RENOVATING MY ITALIAN DREAM VILLA! | Debbie Travis | Only Human
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- Опубликовано: 26 окт 2022
- Design icon Debbie Travis is risking her life savings to buy and transform a 13th-century medieval watchtower and farmhouse in Tuscany into a luxurious women-only retreat. Inspiring, touching and heart-warming, the series explores the highs and lows of buying and renovating a large property in a foreign country. As Tuscany is deemed an international heritage site, Debbie is forced to conform to rigid historical protection laws and red-tape committees.
Working with some of the best architects, designers and tradesmen in Italy, she struggles to grasp the language and assimilate to a new culture. Plus Debbie must also wrap her head around what it takes to run a 100-acre farm with 800 olive trees and a vineyard. At the heart of the series is Debbie’s personal journey to find a new happiness through her desire to create a one-of-a-kind retreat that captures the transformative spirit of Tuscany and the experience of La Dolce Vita - The Sweet Life.
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From: Building La Dolce Vita
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A very emotional journey, and I hope it continues to support the dreams of and improve the lives of women--forever.
Hi folks. As a person who is passionate about houses and have been doing house plans since i was 8 years old,i feel that I just had to make a comment about all of this. But before i get to the important point that i wish to make i need to clarify a few things. 1) i have worked with constuctors and builders in 3 countries. Uk,then Italy and more recently in southern Spain. I'm talking about major work. Hopefully no one will be offended by what i have to say because we all know that there is good and bad in every country. I'm just recounting my experiences,having also built houses from start to finish. I know that in USA they turn out houses in no time whatsoever. No wonder that just like the 3 little piggys house the bad wolf huffed and puffed and blew the house down. If you get my jist😂. One must understand that the majority of Italians who work in construction are artisans,many of the highest level. When they restore such houses they are not dealing with plasterboards etc etc. These houses were built to last and last they did. To return these houses to their former glory takes time a deep understanding of their structure but also a great passion and pride in their work. If you want to restore cheaply i strongly suggest that you go to southern spain or Portugal. In fact, that's where many Brits go. Many bodging up houses on the cheap,that look quite pretty when finished as Brits are very good on decorations and soft furnishings. Many within 2/3 years sell these properties at a profit and go on to the next one and the next. Many people are gullible and buy these insubstantial houses for their decor and have no idea that such structures will eventually without doubt give them extreme headaches and serious problems. I've done a huge extension work here in southern Spain ( and wish to do more,utter madness)and i cannot tell you how useless i have found many of the builders to be and THAT includes their architects !!!! Don't get me wrong,i love Spanish people and have made many close friends,but what i have experienced regarding building work is nothing less than horrific. Many so called builders would be better off returning to ride on their mules in the countryside. The Brits are somewhere in between. But in my book no one beats the Italians for their creativity and dedication in what they do. I repeat,I'm recounting MY experiences!!! If you have money,love quality,wine ,women and song,with fantastic food ,merrymaking and CLASS. Then Italy is definitely the country for you.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I wish to have a home in Italy one day, but I would have to find something already done, I don't want to go through 3 years or more to get it done.
Yes welll all those homes are empty now in every beautiful happy merry village and they have no people because the young are leaving and there is no work. Italy is paying foreigners to buy properties to renovate is selling for 1 Euro. Times have changed my friend and the strong excellent houses the Italians have built stand empty ,no love no music no merriment 😢
You are right..I'm from Portugal renovating an 200 year old home in northern Portugal near Porto...Itália is indeed amazing when it comes to older properties...
Thank you for this very valuable information and sharing your experience 🙏 I had no idea and I love to hear good information from people who have experience working with builders and in the construction industry.
❤💯 agreed with you. The houses here in UK are not good. The 50's and 60's somewhat done on the cheap RAAC, brick and morter, more concrete and asbestos that you can imagine. It is costly to remove those and to renovate, you have to prepare for a battle. I am talking to renew for more ecofriendly and durable materials. The burocracy here with councils and building officers approval has to do with bribery and who is connected with whom. It is rare to find a good team of builders. So many construction firms have their team at a high price but some are not even half of the Italian craftmanship. So, I do want to come back to my Italy and if you are around still, please lets contact for a great renovation project. 😊 I saw the south of Spain and some if the huge developments done for the riches from Northern and Eastern Europeans who can barely speak Spanish, moved there for the cheap, the sangria and the women. How petty! Denigrating the locals who clean their houses and their gardeners! So arrogants that makes me sick. So, far away from the riches, arrogant and petulant grandiose people with cheap houses.
