Discovering My Sicilian Villa for the First Time! 🏡 In this episode, I’m taking you inside my newly acquired Sicilian villa and kicking off an incredible real estate investment journey. This off-grid renovation will be full of challenges, but it’s all part of the adventure. What do you think of the villa at first sight? Let’s discuss! 🌞 Stay Updated for More: 📅 New episodes every Sunday! 📷 Instagram: @Operation.Sicily 👉 Hit subscribe, like, and join the conversation to follow the full journey. And if you’d like to support my work, feel free to ‘buy me a coffee’ here buymeacoffee.com/operationsicily - every bit of help keeps the project moving forward!
A lot of work? Yes. Worth every minute of blood, sweat, and tears? ABSOLUTELY! She will be beautiful inside and out. I can't wait to watch the transformation.
Thank you so much, Suzy! 😊 I couldn't agree more-it’s going to be a lot of hard work, but every bit of effort will be worth it to transform this villa into something beautiful. I'm excited to share the journey with you, and I can’t wait to show you how it all comes together! Stay tuned for more updates! 🌿🏡
I must admit when i saw you opening the gate i thought "Mama mia...WTF !" but, as you moved into the garden areas i can see you have a hidden gem yourself. Looking forward to your Escapade....well; done.
Thanks, Jeff! 😂 I had the same 'Mama mia...WTF!' moment when I first saw it too! But once you get past that gate, there’s definitely a hidden gem waiting underneath all the chaos. I’m glad you're enjoying the journey-plenty more escapades to come!
Thank you so much, Joy! 😊 I'm really excited to transform this villa into a beautiful home, and I can’t wait to share the journey with you. There’s still a lot to do, but it’s already starting to feel like it has so much potential. If you're interested in seeing more behind-the-scenes updates, I also share extra photos and floor plans on my Instagram page @Operation.Sicily. Thanks for following along!
The garden is cleaner than the house. I don't understand why previous owners would leave the house in such a state. I wish you all good fortune and happiness putting much needed love into this beautiful home.
Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊 I agree, it’s a mystery why the previous owners left the house in such a state-it was definitely a shock when I first arrived. But I’m excited to bring this beautiful villa back to life and give it the love and care it deserves. The garden's transformation is next on the list! 🌿 Thanks again for the good wishes, and I hope you enjoy following along with the journey!
Just subscribed. My wife and I came back from Sicily a couple of months ago and we can confirm that, in the interior, the countryside has been hit hard by emigration. So few people and so many unoccupied houses and farms. Poverty seemed quite common - and yet, just a few miles away, tourists were paying fortunes for rooms and meals. Each to their own. We love the UK with its varied climate and I don’t think you appreciate the sunny day until you’ve had the cloudy one. If this is your dream - or you hope it will be - then every piece of good luck to you. A lot of hard work but, at the end of it, you can look around and say that you did this.
Thank you so much for subscribing, Theo! 😊 It’s true-the contrast between the unoccupied houses in the countryside and the bustling tourist areas is really striking. There’s a sense of history and beauty in these quiet, often overlooked parts of Sicily that I’m excited to bring back to life. I agree that the UK’s varied climate makes you appreciate those sunny days even more, but there’s something about the challenge and adventure of this project that makes it all worth it. It’s going to be a lot of hard work, but I’m looking forward to that moment when I can look around and say, 'I did this.' Thanks again for your kind words and support!
Thank you so much, Yolanda! 😊 It’s definitely an exciting adventure, and there’s so much more to come! I’m thrilled to have you join me on this journey. Greetings to you in Canada! 🇨🇦 Let’s make this renovation one to remember
Thank you so much, Ornella! 😊 The villa definitely has a lot of potential, and I’m excited to bring it back to life, bit by bit. The garden is going to be a big project too, but I’m looking forward to transforming it into something beautiful.
Wow… I found your page yesterday, and watched number 8.. I’ve gone back and started at one.. Hello, what a great place to begin a new adventure.. It’s good enough to live in and work on. An amazing large walked garden, I hope you have good water supply Cheers, I will start on episode 2 now
Thanks so much! 😊 The structure is definitely solid, which makes all the difference! The garden is going to be a big focus too, I’m planning on turning it into something truly special. If you’re interested, my new video is now live, where I dive into more of the progress so far. Also, feel free to follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily for more updates!
Thank you so much, Linda! 😊 It definitely has a lot of potential, and I’m excited to bring it back to life. If you’re interested in the progress, my new video is now live-hope you enjoy following the journey! 🚀
A brave purchase. A worthwhile project. I think the garden will need grapevines and plenty of shelter from the sun for yourself ! (Grape vines can provide the shade).
Thanks, Wiltshire! 😊 Definitely a brave purchase, but it’s all worth it in the end! I love the idea of adding grapevines-they’d be perfect for some shade and maybe even a bit of homemade wine in the future! 🍇 I’m also moving a few fruit trees around and adding some citrus to the garden. Have you seen any of my other videos yet?
Thank you so much, Lisa! 😊 I'm really glad you enjoyed the video and the way I let the villa speak for itself. There’s something special about experiencing the moment together without too many words. I can’t wait to share more of this journey with you! If you'd like more behind-the-scenes updates, feel free to follow along on Instagram @Operation.Sicily. New video coming out tomorrow too! 🏡
Thanks so much, Noah! 😊 I'm definitely excited about the possibilities with all that space! 🌿 I’ve got big plans for the garden, including adding a pool, outdoor kitchen, and moving the fruit trees around 🍊🍋 Have you seen the more recent videos yet? I’m making progress bit by bit! If you’re interested in seeing more, feel free to follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily for some behind-the-scenes updates! 🌞
Thank you so much, Karen! 😊 I'm thrilled to have you along for the journey! There will be plenty of updates coming as I bring this villa back to life. If you’re curious about more behind-the-scenes, feel free to follow along on Instagram @Operation.Sicily. Your support and blessings mean a lot! 🙏✨
Thank you so much, Tedda! 😊 I'm really glad you enjoyed the video, and there's plenty more to come as the renovation journey unfolds. I can’t wait to share the transformation with you-stay tuned for all the updates!
Thank you so much! 😊 It's great to be part of the "Renovating in Sicily" club! There’s definitely a lot of work ahead, but I’m excited to bring this beautiful place back to life. Looking forward to sharing the journey with you-thanks for following along! 🏡🔨
Lovely.....I envision it decorated already! Little elbow grease but so worth it. The garden is a clean slate. Trim shrubs up...a bougainvillea along the wall....just imagine.
Thank you, Carol! 😊 That’s exactly how I see it - a fun, exciting project with endless potential. It’s all about the journey, right? I’m thrilled to have you along for the ride!
Thank you so much! 😊 I’m excited to share all the adventures that Sicily has in store. There’s plenty more to come as I transform this villa! If you’d like more behind-the-scenes updates, feel free to follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily. And don’t miss the new video coming out tomorrow! 🎥
I love the bathroom tiles!!! So beautiful and unique. The covered patio looks so cool and inviting. Great place to have a cold drink. You did well in buying this house! Congrats.
Thanks so much, Stacy! 😊 The bathroom tiles definitely divide opinions-some people love them, and others… not so much! They're a bit like marmite, haha! 😅 The covered patio is definitely one of my favorite spots too, perfect for relaxing with a cold drink after a long day. Have you checked out any of my other videos yet? My new video is going live this Sunday, so stay tuned! And if you’re curious for more updates, feel free to follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily! 🛁🍹
Thank you so much, Jessica! 😊 It really does feel like a dream come true, and I’m so grateful to have found it. There’s a lot of hard work ahead, but I’m excited to make it my own. Wishing you the best as well, and if you’d like to follow along, feel free to check out my Instagram @Operation.Sicily for more updates! 🏡🌿
Thanks so much for subscribing, Jan! 😊 Those bathroom tiles definitely stand out, don’t they? 😅 It’s all part of the fun of this renovation-a real labor of love, for sure! Have you checked out any of my other videos yet? My new one is going live this Sunday, so stay tuned! 🛁🏡✨
Thank you so much, Sue! 😊 I’m glad you’re enjoying the journey-it’s been a wild ride so far, but so exciting! Kefalonia must have been a stunning place for a renovation project too! Have you checked out any of my other videos yet? My new one is going live this Sunday, so stay tuned! 🏡✨
Thank you, Diana! 😊 I'm really excited to share the transformation with you all. There's so much potential in this place, and I can't wait to see how it all comes together. Your support means a lot-stay tuned for the journey ahead! 🏡🌿
Thanks so much, Gladys! 😊 You’re absolutely right-the land alone makes this whole journey worth it! I’m definitely enjoying the ride. Have you had a chance to check out any of my other videos yet? My new video is going live this Sunday, so stay tuned! And if you’re curious for more updates, feel free to follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily! 🌳🏡
So much potential. Well done!!!! Of course it need a lot of work but with this Big yard!!! the olive trees, lot of space for gardening and growing your own veggies, it's amazing. With the mediterranean weather you can do miracles.... Can’t wait to see, what you do, with this property!!!
You're absolutely right, Noni! A good old-fashioned clean has worked wonders already. It’s amazing how a bit of elbow grease can make such a difference! 🧽 If you want to see how things are shaping up, my latest video is now live - hope you enjoy it!
@@OperationSicily Hi, I did watch it last night. What a beautiful difference. Great job btw! New sub I will be following along on your journey from down under. 🙂
Just watched your first vlog and it was interesting but yes a lot of work. I hope to watch more but would like to hear your commentary in vlogs too maybe to discuss what you are going to do or what your plans are for each room. I really enjoyed the walk around the town and what a yummy pastry shop 😋😋
Thanks so much, Pat! 😊 Video 1 is the only one without any talking-I wanted to focus more on the visuals for that one. But don’t worry, I’ve got commentary in the later videos where I chat about the plans for each room and what’s coming next! Glad you enjoyed the walk around town too (and yes, that pastry shop was incredible! 😋). My new video is going live this Sunday, so stay tuned! And if you’re curious for more updates, feel free to follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily! 🏡🎥
Wow! What an amazing place. The patio will be magical in the evenings and the garden has true potential. The work inside will be extensive, but in the end it is mostly about surfaces. Absolutely doable I would say. Looking forward to coming along on the journey. Good luck from Sweden!
