its beginning to look fabulous, may I make a suggestion that you get an extra container and start watering those trees on a daily basis, they are hanging on by a thread and get your well operational so you can get your garden going. It won't take a lot of water but if you don't act now its going to be to late for the trees and though they may be old a little TLC and they will come back to life. The other thing you should be thinking about getting is a rain water tank when for when it does eventually rain and you can also collect that and use it for the garden and cleaning, Great job and hang in there.
What are people thinking when they install a tile pattern like that in very small rooms? If you painted over the tile with a plain, light colored epoxy tile paint your room would feel so much bigger.
@kimstclair1879 Thank you! 😊 You’re absolutely right-those trees definitely need a bit of TLC! I’ve been filling up water containers each day to give them a drink, but I’ll look into adding an extra container like you suggested. The well is definitely a priority, but it needs a full restoration before I can use it-draining, sanitizing, and a complete setup to get it operational. A rainwater tank is a great idea too; even if rain’s been scarce, it would be handy for future use. Appreciate the tips and encouragement!
I have never seen anyone disinfect a house the way you are doing that! Good job. There won't be any cooties in that house when you're done! You are living my dream...
@HarleeRider Thank you! 😊 I’m definitely going all out on the disinfecting front - no cooties left standing by the time I’m through with it! It's a lot of work, but worth it to have a truly clean start. Glad to hear it’s your dream too - maybe Sicily’s in your future as well! 🌞🏡
Considering you have no water or electric, you are doing a great job! I know it is a good feeling to get it clean and smelling good! Are you living in a air bnb for now? Will family/friends be visiting to help? Have you met any neighbors? I really enjoy watching you bring this home to life!
@leighlaaltilio6672 Thanks so much! 🙏 Yes, I’m staying in an Airbnb while I tackle the renovation. I’ve met a few neighbors, and they’ve been really friendly, but the language barrier makes things tricky sometimes. Hopefully, I’ll have family or friends visit next year to lend a hand, but for now, it's just me on this one-man mission! I’m really glad you’re enjoying the journey with me! 😊
Really do admire the way you've just got "stuck in" to everything.The shutter's you just attacked them got those sorted . Brilliant plus the place now is easier to work in . Look forward to your next videos .
@HarleeRider Absolutely! Learned my lesson on that one - top-down from here on out! Nothing better than a sparkling floor to wrap it all up. Thanks for the tip and for following along! 😊
@alessandrarocco1037 Grazie mille! 😊 È sicuramente una sfida pulire senza acqua corrente, ma con un po' di determinazione (e tanta fatica) ci si riesce! Spero di avere presto il pozzo in funzione per rendere tutto più semplice. Grazie ancora per il supporto!
Really enjoy what you’re doing to the old place. It’ll make a beautiful home once completed. May i suggest something. I know not everyone finds public speaking easy. However, Look directly at the camera when speaking to keep the audience informed, entertained and interacted. You need to tell the story from your point of view. We the viewers are watching from afar. Be confident as the subject you’re talking about is your passion. Passion = knowledge = Confidence. Well done so far and great work 👍
@JPD4982 You’re absolutely right, I really do have a lot to learn when it comes to filming and talking to the camera. It’s definitely not something that comes naturally to me! 😅 I’m more of a ‘get my head down and work’ type of person, so being in front of the camera feels a bit awkward at times. But I really appreciate your feedback and advice-I’m always trying to improve and get better with each video. Thanks so much for your support, and I’ll definitely keep working on it!
@MsCar2008 Thank you so much! 😊 I was really impressed with how the sink came up-it’s looking almost brand new now! Glad you’re enjoying the adventure along with me. I’m hoping everything keeps going smoothly too, fingers crossed! 🙏 Stay tuned for more progress next week!
@cindyspence3549 Thanks for the tip! The kitchen waste pipe setup here is a bit different from what I'm used to in the UK-it has a rubber bung around it that goes into a larger pipe. No gap, thankfully, but I'll keep an eye on it. Appreciate the advice!
The amount of work you are doing is incredible; I hope that you do take some well deserved breaks. With your work ethic I’m sure this project will be incredible. 🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦
@maudeestrella8196 Thank you so much! 🇨🇦 It’s been nonstop, but I do try to sneak in a few breaks-especially when there’s a good sandwich involved! 😊 Really appreciate the encouragement; every bit of hard work is feeling more worthwhile by the day!
@HA3THR3 Haha, right? That bathtub is massive! 😄 It definitely feels like the place is starting to show its real charm now that it's all cleaned up. Can't wait to keep making progress and share more with you! Thanks for watching and for the support! 😊
@annamaybeekman Absolutely agree! 🌧️ A rain catchment system is definitely on the list for the future. It would be perfect for keeping everything hydrated, especially during those rare rainy days here. Thanks for the encouragement and blessings-really means a lot!
Hello from Gozo, I’m enjoying watching your efforts, you have made so much progress, the kitchen sink came up really well, if there are any chips, you can buy a little touch up white enamel paint complete with a brush from the hardware shop (it’s about the size of a nail polish bottle) I’ve used it to great effect on sinks and even cookers and fridges. Looking forward to next weeks efforts.
Hi Jonathan, you're doing a good job especially considering the temperature you're working at... Good continuation... Greetings from Riccione... Province of Rimini (RN) in Emilia Romagna.
@riccardomulazzani7436 Thanks so much, Riccardo! 😄 The heat can definitely be tough, but I’m pushing through-lots of water breaks in between! Greetings to you in Riccione, Emilia Romagna! Hope you’re staying cool over there! 👋
@ourfloridagarden4191 Thank you! 🙏 I really believe in keeping as much of the original character as possible-it’s part of the villa’s charm! It’s amazing what a little TLC can do to bring things back to life instead of tearing them out. 😊 Appreciate your support!
