We bought an abandoned farm in Italy - One year progress

We're Isis & Bertus, a belgian-dutch couple. In the summer of 2023 we moved into a neglected farmhouse in a tiny village in the northwest of Italy. The last inhabitants left some 15 years ago, but large parts of the property have been empty for well over 20 years.
This is the story of everything we did in between buying the farm in January 2023 and today.
Thank you for joining us on our adventure!
Your support is deeply valued | www.buymeacoff...
Instagram | / storiesfromthecascina
#homerenovation #diyrenovation #farmlife

[@carlobellinaso4974]

We Italians must thank all those foreigners who are investing time, energy and money to renovate these mountain and country farmhouses abandoned for decades.

[@audas]

I would love to come and do this - do you still welcome people to come and renovate and repair? Australian here.

[@carlobellinaso4974]

@@audas Why shouldn't we ? My comment was just to thank foreigners and nothing more. All those who intend to come are more than welcome. There are probably thousands of mountain and hill homes to be restored and if you decide to come I would recommend you to look in the alpine regions of northern Italy which are logistically closer to the major European countries. Good luck!

[@audas]

@@carlobellinaso4974 Thanks. I want to ski - so this sounds great. A friend lives and works near lake Como and said that there are many mountains with ski areas near them as a base. Thanks again.

[@carlobellinaso4974]

@@audas Don't mention it ! In any Alpine region you decide to go you will always find ski slopes and keep in mind that the Alpine mountain range in Italy is over 1000 km long. Como is located just a few kms from the Swiss border and is only 50 km from Milan. Good luck !

[@biancasolina]

​@@audasnorthern Italy and dolomites are perfect for skiing! Even Austrians travel there for skiing sometimes.

[@elinstromberg5084]

Let’s thank the couple for taking the time to film. Me renovating and documenting it knows how much time it takes to place the camera, press record, move it and so on when all you want to do is to get going with the work you’re about to do. So thank you!

[@fredg3471]

“Use it up, wear it out, make do, do without.” Congratulations on how much you have repurposed. Inspiring!

[@NotChefCook]

What the old Vermonters ( and plenty of others I am sure ) used to say ! They had " use it twice " in there too but hey , close enough !

[@lindagover5426]

Congratulations to you both on a job well done. I am 71 and spent a life dreaming of doing just what you are doing. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a shared dream with my husband and sadly, I didn’t get to do it. My husband has passed for 6 years now. I found people online going after my dream and get to watch the excitement of something being brought back to life. I’m thankful to be able to watch your videos. Thank you for taking your precious time to let people like me watch the process of a new life. It’s very peaceful to me to see you both enjoying your journey.

[@mikyZ93]

As an Italian I want to thank you for making this abandoned place live again. The work you're putting in this project is insane and everything is starting to look amazing 😍 congratulazioni 👏🏻

[@barbestes9137]

Oh to be 40 years younger. Your vision is allowing all of us to come along side you. Thanks

[@Knonk-nh3ir]

Dido.

[@allanedwards7756]

I was just saying to the wife the vary same thing!

[@kevinharker1840]

We're lucky to have made it this far!

[@denishillman5942]

Oh Yeah :)

[@bobhaze5324]

One of my favorite sayings is, “Nature does not hurry yet all is accomplished.” You are doing a wonderful job. Embrace change when the situation deserves it!

[@storiesfromthecascina]

Thank you Bob, and yes, that's one of our favourite quotes too. :-)

[@hugolafhugolaf]

I’ll tell that next time some wokie annoys me about climate change.

[@bunjijumper5345]

I hope they respect Italian culture and traditions. I hate it when foreigners move and change the culture and religion.

[@theplantslover51]

I was thinking of that saying / thought, EXACTLY this morning !! :))

[@sarahofer4368]

This episode has 1.6 MILLION views, and counting. Show Bertus and Isis some love and subscribe. Let's get this channel to 100K subs ASAP!

