Family fixes home in ghost-town lab & tells others to follow

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  • Опубліковано 26 січ 2019
  • With 25,000 euros and 1,000 hours of work, Maurizio Cesprini and his partner Paola Gardin rebuilt a ruined home in the medieval village of Ghesc, Italy. They hope other young families will consider their example with a plentiful supply of medieval ghost towns.
    They also feel drawn to save the rich architectural heritage of artisanal stonework dotting villages throughout the Alps and beyond.
    Called “The Village Laboratory,” Ghesc is part-owned by the Canova Association and hosts workshops so college students worldwide can come learn historical stone construction techniques. The public half of the village includes a communal kitchen, pizza oven, and concert spaces.
    Right now, Ghesc (in local dialect; “Ghesio” in Italian) in the commune of Montecrestese near the Swiss border has just 3 inhabitants (Maurizio, Paola, and their son Emil), but the four homes that comprise the private side of town are at various stages of being rebuilt.
    - Canova Association: www.canovacanova.com/
    - Facebook: / associazionecanova
    - Instagram: / ghesc_lab
    On *faircompanies: faircompanies.com/videos/fami...
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 3,8 тис.

  • @bericobrian7009
    @bericobrian7009 4 роки тому +439

    The happiest of them all is that dog. He's having a good time. Living close to nature. Beautiful place to live.

    • @josephalexandrerothschild3642
      @josephalexandrerothschild3642 4 роки тому +6

      That is so true, no worries about traffice..etc. I want a kitty and dog and let them live naturally and not caged in a house (prison)

    • @ravesterj4316
      @ravesterj4316 4 роки тому +1

      @@josephalexandrerothschild3642 I agree. That's the only way I'll have a pet.

    • @carlyh6913
      @carlyh6913 4 роки тому +8

      The puppy is soooo adorable, how much fun he would have exploring that place. I love how he followed the people around, helping to show the beautiful village. Good little dogger 😍😍

    • @ZebbMassiv
      @ZebbMassiv 4 роки тому +2

      Fart me a rainbow

    • @carlyh6913
      @carlyh6913 4 роки тому +1

      @@ZebbMassiv tf lol

  • @arthurwhite8245
    @arthurwhite8245 2 роки тому +58

    My partner found this after we had moved to italy to restore an old abandoned water mill. I see things exactly the way Maurizio does. Working on the building and the land makes me so very happy. I put all the energy and love that i have into this place because it just seems like the right thing to do, both for the mill and for me. We were told that no one could remember anyone living here but today a car arrived and a 79 yr old woman got out. She told me that she had lived here when she was a little girl but her family had emigrated to America. She was so happy that someone had finally come to bring love to the place that she once called home, she kept repeating " sono cosi felice". It was all i could do to not cry.
    It will take me some time to finish as i work alone but its not a race and i'm learning as i go. We are not wealthy, far from it but i feel better off than any one i know who is still on the treadmill.

  • @AmyCCloverlanez
    @AmyCCloverlanez 4 роки тому +666

    Best kind of footage!! No background music, no hype, no long intro, has captions. SUBSCRIBING! I truly hope others watch this that make youtube videos like this and take notes on how it should be done! Beautiful scenery, interesting topic and very informative! Thank you!

    • @xxHouseInMotionxx
      @xxHouseInMotionxx 4 роки тому +3

      YEEEEEES. A sincere thanks!

    • @christineaygin6701
      @christineaygin6701 3 роки тому +6

      And he doesn't repeat himself as if we are idiots ,,,,, so refreshing

    • @spaceman9599
      @spaceman9599 3 роки тому +5

      Agreed. Simplicity, 'no filters'

    • @matteomagurno3068
      @matteomagurno3068 3 роки тому +3

      Well said!

    • @ORenee
      @ORenee 3 роки тому +3

      I agree with this wholeheartedly. Nothing distracts you from what's presented.

  • @Napsteraspx
    @Napsteraspx 3 роки тому +100

    Honestly so beautiful that a village left for centuries is being lived in again. I'm sure the original inhabitants would be so happy to see that their dear village is growing again.

  • @blahblah60
    @blahblah60 5 років тому +853

    That valley is heavenly, imagine having a morning coffee on that patio

    • @HealthRecovery
      @HealthRecovery 5 років тому +24

      I don't think any modern pleasure can compete!

    • @vondahe
      @vondahe 5 років тому +14

      More like an espresso but that’s a tiny detail. I just wonder how they sustain themselves.
      If I could find a way to sustain my family there, I would consider it. My wife would surely love it but my teenage son would never go anywhere without fast internet.

    • @danceswithstone
      @danceswithstone 5 років тому +6

      Imagine six feet of snow, more in the forecast, the winter still young . . .

    • @rayva1
      @rayva1 5 років тому +2

      Blah Blah the nature is quite breathtaking I’ll give you that.

    • @crazedbabe1121
      @crazedbabe1121 5 років тому +20

      @Jay Smith beacuse they had not been maintained in 200+ years the house you live in will collapse in 200+ years if you disappear

  • @paulofengland1331
    @paulofengland1331 5 років тому +4491

    Does anyone want to quit the rat race and do something similar? I'm so fed up with it all.

    • @MoonBeamLight
      @MoonBeamLight 5 років тому +225

      Paul of England every single day.

    • @77Tadams
      @77Tadams 5 років тому +129

      The thing you run into in the states is all the regulations with power. You can pretty much skirt around the issue of water and sewer with a well and a septic tank if you are out from all the built up homes. You have to get the permit to get a power source. We are on a plot of 5 acres and we were able to convert a cinderblock home that was run down and we also plastered the walls on the inside. It is possible to pretty much do everything yourself....you just have to have the motivation. The power is probably the hardest obstacle...but there is no reason you can't do things with a gasoline generator and solar....you just have to weigh the cost.