Your extensive cleaning work has been transformative. Many people might have considered the kitchen sink, bathroom fixtures, and rusted windows to be unsalvageable. But you have shown what is possible with hard work, even under difficult circumstances like the rat infestation, heat, and lack of on-site water. I especially love the kitchen sink! Looking forward to seeing each step of your journey.
@deborahturner3122 Thank you so much, Deborah! It’s amazing what a bit of hard graft can do, even when it looks like there's no saving some of these fixtures. That kitchen sink was a surprise for sure, cleaned up way better than I expected! The heat, lack of water, and yes, the occasional rat surprise haven’t made it easy, but seeing these transformations definitely keeps me motivated. Excited to share more steps along the way - every bit of progress feels like a win!
@jamesbell6203 Thank you! It was definitely tempting to just rip it out, but I figured I’d give it a shot with some good old-fashioned elbow grease. It’s surprising what a bit of hard work can do-it’s almost like it’s got a second life now! Might just be the star of the kitchen at this rate!
I can’t believe how great the sink and bathroom turned out once it was cleaned!! The bath just needs paint and a sink installed right? 🙂 I’ve read several of the comments and your responses. You’re a truly humble guy and so open to suggestions that might help. You have no idea how rare that is here on UTube! lol So many people think they already know everything and end up doing it the hard way rather than take advice.🙂 I can’t wait to see the roof and what you do up there! Here in the states you can buy a camping lantern for $15.00 and up. It would give you a light to paint by in the darker rooms. That way maybe you could do some of the work in the cooler part of the day/night.❤️🤗🐝
@deborahdanhauer8525 Thank you, Deborah! 😊 I was really impressed with how the sink and bathroom came up after all that cleaning. You’re spot on - a coat of paint and a new sink would really finish off the bathroom nicely. And thanks for noticing! I genuinely appreciate the tips everyone shares; sometimes, it’s those small ideas that make all the difference. I’ve actually been using a head torch for those darker corners, and it’s been a lifesaver. Can’t wait to tackle the roof terrace - that’ll be an exciting transformation! Thanks again for following along! 🙏
This gentleman is very hard working and his home will be beautiful. Please wear a mask while doing vall your work you can get very sick from everything.❤️🇨🇦
@starlightone6948 Thank you so much for the kind words and the concern! 🇨🇦 😊 I’m doing my best with the mask-though it's definitely tough to keep it on in the heat here! I’ve been spraying down everything with disinfectant and water to control dust as much as possible. Really appreciate the support and encouragement!
Place looks so much better and as you say a much better environment to be working in well done , looking forward to your next video. Have a good week ahead take care 👍
@majd3313 Thanks so much! It’s made such a difference getting it all cleaned up-definitely a nicer environment to work in now. Glad you’re enjoying the journey! Wishing you a great week as well, and see you in the next video!
@murialpack5350 Thanks so much! 😊 I’m really pleased with how the sink turned out after all that scrubbing-it’s one of the few things that may be staying! It was definitely worth the effort to bring it back to life. Glad you like it too!
Amazing job Jonathan ,it’s going to be a beautiful home once you’re done .Sending good vibes from California .Looking forward to to watching you bring this back to life
@bwitched3810 Thank you so much for the kind words and good vibes from California! 😊 It’s been a tough journey, but I’m excited to keep pushing forward and bring this place back to life. Your support means a lot! Stay tuned for more progress!
@heatherarthur6232 Thank you for the great tip! 🙏 Starting from the top does make sense, especially with all the dust around! And I’ll definitely give those grout areas an extra scrub with a brush next time-I’ll take all the wisdom I can get on this project!
It was really satisfying watching you clean the kitchen sink. Looking forward to watching you on this DIY journey. That's a really nice sink to keep maybe adjust it so it's higher & put an oak border around it to modernize, It looked brand new at the end 👌
@ExploringHabit I’d love to keep the double kitchen sink if I can make it work with the new kitchen layout! It came up looking fantastic after the clean, so I’d hate to part with it. If it doesn’t quite fit with the indoor setup, I’m hoping I can incorporate it into the outdoor kitchen plans. Great suggestion on the oak border-would add a nice modern touch! Thanks for the ideas 👍
it is coming along now . About the water condition maybe you can buy and your budged is tight an used wine plastic container that you fill at that water station. This would give you a few days before you will have to refill it only you would need some trailer rented or used to transport it. Later maybe you can collect rainwater in it in the garden for the garden to water. For now it would help you even with watering the trees as they need some TLC. But what really pushing me back whenever I see it are the tiles in the bath lol, geesh I know italians love it big with flowers but those dahlias are a bit to much lol. A bit less would be nice hehe but it adds to the special charm of the villa. You are doing a great job in these temperatures!!! ❤❤❤❤☘☘☘
@wolscheline Thanks! 😊 I’m definitely considering rainwater harvesting, but with how little rain we’ve had, I’m unsure if it would be worth it just yet. If I can get some cheap, second-hand large water containers, it might be worth trying out for the garden. Plus, once I get the well sorted, there should be over 600 liters of water available, so that’ll help! As for the bathroom tiles, they’re definitely going-way too much for me! 😂 It’s funny, though-people either absolutely love them or can’t stand them, a bit like Marmite! Lol.