[@bunjijumper5345]

Hopefully they respect Italian culture and traditions. I hate it when people move from other parts of Europe and from Islamic countries and change the demographics. Keep Italy Catholic.

[@emmettkeyser1110]

Imagine being friends of theirs - "We have a couple hundred tons of stone and timber that needs moving - want to throw out your back?"

[@winniekosmel9373]

That scene, eating outside in the candlelit garden was pure magic.

[@russhurst4551]

" It's the kind of freedom we would like to see more of in the world." Perfectly said.

[@conniewojahn6445]

Nice to know the Cat Distribution System is alive in Italy. You have been truly blessed. Kitty will be a loyal friend and a great mouser. I hope to see more of him in future videos. Good luck with your renovations, stay safe and healthy, and most of all, enjoy your work, each other, your friends, and your accomplishments.

[@screamingmimi90]

I thought exactly the same thing. The cat distribution system has been activated by your presence. 😂

[@fusadiluna]

And Velluto was such a perfect name for him.

[@brandnewyorker]

We have a 100 years old piece of history in United States for the last 10 years. I’ve never felt like an owner of the property but rather like a ground keeper and a curator at the museum. I’m here to “serve” the house and its needs and not to “impose” my rigid plans and visions Looking at you I reminisce about our journey Work Work Work And a few moments of a breathtaking joy to keep us going ❤🙏 wishing you all the best!!!

[@hollywilson5695]

I am deeply moved by your careful work of restoration. Oh to be young again!

[@elviavazquez1387]

“It’s what feeds our souls.” Bravo!😊

[@gl2856]

It’s just lovely watching you build a home , thanks , G

[@kimbanyc]

Better than Netflix. Seriously epic sound and direction.

[@BJones-yw4dd]

I wondered about your comment initially, finding it intriguing. After watching the video, I see what you mean -- and also clicked on Subscribe. This was indeed a spare and beautifully composed film. I'm looking forward to following their journey.

[@marinavisentini2855]

Siete delle forze della natura, avete fatto,, costruito, riparato, eliminato; pulito veramente un sacco di cose. In questo video ho ripercorso con voi il vostro primo anno qui in Italia. Adesso è arrivato il momento di mettere al fresco una buona bottiglia di moscato e accompagnarlo con degli ottimi baci di dama o amaretti. Bravi. É sempre un gran piacere accompagnarvi anche se solo virtualmente, in questo vostro meraviglioso viaggio. ❤❤❤

[@NanHedgspeth]

1223 42:09 what a wonderful home and grounds you will have created. Thank you for sharing your home and grounds.i look forward to seeing more updates.

[@m.w.vandijk1797]

Wat een fantastisch project. Het is veel, maar stap voor stap wordt het groots. Ik bewonder de rust en concentratie waar jullie ook de bestaande deuren, gebouwen etc. restaureren. Veel gedaan in de afgelopen 52 weken. Ik volg het met plezier. Na meerdere grote verbouwingen in mijn leven.

[@elizabethhazel6039]

Wonderful video! And a great story. You're not crazy at all! The purpose of that property will reveal itself when the time is right. Trust the process and don't worry about having answers before you have them. I feel sure that the buildings and the land itself will provide all of the answers you seek. It is a gloriously beautiful place. I'm excited to see future videos of your renovation work.

[@luisagoncalves7889]

Adoro a vossa tranquilidade, habilidade e organização 👏👏 parabéns.

[@storiesfromthecascina]

thank you luisa ❤️🐈‍⬛

[@callonrebual551]

beautifully made! very lovely narrating, i really enjoyed watching this!

[@katymurphy6866]

Just found you all because you did this one year recap and the KZbin algorithm showed up in my feed. I’m excited to follow you on your journey. It is always amazing what a little bit of elbow grease and a lick of paint can do to start making a place feel good again. The house will always tell you what it needs and that ends up guiding you on order of importance to get done. The possibilities will take shape over time. Glad to see you are listening to the house and just taking your time slowly making it yours to enjoy. thanks for sharing.