    • @paulofengland1331
      @paulofengland1331 5 років тому +182

      @@MoonBeamLight where are you?
      I keep looking at boats and cob house building. Burrows and tree houses. Don't wanna do it alone but am getting to the stage where I just can't abide society any longer. I want to live simply and in peace.

    • @paulofengland1331
      @paulofengland1331 5 років тому +133

      @@77Tadams it's pretty much the same here in England. Regulations galore. There's a way around everything really though :-) most laws are only acts.. I keep wishing for a boat and sail around the coast looking for quiet spots. Maybe have a few shelters. Feels like the whole system is about to implode. I want out.

    • @lkfetterer
      @lkfetterer 5 років тому +64

      I’m in.

  • @AL-jz3jv
    @AL-jz3jv 3 роки тому +267

    This is Italy. A gem of a place, an artist of a man.

    • @Pressplay_Media_EU
      @Pressplay_Media_EU 2 роки тому +3

      This is the absolute best thing I have ever seen, as far as house & home goes . A7la bel beyte

  • @sammid9440
    @sammid9440 4 роки тому +138

    The stone buildings, the mountains and valleys, it's all a feast for the eyes. Beautiful!

    • @karamlevi
      @karamlevi 4 роки тому

      Sam Duck yeah cycling there would be a treasure as long as no camps with fighting age males rolling around-

    • @BlackHeart_YouTube_Channel
      @BlackHeart_YouTube_Channel 2 роки тому

      Welcomd to Italy ;-)

  • @ciaobella8963
    @ciaobella8963 5 років тому +1441

    I live in a small borgo in the hills of northern Tuscany. There are only 12 of us in the village in the winter. Others come in the summer because it is so pleasant here. All the houses are made of stone. Only a few are rendered. The village I am told was built around the 12th century. My house is 800 years old. I bought it partially renovated but had to finish the work. I have learned that we have to use special stucco and paint on the inside so the walls can breathe. In torrential rains, I have had the damp come through the stones right onto the inside walls. Something I never get used to haha. A stone house stays cooler in the summer and retains heat in the winter. Living in a house like this is an experience of a lifetime, so I enjoyed your video very much.

    • @ombra306
      @ombra306 5 років тому +3

      come si chiama il borgo?

    • @latinlingo44
      @latinlingo44 5 років тому +10

      CiaoBella how can I purchase a house there my friend ?

    • @ciaobella8963
      @ciaobella8963 5 років тому +16

      @@ombra306 Preferisco non dire su internet perché vivo da solo. Il mio borgo è in Lunigiana. :-)

    • @ciaobella8963
      @ciaobella8963 5 років тому +80

      @@latinlingo44 There are many small villages (hamlet/borgo) in Italy. First you visit Italy, then travel enough to know the area you want to live in. Then visit the villages. When you find a village you like, find a realtor (agent) in the nearest town to the village, and they will show you what is available. Tell them your price range and that you want a house to renovate. Also get the agent to explain to you what the regulations and costs are to buy a house in Italy as a foreigner. Good luck. :-)

    • @SatumainenOlento
      @SatumainenOlento 5 років тому +5

      @@ciaobella8963 Simple as that! BRILLIANT!!! :D :D :D

  • @7yorker7
    @7yorker7 5 років тому +783

    Instead of watching "Inside Tommy Hilfiger's $50 million Plaza Hotel Penthouse" I enjoy watching this... I get the feeling that more and more people want just to live a life in harmony, creativity, and close to nature.

    • @tishainess9339
      @tishainess9339 4 роки тому +11

      Amen sister

    • @kaththerath
      @kaththerath 4 роки тому +5

      just watched parts of it. that was disgusting! thanks for that ;)

    • @7yorker7
      @7yorker7 4 роки тому +1

      @@kaththerath that was my initial thought too but when you think about creating something for yourself, and by yourself, it really doesn't matter if someone finds it disgusting. have a good one.

    • @EuroUser1
      @EuroUser1 4 роки тому

      I prefer to live close to work. But it's interesting to hear about other options.

    • @markschattefor6997
      @markschattefor6997 4 роки тому +1

      What is a Tommy Hilfiger?

  • @SirLongshank64
    @SirLongshank64 4 роки тому +423

    I was stationed in Italy for several years, on the mainland, Sicily and Sardegna. I did a lot of exploring with my mountain bike and found many structures like this and often thought how cool it would be to rebuild and live in one. I envy these people and what they have done. It's really something very special. I hope you enjoy.

    • @orang3096
      @orang3096 4 роки тому +4

      SirLongshank64 Thank you for your service sir.

    • @SirLongshank64
      @SirLongshank64 3 роки тому +12

      @Conexus X18 Thanks for the Geography lesson but I was stationed on the mainland,

    • @jl7887
      @jl7887 2 роки тому +2

      @@orang3096 What Service? You didn't even ask what for. How blindly trusting can someone be that being stationed somewhere is good?

    • @skylergardner2792
      @skylergardner2792 2 роки тому +7

      @@jl7887 pretty good for European allies considering the Pax Americana that has kept them safe for decade upon decade. American blood, European soil.

    • @Bjornieman
      @Bjornieman 2 роки тому +3

      Actually, you can, there were municipalities in Italy - I remember looking at some village in Sardegna, about two klicks inland from the northern coast - that offered houses for sale for 1€, on the provision that you would rebuild and live in them. I think some of the offers are still up.

  • @oregonsbragia
    @oregonsbragia 4 роки тому +22

    Gotta love the passion of the Italians. So much history in those hills.

  • @Inema7
    @Inema7 5 років тому +5

    I love when I see people save an old structure with hard work and love.
    These places are unique, timeless, and noble. Without care they eventually fall, with them something very special disappears forever.

  • @masoumehlashgari7570
    @masoumehlashgari7570 5 років тому +24

    Amazing to see how a dead village comes back to life! Thanks to the hard work of these people with love and care.