@pamelapicone7062 Thank you so much! 😊 It’s definitely been satisfying to get those windows and doors secure, and I’m so impressed with how the sink turned out-looks brand new! Still lots more to do, but each step is bringing me closer to the finish line. 💪
@CarlosQuinteroArt Thank you so much! 🙏 I’m really glad the videos are inspiring you! Where’s your country house located, and what kind of work does it need? Sounds like an exciting project! 😊
@neutonrenda2303 Absolutely! That’s one of the great things about Italy, especially here in Sicily. Clean water is available in so many places-definitely a plus when you’re renovating without mains water like me! Hopefully, I’ll have my own well up and running soon too. 😊
I love your series. I was surprised and impressed how clean you’re getting things with nothing but your carry water and pressure spray. Keep up the good work. I had a thought that maybe you should take your pressure sprayer with you when you get water and either fill it up or top it off. That will perhaps give you a little more to work with until you fill up again. Cheers mate!!
@laurieb8315 Brilliant suggestion! That’ll definitely help stretch the water supply a bit further until I get the well up and running. I’ve been trying to avoid buying too many containers since they won’t get much use after the well is sorted, but topping up the pressure sprayer is a no-brainer. Cheers for the tip! 👏
@TruckGal That's a great question! There are definitely bugs here, especially in the warmer months, but for some reason, window screens aren't as common in Sicily or most of the EU. It’s something I’ll be looking into once the windows are replaced though-those pesky flies and mosquitoes can be relentless! 😅 Thanks for the support!
Greetings from the island of Malta, a few miles south of Sicily. You have bought a lovely villa with a lot of potential. I look forward to seeing more of your progress. Good luck you're doing a marvellous job. Regards.
@isabellegauci5264 Greetings, neighbor! 😊 Malta’s not far at all! Thanks so much for the encouragement-it’s great to know you’re following along. I’m thrilled with the villa’s potential and can’t wait to keep sharing the journey. Sending warm regards to Malta!
One of the most underrated yet important pieces of advice when moving to sunny places like Italy is to make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D. For many, especially those coming from countries with less sunlight like England or Norway, it’s easy to forget just how crucial the sun is for our health. Vitamin D is key to keeping your energy levels up, boosting your immune system, and ensuring you have the strength for daily tasks - especially when faced with demanding projects like renovating a house. Make sure you’re spending at least a couple of hours in the sun each day without sunscreen, as sunscreen can block the body’s ability to produce vitamin D. While the sun may feel intense at times, try to balance your time between the sun and shade, ensuring that, overall, you get around two hours of exposure daily. This way, you’ll be giving your body what it needs to stay healthy and energized.
@@SerendipitySharon Thank you for your input! While there might be some emerging studies suggesting that taking oil-based D3 supplements with magnesium can be beneficial, I strongly believe that the most effective and natural way to obtain vitamin D3 is still through direct sun exposure. Our bodies have evolved to synthesize D3 when our skin is exposed to UVB rays, and this natural process has been perfected over millennia. When the skin is free from chemicals like sunscreen and exposed to the right amount of sunlight, the body produces vitamin D3 in its most efficient form. As you mentioned, D3 remains inactive until it is processed by the kidneys and converted into calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, which functions like a hormone. This hormone plays a vital role in calcium regulation and numerous other processes throughout the body, including supporting skin and brain cells, among many others. The sheer scope of vitamin D’s impact on cellular functions is astounding. While supplements may be necessary for those with deficiencies or limited sun exposure, I am skeptical that taking oil-based D3 with magnesium is superior to the noon-day sun in a place like Sicily. Sunlight offers not only vitamin D but a host of other health benefits that supplements simply cannot replicate. When the conditions are right, natural sunlight remains the most effective and holistic way to recharge the body’s D3 reserves.
@stigheim Absolutely agree with you - vitamin D is so often overlooked but plays such a critical role, not just as a vitamin but actually as a hormone. Like you mentioned, natural sunlight remains unmatched in providing our bodies with vitamin D in its most effective form, along with other benefits that no supplement can fully replicate. I’m with you on the sunscreen as well; I tend to lean toward a more common-sense approach myself. Instead of always relying on sunscreen, I just balance my time in direct sunlight with time in the shade. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on the ideal daily IU dosage. From what I understand, the standard recommendation on vitamin D bottles is often quite low compared to what some experts suggest is optimal for maintaining healthy levels. What’s your take on this?