Thank you so much, Helena! 😊 I couldn't agree more-the potential of the patio and garden is what drew me to this place, and I can’t wait to transform them into something truly special. The work inside will definitely be a challenge, but as you said, it’s all part of the journey! I’m thrilled to have you following along, and your support from Sweden means a lot. Tack så mycket!
The arches are lovely. The rooms are a nice size. Is that dining table salvageable? Fabulous fenced garden. I'm signed up to watch you transform this place!
Thank you so much! 😊 The arches and tower truly add so much character to the villa. The large dining table was actually covered with a very dirty, waterproof plastic sheet, but once I removed that, the tabletop was like brand new! The legs and body of the table are also in great condition, so I’ve kept it and have been using it ever since. It’s the only piece of furniture I decided to save. The garden has so much potential too! Excited to have you on this journey-stay tuned for the transformation! 🌿
@@OperationSicily Vi siete trasferiti in Italia ,spero non abbiate preso la cittadinanza!!!! Qui le tasse ti si mangiano il 47% del reddito , la corruzione è lo sport nazionale e peggiora ancora muovendosi da Nord a Sud !! Non SO se siete americani inglesi o tedeschi , ma GIURO nessuno sano di mente si trasaferirebbe in un paese dove ci vogliono due mesi per farti attaccare acqua e luce , dove non tutte le case hanno il metano , dove per ogni documento che dovrete fare ve ne servirà un altro che non avete ,e ve lo diranno solo se ANDATE a protestare all'agenzia governativa INPS, AGENZIA DELLE ENTRATE ETC. di persona anche se hanno dei siti internet .....ma ci lavora gente con la terzia media!!! E passano il tempo a giocare a solitario su windows !!! Ci sono dei meme a riguardo figuratevi quando è endemico e canceroso il fenomeno . Spero che il sindaco e un paio di assessori regionali di dovunque avete sconsideratamente deciso di vivere siano amici fidati e di famiglia perchè in Italia senza favori politici , NON VAI DA NESSUNA PARTE . Io sono un medico e seguendo tutte le regole in un anno ho solo fatto i documenti e pagato ,geometri ,arcghitetti geologi periti ambientali ....... 30000 euros e la casa era ancora nel mondo dei sogni , alla fine non ce l'ho fatta per un cavillo amministrativo sull'eredità legata alla terra e ad un documento di 100 anni fa scritto male !!!!! Morale : terreno bloccato . Naturalmente non sono il solo !! Attenti ai ristoranti perchè appena vedono gli stranieri aumentano i prezzi del 300% , la pizza è meglio all'estero perchè fregano sulla farina specialmente a Napoli , il pesce non è fresco perchè hanno rovinato tutti i fondali soprattutto nell'Adriatico , neanche gli arrosticini si salvano quando ero in Croazia ho visto un camion frigo che portava arrosticini sul litorale adriatico , perchè in Italia non ci sono abbastanza pecore .Inoltre il vino è quasi sempre una FREGATURA provate a cercare notizie sull'aggiunta di zucchero al BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO ,c'è gente che è finita in galera !!! La cultrura è peggio della peggiore provincia americana abbandonata alla consanguineità , vanno avanti solo Facebook tik tok e la TV spara scemenze !!! MI CHIEDO CHE COSA AVETE TROVATO CHE VI PIACE HO CAPITO IL PANORAMA E L'ARTE MA SPERO CHE MANTENIATE LA CITTADINANZA E VENIATE SOLO PER LUNGHE VACANZE ALTRIMENTI DEVO PENSARE CHE AVETE SENZA OFFESA UN SERIO RITARDO MENTALE , QUESTO PAESE E' MORTO E SI SENTE ANCHE LA PUZZA . L'infalzione si è mangiata gli stipendi come una obesa ad un matrimonio , la classe media è scomparsa quello che un medico come mio padre si permetteva senza troppi sacrifici 20 anni fa oggi io me lo sogno e mia madre era casalinga invece mia moglie è medico come me!!!! Nel vostro bene fatevi il vostro "buen retiro" in Grecia , in Spagna a Creta , in Provenza , in Corsica e Portogallo ( il migliore ) MA PER FAVORE NON FATE DEL MALE A VOI STESSI VENENDO IN ITALIA !!!!
It's a really lovely property. All the best in your efforts to shine this diamond! I love the olive and citrus trees; the thorny succulents (cacti?) creeping over the wall are kind of scary though! I grew up in Texas and this reminds me of the area around San Antonio. I look forward to seeing your restoration!
Thank you so much, James! 😊 The olive and citrus trees are definitely some of my favorite features too - they give the place so much character. And yes, those prickly pear cacti creeping over the wall definitely have a mind of their own! I’ll be tidying them up as part of the garden restoration. If you want to follow the journey a bit closer, feel free to check out my Instagram @Operation.Sicily for more updates. The new video will be out on Sunday, so stay tuned for more progress! 🌿
Hi i just found your channel and interested in following you journey i hope you will be very happy in your new home it looks so peaceful and beautiful.
Thank you, Graham! 😊 I'm thrilled to have you along for the journey. It really is a peaceful and beautiful spot, even though there's a lot of work ahead! My latest video is now live if you want to catch up on the progress, and feel free to follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily for more updates and behind-the-scenes moments. Welcome aboard!
Congratulations on taking the leap. I'd have preferred a commentary, and to hear your reactions as you explored. But I can see the potential, and look forward to seeing your progression. I'd love to see what the street with the light shades looks like at night. Best of luck with the channel and the house👍
Thank you, Ian! 😊 I really appreciate the feedback. I’m working on finding the right balance between commentary and visuals as I go along, and I’ll definitely share more of my reactions in future videos. The street with the light shades looks amazing at night-I’ll try to capture it in an upcoming video! Thanks for the support, and I’m excited to have you follow the journey! 🌟
@@OperationSicily thank you for the reply. I've watched the rest of your videos and obviously you do talk more 👍 But I'd have loved to here your genuine reactions and thoughts as you went into the house for the first time. Are there plans for a spiral staircase in the tower to a roof terrace somewhere in the future? Keep up the good work. Cheers 👍
Thanks so much for watching all the videos, Ian! 😊 I appreciate your feedback about the first video - it would have been great to capture my initial reactions, but I'll definitely keep that in mind for future moments. And you’re absolutely right about the tower! I’m planning to build a spiral staircase that leads up to a roof terrace, which will have some incredible views over the countryside. It's one of the features I'm most excited about! Thanks again for the support, and I hope you enjoy the upcoming progress. Cheers! 👍
Honestly I appreciate the silence and just the sound of the atmosphere of the environment so I can think through my own inner dialogue and serene appreciation of the location and building and not be distracted by talking. Extrovert vs introvert. A balance indeed. 😊
@@OperationSicilydescribing how and why would be good and the process you went thru to buy it. Maybe that's in another video? I'm knitting so only take quick glances at the screen to see what's happening.
Greetings from South Africa! Whow what a journey to take! So exciting. Wish you all the best! Set out goals for each day or week and take it day by day. Looking forward to see more vids.
Welch bezaubernder Ort, dass Haus hat Potential kann super renoviert werden, der Garten nicht zu groß aber auch nicht zu klein, ein Brunnen ebenfalls vorhanden. Wünsche ihnen viel Glück und alles Gute bei der Renovierung des kleinen doch schönen Anwesen 🌟
Vielen Dank, Richard! 😊 Ich stimme zu, der Garten ist genau die richtige Größe, und der Brunnen ist ein tolles Plus. Es gibt viel Potenzial hier, und ich freue mich darauf, es in ein wunderschönes Zuhause zu verwandeln. Vielen Dank für Ihre Unterstützung und guten Wünsche!
Thank you so much! 😊 I feel incredibly lucky to have found this villa and the beautiful land that comes with it. There’s a lot of work ahead, but I’m excited to bring it back to life! If you'd like to follow the journey, feel free to check out my Instagram @Operation.Sicily. New video coming out tomorrow as well! 🏡🌿
Thank you so much, Christine! 😊 It really does have so much potential, and I’m excited to bring it all to life. I’m so glad to have you joining me on this journey-there’s something magical about Italy, isn’t there? 🇮🇹 Looking forward to sharing more of the adventure with you!
Thank you so much, Chamishi! 😊 I’m really glad you see the charm in the property, even in its current state. I agree, the arch adds a lovely touch of character to the room-it’s one of my favorite features! Thanks for subscribing and joining me on this journey. If you’d like more behind-the-scenes updates, feel free to follow along on Instagram @Operation.Sicily. New video coming out tomorrow as well! 🎥
Thank you so much, Marly! 😊 I really appreciate the kind words and support. It’s going to be a big journey, but I’m excited to see the transformation. If you'd like to follow along, feel free to check out my Instagram @Operation.Sicily for more updates! And don’t miss the new video coming out tomorrow! 🎥
Well done! I moved to Italy (Lazio) 25 years ago and consider myself very fortunate. I confess I wouldn't have leapt as far as Sicily though but am glad you are getting on with the locals - it's so very important. In my view Italy represents a major opportunity for those into home renovation, it being something Italians are reluctant to do either using builders or DIY, meaning eventual restored value is not priced in to the unrestored sales price as it usually is in the UK. I imagine many would be interested in the decision making and process you went through to purchase & get legal title, the first apparent uncertainty. Best wishes to you. David.
