RENOVATING A RUIN: Buying & Restoring a Castle in Italy (Episode 43)

This episode I'm sharing someone else's experience of renovating in Italy with the beautiful abandoned property in the village of Trequanda: Castello Cacciaconti. I speak with some Americans who fell in love with this historic place in Tuscany and decided to take on the monumental challenge of restoring a castle and transform it into a celebration of food, music and visual art. Hope you enjoy.
You can find my contact details, postal address, recipes and other info on my website:
www.kylieflavell.com/
If you would like to support my work, you can find my Patreon page here:
/ kylieflavell
Every day I get so many emails and comments asking why you can’t locate the music I use or find it using Shazam. I purchase music licenses for almost all the music you hear in my videos. I buy them them from various royalty-free production music sites and most of the time they don’t list the performer because it’s music made only for film productions with an audio watermark throughout the entire track, unless you purchase the single-use license for $50-100 per track. I use a lot of opera so often I’ll reference the opera but I won’t be able to direct you to a recording of that specific performance that you could stream or buy on iTunes or Spotify. Hope that clears things up and thank you for appreciating quality music.
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 #Tuscany #renovating

[@KylieFlavell]

Thank you for watching. For those of you asking about staying in the renovated house in Trequanda, you can find this property here: ifiordalisi.com/

[@stephaniewilliams9469]

Please keep us posted about their progress!

[@ClaraSunshine]

In American money is it unaffordable?

[@sarah52161]

How I loved hearing you interview people again! You have such a gift! This is such a beautiful project and I thank you for bringing it to this community as only you can do! Spectacular Kylie!

[@drj5758]

They should start a Channel! I would certainly subscribe and it would generate some money. There must be some young person in town that could start his film career.

[@skylark9982]

Do you reply at all in comment section ?

[@mareebauckham9290]

What a beautiful thing to do for Italy. I would love to follow their progress.

[@missdoogledog]

I look forward to future updates as well. Love this cultural enrichment in Kylie’s inimitable style. Beauty is it’s own reward.

[@cedbea6135]

what they do for italy ??

[@christine1373]

Preserving and renovating the history and beauty of these places is so important and the fact that it is in relatively decent condition after sitting empty for a quarter of a century is a testament to the craftsmanship and materials used. Bravo to these people dedicated to this project.

[@angelicab3482]

What an amazing castle. I hope they can recreate the magic there.

[@rowandowland1391]

Kylie, thank you. We sat at our kitchen table in Tremezzina drinking herbal tea wiping tears from our eyes as we listened to your conversation with Jim & Vincent. Moving to Italy isn’t always easy but here we certainly do live with beauty and a sense of humanity that we’d lost back in Australia. Our dream is to one day create a group of older people who can develop a co-housing community in a charming Italian Villa somewhere in the countryside. Who wants to grow old in some kind of sterile age care facility when you can live a full life with a small community of like minded people who appreciate the beauty of Italy and its culture. I’m sure there must be others out there for whom this style of living must also appeal. Vincent’s comments about the importance of beauty being one of the most important things to live with in life were just so lovely.

[@sarahhudson6212]

What a wonderful idea. Are you thinking of Australia with an Italian villa or Italy? I think we have lost our sense of belonging …. to a tribe, a community, a village. I’m a widow with 3 children and 7 grandchildren so I’m finding my way after a period of loss and grief but I love your idea.

[@rowandowland1391]

@@sarahhudson6212 Thanks. We’ve recently retired to Italy from Australia where we feel a much greater sense of belonging than we did living in Australia. Of course nothing is perfect but the Italians can teach us a lot about ‘community’ and living in a village. The idea we have is to create this kind of connection amongst a group of people living together in a ‘marigold hotel’ style villa We’re a couple without kids so we’re also thinking a lot about future proofing our lives, security and remaining connected as we age. All the very best wishes as you find your way.

[@sarahhudson6212]

I think it’s a truly wonderful idea and I wish you very Marigold success! If I didn’t have family in Australia I’d be living in Europe in a flash but my plan is to visit for a few months every year. I was born in England so feel very European still … you’re so right. Nothing is perfect but I do believe the Europeans can teach us a lot about community, respect for senior citizens and the finer things in life such as food and wine! Enjoy your retirement … I think what youve done is wonderful!

[@kindlydude]

@@rowandowland1391 My daughter and granddaughter never visit me (almost never), so I ask myself ...why not! ??