@@OperationSicily Thank you for responding so well to my message. It’s not my intention to lecture you, but rather just to offer a tip in case you weren’t aware of this. It’s true that on most vitamin D packaging, there are warnings to be cautious about taking too much. However, as far as I know, they don’t exactly specify how much IU (international units) you should take. Often, the recommendations refer to health authorities in different countries, and there’s a striking similarity across Europe, where the recommended dose for all people is between 600 and 1000 IU. If you understand what that is, it’s a ridiculously small amount of vitamin D - so small that you might start to wonder what they’re thinking when they recommend such low doses. For instance, living in Italy, almost under the equator, if you sunbathe for two hours a day, you could naturally produce between 10,000 and 20,000 IU. The body might handle naturally sourced vitamin D differently than supplements. So what are you really getting from the vitamin D you buy at the pharmacy or health food store? For example, a container with 40 mcg tablets contains around 1600 IU, and they warn you not to take too many without consulting a doctor. But if you sunbathe in Italy for a couple of hours a day, you don’t need to consult a doctor and might get as much as 20,000 IU. This is really strange. For years, I have followed Dr. John Campbell from the UK on RU-vid. Even before the year 2000, he started talking about this important vitamin D and the health benefits of ensuring you’re getting the right amount. I’ve taken it a bit further, perhaps because I’ve drawn some conclusions based on my own experience. For example, if you’ve suffered from back pain, especially lower back pain, sciatica, or hip problems, that’s a thing of the past if you ensure you get enough vitamin D. If you’ve had digestive issues or stomach problems like ulcers or conditions like ulcerative colitis, this too can be resolved. I’ve cured my own digestive issues and have never felt so healthy in that regard after ensuring I get a daily dose of vitamin D. I live in Norway, more specifically Northern Norway, so the vitamin D I need comes in the form of supplements. An important indicator, in my opinion, of too little vitamin D is dark spots or dark semen. When it turns white, you’re on the right track. That’s another good reason to check regularly. There are researchers, such as those at the University of California, who have studied positive outcomes related to prostate cancer and vitamin D. There are also numerous indicators of benefits in maintaining the right levels of vitamin D in the blood. My daily intake of vitamin D is 2×80 mcg tablets, which means a daily supplement of 6400 IU with breakfast, which is far above the recommended limit. BUT, and this is very important, it is crucial to consult your doctor and get a blood test to check your current vitamin D levels. Also, take the time to understand what level the doctor should measure in your blood - levels can vary widely, but it should be over 75 nmol, which is the minimum threshold. Personally, I am satisfied when my vitamin D level is around 120 nmol, and I make sure to get tested twice a year. Finally, perhaps the most important effect of having sufficient vitamin D is brain health - the cognitive benefits become quite noticeable. Your ability to think, reason, and conclude reaches a whole new level compared to when you’ve had lower levels of vitamin D for a longer period. So, I’ll wrap up this ‘lesson,’ which could have many more chapters on this topic. Good luck with your project, and enjoy your coffee
The sink is a Jewel, here in the U.S. it would cost over $2000 to buy old or new. Back in the day everyone had to fetch their water, and they survived. Love your commitment to this property ❤ was that wd40 you were using on window frame? Also, if the tile design doesn't work and structure is solid, just paint the tiles 😊
@tonitemperance9960 Thanks so much! 😊 Yes, that was WD40 working its magic on the window frame! The sink truly is a gem - can’t believe how well it cleaned up. I’d absolutely love to keep it in the kitchen, but I’m not sure if it’ll fit with the new layout or units. Worst case, I’ll likely find it a home in the outdoor kitchen, so it’ll still get some use! As for the bathroom tiles, the structure is solid, but with so many beautiful Sicilian options around, I’m tempted to fully retile. Appreciate the support!
Great progress today. The kitchen sink cleaned up beautifully. The tiles are very bright, but they'll keep things on the sunny side of life until you change them out.
@samsmom1491 Thanks so much! 😊 I’m really happy with how the sink came up-it was definitely worth the effort. The tiles are certainly a talking point, aren’t they? 😂 They’ll keep things cheerful for now, but I’m looking forward to updating them soon! Thanks for sticking with me through the journey!
Love the food you are uying.we were in Italy for thee months this year my hubby was born in the North .his father was born in Sicily we love visiting if we were not in our later years we would but a holiday home in Sicily as we love it so much. The ocean is so beautiful over there .
@pamelapicone7062 Thank you so much! 😊 Italy really is such a beautiful place, and it’s amazing to hear about your family’s connection to Sicily and the north. It sounds like you had a fantastic time here! The ocean is stunning, isn’t it? If you ever do decide to get a holiday home here, I’m sure you’d love it even more! Always happy to hear from fellow Italy lovers! 💖
@pamelapicone7062 Thank you so much! 😊 It’s definitely been hard work, and some tasks, like cleaning that sink, were a real test-especially with the smell being so intense! But I’m super determined and driven to get this place sorted. It’s all been worth it in the end though, the sink and bathroom came up so nicely! Thanks again for your support, it means a lot! 💪
Amazing what some soap and water can do, it must be a relief to be able to touch everything without gloves lol. The place probably feels totally different. 👍
@neutonrenda2303 Haha, absolutely! It’s such a relief to finally be able to touch everything without gloves. Wearing them all the time really destroyed my hands-had the skin peeling off, wasn’t nice at all! But now that everything's clean, the place feels totally different. Thanks so much for your comment and for sticking around! 😊💪
@01AceAlpha Thank you! 🙏 From my calculations, I should have over 600 liters in the well, which would be a huge help, but the big question is the refill rate. I’ll only know that once I fully drain it and can monitor how fast it refills. Fingers crossed it’s a good source for the long haul-an oasis sounds perfect!
@@OperationSicilyeven if it only delivers a few gallons a minute, use a a cistern or water tank to increase your capacity. Even at only 1 gallon a minute that equals over 1400 gallons a day!
@01AceAlpha Great point! I’ll actually be getting 2 x 450L pressure tanks to store the water under pressure. With 900L on hand, I think it should be ample for the house, and hopefully, the refill rate will support it too. Thanks for the advice-it’s all about maximizing that well capacity! 👍💧
You are doing a grand job Johnathan. Well done for working so hard in such hot temperatures. I did worry when cleaning the sink you weren’t wearing a mask😮 do take care of yourself.
@vanessawade452 Thanks so much for the kind words, really means a lot! 😊 I definitely felt the heat, but pushing through it! I’m trying to wear the mask when I can, but it’s a challenge in this weather - feels like breathing through an oven! Don’t worry, though; I sprayed down everything first to keep any dust down. Appreciate the concern and support! 🙏🌞
Hello! I've just discovered your channel. Well done! I lived in Sicily in my youth, around the Trapani area. I would strongly suggest, once you're all settled in to immerse yourself in the language and get up to speed as quickly as you can. It makes your living much much better. Cheers! All the best!
@alanadale4299 Welcome to the channel, and thanks for the great advice! 😊 I'm definitely trying to pick up the language as I go along-it's such an important part of fully settling in. Trapani is beautiful, I'm loving it here so far. Cheers and thanks again for the support!