Hello David, thank you so much for your informative comment and sharing your experience of moving to Italy! 😊 I completely agree - there’s a huge opportunity for property renovation here in Sicily, which was one of the reasons I decided to take the leap. Sicily feels like it’s 10-20 years behind other places I’ve been, which gives it a unique charm but also presents some great long-term financial opportunities. The decision-making process and the journey to get legal title is definitely an interesting story, and I plan to make a separate video about it soon. There were quite a few properties I viewed that couldn’t legally be sold, which made the process a real learning experience! It’s all part of the adventure, and I look forward to sharing more details soon. Thanks again for your support, and best wishes to you in Lazio!
Legality was definitely a tricky part of the process, David! 😅 It’s shocking really-I had many experiences where estate agents were being deceitful, hiding important details, and were often reluctant to provide requested information. Some were even keen to take a deposit knowing they couldn't legally sell the property. But on the other hand, there are some genuinely good estate agents out there, so it’s not all bad. It was a real learning curve, and I’ll be sharing more about these experiences in an upcoming video. Thanks again for your interest and support!
I love Sicily it is in my blood. Now in Portugal, too old to move again. We have been blessed here, and it is wrong to have all these blessings and wish to live somewhere else. But that is where my heart is..
Thank you for sharing, Olaias! 😊 It sounds like you’ve lived in some truly beautiful places. Sicily has a special magic that really captures the heart, doesn't it? It’s wonderful that you’ve found a place you love in Portugal, but I understand how Sicily can always feel like home. Wishing you all the best, and if you’d like to follow more of my Sicilian journey, you can find me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily! 🇮🇹❤️
I've done a similar thing here in Spain. If you've got water, electricity and it's legal, you're half way there. Make sure the electricals are safe, buy a mixer and get plastering, if you don't know how, you'll soon learn. One room at a time. Good that you've got walls and a gate. Good luck.
Thanks for the advice, Glenn! 😊 It’s great to hear you’ve done something similar in Spain-it sounds like you’ve been through the whole process yourself! Unfortunately, this property doesn’t have electricity, not even a mains supply, and there’s no water supply either. But on the plus side, there’s an old water well in the back garden that I’m hoping to restore and get up and running. I’m definitely taking it one step at a time! Appreciate the encouragement, and if you’d like to follow more of the journey, feel free to check out my Instagram @Operation.Sicily. All the best with your own project! 🔧
Enjoy your Sicilian residence. I noticed lots of Prickly Pears trees surrounding your property. These are cactus plants that thrive in Sicily. My mum used to make marmalade from the fruits of these hardy cactus plants. I was born in Sicily, and the summers there are super hot and dry.
Thank you, Titanus! 😊 I’m loving the Sicilian vibes already, and yes, those Prickly Pears are everywhere! Your mum’s marmalade sounds amazing-I might have to give it a try myself once they're ripe. The heat is intense, but I'm embracing it! 🌵🍯
Thank you, that's such a compliment! 😊 I’ve been trying to keep the videos more visual to let the beauty of the villa and surroundings shine through. I’ve heard great things about Nikki Positano’s channel-glad you see a bit of that style here. Excited to share more with you as the renovation progresses!
Thank you! 😊 I’ll actually be making a separate video all about the cost, so stay tuned! Out of curiosity, how much do you think I paid for it? I'd love to hear your guess!
Ciao Tommaso! 😊 Yes, there’s definitely a lot of work ahead, but I’m excited about the potential this place has. Thank you for the encouragement-I’ll definitely stay persistent and keep pushing forward. Grazie mille for your support!
Beautiful! Those chrysanthemum tiles in the bathroom could be lovely if you saved a few and made a more subtle backsplash with them interspersed with plain colored tiles. They’re too beautiful to totally get rid of! Also the garden would be so nice with a little pond or fountain, since it looks so dry.
Thank you so much for your lovely suggestions! 😊 I hadn't thought about reusing the chrysanthemum tiles, but you’re absolutely right-they could make a beautiful feature if mixed with some plain tiles. I’ll definitely keep that in mind! As for the garden, a little pond or fountain sounds like a fantastic idea, especially to bring some life to the space. Appreciate your thoughts. New video out tomorrow too! 🌿🏡
Thank you, Margit! 😊 It really is a solid place, and I'm excited to see it come together step by step. The garden's potential is fantastic too-it'll be great to have a space to enjoy once the work’s done! Have you had a chance to watch any of my other videos?
Thanks, Mary! 😊 Yes, I got lucky with the windows-lots of natural light coming in, which is great! And the big yard is definitely a huge bonus. Have you checked out any of my other videos yet? My new video is going live this Sunday, so stay tuned! And if you’re curious for more updates, feel free to follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily! 🏡🌞
Thanks so much, Zara! 😊 I still can’t believe it sometimes-it really does feel like a dream! I’m so glad you discovered the channel. Have you had a chance to check out any of my other videos yet? There’s so much more to come! And if you want to see more behind-the-scenes updates, feel free to follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily! 🏡🌞
Thank you so much, Linda! 😊 It really does feel like living a dream, and I’m so grateful for every step of this journey. Your kind words mean a lot! Have you had a chance to check out any of my other videos yet? My new video is going live this Sunday, so stay tuned! And if you’re curious for more updates, feel free to follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily! 🏡✨
Thank you so much! 😊 I completely agree-the potential is huge, and I’m excited to bring it all to life. It’s going to be a big journey, but I can’t wait to see the transformation. Thanks for the good luck wishes, and I hope you enjoy following along!
@@OperationSicily I will! Just a suggestion, it would be very interesting to know a bit of context and economics. I'm assessing a very similar project in the Liguria regionand I'm learning a lot through your experience and others here on YT.
That’s a great suggestion, and I’m glad you’re finding my journey helpful! 😊 I’m actually planning to make a dedicated video covering all the finer details about the costs, challenges, and the whole buying process here in Sicily, so definitely keep an eye out for that. Liguria sounds like a fantastic choice-such a beautiful region! Have you already started your project, or are you still in the planning stages? Feel free to follow along on Instagram @Operation.Sicily for more updates and behind-the-scenes moments! 💪🏡
Thank you! 😊 The walled garden is definitely one of my favorite features too-it adds so much charm and character to the villa. I can’t wait to transform it into a beautiful outdoor space. Any suggestions on what I should include in the garden?
@@OperationSicily Native plants will flourish of course, you will need shade so a pergola, small orchid, a vegetable garden and flowers and water for your pollinators ie bees etc .... the possibilities are endless🙂outdoor rooms.
Those are some fantastic suggestions! 😊 I’m definitely planning to include plenty of native plants, and a pergola sounds like a great idea for some much-needed shade. I love the idea of creating different ‘outdoor rooms’ with an orchard, vegetable garden, and a space for flowers to attract pollinators like bees. It’s going to be a wonderful project, and I can’t wait to see it all come together. Thanks so much for the inspiration!
Thank you so much, Riccardo! 😊 Emilia Romagna is such a beautiful region-I've heard great things about it. I’m really excited to be here in Italy and appreciate your kind welcome. Wishing you all the best as well, and I hope you enjoy following my renovation journey in Sicily!
Thank you so much! 😊 I’m really excited about the potential this villa has, and I can’t wait to see it all come together. It’s definitely a big project, but I’m up for the challenge! Stay tuned for the transformation! 🙌
Initial view is not bad, no major ceiling damage, all walls intact, doesn’t seem to have a lean. Hopefully new plumbing , electrical and cosmetic repairs will be straightforward. As always, anything can be done with enough money.
you're absolutely right, Kathy! Structurally, the property is sound, and the roof is in great shape, so I definitely have a solid base to start with. It’s just the interior that needs a complete strip out and overhaul. Hopefully, the plumbing, electrical, and cosmetic repairs will be straightforward. Have you ever tackled a renovation project like this before? 😊
@@OperationSicily I’ve always lived in conventional wood framing. I’m from the swamps of S. Louisiana. I’ve had 3 homes that flooded and my late husband and I rebuilt ourselves (too poor to hire out). I’m currently having a small retirement home constructed that will be elevated above flood damage. I find old European home interesting. Best wishes.
You won't regret this. It's a game changer. We are doing something similar in France and love every minute of it. Maybe i'll bump into you at Manchester Airport someday. It's our nearest departure point too.
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it! 😊 It’s been an adventure so far, and I'm loving every minute of it here in Sicily. If you’re interested, my latest video is now live - lots more progress to share!
Thank you so much! 😊 It's definitely going to be a long journey, but I'm excited to see it all come together. If you want to follow the progress, feel free to check out my Instagram @Operation.Sicily for more updates!
Thank you, MissRed! 😊 That’s so exciting-Sardegna is absolutely stunning! You’re going to love it. Best of luck with your move and project next year! 🏡🌞
Absolutely, cleaning is definitely the first mission, and I'm already feeding a stray cat that's been hanging around the property! 🐱 It’s a gorgeous place with so much potential, just need to make it more 'home' and less 'rat hotel.' 😂 Thanks for the support, and feel free to follow along on Instagram @Operation.Sicily for more behind-the-scenes updates! 😊
Thank you so much! 😊 It definitely needs a lot of TLC, but I can already picture how amazing it’s going to be once it’s all done. It’s a big journey, but I’m excited to share it every step of the way. Hi to you in the USA, and thanks for joining me on this adventure!
Congratulations on your new home! The place isn’t very old, about 80s/90s build? And there doesn’t seem to be much humidity going up\down the walls, looks promising. I’m looking forward to seeing the progress you make. Good luck 🍀
Thank you so much! 😊 I'm not entirely sure how old the property is, but I did find an old newspaper inside from 1995, which gives a bit of a clue. You're right about the humidity-it's very dry at the moment with the intense heat. It’ll be interesting to see if things change as the year goes on. Excited to have you following the journey!