[@faviolanicole96]

@@rowandowland1391your view on life is beautiful and you’re most certainly right, more people do long for a more connected, slower pace in life. My husband and I have thought about moving to the Tuscan region in Italy for years- we currently live in the USA and constantly feel the pull that somehow- we are meant for so much more than what the hustle and bustle has to offer. Kylie’s videos are most certainly an escape for me. Would love to connect if you ever want a pen pal or just a friend! God bless & have a wonderful day

[@mariafusco7899]

Kylie, I am so impressed with how they thought through the process of even approaching such an overwhelming renovation by listening to the people, allowing their love of visual and performing arts to shape their vision, and then to peacefully settle into the business of building support for the project. It will be a wonderful adventure to see it take shape. I wish them success in every step of the way!

[@marycamilleri6324]

Wow what an amazing place. So loved listening to their hopes and dreams of restoring this truly beautiful castle. Please follow this inspiring journey and share it with us all. X

[@lynnmitchell1654]

Renovations on a property this size and complexity is indeed a labor of love! Hopefully, the investors will think about putting in apartments that will be available to not only foreigners but too Italians as well. Thus making the space available to those willing to invest their time fostering and building community in this little village. This allows the local population to be involved in the development of their community making it welcome and hospitable to all!!

[@AB-ol5uz]

Yes, I was thinking the same thing - converting the spaces into European apartments that people can own while sharing communal gardens, shops, etc.

[@katcihealer]

God Bless their passion for doing things for others. I wish everyone was like them. Great video.

[@EyesOpen78]

Agreed 🙏

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

Thank goodness for such souls who wish to restore and preserve glorious buildings. Wishing you well in your endeavours. 🤞💕🙏

[@drj5758]

They should have a KZbin channel to follow the progress! I’m sure there is an opportunity for a videographer in this project. I would love to watch for the next 3 years. It wouldn’t hurt to generate some money for the project either

[@Myria83]

I would certainly subscribe to such a channel!

[@soniahamilton9914]

I am disappointed there is not one!! I was looking forward to watching it!!☹️

[@user-eh1zo3yh4c]

There will be a way to follow the restoration of Castello Cacciaconti - We're in the process of developing it! - Jim dawson

[@mitsim]

@@user-eh1zo3yh4c I, too, would love to follow along. What a wonderful project is in the works. Thank you for sharing!

[@MayaLiladiVento]

Agreed! If they need a social media manager, I volunteer! haha

[@leonardniamh]

They have done such a beautiful job with the small house

[@deniseblackman5229]

I’m from Seattle too! I love this project. We used to travel around when we first visited but now we usually hunker down in a town for weeks. It’s so beautiful, like living in a breathing museum. I love what Vincent said about the difference between USA and Italy-spot on.

[@ehpeachylove]

The older I get I feel it more and more the difference, and I’m 75 now.

[@carolequesnel9783]

The castle appears to have excellent bones, amazing structure, and is just waiting to be restored. What a wonderful project, blessings to these men and their wives and team their commitment is palpable and one can already envision the castle once restored. Please continue to show the progress, this is delightful to watch !!!!

[@nicolescott89]

I love how time has weathered away places and spaces but echoes of thier soul still remain if you choose to listen and be present even through the lens. Wow such an amazing story and hoping they keep some of the old with the new. Its a huge undertaking though im glad there are 4 heads to bounce ideas off. It always inspires me the energy of Italy and now I'm on my trip here I always feel at home. Will feel a new energy in Trieste tomorrow and then will feel the romantic of Florence on Wednesday 😊 thank you for bringing your light into this epic space of historic time ❤ xxxx

[@KylieFlavell]

Oh you’re finally here. Hope you enjoy everything - especially your night at the opera!

[@nicolescott89]

@KylieFlavell can't wait for phantom 😍 will let you know how it goes xxx

[@joannegagnon-marihart]

Beautiful episode, thank you much!

[@martyonthemain1448]

I love four hour dinners. The laughter and conversation centered around good food good wine and good people. It harkens back to a time when dinner was an event. What a lovely idea, they're really on to something.

[@elizabethheatley22]

Will so look forward to you visiting again Kylie and letting us see the project in motion.