[@SerendipitySharon]

Isis, they say the gifts of the Goddess are revealed a few breadcrumbs at a time. Keep trusting and following your feelings as they step by step reveal the path your vision is unfolding for you. Wonderful narration, lots of unseen by me footage, great recap and explanations. What a wonderful pair to bring back a sacred, right relationship to the land you are caretaking. We all thank you.

[@kindlydude]

Practically speaking though ...wouldn't the best use of the land be to use it as it was originally intended ...as a farm. When they knocked down those huge mangers (for cows?) I was thinking how much work it must have been to make them. I wonder how many cows were accommodated in that barn and on the land. Do they plan to have sheep or goats? ...which helps keep the land mowed naturally & provides produce for the local community, milk, and cheese even if they're vegetarian. Just a thought. Farming is a noble profession.

[@storiesfromthecascina]

@kindlydude Farming is a really noble profession - there is no arguing with that. It's also a calling. That said, our land is still used for farming, just not by us right now. Our neighbour uses the land (for haymaking and growing corn and alfalfa). We are not excluding the option of one day farming ourselves, but we are still discovering what farming would look like for us if we do go that way. We are not yet decided if we want to grow things for others. It sounds really romantic but the reality of it (here at least) is that to do so in a financially viable way is pretty hard. There is a reason why farms like ours are on the market for years. There will be chickens in our future, and possibly sheep or goats. And certainly a vegetable garden. If we farm for the "market" it's more likely that we'll grow lavender or saffron, perhaps grapes, or other fruits, rather than raising cattle. Cows have always only been one small part of this farm - next to wine production, growing hazelnuts, firewood production, raising silk worms (yes!) and smaller livestock (goats, rabbits, pigs). The two brothers who lived here before were also working as builders - so this farm has always relied on a mix of things. :-)

[@storiesfromthecascina]

Thank you Sharon for your beautiful words!

[@SerendipitySharon]

@@storiesfromthecascina, I love how you thought things through and are open to so many possibilities. Its great you let the farmers mow your hay and maybe cows graze on your land. You are creating a lifestyle channel that is becoming worldwide, making your place a holiday destination and allowing others to support you with your vision through your video and sharing of your foods, identifying trees and herbs, and your recipes, we become part of your life in a hopefully supportive and unintrusive way. That's why there is more than one of us!

[@Rbmc2611]

Beautiful review and we look forward to the upcoming episodes! God is good! Love and trust in him. You have a beautiful place!

[@fionaarmes1745]

I love watching videos of people renovating and restoring old buildings. Yours is by far my favourite. You are carefully and considerately restoring whilst repurposing and recycling and embracing the history of the home. I can see the buildings slowly coming back to life with your care and hard work. Beautiful. It’s a big project but you are both the perfect people for this .

[@bo0bbin]

Wow, you have done a wonderful job. The view you have is worth everything you have done. Eating al fresco in such surroundings is so inspiring. Can't wait for year 2.

[@docproc8508]

You have made an amazing start and I think you are approaching your new home and life in the right way. You need to experience living in a building in order to really decide what you want. Same with the grounds. Get to know your land. Whatever time it takes you will have an amazing home that you will have a strong bond with. You will know how it works and know when to address the constant issues that arise with any old property. It’s a never ending cycle, but the truth is that you don’t want the cycle to ever end. Homes and land are dynamic and ever changing. That’s why we fall so in love with them. Well done both of you.

[@sherelynwhite4130]

You are living my dream,the one I was never able to bring together. At 73 years old now, I will watch you vicariously, and be happy for you!❤ What an amazing place and what an unbelievable transformation in such a short time! You two are the perfect match to breath life back into this beautiful home! Subscribed!❤

[@poodlegirl55]

It is amazing how far you two have come in a year, six months really. You have turned it into a real home and that is not easy with such a large place. I have seen all your episodes and my favorite thing is how you save, repair and reuse items, but also know when stuff is useless to you and needs to go to make space for real life. Your organizational skills are top notch. My husband and I have remodeled eight houses in our 50 year marriage. We have a motto "take out anything that isn't a nice house." We also frequently say "let's play the game" which we call "shuffling $hit". I wish I had a nickel for every time I've had a temporary kitchen in a bedroom and washed dishes in a bathtub. I look forward to your second year, it might sometimes seem like you are getting nowhere but luckily you have these videos to show your amazing progress.