Debbie yes yes+yes Not just a place....its your place.oh to sit on the bed with a friend.
Tears. You have such resilience + determination. All hats off for you. Love to you. Thank you❤😂😊
Oh, I love this!! Women building up women!! Cheers to you!
This makes me think of the movie UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN. Best movie ever♥️
The villa is stunning, the story inspiring, and, I ended up in tears when the ladies arrived. I didn't want it to end.
Me too😅
THANK YOU for not desecrating that chapel. So many people would’ve!
What i absolutely admire about her is that she is not settling for less. She doesn’t like it, she redoes it or changes it to fit her original insight. Great girl!
This is an awesome project! This video is my first exposure to Ms. Debbie Travis. What a wonderful person. ❤
This was a beautiful documentary, I vaguely recall this woman Debbie Travis, I have obviously seen her shows in past years, and once the story unfolded the dots were connected. Apart from this wonderful house and region, and the people working on the entire project, the most poignant part for me was her humble beginnings in life with her mother and siblings, which has been carried through to her loving husband, sons and especially friendships, and then to go on and assist many women without the fierce feminist movement! Bravo 👏 bravo 🎉
Ok, after watching more than half of the video, after watch the choosing the stone floor (where they selected the bigger pieces she wanted) and also the change of the stone top (exactly like he had tried to explain, he repeated to her "it's too long" many times), I don't understand how they resisted, must have driven them crazy.
I don't even want thinking to what the architect "lived" during the works (sorry for my English); I hope they got paid very very well, I wouldn't have been able to work with/for her honestly, regardless of the money.
I just hope it was (at least) worth it and who the property is gorgeous.
I agree. When the men carried that heavy counter in andback out I thought I hope she’s paying and tipping them well. Then she passed out ice cream. I hope that was in addition to a huge tip. After her work designing professionally for years I was surprised by her inability to listen to the architect and others.
I think the architect could have shown how the counter would be too big by simply putting cardboard or paper the same length on the floor in the kitchen. An absolutely huge project. A very brave lady. I am so glad she eventually found someone to translate and work with her. I live in Cyprus and was married to my Greek Cypriot 49 years before he passed away. It takes time to learn a language and even when you speak well it is still difficult with the way things are done as far as planning laws and even inheritance laws as well as most governmental departments. Even Cypriots need help with lots of things. It is often who you know. I absolutely love Cyprus despite this.
This style is particular ONLY to Italians and mostly in that region. Foreigners try to imitate it,but most fail dismally. She has learnt much from the experts surrounding her,i just wish that she could have been humble enough to admit it and that we could have seen far more of it's interior and less about her. Even that gorgeous kitchen deserved to be seen far more slowly. Her husband is a gorgeous man. Does anyone know his nationality? He is extremely patient with her, and i feel that she gets her way every time. I've never heard of her before this video but do admire her drive. She has achieved what she wanted,so good for her. ❤
I have followed Debbie Travis for many years. She is an eager and creative perfectionist, kind and patient. She and her husband have been married for over twenty years, and they have two grown sons. Her husband is an enthusiastic supporter of his wife, and it has always been a wonderful thing to witness.
The end result is so beautiful
I remember Debbie Travis from many years agar. I used to do decorative painting, and was amazed to discover someone else was doing the same thing half way around the world. Nice to see what happened to her
Found this by accident, so lucky. So beautiful- the story, the people, the location, the building restoration and the beautiful finished vision with the lovely combination of ancient and modern, rustic and luxe. Amazing vision Debbie and Hans. Hope the venture is a success, sure it will be.❤😊
Italy should be declared UNESCO World Heritage.
A lot it is!!