@johnmclean1046 Haha, thanks! 😄 I definitely felt like a Ghostbuster with that sprayer tank on my back, ready to take on all the grime! 👻💪 Maybe I should have been chanting 'Who ya gonna call?' while I was at it! 😂
@MandyHassell-zc3rf Thanks so much, Mandy! 🙏 Really appreciate the support, especially from back in the UK 🇬🇧. Can’t wait to share the progress with you all next week-lots of hard work going in! All the best!
@elizabethfisher5825 Thank you so much for watching! 😊 Getting electricity and water sorted is definitely high on the list! I’ll be able to connect to the mains electricity once the villa’s internal wiring is all done, but water is a bit more involved since I'm restoring an old well on-site to be the main supply. It’s a process, but I’m determined to get there!
Amazing cleaning work, so much effort and so many improvements in the house.. Looking forward to seeing more progress and projects, congrats and have a great day CIAO 😊👏1441👍💪
@masodimontagna3771 Thank you so much! 😊 It’s been a lot of hard work, but seeing these improvements makes it all worth it. Plenty more projects lined up, so stay tuned for what’s next! Have a great day too-ciao! 🙌
This was so satisfying watching that grime disappear! In fact all your videos have been wonderfully satisfying! I can’t wait to see what your beautiful villa turns out to be in the end! Will this be a vacation home? An investment property? A full time home?
@craftinginmypjs953 So glad you’re enjoying the videos! 😊 It’s definitely satisfying seeing all that grime disappear. This villa will be a holiday home once it’s all completed, but I have bigger plans too! After this, I’m hoping to buy more properties, build a portfolio out here, and eventually turn it into a business venture. Exciting times ahead! 💪
✨ Another week, another transformation at the Sicilian villa! ✨ This week, I tackled some major challenges head-on-from deep-cleaning a double kitchen sink filled with grime and rat droppings 🧼 to restoring rusted bathroom window hardware and even uncovering some unexpected surprises in the kitchen drain! 🐀 Thank you all for the amazing tips on water storage, pest prevention, cleaning products, and keeping these beautiful olive trees thriving! 🌿 Your support and ideas keep me motivated on this journey to bring the villa back to life. 🙏 What’s next on the list? Clearing the garden, getting the water well operational, meeting with electricians, or perhaps setting up the rain catchment system? Let me know your thoughts below, and stay tuned for more progress! 🎥 FOLLOW MY JOURNEY ON INSTAGRAM Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, sneak peeks, and daily stories from Sicily! 📸 👉 Instagram: @operation.sicily SUPPORT MY RENOVATION ADVENTURE Love what I’m doing? Buy me a coffee and be a crucial part of this restoration journey! ☕ Every contribution goes directly into bringing this villa back to life. 👉 buymeacoffee.com/operationsicily #SicilyPropertyRestoration #ItalyHomeRenovation #SicilyHouseTransformation #ItalianVillaProject #RenovatingInSicily #RestoringItalianHomes #SicilyRealEstateJourney
@robpriest9031 Great question! 👍 Getting power and water sorted has been one of the biggest challenges. For water, I’m aiming to get the well fully up and running within the next few months once it’s been drained, sanitized, and tested for safety. Power will take a bit longer since I need to get the house fully rewired before I can connect to the mains. Thanks so much for following along with the progress!
@baz-wc4fi Great shout! I actually discovered the septic tank lid had about an 8-inch gap where it wasn’t closed properly, which is where I suspect the rats were getting in-pretty grim thinking about them coming up through the toilet and into the drains! 🐀😬 The front door had been left wide open too, so it’s no wonder they got in. Definitely sorting all of that out! Thanks for the good luck, I’ll need it! 👍
You could definitely use a ladder and a shop vacuum. Is the cottage attached to a sewer or septic tank? You might want to hang up a clothesline line to dry your cleaning rags.
@derrihanson9876 A ladder and a shop vac would definitely be game-changers! I recently picked up an extension ladder, which has already made life easier - no more balancing acts on old chairs! 😂 The property has a septic tank, so I've been checking that out to make sure it's all sorted and secure. Love the idea of a clothesline for the rags too - simple and practical! Thanks for the tips and support! 🙌
Hi Jonathan.😊 looks good🤩 phew you work hard in this heat. 🥵😱We are not at all used to these temperatures, and it is a challenge as you sweat profusely when you have to scrub and clean. Be careful you don't get heat stroke, it's so terrible, tried it once when very young, never forget it. Finally, remember lots of liquid. The house is unrecognizable at all now, but ugh the rats that get in the pipes, it's just disgusting. But see in your answers that you want to check these things. If only you could get rain in the garden some days for your trees because they are crying out for help. Just prayed to the weather gods for you,, ha ha.😄 It would be nice to clear the air a bit too. Continued good luck in your work, you have plenty to look after. Do you live on the property in the meantime because it's difficult when you don't have electricity and water that you can just turn on. Have a good time. Many greetings Maria.😊🌳🌻🍀🌞
@livmaria942 Thank you so much, Maria! 😊 Words can’t describe how tough it’s been working in this heat-back in the UK, 10 degrees feels like summer to me! I've been drinking water like a fish, close to 6 litres daily, and even started freezing bottles to keep them cooler throughout the day. Finding that baby rat in the kitchen P-trap was a real shock-absolutely hate rats, and seeing one in the pipes wasn’t pleasant at all. Right now, I’m staying in an Airbnb, which is adding up quickly, so I’m really pushing to get things sorted here on a tight budget. Hopefully, we’ll get a rain shower soon for those trees! Thanks again for the weather prayers! 🌦️😊