Thank you so much, Diana! 😊 It's a big project, but I'm excited to transform this place bit by bit. Your support means a lot-can’t wait to share the journey with you! 🙌
Thank you so much! 😊 I’m excited to be here and take on this adventure. Italy has been incredibly welcoming so far, and I can’t wait to see how the villa transforms over time.
Thank you, @alemassa6632! 😊 I've already experienced the warm hospitality of the Sicilians, and it’s made me feel right at home. I’m really looking forward to immersing myself even more in the culture and getting to know the local community. If you'd like to follow more of my journey, feel free to check out my Instagram @Operation.Sicily. Appreciate the kind words and support! 🇮🇹
Grazie mille! 😊 I'm so excited about this journey and can’t wait to share more of the renovation adventure with you. Your support means a lot-stay tuned for more updates from Sicily!
That’s fantastic! 😊 It’s great to hear you’re also renovating in Sicily-there’s so much potential here! Whereabouts in Sicily are you working on your project? I’d love to connect and exchange ideas. Best of luck with your renovation journey!
Grazie mille! 😊 Sono felice di essere qui e di intraprendere questa avventura. Sicily has already been so welcoming, and I can't wait to share more of this journey. Feel free to follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily for more updates!
Thank you so much, Dave! 😊 I really appreciate the kind words. It’s just the beginning of the journey, and there’s plenty more to come. Feel free to follow along on Instagram @Operation.Sicily for more updates! 🏡
Wow... at least with the good weather all year round you won't be rushed to finish the repairs quickly.. 😆😆😆 Good luck courageous man... Nice place surely you'll make it perfect... I'll check on you...
Thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement! 😊 You're absolutely right, the good weather here in Sicily definitely gives me more time to take things at my own pace and enjoy the process. It’s a big project, but I’m excited to bring this place back to life! Feel free to check in anytime, and if you'd like to follow along, you can find more updates on Instagram @Operation.Sicily. Appreciate your support! 🌞🏡
Thank you so much! 😊 I really appreciate the support. It’s an exciting journey, and I can’t wait to share more of it with you. Feel free to follow along on Instagram @Operation.Sicily for more updates! 🏡
Your channel came in my feed. What a a pleasant change to watch with nice music and no constant jibber just letting the place speak for its self. I stop watching so many due to constant jibber and awful music. Look forward to seeing the progress. Wishing you all the very best for your new adventure
Thank you so much, Wendy! 😊 I'm glad you enjoyed the more relaxed vibe-sometimes it's best to let the place do the talking! I'll be sharing more progress soon, so stay tuned! Wishing you all the best as well! 🎥🌿
Thanks so much for the tip, Heather! 😊 I completely agree-the trees are definitely in need of a good soak. I’m working on getting the water supply sorted, and once that’s up and running, I’ll be giving them plenty to drink. It’s all part of bringing this villa back to life, and I can’t wait to see the garden thrive again!
Your videography of the village was beautiful! I would also like some commentary, and I think that adding that personal story of why you want to "homestead" and live "off grid" would keep people coming back for more. How do you live off grid in a place that gets so hot? I know people have done it for eons, but coming from a cool climate I would think air conditioning would be a necessity. Interested in how you will cope with that. I will look for more videos!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment, Sarah! 😊 I really appreciate your feedback on the videography. In my other videos, I do include more commentary, so if you haven’t checked them out yet, feel free to do so! I’m actually working on sharing more of my personal journey and the reasons behind going off-grid, so stay tuned! As for living off-grid in the heat, it's definitely a challenge, especially coming from the UK! I'm planning to use a combination of clever insulation, shade from the garden, and some good old-fashioned Sicilian breeze to stay cool. Air conditioning might be on the cards in the future, but for now, it's all about adapting to the climate. Hope you continue to enjoy the journey, and if you want more updates, you can follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily. Thanks again!
Hey, this beautiful arch by the end of your video is the Arco normanno in Mazara del Vallo ! I believe it was the entrance of a castle. French here; never been there, just curious of history, and i have a good friend who's from Sicily... Mate, you got a well in the garden, that's great !!! Can't wait to see what you'll do with all this: subscribing right away ! Cheers !
Thanks for subscribing, Franz! 😊 You’ve got a great eye-you're spot on, that’s the Arco Normanno in Mazara del Vallo! It used to be the entrance to a Norman castle, and it’s one of the last remaining pieces of that history. I love hearing how connected people are to Sicily’s rich past! And yes, the well in the garden is going to be a huge help-I’m planning to restore it and use it as the main water supply. Have you had a chance to check out any of my other videos yet?
@@OperationSicily Thanks SO much for your answer ! I'm actually on my way to binge-watch your other videos. To be honest, I've watched this one on my break at work the other night, so now that I have time, I'm getting to it ! 😄
Thanks so much, Franz! 😊 I really appreciate you taking the time to watch during your break, and now you're on a binge-love it! There’s plenty more to come, and the next video is going live this Sunday, Cheers! 🍻
I love the place. Clean up and get a cat as someone suggested. Get rid of tiles, furniture, and other things you don't need. One suggestion. Get rid of the cacti while they're small. They grow huge (check your neighbours cactus) fantastic little gem good luck
Thanks so much, Scott! 😊 I’m actually located near Trapani, but Mazara del Vallo isn’t too far away. Sicily is such an incredible place, and I can see why you’re excited to return next year. Good luck with your travels, and I hope you enjoy following along with my renovation journey! If you want to see more updates, feel free to check out my Instagram @Operation.Sicily!
What a bizarre shape, veerrry interesting.... I've subscribed because I'd like to see where you take it. Just remember that water is gold in Sicily and that's your #1 priority in the beginning! #2 find your voice. 😉
Thanks so much for subscribing! 😊 You’re absolutely right about water being gold in Sicily. Luckily, the back garden has a water well with water in it, which I plan to fully renovate and use as the main water supply for the house. But I've also heard stories about wells drying up in the area, so fingers crossed! Thanks for the tip, and I hope you enjoy following the journey! 💧
@@OperationSicily Is there any way you can route rain water to your well or separate cistern as well? With such a different roof line that might not be so easy. 😎
Great question! 😊 There are definitely options for routing rainwater from the roof terrace back to the well or into a separate water tank. This could be used for the garden or even for the house through a proper filtration system. The roof will be getting relined, and there's already a good runoff in place. However, the real challenge is how much rainwater the roof will actually collect-so far, I've noticed that Sicily doesn’t get much rain. But it's definitely something I’m planning to explore! 🌧️💧
Discovering My Sicilian Villa for the First Time! 🏡
In this episode, I’m taking you inside my newly acquired Sicilian villa and kicking off an incredible real estate investment journey. This off-grid renovation will be full of challenges, but it’s all part of the adventure. What do you think of the villa at first sight? Let’s discuss! 🌞
Stay Updated for More:
📅 New episodes every Sunday!
📷 Instagram: @Operation.Sicily
👉 Hit subscribe, like, and join the conversation to follow the full journey. And if you’d like to support my work, feel free to ‘buy me a coffee’ here buymeacoffee.com/operationsicily - every bit of help keeps the project moving forward!
A lot of work? Yes. Worth every minute of blood, sweat, and tears? ABSOLUTELY! She will be beautiful inside and out. I can't wait to watch the transformation.
Thank you so much, Suzy! 😊 I couldn't agree more-it’s going to be a lot of hard work, but every bit of effort will be worth it to transform this villa into something beautiful. I'm excited to share the journey with you, and I can’t wait to show you how it all comes together! Stay tuned for more updates! 🌿🏡
I must admit when i saw you opening the gate i thought "Mama mia...WTF !" but, as you moved into the garden areas i can see you have a hidden gem yourself. Looking forward to your Escapade....well; done.
Thanks, Jeff! 😂 I had the same 'Mama mia...WTF!' moment when I first saw it too! But once you get past that gate, there’s definitely a hidden gem waiting underneath all the chaos. I’m glad you're enjoying the journey-plenty more escapades to come!
Beautiful house. Can't wait to see you turn it into a home.
Thank you so much, Joy! 😊 I'm really excited to transform this villa into a beautiful home, and I can’t wait to share the journey with you. There’s still a lot to do, but it’s already starting to feel like it has so much potential. If you're interested in seeing more behind-the-scenes updates, I also share extra photos and floor plans on my Instagram page @Operation.Sicily. Thanks for following along!
Love the walled in garden, can’t wait to see what you do with it
Cheers, appreciate your support! 👍
The garden is cleaner than the house. I don't understand why previous owners would leave the house in such a state. I wish you all good fortune and happiness putting much needed love into this beautiful home.
Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊 I agree, it’s a mystery why the previous owners left the house in such a state-it was definitely a shock when I first arrived. But I’m excited to bring this beautiful villa back to life and give it the love and care it deserves. The garden's transformation is next on the list! 🌿 Thanks again for the good wishes, and I hope you enjoy following along with the journey!
Italians care about other things
Deep sigh!@@michelles2299
This will be a beautiful home.... it just needs love and patience. Wonderful move on your part... congratulations 👏 💐 ✨️
Thanks so much, means a lot! 🙏
Just subscribed. My wife and I came back from Sicily a couple of months ago and we can confirm that, in the interior, the countryside has been hit hard by emigration. So few people and so many unoccupied houses and farms. Poverty seemed quite common - and yet, just a few miles away, tourists were paying fortunes for rooms and meals.
Each to their own. We love the UK with its varied climate and I don’t think you appreciate the sunny day until you’ve had the cloudy one. If this is your dream - or you hope it will be - then every piece of good luck to you. A lot of hard work but, at the end of it, you can look around and say that you did this.
