Good advice @kdclothes . I think that local knowledge of how to get a window passed is golden. It is all a dance but things get there in the end. Many Italians comment on here saying that there is always a way!😂

Hi Richard, Great wisdom and very good decision. It’s interesting in so many ways…. We’ve been pretty much through the same journey… We visited our property as the 48th in our search….it was on a rainy November day, we could barely see the sea some 800 metres away from us! But we instantly fell in love and knew this would be the one. Having bought it we decided first to live a couple years in it during holidays. There was nothing wrong, everything worked, but we got carried away with grand plans… Once we realised this would cost us money we couldn’t recover if we ever had to resell it we stepped back and realised none of this would change the essence of why we loved this place. It would impress the friends and neighbours for sure….but would it make us happier ? The years have passed since and we enjoy this place even more, having just improved on landscaping, garden and rain collection / irrigation system. So to live, the sunny side of it, and the pleasure of sharing it with friends and family. Great video as always… can’t wait to see the progress towards you realising your dream with this gem of a place ! Bestest, Pierre

​@@threeacresofmarcheSounds more like you need an attorney to twist wordage.☺️

Good idea @KittyMcGee1001 . That all sounds feasable - it is the converting of the actual building that will be the game!😂

Great perspective. I totally agree.

Hi @dono9879 That is great advice. They will probably only need a washing machine and a cashpoint!😂 I think you are right. A few flat areas so that decent glamping tents can be put out when they visit or they have the house and I go on a holiday! I don't think they will see the same beauty as I feel that I am seeing until they reach a similar age...those brambles might be under control by then.😁

@@threeacresofmarche No truer words could have been spoken. Keep it simple, and get to enjoy more sunsets. If there was a tractor in the outhouse - then that is your lock up. PS - bougainvillea tend to be very messy dropping all their flowers, so you might not want them near outdoor eating area or patio.

HI @jeroenpuyman6664 . That van life or van touring could be a good option. Part of the reson behind choosing this location was because of Ancona having a ferry to pop over to Croatia or even down to Greece. One big dream at a time though I suppose.😁👍

Thank you for the tips Sara, I think the step back and review is the best thing to do at the moment. A different geometra next time also...😁

Sorry, but wth is a geometra? You use that word a lot. ​@@threeacresofmarche

@@kookietherapy9398 Just search the internet: "A geometra is a cross between a land surveyor and a junior architect. Their primary focus is on buildings and building systems (utilities). Their training allows them to design "modest" buildings as well as to plan and oversee building works. A geometra does not have the full formal university training of an architect. A geometra often performs more "operational" tasks such as conducting a technical review of a property, checking to see if it complies with the building codes which were applicable when the building was constructed and perhaps subsequently modified. The review would normally include verification of the correctness of the data, including floor plan (planimetria catastale) on file with the catasto, the land registry for tax purposes...."

Thanks @TAG993🙌

Thank you @MariePayette-Falls you have summed up my experience and learning perfectly. My naivety did waste a lot of time over the first year or so but that time also allowed me to steop back and slow it all down. I now feel confident that a better, and more affordable, outcome if there for me to meander towards. I won't get wrapped up in those meetings about meetings ever again!😂

I’ll grant you that naivety might be part of it, when you don’t know enough about the inner workings but honestly, it’s less about naivety than it is about a word that’s missing in the Latin building lexicon I even mistakenly used in my comment and that’s “efficient”, not to mention another one: “belief”. You find yourself saying “what an inefficient way of doing things! Unbelievable!” all the time and it’s true, about what you’re up to and about things in general! It is, it’s the way it works (or doesn’t!), and somehow, we magically get used to it, laugh about it, and work around and even embrace it! I somehow ended up accepting it was going to take me reams of paperwork and time to return something at a store on Chile, or buy Nespresso pods or even a lightbulb, or have someone come to repair a short circuit in the house’s gate, or take 10 guys in white coveralls three days to move things into a house when it took 2 twenty something guys in jeans 6 hours to move things out! But once I made the shift, things became that much easier. And funny! Think all of stories you’ve amassed and how much more entertaining for us your vlogs are (thankfully we don’t have to incur any costs while being regaled by them 😉). Yup, it really is that different from the way we do things. It’s crazy, chaotic, frustrating, inefficient, unbelievable, for certain things, but do they ever know how to live, have fun, enjoy themselves, not take life so seriously, relax' unwind… That’s why you go back, and are staying, just like I go back in spite of it all. We’re not suckers for punishment! We’ve discovered that it might not be our way but there’s something about these places that have stolen our hearts and just won’t let them go, despite the craziness! And you win country wise because Italy definitely has the best food and drink in the world! I’ve been all over Italy but haven’t discovered your area! Time to add it to the list and find time to check it out ! Anyway, really enjoying your vlog! It’s ever evolving, like your house reno, and always something to look forward to! Well done, you!

