GUEST RENOVATOR
Meet Mike & Arnna – renovating in Abruzzo
‘I think I need a drink!’
As we walked away from our first sighting of the town house we bought in Casalbordino, Abruzzo, my wife, Arnna said ‘I think I need a drink!’
It didn’t help that we had done what every sane home buyer is told not to do!
We’d bought property online.
We hadn’t seen the house ourselves, and had sent deposit money internationally to an agent that we hadn’t even met.
Were we nuts?!
What greeted us was not a pretty sight.
Black mould on the walls, a fuchsia pink and mint green colour scheme, and testimony from one of the workmen clearing out the mess from the previous tenants in broken English, “This could be character, or this could be s#$t!
The 125 m2 house that was advertised, was actually 250!
When we returned later that summer, the heating units and hot water cylinder had also gone in the clear out, leaving holes in the outside walls!
That said, Richard, our local builder had advised us well. Our 400-year-old house, first built for the Bishop of Casalbordino, had good bones.
Every project he has undertaken for us (usually scribbled on the back of a train ticket printout!) has turned out amazingly.
Two new bathrooms, a kitchen/ living area switchover, and currently a basement apartment, have all realised our vision of keeping the traditional Abruzzese style and marrying it with modern amenities.
After Richard’s major reno work, we have done all the renovating ourselves –abbiamo imparato molto!
Ask a local!
If there’s one piece of advice you should listen to, that would be it.
Our decorating and hardware store owner, Marco, has advised us correctly on everything from paint on stone walls and ceilings, metal balcony rails, plaster, even clotheslines, with the additional bonus that we now use Google Translate less!
A family love affair with renovating has ensued. Arnna has found a particular passion for terracotta tile wax, which banishes that gritty underfoot feel for at least a year!
Mollie, Abbie and Elliot have all learnt the benefits of marine polyurethane over outside door stain and how it means no more touch ups each summer!
Me? Well, Arnna’s sense of style is amazing, so I just adopt the labourer role to whatever she wants- and proudly say, I love it!
15 cans of paint stripper and 40 litres of vernice bianca tells only part of the story.
Well Earned!
But if you want to really enjoy that Moretti or Montepulciano, or whatever your bevanda preferita is at the end of the day, try directing a detail sander over doors and frames for 6-8 hours, or wielding a paint roller over domed ceilings as an alternative.
Additionally, try scrubbing 50 years of dirt and grime off terracotta tiles…
Then take note of your aching shoulders and knees. Nothing says ‘earned’ quite like they do.
Bio:
Mike is a New Zealander currently living in the Middle East with his wife Arnna, (both work in education) and 3 children, Mollie, Abbie and Elliot. They fell in love with Italy on a trip to Pozzallo, Sicilia in 2013. So much so, that after several return trips to other regions, they bought their house in Casalbordino, Abruzzo in June, 2016 and visit up to 3 times a year. Like most Kiwis, he loves following rugby and the All Blacks, Netflix, reading and off-roading in the family FJ Cruiser when the chance arises. Renovating in Italy, as Mike says, ‘ha invaso le nostre anime!’
Related Links
- Book your stay at Casa Mattonata
- Follow the Adventures of Mike & Arnna at Casa Mattonata on Facebook
- Mike & Arnna’s Agent – Romena from Immobiliare Caserio
- You can also find Arnna at Leadership in Pictures
Written by Mike Sommerville, for Renovating Italy.
Images from the private collections of Mike and Arnna
and the gang x
Hi Moira. Tiles… my favourite… not quite. Ours were horrific. Many were black and when we had finished were just incredible cotto tiles and in one room many with yellow tones. First.. it takes loads of time. Each tile needed love. We cleaned them with a scrubbing brush and a scouring pad, and clean cloths – a mixture of baking soda, white vinegar and dishwashing liquid. Ine tile took about 5 minutes. Then we washed them. Then two coats of wax. Leroy Merlin – it is called COTTO – cera rosso antiscovolo. Message me on Facebook and I will send you a photo of the packaging. We use the cotto tinted one and a clear one on the yellowish tiles. Good luck.
Arnna, Mike and your beautiful family, you are so inspirational and i admire you for your courage. This has been a dream of my own but on a special Greek island called Ithaki where my Dad was born. I wished i had done so at your age ….. now i continue looking at all the opportunities currently available and keep saying ……
‘ shall we ‘ or ‘ shan’t we ‘
Hoping to visit your beautiful patch next year. I will keep in touch.
Take Care and enjoy your travels and your magic spot.
Take Care Alison 😊
Great article. My husband and I had the pleasure of staying with Arnna, Mike and family last summer. We were totally amazed at their vision and the work that had been put in to realise the dream. Loved it all. <3
You are all so brave. And young as well, I’m sure. We had to leave out great adventure until retirement, but it is never to late to begin. Could you please give me a the name of the terracotta tile wax. I am always struggling with my floor tiles, and right now I think they are winning.
Great article. Loved reading your story Arnna and Mike. Yes I agree Lisa and Sam are very inspiration in their own right and as a team 🙂
What a lovely project and beautifully delivered to us. Love The story and what a magical mystery tour for visitors even if it is only for a fleet in moment. Gorgeousness is how I describe the simple style of the property and looks so warm and welcoming. Congratulations well done, beautiful property…
Arnna and Mike, I love this story and pictures of your adventures! The determination and the joy come through clearly. Can’t wait to see your beautiful place and follow in your footsteps. And I hope you are inching closer to your goal of full-time dolce vita.
Thank you Lisa and Sam, for being the inspirations for our journey. It was your House Hunters episode that gave us the idea that maybe we could just turn this dream into a reality. And… here we are. You guys have influenced and inspired so many. Grazie mille