[@storiesfromthecascina]

It's lovely to hear a little about your own renovation history! 8 houses is a lot!!! Well done you

[@rastaman332]

The words you've found towads the end spoke from my soul. Thank you

[@tracyplath863]

Yes, I will, and thank you for the invitation. I love how open to possibility you both are, and how respectful of the history that is layered into this property while still bringing it up to clean, functional, and lovely spaces. Looking forward to seeing what comes next.

[@semperfidelis2970]

And it's a kind of freedom we'd like to see more in the world the freedom to follow the road this was lovely to watch, I was transported there and wished I was actually there to help you. I admire your work ethic and your dedication.

[@pierrearthur5428]

Hi Isis and Bertus, Of course we will be walking alongside and keeping sending you positive energy and thoughts. I have been following you since day one and am just amazed by how much you have been accomplishing already. In truth, whilst I saw just as you did that this property was a true hidden gem, I must confess I was afraid it would rapidly overwhelm you. With hindsight I think you took precisely the only correct approach as DIYers that I would summarise as follow : - Make rapidly a small part liveable enough to stop throwing money on renting a nearby place. - move in to listen to the story the buildings, landscape, climate, people are telling you whilst you start renovating. - If you’re DIYers and haven’t got a fortune to throw at the renovation, tackle it bit by bit ensuring little victories here and there so as never to never be overwhelmed or discouraged. - Whilst having a rough vision of the end goal, be ready to see it evolve as you learn, discover and feel the place, and define sub plans that are getting you there one step at the time. - Be prepared to be disturbed in these plans by urgencies you didn’t forecast and tackle them whenever not fixing them now is going to mean even more work and expenses later. - Most importantly, ENJOY the process and celebrate each step when accomplished. I think you both demonstrated this in a magistral way, with a sense of humour, amazing modesty and an interesting attention to preserve, re-use, re-purpose that not only honour you but will add to the character and soul of this stunning property. We can’t wait to see where year two will bring you and are sending you our congratulations for all what you accomplished already and our thoughts and rays of positivity for the hat,sunny summer ahead. Cheers! To life, friendships and to those who dare !!! Bestest’ Pierre

[@storiesfromthecascina]

Thank you Pierre!

[@wandakoehorst8734]

Hello guys, you have listened very carefully to what the house, the grounds, the outbuildings need. That sometimes will mean that we, viewers, don't see the logic behind it, yet. But you have achieved so incredibly much in a relatively short time. Its not about the result. Its about the road to the end result. You've treated us with artistically outstanding footage, the views from the drone are spectacular. Maybe try to create spaces for volunteers who want to work in the garden(s), help retiling some roofs, painting your repaired, restored shutters, or what pops up and has to be done in between. Thank you so much for sharing with us. Looking forward to each vlog

[@storiesfromthecascina]

Hi Wanda, thank you and you're welcome! Creating spaces for volunteers is something we're working towards - not just the space in the litteral sense, also in the sense of organising ourselves and creating a ryhtm that will accomodate more helpers.

[@MultiMusicwizard]

As I am watching you video the first time,lying on the sofa with a pain in my back and legs,sciatica,I remember all the things we did in our farmhouse I Slovenia.I just wish for you to stay well so you can enjoy the project.

[@claudiahuanchicay999]

@@storiesfromthecascinaI would love to join you as a volunteer as well

[@frankennaro4572]

You guys are awesome

[@patrickedwards1211]

👍

[@katherinedoyle3313]

Wow, this is so impressive! If you ever do those workshops where volunteers come stay with you to work and learn, I'm in! I'm in LOVE with the window job y'all did!!! well done all around :) and best of luck to ya!

