House hunting in Italy

We've begun the hunt for a home in Italy. So far we have had two days out looking at a total of seven houses. Two were possibles. We are out to look at more tomorrow, Friday, and will probably make a decision then.

Housing in Italy would be hard to judge from what we have seen to date. Most that we have been shown are fairly modern, less than 10 years old and really don't provide the 'Italina experience' we were hoping for. Also, security concious is an understatement. Even here in the hotel our door is about 10cm thick with bolts that extend into the frame on both sides when locked. Some of the houses have bars on the windows, all have security fencing and require gate latches to be released from the house before visitors can enter. One house even has a seven tonne safe. The house was built around it. one wonder's about the owners business interests...

Some of the houses we have viewed have been stunning but embarassing in there size. The most incredible was in a small town called Caidate. The house has been in the hands of the same tennant for 26 years. They are moving to a new home of 900 square metres! This place is their home and workshop. They make 'clavichords' (brand Bizzi) and their show room , which is attached to the house, is extraordinary. The really interesting part of this house was walking through a little door from the show room, and almost immediately through another little door, then out into a courtyard surrounded by animal stalls. The courtyard had a huge arched entrance to our right and as we stepped through we realised what the the agent meant when she said the house was 'behind the castle' - oh that castle!

The two homes we like so far are quite different. One is very architectural and the owners are happy to leave much of the furniture. This would be helpful for us. The issue with it is the lack of space for the kids. The living area is all open plan so there is no separate space for them, except a large 'playroom' which only has external access form the house. Of course that may not be a bad thing. However, I'd like to have the place as a workroom and studio.

The second house we like is also a newer home with good living areas but very small bedrooms. The lovely thing about the house is the outdoor living room in the corner of the section. This little open air room has it's own kitchen for summer living. I loved it! The property also has a para pool in poor condition. It may or may not warrant the effort required to clean it up and get it running.

I wonder what we'll be visiting tomorrow with the next agent?