We Burned Out - Back in Italy After 5 Months Away - Our DIY Italian Farmhouse Renovation Continues

In this episode we return to our Italian farmhouse renovation project after 5 months away. It was welcome break but now we are happy to be back in Piedmont and continue with our renovation. The list of tasks left to finish the house is a long one, but we have already started ticking them off. We manage to tile and paint a guest bedroom in this episode, as well as carry out some maintenance on our 4000m2 of land.
Thanks for watching!
Our Story:
We sold our apartment in Stockholm, packed up the car and headed for Piemonte. After a couple of months searching for the right house we came across Our Italian Dream House and immediately made an offer. Four weeks later (just three days before Christmas 2021) we signed the contract and had the keys.
It's now early 2024 and we have been renovating this epic house for two years now. We are mortgage free and have a very limited budget so we take on as much of the renovation ourselves as possible - follow us on our journey as we turn an abandoned Italian farmhouse into our dream home.
Follow us:
/ ouritaliandreamhouse
Please consider supporting us by joining our Patreon community for behind-the-scenes content, access to our Piemonte guide book, livestreams and much more:
/ ouritaliandreamhouse

[@EricOnYouTube]

I don't mind negativity if it isn't gratuitous. I prefer the honesty over the over the top optimism. Looking forward to your new videos. :)

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thanks for the feedback Eric, good to know that the honesty is appreciated.

[@LaureninGermany]

I think you don‘t realise how unbelievably stressful what you‘ve been doing is. We had our house built and did most of the inside ourselves. I reached a point where I just said: that‘s it for a while, it‘s good enough. The skirting boards are still not on, but I‘m not planning on having guests. You‘re absolutely champions, the level you have achieved.

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you soooo much Lauren for your support ❤️ and you’re so right. It’s good enough. Also, while you notice the little things missing or being unfinished, noone else actually cares. 😊🙏

[@kathyprime5430]

The work you've done in 2 years is amazing. Stop beating yourself up about not doing it faster. Faster means costly mistakes. Also slowing down and allowing time to know your property helps with you working sympatheticly with the building and land.

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

You’re so right Kathy. Thank you 🙏

[@pariisabella5521]

Welcome back. You have been missed.

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you! Lots of exciting new videos on the way 😊

[@raymondsmith4401]

Greetings from Thailand. I guess the old adage of , “ if you want something done right, do it yourself “ rings true. You’re not like a lot of the others, you’re young, no baby coming , and you don’t have to be in by Christmas. Slow down, enjoy the ride, and don’t burn yourself out. Cheers

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thanks Raymond!

[@alisoncoomber3698]

Nice to see you back. Blimey it’s taken us 20 years finish our extension and it still isn’t finished. What you 2 have achieved in 2 years is brilliant 🥰

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you so much Alison😊

[@robertpeterson1497]

It’s good to see an honest review. Most channels make everything sound like cherries and rainbows. All the best for you as you wrap up renovations!

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you so much Robert! 🙏

[@The_Rising_Phoenix_]

You have to remember that neither of you are professionals and given that, you did a fantastic job. It is impressive the skills you have acquired and how much you have transformed the house and property. Try and error is a natural part of life, as we here in Germany say "No master has fallen from heaven yet", which means that every master had to learn his way up from the bottom to the top.

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you So much! 🙏

[@amoreitaliano]

“Couldn’t afford this one “ on the introduction cracked me up 😂😂😂

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Hahaha we wanted to be clear that that is not the house this series will be about 😂

[@barbarakeegan9516]

Welcome back. Great progress on the bedroom and the garden👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thanks so much Barbara! 😊

[@craigshrimpton5765]

Nailed your David Attenborough impression.

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

YES! Thank you Craig! I was expectong the compliments on this rolling in but you were the first acknowledging my excellent David impression 😂😂

[@NancysBungalowLife]

Welcome back! I can certainly understand how you could get burnt out. You guys went through a lot to get where you are now!

