We were hoping for an early Christmas present from the municipality approving our renovation plans but the Grinch was at work and the technician that had just started last month and was almost done reviewing and approving our project quit, or was transferred, or let go. We just know he’s no longer there and so we go back to waiting.
So while we wait, we’ll share more about the renovation project.
While searching for properties we hired a firm called OurToscana to help us with diligence of the 1st deal which fell through and to help us evaluate Borgo Santolina before we bid on it at auction. They are a unique type of company, a combination of owners rep, project manager, project accountant, regulatory specialist, architect, geometra, engineer, interior designer, landscape architect and shoulder to cry on.
After winning the auction and closing the purchase, the OurToscana team spent weeks at the property. They were measuring, lidar scanning, photographing, drone videoing the inside, outside and grounds. They also performed detective work visiting local and far off government offices, archives and storage facilities, gathering copies of historical documents, permits and plans.
Next they compared the actual structures with what was on file at the Municipality and documented the hundreds of discrepancies. This was the regularization process we’ve written about earlier where each discrepancy is identified with a plan to resolve.
They investigated and documented our very complicated water system, heating and cooling systems and electrical and gas usage.
Once we had an understanding of the property, buildings and systems, we co-created a renovation plan to replace core MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) systems, renovate the interiors, rebuild the pool and hundreds of other needed updates.
Laura, who has been our primary designer, architect and problem solver has done an amazing job at listening to all our requirements, wishes, budget constraints and creating an incredible plan to revitalize the property.
OurToscana searched and compiled a short list of general contractors, checked references and managed a competitive bidding process from which we selected our first contractor for the major works, Spinelli, who has started on the pool rebuild. They just finished adding the tanning shelf and new integrated steps into the pool.
Rebar for the tanning area
New steps, lights and valves
Our other contractor, Pool Group, has been working at removing all the old pool technical equipment and replacing with our new, fancy filter systems that circulates the water every 3 hours and removes chlorine automatically when we backwash.
After the pool and more importantly, after getting our permits approved, we’ll move on to:
Replacement of all mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems
All new lighting throughout
New and vintage furnishings and decor unique being sourced and built locally
Walls repaired and paint restored to a traditional lime wash
All wood accents and beams reinforced and refinished
Full kitchen update with new cabinetry and appliances while preserving our vintage Molteni stove
Addition of a commercial kitchen with all amenities
New solid wood interior doors to improve sound proofing
Updated dining room with a new fireplace and lighting
All guest rooms and ensuite bathrooms fully renovated
So cross your fingers, knock on wood, say a prayer, light some incense for our permits to be approved so we can get on with the next phase.
