Work starts on the pile of rocks

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.

 

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 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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Click here and here to see the old house and the cleared site.