    • @mitchellwhite9920
      @mitchellwhite9920 5 років тому +4

      Thankfully he didn't see the village as being 'dead'. He just had the good fortune and ability to see its current restoration as 'breathing new life' in it to make it stand proudly once more. What a sweet family.

    • @Nopeyou800
      @Nopeyou800 5 років тому +1

      Now if only this could be done in Detroit!

  • @MrDaryca
    @MrDaryca 2 роки тому +22

    OMG, this is such a beautiful project! Congrats Maurizio. It's the end of 2021, I wonder what's it like there now. I loved what he said about being just a guest in the house.

    • @luck2know
      @luck2know 2 роки тому +4

      I would love to see more of their beautiful place,now in 2022.

  • @grahamb7947
    @grahamb7947 Рік тому +2

    That guy is an absolute inspiration. Couldn't agree with him more at the profound sadness of old buildings like this being torn down / lost to history due to neglect and ignorance towards the thousands of hours it took for our ancestors to actually build them.
    These buildings were around before any of us were born, and if maintained, they'll be here for centuries longer. We just don't make buildings to such a high quality anymore.

  • @redowlful
    @redowlful 5 років тому +639

    Isn't it ironic that some of the same reasons that this village was abandoned are what attracts people to it now. The location is magical, and the old stone buildings are the stuff of dreams. This would be like living in a fairy tale. I'm truly sad that I don't have enough time left to tackle something so wonderful.

    • @naqshnaz7324
      @naqshnaz7324 5 років тому +12

      Search for the real truth if you really have less time ...Come to our lord before it's too late ...

    • @franxiety4613
      @franxiety4613 5 років тому +58

      No, come to our lord instead. He has beers in the fridge and he's cool with you if you take one

    • @redowlful
      @redowlful 5 років тому +11

      @@naqshnaz7324 If you mean The Lord, I'm already His.

    • @EndranExit
      @EndranExit 5 років тому +6

      Wtf why people talk about Lord ? we live in modernity and replaced that word with boss or if you mean landlord then use full name.

    • @kathyflorcruz552
      @kathyflorcruz552 5 років тому +5

      They're still a fairy tale. And 99% of the reality of restoring a remote place like this is left out of the video.

  • @pookiebear364
    @pookiebear364 5 років тому +57

    It is reassuring to see young people participating in the rebuilding of a community.

  • @shawnbechard3680
    @shawnbechard3680 Рік тому +8

    That place is magical! Thank you for your hard work and allowing the world to witness it.

  • @hikinggirl1601
    @hikinggirl1601 4 роки тому +11

    Character is an understatement. Amazing architecture and mountainous views! Thanks for sharing.

  • @AsifKhan-ju4ld
    @AsifKhan-ju4ld 5 років тому +400

    The baby has no idea how fortunate he will be to grow up in such a beautiful environment. How such places can be abandoned baffles me.

    • @brigandboy1425
      @brigandboy1425 5 років тому +57

      Live in a small town. Live in one especially as an outsider or newcomer. Live somewhere for a while that has no metropolitan center even remotely close by. Understanding will come when you realize that all the people you encounter (probably all of a hundred people or so) are all the people you will ever see. Imagine for a moment you aren't well liked. Or imagine for a moment that you don't much like them. They have weird habits. Perhaps they smell weird or are ugly to your eyes. Perhaps that applies to you in their eyes.
      Now imagine growing up never knowing the outside world. Imagine that kid not having internet access, so the bits and pieces he does know about the outside world is garnered through snippets of access to a computer somewhere in a neighboring village or the major town. Put yourself in his shoes, and imagine the ache that is undefined and impossible to ignore, knowing deep down, somewhere, that there is "more" out there than your perfect, idyllic little village home.
      When people who feel that ache leave their small towns, they rarely find their way back, and even when they do, it's rarer indeed when they come back to stay. There needs to be a unifying draw to keep a place like that alive. Families working together and banding together to keep each other well fed, alive, and productive. People abandon places like that because the food disappears, the government (either foreign or domestic) steps in and makes life harsher than it needs to be, or the place becomes boring and harder than it would be in a simple modern city.
      Personally, I would love to live in a place like that so long as there was access to internet and access to electricity. I can imagine spending my days grinding metal, making tools and pieces of art, repairing my house and the houses of others, growing food and storing it, and creating something that will last long after I'm gone. But I live in a city, so this kind of fantasy comes naturally to a person like me. I can't imagine doing the same thing in my city now, and I have to figure that any person having lived in such a village their whole life will be having the same fantasy but from the opposite direction.

    • @ruben1475
      @ruben1475 5 років тому +23

      I visited one of such mountain villages in southern France a few years ago, and much of abandoning them had to do with a lack of basic necessities and services such as electricity, running water, and healthcare. Much of them also became ghost towns after World War One, when so many men had died that the villages' populations became too small to stay self-sustaining.

    • @AsifKhan-ju4ld
      @AsifKhan-ju4ld 5 років тому +16

      @@brigandboy1425 I guess it looks idyllic to someone like me who was born, raised and continue to live in a big, busy city where everyone is caught up in the rat race. Where violent crimes and theft are just a norm. Where the noise and pollution is just a part of everyday life. I supppose it's a case of wanting what you can't have. If I had grown up in such a place no doubt I'd be itching to leave for a big city. Abandoned towns like these are good places for people in their middle age to settle into but like you say they will have kids who might eventually want out. If more middle age, middle class people moved into these places then the community would be re-born and perhaps if they have families the sense of isolation for the young people might not be so great. With progress in 4g and 5g technology access to the internet and so on is becomming ever easier and also progress in 'off-grid' living and renewable energy technology.