@@OperationSicily Hi. I can understand that you want to live in the house because it is annoying to spend money elsewhere and yes, it costs money in the long run. You have to watch your budget so that it doesn't go off track. Unfortunately, we can't just pick them off the trees, even though you might think so. Here in Denmark, everything is now so expensive that we have actually stopped buying what we used to. I feel totally laughed at by the greedy corrupt supermarkets who put the prices up every other day. A cake I bought for little money, almost a pound, now costs 3 pounds and this has happened within a few weeks, but this is all at the same time as the number of grams in the weight is falling and falling. Meat we got there was 1 pound for about 2 pounds has gone crazy now there is a quarter of a pound in the package and costs more than double. We are about to give up because the food budget has increased to double what we spent last year. To that extent, we are wiped in the ass, quite frankly.😒🙄 That is why we are looking forward to a new country with real food and for less money. Well, I just had to vent my anger.. Smiles,☺, But good thing you drink enough liquid and laughed that you wrote that the few degrees of heat you have in the UK and which we also have is warm for us, Yes again it will be a challenge to get used to. So there was someone who wrote about how to make videos, Yes, easier said than done because it's not easy to just talk freely. But maybe you should make a small video where you tell just a little bit about where you are from and why you chose to move. Just a little, of course, don't leave out your private life like many do. I certainly wouldn't mind that either. And wear a microphone, but you do something and say what you are going to do and what your plans are going forward. It will get you more viewers so people don't get bored. You know the people are curious and that will keep them fired up. And I'm the type who loves a good laugh and makes fun of myself when I'm cleaning, yes don't be self-congratulatory, you're only human and not a perfect robot. Hope you can follow me in what I write because many think they have to explain everything on you tube and be entertaining constantly. Hmm no it's difficult and actually I think many people are terrified in front of a camera.😬 Always easier to demand a lot from others. But as you say yourself. You are new here and just have to find your method for the videos, and I think you will also become more and more comfortable with that. Wow, that was a long conversation. Have a good time and remember to relax too. Many greetings from Maria,☺
@livmaria942 Ah, Maria, I feel that so much! It’s truly a balancing act between pushing to get the work done and keeping a close eye on the budget-it’s like trying to hold sand in your hands sometimes! The prices you’re mentioning are unbelievable and exactly the same in the UK, struggling to make everything stretch. I completely get that frustration, and no worries about venting-it’s definitely therapeutic! 😊 And thank you for the encouragement on the videos! I agree that sharing a bit more of the ‘why’ behind this journey could be interesting and add a bit of personal touch, without going overboard on the private details. Talking on camera is still a bit out of my comfort zone, but it’s good to know it resonates. And hey, I love a bit of humor and self-reflection too, so I’ll definitely keep that in mind to lighten things up. Thanks for all your thoughts and support, Maria, it’s a real boost! Big cheers from Sicily! 😊☀️
You are such a hard worker and the place is really looking clean. I love the kitchen sink and hope you keep it. I can see how the tiles were such a style when the house was built. I understand you will be updating at some time but they look to be in good condition. Have you thought about painting them and the walls? There are so many new paints that would cover that up and make it look however you want. While I am so glad about the cleaning, I also love to see you stop and eat some amazing take out food. Glad you can enjoy that break. Can you give some background about the house at some point? Did the owner just leave it a mess or did the owner die and the family just sell it as is? Anyway you are doing a fabulous job and liked hearing you give your review at the end. Xo
@Blueberryblues513 Thank you so much! 😊 I’m glad you’re enjoying the progress! The kitchen sink has definitely been a surprise gem, and I’d love to keep it if it fits with the new kitchen layout. As for the tiles, they’re a bit of a throwback for sure! I’ve thought about painting them, but I think re-tiling might work best long-term. I did manage to uncover some background about the place - it seems the original owner passed away 20-30 years ago, and the house was passed down through family members before finally being put up for sale. It sat on the market for about 5 years until I found it! I’ll definitely share more details in an upcoming video. And yes, those takeout breaks are a must! 🍕
@Mfull-l4r Thanks, mate! Things are definitely coming along bit by bit. And yes, can't wait to get that roof terrace going - it's going to be the perfect spot for sunbathing and enjoying the views. I’ll be building a spiral staircase in the tower to lead up to it, which will make it even more of a feature. Hats on and sunscreen ready for that Sicilian sun!
You have done a good job there. Getting rid of all the grime makes it more bearable as you work. Now your two big jobs to get sorted is your well and power. Not necessarily from the power company as you are in the perfect locale for a solar array. Get the panels and a battery bank and you can just run stuff by extension cable for now. The water will just make life easier and with an electric water tank you can use your solar to heat your water. Those would be my priorities now. But you do what you feel able to do and in the order you want. It’s a fantastic place and I admire your spirit of adventure. Italy is a great place, I envy you. One thing though, get some sunscreen. Your pale northern skin is really red. Sun there is great, but dangerous. Nag, nag. 😂😂 Of course you can ignore me, but be careful especially working outside. You need tropical strength bug spray too as at 30+degrees you need your shorts on. I have a similar issue when I visit my sister in Oz, but the spray is great stuff. Finally what is your tattoo on your upper left arm? Kept trying to read it while you were cleaning the sink but never managed it. Do share if you feel comfortable. I find tattoos fascinating as they always hold special meaning for the wearer. Keep up the good work and I shall be watching your progress with great interest. Take care. 😎
@docproc8508 Thanks so much for the thoughtful advice and support! 🙏 You’re absolutely right, water and electricity are my top priorities. I’ve been eyeing a solar setup, but for now, a small generator might be more realistic on my budget. Once I get some portable power, I can start draining the well and make proper headway on that front. As for the sun, you’re spot on-I definitely need to get some sunscreen, even though I’d love to tan up a bit! It’s been mostly indoor work so far, so that’s kept it manageable. I tried shorts the first week, but the mosquitos had a field day-ended up with around 30-40 bites, so now I’m in joggers, which helps with the bites but isn’t ideal for the heat. Really appreciate you following along on this journey and all the great advice-thanks for watching!
