Just bought a house in Abruzzo

[Barry]

Judy,
It took 10 liters of paint to do one bedroom. I managed some on sale at Castorama in Pescara but I didn't buy enough to do the other rooms yet. Your right though it seems color doubles the cost. Plain white paint in Marini's is reasonable in the 20 liter bucket. I guess that's why the Italians paint everything white! We are actually thinking of taking the plaster off, repointing the stonework and leaving it exposed. It's more rustic but would cut down on maintenance. We've seen some examples where they've added a few decorative tiles and it looks very nice. In fact there is an artist in mosaics in Ofena. His name is Claudio Alleva and you can check out his work on his website HTTP://www.art-mosaic.com/
Barry

[Barry]

I forgot to ask but everyone knows about the Ofena website?
HTTP:/www.ofena.abruzzo.it/

[Barry]

Yvonne,

Have you stayed in your house in France during the winter? Does the wood stove do enough to keep the house comfortable? We are looking to spend a christmas in Carrufo as soon as our new grand daughter is old enough and don't want to freeze to death!
Barry

[rob22911]

Originally Posted by Paola

Yes, it is true. The first thing that one needs to do is certify that the house has an original deed. This should be done by the real estate agent but many times they just avoid this and when it comes up the estate agent tries to take shortcuts but it never goes the way it should. Have you already signed a purchase proposal and sent a deposit?
Hope all turns out ok.
Paola

Hi Paola
I'm looking to buy in Abruzzo the property is detached in own land I have been advised you can improve without planning permission as long as there are no properties within 5 metres but I've also heard you need planning permission even for inside such as knocking a wall through could you advise me on the right procedure please.
Thanks
Rob

[Elisa]

So glad that my grandparents are not around to see all the changes in these small towns that are so deeply rooted in tradition. It would be hard for them to accept.

[maisie21]

Elisa
You should not assume that everyone moving to these small villages are trying to destroy the heritage and traditions.Had you thought that it is these values and traditions that are drawing ex pats to the small communities.In our society today we do not judge everyone to the same standards.
judy.

[Elisa]

Judy,

i did not assume anything or make any judgements! I was just expressing my opinion as I spent many of summers in italy and lived there for several years and know what the 'old' folks mentality was. I have a house in Abruzzo and know very well what it means to live there.

Have a nice day.

[Elisa]

For all you moving in the Ofena area a little tip:

You have to try the best cookies on this earth the AMARETTI D'OFENA...

also the Lenticchie di Santo Stefano are world famous. If you are looking for a wonderful place to eat try the food at:

Agriturismo 'Sapori Di Campagna'
CONTRADA COLONIA FRASCA- Ofena
tel: 0862 954253

and then wash it all down with the wine produced by the "Barone's" family:

Cataldi Madonna..


Enjoy

[dario]

I am english expat too, living in north Abruzzo.

I am also a dual qualfied italian and english solicitor with a solid experience in advising on property conveyancing and construction in Italy.

It seems Abruzzo and Marche is being targeted by english buyers, if necessary I can also advise on property available.

I can be contacted at dipietropaolodario@tin.it

[maisie21]

Elisa
My husband has already fallen in love with the 'Cataldi Madonna' wine which we buy from the supermarket in ofena whenever we visit.
Another favourite is the Cantuccini biscuits.
Thank you for the advice on where to eat.
Judy.