    • @Ilovedallthepeople
      @Ilovedallthepeople 5 років тому +13

      I think most young people wouldnt like it. Its amazing when you are already an adult, specially in a commited relationship already, but no child and specially no teen wants to be isolated, they want fun and new experiences, not this beautiful calm environment.
      When he grows up though he will have the most gorgeous place awaiting for him to be able to finally appreciate, specially knowing that his parents worked so hard for it.

    • @kathyflorcruz552
      @kathyflorcruz552 5 років тому +10

      Because they're REMOTE & very hard to modernize - that's why. Most people can't handle camping for a weekend let alone living away from all the conveniences they grew up with. And its an expensive & very long venture to take on - let alone dealing with the regulations & bureaucracy involved in these projects.

  • @BoopShooBee
    @BoopShooBee 5 років тому +93

    The complexity and irregularities are pleasing to my eye. Newer more sterile buildings can be taken in at a glance, and once seen there is no reason to keep looking.
    What a great place for kids to grow up in.
    The stairs are scary.

    • @jamescrud
      @jamescrud 5 років тому +5

      Yeah, crazy dangerous.

    • @echoedinnocence
      @echoedinnocence 5 років тому +1

      But at least it would look awesome if you fell down those beautiful stairs! Lol

    • @longyarn4288
      @longyarn4288 5 років тому +1

      Glenn Howden - stairs are scary with or without a handrail... when you have to use a cane. Single story for me please. But it's still beautiful.

    • @jamescrud
      @jamescrud 5 років тому

      @@echoedinnocence Yes it would make for some good UA-cam content for sure.

    • @mazzer37
      @mazzer37 5 років тому +2

      The only thing I didn't like was the lack of stair rails, and nothing at the top to prevent you falling. (Not wise with a small child). Otherwise it is fantastic. ❤

  • @JustCallMeElle
    @JustCallMeElle 3 роки тому +9

    It's like those village in fairytales. Beautiful. If I live there I would have a vegetable garden, flower garden, honeybees, chickens.

  • @vooveks
    @vooveks 4 роки тому +28

    The view from that balcony...Lovely. What a project. I love how they haven’t tried to be modern or old fashioned too much either way. Just gone with nice, simple ideas that fit the feel of the village and buildings.

  • @dinka3668
    @dinka3668 5 років тому +1153

    I love how this guy switches between italian and English making the subtitle guy's job hell

    • @Mark.Watson
      @Mark.Watson 5 років тому +22

      I don't. It's annoying.

    • @Harlock2day
      @Harlock2day 5 років тому +123

      When he wants to elaborate he feels more comfortable in Italian. It’s not a problem, as long as we understand.

    • @nikkyf22
      @nikkyf22 5 років тому +56

      He switches for mor details because his English is not good enough sometimes when learning a new language it’s easier and quicker we don’t know how long he has known how to speak English. I think it’s amazing that with the switch its intertwining 2 cultures

    • @Noni_Chanu
      @Noni_Chanu 5 років тому +29

      @@Mark.Watson really? ....as a multi lingual family we switch languages while conversing. I feel English language is incomplete....cuz some words we can't find in English or how to express in English , we try to find similar meaning on how to express it. Sometimes it's not easy.
      And we always end up saying "how do I say this in English" 😂

    • @charlesatwell9976
      @charlesatwell9976 5 років тому +16

      He speaks in English to answer the comments of the lady who speaks American English.

  • @cynthiahofer2903
    @cynthiahofer2903 5 років тому +24

    The light was magnificent! Oh, to go there and paint. I can see why the old masters came from Italy. I am so glad these places are getting saved.

  • @pinknoise5716
    @pinknoise5716 3 роки тому +32

    Such a beautiful place: it feels equally ancient and timeless. The stone buildings, the layout of the buildings, the surrounding natural beauty - it’s all so pleasing to the eye and satisfying to the soul. What an amazing project.

  • @plebeiangaming5625
    @plebeiangaming5625 2 роки тому +3

    This is why I love watching videos like this. So much went on in the unknown parts of Europe for the past thousands of years and when you find something like this, it truly feels magical.

  • @rubberbiscuit99
    @rubberbiscuit99 5 років тому +355

    What they are doing is fascinating. Going backwards and forwards in time, from the present. Requires the knowledge of the elders, the planning of the adults, and the physicality of the youth to make all of this happen.

    • @rich_jg5705
      @rich_jg5705 5 років тому +19

      It's key to remember these villages are not relics of the past. For thousands of years settlements evolved and looked similar, it's only the departure of life which made them die and there's enough ruins worship. Settlements were created to be lived in; reviving them should be encouraged everywhere.
      Traditional building methods are in essence settlements made by local materials suited to the climate. This tradition shouldn't stop or be viewed as ancient history. The departure of this long continued tradition is an invention of the 21st century.

    • @2bczar4u
      @2bczar4u 5 років тому +12

      @@rich_jg5705 we are a bit smug in our thinking that modern is just so much better yet this way survived for much much longer. Who knows we may very well have to go back to this and who will have the skills to do so?

    • @SatumainenOlento
      @SatumainenOlento 5 років тому +4

      @@2bczar4u You are right! I think that we need to go back to live communal lives, start connecting with the our roots so to understand what we need as humans to live happy and meaningful lives. People need more simple life surrounded by nature. Also economically, we must downsize as we are living totally over the limits of this planet. Our needs match with the planets needs, so there is hope still for all of us!