❤

Thanks @juanramos3189 .

Thank you @kurtmunson5539 . I may open things up for helpers if I can get more organised. I do have help along the way but cannot count on full time help or afford to get somebody there more often.👍

Hi @davidmiller-br4bu . I think you're right. Finish the one project and then go back and review the ideas with them at that point. Good plan. I just googled bougainvillea. Good tip - thank you.🙌

Thank you @ralfweimar1869 . Wise words. Good luck with your plans. It is good to be organised with the budgets so that you are ready to rock once you see the property that has your name on it! Best wishes.

Thats great to hear. Thanks @franhunter4701 . A mix of the hard work with the lifestyle of the place seems to being well received. The rewards are here though so best wishes with your plans.👍

I think my geometra might be with you on that one. He was very frustrated.

Thank you @chrismacpherson7501 . Good luck with your application and best wishes for your big move over.🙌

HI @karinvaes5192 . That could be good to see. If you'd be up for talking about it then I am sure that some would like to see and hear how that all went? Your YT debut maybe?😊

Thank you @FerronV .

Thank you @duckmanhd I appreciate that. A lot to learn so I hope it keeps improving as I go.👍

Thanks @dorismeusburger4219 . A nearly finished house or one that just needs redecorating sounds like a nice plan. Best wishes for your search.👍

Hi @donkeykong7777 . The profit from the land was simply to protect the farmers whom I assume have a licence to trade etc. I can grow what I like but not cross the line of trading. With food standards etc. that is fair enough. AirBnBs are being encouraged in some areas. I even hear that Le Marche is encouraging these things. It is still down to the regions and as the town has some lovely hotels and there are already many guest houses nearby I assume they did not want this area to be saturated. I did not progress it as it was never a plan. There is plenty online about these things though should you be looking to rent the place out in some way. As for the designs - yes - very odd. Bad timing I think....it will come back when I know what to specifically ask for that I know they cannot say no to.😁

@@threeacresofmarche Thanks 👍

The wisdom and ability to play the game well comes with time (I hope!)😂

@LindaSiuzdak sounds like the marriage game..😂👍

Sound advice. Thank you @giovannagallottini . I did get wrappen up in it all and was far too trusting in the early days. The draining was fixed - for free and not the one thousand euros that I was taken for last time - and the 'making good' is well under way. It was a lesson, but it was a good lesson. It gave me time to look up and see what is there to enjoy and have the house fit into that rather than have a big house and no money in my pocket.😊 Italy is amazing once you settle in and realise what its beauty really is.

Hi @pierrearthur5428 'none of this would change the essence of why we love this place' is a prefect way to look at these things. Ok to have thoughts of the grand design but when the friends leave, being left with a bad bank balance and the same (free) view is the reality to not lose sight of. Thank you for sharing. I really appreciate it. 👍

Thanks you @marilynmeade2286

@@threeacresofmarche thank you for the heart ❤️ Richard Take care

Hi @mysicilycorner . Thank you. A long way to go....the windows are ordered though!🙌

@@threeacresofmarche That's great to hear!

Thanks @kellykish8531 . The impression I am getting having the benefit of seeing the comments come in from many different countries is that planning is a pain / process where ever you are in the world.😊

Hi - I did hear about the 20% rule ending but am happy to let that go as the paperwork costs are a waste of money if I don't get the result required. With regards to the pergolas, somebody has mentioned that so I will have to see where that leads in the future. Now that I am in no rush I can review all options and be better prepared to get the result I am after next time.

Its does seem a little down to timing. In saying that, some of what gets passed in my home country should be torn down so loose planning can be awful.😂

Hi @gracekarina7186 . Thank you for watching and all the kind comments.😊

I am Swedish. We renovate and build ourselves all the time. Minimal interference... Why is Italy so bureaucratic when it comes to renovating your own house?

Grazie. Lo spero. @valtervogliotti2277

Hi @johanswede8200 If you look at it all another way - does Sweden allow a car garage to become a three story house without anyone blinking an eye? They are simply saying that the outhouse is not a house - which is fair enough because you would not want to live in it as it is. Change of use is a big thing in many countries. Also, as tax is based on the space and how it is used, that has to be considered. It is not that bereacratic if you look at things at face value and not from a selfish standpoint. I am being selfish trying to change an outhouse into a house. I call it an outhouse but in all honestly it had a tractor parked in it when I viewed it so it is a garage in that sense.

@@threeacresofmarche I've probably watched to many northern Europeans trying to renovate in the Mediterranean...

@@threeacresofmarche Certamente.

