yummy! Thank you for sharing your life with us all!!!

[@Ingrid0410]

Love the music!! Antiques, lunch brava👍👍💜

[@lynnpuhr2099]

What a view - magical Tuscany

[@debibolocofsky6920]

I loved seeing everything, from the old ledgers to the artwork of Guido's grandfather. What amazing history in that one room! Thank you for such beautiful videos.

[@isabelherrera8647]

Can't wait to see the room finished !!!!!!

[@franpie2264]

Love love love this video and all the others. Thank you Kylie and Guido for your eagerness to invite us all into your life and adventures in Bella Italia. Un abraccio per voi xxx

[@juliamcgrath3364]

You are full of love, warmth and sunshine.

[@annbrosnan8586]

Ah Kylie, always a great Friday feeling to see your film appear. I love clearing out stuff; I think I'm obsessed with decluttering, so I particularly enjoyed this episode. I love how you always find the beauty in things. I'm more of a morning person (although I have a tendency to stay up late so then I'm less good in the morning!). You always get so much done if you get up early. Lunch was mouth-wateringly delicious to look at too!

[@ilibertyi]

Oh, our beautiful friend. You bring such beauty, elegance, and grace to us, please, don't apologize for a wrinkled dress. Take care, Love from California, USA

[@MariaCristinaGrandi]

Magnifico tempo con voi, grazie! Quel mercatino!!! Che meraviglia.

[@kathrynstern1662]

Oh my goodness! The drawings are amazing!

[@tigereye8455]

Wow,Wow,wow,the views from your farm are breathtaking beautiful

[@FreshAirGamer]

Your videos help me escape the stresses of work and life during these times. Thank you for doing what you do!

[@Bellasand45]

What a gorgeous view of your home and landscape.

[@susanmorgan995]

Arial footage, colours of the land, the little chapel-wow- the glowing stones- I cry a little for the beauty of it all. I love morning too! My guy sleeps in : ) The music is lovely...TY- Kylie & Guido.

[@bethposen6896]

Gosh this was just a joy to watch - thank you for making me feel like I had a brief visit to Italy - and for sharing the experiences of your life in such a beautiful way!

[@chowdharysaab1673]

It's nice always nice to see you both again and again. Love from India to Italy. 👍🏻👌🙏

[@yanira9666]

Such a beautiful home and couple. Thank you for sharing

[@Nameemee]

YES KEEP THEM! Oh my goodness what a treasure!

[@kflecha1]

I Love Kylie!! she so inspiring as always!!!

[@KylieFlavell]

Thank you for watching Karla 💙

[@ybutcher5040]

Thanks for taking us through the thrift stores. Fun fun fun!❤️

[@marywakefield3472]

Just love watching you work on your beautiful home, thanks for sharing.

[@jocelyneboutot5722]

Kylie, I loved when you said I'll take the mirror and the man behind it! Priceless! Thank you for bringing Italy to me. Look forward to every Friday

[@kiwigardens9206]

OMG!!! Kylie that table with the floral design was fabulous 😍

[@cathyfeigert5660]

I so look forward to seeing your new videos. Thank you Kylie!

[@axelpaff3306]

Stunning episode

[@dakota7222]

Kylie, you live in paradise, you are truly blessed! 🙏😍🥰

[@soniab9116]

Kylie you are so inspiring, lovely person!

[@michelleneuman579]

I'm always amazed at the amount of work you do! You must sleep so well! It would be so cool to shop and see all of the vintage furniture in Italy!

[@gigibenea3529]

O M G .....this is such a enormous work

[@RosaLopez-zw2ff]

Thank you for taking us to the thrift stores. So many antiques to chose from.

[@christinerivero5557]

Thank you so much for sharing this journey with all of us. It is like stepping back in time. I absolutely love your attitude and gracefulness with which you do everything. The views are spectacular and I cannot wait to visit this beautiful countryside one day.

[@annedon776]

Just SPECTACULAR!❤️❤️❤️

[@hoops8534]

You are sunshine Kylie! Thank you for another gorgeous episode 💓 I’m definitely a morning person too. I love dawn.

[@jonathanreinacobano1450]

Good job! I love that old wall clock!!!

[@lyndaprather2138]

As always, a beautiful treat.

[@marieioseemarsala9392]

Il fascino della storia ,gli oggetti rivivono .Bellissimo!

[@bernicebabe4154]

Great video once again! My Saturday morning treat here in NZ - in bed with a hot drink and my Italian fix. Thank you Kylie.

[@andreabontempo643]

Oh my gosh Kylie I would go crazy in their thrift stores. Gorgeous stuff!

[@1sissaree]

Kylie, you are an amazing filmmaker! Just beautiful!! Thank you for sharing your beautiful life with us!🥰👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Bravo (standing ovation)🙌🏼

[@marianunes8747]

Until friday Kylie! Thank you of showing me ttose stunning antique furniture!

[@appeltaart47]

You make my Day on friday. Every part of your vlog looks like a picture or painting. Thank you so much. Have a nice weekend. X

[@sidninewton5377]

I’m a Morning person ! Get up and get started on projects ! It’s so Beautiful there- . That place has so much History - You both will feel so good getting that done ! A big project ! There is a Lot going on all over the World. I’ll keep you, Guido, and his family in my prayers -

[@stevehaire6181]

I just love how Italian ephemera lasts seemingly forever. Another thoroughly enjoyable episode 😊

[@nellysorokko5665]

Very interesting to see Italian antique store. Thank you.

[@writeract2]

I love furniture, I love antiques - so the antique furniture hunting expeditions are always marvelous.

[@lynnegunn3478]

Delightful, beautiful, exciting and oh so keen for each one to come😍

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Another gorgeous video, Kylie! I really liked getting to see the second-hand store and the pasta made me super hungry! You are living the Italian dream. ❤️

[@tracylynm614]

Yes, yes, and yes Kylie! So true everything you said in the first several minutes! About procrastination, tidy space tidy mind, and just getting started. You really do find it was not as bad as you thought and wonder why you didn't do it sooner.

[@foodzesty56]

Another wonderful episode. Thank you Kylie :)

[@LiveInItalyMagazine]

You both are the cutest! Loving to watch your journey together! 😍

[@dianalewis8548]

Bravo Kylie. Another wonderful vlog. Together you two can do anything. Great cleanup and you found lovely old books and art. Can't wait to see all the furniture in the renovated rooms. And ending with that lunch. So cheap but 5 star food. Enjoy your week.

[@Godlvr008]

Love the music especially Mozart you’re the second best taste in music anybody I ever knew ha ha keep up the great work