Later that same day, I was reminded by a recent post on facebook that it’s been 3 years since I arrived in Guardia, excitedly hoping to find my own dream home in a medieval Italian Village.. and not quite sure what we would find.
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Three ago and the beginning of this crazy adventure. (and the beginning of a great friendship!) |
..and just like that, I find myself spending the day dreaming about a little town in Italy called Guardia Sanframondi..
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Ongoing renovations - pictures by Antonio Lucia Foshini |
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Phtoto by Antonio Luci Foschini |
It’s unbelievable to think how much has changed in such a
short amount of time.. in a town where nothing has changed for centuries. Guardia is going through a period of renaissance
and revitalization, with significant restoration projects currently underway in
the Centro Historico. Outside investors, locals and the local government has
started to appreciate and invest in much needed preservation works and deferred
maintenance.
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One of the most significant renovations going on right now is the restoration of the Church of St Rocco. (Chiessa di San Rocco). This octogonal church from the 16th century has been closed to the public for many years. I am beyond excited to see this treasure brought back to life! |
With 50 houses sold to foreigners in the last few years, it
is impossible to think that such an incredible story of rebirth, and growth,
could happen without growing pains, and differences in opinions on how this
should best be accomplished.
What has made the magical fairy tale like story of Guardia
possible, has been the countless, and mostly very disjointed efforts of many
many people who all love this special place that want to see it restored and
preserved to its full potential.. House Hunters episodes, blogs, facebook
sites, government offices .. none of this existed 3 years ago. The efforts of some would rival the efforts
of an entire marketing department of a large company.
The story of Guardia so far has been one of passion, determination and endless hours of hard work to ignite the embers of what once was a lifeless, almost abandoned ruin. Having watched this story incredulously unfold before my very eyes has left me humbled, and incredibly inspired to continue to challenge myself in this life and to never be afraid to dream big.
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The amazing Galleria Pietre Vive (photo by Grazia de Mezza) supports a growing artist community in Guardia - simply stunning! |
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Studio owner and artist Carmine Carlo Mafei during a live event (photo by Grazia de Mezza) |
The story of Guardia so far has been one of passion, determination and endless hours of hard work to ignite the embers of what once was a lifeless, almost abandoned ruin. Having watched this story incredulously unfold before my very eyes has left me humbled, and incredibly inspired to continue to challenge myself in this life and to never be afraid to dream big.
Rumors of a new House Hunters episode will surely bring a
whole new wave of house hunters to Guardia sometime next year. My best advice
to the new house hunters is to find out all the information that you can from
all of the available sources before you go.
The opinions and advice will vary and at times seem contradictory but
each one has its own perspective and a truth in its own way.. I think it’s
similar to other experiences I’ve had in Guardia, like walking down one of
these beautiful cobblestoned streets...
Some will notice the beautiful worn marble that can only get that way after centuries of use, the incredible patina of the buildings as they reflect a lifetime of smiles and tears.. and some will inevitably be drawn to the dog poop in the corner J .. it’s all part of the reality. Get all of the opinions and advice and then form your own opinion. There is no one right way to do this. Just know that once you get there, it is much easier to do than you can imagine.
Some will notice the beautiful worn marble that can only get that way after centuries of use, the incredible patina of the buildings as they reflect a lifetime of smiles and tears.. and some will inevitably be drawn to the dog poop in the corner J .. it’s all part of the reality. Get all of the opinions and advice and then form your own opinion. There is no one right way to do this. Just know that once you get there, it is much easier to do than you can imagine.
A few things you should know..
House prices have gone up.. The $12,000 fully functioning
house does not exist anymore! However, the prices are still very reasonable.
People in Guardia are generally honest. I’ve met almost everyone that bought a house
in Guardia. The houses have sold through
different individuals and different processes, but ultimately everyone I’ve
talked to was happy with their home and felt that they paid a fair price. I haven’t noticed that anyone got a
particularly good price by negotiating really hard or putting the screws to
someone. That’s not really how they do
business here and ultimately you end up offending people that will be your
neighbors.. the best approach is to assume people are honest, but don't suspend common sense. Have a lawyer
verify any documents you sign, and have an engineer evaluate the property if
you’re worried about any structural issues.
For me (and many others), everything has been possible because I had the good
fortune of meeting Pasquale Orso and his family after staying at the Tana DellOrso, (owners of the best B&B in Guardia) on my first trip to Guardia. Thoughout everything, Pasquale has been my
advisor, project manager, and trusted friend. If it seems that I shamelessly plug the Orso family, maybe one day you
will have the good fortune of meeting them, and then you’ll understand why.
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The first of many nights that we would spend at this table at the Tana Del Orso! |
- Patsy
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Holiday Calendar of Events in Guardia this holiday season |
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