One step further

Two weeks ago we got our surprise. The architect came up with the expected cost on the total renovation and total cost for his and our first wish list. We had planned a visit to Lucca the week after so now we could prepare the cut and shave of our expectations as well give the architect our budget that we had on purpose not given him prior to making the cost overview.

 

It was a pleasure to bring with us the first family visitor to see the house on this trip. Camilla, my oldest daughter (20 minutes in different to her sister) joined us and could get the feeling of the house and potential as well enjoy the local benefits of food, wine and see the nice location of Tuscany.

8 March in Montecarlo

 

8 March in Montecarlo

 

She also joined us in our first meeting with the architect that already had started on a list of modification to the proposed calculations. Both Galileo Menechini from GLIARCHITETTIASSOCIATI and we could see how we can reduce the cost without take away the house integrity or at least not take away too much of it.

Sweets at Piazza Napoleone

 

Evening walk in Lucca

 

The next list and cost overview will not arrive until late March or early April, and if we manage to agree then the work can start May/June. So the family get together in the summer of 2016 can manage to finalize the house and if we are really lucky we all can sleep there as we work our way to the finish line.

A week in Lucca goes fast, special when you have some additional things to do, like meetings with an architect, open new bank accounts, organize that our local taxes are handled properly and if we have some tax refunds for the future in renovating the house is taken care of in a proper way.

 

At our trip to Lucca this time we also could have a look at our friend Paolo Barbieri renovation project that will end up in a Lucca’s newest B & B. Just outside of Port Elisa and 50 meters to the wall with easy access to the city and all the surroundings. Just hope he gets ready for the season, things take time. We will have a new look when we are back in July, or maybe I have to have a check even before that.

 

On a sunny Sunday we went to Viareggio, carnival was over. Every Saturday in February they have the parade and are really fun. On this day we could enjoy the sun and we were not alone. It was a day to enjoy the arrival of spring. It gave us a challenge to find a place to have lunch. Like the place we wanted to eat, Casablanca Restaurant, they just admitted they did not have capacity and waiting time was 30 minutes to an hour. But there is no lack of alternative so we ended up at a smaller seafood restaurant and enjoyed good food as always.

Bees are not welcome but they are here





Train to Lucca

 

The train is passing our house once an hour, but just stop at our “local” station every 3 hour. It gives us the possibility to take the train to Lucca, Viareggio or Florence. From ground floor we do not see it and the noise is limited from the train.

 

And we have a river close to the house so if the swimming pool is not up the first your there are alternative for the kids to play in the water...or maybe make electricity from it ??