    • @funnyanimalshorts643
      @funnyanimalshorts643 5 років тому

      @@SatumainenOlento It wouldn't be so bad if coastal cities would stop dumping all their trash in the ocean. They passed laws in cali about straws but refuse to stop dumping tons of trash in the ocean everyday! Regarding usage of resources, food is as cheap as it is world wide because of modern farming practices and GMO food. We can grow 10 times what we used to be able to in the same acreage. As for oil, we seem to have discovered enough sources to last another few hundred years. As for air quality, laws have mostly cleaned that up....unless you live in china. Even india is making the effort that china refuses. The usa is the third most populated country in the world and we ARE doing our part. China needs to step it up. As for consumption of wood, clearing of forests etc....You might want to talk to brazil. All the other south american countries have mostly cleared the amazon from their lands. Brazil owns the majority of the amazon now and they are clearing it wholesale. There is literally nothing we can do about it without taking over their country. As for us, old growth forests are off limits. We have tree farming practices now that I have seen in use where I live. The logging company owns several hundred acres of land and replants after clearing. They have figured out that it is cheaper than buying more land to clear. The animals on the land are in no danger, the rivers and creeks on the land never get polluted, and the trees get cut about 5 years before their natural deaths. Trees are now the most renewable resource we have.

    • @josephyi3091
      @josephyi3091 5 років тому +1

      @R.A. Andrews Also requires license to rebuild (difficult to obtain by the normal citizens there), labour (which came free to him and he didn’t pay a cent for), cost (which sure as hell wouldn’t have been as little as 25000 Euros for folks that don’t/didn’t have government positions such as the documentee, minus labour) and solutions to other problems related to uncleared mountainous locations (such as linked drainage systems and seasonal road clearing/repairs that their government unfortunately doesn’t provide for that area)...

  • @sritantra
    @sritantra 4 роки тому +149

    "When the nature starts to reappropriate the place, it's a completely different energy...." What a story. I was living not far from here across the border in Ticino. Beautiful area with deep cut natural character. Smart bilingual production by Kirsten.

  • @Javernoss
    @Javernoss 3 роки тому +8

    What a beautiful home, beautiful village, and beautiful people. This kind of thing is what restored my faith in humanity. When people respect their history, their culture, nature, and really considerate for greater good. I really wish I could do this too one day. Thankyou so much for the video!

  • @jaivkoltun4948
    @jaivkoltun4948 3 роки тому +7

    This is like back to the future where we will once again live in villages and communities we are drawn to, living amongst land and folk we feel a connection to. Yay. . .

  • @ronsmith1364
    @ronsmith1364 5 років тому +55

    This is satisfying on so many levels.
    Preserving and recapturing stone masonry from 500 yo homes
    presents sustainable in its essence. Apply passive solar and rain harvesting techniques with
    or in the rebuilding process and small scale communities are blessings in truth.

  • @thelightison8629
    @thelightison8629 5 років тому +179

    What a beautiful place to wake up to every morning.

    • @BertrandBarraud
      @BertrandBarraud 5 років тому +1

      Until you get used to it, like everywhere ^^

    • @sakoupa
      @sakoupa 5 років тому +1

      @@BertrandBarraud
      If you have poor imagination you get used to it, like everywhere. If you have poor imagination you'll be like everyone. But if you not - each season will be magically different for you, because nature has the ability to change. And this village is in the middle of *Nature* .

  • @Impreval
    @Impreval 4 роки тому +438

    Italian dude: "Do you want me to talk in italian or english?"
    Interviewer: "Yes."

    • @PavelNNJ
      @PavelNNJ 4 роки тому +16

      I've been in many situations when I was talking to a person in one language and he/she would respond in different. Sometimes it works better :)

    • @fionasmom6254
      @fionasmom6254 4 роки тому +29

      I enjoy listening to him, especially with the mixture of the 2 languages.

    • @niimoo767
      @niimoo767 4 роки тому

      😂😂

    • @enhanced6892
      @enhanced6892 4 роки тому +2

      This looks straight out of A Plague Tale

    • @hongrui95
      @hongrui95 4 роки тому +1

      Yes-a

  • @WindWolfAlpha
    @WindWolfAlpha 4 роки тому +76

    Honestly, if I were to ever move to Italy, Ghesc looks like a place I would truly enjoy! I was born, and grew up, as a boy, in mountain and forest areas in the U.S. Plus, medieval architecture is a fascination of mine!

    • @queencleo1151
      @queencleo1151 4 роки тому +3

      Maybe we'll meet there one day... May your wish come true!

    • @jamiebarrientos9969
      @jamiebarrientos9969 4 роки тому +2

      Same here! Rural towns and in the 'gully' i was a flower child but ive been trapped in a house for so long im dying to get some land

  • @westernwanderer8397
    @westernwanderer8397 5 років тому +186

    Wow. Maurizio, you are saving history. If only there were more people like you in the world. What stories those walls could tell! Grazie.

    • @pennypiper7382
      @pennypiper7382 3 роки тому +3

      Only the ‘right’ people should take over these lovely places. Meaning= those who love and appreciate culture,history and handcrafts. Great video.

  • @firewaterbydesign
    @firewaterbydesign 5 років тому +41

    Such a beautiful and meaningful existence. What an honor and labor of love to restore the house and surrounding village. A truly ideal way to raise a family too.

  • @ArcAudios77
    @ArcAudios77 4 роки тому

    Impressed with how Maurizio Cesprini finished the old Building with Plaster. An excellent job in providing Rooms that loose less heat.
    Great work Maurizio, well done.

  • @vernedudeman
    @vernedudeman Рік тому

    Can we all please thank Kirsten for her most WONDERFUL and unique contribution to our lives. Ive been following since she only had a few thousand followers like 2012!!! THANK YOU KIRSTEN

  • @pekesrepose7363
    @pekesrepose7363 5 років тому +31

    to take on something like this can say more about the person's character than it would about the buildings themselves. after all it's those who have envisioned, constructed and persisted to make or continue a conception like this to start with.
    -amazing tasks of passion and pride.

  • @AsriaDurden5558
    @AsriaDurden5558 5 років тому +31

    These old villages are such beautiful, magical places! I am so happy to see someone saving and appreciating them that it brings me to tears.
    I hope this spreads so all of them can be saved and restored!

  • @fionasmom6254
    @fionasmom6254 4 роки тому +31

    I love how the dog positions himself with his paws dangling over the stair ledge to keep an eye out for whomever may venture up. Bet he loves living there.