I loved watching this program. I also was in tears at the end. Well done Debbie, BRAVA 💖
CONGRATULATIONS what a gift to afford, you and all including hubby are so fortunate to enjoy this dream, this house and guest home is phenomenal. How blessed you are. 💗🎉🎊🎉
So beautiful. Thank you for your respect in keeping with the culture and structures of this beautiful place. Not many countries care about using the old ways it seems. You've made a beautiful, peaceful and enriching retreat. Those who get to go to this place are very lucky women. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.
Debbie, I started watching this video and couldn’t stop. What an uplifting story about perseverance of a “dream”, women, family, love, friendship, beauty and so much more. I forwarded this video to friends and family. Talking about “dreams”…. I would love to come for a visit too! Thank you for telling us your story! 🥰
Unbelievable,what a journey loved every minute of the build.
Incredible home you designed with beautiful materials and the pomegranite area is stunning and looks the place to rest. Fantastic project.
Overwhelming project and years in the making but it turned out beautifully❣️
😢i didn't expect to hv my eyes filled w/tears when seeing the completed villa. Debbie was a boss. Could you imagine wrangling dozens of Italian men while not speaking their language. BRAVO TO ALL INVOLVED IN THIS FANTASTIC MAGICAL JOURNEY. YOU MEN ARE THE BEST. YOUR CRAFT IS A THING OF BEAUTY.
THX YOU HANS FOR BELIEVING IN DEBBIE'S DREAM😘😘😘😘😘😘
Wow! What a wonderful journey and dream, not everyone could make it through ! So happy you did it, such an accomplishment. Debbie you have such a supportive husband! I love the movie, “Under the Tuscan Sun”, and you got to meet the author, that was a fitting experience. I love your design for each of the rooms. Thank you for bringing us on your journey. You get to live your dream. Enjoy!!!
Very emotional to watch this Debbie. My husband and i have renovated all our homes in NZ and also built over 20 years a lovely home in a rainforest in Fiji so I totally connected with your story. We are now in our 70’s and have just completed our, perhaps last home. I love Italy. I also relate to the woman’s stories and found more tears as they arrived for their retreat.
Well done you two. I love your rare jewel in your Italian gorgeous young woman that helped you with language and hopefully has a permanent place with you. Best of luck.🌹
This was absolutely beautiful and the end result was stunning. Well done Debbie👌🏽🤗👌🏽
You are an amazing woman. I love watching you create your beautiful home and gardens. Thank you for sharing ❤
She’s also a nightmare. Those workmen must absolutely despise her. We’ve worked with people like her and it’s never worth it.
I’m glad you taking’s us with you for this enormous renovation from debris to beams , you are so talented
This was so interesting to watch!, thank you Debbie ! I love everything you did. ❤
What an amazing achievement! The transformation is stunning. Wishing you much well-deserved success.
Congratulations Debbie Travis. You followed your DREAM🎉
Absolutely incredible project - well done! Interesting study of how two completely diverse cultures being willing to work together - it takes an incredible amount of patience on both sides - loved the respect and love for each other that grew out of this project
This is a very large budget, and is for young age people. At 60 years to spend a million, how many years will I use it. It's quiet, boring nothing happens in this place. great enthusiasm? you have to find a lot of women with old rich Spouses.
Quando il tuo sogno diventa realtà... la vita cambia. Bravo. Well done.
Congratulations Debbie. An inspiring story. Thank you.
So relatable. We all have this problem every once in awhile
What great communication this couple has🎉❤
A real beautiful story ❤
Well...I just don't know when I've enjoyed watching anything more... in years. What a beautiful lady and even more beautiful spirit you are. Everything about your energy feels familiar but I'm sure I've never watched one of your TV shows in the states. You had MY respect immediately....foraging on through the years managing all that testosterone, the disappointments AND the language barrier. And I didn't see one tear shed...even when you got stuck in the muck on those gloomy days. It is absolutely divine and I can't imagine anything more fulfilling. It would be almost like visiting another time period in another dimension. How could their lives not be forever altered in the best way possible.