[@pamelathompson1216]

Congratulations for daring to step forward on this amazing adventure...I don't think it is stupid or naive! This is called LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE! And ACHIEVING!!! WONDERFUL!!!

[@rc4636]

Your approach to this project is refreshing and beautiful. I am Italian I have been away from my country almost 30 years I often think how much I want to get back and take on a similar project but there is always something stopping me or maybe it's just fear of the unknown, so I do admire your courage. Beautiful video, thank you.

[@thomasbee5218]

PERFECTIONISTS at work - love this "let`s clean and organize it all so we can see what we have to work with" approach👍👍👍👍

[@storiesfromthecascina]

Recovering perfectionists (it's a work in progres :-P ) but yeah, we like things done well, and we prefer learning something new and valuable over just getting it done :-)

[@lilibethgreenway5017]

​@@storiesfromthecascinaWonderful attitude!

[@edwardlozano9619]

I cannot describe how how beautiful this video is and how it has moved me. The hard work, learning of skills and sense of accomplishment is wonderful and liberating. This is truly a dream realized.

[@katt.7557]

I love this property. It has so much beauty. Have you thought about getting a few goats to help keep the land cleared and keeping the brush low?

[@alexyarov7306]

I salute you and I understand people like you hundred percent. Good luck you will need it

[@simonelubbe4653]

WHAT a Property! & what a team!!! Congratulations ! It takes the Dutch to set the bar on methodical organizing. A lot of U tube renovations sold take a leaf. Look forward to yr progress. WELL DONE!

[@harshareddy6645]

It’s really inspiring as I live in Italy, every now and then thinking about our future plans and finally to conclude with the best part presentation was at its best.

[@laurelgaskill9805]

What workhorses this couple are! So much debris, wood, and vegetation to clear out. Hats off to them for the incredible feat they are accomplishing. I can’t wait to see what the result will be.

[@putty1961]

So lovely to watch you take care of these wonderful old buildings👍

[@jill697]

When a 42 minute video leaves me wanting more I follow the journey. You’ve captured such gorgeous images and edited and narrated this so beautifully. I laughed and smiled so big at the bit when the electricity made an appearance. This was really something special to see over time, thank you for sharing.

[@ClubberLang-k9k]

I love the color you created for mineral paint, I love that your husband repurposed the metal mangers into shelving, brillant

[@MerelGeurtse]

Prachtig overzicht van de afgelopen tijd. Veel plezier de komende tijd

[@storiesfromthecascina]

Dankjewel Merel! Wij wensen jou een hele fijne zomer toe :-)

[@paulas_lens]

What a lovely treat that this popped up in my feed. Quite a "walk" you are on. Thank you for the effort you are embarking on and thank you for sharing the journey. My soul has been nourished.

[@lagringa7518]

Look how much you 2 have accomplished in a short little year... you've been absolutely amazing! 👏🏻🥰

[@storiesfromthecascina]

Thank you so much! Also for all your lovely comments along the way :-)

[@alliedavidson4175]

What you're doing isn't crazy, it's amazing. It's taking control of the direction of your life and just going with it and doing something unique and throwing all the stuff away that keeps us worried and controlled. When my husband and I were about your ages, we bought a run down farm. The house, built in 1860 (which is old for California), had been abandoned for 30 years and was a mess. There was another house falling down, with three walls left. We spent several years renovating and removing decades of debris and brush.

[@sylvia4680]

I truly love your way of handling this property with caution and respect for all its history. I have just come across your channel which offers so much more than „just a couple renovating abandoned buildings“… nice comments that are worth listening to, carefully chosen footage professionally provided kept me entertained. I can‘t wait to see more of it. Good luck for you both.

