Removing layers one at a time

I had thought it would be better to keep this awful awning when we first moved here back in 2013. Luckily Sam wasn't having my thoughts on snow falling into the courtyard or where was I going to dry the washing in winter.

Now it's my favourite place for my morning coffee, a place for dinner with friends, and a spot for guests at our Loft Apartment to unwind after long hikes in the mountains.

For us, it hasn't always been so much about adding to our life but rather looking at what we can happily remove.

And we've removed a lot over the years.

Our Italian Life:

People have asked us how we make an income, luckily we don't need much to live here, costs are low, and our renovations are thriving as guest stays.

Sam had a pause in renovating & was cooking for the last few weeks at Le Casermette, this is a seasonal local job here in our village which he loves. Cooking is his passion (P.S he's not really asleep just mucking about with the boss).

We have been welcoming lots of guests to our renovated Army Barracks, La Caserma. This is our first official year opening them as case vacanze, and they are fully booked (Sam is super happy!). I have been keeping our Loft Apartment here at the house running smoothly, and funnily enough lots of Italians travel with their dogs so that has been a learning curve.

He is a man of many talents (although an exhausted one).

Our girl left this morning for Sardinia, she is working as a photographer for the entire summer. I love that she has so many opportunities to create her life here, & this will be her first time taking the car. Her boyfriend lives in Sardinia so he will be waiting for her at the port for a big reunion.