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you Nancy! Haha yeah it’s been a bit tough. Also quite a lot has happened that we havent been able to talk about in public but we’re trying to surpass it and start fresh this year 😊🙏

[@myspanishcountryhome]

With such a huge project it is very easy to burn out. Taking the break was probably the best thing you could do for yourself and the reno. It's too bad that some of the work has been shoddy, it takes some of the wind out of the sails when it happens. Looking forward to seeing more progress!

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you so much for your kind words 🥰

[@VillaAroldi]

Glad to see you guys back in Italy and back on KZbin, nothing wrong with some negativity, I know exactly what you guys are going through 😂

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thanks Henrik! Hahaha, KÄMPA!

[@user-xu4cs3xb9l]

Excellent work! Lo ve your videos, so honest and realistic. Glad you are back!!

[@anna_m59]

Rare to find honest KZbinrs!

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you Anna. We’ll keep it as honest as we can this season 😁🫶

[@promo4557]

great video guys , I am half English and Half Italian , I think your work is amazing and well done

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you so much, grazie mille! 😊

[@bradleylampo2535]

I’m a builder in the U.S. I’m so sorry your workers did such poor work, it’s hard enough dealing with the f-ing bureaucracy in Italy. In the end you will get what you want, just be patient & don’t give up 💜💜💜

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you Bradley! ❤️🙏

[@HoosierInUtah]

Y’all are awesome! 🎉 Thanks for sharing the challenges as well!!! We are cheering you on and always sending you good vibes 😎

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

THANK YOU! ❤️

[@anekirkegaard7734]

Really good to hear the not-so-fun side of renovations as well. Thanks!

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you Anne! 🙏🙏

[@robertsteele8688]

Great to see you both back!.....missed your postings this winter, happy spring!!.....where's the puppy dog!?

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you so much Robert! Haha he’s cruising for trouble as always. He’ll be in tonight’s new episode 😂🙏

[@John-nb2qm]

Thanks again for sharing your adventure, you’ve still got great taste. Look forward to next instalment

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you John! We’ll be back with another episode soon 😊

[@michaelclennan8425]

Congratulations and have fun every day.

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Will do our best! 😂😁

[@gozoalex3946]

Hurray! You are back! Good luck with everything!

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you! 😍🙏

[@MaltaTownhouse]

Hello! Just want to take the opportunity to say that you are doing a fantastic job and you have really earned some time off in France. Hope you can push on now during the spring and reach your goals. I have followed you for a long time now and you have really been inspiring and made us dare to buy a house abroad and renovate ourselves. Following your journey has shown us that it is possible if you are only willing to work "a little" for it. I think it's good that you choose to be a little more open with your feelings and thoughts here on the channel, I think it will help you get support and energy. Kör hårt nu! Vi kommer fortsätta följa och heja!! 🤗 Vänliga hälsningar Joakim, Carolina och Selma ❤

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Nämen, vilken superfin kommentar! 😍🙏 STORT TACK! ❤️ och heja er som också vågat följa drömmen om boende utomlands! Så modigt. Tack för att ni följer vår resa och tog er tid att kommentera! 🫶

Tough goals again within 3 months, I hope you have booked that house in France again at beginning of June😉. But anyway it is nice to "see" you again, I hope everything go's fine. At least you have nice weather there, we have 50 cm snow at our garden.

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you so much Matti! Haha it will be tight for sure, but doesnt feel impossible. We work better under stress 🙈

[@KJ_nyc]

Painful as they are, mistakes are important. You can't learn without making mistakes. Glad to see the project didn't bury you. Burn-out is SO EASY, especially when you don't have enough professional guidance or reliable help. Not sure I would have taken 5 months off, but here we are. Whatever it takes to keep you motivated.

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thanks for cheering us on! Haha it was a long break. But since we still dont have any heating at the house we couldnt bring ourselves to come back while it was still freezing cold 😂

[@lieselottegronemann9148]

Wow fin film äntligen är ni tillbaka och levererar filmer🎉

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

PUSS

[@alemassa6632]

Welcome back guys!!! Ale is here.