[@storiesfromthecascina]

Thank you Sylvia! Welcome the the channel

[@sylvia4680]

@@storiesfromthecascina hey, I am glad your video went viral. You certainly deserve it. Subscribers almost doubled within a week. What a great success. Congrats. 🍾

[@gregoryadair3223]

What a beautiful story! Thank you. I lived in Italy for several years, return often to visit, and I frequently think i would like ot move back. So much to consider. Your story is a big help -- Greg, California

[@nathanhale4213]

It’s nice to see this year summary of your careful work, carried out with contemplation and enjoyment of the moment as well as letting the future plans evolve.

[@storiesfromthecascina]

Thank you Nathan, glad to hear you enjoyed it!

[@lydiakeip4364]

I think you guys are amazing, gifted, never give this up and I love watching your videos, ciao, Lydia

[@Scaaraamellaa]

What a beautiful journey! You’re doing great, following the rhythm of the area, feeling what this space needs! 🤎

[@300media4]

The film making is on another level, nice framing, the pictures and short scenes translates the feeling felt in that moment of shooting... Nice calm filmmaking.... bravo!

[@danionthego]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. And for doing it with such skills. I mean both the renovations/restauration and the photography. Your narration is tops too. Thank you! May you enjoy a long long life of happiness enjoying the fruits of your labour.

[@eneafrancesco]

The last few sentences of the video made me shed a tear. Beautiful. That's the essence of life: Being present in the moment, fully experiencing and enjoying the process without knowing the outcome. Thank you for making this video!

[@FiscalWoofer]

Amazing! Totally liberating! Thank you for sharing!

[@shehazi695]

Congratulations on your anniversary 🏡.you’ve made such great progress and managed to share it with us in an interesting, visually glorious and very well considered way. Thank you for sharing and may all continue well 😊

[@storiesfromthecascina]

Thank you so much! It's a joy to share the journey :-)

[@connierivers1144]

This video has captivated my imagination….I love the music, the pace, the drone shots, just everything about this video and your story. I am definitely subscribing and can’t wait to see what is next…thank you for this❤️

[@TAG993]

The first year always has it's challenges but the both have done an incredible job with the tasks that you had. Thank you both for sharing your journey. Lastly....both of you should be very proud of your first year!

[@storiesfromthecascina]

Our pleasure! And we're definitely proud of year one, even though we might have been a little too optimistic about what we could get done. I'm sure in a few years we will look back and see how the first year was extra challenging :-)

[@BluebonnetShelley]

I enjoyed this immensely! How fun to watch you on your journey. You are both hard workers and very organized. I look forward to seeing your progress. All the best!

[@curtjoyner4493]

I find it hard to adequately express my admiration for you two. The skills you seek will come. You already have the most important thing you need, the love of what you are doing, the patience and determination to see it through and unshakable faith in your journey.

[@asiamartello3774]

There are many things that I loved about the video, but I think my favourite one has to be the fact that you guys clearly had a vision to respect and recuperate the old materials and design of the house - many renovation videos I see feature so much throwing out of all the old lamps and furniture and replacing it with modern ones, and I think this is sad as these details are what ultimately make the house belong to where it is located and to the era it was originally built and decorated in. I loved this about your project :)

[@philipaltieri107]

I don’t think either of you are naive or stupid. In fact, I think the complete opposite! This video was amazing to watch! The two of you have such talents that I could only wish to have. Thank you for sharing, and I look forward to more to come!

[@chriscorrigan7420]

Well congratulations. You're very brave taking on a huge project like this but after watching this video I'm sure you will succeed. What a beautiful part of the world you have picked to make it home. I wish you both the very best of luck.

[@cabincreature1242]

Amazing adventure-thank you for sharing. I can’t wait to watch the unfolding of your journey.

[@storiesfromthecascina]

Thanks for watching!

[@suzannemacpherson8267]

well done, love your way of things unfolding, it feels natural and organic.