  • @trevordeane3940
    @trevordeane3940 2 роки тому +4

    Well done Maurizio and Paola for saving a piece of Italian history. They have worked so hard and in such a beautiful location. The authorities show be fast tracking planning permission to help regenerate rural Italy, not slowing it down which is generally the case.

  • @bluetaurus13
    @bluetaurus13 5 років тому +57

    What a wonderful story. I once had dreams of doing this long ago, but health problems ended those dreams. He is an intelligent and warm man, along with his wife, they are rebuilding not only history, but their own dreams. Thank you for sharing this with us.

    • @julieelizabeth510
      @julieelizabeth510 4 роки тому +3

      Maybe you can support this project or other projects, similar to this.

  • @tamitng
    @tamitng 5 років тому +18

    I. Love. This. 💕 Historic, romantic, beautiful, peaceful. 🌲 Thank You Kirsten! 🍀

  • @mariposa1933
    @mariposa1933 4 роки тому +21

    A M A Z I N G. Always telling my hubby let’s sell our home in Cali and do this. Beautiful home and family,

  • @JeffAM1986
    @JeffAM1986 Рік тому +1

    This place fully restored and modernized as far as plumbing and wiring would be a dream home. Such beautiful bones.

  • @AlabazterAl
    @AlabazterAl 5 років тому +63

    Absolutely amazing scenery and atmosphere. Love that medieval village vibe

  • @tixximmi1
    @tixximmi1 5 років тому +22

    It's great to see these gems won't go to waste. I hope they can renovate the entire complex. It would make a really nice BnB.

  • @juliew1426
    @juliew1426 4 роки тому +5

    What a beautiful venture. I hope more people will join him in reviving these old villages. That would be such an incredible thing to see in the end; what other creative minds come up with.

  • @KaelSvalcembelk
    @KaelSvalcembelk 4 роки тому +5

    Amazing man, his enthusiasm in history is great. Everything can a human do as you can see. Realy positive video, greetings from Czech rep.

  • @obedan3990
    @obedan3990 4 роки тому +180

    This is a genius project. Rebuilding the old abandoned villages. Love to participate or live there...I wish❤️

    • @clray123
      @clray123 4 роки тому +5

      Wait till you hear there's no Internet. No supermarket. No sensible sanitation. No central heating. No jobs around. But lots of bugs and critters to share company with.

    • @jamrockprincess
      @jamrockprincess 4 роки тому +10

      @@clray123 Sounds like a dream! The first part anyhow! And the bugs and critters can be dealt with easily enough with certain plants and vegetation. :D

    • @clray123
      @clray123 4 роки тому +1

      @jamrockprincess Yeah, the sort of dream you wake up from shivering in cold sweat and wishing the night was over.

    • @tictoc5443
      @tictoc5443 4 роки тому

      What stops you?

    • @eirin099
      @eirin099 4 роки тому +1

      @@tictoc5443 probably the price "for houses is more complicated but a ruin can cost between 6000€ to 20000€ (plus taxes)."

  • @drroussakis
    @drroussakis 5 років тому +38

    It reminds me of the village of my forefathers in Greece. Very similar architecture and unfortunately very similar fate during the 1900s. Maybe it's time for me to do something about it. Thank you for the video. Very inspiring.

  • @ThePalatineHill
    @ThePalatineHill 4 роки тому +25

    Absolute Respect for this guy and his family

  • @Sam-zq4yx
    @Sam-zq4yx 4 роки тому +12

    I’ve stayed in a village just like this a few years ago that had been completely restored by a developer. It was absolutely magical and I now see what a huge job it must have been, especially because it was significanty larger than this village.
    If anyone wants, I can find the name so you can look it up.

  • @77Tadams
    @77Tadams 5 років тому +127

    This is so fantastic. This is how people should live. If I had all the money I needed I would live like this. I think we are so far gone as a society. People are suffering so much. Life is so short.

    • @lazarmitev513
      @lazarmitev513 5 років тому +12

      People are suffering so much? Back then life expectancy was 30-40 years max. You could die from a fly bite or any kind of infection. Don't forget about the constant wars in Europe. We live in the best time of human history so far....

    • @lukelambert6245
      @lukelambert6245 5 років тому +16

      Lazar Mitev cancer is bringing it back to those levels with all the poison s in our globalist society which is crumbling around us,I knew many who have died young,cleaner simpler lifestyles where u produce and consume most of your own needs seems healthier and fitter also ,what mankind was intended to do before corporations took over .

    • @77Tadams
      @77Tadams 5 років тому +23

      Lazar Mitev just because we have longer life expectancy doesn’t mean it is meaningful or purposeful. It is good to have an enlightened society verses working at a job that is meaningless or buying stupid shit you don’t need. Also consider the fact that people are not eating food that has nutrition and most sit in-front of a screen all day. That is not good. There are great things about living now....this video proves it. Modern married to the old.

    • @TheYah00netstar
      @TheYah00netstar 5 років тому +1

      77Tadams
      Start practicing a community at "Second Life" first...

    • @77Tadams
      @77Tadams 5 років тому

      TheYah00netstar what is second life?

  • @wowtco03
    @wowtco03 5 років тому +36

    The best video Kirsten's done in a while, I find. Thank You.

  • @americoestrada2355
    @americoestrada2355 4 роки тому +5

    I'm Mexican so I know Spanish and English so I didn't need no subtitles pretty-much understood everything that he was saying which is pretty cool for me. Yay I know Italian lol.

    • @blueblazerable
      @blueblazerable 3 роки тому

      Because spanish and italian are both Romance language. I'm Filipino and I can understand him around 20% only. (I dont speak spanish or italian :) )

  • @rajabhaduri2020
    @rajabhaduri2020 3 роки тому +2

    you are doing a outstanding project,i am sure you would be able to finish it,best wises to you SENIOR.

