Just before showing you the results of
all our labours (which is what I wanted the 100th post to
be about), I suddenly realised that it would be wiser to pause, take a
deep breath, and remember what has been our daily reality for the
last 18 months; building work, dust, plumbing, electrics, drains, mud,
sweat, blood and tears.
Sounds a little dramatic, I know, but it's perhaps all to easy to move on now that it's pretty much done, and forget the stresses and strains it has put us all under. Proud as we are of the final result, I am much prouder of the struggle it has been and these photographs show a little of what we have been up against.
It's certainly not an opportunity for self-congratulation or gloating, because we have made countless mistakes (some we don't even know yet) and we've had a lot of help along the way, but I must admit to never expecting it to have been quite this hard, or to last this long.
Anyway, I promise that in a few days I'll get together some 'after' photos but, for now, you'll have to make do with the 'befores'
The place looks great, you both have a very creative way of putting all the elements together to make the rooms so inviting.
Can't wait to see the views from the rooms themselves, also the bathrooms look like they are finished to a very high spec.
Posted by: george | March 01, 2009 at 09:14 PM
It's looking GREAT, Amanda! Can't wait to see the after photos - M:)
Posted by: Megan in Liguria | February 18, 2009 at 06:22 PM
Bravi! Can't wait to see the "after" pictures of your casale. Especially the stalle look promising with the antique arch. Your present livingroom or studio? Your photo collection could easily be the basis of a book. Are you considering??? Bacione, Ingrid
Posted by: Vita Lenta nel Bel Paese | February 18, 2009 at 01:34 PM
Congratulations on finishing your 'Project' and on your 100th post. I along with everyone else look forward to the After Photos.
I too just had my 100th post, I'm having a giveaway to celebrate the occasion. Swing by my blog and enter.
Posted by: Ice Tea For Me | February 17, 2009 at 01:59 AM
why o why are these pictures giving me an anxiety attack. I am emmeshing myself in them. (note to self: these are pictures of amanda's property, not yours. calm your sorry butt down. Stick a log in the fire. Take a pill).
Ok I'm better now. Really.
I also cannot wait for another mind meld moment while viewing the afters...
baci baci
Posted by: [email protected] | February 15, 2009 at 12:19 AM
Now that's a lot of blood, sweat and maybe a few tears and blisters along the way. Bravo for your stamina and vision.
Posted by: Rosaria | February 13, 2009 at 11:39 AM
Complimenti! May the venture be everything you desire...
Posted by: Judith in Umbria | February 11, 2009 at 07:04 PM
BRAVO!!!! Well done and congratulations, the photos are great and speak for themselves,cant wait to see what you have done and know it will be breathtaking!!!!
MIss you, ciao xxxxx
Posted by: ali | February 11, 2009 at 06:57 PM
Wow I'm tired just LOOKING at the pics ;) It must feel wonderful to be finished.
Posted by: Monika | February 11, 2009 at 06:20 PM
I "braced myself" and "taken a deep breath". Now just hoping I don't have to hold it for too long, because I'm also looking forward to the "afters".
Posted by: casalba | February 11, 2009 at 12:11 PM
I'm so excited to see the after photos!!
Posted by: nyc/caribbean ragazza | February 11, 2009 at 11:45 AM
I hear you! It takes so much courage to undertake building work while living in the house. Maybe now that ours is starting to crumble over our heads we'll get started on it.
I'm glad that you took the time to get the camera out. It's a testimony to your perseverance!
Posted by: Scintilla | February 11, 2009 at 08:31 AM
YAY!!!!!! I'm SO excited for you...these photos are GORGEOUS (as always). Two immediate thoughts: Amanda in shorts...don't know if I've ever seen it, and do you think if you use a long stick with a glass globe on top those crazy sun beams will show you a secret treasure location?! :)
Can't wait to see the finished product (in photos and in real life).
baci.
Posted by: erin :: the olive notes | February 10, 2009 at 11:59 PM
I'm with everyone else...can't wait to see the after photos. This looks like a huge challenge. Not one for the faint at heart:)
Posted by: Michele Lee | February 10, 2009 at 11:19 PM
Wow! I just glimpsed the beautiful doors, floor, wall colour... don't make us wait too long to see the rest! Wish I was coming with the rest of the SGC crew in March. Can't wait to see it all finished and hope to visit soon.
Posted by: Caroline | February 10, 2009 at 10:52 PM
No wonder you had "Blood, Sweat and Tears" such a lot of hard work. It is all going to be worth while. Can;t wait to see the next lot of photos.
Posted by: anne | February 10, 2009 at 10:05 PM
I can tell you're doing a lot of work, and that it's all going to pay off. Can't wait to see the afters.
Posted by: Ciaochowlinda | February 10, 2009 at 09:45 PM