[@cubatea]

often, it's better to concentrate on enjoying the journey than to obsess about the destination. What a wonderful and uplifting video

[@theplantslover51]

Great Greek poet C.P. Cavafy said " Keep Ithaka always in your mind. Arriving there is what you’re destined for. But don’t hurry the journey at all. Better if it lasts for years, so you’re old by the time you reach the island, wealthy with all you’ve gained on the way, not expecting Ithaka to make you rich". (poet "ITHAKA", 1975)

[@joeyother7825]

What a wonderful project! Love this kind of work in my younger day. Good luck and please consider monthly updates! You have quite a following.

[@jethromaris624]

How is nobody mentioned Bertus' fantastic hats, heavy style right there lad 😮‍💨😮‍💨

[@scottworsham]

A design build is my favorite build. Kudos!

[@cindybohl9593]

Wow! It is amazing what you accomplished! I am the daughter of two Italian immigrants. What you are doing has been my dream ever since my dad took me to Italy to meet his family….years and years ago. Alas though… life gets in the way and I am now an old lady of 70. I am loving living the dream through you two. Italy is a beautiful place.

[@sicilyny5375]

I'm 66 and my family is from Sicily...being 98% Siciliano, I'm planning to move there to stay .my only concern is my disabled daughter and I need good medical care, so we must be near that ..if money was no issue..we'd be there ..trying to figure a way to do this..on Soc Sec...but I'm going to wait till I get my Masters. Hopefully, we'll have the villa, not far from medical care.

[@sprezzatura8755]

​@@sicilyny5375Where there is a will there's a way! You will do it!

[@NotChefCook]

Don't give up yr dream honey ! I am a FIRST grn American , my parents were Tuscan and Venetian and I am moving there next year ... I will be 66 then !

[@NotChefCook]

@@sicilyny5375- That sounds wonderful .... and the medical care is terrific in Italy .

[@Dena777]

I think it's wonderful you are doing something that feeds your soul and doing it together. Isn't that the dream we all have?

[@Silvangreen]

Possibilities and not certainties. A road you can feel under your feet. Very well said. I agree.

[@ronareid7956]

The marvelous journalist, Paul Salopek, who is documenting walking around the world's most ancient roads in his pathbreaking, many years long expedition, Out Of Eden Walk, has said something similar, about walking. "Walking is a falling forward. Each step we take is an arrested plunge, a collapse averted, a disaster braked. In this way, to walk becomes an act of faith. We perform it daily: a two-beat miracle--- an iambic teetering, a holding on and letting go." PAUL SALOPEK, OUT OF EDEN WALK Love this Restoration Extravaganza! Thank you for sharing!

[@jillwinn7399]

You can almost hear the house and surrounding properties take in a deep breath as it is getting new life…a second birth so to speak. This is probably the first long video I didn’t want to end. Seeing your plans come to life and the beautiful scenery was completely captivating! Can’t wait to see the possibilities unfold! Thank you for sharing your adventure!

[@selenaclarke]

"The freedom to follow the road that you can feel under your feet without yet being able to see" . . . bellissima !!

[@ThePacificatore]

that's amazingly refreshing to watch such story, thank you for sharing!

[@JoeTheLion60]

Loved watching your progress - its been amazing and you are both very talented and respectful artists in your renovation. Whats impressed me most is that you seem to enjoy the process and savour the journey rather than rush forward and not enjoy the moment as a lot of renovations on YT do. Plus you both have huge hearts as the cat project demonstrates - all the best from now on - I'll always be following...

[@storiesfromthecascina]

good to have you joe! big thanks for your beautiful words ❤️

[@marieellis6084]

Absolutely enchanting piece of property you have. Oh so much work to be done but the views literally brought tears to my eyes. This is something i wish i could achieve for myself. Maybe not a homestead with so much work needed, but to live amongst nature away from major human activity. Oh, to be able to truly see the stars again 😌😔 to walk outside and breathe in FRESH air. The smell of damp earth and rotten leaves.. i miss it all so very much. Your home reminds me of all those things

[@albertoarcudi8431]

La fortuna premia le persone coraggiose e volonterose come voi. Grazie e ciao!👍👍👍💪💪💪💪

[@Allgood784]

Bravo 👏. Feel what is right on the walk of freedom. Amen

[@swh62]

I loved the final section explaining how it is they choose to take on the project with only an idea to be happy while discovering. Charming sentiment.