[@nonsibi1087]

I love seeing this happen! My two young sons, ten years ago, ventured with me to northwestern Tuscany to visit the relatives in the two adjacent villages from where their great grand father & mother left over a century ago. Lovely and charming little rocky villages alongside the river, each with a central medieval tower (for refuse in case of attack) atop the central hill, the villages were nearly emptied of young people. One son is speaks Italian well, which was wonderful upon entering the relatives homes, seeing the familiar faces on the walls, and appreciating their gardens and warmth before venturing to place flowers on the mausoleums for each family. hopefully, they may soon be rediscovered, too.

[@BridgetsAnimalHouse]

This is so wonderful. I see the beauty in ruins. It’s like the ruins are crying for someone to see their potential and hope that someone comes along to undertake restoration.

[@alfabeta4652]

In Italy we need people like them. God bless you

[@talesfromtuscany]

I was in Trequanda and Montisi just 3 days ago, filming a property and I fell in love with these authentically beautiful little villages instantly! What a wonderful passion project! All my best of wishes to them all! 😍🤗

[@bzznz]

What an interesting and relevant initiative. Italy is a fundamental part of the western cultural heritage.

[@michaelw.8614]

Lovely castle and the guys that are renovating it are so amazing and inspirational.

[@karenbrindley7170]

Well-done, everyone involved. What a legacy these people will leave.

[@suzyblake2007]

This was a beautiful episode. I am so happy to see people who want to restore pieces and parts of Italy and it’s history. I would love to follow the progress of this project.

[@barbaracarlson1331]

How interesting! I do hope you can return and we can follow this project! Wonderful to help bring life to this small village! Thank you for sharing this.

[@txarte6883]

What an amazing, beautiful project. Being an artist myself, I can see this coming to life once again. It's just been waiting to be revived. What an outstanding, heartfelt thing to do. I absolutely LOVE it ❤

[@peterwissdorf8904]

So inspiring, thanks for sharing. The world needs more people like yourself, Guido, Jim and Vincent to save these beautiful old places. I would love to see regular updates, so please do share. ❤

[@caffhan]

Totally and utterly fantastic. Breathing new life into these beautiful places ❤

[@helenrumjanek2415]

What a fantastic idea bringing together music, art and culinary.Loved the video!

[@MihaelaClaudiaPuscas]

One of my favourite episodes from you so far! Loved it from the first second. The type of content I love to consume! Imagine buying and restoring a castle in Italy! My gosh how impressive is that! Plus the way you always put the videos together, so professional and with such a grace, love it! I sometimes talk about you with my friends and tell them what an inspiration you are for me! Even because we had similar lives and similar interests and we both now live around Florence :) Keep them coming, you rock! Much love xxx

[@KylieFlavell]

Glad you enjoyed it. ♥️

[@ukell3958]

Grazie mille Kylie per questo bellissimo film! I've visited Trequanda many times, and it really is a little gem; from the ancient walls to the small piazza. It's so lovely and encouraging to see Italiophiles take on this huge and beautiful project. Sono bravissimi! I will look forward to visiting the renovated castello in the future. Grazie ancora!

[@RobertLongley1]

You should do a whole series on these types of projects. In addition to being interesting, you have reached a point where you have a platform large enough that you can influence change in these type of projects. I think you will look back on this video in a few years and realize that you started something very special.

[@cherylcampbell7495]

I’m so excited. Under the Tuscan sun is my favorite book/movie. I feel connected to Italy but have never been there. I’m not even Italian. Thank you for this beautiful journey🙏💕

[@leonardniamh]

Absolutely beautiful episode

[@carmenberman420]

Beautiful town. I can't wait to see the renovating in the castle. Their home is lovely.

[@leonardniamh]

They are really wonderful gentlemen

[@claudiamann7111]

They need to start a KZbin channel so we can follow the progress and they could make additional money. Would be great to see the renovation of such an amazing building.

[@geminisonar9979]

What an amazing project this is going to be. I think there will be many people around the world who would love to be able to go and stay in such a beautiful live there with such a calm and relaxing environment and may be learn something new.

[@sharonkinsella7435]

Beautiful on every level: aesthetics and community and shared passion❤

[@diogenes7047]

What an amazing project! Hope to see more. Wishing them much success on this endeavor. I imagine a resort, restaurant, concerts,...creating jobs for the community, etc. Love this, and thank you for sharing.

[@joancaruso170]

OMG! Kylie I really enjoyed watching this episode of Renovating a Ruin. The beauty of those huge homes. If only the walls can talk. I can't wait to see this come to fruition.