Thank you so much for subscribing, Theo! 😊 It’s true-the contrast between the unoccupied houses in the countryside and the bustling tourist areas is really striking. There’s a sense of history and beauty in these quiet, often overlooked parts of Sicily that I’m excited to bring back to life. I agree that the UK’s varied climate makes you appreciate those sunny days even more, but there’s something about the challenge and adventure of this project that makes it all worth it. It’s going to be a lot of hard work, but I’m looking forward to that moment when I can look around and say, 'I did this.' Thanks again for your kind words and support!
Oh my goodness how exciting .. let the adventure begin. 🇨🇦❤️🌹
Thank you so much, Yolanda! 😊 It’s definitely an exciting adventure, and there’s so much more to come! I’m thrilled to have you join me on this journey. Greetings to you in Canada! 🇨🇦 Let’s make this renovation one to remember
The villa it's a gem itself!
Thanks so much, means a lot! 🙏
Congratulation the villa has great potensial with few years of hard work i can t wait to see all done including the garden wish you well
Thank you so much, Ornella! 😊 The villa definitely has a lot of potential, and I’m excited to bring it back to life, bit by bit. The garden is going to be a big project too, but I’m looking forward to transforming it into something beautiful.
Wow…
I found your page yesterday, and watched number 8..
I’ve gone back and started at one..
Hello, what a great place to begin a new adventure..
It’s good enough to live in and work on.
An amazing large walked garden, I hope you have good water supply
Cheers, I will start on episode 2 now
The house has good bones and great room size. Should be an easy remodel. Yard is fenced and trees are healthy. Good purchase and happy remodeling!
Thanks so much! 😊 The structure is definitely solid, which makes all the difference! The garden is going to be a big focus too, I’m planning on turning it into something truly special. If you’re interested, my new video is now live, where I dive into more of the progress so far. Also, feel free to follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily for more updates!
Can’t wait to see what you do with this lovely old property. So much potential. Will be following all the way.
Thank you so much, Linda! 😊 It definitely has a lot of potential, and I’m excited to bring it back to life. If you’re interested in the progress, my new video is now live-hope you enjoy following the journey! 🚀
A brave purchase. A worthwhile project. I think the garden will need grapevines and plenty of shelter from the sun for yourself ! (Grape vines can provide the shade).
Thanks, Wiltshire! 😊 Definitely a brave purchase, but it’s all worth it in the end! I love the idea of adding grapevines-they’d be perfect for some shade and maybe even a bit of homemade wine in the future! 🍇 I’m also moving a few fruit trees around and adding some citrus to the garden. Have you seen any of my other videos yet?
Beautiful! I enjoyed this video so much. Enjoyed the way you were silent and let us really absorb this wonderful new home with you. 🎉
Thank you so much, Lisa! 😊 I'm really glad you enjoyed the video and the way I let the villa speak for itself. There’s something special about experiencing the moment together without too many words. I can’t wait to share more of this journey with you! If you'd like more behind-the-scenes updates, feel free to follow along on Instagram @Operation.Sicily. New video coming out tomorrow too! 🏡
This is a great project. And with all of that land you could even expand the house…and turn the garden into something amazing.
Thanks so much, Noah! 😊 I'm definitely excited about the possibilities with all that space! 🌿 I’ve got big plans for the garden, including adding a pool, outdoor kitchen, and moving the fruit trees around 🍊🍋 Have you seen the more recent videos yet? I’m making progress bit by bit! If you’re interested in seeing more, feel free to follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily for some behind-the-scenes updates! 🌞
This is marvelous! I love it, and will be looking for updates. Good luck on your endeavor, blessings and peace.
Thank you so much, Karen! 😊 I'm thrilled to have you along for the journey! There will be plenty of updates coming as I bring this villa back to life. If you’re curious about more behind-the-scenes, feel free to follow along on Instagram @Operation.Sicily. Your support and blessings mean a lot! 🙏✨
Love video. Can’t wait to see you renovate.
Thank you so much, Tedda! 😊 I'm really glad you enjoyed the video, and there's plenty more to come as the renovation journey unfolds. I can’t wait to share the transformation with you-stay tuned for all the updates!
Welcome to the renovating in Sicily club :) Looking forward to following your journey with this beautiful place!!
Thank you so much! 😊 It's great to be part of the "Renovating in Sicily" club! There’s definitely a lot of work ahead, but I’m excited to bring this beautiful place back to life. Looking forward to sharing the journey with you-thanks for following along! 🏡🔨
Love the bathroom. Best of luck. Think I’ll hang around and see how it works out. Tks for sharing.
Thanks so much, means a lot! 🙏
Lovely.....I envision it decorated already! Little elbow grease but so worth it.
The garden is a clean slate. Trim shrubs up...a bougainvillea along the wall....just imagine.
Your living my dream... I wish you much success and am following along!
Many thanks, it truly means a lot! ❤️
What an interesting house! And I don’t see ‘a mess’. I see fun! Good luck!
Thank you, Carol! 😊 That’s exactly how I see it - a fun, exciting project with endless potential. It’s all about the journey, right? I’m thrilled to have you along for the ride!
Looking forward to seeing your adventures in Sicily ❤
Thank you so much! 😊 I’m excited to share all the adventures that Sicily has in store. There’s plenty more to come as I transform this villa! If you’d like more behind-the-scenes updates, feel free to follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily. And don’t miss the new video coming out tomorrow! 🎥
I love the bathroom tiles!!! So beautiful and unique. The covered patio looks so cool and inviting. Great place to have a cold drink. You did well in buying this house! Congrats.
Thanks so much, Stacy! 😊 The bathroom tiles definitely divide opinions-some people love them, and others… not so much! They're a bit like marmite, haha! 😅 The covered patio is definitely one of my favorite spots too, perfect for relaxing with a cold drink after a long day. Have you checked out any of my other videos yet? My new video is going live this Sunday, so stay tuned! And if you’re curious for more updates, feel free to follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily! 🛁🍹
Just found your channel, decided to start at the beginning. Congratulations!🎉 ! Muy buen espectáculo.
😂 just wanted to add that the state of it reminds me of my place the first time. I think this was worse than yours though, it's close. ❤
Many thanks, it truly means a lot! ❤️
This is like my dream home. Congratulations on a beautiful find, and best wishes!
Thank you so much, Jessica! 😊 It really does feel like a dream come true, and I’m so grateful to have found it. There’s a lot of hard work ahead, but I’m excited to make it my own. Wishing you the best as well, and if you’d like to follow along, feel free to check out my Instagram @Operation.Sicily for more updates! 🏡🌿
The beauty and relaxation of that plane ride almost put me to sleep. Hello from Lumberton Texas!
Thanks for watching, appreciate the kind words! 😊
Wow those bathroom tiles are something else!! new subscriber.. this is a labour of love.. ❤
Thanks so much for subscribing, Jan! 😊 Those bathroom tiles definitely stand out, don’t they? 😅 It’s all part of the fun of this renovation-a real labor of love, for sure! Have you checked out any of my other videos yet? My new one is going live this Sunday, so stay tuned! 🛁🏡✨
First time on here it’s sooo beautiful… exciting… had a renov moment in kefalonia years ago ….great stuff x x
Thank you so much, Sue! 😊 I’m glad you’re enjoying the journey-it’s been a wild ride so far, but so exciting! Kefalonia must have been a stunning place for a renovation project too! Have you checked out any of my other videos yet? My new one is going live this Sunday, so stay tuned! 🏡✨
will be great watching you transform it
Thank you, Diana! 😊 I'm really excited to share the transformation with you all. There's so much potential in this place, and I can't wait to see how it all comes together. Your support means a lot-stay tuned for the journey ahead! 🏡🌿
the land along makes it all worth it! enjoy the ride! congrats!!
Thanks so much, Gladys! 😊 You’re absolutely right-the land alone makes this whole journey worth it! I’m definitely enjoying the ride. Have you had a chance to check out any of my other videos yet? My new video is going live this Sunday, so stay tuned! And if you’re curious for more updates, feel free to follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily! 🌳🏡
So much potential. Well done!!!! Of course it need a lot of work but with this Big yard!!! the olive trees, lot of space for gardening and growing your own veggies, it's amazing. With the mediterranean weather you can do miracles....
Can’t wait to see, what you do, with this property!!!
A good old fashioned clean will make a huge difference here. I like it.
You're absolutely right, Noni! A good old-fashioned clean has worked wonders already. It’s amazing how a bit of elbow grease can make such a difference! 🧽 If you want to see how things are shaping up, my latest video is now live - hope you enjoy it!
@@OperationSicily
Hi, I did watch it last night. What a beautiful difference. Great job btw! New sub I will be following along on your journey from down under. 🙂
Many thanks, it truly means a lot! ❤️
It's got a lot of potential. Going to enjoy following your journey.
Just watched your first vlog and it was interesting but yes a lot of work. I hope to watch more but would like to hear your commentary in vlogs too maybe to discuss what you are going to do or what your plans are for each room. I really enjoyed the walk around the town and what a yummy pastry shop 😋😋
Thanks so much, Pat! 😊 Video 1 is the only one without any talking-I wanted to focus more on the visuals for that one. But don’t worry, I’ve got commentary in the later videos where I chat about the plans for each room and what’s coming next! Glad you enjoyed the walk around town too (and yes, that pastry shop was incredible! 😋). My new video is going live this Sunday, so stay tuned! And if you’re curious for more updates, feel free to follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily! 🏡🎥
Wow! What an amazing place. The patio will be magical in the evenings and the garden has true potential. The work inside will be extensive, but in the end it is mostly about surfaces. Absolutely doable I would say. Looking forward to coming along on the journey. Good luck from Sweden!
Thank you so much, Helena! 😊 I couldn't agree more-the potential of the patio and garden is what drew me to this place, and I can’t wait to transform them into something truly special. The work inside will definitely be a challenge, but as you said, it’s all part of the journey! I’m thrilled to have you following along, and your support from Sweden means a lot. Tack så mycket!