[@VeroKen20]

How awesome! I am reminded of the admiration and awe I have for the extreme efforts that young Michelangelo exerted in creating the Pieta'. You can both take lasting comfort in the fact that THIS is your masterpiece! Congratulations.

[@lululand1653]

Well said Isis, I embraced your path 50 years ago and I'm still evolving with nature and spirit. Congratulations to you and Bertus for all you've achieved this past year, I have learnt new skills and been in awe in every one of them.

[@storiesfromthecascina]

Thank you so much and happy to hear that after 50 years you are still finding ways to grow and deepen

[@endali8667]

Wow...i have always wondered how it feels like living in the country with such a vast space and being self sufficient. I have always lived in the city where everything is within reach so my children are not so keen about moving. I admire both of u @lululand1653 & @storiesfromthecascina for your perseverance and passion. My hats off to both of you! I will just continue watching and enjoying your videos from the other end of the world.

[@MikeDiCiero]

it takes hard work to make your dreams come true- so beautiful of you to share your journey, thank you

[@donnas2ndhome]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I watched a couple of your episodes this past spring and soon went through a weekend of binge-watching your shows😍 I wait in anticipation for every Sunday to arrive with a new episode. You should both be so proud of yourselves for the loving work you put into everything you do. I can only imagine that working at this day by day, you maybe don't notice the progress as much. Was it satisfying to create this compilation episode to show how much you have done? Love your channel Isis and Bertis. Thanks for creating it!🤩

[@storiesfromthecascina]

It was definitely satisfying to compile this video yes (and also a labour of love ploughing through 22 hours of video 😁)

[@khuntasaurus88]

I absolutely love this. I have several questions if you ever see this comment: - How much did you get the property for and where did you look for it? - How are you funding this? Are you working in parallel or are you relying on accumulated wealth? - As it is a farmhouse, do you have any plans of growing anything? I'm excited to see the progress!

[@potufus]

Guys I’m speechless. Your incredible journey has put a spell on me. I have hundreds of questions in mind and hope I’d get them together sometime. I’m living in the Med Coast of Turkey in a little town called Kas. If you ever someday come around please give a call to fancy a drink.

[@hlaranewagalegoabe7230]

I really enjoyed your story and journey. You are building a beautiful legacy. Hlarane all the way from Pretoria, South Africa.

[@restlesssoul5853]

Don't let pressure of commenters take over. Just do your thing and majority of us are grateful just for being able to see the life through your eyes and life in Italy. Thank you for sharing your journey!

[@carmenberman420]

I was amazed by both of your talents. The filming and renovations were outstanding. Looking forward for your next video. Thank you so much.

[@ashleighjaimaosborne3966]

Be blessed and enjoy your journey together. Thank you for posting this so I can join you. 😊🇨🇦

[@mimiporter8610]

Courageously taking your souls journey bravo.

[@amourette57]

I love the slow pace of that video.

[@tadpanasiewicz8077]

Incredibly beautiful breath taken sorundings. Amazing house and prospective futures

[@Neroli-Daydreaming-of-France]

You two are fantastic, I love watching the renovation and your skills. Kudos for following your own path. Great recap video.

[@storiesfromthecascina]

Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed the recap!!!

[@Grateful4life4time]

Incredible!! “Stupid” - absolutely not!! Strong, adventurous, going after your dream, ABSOLUTELY AMAZING beautiful couple!!! ❤ God bless you, your new home, and all the hard work you are putting in 🙏

[@sharlettedavidson81]

I had forgotten how beautiful the glass turned out in the door , it’s just perfect. You guys have come along way ….Velutto as well..bless you both….see you next week…❤