HOW WE RENOVATED AN ABANDONED HOUSE IN POSITANO | EP 201 

You two have made a paradise there. You truly bloomed where you were planted! That is a gift you should be proud of.

You may not be financially rich but you are so abundant in your location, your home, and gardens, your friends and families. You truly have your very own pot of gold... much love to you all ... thanks for sharing. xx

You have both transformed the property into an absolute paradise. It’s sad to think that one day you may have to leave it due to the steps. I hope that one day Positano can install a trolly system that can take residents All the way up the mountain and back so that people don’t have to climb so many stairs especially when they are elderly or disabled.

This was seriously one of my favorite videos from you. It answered all my questions and more. Thanks for taking the time to do this. I cannot believe this slice of heaven was left abandoned for so many years. It must have taken a ton of work and like always I don't know where you guys get the energy, especially Nikki who gets migraines. You must not get a lot of attacks, thank goodness. It also takes a village too. Lots of kind and skilled friends and family.

I personally LOVE this type of content! I love all of your videos of course, but, as a subscriber for many years now, I have wondered about how your beautiful home came to be! 🏡 🪴 🌸 Thank you Nicki and Carlo, for sharing your lives with us! For years now, watching your videos has been my Sunday routine… ☕️ 💻 AND now even my mumma ‘s routine! I introduced my Mum to your channel last Christmas and now we are both avid subscribers and we have our Sunday phone chats 📞 or Sunday visits and watch your newest video together! And we are now planning a mother / daughter TRIP TO ITALY 🇮🇹 in the next 5 years 🤞🏼 🙏✈️ Love Always from Canada 🇨🇦 🍁 xoxox

Nicki, you and Carlo and your beautiful attitudes and personalities are what I call "my happy place". I just fully enjoy your videos and it is just peaceful and beautiful to watch. When I am wanting/ needing a smile I turn to your videos. Stay happy because your happiness makes others happy 😊

I love the way you two are so present with each other!!! You have created your own little garden of Eden!!! it is just beautiful!!! Thanks for sharing your life stories and moments!!! Love to hear them!!!💫💕

I would call your yard the outdoor living room, it really is an extension of your house. On a positive note, the steps keep you all in great shape. It’s very lovely. My husband and I just bought a home and next spring we’re tearing out our entire back yard to plant a garden. Your videos give me great inspiration. I really miss living in Italy.

That was really interesting to see the old photos of the land when Carlo's father first bought it. What an amazing transformation over the years. It's stunning.

I have to say to you that I have always loved your home and area. I think your garden is fabulous and if I had the ability and I wasn’t 85 years old I would love to emulate that garden. Thank you very much for allowing me to spend a little bit of time in that garden.

Wow, what a blessing! So much love was put into this home and property and to hear the backstory makes me love the Positano Diaries even more. Everyone had a little piece of making this place into what it is today and to think it now has people from all over the world admiring this little piece of paradise. Thank you for sharing the story!

So many transformations. Never knew the history of who owned your place. Carlo's Dad saved the day and had no idea how awesome it is now. I'm sure you show him photos of all the updates. So many changes for the better. The kitchen is my favorite showing the upgrades. Happy family and animals. Stay safe. Drone shot was great too.

Reminds me growing up in South Africa with my Italian dad. All my friends gardens had beautiful flower beds and decorative bushes. We had 20 nectarine trees and rosemary bushes everywhere.

My wife and I just returned from two nights in Positano. We have a whole new love and appreciation for you guys as we had dinner at Refugio dei Mele. Physically I don’t know how you do it 😂. We called the pain in our calves and thighs the “Positano burn”. Wishing your family health and happiness❤

Such a beautiful story, you brought a piece of land back to life in a different way. Instead of growing all vegetables you grew your life as a family which is priceless. You should be very proud (which you are I’m sure) it’s an amazing space and you have designed it for your needs. Commendable ❤

This was such a beautiful story and it was amazing to see the before and after photos! You really do have your own abundant paradise! Sending lot's of love and light to you guys! 🙏🏻💞✨

I'm so proud of the two of you and how you've worked so hard together to build your little farmhouse nestled there on the hill! It's amazing what a couple can accomplish together! It's so beautiful and so inspiring to see it all! Thank you very much for telling the back story of your lovely homemade little house!