[@sprezzatura8755]

New energy coming into Italy to revitalize these communities is a wonderful thing. Siena and vicinity is one of my favorite places on Earth. Hope to return there soon.

[@christineskylark]

I love this idea. Food, music, and the visual arts. What a match.

[@margielewis7493]

I do hope that the team involved in this restoration create regular videos of its progress! It seems like a very special project with some incredibly experienced people helping to bring it to life!

[@sallyflavell6221]

Nice to see these two gentle respectful souls who are sympatico ❤ and show the nicer American who are intelligent and kind. Such a pleasure to hear them express their appreciation of Italian culture.

[@degunver7672]

His HOME is amazing!!! What an incredible eye for detail. The castle will be fascinating to watch come back to life.

[@cmdc7116]

amazing story! I hope you follow this story and keep us updated.

[@cathyroberts7032]

Will they be documenting this on social media anywhere?

[@sarahhudson6212]

I love the idea of an artistic cultural centre in an authentic Italian village … I’ll be hopping on a plane from Australia as soon as the castle is open for business. Very exciting!

[@narcisadefranco7123]

very grateful for what you are doing Italy has to many castles in need of love and care good luck to you

[@katherinethomas7586]

Videos like this make me so excited to visit some day! Also from WA state so it was fun to see a fellow Washingtonian making a difference in a different part of the world.

[@dianegriffith3006]

Several Washingtonians here. Fascinating video and beautiful surroundings -I would love visiting this area. So quaint and these are places I’d like! Thank you Kylie!!

[@NyreeAlana]

I do love the interviews you do!!! Beautiful episode!!! Those men are incredibly inspiring and it sounds like their wives are incredible people too! Beautiful footage of the castle and town ❤👏👏👏

[@maureenbyrne9676]

Kylie your best show yet since your single days when you did more documentary work. This is what many of your followers love. Keep up the good work. Tuscany is a big area and people are curious about what is happening there. 🙏🙏👍❤️

[@fw1421]

All it takes is time,determination,money and support. I wish them luck. What a challenge!

[@2Sugarbears]

Thanks Kylie, that was lovely and so inspiring.

[@caroleward4027]

Please keep us updated on the progress, I am so inspired to jump in my car and drive from my home in Switzerland to see this for real, just a few hours away ! ❤

[@wmomente]

I would love to be able to stay there and help - with all their projects !!

[@kimvenezia6903]

What a worthy and beautiful project that creates a community with common love of beauty and of Italy!!

[@nukketguliscen4050]

Geçmişe sahip çıkarak geleceğimizi de sahiplenmis oluyoruz.tesekkur ..🇹🇷

[@sallyflavell6221]

Kylie the man on the right reminded me of your Poppa Jack Flavell ❤ a lovely quiet thoughtful man like him and with moustache and the eyes lighting up with that old twinkle!❤

[@potterlinda02]

Wow this was amazing....beauty for sure....the vision of these men will bring the castle back to life......

[@joecutro7318]

Thank you so much for bringing this story to your channel, Kylie! Fantastic content. This such an exciting project grounded with such experienced and talented curators. As a fellow Seattleite and Italo-file, I can't wait to see this unfold. I have many friends whom live in the houseboat community here and it is indeed a tight knit and spirited group. No surprise their appetite has been wet for the grand connections of Italian culture and community. Loving the intersectional theme of music, art and food, too! 🎶 🎨 🥮🥫☕️ ❤🇮🇹

[@rebeccagutierrez1960]

It will be a tremendous challenge. But what a wonderful project. I can see it done!

[@wendywalsh-pardey9439]

That was fascinating to see. The ceiling decorations reminded me of the Alhambra in Granada and Egyptian decorations in temples. That alone would be wonderful a experience and discussion with Francesca. Your cinematography, as always was delightful. Thank you Kylie.

[@markstoll9636]

kylie Ive watched this video 4 times. the whole spirit of this project from top to bottom is very much what I am all about. i subscribed to your channel in hopes of viewing any follow with Jim and Vincent and Castello Cacciaconti. nice work!

[@geofiggy]

Kylie, thanks for this Episode. It was extremely enlightening and beautiful. Take care, be safe,God bless and love to you 3. 🖖🏼🤟🏼

[@geofiggy]

Thanks for the love Kylie. I'll be looking forward to follow up episodes on the "Castello". 🙏🏼

[@vincentlualdi2027]

Fantastic editing and interview! Thank you for this Kylie!

