Renovating an Old Stone Barn: Our Italian Homestead Journey

TLDRFollow our journey as we renovate an old stone barn in the Italian Alps to create our new home. From uncovering hidden treasures to transforming the space into a livable, modern house, we've accomplished a lot in the first seven months.

Key insights

Uncovering a hidden hole and buried treasures in the barn's floor during renovation.

🏞️Exploring the beautiful terraced land surrounding the house, which was hand-hewed centuries ago.

🔥Building an outdoor kitchen using repurposed materials, adding practicality and charm to the property.

🏠Repurposing old fencing and building monkey bars to create a safe and enjoyable outdoor space for the kids.

❄️Experiencing the delight of snowfall in our Italian homestead, adding a touch of magic to our journey.

Q&A

Why did you have to dig up the barn's floor?

To meet code requirements and change the designation from a barn to a house, we had to install a moisture barrier and insulation underneath the floor.

Did you find anything interesting hidden in the walls?

While renovating, we discovered a rolled-up piece of leather and a newspaper from years ago, providing a glimpse into the past.

How did you involve your kids in the renovation process?

We made sure to include our kids in various projects, from building outdoor structures to gardening, allowing them to take pride in the accomplishments and learn valuable skills.

What challenges did you face during the renovation?

We encountered challenges such as removing the stone floors, dealing with waste runoff, and meeting code requirements for transforming the barn into a legal and comfortable home.

What are your future plans for the Italian homestead?

Our future plans involve converting the barn into a livable home and creating a harmonious space that embraces the beauty of the Italian Alps.

Timestamped Summary

00:00We purchased an old stone barn in the Italian Alps and have been renovating it for the past seven months.

09:45During the renovation, we uncovered a hidden hole and buried treasures in the barn's floor.

13:00Exploring the terraced land surrounding the house, which was hand-hewed centuries ago, was a delightful experience.

30:50Building an outdoor kitchen and repurposing old fencing to create a safe and enjoyable outdoor space for the kids.

33:30Experiencing the magic of snowfall in our Italian homestead added an extra touch of wonder to our journey.