YES!...just like in Nigeria, houses are built from foundation and up by family members. When it's done by family over hiring contractors, the house is built with love and you feel it every single day, as you live in it, year after year after year. It's a wonderful! thing and a blessing.

Wow! What a transformation and what a beautiful home and garden you have created. It reflects both your creativity and warm personalities, a real extension of who you both are as people. Thank you so much for the very interesting story and before and after photos! I am sure when the time eventually comes it will be so hard to leave your paradise in the hills of Positano. 🌻🌴xx

Thank you for sharing the history of your home, you both should be proud of what you’ve accomplished. It’s a beautiful piece of Italian paradise ❤.

I can't imagine how it would be to have to leave such an absolutely beautiful place. I love it because it's so down to earth beautiful not phony looking but real and so so gorgeous. But I'm 80 years old and I do understand how sometimes and someday walking that many steps will not be a possibility. I send you many blessings for your search for your future home.

You have added so much more value to this property, transforming it from a simple peasant hut to a beautiful villa, thanks to Nicki's ideas and Carlo;s hard work.

Mama mia. You two are the dynamic duo...in creativity, vision, hard work, and absolute fearlessness. And now you're tackling your new property in Tuscany with the same zeal. What an inspiration you are.🌿

Holly as a pup, soooo sweet! Fun to see how you transformed it into your own place.

What a lovely way to spend a slice of my Sunday morning! Wow! You’ve created an absolutely stunning home, and the property is just beautiful. It takes vision and hard work to create what you have, and you should be so proud. I appreciate your sharing all the details. We moved to the rural mountains nearly 5 years ago, and while we don’t have every convenience at our fingertips, we are so happy to be here. I appreciate your talent and creativity. Be well. 💜🇺🇸🌵

I loved todays episode, if I were younger I would move to Italy and build my own house too. Carlo doesn’t like to speak English because he thinks he’s terrible at it but when he speaks in English I understand him very well. I wish I was able to speak Italian as bad as he thinks he speaks English. I long to travel and visit Italy but in the meantime your channel is what keeps me satisfied. Thank you for always sharing your life with us. Salute da Napoli, Florida wbere we are preparing for a big hurricane. ❤️❤️❤️

My great grandma, who was Irish, was exactly like your father. Flowers were only for attracting bees, to pollinate, and grass was anathema, if it wouldn't support a cow - utter waste! You have a beautiful home in a stunning location. Thanks for sharing.

Your home and gardens are beautiful! Even more special since Carlos and his brother redid it…of course from Nicki’s vision…I cannot imagine that beautiful property sitting abandoned and unloved for 13 years

All that hard work has turned your house into a beautiful home for your family. So cozy and inviting.

Congrats for the 9 year improvements. It is a completly different house. It's a cosy home. I laugh about Carlos's father saying "you don't eat grass" My family is from a small village in rural Portugal and the elders relatives also says that. They've been through many difficulties so land is almost sacred because at least let you eat something. Thank you for your videos, Nicky

You have worked hard for this paradise!!!👏👏👏 I wish you good health and happiness!!! Love from Greece 🇬🇷❤️❤️👏👏🇮🇹🇬🇷🇮🇹🇬🇷🌷🌷🌹🌹🌹💐💐

What a wonderful story to your home. Loved listening to you guys tell it. It looks so beautiful and lush. All your hard work paid off. 🏡😊❤️

In Southern California where I was born housing is insanely expensive. For average people one of the few ways available to get a decent home is to inherit it or purchase from another family member. I wish we still had our family home in Ohio. My grandfather built it in the 70's with so many happy memories. Sadly there was a falling out after his death which forced its sale. Lovely to hear your story.

All becomes clear! :) Thank you for sharing your history in the house and gardens and how the entire family's priorities shaped the property over time. Your little piece of paradise is all the more beautiful for the love and care you have planted there.