[@winnysneece694]

Absolutely Fascinating video. Wonderful to see The Great Motivaters/Renovaters of Our Time. ❤

[@andrewjohnston9115]

It's a great project and I hope they are successful in reinvigorating the village. I'd love to have a channel that follows the renovation efforts (trials and tribulations included), Kylie ... fancy a weekly trip to Trequanda 😉

[@ART-Lys]

Y se cumple el ciclo de la vida, preservar la belleza, restaurar lo que el hombre del pasado creo con una visión de grandeza. Aquí una historiadora del arte agradeciéndote de todo corazón por esta entrega. Mereces el Oscar de KZbin 😘

[@christineskylark]

An Italian Cultural Art and Music Center. Bravo!

[@idaslpdhr]

These two lovely gents remind me of the philanthropists of old, getting together to help and fund a project for the community and bringing life back to a beautiful village, how wonderful

[@marche49]

Looking forward to seeing this project go forward,thank you Kylie for sharing

[@federicaalbarello6197]

fantastic, looking forward to see the renovation program !

[@emmaphillips3847]

Being able to volunteer with restoration would be such an amazing chance. I am too old now but what a dream. Wow.

[@kimesser2318]

How wonderful. Please do go back and film their progress. Just beautiful

[@lyndaprather2138]

How beautiful! Every room has stunning architectural or decorative features "Learn what beauty means" is what I found when I traveled to Italy.

[@andreacatzel8259]

Magical. Would love to follow their progress. Thank you, Kylie, for another wonderful episode. ❤

[@gofres]

I really admire the kind of people who take on projects like this, it's an incredible amount of work. And to do this in a foreign country is a whole other game. To renovate a project like this takes a lot of money and commitment, but the benefits to the whole community is priceless.

[@timesmasquerade2012]

Please please do more of these - very rich.

[@violetaarcher8296]

Excellent video! Thank you for doing this. It's EXACTLY what I'm interested in and love!!! It's nice to see US Americans continuing their alliance with Italy in this cultural way. I'm house hunting in Abruzzo right now... Blessings from Texas!! :)

[@belindaclark826]

What an amazing slice of Italy, I hope the plan to document the process on KZbin and take us along for the journey. Can’t wait to see what this beautiful Castle becomes.

[@cindyrasley627]

JIMS HOME IS BREATHTAKING ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤! CHARM AND STYLE AND DECOR IS PERFECT IN EVERY WAY 👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@mathewhalpin]

Bravo Kylie, yes please keep us updated.

[@amyjones2490]

I’m in awe of the immense nature of a project like this. Coming from a place that has such a short history 1836 is when Michigan became a state, I’m so happy this will be preserved.

[@dianebay6879]

What a beautiful video. So exciting hope we get to watch!!

[@stknmggs1788]

I am tickled to get to visit the project and hope you can update us periodically. As always a beautiful visit with you!

[@92Kalila]

Yes, please do follow up with them because I want to see what happens and one day, visit it when its done!

[@christinaortega-pysherconk693]

Can't wait to see it finished!!!!

[@aspasiabibas1819]

I wish them both much success. It would be so nice to see their project come alive.

[@italianna6541]

WoW!!!!!! It's so nice to find the right people, right team and the passion and foresight for this wonderful town

[@niasalas4996]

What a amazing project !!! I loooooove this vision !

[@sanlen1944]

Beautiful Place , Best of luck to them .

[@beverleyroberts1025]

I loved this Kylie. I loved what one of the gentlemen was saying about culture, learning and new experiences as you get older, noticing the beauty in buildings and nature. I'm going to write everything he said down on paper so I can read it again...wisdom! x 😚

[@roseconklin5392]

Thank you Kylie for this very interesting tour of the Castello and for the conversation with these Americans!

[@elleg.2177]

What a treat! Thank you Kylie! I know they will succeed beyond all expectation. Can’t wait for updates. 💜

[@edwardparkhurst9804]

Oh yeah it's Friday, I always look forward to seeing your channel on Friday. Thanks for sharing your life and times with us that watch your extraordinary videos. Well done young lady.

[@maryannknox7158]

Remarkable Village and people so Magical

[@sandrodangelo707]

Almost bought in Southern Italy (my mom's home town) years ago. Didn't pan out, but it's still a dream of mine.