Just when you think you know it all....

[Trix]

Hi all, I don't know whether this is the right heading for this, but as it covers a general point about the whole Italian experience here goes....we joined the forum months ago when we thought we were just about to become proud owners after lots of long research. "Easy," I thought. After all, I am half Italian, speak it well, have friends there...well, having found our dream place, a beautiful old stone rustico which was restored to grezzo state, we had our offer accepted (for a very good price...now I know why), and the problems began - yes the old "nero" chestnut, which OK, I have no moral objection to, but don't think it's worth the risk anymore. Anyway this builder wanted 80 per cent in cash...plus it transpired he had a very dodgy credit record, and it got worse. Of course we couldn't pull out - offer signed and accepted and all that. Well, after all that, the only way we survived - and ended up with a house (well, a potential house) was getting a lawyer involved. He was great and ensured we did it all "in bianco" much to the disgust of the vendor. So thanks to Charles Joseph, who put us in touch with his lawyer friend, and to TrulliMartinaFranca who put us in touch with Charles. This forum really does have its uses!


The moral of the tale - do, always make sure you have all the facts/help you need, even if you think you know the country and the language. Now all we need to do is get our rustico habitable so we can actually enjoy it!
Any tips on terracing extreme slopes?!

[stefanaccio]

We have a pretty good slope in front of our house. After mucking around a bit the best that we could come up with is the plant edera (ivey). Lareger plants at the nursery are not cheap (9 euros @) but the job is getting done and we do not have to wait 20 years for the final result.

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[trullomartinafranca]

Originally Posted by Trix

Hi all, I don't know whether this is the right heading for this, but as it covers a general point about the whole Italian experience here goes....we joined the forum months ago when we thought we were just about to become proud owners after lots of long research. "Easy," I thought. After all, I am half Italian, speak it well, have friends there...well, having found our dream place, a beautiful old stone rustico which was restored to grezzo state, we had our offer accepted (for a very good price...now I know why), and the problems began - yes the old "nero" chestnut, which OK, I have no moral objection to, but don't think it's worth the risk anymore. Anyway this builder wanted 80 per cent in cash...plus it transpired he had a very dodgy credit record, and it got worse. Of course we couldn't pull out - offer signed and accepted and all that. Well, after all that, the only way we survived - and ended up with a house (well, a potential house) was getting a lawyer involved. He was great and ensured we did it all "in bianco" much to the disgust of the vendor. So thanks to Charles Joseph, who put us in touch with his lawyer friend, and to TrulliMartinaFranca who put us in touch with Charles. This forum really does have its uses!


The moral of the tale - do, always make sure you have all the facts/help you need, even if you think you know the country and the language. Now all we need to do is get our rustico habitable so we can actually enjoy it!
Any tips on terracing extreme slopes?!

So glad you've got there in the end, its not easy is it! I have to say that Charles and Carlo really are fantastic and have helped us no end.

Terracing ideas: Stones and wire mesh like at the side of motorways? Railway sleepers?

Good luck with everything

[alan h]

For terracing try;-

Terracing | Backyard Conservation | Features | NRCS

for some ideas

[manopello]

It sounds like you have our problem with steep slopes.

Can I offer some advice?

1. Make sure that any run-off from driveway/road/lane etc is diverted away from the slope if possible into a proper drain but if not an area of trees/plants where the ground will absorb it.Build small walls and dig drainage ditches.You may need to get dia's for these.

2.Where does the cesspit discharge? Make sure it doesn't go towards the slope as this will add to the problem.

3.On no account cut down any trees or shrubs (we had an offer from our neighbour to clear all our trees !) and if you can get to the slope plant black locust trees.If possible plant trees and shrubs on the top edge of the slope( not right on the edge about 2meters in)

4.Move any rubbish debris old sheds etc away from the edge of any slope.Do not park cars within at least 10 metres from the edge of slope.If there's evidence of flytipping from the road try to fench off the area to prevent this.


Good luck pm me if you want more info!

[Trix]

Thanks for all the advice - especially manopello! Cesspits...now there's a thing. We don't actually have one dug yet (no. 2 on the "to do" list, after seeing to the rainwater run-off/access track situation, as you suggest. so useful to bear your point in mind when the builder does do it. problem is, with slope starting very near site of cesspit, where exactly does one take the discharge? Am hoping our builder will know the answer to that one! On the tree-planting front, we've already thought that it probably isn't wise to deforest - trouble is the slope is covered in bramble, elderberry scrub and invasive acacia, so were hoping to take some out in order to plant some olives/almonds/apricot trees. Any idea about the best way to do this? Any advice gratefully received!