Two creative minded people creating such a beautiful space. It’s so warm and welcoming. Everything you have done is just so amazing!

Another fascinating video. I've always wondered how this all came to be. Carlo I will say this Nicki has shaped you up! You were a bloody mess...LOL! You both have really invested a lot of time and effort to make this house your home. Bring back the chickens! Two weeks from today, without any effort on my part, I'll be 91. Un abbraccio forte a due!

Thank you Nicki and Carlo. I live at the base of Mt Hood in Oregon on 7 acres of cherries that we hand planted 20 years ago. I so enjoy that you share your lives with us and although I have visited Positano many times, I see it with so much more love through your eyes. Thank you!

This was a great video...one of your best, as far as we're concerned...seeing how the property has evolved over the years, transforming from an abandoned place into the lush home you now have, was wonderful. Please take good care of yourselves, and don't think about moving! Thanks again for bringing us into your lives!

You live in paradise and if I lived there I would NEVER leave this dream like home. You both are very fortunate to have this so keep this treasure forever!! Thank you for letting me into your home to see beauty and peace that not too many people have. I was in Amalfi many years ago and want to go back, and actually living there would be a dream come true. Gracie.

I could listen to you two talk for hours. I have ADHD and it's hard for me to sit down and pay attention but I managed to do it with this video. I love hearing about your memories and how you all worked together to build a home. ❤

You two are so very very generous sharing your life with us. I love you both to bits, even although I’ve never met you. What a great brother Luca is and I’m so glad your Dad let go, a wee bit in the end. God bless you all xx

That’s what I love about you guys, you’re so real in a plastic world. Thank you for sharing the amazing transformation and background story with us..we are so lucky to have you share your lives with us! God bless ❤️

I see lots and lots of hard work. It was definitely a team project. How kind of your dad, Carlo, to let you build a beautiful home to raise your family. So blessed.

Thanks for sharing your story about how you & Carlo took the property from nothing into a beautiful home/oasis. What a difference a can of paint can make! Now that you remodeled the kitchen, it's even better. The front garden area is so peaceful & soothing. Have a great week. Ciao!

It probably felt satisfying to do all of the planning and updating yourselves, including Skye's wants. A house on a hill, the steps, the different levels of the land, the views, and the cozy spaces seem so romantic to me.

Nicki-your beautiful videos always bring me to tears. You have such a way with words and your editing and music are always so brilliantly done. Thank you for your heart warming content. And if you EVER find a way to have your books published or even the new e-book you mentioned with stories and recipes-you have a repeat Patron customer right here! I absolutely loved the last recipe collection that you & Elisabeth put out. Thank you and Carlo both for sharing your beautiful corner of the world. ❤️

The love of a father who gave land to his son. Then the love of a man who built a house for his bride and his daughter. You have both built a great life. You have blossomed on the hills of POSITANIO. THANKYOU once again for giving us a peek at your paradise. Cheers from canada

Thank you so much for sharing the story of your home, Nicki and Carlo! And I love your drone shots, Carlo. It was a treat to see Itty Bitty Kitty at the end. 🥰

This was great fun! Makes me want to pull out our "before" pics and see just what we've done over the years. 💝

It doesn’t matter where you make your home in the future, you and Carlo are such workers that you’ll make a really cute home and garden, it will take time but worth it. We love watching all your videos for the past 3 years so much!!! Thanks so much for being so fun, interesting and genuine! Much love from St. Louis, Missouri

I think your home is stunning! I can’t imagine ever moving but as I age I can see that 500 steps to the road would definitely be a problem. I am so happy you now have your home in Tuscany.

Niki and Carlo, I look forward to these videos every Sunday. Beautiful home and garden..love the greenery. Holly and Indi are so lovable. Thank you both for sharing your home and life with us. Much appreciated.