I feel for you, 36' here outside of Cape Town the last few days. Great progress though, I'm so looking forward to hearing from you what you are planning. Hopefully you'll have water and electricity soon, it would definitely make everything a lot easier. 👍
@neutonrenda2303 Wow, sounds like you're feeling the heat too over there! 🔥 Thanks so much for the support; water and electricity are definitely top priorities right now. It’ll make a world of difference once they're sorted, and I can't wait to share more of my plans with you soon. Stay cool out there!
Sei bravo con calma vai avanti bene, per far diventare bianco il lavello devi lavarlo con ace sempre stando attento che ti macchi i vestiti, buona continuazione ❤
@carmenzanetti7205 Grazie mille per il consiglio e il supporto! 😊 Proverò a usare Ace per il lavello, speriamo dia quel bianco splendente che sto cercando! E terrò a mente di fare attenzione con i vestiti! Grazie ancora e buona giornata!
I can’t wait for the cooler months for your sake. 38’ .. no thanks. They’re siesta days😊. I could almost smell the cleaning products. Wonderful job cleaning.
@elaineayres1989 Thanks so much! 😅 Yeah, 38°C is definitely no joke-those are definitely siesta days, but I’ve had to power through. I can’t wait for the cooler months either, it’ll make the work so much easier. Glad you enjoyed the cleaning results-if only you could smell the fresh, disinfected villa through the screen! 😂
@BanksProject Thanks a lot! 😊 You're absolutely right about the well - getting that up and running is a big priority. As for the plumbing, I think it’s going to be easier to rip everything out and start fresh rather than dealing with all the old pipes. Can’t wait to see the difference once it’s all in place!
For brown loos and generally for water stains and built up limescale you can use hydrochloric acid, if they have it in supermarkets there. It's really efficient. I also use a lot of vinegar in cleaning and degreasing and disinfecting. It comes in several different strengths usually.
@TheFiown Thanks for the tip! I think I may have picked up some hydrochloric acid when I stocked up on cleaning supplies, but I wasn’t quite sure what to use it on at the time! I was on the hunt for some strong bleach to tackle the worst of it but couldn't find any over here. Might have to put that acid to the test and see how it works - sounds like it could be just the thing for those stubborn spots! Appreciate the advice!
@@OperationSicily Some years ago I moved into a very old apartment in Nimes and the toilet bowl was dark brown with limescale, it looked disgusting. I asked a local merchant if he had anything and he said to not buy the usual expensive products but buy a bottle of acid and it stripped all the brown and limescale off. It does give off fumes so be warned. In my last house the taps had dripped in all the bathrooms as it had laid empty and again I used acid on papertowels over the stains to hold it in place and all gone, like new ! Good luck. XO
@TheFiown That's an amazing tip-thank you! Sounds like you really worked some magic on that old apartment! I'll definitely keep the fumes in mind and might try your trick with the paper towels for any tougher spots. That acid sounds like a lifesaver for stubborn stains; I can't wait to see if it does the same here. Thanks for sharing the wisdom! 🙏😊
You can use straight baking soda and the same kind of scouring pads you had in this video, and it is very likely that those scratches in the bottom of your sink will come out. I clean professionally.
@guylainebehm523 Thanks for the tip! Straight baking soda and a scouring pad sounds like a good way to tackle those scratches - I'll give it a shot. Always great to hear advice from a professional cleaner! Appreciate you sharing that.
@lynnadair57 Thanks so much! 😊 I’m also a big bleach fan, it’s great for deep cleaning, but I’ve had a surprisingly hard time finding it here! Had to make do with what I could get, but definitely keeping my eyes peeled for it next time. Glad you’re enjoying the progress so far! 🙌"
@brendagannon1092 Thank you so much! 😊 It’s definitely been a lot of hard work, but now that the cleaning is done, I can finally see what I’ve got to work with! Now onto the more exciting stuff-I can’t wait to start tackling the bigger renovation jobs! 💪
@majd3313 Thanks so much! 😊 I’m really happy with how the sink turned out. As for the kitchen, I’m still deciding! Ideally, I’d love to keep the sink if it fits with the new setup, but if it doesn’t work with the new kitchen units, I might find a spot for it in the outdoor kitchen instead. Re-tiling is definitely in the plan too-there are so many beautiful tile options here that would add a nice touch!
I like the design of that kitchen sink, even has overflow holes, I hope you keep it. If not, I'll take it. If being in the forces teaches you anything, its how to clean - well done! If you are at all concerned with leftover energy from previous owners, putting salt in the corners of the rooms neutralizes the energy like a day at the ocean shore. I think you can find paint to paint the tiles if that becomes a need of yours. :) I'm becoming obsessed with an uplifting air fan in your tower to vent out the heat of the whole house. They do that a lot in desert countries.
@SerendipitySharon I’m totally with you on the sink design; it’s got such a charm to it! Really hoping it can fit with the new kitchen, but if not, it’s definitely getting a spot in the outdoor kitchen! 😄 And I love the salt-in-the-corners tip! Anything to bring a bit of fresh energy into the place. Your idea about an air vent fan in the tower sounds spot on too - I’ll definitely look into it for next summer, would be a game changer in this heat. Thanks so much for all the thoughtful tips and support! 🌊💨
@TimFenton-dx4xe Thanks for the comment! 😊 I’m actually planning a full backstory video in the next few weeks where I’ll cover everything from how I found the villa to the plans moving forward, so stay tuned!