Thank you @thomasbrynwood8592

HI @jacobseal . I know what you mean. The trouble is that I did ask what was possible before I got into it all. The feedback I had was via the geometra and not the town hall. As I get more and more into this I am finding that my mistake was to dive in as soon as I picked up the keys. That break between getting the keys and then asking what is possible would have probablt changed a lot of advice / cost / time. After all this, it has not put me off and I still highly recommend it.👍

I'd love a big machine that does multiple jobs but the budget doesnt cover that at the moment...😊

Thanks @priscillajohnson6573 . Enjoy your ride.😎

That sounds fair @Reet64 but I guess when they are trying to formalise things around structures that were built way before any process and rules were put in place then each case is different. Different, these days, means more time and money...and papwerwork.🤷‍♂️

Thanks @mariushegli🙌

That deck (and the wine) helped with many hours of reflection @lisasbeautifuljourney😂

I think I might need a nicer shower and a proper kitchen sink a lot sooner than 20 years!😂 ....but I know what you mean.😊

That sounds like a great plan @grantlingley1385 . Not too inviting!😂🙌

Agree 100%. I am Swedish. We renovate and build like crazy all the time. Hardly any bureaucracy❤

Hi @PeterPanMan While I agree with you in some ways I also respect that this is their counrty, with their rules, and they like to keep it looking a certain way. Building what you like is not how Italy looks. I must respect their rules and find a way to get this done so that all involved are happy. I am sure that there is a way through this. 😁

Exactly, that IS Not italy​@@johanswede8200

​@@threeacresofmarche agreed totally. I just don't understand why there isn't a well-written and clear building code for you to follow. Just leaving it up to some guy in an office in town leaves too much room for discrimination. Just establish codes, and a plan either abides by the code or it doesn't. Black and white. Leave personal preferences and biases out of it.

Thank you @miriammuskal5402

Hi @patriciadewit Being honest, if I had the budget (I paid cash and did not want to borrow for this) I would have bought a place that needed decorating only. Beggers and choosers and all that... The logo - yes - I used the two olive trees at the top of the land and traced them in photoshop. Thank you.🙌

It is very warm in the summer here but I would say that we have milder winters to where you are - especially if you are down as far as the Andalucian coast.

Hi @mttshw. Thanks. Permission was needed for the new windows and for insulating the roof - making good, so to speak. It was an easy process that took a few weeks and cost 60euros in paperwork at the townhall. I cover it in one of the other videos but forget which one, sorry.👍

HI @robertcasto6175 . It was stated in my documentation that I had to sign that althought I owned land and am able to grow anything that I like on my land, I am not allowed to profit from the crops that I grow. The farmer that works the land at the moment keeps all the profit he makes form what he grows. Keeping it all in line for me is a free trade, so to speak. This rule may be different in different regions as I know people sell vinyards and olive groves to non Italians and they can still sell their crops etc. This applied to my small plot and I had no issue with that to be honest. The land should be well mapped and defined so finding these rules out before you enter into offering to buy should be straight forward. If you are looking in the area around where I am I can introduce you to people that can help you find all of this out and work with you - very cheap service at an hourly rate type thing. I am not on commission BTW and am happy to help if I can. 👍

Hi @Geesell

Hi @williamneil8862 . It is interesting seeing the comments from all over the world and how people compare things to their own country. The positive is that there are many Italians in the comments and the message is similar - there is always a way to get things done in Italy. It depends on the appetite for the long haul haggle I suppose.😂

@@threeacresofmarche I would be the last one to argue about the "wonders" of the american zoning process at the local level, having been immersed in land-use controversy in NJ which has 567 give or take municipalities who have the land-use powers, not counties or the state unless the state legislature enacts a special area law like the NJ Pinelands. At any rate, the local muni zoning and its regs ought to tell a landowner-new home owner what changes they can make without a "permit" and whether their proposal is allowed in that zone (residential, commercial, industrial with many sub-iterations.). Then it gets tricky because there ought to be rules for "amendments" which is where the existing regs get bent. "Bargained on." Of course, the developers and their attorneys have the resources and time to mould this process to their advantage, and there have been infamous examples of municipal wide corruption. So the NJ process is more formal, legalistic and less bargaining oriented, but it does get "bent" quite a bit in my experience. And most often in more rural areas, and regions like Houston in the South, where there is little or no zoning. The irony is that when the building laws ignore nature, like wetland protection, infamous areas of NJ like the Passaic Basin flood regularly, and so does Houston, the NJ laws too late to save all the structures built in wrong place. And for much our American history, still true despite our "enlightened environmentalism, ahem" land is real estate, not habitat. England does a lot better, but it makes Martin Wolf mad.

HI @user-yj1py2jw1i It sounds great...and expensive. That big glass wall would take a lot of knowing the right people to get that through. I have only seen one barn converstion where they have built a house withing the frame of the barn - it looks very modern and small and sticks out like a sore thumb. I think that may have ruined things for those sort of plans in this area. A terrace will have a better view and be much cheaper. 😊

No better a skilled engineer than

I agree @Bluray50gig . An expert that actually knows all the rules and what will be approved before asking would have been easier I think.