What a wonderful history you have-- relationship and house wise! Lots of hard work for both 💪 💪 I do the same- buy one or two plants and then divide! It is wonderful to see you both relaxed and happy 😊 Sending you love from Georgia, USA 🇺🇸 ❤️

I really love it when Carlo speaks Italian- it really helps me to understand more in the language. A few years ago I came to Italy and fell in love. I can’t stop thinking about it and I continue to learn the language. So, having Carlo speak helps immensely. Plus I absolutely love your gardens. You have everything one needs. Watching your videos helps me to feel like I’m still there.Great video. Tyfs. Linda C., usa

All of the incredibly hard work that went into building your home is part of the story of your time on this earth. What a well-written story about what vision and dedication can accomplish in one lifetime. Thank you for sharing your beautiful creation with the world.

I'm so glad to get to see how it all started for you guys. I remember the first video i saw. I saw you guys planting your own vegetables and i was amazed by that. Here we buy everything. Since then i am so enjoying Positano and Italy through your lenses. Kudos for you guys in turning the house into this beautiful masterpiece👍🏼 And as always, looking forward to many videos!

This video was great content, appreciate you made this, really enjoyed watching it and learning what a positive outlook can do. what touched my heart at the end was when the drone was landing, in the last shot we saw Itty Bitty Kitty, and inspite of being blind he looked at the drone exactly like he would with eyes that he could actually see. doesn't he amaze you and move you? he's so alive!

Hello Nicki and Carlo! I've been reading the comments and we're all so happy to hear you tell us how you made this property your home....so interesting. You sure have put in a lot of time and energy to make it the wonderful place it's become. It's great to see you share your outdoor eating area with your friends so often and the produce from your gardens! Love to see the transformation of your kitchen recently, the new garden entrance door Carlo made....such exciting changes! Thanks so much for this great video! Niagara Falls Canada.

I just discovered your RU-vid channel. I love seeing your village and how you live your everyday lives. You both have sparkling personalities that draw people in. Thanks for taking us along on your journey.💋❤️

I really enjoyed this one. Looks like you live in a vacation home. ❤️ of course there is the reality of actually living there. You both have built a truly beautiful, cozy home. You’re very talented....both of you. Thank you for sharing. 😘

You've made it a lovely home and it's so nice that you share it with us. Love and Blessings from Colorado, USA

And no exaggeration, you guys created something really special. Credit to you.

Thanks for sharing this story with us Nicki and Carlos, You’ve put a lot of hard work in this beautiful home and what it has become. I’m sure your father must be very proud.

Your home is so charming that I had to watch this video twice! Carlo and his brother did a beautiful job originally and the two of you have added the updated touches that are so delicious. Bravo! Bellissima!

My favourite episode from you so far! So inspiring and the transformation of the house it's to say least remarkable! A house that any of us would wish to have and live in! Stunning! You had the vision and made it a reality! I saw the reel on Insta which had millions of views, I guess that says it all!

Family history, house history, stories that say so much about your life in Positano ... thank you! When it comes time to move, that could a video on its own!

I am from the Chicago Illinois area, and we are called "flatlanders" because no mountains or even tall hills around much. So I appreciate all your steps indeed!

Thank you for sharing how your beautiful home came to be. And building it from the very beginning of just being a garden property was so.much work. Your family is so talented and determined to do anything. Blessings on your day.

Awwwwwwww sweethearts You 2 are SOOOOOOOOO romantic I loved your fairy story 😊💗 Carlo has much more English than I have Italian Your whole family are magic

Thank you for sharing your story! We live in Spain and our garden has been a labour of love over the past few years. It's a big garden and had a very British layout with lawns that completely die off in the summer. we have changed it to a courtyard garden with lots of potted plants that are native to our area, some bought, some cuttings from friends and some bin finds which need a little TLC !!! If you put your mind to it you can achieve anything !!!

I found you both at the beginning of Covid when you were putting down the patio. I was amazed at how quickly the area transformed (not realizing that wasn’t grass). You’ve built yourselves a beautiful oasis and so for now, enjoy it and continue make memories and hopefully one day one of the kids will take it on!

❤❤❤ you make Sunday my favorite day of the week!!

