The charm of this house, lovingly built and maintained by the Italian Costa family, struck me immediately. Giannalberto, the son, was there to greet us (the real estate agency, a friend, and myself). Since the passing of mother Lidia, the house had lost its soul for the Costa family and had become more of a burden than a blessing. In July, the moment finally arrived: the deed was signed, and the k
eys were handed over. When I drove up the driveway again, this time under a radiant sun, I was greeted by a phenomenal view that stretched for miles. It felt like coming home immediately. Although the house needed some refurbishment, I decided to spend the summer there first to better understand the changes I wanted to make. The first ideas began to take shape, and plans were made. In November, the work began, starting with the first olive harvest. Despite the 350 trees, the harvest yielded only 30 liters. Not every tree bears fruit, after all. At the same time, the first walls were demolished, and preparations were made for the renovations starting in January. From January 2023 to July 2023, there was a lot of hard work, although it sometimes seemed not quite enough. At the beginning of July, I returned for a two-month stay. The first few nights, I slept on an air mattress among the construction debris, while using an improvised outdoor kitchen and a Gardena outdoor shower. It was scorching hot, and, unfortunately, the promised pool was not ready yet. By the end of October, just before the second olive harvest, the house had become much more livable. This time, the harvest was better and yielded 60 liters. Meanwhile, work continued on the pool. In April 2024, the garden was laid out, and the permit for renting out the house could be applied for. No, not quite yet. There’s still a lot to be done: the area around the pool needs to be completed, I dream of a barrel sauna in the olive grove, and the house could use some extra decoration. Perhaps I’ll never say, “Now it’s finished.”
The renovation was intense. I traveled back and forth between Belgium and Italy dozens of times, sometimes for just two days, sometimes for two months. I am incredibly pleased with the result and especially grateful for all the help I’ve received. I hope that my guests will feel at home and enjoy the immense tranquility and the beautiful view., just like I do! Warm regards, have a wonderful holiday!
