I went last week with Adriano to meet the men who are going to build our stone house in the mountains. I liked them. One was young, handsome, friendly and open. The other was just what you would imagine an Italian stone mason to look like. He was older, short, sturdy, with rosy cheeks and worn hands. I am confident they are going to build a beautiful house. The contracts have been signed and work starts today.
We went yesterday to the site with Signor Bertellotti, who is the geometra and capo di lavoro. The site has been pegged and there was much discussion, with arm waving, about various details. I understand some of what is going on, hopefully enough.
the road from the village to the house
a tiny shrine
This little shrine has appeared since I was here last. Perhaps the builders have put it here to help the work to go well.
the remains of an aquaduct
The old aquaduct beside our road would have taken water to the village. If you look closely you can see the blue pipe that does the job now – not quite as romantic.
spring is coming to the mountains
Adriano and Sig. Bertellotti get to work
checking the measurements
Nilla keeps an eye on things
all that is left of the old house
Vergemoli in the distance
another village on another mountain
There is a little village on the mountain sitting in snow. This is where Sig. Bertellotti grew up. He told us that he used to walk one hour and a half down the mountain to school, and 2 and a half hours home. I think we can be sure he knows the area well.
Sig. Bertellotti (left) and Adriano seem pleased
Vergemoli has a population of about 100 people. There is a bar and a post office and on Friday a mobile food store arrives for the residents. There is a large supermarket 20 minutes away down the mountain, but this must be handy for people who don’t want to drive.
mobile groceries
a well stocked van
Vergemoli is a beautiful mountain village. The views are spectacular. I will be making regular trips to the building site and there will be updates – with photos.
a nearby mountain
Click here and here to see the old house and the cleared site.
Will follow your house building with great interest.
Enjoy the process.
By: mary D on March 7, 2011
at 7:47 am
It is quite exciting. I has taken a while to get to this stage. I’m hoping it will move along fairly quickly. We need to get the stone walls and the roof done while the weather is good.
By: bagnidilucca on March 7, 2011
at 7:50 am
How exciting!!! Will you keep both houses? Or move into the mountains, I wonder. I love the picture of the truck full of cleaning supplies. Classic!
By: The Daily Cure on March 7, 2011
at 8:53 am
We are going to sell the house in the mountains when it is finished (hopefully) As much as I like the village and the mountains, I don’t want to live there. I like being close to the bar and people.
By: bagnidilucca on March 7, 2011
at 9:41 am
Hi Deb,
Pleased you are making a start on your house. I will watch the progress with interest. Beautiful area. I loved seeing a photo of Nilla. I met her last year, she is shy /nervous and goes everywhere with Adriano. Love Nilla.
Ciao Judy.
By: Judy on March 7, 2011
at 9:11 am
I am also looking forward to watching the building grow.
By: bagnidilucca on March 7, 2011
at 9:41 am
Well stocked van is helluva photo! Love it and looking forward to the build.
By: Roz on March 7, 2011
at 9:33 am
I had to get a picture of the van. The people were happy to pose for me as well.
By: bagnidilucca on March 7, 2011
at 9:42 am
Good luck with the house building, I hope all goes smoothly! And that van is pretty much the definition of well-stocked.
By: Journey Photographic on March 7, 2011
at 12:47 pm
Thanks! Someone has done and excellent packing job on the van.
By: bagnidilucca on March 7, 2011
at 12:59 pm
How exciting! I can’t wait to hear all about the progress on your house. I love the little shrine.
By: paninigirl on March 7, 2011
at 3:59 pm
The little shrine is very cute, and very small. I am looking forward to watching the progress.
By: bagnidilucca on March 7, 2011
at 6:35 pm
How exciting seeing the progress of your house. Do you have an estimated time for completion?
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on March 7, 2011
at 11:54 pm
The stone walls, interior walls and floors and roof should be completed by the end of July. Then we can put in the wooden windows and start on the interior. I’m hoping it will be completed by this time next year. It will depend on the weather a lot. Last spring and summer it rained a lot here. Let’s hope this year will be better.
By: bagnidilucca on March 8, 2011
at 6:07 am
Super good luck lovely, can’t wait to follow your journey. 🙂
By: Anna Johnston on March 8, 2011
at 5:19 am
I’m looking forward to it too.
By: bagnidilucca on March 8, 2011
at 6:07 am
Ooooh! This is so exciting!!
That little shrine is intriguing… Do builders normally do that in Italy? It’s such an enchanting idea…
As for that well-stocked van – I am speechless… now THAT is high-skilled packing!
By: Reggie on May 30, 2011
at 8:53 am
I don’t know about the shrine. It just appeared.
By: bagnidilucca on May 30, 2011
at 9:04 am
Magic… I love it! 🙂
By: Reggie on May 30, 2011
at 9:33 am