What a great transformation, especially when you think every last brick and every sack of cement travelled down those 500 steps ... they must have been bloody crazy !!! But hat's off to them it is a beautiful property with a wonderful garden and a view to die for !!! Wishing you many more happy years there !!!

What a beautiful transformation!!! ❤❤❤

Your videos are wonderful and it’s so nice to watch you both laughing at each other .I’m a nurse in Naples Florida and look so forward to watching your videos in the evening. You capture such beautiful scenery and the food and gardens are inspiring.Much Love and Many Blessings to you ALL 🌴 ❤️

The work you put in over the years is amazing. Your home and gardens are just beautiful! ❤️

This was so interesting! I'm at the beginning of updating my husband's childhood home and it is getting overwhelming. This was so encouraging! Thanks!

When I first started watching your videos I loved it because the first video I watched was of Carlo making the new gate. I thought it was so cool. I love how he would find something laying around and create something new. I wish I could be as creative and handy. I also love your door, it got me painting my door. The garden is beautiful and an inspiration but I'm still working on it. I have to say I love watching Luca and you all planting and then harvesting. I'm one happy subscriber. Thank you for sharing and I'm looking forward to more great videos.

I love you guys. You have given everyone an excellent example of how to turn something into a work of art with hard work. I should show my students this video! Thank you both so much for your sunshine. And thank Carlo's dad for buying the property in the 80's. 💖😃

You have done such a nice job making your garden so beautiful! Now you can sit back and admire what you both have accomplished. Well done!🤗❤️

I LOVE your home and garden. From my point of view, it's paradise (minus the stairs). The gardens are beautiful, your home is cozy and nicely decorated, you have a view of the sea, and a pool!! Loved this informative video.

I love that Carlo and his family built the house! It’s such a beautiful house and property. ❤️

I do remember some time ago getting the impression that the land and house belonged to Carlo’s Dad but was glad to hear the whole story......you certainly have done a lot with it, especially when I see all the work done outside before there was a pool, garden and patio area❤........you in a wonderful spot , however I can see where the time will approach when you want to not have to worry about the stairs and the parking..........I’m sure you will have many years yet to enjoy your home.............Donna in Toronto

Absolutely inspiring! Thank you for sharing. It is soooo beautiful. Hugs from New York City!

How different to hear about the development of your home.As an ex-builder I am aware of the amount of work involved in refurbishing the property and getting it to a way you both enjoy and feel at home in. Even better a record of before and after which allows you to see the progress and home as it was and now. Well done, I loved seeing and hearing of your effort and attainments.

Loved this video. The blue door is a favorite, the arches are so inviting. The plant with the white flowers to the side of Carlo is stunning. You two are such a a cute couple.😊

I absolutely loved the video today and you answered all of the questions I had about where, when, and how. I’ve always said necessities are the mother of inventions. There was a need and Carlo being a whiz at projects is a genius. I know Luca helped along with you Nikki but to have a husband who is talented and even more importantly willing to do the work is such a gift! You two are such a gift to your subscribers and whenever you move please take all of us along with you. Your videos make my Sundays full of pleasure.

You two created a really beautiful home- the sleeping lofts were a fantastic idea and the white wash and wood floor really gave the place a fresh cottage feel. And the gardens- flowers and vegetables- along with the pool and the outdoor bed are really a beautiful outdoor oasis on the side of the mountain.

I loved hearing the history of your place! I've always wondered how your home came to be, since you've mentioned it briefly in the past. What an incredible haven you've created for yourselves and for your family and friends to enjoy. I don't want to say you are lucky, because this was a lot of work and it didn't just fall into your laps, but you are so fortunate to live in such a gorgeous place. Bravo on all your efforts! We all love to escape to your home!

how wonderful to be able to breathe and have a home and express your self,life, desires

I've followed you for about seven years (I think) and have seen all the work you've done...just beautiful! Your garden is an inspiration for what is like to do in my own. The kitchen reno is gorgeous! Thank you for sharing your life with us! ❤️

