There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a home renovation project in Italy. The views are breathtaking, the culture is inspiring, and then… reality hits. The first time we returned to our Italian house to start serious work, we were ready for the challenge. What we weren’t ready for was having neither power nor water!
From Modern Solutions to Vintage Tools
With no electricity in sight, we did what any modern-day renovators would do: we took a trip to the local hardware store. There, we stocked up on hand tools and battery-powered devices, which we could charge back at our Airbnb. Let’s just say it was a mix of traditional and modern solutions for this Italian home renovation adventure.
Now, you’d think without proper ladders we’d call it a day. But no! We got creative. The house came furnished with vintage 1970s furniture, so we turned those relics into makeshift ladders and stepping stools. That retro dinning table may have been wobbly, but it got us closer to the ceiling!
Covered in Dust and Spring Water Baths
If there’s one thing no one tells you about removing plaster, it’s that lime dust gets everywhere. And I mean everywhere. Some days I was so covered in dust that I didn’t dare enter the Airbnb without rinsing off. Thankfully, a local spring came to the rescue! Imagine me, covered in a fine layer of plaster dust, dunking my head under the crystal-clear water of an Italian spring before heading back to civilization for a real shower. It’s one of those Italian countryside experiences I won’t forget.
Brick by Brick, the Story Unfolds
As we chipped away at the plaster, we slowly uncovered the beauty underneath: historic bricks that had been hidden for who knows how many years. Each section revealed a story of the past, with the natural wear and tear from time adding character to the brickwork. Over the decades, multiple holes had been drilled and patched for old smoke stacks, disrupting the uniformity of the original craftsmanship. Some of the patches were crudely done, a mix of bricks, cement, and makeshift repairs that spoke of different eras and hands at work. We carefully replaced those damaged areas with new bricks, matching the color and texture as closely as possible to maintain the integrity of the design. As we progressed, the patterns of the brick dome slowly emerged, their arches becoming more prominent with each piece of plaster removed. It was as if we were peeling back layers of history, breathing new life into the home while preserving its heritage.
The sheer amount of material that needed to be removed was staggering. Every bit of plaster had to be brought down three floors by hand, bucket after bucket. Each trip down felt like hauling the weight of history itself, with clouds of dust following every step. The weight of the plaster wasn’t just in its physicality, but in its relentlessness. It felt like a never-ending stream of debris; the buckets filled so fast that at times it seemed as if we were barely making a dent. Every lift and lower was a test of endurance, and we joked that this renovation was as much a workout as it was a restoration project. But with each cleared section, the brickwork underneath began to breathe again, and by the end, all the plaster was gone. The space transformed before our eyes, the structure’s true form revealing itself for the first time in decades. We could finally see the bones of our beautiful Italian home, standing proud and ready for the next phase of its revival.
The Sandblasting Saga
After we returned to the U.S., we hired a local company in Italy to sandblast the remaining areas. Of course, the fun didn’t stop just because we were on another continent. At 5:30 a.m. (my time), Kevin, our friend on-site, FaceTimed me with news: the sandblasting company had arrived—with wet sand. Wet. Sand. Now, if you’re not familiar with sandblasting, let me explain: wet sand does not exactly “blast” anything. It clumps. It sticks. It’s about as useful for sandblasting as trying to wash a car with a handful of dirt. So, there we were—halfway across the world, trying to troubleshoot from our couch, as Kevin and the crew realized they needed dry sand… and fast.
Of course, the solution they came up with was to heat the sand. Yes, heat it! The only thing standing between us and a smooth, newly blasted wall was, apparently, a giant propane heater. Kevin, still on FaceTime, is explaining this while I’m half-awake, sipping coffee, trying not to laugh at the sheer absurdity of the situation. I could see him pointing out the propane tanks and the looks on the workers’ faces as they geared up to “bake” the sand.
After what felt like the most ridiculous shopping trip—buying propane tanks to dry sand for sandblasting—the crew got the show on the road. Propane in hand, they got the sand hot and dry enough to finally blast away the old layers. By the end of it, not only was the blasting done, but Kevin had gained a whole new appreciation for dry sand. And me? Well, I had an unexpected story to add to our already eventful renovation journey!
Almost There: Molding and LED Magic
The next time we made the journey back to Italy, it was time to tackle the finishing touches that would bring the room closer to completion. After the dust had finally settled—quite literally—it was a relief to focus on the details that would truly elevate the space. We ordered molding online, choosing a classic design that would complement the historic brickwork we had uncovered. Installing it was like adding the perfect frame to a masterpiece, and it started to feel less like a renovation project and more like a living, breathing home.
Next, we added some sleek LED lighting, carefully placing strips to highlight the beautiful texture of the bricks. The way the light played off the ancient surfaces was mesmerizing; it brought warmth and a modern touch to the centuries-old craftsmanship. Standing in the room after the lights were installed was one of those rare moments where we could see the fusion of old and new—like the room had been waiting for this all along.
While the room isn’t completely finished, we’re calling this project 95% done! Sure, there are a few things still on the list—small touch-ups here and there, and we’ll probably tweak the décor as we go—but for now, we’re allowing ourselves to take a deep breath and celebrate this near-completion milestone. After all the hard work, the endless layers of dust, the buckets of plaster hauled down three floors, and the unexpected propane-sandblasting adventures, this room has transformed into something we’re truly proud of. And while every renovation project seems to have a never-ending “to-do” list, reaching this 95% mark feels like a victory worth savoring.
The Journey Continues…
Renovating a home in Italy isn’t just about restoring a building; it’s about embracing the entire experience—from dust baths in the local spring to FaceTime sandblasting mishaps. Every step of the way has been filled with challenges, laughter, and moments that will make great stories for years to come.
Whether you’re dreaming of restoring an old Italian villa or just enjoying the vicarious thrill of it all, we hope you’ll stick around as we continue this wild ride.