The arches are lovely. The rooms are a nice size. Is that dining table salvageable? Fabulous fenced garden. I'm signed up to watch you transform this place!
Thank you so much! 😊 The arches and tower truly add so much character to the villa. The large dining table was actually covered with a very dirty, waterproof plastic sheet, but once I removed that, the tabletop was like brand new! The legs and body of the table are also in great condition, so I’ve kept it and have been using it ever since. It’s the only piece of furniture I decided to save. The garden has so much potential too! Excited to have you on this journey-stay tuned for the transformation! 🌿
41 K views!
@@OperationSicily Vi siete trasferiti in Italia ,spero non abbiate preso la cittadinanza!!!! Qui le tasse ti si mangiano il 47% del reddito , la corruzione è lo sport nazionale e peggiora ancora muovendosi da Nord a Sud !! Non SO se siete americani inglesi o tedeschi , ma GIURO nessuno sano di mente si trasaferirebbe in un paese dove ci vogliono due mesi per farti attaccare acqua e luce , dove non tutte le case hanno il metano , dove per ogni documento che dovrete fare ve ne servirà un altro che non avete ,e ve lo diranno solo se ANDATE a protestare all'agenzia governativa INPS, AGENZIA DELLE ENTRATE ETC. di persona anche se hanno dei siti internet .....ma ci lavora gente con la terzia media!!! E passano il tempo a giocare a solitario su windows !!! Ci sono dei meme a riguardo figuratevi quando è endemico e canceroso il fenomeno . Spero che il sindaco e un paio di assessori regionali di dovunque avete sconsideratamente deciso di vivere siano amici fidati e di famiglia perchè in Italia senza favori politici , NON VAI DA NESSUNA PARTE . Io sono un medico e seguendo tutte le regole in un anno ho solo fatto i documenti e pagato ,geometri ,arcghitetti geologi periti ambientali ....... 30000 euros e la casa era ancora nel mondo dei sogni , alla fine non ce l'ho fatta per un cavillo amministrativo sull'eredità legata alla terra e ad un documento di 100 anni fa scritto male !!!!! Morale : terreno bloccato . Naturalmente non sono il solo !! Attenti ai ristoranti perchè appena vedono gli stranieri aumentano i prezzi del 300% , la pizza è meglio all'estero perchè fregano sulla farina specialmente a Napoli , il pesce non è fresco perchè hanno rovinato tutti i fondali soprattutto nell'Adriatico , neanche gli arrosticini si salvano quando ero in Croazia ho visto un camion frigo che portava arrosticini sul litorale adriatico , perchè in Italia non ci sono abbastanza pecore .Inoltre il vino è quasi sempre una FREGATURA provate a cercare notizie sull'aggiunta di zucchero al BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO ,c'è gente che è finita in galera !!! La cultrura è peggio della peggiore provincia americana abbandonata alla consanguineità , vanno avanti solo Facebook tik tok e la TV spara scemenze !!! MI CHIEDO CHE COSA AVETE TROVATO CHE VI PIACE HO CAPITO IL PANORAMA E L'ARTE MA SPERO CHE MANTENIATE LA CITTADINANZA E VENIATE SOLO PER LUNGHE VACANZE ALTRIMENTI DEVO PENSARE CHE AVETE SENZA OFFESA UN SERIO RITARDO MENTALE , QUESTO PAESE E' MORTO E SI SENTE ANCHE LA PUZZA . L'infalzione si è mangiata gli stipendi come una obesa ad un matrimonio , la classe media è scomparsa quello che un medico come mio padre si permetteva senza troppi sacrifici 20 anni fa oggi io me lo sogno e mia madre era casalinga invece mia moglie è medico come me!!!! Nel vostro bene fatevi il vostro "buen retiro" in Grecia , in Spagna a Creta , in Provenza , in Corsica e Portogallo ( il migliore ) MA PER FAVORE NON FATE DEL MALE A VOI STESSI VENENDO IN ITALIA !!!!
@@irenedavo3768 Now 124,000 views already, just 4 days later. I look forward to see how he brings the place back to life, I just subscribed.
It's a really lovely property. All the best in your efforts to shine this diamond! I love the olive and citrus trees; the thorny succulents (cacti?) creeping over the wall are kind of scary though! I grew up in Texas and this reminds me of the area around San Antonio. I look forward to seeing your restoration!
Thank you so much, James! 😊 The olive and citrus trees are definitely some of my favorite features too - they give the place so much character. And yes, those prickly pear cacti creeping over the wall definitely have a mind of their own! I’ll be tidying them up as part of the garden restoration. If you want to follow the journey a bit closer, feel free to check out my Instagram @Operation.Sicily for more updates. The new video will be out on Sunday, so stay tuned for more progress! 🌿
Hi i just found your channel and interested in following you journey i hope you will be very happy in your new home it looks so peaceful and beautiful.
Thank you, Graham! 😊 I'm thrilled to have you along for the journey. It really is a peaceful and beautiful spot, even though there's a lot of work ahead! My latest video is now live if you want to catch up on the progress, and feel free to follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily for more updates and behind-the-scenes moments. Welcome aboard!
Congratulations on taking the leap. I'd have preferred a commentary, and to hear your reactions as you explored. But I can see the potential, and look forward to seeing your progression. I'd love to see what the street with the light shades looks like at night. Best of luck with the channel and the house👍
Thank you, Ian! 😊 I really appreciate the feedback. I’m working on finding the right balance between commentary and visuals as I go along, and I’ll definitely share more of my reactions in future videos. The street with the light shades looks amazing at night-I’ll try to capture it in an upcoming video! Thanks for the support, and I’m excited to have you follow the journey! 🌟
@@OperationSicily thank you for the reply. I've watched the rest of your videos and obviously you do talk more 👍 But I'd have loved to here your genuine reactions and thoughts as you went into the house for the first time.
Are there plans for a spiral staircase in the tower to a roof terrace somewhere in the future?
Keep up the good work. Cheers 👍
Thanks so much for watching all the videos, Ian! 😊 I appreciate your feedback about the first video - it would have been great to capture my initial reactions, but I'll definitely keep that in mind for future moments. And you’re absolutely right about the tower! I’m planning to build a spiral staircase that leads up to a roof terrace, which will have some incredible views over the countryside. It's one of the features I'm most excited about! Thanks again for the support, and I hope you enjoy the upcoming progress. Cheers! 👍
Honestly I appreciate the silence and just the sound of the atmosphere of the environment so I can think through my own inner dialogue and serene appreciation of the location and building and not be distracted by talking. Extrovert vs introvert. A balance indeed. 😊
@@OperationSicilydescribing how and why would be good and the process you went thru to buy it. Maybe that's in another video? I'm knitting so only take quick glances at the screen to see what's happening.
Definitively full of potential! Good luck to you!
Appreciate it, thank you! 😊
So much potential!!!
Thank you so much, really appreciate it! 🌟
Greetings from South Africa! Whow what a journey to take! So exciting. Wish you all the best! Set out goals for each day or week and take it day by day. Looking forward to see more vids.
Welch bezaubernder Ort, dass Haus hat Potential kann super renoviert werden, der Garten nicht zu groß aber auch nicht zu klein, ein Brunnen ebenfalls vorhanden.
Wünsche ihnen viel Glück und alles Gute bei der Renovierung des kleinen doch schönen Anwesen 🌟
Vielen Dank, Richard! 😊 Ich stimme zu, der Garten ist genau die richtige Größe, und der Brunnen ist ein tolles Plus. Es gibt viel Potenzial hier, und ich freue mich darauf, es in ein wunderschönes Zuhause zu verwandeln. Vielen Dank für Ihre Unterstützung und guten Wünsche!
What an incredible house...and land!!!!
Thank you so much! 😊 I feel incredibly lucky to have found this villa and the beautiful land that comes with it. There’s a lot of work ahead, but I’m excited to bring it back to life! If you'd like to follow the journey, feel free to check out my Instagram @Operation.Sicily. New video coming out tomorrow as well! 🏡🌿
ITS BEAUTIFUL CONGRATS ANNAMAY
Thanks a million, I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🎉
Wow! So much potential! You're living my dream. 😊I'm coming along with you on your journey! ❤ it... Ahhhh Italy 🇮🇹 😊
Thank you so much, Christine! 😊 It really does have so much potential, and I’m excited to bring it all to life. I’m so glad to have you joining me on this journey-there’s something magical about Italy, isn’t there? 🇮🇹 Looking forward to sharing more of the adventure with you!
Very nice property even in its current condition looked well taken care of. The arch brings charm to the room...new sub
Thank you so much, Chamishi! 😊 I’m really glad you see the charm in the property, even in its current state. I agree, the arch adds a lovely touch of character to the room-it’s one of my favorite features! Thanks for subscribing and joining me on this journey. If you’d like more behind-the-scenes updates, feel free to follow along on Instagram @Operation.Sicily. New video coming out tomorrow as well! 🎥
Fantastic! Congrats and good luck!
Thank you so much, Marly! 😊 I really appreciate the kind words and support. It’s going to be a big journey, but I’m excited to see the transformation. If you'd like to follow along, feel free to check out my Instagram @Operation.Sicily for more updates! And don’t miss the new video coming out tomorrow! 🎥
Well done!
I moved to Italy (Lazio) 25 years ago and consider myself very fortunate. I confess I wouldn't have leapt as far as Sicily though but am glad you are getting on with the locals - it's so very important.
In my view Italy represents a major opportunity for those into home renovation, it being something Italians are reluctant to do either using builders or DIY, meaning eventual restored value is not priced in to the unrestored sales price as it usually is in the UK.
I imagine many would be interested in the decision making and process you went through to purchase & get legal title, the first apparent uncertainty.
Best wishes to you.
David.