This was so fun to see and hear the story of the house and history!! Whenever I hear about all those steps I think of our visit in Vernazza, we had a gorgeous view of the sea and wondered how the people living there could live with all those steps-that room was 66 steps. That’s just a warm up for you! Thought others might get a laugh about that. 😂

You, my dears, own a gorgeous little piece of paradise! We should all be so lucky to live in such a breathtaking location. I adore everything about your home, specially the outside spaces with the garden, plants, trees, flowers, pergolas, greenhouse, every little nook and cranny has something special. It is truly a gem in one of the most amazing places in the world. With the limited space available in Positano, you have truly made the most of this beautiful home! Please, please enjoy it for the rest of us for as long as you are able to! I think I speak for all of us when I say I am SO JEALOUS! It’s hard for me to believe some people are lucky enough to visit there, let alone spend their lives there! I live in Atlantic Canada where it’s freezing cold six months of the year! 🥶 If ever you feel like switching, let me know! :) Love your vlogs! 🇮🇹❤️

I wish one day someone will make funicular, cable transport something like that so people donot need to move on from their lovely homes in which they invested so much . Elders are same everywhere, because my grandmother (India) always get so angry when we plant flowers and grass in our garden. she always said plant something that will give you something to eat. we tried so hard to explain that flowers looks so beautiful but failed. Love your videos. Stay happy and healthy.

I’ve been following your videos for awhile and I enjoy every single one of them …..even the ones from years ago. I love hearing Carlo speak Italian. I mentioned once before your videos are like reading a great book and you can’t wait until the next chapter! You don’t know me but I grew up in a Sicilian family….. and love everything Italian/Sicilian. I’m half Irish half Sicilian but grew up speaking Sicilian in our home. (San Francisco CA USA) My husband is also Sicilian and has 6 brothers and 2 sisters. I just love you, Carlo, your family and friends 🥰🤗🍋Thanks for always making my day ❤️

I love the backstory of how your house came to be. When Carlos’s dad bought the land back in the 80’s…..that was such a great idea. The planting and harvesting of what was and is planted must give you great joy. I on the other hand do not have a green thumb. Any time I’m given a plant, flower, etc. I tend to kill it. 😳 I’ve even killed succulents! 🙄 Like how does that happen??? 😂 It’s amazing that you have carved out a piece of heaven on your property. The house and gardens are beautiful and the view…stunning! 🥰 I can’t imagine going up and down those stairs on a daily basis (I have bad knees); however, that is some serious exercise in my opinion. Who needs to run or go to a gym??? I was surprised, in a way, you mentioned about moving at some point. I hope you keep the property for your daughter and extended family if possible. What a treasure to have! Blessings 🙏

This was a wonderful video! I loved seeing the old photos, how the house and garden took shape and Carlo's father's response to planting grass and flowers (and THAT explained why we see so much veg and fruit being grown wherever people can find space.....I always wondered about that.....WOW....And you built it all yourselves...just amazing. Nicki and Carlo.....thank you for the history lesson, I so enjoyed traveling back in time with you ....those photos were just priceless. xoxo Suzi

The kitchen is prety. Beautiful Positano.

Nicki, you posted something today, which I can't find. People commenting their experience doesn't match their expectation. That's why I don't travel..I was raised in Central America, American from California. Vacations don't interest me. If I could move somewy for three months minimum, ok. Or stay a month minimum. Anything less is frantic. Your beautiful videos have me considering... If I could move somewhere for a year... Be that Portugal, Italy, use a year to really figure out where I want to be permanently... A weekend in Positano won't replicate your experience. Unreasonable expectation Nothing about your life is a vacation. You worked for years to get on that Hill, and work every day to keep the chickens fed,your garden on track, and it feeds your immediate family, your in laws, and friends. You earned the Life you have, and it didn't happen over a weekend. It wasn't handed to you. Thank you for setting a high bar,🌱 and letting us glimpse over that fence.

What a great idea sharing your story of how you came to live in your little paradise. It is an inspiration for many people like me to grow food and even possibly raise chickens (someday)! Grazie!