Wonderful Video, Wonderful Purpose... Best wishes on this new adventure ❤😊
Loved it! So interesting!❤
As an Austrian, I have never heard of Debbie before. I really much enjoyed watching this video and and being virtual part of this journey. The land and view is truly a gem, but what you made out of it is absolutely gorgeous and outstanding. Everything fits so well together, and it ultimately kept its Tuscany vibe 100%. Also love the landscaping.
In the end of the day, the whole idea of having women there to have a timeout of their busy or changing lives is a wonderful concept.
Even though Debbie has been the one with the vision, I also want to give credit to her husband and anyone who supported.
One of the best videos and concepts I have seen on RUclips in a very long time.
Thank you for sharing, and all the best. Stay safe and healthy.
Google translate's microphone button would make communication with crew so easy for her. Just a little diligence and prep makes a huge difference in "being takes seriously.'
Debbie's casual/obvious non-fluency comes off as careless - and careless she got back.
Beyond beautiful! Love all the repurposed items! You should be so proud. Just some indoor plants needed and Italian bamboo ala Gabriella Crespi
Have spent the day watching the whole thing...enthralling and just what I needed in these times...will recommend it highly to everyone and probably watch it again more than once...remember Debbie well from HGTV abd loved her then. At this point I find very little to watch on this channel..no more Debbie or Sarah Richardson or many others I never missed an episode...I am missing them now..just not the same. Was so grateful to have this pop up on my screen today..kismet! Love you Debbie
Just beautiful.
Debbie, I've followed you for years, and this is your best project yet. Looking forward to my OWN visit to this wonderful Villa!!
Debbie, I came upon your channel or renovation. Brought me tears when you met up with author, Frances Myers from “under the Tuscan Sun” my favorite movie and what brought me to love ITALY! I cannot believe you had footage of Bramasole !! 🤯😱👏🏼 I’d love to be over of the woman you choose and experience joy, build friendship, advice and just enjoy each others company!! 🥹🙏🏼
Such a nice show. ❤❤❤❤
The villa is beyond beautiful, but that view is priceless. Being there on vacation must be an exhilarating experience.
Estou impressionado com a reforma que fizeram. Transformaram um lugar bonito para maravilhoso. Parabéns!!
amazing video!!!!!....LOVED everything
Cant you use a digital language translator.
Happy House is incredible, wonderful artistic. craftsman, restorers.
Beautiful creation
''Under the tuscan sun'' dream come true!!! I used to watch Debbie Travis when I was a little girl (I know, I have an old soul). Feel so related with this video, this is my dream as well!!
I got glued throughout the compilation even came out continuing on my iPad
Thank you so much for every piece of experience you recorded maam ❤❤❤❤❤
Breathtaking!!!!!!!!!!
What a wonderful video. I so enjoyed seeing your vision come to life. Thank you. thank you.
😍Such a magical place! You say women from all walks of life? I would so love to treat my beautiful daughter & myself. We do so deserve it, but maybe just a dream. 🇬🇧living 🇸🇪
I so enjoyed this! Brought me to tears sometimes. Oh, to dream!
Beautiful, what a journey! Would love to travel this path one day.
Bravo for making your dream come true. I’ve missed seeing you in the US. Now I see what is so special about Tuscany. Grazie.
I am pleased that she had the wealth to invest for the main reason of helping others.
Congratulations to the workers
La vita non è così dolce per tutti gli italiani ma mi fa molto piacere vedere come gai ristrutturato quella casa e come certe donne possano trovare un po' di tranquillità e pensare solo a se stesse. Buona fortuna per tutto 😊
Thankyou For Sharing This Amazing Story I Think This Lovely Lady Is Brilliant She Has Got A lot of. Guts I Would Love To Meet Her One Day 💕
I can only IMAGINE how much a retreat here would cost. I get the impression this is only for the very elite. Like a politician or a politician’s
wife, or a corporate CEO or corporate CEO’s girlfriend. Great for the regular woman to dream… watch this video like reading a Town & Country magazine in the local library. ☺️
,,, is a lot of male hormones into that women which doesn't give her peace of mind inside... He needs to reduce levitation, get down to earth😅
so emotional heart rendering episode and captivating journey of a life time. to raise beauty from the ashes and to give a life back to this piece is one of a kind and rejuvenating and life giving. breathing life into the ladies is part of the villa story.. it brought me to tears. Tuscany and Italian has been closer to my heart . i love their energy ..its a place i would love to visit in this lifetime i have here on earth. giving people hope is all there is in this never ending race in life ...a piece of rest that all need..thank you Debbie for taking us along your transforming journey.