  • @davidwardlow721
    @davidwardlow721 5 років тому +81

    Thanks for making videos like this. It's incredible to see people putting their hearts and souls into restoring and saving these buildings and small villages.

  • @cathylynnpietranton
    @cathylynnpietranton 5 років тому +286

    Well this is amazing what he's doing. just love the old buildings and structures. Sure is a lot of hard work but a for him it looks like a Work of Love. thanks for sharing

    • @joyg8904
      @joyg8904 5 років тому +9

      Beautiful area, and love the stones

    • @CarolynsRVLife
      @CarolynsRVLife 5 років тому +2

      Isn't this such a great story and an admirable endeavor? I love this video.

    • @cathylynnpietranton
      @cathylynnpietranton 5 років тому

      @@CarolynsRVLife Yes it is

  • @ChicReal
    @ChicReal 4 роки тому

    Maurizio, I admire you and your wife for the beautiful restorations to revive a Italian village ruin and made it your beautiful home. Your perseverance and back breaking work made it truly worthwhile. What a blessing to wake up, to be surrounded, and to enjoy such natural beauty and landscape every single day! Thank you for sharing your wonderful journey, Ciao! 🙏❣️🙏

  • @markwells6384
    @markwells6384 Рік тому +4

    Kirsten, I love your channel. I originally found it because of the shanty boat episode. You find the most unique material and you really get people to talk about their projects in detail. I've watched quite a few now, even stuff I'm not interested in doing myself. I've watched the entire video every time, it's captivating.

  • @vancamerawoman7399
    @vancamerawoman7399 5 років тому +37

    Fantastic....teaching and learning, the young and the elders together.
    So much brilliant information.
    Great camera work too!

  • @maritzanc
    @maritzanc 4 роки тому +16

    This is a wonderful concept. There's a love for history and the beautiful idea of re-using and considering oneself as a "guest" in these houses is magical. Thank you for doing this, I hope I can visit or live there soon!

  • @FearEeatsTheSoul
    @FearEeatsTheSoul 4 роки тому +1

    Most People would focus on the $$$ Money this Village would make them...etc. I appreciate and Love that this Man has not desire to financial gain by restoring thus Village at all. It is simply his LOVE. Cheers

  • @maximilienrobespierre7927
    @maximilienrobespierre7927 4 роки тому +3

    What I live the most about this is the layout. How the houses and the alleys are positioned. Simply amazing.

  • @MattRingel
    @MattRingel 5 років тому +63

    This is one of my new favorite videos you have made. Thanks for sharing!

  • @sylviajones4907
    @sylviajones4907 5 років тому +16

    Thankful for young people that appreciate the past & try to restore using proper methods.
    Thank you, Kirsten & Co. for reporting on the good things going on in the world & helping us visit them.
    May God bless you all.

  • @Draconicrose
    @Draconicrose 4 роки тому +11

    This is amazing and lovely! The lack of railing on their stairs is making me nervous though.

  • @whiteeagle6370
    @whiteeagle6370 4 роки тому +1

    All that stonework, and the landscape, its beautiful, glad its being rebuilt!

  • @iulianispas8634
    @iulianispas8634 5 років тому +111

    I did same thing as you did with a old house in Romania
    In the process I learn is much expensive to restore then build a house from scratch

    • @magdatanasa9228
      @magdatanasa9228 5 років тому +2

      Where in Romania? I'd be interested too

    • @3Minato3
      @3Minato3 5 років тому +1

      Unde in romania? Casa de lemp presupun

    • @alexander1055
      @alexander1055 5 років тому +2

      @@WRMRanch In the USA? How old was that building? 50 years?
      We are talking here about Houses at least 500 years old.

    • @alexander1055
      @alexander1055 5 років тому +2

      @@WRMRanch It's not cheaper to build from scratch when the House is only 50 Years old.
      Where I live Houses that are over 100 Years often get renovated, and not just for esthetics.

    • @WRMRanch
      @WRMRanch 5 років тому +1

      WOW ...how lovely

  • @noproblem2big337
    @noproblem2big337 5 років тому +12

    This video reminds me as a kid in Bagni Di Lucca (Italy) spending summer holidays with the family in a rock home built in the 1700s where my mum was born, lots of happy memories:)

  • @laurenmelton8181
    @laurenmelton8181 3 роки тому +2

    I’m ready to go
    Work for this guy !!!! Learn the ancient ways , he is living his best life

  • @mommyseastar5776
    @mommyseastar5776 4 роки тому +5

    So many moderns are returning to this soulful kind of life. We can regain a closeness to the natural and spiritual world. I think many people are searching for a village like this.

  • @AlqGo
    @AlqGo 5 років тому +126

    I feel like the government should hire him to start a new initiative to repopulate abandoned villages such as this one.

    • @Hippabellita1
      @Hippabellita1 5 років тому +26

      LoL - the government is part of the reason why these villages are abandoned - and he is part of the local government .... that's why he got permits where no average citizen would ....

    • @kenmarquardt4118
      @kenmarquardt4118 5 років тому +4

      Fact check please.@@Hippabellita1

    • @KittyKat-zd1yr
      @KittyKat-zd1yr 5 років тому +1

      @Bebe Oh my gush exactly. Give Italy 10 more years they will see what and who they welcome in.

    • @creative-anon-ca______4560
      @creative-anon-ca______4560 5 років тому +3

      theres good government and bad government. the good tend to be small towns, the bad tend to be mega cities with corruption

    • @MrDuck-oi3qc
      @MrDuck-oi3qc 4 роки тому

      Put migrants in those villages and make them wear medieval clothing.

  • @maxdondada
    @maxdondada 5 років тому +294

    Honestly Kirsten, if I ever meet a PBS producer I'm showing them your videos. So beautifully shot and enthralling. You are truly gifted at sharing a patchwork of unique homes and home building stories. I'm glad I stumbled upon your channel looking for "van life" videos months ago.