Hello David, thank you so much for your informative comment and sharing your experience of moving to Italy! 😊 I completely agree - there’s a huge opportunity for property renovation here in Sicily, which was one of the reasons I decided to take the leap. Sicily feels like it’s 10-20 years behind other places I’ve been, which gives it a unique charm but also presents some great long-term financial opportunities.
The decision-making process and the journey to get legal title is definitely an interesting story, and I plan to make a separate video about it soon. There were quite a few properties I viewed that couldn’t legally be sold, which made the process a real learning experience! It’s all part of the adventure, and I look forward to sharing more details soon. Thanks again for your support, and best wishes to you in Lazio!
@@OperationSicily legality was a question I didn't dare ask...
Legality was definitely a tricky part of the process, David! 😅 It’s shocking really-I had many experiences where estate agents were being deceitful, hiding important details, and were often reluctant to provide requested information. Some were even keen to take a deposit knowing they couldn't legally sell the property. But on the other hand, there are some genuinely good estate agents out there, so it’s not all bad. It was a real learning curve, and I’ll be sharing more about these experiences in an upcoming video. Thanks again for your interest and support!
I love Sicily it is in my blood. Now in Portugal, too old to move again. We have been blessed here, and it is wrong to have all these blessings and wish to live somewhere else. But that is where my heart is..
Thank you for sharing, Olaias! 😊 It sounds like you’ve lived in some truly beautiful places. Sicily has a special magic that really captures the heart, doesn't it? It’s wonderful that you’ve found a place you love in Portugal, but I understand how Sicily can always feel like home. Wishing you all the best, and if you’d like to follow more of my Sicilian journey, you can find me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily! 🇮🇹❤️
Fantastic! Congratulations 😁
Appreciate it, thank you! 😊
I've done a similar thing here in Spain. If you've got water, electricity and it's legal, you're half way there. Make sure the electricals are safe, buy a mixer and get plastering, if you don't know how, you'll soon learn. One room at a time. Good that you've got walls and a gate. Good luck.
Thanks for the advice, Glenn! 😊 It’s great to hear you’ve done something similar in Spain-it sounds like you’ve been through the whole process yourself! Unfortunately, this property doesn’t have electricity, not even a mains supply, and there’s no water supply either. But on the plus side, there’s an old water well in the back garden that I’m hoping to restore and get up and running. I’m definitely taking it one step at a time! Appreciate the encouragement, and if you’d like to follow more of the journey, feel free to check out my Instagram @Operation.Sicily. All the best with your own project! 🔧
Enjoy your Sicilian residence. I noticed lots of Prickly Pears trees surrounding your property. These are cactus plants that thrive in Sicily. My mum used to make marmalade from the fruits of these hardy cactus plants. I was born in Sicily, and the summers there are super hot and dry.
Thank you, Titanus! 😊 I’m loving the Sicilian vibes already, and yes, those Prickly Pears are everywhere! Your mum’s marmalade sounds amazing-I might have to give it a try myself once they're ripe. The heat is intense, but I'm embracing it! 🌵🍯
A feast for the eyes. Nice music. Reminds me of Nikki Positano's style. More visual than vocal. I look forward to this reno.
Thank you, that's such a compliment! 😊 I’ve been trying to keep the videos more visual to let the beauty of the villa and surroundings shine through. I’ve heard great things about Nikki Positano’s channel-glad you see a bit of that style here. Excited to share more with you as the renovation progresses!
How much was your property as I’m looking to escape
Thank you! 😊 I’ll actually be making a separate video all about the cost, so stay tuned! Out of curiosity, how much do you think I paid for it? I'd love to hear your guess!
Why does everything have to resemble something or remind of something such a boring comment
love nikki's channel.
uff! so much potential!!👍👍👍
Ciao, there is lots of work to be done but the place definitely has potential. Good luck for the renovation, it will work but be persistent. Best
Ciao Tommaso! 😊 Yes, there’s definitely a lot of work ahead, but I’m excited about the potential this place has. Thank you for the encouragement-I’ll definitely stay persistent and keep pushing forward. Grazie mille for your support!
Beautiful! Those chrysanthemum tiles in the bathroom could be lovely if you saved a few and made a more subtle backsplash with them interspersed with plain colored tiles. They’re too beautiful to totally get rid of! Also the garden would be so nice with a little pond or fountain, since it looks so dry.
Thank you so much for your lovely suggestions! 😊 I hadn't thought about reusing the chrysanthemum tiles, but you’re absolutely right-they could make a beautiful feature if mixed with some plain tiles. I’ll definitely keep that in mind! As for the garden, a little pond or fountain sounds like a fantastic idea, especially to bring some life to the space. Appreciate your thoughts. New video out tomorrow too! 🌿🏡
Yes, some work ahead, but you have a solid house and a wonderful garden, this is a good buy, enjoy the process of transformation
Thank you, Margit! 😊 It really is a solid place, and I'm excited to see it come together step by step. The garden's potential is fantastic too-it'll be great to have a space to enjoy once the work’s done! Have you had a chance to watch any of my other videos?
🎉Very nice. I see some windows too. (Some homes in italy have not so many windows.) Big yard😊
Thanks, Mary! 😊 Yes, I got lucky with the windows-lots of natural light coming in, which is great! And the big yard is definitely a huge bonus. Have you checked out any of my other videos yet? My new video is going live this Sunday, so stay tuned! And if you’re curious for more updates, feel free to follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily! 🏡🌞
Smashing place....clean up and couple of coats of white paint , some bright rugs ! home..
Appreciate it, thank you! 😊
Discovered your channel by accident wow that’s my dream you lucky thing
Thanks so much, Zara! 😊 I still can’t believe it sometimes-it really does feel like a dream! I’m so glad you discovered the channel. Have you had a chance to check out any of my other videos yet? There’s so much more to come! And if you want to see more behind-the-scenes updates, feel free to follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily! 🏡🌞
You’re living your dream! Good for you and God bless your new life❤p
Thank you so much, Linda! 😊 It really does feel like living a dream, and I’m so grateful for every step of this journey. Your kind words mean a lot! Have you had a chance to check out any of my other videos yet? My new video is going live this Sunday, so stay tuned! And if you’re curious for more updates, feel free to follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily! 🏡✨
@@OperationSicily I will be watching more videos yes!
Thanks so much, means a lot! 🙏
The potential of this house is huge :). Congrats and good luck!
Thank you so much! 😊 I completely agree-the potential is huge, and I’m excited to bring it all to life. It’s going to be a big journey, but I can’t wait to see the transformation. Thanks for the good luck wishes, and I hope you enjoy following along!
@@OperationSicily I will! Just a suggestion, it would be very interesting to know a bit of context and economics. I'm assessing a very similar project in the Liguria regionand I'm learning a lot through your experience and others here on YT.
That’s a great suggestion, and I’m glad you’re finding my journey helpful! 😊 I’m actually planning to make a dedicated video covering all the finer details about the costs, challenges, and the whole buying process here in Sicily, so definitely keep an eye out for that. Liguria sounds like a fantastic choice-such a beautiful region! Have you already started your project, or are you still in the planning stages? Feel free to follow along on Instagram @Operation.Sicily for more updates and behind-the-scenes moments! 💪🏡
Just love a walled garden
Thank you! 😊 The walled garden is definitely one of my favorite features too-it adds so much charm and character to the villa. I can’t wait to transform it into a beautiful outdoor space. Any suggestions on what I should include in the garden?
@@OperationSicily Native plants will flourish of course, you will need shade so a pergola, small orchid, a vegetable garden and flowers and water for your pollinators ie bees etc .... the possibilities are endless🙂outdoor rooms.
Those are some fantastic suggestions! 😊 I’m definitely planning to include plenty of native plants, and a pergola sounds like a great idea for some much-needed shade. I love the idea of creating different ‘outdoor rooms’ with an orchard, vegetable garden, and a space for flowers to attract pollinators like bees. It’s going to be a wonderful project, and I can’t wait to see it all come together. Thanks so much for the inspiration!
I'm not in Sicily but in Emilia Romagna, another region... Welcome in Italy and I wish you all the best...
Thank you so much, Riccardo! 😊 Emilia Romagna is such a beautiful region-I've heard great things about it. I’m really excited to be here in Italy and appreciate your kind welcome. Wishing you all the best as well, and I hope you enjoy following my renovation journey in Sicily!
@@OperationSicily Thank you my friend.
Of course I already subscribed to your channel!!!
Thank you so much for subscribing, Riccardo! 😊 I really appreciate your support.
Wow so much potential, it’s going to be gorgeous.
Thank you so much! 😊 I’m really excited about the potential this villa has, and I can’t wait to see it all come together. It’s definitely a big project, but I’m up for the challenge! Stay tuned for the transformation! 🙌
I agree
Initial view is not bad, no major ceiling damage, all walls intact, doesn’t seem to have a lean. Hopefully new plumbing , electrical and cosmetic repairs will be straightforward. As always, anything can be done with enough money.
you're absolutely right, Kathy! Structurally, the property is sound, and the roof is in great shape, so I definitely have a solid base to start with. It’s just the interior that needs a complete strip out and overhaul. Hopefully, the plumbing, electrical, and cosmetic repairs will be straightforward. Have you ever tackled a renovation project like this before? 😊
@@OperationSicily I’ve always lived in conventional wood framing. I’m from the swamps of S. Louisiana. I’ve had 3 homes that flooded and my late husband and I rebuilt ourselves (too poor to hire out). I’m currently having a small retirement home constructed that will be elevated above flood damage. I find old European home interesting. Best wishes.
You won't regret this. It's a game changer. We are doing something similar in France and love every minute of it. Maybe i'll bump into you at Manchester Airport someday. It's our nearest departure point too.
Welcome to Italy and good jobs 😊👏👍💪
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it! 😊 It’s been an adventure so far, and I'm loving every minute of it here in Sicily. If you’re interested, my latest video is now live - lots more progress to share!