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

GRAZIE ALE 🥳

[@gabrielar.6936]

Wow guys, I really enjoy watching and listening to you. You and the atmospheric background noises that make everything so beautifully vivid. Are you sure you have to put music to everything all the time? Yes, I know, the impression is subjective! Just an idea ...! 😇😀 Otherwise, a warm welcome back!

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Gabriel ❤️ thank you so much! Hahaha you would be surprised over the real sounds of Piemonte - tractors, machines, barking dogs and shagging foxes 😂😂🫶

[@heidibarlow6687]

Awesome you two❤

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thanks Heidi! 🙏

[@user-vy3vk2sb8p]

Good to see you back!

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you 🥰

[@susanneking2524]

I appreciate the honesty and true test of will it takes to move to a foreign country and take on a major renovation. The view is amazing!

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you so much Susanne 🥰

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you so much Susanne 🥰

[@ffss53]

welcome back..

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you 😁

[@diane7925]

Go at your own pace, your health mental and physical is the most important thing. I love everything you’ve done with your home, you have great taste and make a lovely team. ❤

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you SO much Diane❤️

[@michaelclennan8425]

Congratulations, if I was in change I would get a tent and a cot and take a nap.

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

thank you Michael! Hahaha we’re very close to doing that 😂

[@bs4058]

Thank you for your candor. Great work as always. Please keep this beautiful content coming.

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you for following! We’ll def be more on it with youtube from now on. Hopefully we’ll get a new episode out tonight already.

[@gamesgonenuts]

it was great to see the project left a like

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

😊

[@shawnsonia1]

Very smart to take a break. Reno in Italy can be super challenging. Refreshing that you're showing the challenges. Hopefully your dreams will be realized little by little

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thanks Sonia. We’re so happy we left when we did.

[@michellecbauer]

Missed you two but so happy you got to take a lovely break! I am marveling at the incredible work you do. So sorry that you have to deal with shoddy work. People can be very disappointing. Can’t wait to see how the room turns out!

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you so much Michelle! It was so well needed 😍🙏 stay tuned, we’ll try to post more often from now on!

[@andreamalik2961]

Love the video x

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you Andrea 🫶

[@erwannumber1621]

Super boulot, soyez fiers de vous ! Courage pour la suite !!!!

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Merci bcp Erwan! 😊❤️ haha nous sommes fiers mais fatiguee 😂🙏

[@jennichristie5264]

Welcome back. Was wondering how you were going. Good luck with the hard slog ahead. Will be very rewarding.

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you jenni 😊

[@anniemacsrecommendations3883]

Well done 👍

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thanks Annie!

[@MrAllstar]

You are doing well, just take it easy, work slow and steady 🎉

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you! 😊

[@niceone1020]

Well done!! You both are inspiring. Keep up the good work. What a beautiful property you have chosen!!

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you so much! 🥰🫶

[@charliesargent6225]

Hey guys, one more thing, I just clicked on an Italian property channel and the home is in Piemonte. It's at least as big as yours plus has a building next to it that used to be a barn and remodeled, the tile roof is brand new. It's enormous and the total property size seems to be as big as yours. It's in a small town of just under 1000 people. The main home is almost live in ready and is a stunning house. The only difference it's near the main road but has gorgeous tall northern Italy type pines in front. I couldn't believe the price...119.000 Euros and I believe is still available since the video is just 2 weeks old. I think for the trouble and money you're putting into your property you could have a nearly move in ready place for less and 90% of the hassles of remodeling removed. The town it's in is just as stunning, homes seem to be all in new condition.

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

For us location is everything. We made the choice to pay more overall to be in the heart of Piemonte with access to all services and ”crawling distance” to the best wine producers 😊

[@charliesargent6225]

@@OurItalianDreamHouse That's what I thought, enjoy your home and location-beautiful.