I came across this video. I absolutely love watching you create your dream. I laughed cried and cheered you on! You gave me inspiration to keep dreaming keep creating and most of never give up! Thank you for sharing your beautiful dream project. ❤️
I am impressed. I can see your journey is like mine and every person on the planet. Thank you for showing this project and helping the 17 women with your vision and wisdom. We have all that to share.
What an amazing journey & a wonderfully extraordinary gift to women & all those around. Dream on❤
You are an amazing woman!!! God bless you Debbie!
I wish I could come too
What happen to the lady translator?
Thanks ❤ for sharing this amazing adventure and hope to see more from you.
Quite amazing. You might want to look up Kylie flavell who,also built in Italy maybe. Tuscany.
Loved watching this video hope to visit that beautiful villa - you have created the most splendid property
Love it Debbie! It’s a great idea, I hope I can go with my best friend of manny years. We both need this trip
Fantasic from begining to end....
What an amazing property & project! Would be my dream! Love your plans to have women come for motivational retreats!
This was wonderful! The at the end when the project signed was taking down it was very emotional!
This is a huge project to execute and you perfectly did it. Congratulations! 👏😉
Deeply impressed. Bravo, well done Dan😊
Loving it all... what a wonderful decision🎉❤also how you are in a feeling and desire to motivate the half year women, so very so, our challenge ...having a living purpose ... anxious seeing your meeting with them all... I am there in my ❤️ Fantástico 💫 seeing how the women felt as they were arriving 💯💝
Amazing story. Congrats.
Fantastic Debbie well done. you had me laughing and crying too.
Hey Brittany, potash is pronounced like the 2 words: pot ash. No worries, live and learn lovely lady ♡ Love that your kitties are thriving, thx for being awesome cat parents ♡
Dear Debbie i enjoyed the ride with you and congratz, you achived the best!!
I cried my eyes out as watching you follow your hart it opened mine..suddenly i knew what i wanted to do with my little guesthouse and certainly what i wanted to do with my tiny house...Thank you for that.. love from Holland
Jane 2:14:57
❤😊just found this video and what a interesting video I love it thank you for this amazing story I'm happy to go on this journey 😊
Having bought a Liberty Villino in Nth Tuscany, we feel your story on a whole other level. The frustrations are enormous and the timeframes beyond our comprehension. We could only wish for the resources you have behind you, much work we will do ourselves. I can't imagine tackling this without at least basic Italian..bravi! I hope our outcome will be successful, but watching the fireflies as dusk settles, sipping our Brunello is something of a salve for now!
Bellissimo, Debbie. What a masterpiece you have created. I would love to visit one day soon!
Buona fortuna!
P. S. This is the best video I've seen on RUclips in recent years! Grazie mille.
Wonderful video. Extremely inspiring ❤❤
wow
I loved that! Sad when it ended!
It can be put on a basement if it is a modular. That is a hallmark difference between manufactured and modular homes.
This one I love for the potential of a 3-way view from the living/kitchen/dining rooms (If foyer area has a view window in or beside the door.
I love your dream house, thankyou to expire special women, i wanted that was feel rejected, feel failure and to heard you make me feel power and continue. Thankyou very much.❤🙏🙏❤️❣️😘❤️❣️😘
Watching this and living in Italy all I keep saying is ‘domani’. Italians are very laid back and relaxed compared to the rushed life of living in the U.S. love this though
Grazie mille Nick I really loved the house on the Island of Capri, yes? Water temperatures warm or no? Really a great video this one, thank you thank you thank you! Such natural beauty I think!
God bless the husband. May God send everyone husband like that
Debbie seems to resemble Debbie …Reynolds :)
A brave woman!!! Awesome!!
Brava. Bellissima casa❤
wow, WOW, WOW, BEST TO YOU