Windows. Add a little vinegar to water and thats all you need. Get wet and scrub with a soft cloth then wipe with a soft cloth. No streaks. Same for mirrors. Just water when they arent dirty. Backing soda and water with a drop of dish soap for a scrubber. Lemon does well when added. Just dish soap and water works well on most things. Good luck.
@dawngano9047 Thanks for the awesome cleaning tips! I’ll definitely give the vinegar and water combo a go for the windows next time-sounds like a great trick to avoid streaks. I’m all about keeping things simple and natural, so I’ll try out the lemon and baking soda mix too. Appreciate the support and advice! 😊
Buongiorno e buona Domenica. Stavo pensando,...... dato che sei agli inizi e sei sicuramente in contatto con il vecchio proprietario, fatti dire dov'è posizionata la fossa Settica. Nel ripristino degli impianti che affronterai in futuro, è bene sapere le condizioni e la posizione della fossa degli scarichi o se è ( cosa che credo difficile) collegata allo scarico comunale.
@axpeg Buongiorno e grazie per il consiglio! 😊 Purtroppo, non sono in contatto con il vecchio proprietario, sarebbe stato tutto molto più semplice. Mi hanno detto che il proprietario è deceduto. Comunque, ho finalmente trovato la fossa settica e sembra essere in buone condizioni, tranne per il coperchio di cemento, dove credo che i ratti stessero entrando. Ha due camere, una piccola e una grande, credo che quella grande funzioni come un troppo pieno. Non ho mai avuto a che fare con una fossa settica, quindi qualsiasi consiglio sarebbe davvero apprezzato! 🙏
@CelticHeartsDesire Thank you so much for following along! 😊 Electricity is definitely a top priority, but I need to get all the wiring sorted inside the house first before they’ll connect me to the mains. In the meantime, I’m looking into a generator or maybe even a portable power bank to get things moving. Fingers crossed it won’t be too much longer!
@elainelyoung Thanks so much for the love and support! ❤️ I actually stumbled upon the property after a lot of searching, and it was a perfect fit for what I wanted - a bit of a challenge and loads of potential! My goal is to restore it into a stunning holiday home, with hopes of building a property portfolio here over time. I’ll be covering more of the backstory and my future plans in an upcoming video, so stay tuned!
Hi bro, nice place. Just needs that TLC back again. Idea, get yourself a step ladder to do the high work safely. I am not really confident in the structural integrity of using an old dilapidated chair or table. Lol Mitch Australia 🇦🇺.
@mitchelldomanski549 Haha, you’re absolutely right, Mitch! 😅 Those wobbly chairs and tables definitely weren’t my safest choice! I’ve now got myself a nice, sturdy set of extension ladders, so no more DIY acrobatics for me. Thanks for looking out, mate! Cheers from Sicily to Australia! 🇮🇹🇦🇺
I am a new subscriber & really enjoy watching your videos. I understand it will take time to get the well up & running. I hope you have more than just the 2 water containers to transport water. With all the mold, filth & rat infestation, you need at least 6 containers to carry your water. And with a short hose to connect to the public faucets, you won't have to stand & hold each container while filling. There is a snap on, snap off connector you can use, so you just screw on the male end to the faucet real quick, with the female end always connected to the short hose, then you can quickly & easily snap on the short hose to the faucet & do a quick assembly line of filling water containers. Just remember to unscrew your male end from the public faucet, ha ha, it happened to me....forgot. It would be nice to see you feeling more freely able to use water for your needs throughout the course of your work day.
@lindascott2008 Thank you so much for the tip! That snap-on connector sounds like a game changer and would make it way easier-definitely beats holding the containers up every time! You’re absolutely right; I’ll need a good water supply for some of the bigger tasks ahead, so I’ll start looking into a few more containers to keep things flowing. Really appreciate the advice, and glad to have you here on the journey!
@doreenwhelan4121 Thanks so much! 😊 The lizards definitely keep me on my toes! They just pop out of nowhere and give me a fright, but I’ve heard they’re great for keeping the bugs in check, so they’re welcome to stick around!
Mate, get the well fixed and working that gives you clean water. Grab a Bluetti power station or similar with a solar blanket and a camp fridge. That will keep food & beer cold and power any battery power tools plus will also run lights etc. Grab a gas cooker from a camping store and you can make cuppas and hot water for cleaning… Steal a bit of hose and make a clip on hose fitting for the tap, those jerries get bloody heavy and less wastage. Your doin good
@petermoore7724 Thanks, mate! It's definitely hard work at the moment-it feels like I'm surviving out here. Every day, I bring water and food with me, and I've started freezing the water bottles overnight to keep them cool longer throughout the day. As for the well, it's not as simple as just fixing it up. It needs a full restoration-right now, it’s just a deep hole with water at the bottom. I'll need to drain it, sanitize it, and take water samples to make sure it’s safe. On top of that, I’ll have to rebuild the well structure, sort out ducting, piping, a pump, pressure tanks, and filtration systems, plus build an outbuilding for all of this, which will eventually run on electricity. So, for now, I'm sticking with the jerry cans! Also, I’m on a tight budget, so trying to avoid buying things like a gas burner that I won’t use once the kitchen is installed. I’m planning on getting a generator soon so I can drain the well and use corded power tools. It’s a slow process, but getting there! 💪 Thanks again for the support!