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you so much! 😍

[@CassCassidy-qs3gx]

Hi guys I just found you thanks i have just subscribed have a great day love from Scotland

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you so much Cass, and welcome to the channel 🥰 we also have an instagram account where you get plenty of mixed content from our days.

[@Ba34qt]

One thing I noticed at the screed. I wonder if there is no insulation band which separates the wall from the concrete floor, in order to avoid transmission of impact noise.

[@terrymorton9941]

Burnout, youve been on a job a longtime, nothing seems to be moving, materials you are having to wait for, it disheartens you. Working everyday with very little room for yourselves. All you needed was a break. Hello, Im Terry from the UK Ive just joined you and I love watching buildings being renovated 'Real Algarve Living' experienced the same we all do. I am 65 been in the game a long time..... balance a working day with pleasure....you just need to relax after six hours....do not pressure each other. The winter season is always the harder its cold so work indoors, its hot shorter day ...siesta. best of lyck looks like I have 50 or so videos to watch ty 🤣🤣

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thanks for your support Terry! 😊🙏

[@anne4083]

Glad you're back!! Guys I've lived in Italy a long time and I know the difficulty in finding real professional workers. 🤗

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thanks Anne! Haha the struggle finding decent workers seems to be a real global issue 😂

[@charliesargent6225]

Well, you should live somewhere else before talking, that problem is universal. Here in America the scams, corruption and poor workmanship in the building sector is pandemic. There are hundreds of videos of so called professionals used by the largest home builder here with hundreds of horror stories and never ending lawsuits galore and doesn't take into account the many other smaller home builders, independents, handymen, etc.

[@anne4083]

@@charliesargent6225 DITTO

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Seems to be the same everywhere!

[@iandarling4632]

Just subscribed and left a like. Doing a great job on the floor. You might want to get the roots of the bamboo out though, apparently they do grow back rather quickly, awful stuff. Be watching for more progress, good luck!

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you so much Ian. Haha yes the bamboo has to get killed properly. Apparently the roots go down really deep and we hear about people having them digged out with a digger because they are so vicious 🫣

[@jenh9252]

Clearly pushing forward to sell!!

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Would selling be the only reason people want to finish their house and not live in a construction site?

[@erik19497]

Did you plan to install ligting fixtures and socket outlets? You may need an electrical scheme to create overview. Laser equipment will help you with leveling.

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

For the stable we’re having the electrics mainly external (like in the nordics). Part of Edwards university degree was electrical engineering so I feel pretty safe with that 😁🙏

[@peggydillenburg]

If you kept going as positively as you are, you might have misled viewers to thinking this was smooth & easy!! It is not!! You are doing a very hard thing - and it is gorgeous!! Keep going, take breaks, relax occasionally! We love you guys!!!

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you so much Peggy! And you’re right, it’s important to be honest. I guess we’ve just been a bit worried about upsetting the locals here complaining about their work.

[@charliesargent6225]

@@OurItalianDreamHouse You don't need to be afraid if you tell them politely, Italians are understanding. You're lucky, in America you NEVER leave workers unattended or tell them you're leaving for months, you cannot believe the problems and scams there are here. You're the 3rd foreigners I'm following remodeling in Italy and it's TOUGH , demanding work with plenty of surprises awaiting in these old homes so it's normal. The other 2 have encountered few problems if any with their workers beyond the norm and very minor.

[@thomasstorrs6345]

When doing tiling work knee pads will help save your knees. Just a tip from an old guy. Cheers

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

You are so right Thomas. Ive insisted so many times on Edward wearing them bit he refuses. we even have a perfect pair at home 🥲

[@user-jc8ud4zl2j]

Please excuse me, but it always seemed to me that after plastering the walls should be covered with putty. And after the putty, the wall is impregnated against mold and mildew, as well as in order to reduce the consumption of paint and so that it fits better on the wall.