  • @wellcraft19
    @wellcraft19 4 роки тому +9

    I LOVE THIS!
    One of the most uplifting videos in a long time. Especially as I have been "eyeing" a plot in some northern Italian village for years.
    Such grace and simplicity.

  • @plumptonplumpton2494
    @plumptonplumpton2494 2 роки тому +4

    Очень люблю природный, натуральный строительный материал!!!
    - Смотрится всегда гармонично, уютно и по-особенному тепло!!!
    Молодец... вложена колосальная физическая работа!!!

  • @jamesbarr2597
    @jamesbarr2597 5 років тому +3

    I restored an abandoned mas in the foothills of the Cevennes in the 90s. Pure Peter Mayle, with sparrows flying above my bed. Such happy memories. There were 40 of us in the hamlet and one of my neighbours went for an evening walk with his pet boar. Another neighbour had a goat herd and made cheese. The fireplace in his kitchen was so large, you sat inside it. Of course, the restoration came with lots of stress, but once finished, it was a work of art. The Artisans who worked on the project were artists. Great memories :)

  • @fredhoy6697
    @fredhoy6697 5 років тому +7

    One of your best ones yet IMHO. I would love this place. Great work everybody, and a greater idea. Preserving history!

  • @lancedaniels
    @lancedaniels 3 роки тому +2

    just watched this episode again. Very nice to see how this family has built themselves a nice home, and is working with interested people/students to understand traditional building techniques. Nice drone shot at the end.

  • @rosannadesole9092
    @rosannadesole9092 4 роки тому +3

    Congratulations, for the courageous work you have done. The place with those stone houses is fairytale. I hope this village will come back to life with many young couples like you to keep a historical treasure alive.👍👏👏❣️

  • @davidschmidt6013
    @davidschmidt6013 5 років тому +10

    Beautiful area. Great to maintain the village for future generations. A shame not all countries are so enlightened.

  • @MarcelDV
    @MarcelDV 5 років тому +18

    Wow this is insane. What a dream location to live and what a beautiful house! I hope I can do the same one day

  • @theminotaurdad9304
    @theminotaurdad9304 4 роки тому +1

    This is a great video. I love people like this guy. Protecting ancient sites. I'm a Native American Monitor, which means I look for artifacts and other cultural resources on construction sites. Thanks for the video.

  • @8675-__
    @8675-__ 3 роки тому +6

    Beautiful job! What a challenge to restore. You've done lovely work. May God bless your journey 😍

  • @dandelion6376
    @dandelion6376 5 років тому +7

    What a beautiful scenery, and the most important is the air still fresh. It's a good choice to rebuilt/reconstruct the old buildings

  • @Sylentmana
    @Sylentmana 5 років тому +334

    I just spent 127K buying a house, but I what I should have done was reclaim an abandoned village in Europe.

    • @goransvraka3171
      @goransvraka3171 4 роки тому +4

      Would have cost you less too!

    • @carpediem8752
      @carpediem8752 4 роки тому +11

      I read not long ago about an Australian that bought a castle for $1 in France or Italy, I cant remember.

    • @lorenzomontagna7654
      @lorenzomontagna7654 4 роки тому +36

      @@carpediem8752 yeah, some people sell large, ancient proprieties for like one Euro, but then, after you buy them you gotta renovate them, wich can cost you millions of Euros

    • @AnimalsGirlful
      @AnimalsGirlful 4 роки тому +19

      nope wherever you are, leave europe alone

    • @SnazzyZubloids
      @SnazzyZubloids 4 роки тому +5

      @@lorenzomontagna7654 They do it here in the U.S. as well during urban rehabilitation projects to make certain "undesirable" areas nicer and more attractive. My cousin bought a house from the city for $1, but was given a pretty strict rehab schedule that had to be adhered to in order to own the house. Unfortunately, due to some personal issues a while into the project, he was not able to complete the project and had to forfeit the deed.

  • @ruinsane100
    @ruinsane100 2 роки тому

    My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed watching this. It's both inspiring and lovely to see someone with a passion putting it to good use and in the process making a difference.

  • @giguardiani9625
    @giguardiani9625 Рік тому +2

    Fantastico, straordinario, affascinante questo antico borgo rurale abbandonato. Una poesia. Complimenti a voi che vi state adoperando per salvaguardarlo.

  • @dlagrua
    @dlagrua 5 років тому +12

    An amazing story about restoring and re-purposing a historical village. While the process has it flaws as pointed out, anyway you look at it, its a preservation effort. While Murizio and Paola (my wifes name as well) are rebuilding we need to focus on the positives that without people like this history will be lost and forgotten. That village is in a beautiful area and has a great view of the valley. Many of us would appreciate living there. It is hoped that the entire village will one day come to life again.

  • @debbabbit9283
    @debbabbit9283 5 років тому +11

    Missing Italia, my friends there and your beautiful language. The village is such a lovely surprise. Strong work you 2 have done together. Best wishes.

  • @nicciwright1496
    @nicciwright1496 2 роки тому +1

    I love that you're recreating this beautiful village where each stone and every beam holds so much. I hope you enjoy peaceful lives there!

  • @lyetaherb4703
    @lyetaherb4703 4 роки тому +2

    I Loved this documentary on rebuilding and bringing back to life an ancient village. Beauty Grace and Strength

  • @jinxmas
    @jinxmas 5 років тому +9

    So in the first year, they labored to live just as the people had to who lived there centuries ago. Beautiful!

  • @TheMrsEberle
    @TheMrsEberle 5 років тому +4

    Absolutely beautiful story, breathtaking views and history. Very moving.

  • @anapineu
    @anapineu 3 роки тому +1

    What an incredible project. Thank you for honoring the past and making this a learning opportunity for so many.