Best of luck to you.
Thank you so much! 😊 It's definitely going to be a long journey, but I'm excited to see it all come together. If you want to follow the progress, feel free to check out my Instagram @Operation.Sicily for more updates!
Congratulations! 🎉 I’m doing the same thing next year. But moving to Sardegna.
Thank you, MissRed! 😊 That’s so exciting-Sardegna is absolutely stunning! You’re going to love it. Best of luck with your move and project next year! 🏡🌞
@@OperationSicily Thank you so much! I’m excited and can’t wait. 😊 I wish you all the best with your new life in Sicilia and renovating your house. 🍀
Thank you so much, really appreciate it! 🌟
1st thing on the agenda....clean, then get cats. They will clear the rodents out. It's a gorgeous house and property. Can't wait to see what you do!
Poodles are supposedly good for rodent control, too.
Absolutely, cleaning is definitely the first mission, and I'm already feeding a stray cat that's been hanging around the property! 🐱 It’s a gorgeous place with so much potential, just need to make it more 'home' and less 'rat hotel.' 😂 Thanks for the support, and feel free to follow along on Instagram @Operation.Sicily for more behind-the-scenes updates! 😊
Welcome to your new place, needs TLC but I can picture later, will be amazing. Hi from USA.
Thank you so much! 😊 It definitely needs a lot of TLC, but I can already picture how amazing it’s going to be once it’s all done. It’s a big journey, but I’m excited to share it every step of the way. Hi to you in the USA, and thanks for joining me on this adventure!
You are living my dream ❣️😊
Congratulations on your new home! The place isn’t very old, about 80s/90s build? And there doesn’t seem to be much humidity going up\down the walls, looks promising. I’m looking forward to seeing the progress you make. Good luck 🍀
Thank you so much! 😊 I'm not entirely sure how old the property is, but I did find an old newspaper inside from 1995, which gives a bit of a clue. You're right about the humidity-it's very dry at the moment with the intense heat. It’ll be interesting to see if things change as the year goes on. Excited to have you following the journey!
what a great place ,you will make it amazing xx
Thank you so much, Diana! 😊 It's a big project, but I'm excited to transform this place bit by bit. Your support means a lot-can’t wait to share the journey with you! 🙌
Welcome to Italy! Best of luck with the channel and the house.
Thank you so much! 😊 I’m excited to be here and take on this adventure. Italy has been incredibly welcoming so far, and I can’t wait to see how the villa transforms over time.
@@OperationSicily The Sicilians are very welcoming people, you'll never regret.
Thank you, @alemassa6632! 😊 I've already experienced the warm hospitality of the Sicilians, and it’s made me feel right at home. I’m really looking forward to immersing myself even more in the culture and getting to know the local community. If you'd like to follow more of my journey, feel free to check out my Instagram @Operation.Sicily. Appreciate the kind words and support! 🇮🇹
New subscriber here, came up on my feed and yep, liked it straight away 👍👍
Thanks so much, means a lot! 🙏
Me too 🤩
My new video is going live this Sunday, hope you like it! 🏡✨
Congratulazioni 🍾
Grazie mille! 😊 I'm so excited about this journey and can’t wait to share more of the renovation adventure with you. Your support means a lot-stay tuned for more updates from Sicily!
I hope we can visit your project. We are renovating in Sicily as well.
That’s fantastic! 😊 It’s great to hear you’re also renovating in Sicily-there’s so much potential here! Whereabouts in Sicily are you working on your project? I’d love to connect and exchange ideas. Best of luck with your renovation journey!
Benvenuti in questa parte del mondo !
Grazie mille! 😊 Sono felice di essere qui e di intraprendere questa avventura. Sicily has already been so welcoming, and I can't wait to share more of this journey. Feel free to follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily for more updates!
Outstanding
Thank you so much, Dave! 😊 I really appreciate the kind words. It’s just the beginning of the journey, and there’s plenty more to come. Feel free to follow along on Instagram @Operation.Sicily for more updates! 🏡
@@OperationSicily thanks- have an awesome day
Wow... at least with the good weather all year round you won't be rushed to finish the repairs quickly.. 😆😆😆 Good luck courageous man... Nice place surely you'll make it perfect... I'll check on you...
Thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement! 😊 You're absolutely right, the good weather here in Sicily definitely gives me more time to take things at my own pace and enjoy the process. It’s a big project, but I’m excited to bring this place back to life! Feel free to check in anytime, and if you'd like to follow along, you can find more updates on Instagram @Operation.Sicily. Appreciate your support! 🌞🏡
Congrats!
Thank you so much! 😊 I really appreciate the support. It’s an exciting journey, and I can’t wait to share more of it with you. Feel free to follow along on Instagram @Operation.Sicily for more updates! 🏡
Bravo!! 🇮🇹
Thanks so much, means a lot! 🙏
Your channel came in my feed. What a a pleasant change to watch with nice music and no constant jibber just letting the place speak for its self. I stop watching so many due to constant jibber and awful music. Look forward to seeing the progress. Wishing you all the very best for your new adventure
Thank you so much, Wendy! 😊 I'm glad you enjoyed the more relaxed vibe-sometimes it's best to let the place do the talking! I'll be sharing more progress soon, so stay tuned! Wishing you all the best as well! 🎥🌿
Gorgeouse! Is a lot of work at the beggining but the potential is huge ! Go on mate ! 🥰🧡
If you can I recommend a soaking watering for those lovely trees in your yard…they are crying out for something to drink.❤
Thanks so much for the tip, Heather! 😊 I completely agree-the trees are definitely in need of a good soak. I’m working on getting the water supply sorted, and once that’s up and running, I’ll be giving them plenty to drink. It’s all part of bringing this villa back to life, and I can’t wait to see the garden thrive again!
It's wonderful
Your videography of the village was beautiful! I would also like some commentary, and I think that adding that personal story of why you want to "homestead" and live "off grid" would keep people coming back for more. How do you live off grid in a place that gets so hot? I know people have done it for eons, but coming from a cool climate I would think air conditioning would be a necessity. Interested in how you will cope with that. I will look for more videos!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment, Sarah! 😊 I really appreciate your feedback on the videography. In my other videos, I do include more commentary, so if you haven’t checked them out yet, feel free to do so! I’m actually working on sharing more of my personal journey and the reasons behind going off-grid, so stay tuned!
As for living off-grid in the heat, it's definitely a challenge, especially coming from the UK! I'm planning to use a combination of clever insulation, shade from the garden, and some good old-fashioned Sicilian breeze to stay cool. Air conditioning might be on the cards in the future, but for now, it's all about adapting to the climate. Hope you continue to enjoy the journey, and if you want more updates, you can follow me on Instagram @Operation.Sicily. Thanks again!
Very beautiful!
Hey, this beautiful arch by the end of your video is the Arco normanno in Mazara del Vallo ! I believe it was the entrance of a castle.
French here; never been there, just curious of history, and i have a good friend who's from Sicily...
Mate, you got a well in the garden, that's great !!! Can't wait to see what you'll do with all this: subscribing right away ! Cheers !
Thanks for subscribing, Franz! 😊 You’ve got a great eye-you're spot on, that’s the Arco Normanno in Mazara del Vallo! It used to be the entrance to a Norman castle, and it’s one of the last remaining pieces of that history. I love hearing how connected people are to Sicily’s rich past! And yes, the well in the garden is going to be a huge help-I’m planning to restore it and use it as the main water supply. Have you had a chance to check out any of my other videos yet?
@@OperationSicily Thanks SO much for your answer ! I'm actually on my way to binge-watch your other videos. To be honest, I've watched this one on my break at work the other night, so now that I have time, I'm getting to it ! 😄
Thanks so much, Franz! 😊 I really appreciate you taking the time to watch during your break, and now you're on a binge-love it! There’s plenty more to come, and the next video is going live this Sunday, Cheers! 🍻
I’m hooked 10 mins in ❤
And omg I’d love to get stuck into that garden 🪴 lol ❤
Really grateful, thanks a lot! 🙏
I love the place. Clean up and get a cat as someone suggested. Get rid of tiles, furniture, and other things you don't need. One suggestion. Get rid of the cacti while they're small. They grow huge (check your neighbours cactus) fantastic little gem good luck
I’ll be seeing that bathroom in my nightmares 😳
Mazara dell Vallo? I can't wait to go back to Sicily next year. Good luck with your project!
Thanks so much, Scott! 😊 I’m actually located near Trapani, but Mazara del Vallo isn’t too far away. Sicily is such an incredible place, and I can see why you’re excited to return next year. Good luck with your travels, and I hope you enjoy following along with my renovation journey! If you want to see more updates, feel free to check out my Instagram @Operation.Sicily!
What a bizarre shape, veerrry interesting.... I've subscribed because I'd like to see where you take it. Just remember that water is gold in Sicily and that's your #1 priority in the beginning! #2 find your voice. 😉
Thanks so much for subscribing! 😊 You’re absolutely right about water being gold in Sicily. Luckily, the back garden has a water well with water in it, which I plan to fully renovate and use as the main water supply for the house. But I've also heard stories about wells drying up in the area, so fingers crossed! Thanks for the tip, and I hope you enjoy following the journey! 💧
@@OperationSicily Is there any way you can route rain water to your well or separate cistern as well? With such a different roof line that might not be so easy. 😎
Great question! 😊 There are definitely options for routing rainwater from the roof terrace back to the well or into a separate water tank. This could be used for the garden or even for the house through a proper filtration system. The roof will be getting relined, and there's already a good runoff in place. However, the real challenge is how much rainwater the roof will actually collect-so far, I've noticed that Sicily doesn’t get much rain. But it's definitely something I’m planning to explore! 🌧️💧
Congrats
Thanks so much, means a lot! 🙏 Have you had the chance to check out my other videos? There's a new one coming out this Sunday, so stay tuned!