Hi @pippodibrutto2008 the skills maybe similar but the process dictates that a geometra must be part of the process. I am lead to believe that these are highly qualified and respected roles in Italy.

As these are on the old, original drawings of the land I would guess that it was built before the rules became so sticky. At least it is on the plans as there are many houses with extra buildings that do not show on any plans or maps - then you have issues!😂

Hi @aarontaylor3768 . Thank you. I am getting lots of people asking to visit - it is so nice! I hope to get organised for next year so that I can offer a few different dates where people can come and go as they please. I should have some flat areas in place by then or will speak to the local accomodation places to see if we can get a deal! Thanks. I will send out details when I get to that stage.

HI @LindaSiuzdak while it looks steep, the land is a gradual slope and getting things up the field are not problem with the right machine / tractor etc. I think the only think I would put on the field would be something that I could easily take down and move.

Hi @speedbird8326 . I brought along a translator to help with all of these important meetings. As you can imagine, the conversations get quite complex so best to be sure that there is nothing lost in translation...even though on a few occasions there were still some major misunderstandings.😂

@@threeacresofmarche Ok thanks.

That sounds like a good idea @mariushegli . I will take a look at what he is doing. Thanks!👍

Thank you @espertocasaclima_video . As mad as it sounds, this house feels is pretty well insulated as it is. I will look at the natural methods when the time comes. There are some great renovations on YT showing this. @makedogrow are doing a superb job of it (in Portugal).

@@threeacresofmarche @makedogrow ...they are unsurpassed, but they have more preserved than insulated. and the Marche is not Portugal (climate zone D-E) 💪

Thank you - I have just looked at your channel and advice. There is a lot to look through but when it comes time to look at the internal roof insulation I will make contact and hopefully we can work together. 👍

@@threeacresofmarche If I can help you, I will do it with pleasure

Thank you @LiliofParis . That seems a popular idea. A quirky yet simple [something] would be nice.😎

Hi @maryrudkin5409. I was told that I did not need an architect for these type of plans/changes. The Geometra is local so should have known the rules and what would have been rejected and their drawings and designs should have been sufficient. Geometra's meet those in the town hall regularly and should be 'in the know', so to speak. I will find out more over time what actually happened and will share that when I know more. My budget is the budget and I don't think they listened to that properly. My feeling is that the superbonus has distorted any cost benefit reality and I was lost in the noise of all of that.

HI @user-gp8xi3qy9e . I agree that we must all respect what Italians want for their country. I have no problem with following whatever path it takes to keep Italy as wonderful has it has been and will be for centuries.😊❤️

@@threeacresofmarche grazie amico!!

Hi @jennichristie5264. Footrpint and volume are what they work from so adding volume is the same as adding footprint. I don't think they would allow a new floor to be added to anything if honest.

Hi @violetlight8138 at this stage it is a blank canvas that has massive potential. Main house first and then the plans for that building can be looked at. A bath house or sauna type thing for the winter has been mentioned quite a lot. 👍

Hi @paulrayner1274 . I am not sure.... Someone from NZ has contacted me about coming to Italy to film small houses for a series so I will see what they find out and see if we can share their film/documentry.

HI @hajnalsinka1921 , yes, of course - happy to try help where I can. Best to email me or contact me via DMs in Instagram. Links are on the channel page. 👍

Hi @carlorad my geometra was local whom has lived in the town his entire life.👍

People are leaving the countryside all over Europe. If they want people to move in they shouldn't be opposed to let people build...

HI @rameshsadhasivam2093 . Exploring the mountains is on my list for sure. I was going to head up a few weeks ago but the weather did not suit the epic shots that they deserve. Plenty to explore on bike or foot.👍

😂🙌

Also interested in this answer.

Enjoying your content, in the process of buying a house in Tuscany, will need a lot of work, so following your advice.

Hi @johnthorne1429 and @sharonbenmoshe for all of these important meetings I brought a translator.

@sharonbenmoshe Try and meet a few other expats and see how they did the planning part - some will have stories like mine but get the name of the geometra from those that sailed through it all. 👍

Hi @bertibear1300 I cover all of that in this video... kzfaq.info/get/bejne/icqdfrSquJrDhHk.htmlsi=0iYbOgCxr2IwNAv3

😂

Hi @kevinharker1840 that farmer next door has been one of the most helpful people and was amazed at the outcome. The neighbours have all been fantastic and love the plans to update it all. The kids are too important to me to keep big plans like this from.😁👍

Hi @hanspeterfluck4828 . This was a detail video - hence the talking...and detail. My main channel has all the action and exploring. Fun me is over on those videos.🙌😂