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Edward recognise that from how it’s done in the UK. 😊 here in Italy they dont use putty for anything.

[@carolynkennedy7772]

Happy to see you guys...glad you had a good break. Much deserved. The room is looking good! Sending hugs from Maine. ❤

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you so much Carolyn ❤️❤️❤️

[@melissaeden1219]

Glad you took a break to recharge.

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thanks! 😊 It was well needed but now we're excited to be back.

[@LittleChena]

When it’s finished will it be your home or a rent out object???

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Combined 😊

[@MarianneInmarsilia]

Will you build some terraces in the garden to take advantage of the space and make gardening more manageable ? Look at Alla’s garden in Orro on Lake Como. Her channel is “Dreaming of a chateau”. She built dry stacked stone walls to add several terraces to the big slope in their garden. Maybe inspirational for you ? Best of luck with the rest of your renovation. What you have done thus far is truly beautiful !

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

We will! 😊

[@delwichedanielle3999]

♥️😊🇧🇪

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

🙏❤️

[@sarahlovesdonuts9601]

I wish this was the first that I’ve heard this kind of criticism about trades people in Italy. I heard similar stories in my childhood. Since the $1 house program I’ve heard it A LOT. Then I heard it bore from a friend and a family member on different coasts saying the same things. I’ve tried to make since of this. Is it cultural? Are bosses overbearing to their workers? Is it the corruption that I’ve heard exists? I don’t know. I’ve seen stunning workmanship, but it is more the norm to hear home owners complaining.

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

It’s really hard to tell. We hear similar stories from people renovating in both Sweden, UK and France. I unfortunately think it’s a global problem :/

[@lindamounts2193]

Why weren't the workers brought back to fix the floors??

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Because we think it’s not worth the argue. Also, we consider them not competent enough so it’s just easier to fix it ourselves. 😂

[@hanspeterfluck4828]

Never leave workers unattendet and without supervision. I speak out of experience in foreign country!

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Haha we had hired a project manager to overlook the work. Let’s just say it didnt help 😂

[@tracey4474]

Stop imposing time scales on yourselves- it will be done eventually and you cannot work flat out like that without needing a break - glad you took the opportunity to step away and regroup - now be kind to yourselves? Stop when you need to. We will be here ready to cheer you on when you are ready to progress again

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

You’re so right Tracey!

[@davidbiddle3257]

I have dealt with the same poor quality work by supposed professionals here in the US!

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Seems to be a global issue 😭

[@pertallving8486]

Please get some microphones, the sound really sucks

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

We’d love some new microphones. Feel free to send us some 😂

[@mikefrench1200]

"When you have 4,000m2 of land"... 😅

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

😁

[@nevisscot7697]

When is the move to France?😂

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

hahaha hopefully we finish this house, get some heating and then we won't need to move anytime soon 😅

[@leannekudahl2432]

I prefer honesty; I don't find it negative but informative. I would like to say in my opinion, take it or leave it; that you did have the opportunity to take care of your responsibility to the care of your land, but you chose the house renovation over that responsibility. Now I see you taking the easy way out and creating bonfires. Sad :(

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

I think that as owners if this property we have the right to do as we wish with our land. For this piece we wish to add a terrace and keep it neat and tidy to avoid insects and to open up the view. So no need for rude comments like this. You do as you please with what’s yours.

[@user-xu4cs3xb9l]

Excellent work! Lo ve your videos, so honest and realistic. Glad you are back!!

[@user-xu4cs3xb9l]

Excellent work! Lo ve your videos, so honest and realistic. Glad you are back!!

[@user-xu4cs3xb9l]

Excellent work! Lo ve your videos, so honest and realistic. Glad you are back!!

[@OurItalianDreamHouse]

Thank you SO much. That’s exactly what we’re hoping to achieve 😍🙏

[@user-xu4cs3xb9l]

Excellent work! Lo ve your videos, so honest and realistic. Glad you are back!!