REELS AND VIDEOS
A selection of the Reels from my Instagram profile: @borgopoggiodeifiori
You can also find most stories and videos on Facebook
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YouTube video
When I started cleaning the hill and doing some initial work in the front Barn here at the end of 2020, I mainly took photos. Every time I was in the Netherlands or Belgium, friends, family, and acquaintances wanted to know how things were going, so I brought my laptop and used the photos to describe what I was doing. During the Christmas holidays of 2022, I realized there had to be a smarter way to document the progress. In 2023, after a crash course, I started using YouTube .
Playlist: Renovation
About four years ago, I found this largely deserted, small hamlet in the southern part of Piedmont, called "Alta Langa," where nature dictates the surrounding hills. The hamlet consisted mainly of a few old stables and a farmhouse. Situated on the top of a gently sloping hill, it faced south, overlooking the valleys.
My dream
For years I had the dream to create a project in Italy that consisted of three pillars:
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Creating a future food forest based on permaculture principles.
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Creating ample outdoor space where guests can gather to eat, swim or simply relax.
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To provide for my income, at least 5 to 6 independent apartments.
I was simply looking for a traditional, natural stone farmhouse with stables, where I could preserve as many original features as possible. After several visits over a period of several months and in different seasons, I decided this would be my future home.
I don't think a project like this is ever truly finished, but I've reached the first major milestone. In the coming years, I'll be expanding the entire property with a reception area, indoor and outdoor bars, an additional apartment, a large vegetable garden, and a greenhouse. My long-term goal is to go off-grid whenever possible and become self-sufficient.
A selection of the latest videos
The new reception and living room at a glance
In the third section of the Borgo, you'll now find a fifth apartment on the first floor. I had temporarily stored various items on the ground floor. In this video, I'll take you through the transformation of this space into a reception area with a kitchen and living room. The old fireplace has been replaced with a modern, authentic wood-burning stove. All electrical and plumbing lines have been replaced, and the kitchen has a new floor.
Completion of entrance and wood storage
After the guests left, I had a few days off. A good opportunity to tidy up the garden and finish the entrance with the wood storage. It looks much neater when you drive up. Of course, you'll also want to wire part of the Wi-Fi network, so Wi-Fi is available at the front and in the garden.
The Borgo comes to life in 2025
End of April 2025. The first guests are about to arrive. That means a bit of tidying up. The apartments were still missing a few items, such as mirrors and hooks in the bathrooms. With the help of a few friends, we also gave the terrace a new thatched roof and finished the pergola in the garden. The second hammock has been hung. Everything is ready for the new season!
Preparations for the new season
With just a week to go before the opening, there are plenty of jobs to complete. From window cleaning to thoroughly cleaning all the apartments. But first, the front wall needs to be finished, and then everything needs to be cleared out and hidden as much as possible. Can we manage? Of course, if you just give it your all, it will.
A new path to the Pergola and the rest of the garden
Another bit of garden improvement. The pergola is finished, but you can't get in yet. A wide path with some climbing plants on either side is the idea. Clearing the ground again and removing as many stones as possible, the steps, stakes in the ground, tree bark on the path, and climbing plants in the ground. Definitely one of my favorite activities.