Catching up. The story and the purchase.

We have been meaning to put this blog together for some time now. As they say "better late than never". Although now a lot of catching up will have to be done. I (Lindsey) will try to do my best.

The story:
After a family trip to Italy in 2000 we all fell in love with the country and had the opportunity to visit my mother's hometown of Castelvetere Sul Calore. Here, we visited with family and friends as well as many historic sites in the village such as 1 Via Lazzari; the house where my mother was born in 1956. It is situated just outside of the center of town and has a postcard picture view (really it does, our view is on the postcards here!). My father dropped the idea that if the house ever came up for sale we would love to call it home once again. In 2009 after a couple trips and a lot of help from family and friends here in Castelvetere and Montemarano we purchased the once homestead of Ida and Vittorio Mastromarino. Where my mother was born and where my zia Claire lived for 5 years.

The house was once 2 rooms (a small kitchen and small living room). Over the years, a small bathroom and large bedroom were added. The basement is comprised of two large area's where the cattle used to be and also where the wood burning furnace was. The basement is still in original condition...the washing machine took place of the cattle though.

We've been doing some adjustments to get he place more cozy. We've also decided to call the house Casa Primo Sole. Our neighbour, Gelardo (Gerry) told us that it sees the first light of the day and after being woken up by the sun on more than one occasion, i agree.

First thing is first; here are photos from the trip to purchase the house in 2009.
Many many many more pictures and stories to come. Complete with a before and after section to show you what we've been busy doing! And ask anyone in the village; we've been busy...they can't understand why we're always working.

If you just can't get enough (which i'm sure you can't) check out our youtube channel (copy and paste this):
www.youtube.com/user/VideoShields
I've only had the chance to upload 2 videos.

talk soon,
Lindsey


Here it is: 1 Via Lazzari; Casa Primo Sole


Gerva signing papers with the notary.


Our street sign surrounded by olive leaves.


Guy clearing rubble after tearing down the wall between the kitchen and living room.


Guy tearing the wall down.


Hello through the wall!


Woohoo. the wall down!


Enjoying the view of the village from the day bed.



Sweet little lady through the grape vines on the balcony.


Gelardo and Gerva in front of our house. Our neighbour and nonno's best friend; he always has a story and advice for us. He likes to talk, i'm working on understanding him although it might be better if i don't!


Dad getting some help with the wall rubble from Maria.