Introduction to the Homestead Project

• Martijn Doolaard introduces his new adventure of building a homestead in the Italian Alps.
• The property is located in Val Pellice, 1200 meters above sea level, with 2.3 hectares of land.

Property Details

• The homestead consists of two historical stone cabins dating back to 1903.
• The buildings are in a bare-bones condition, lacking plumbing, electricity, and toilets.

Renovation Plans

• Martijn plans to renovate one cabin first, focusing on creating a kitchen and stove.
• The goal is to complete major renovations by the following spring.

Initial Setup and Challenges

• He discusses the logistics of moving tools and supplies to the site using a wheelbarrow.
• Martijn shares his experience of setting up a solar system for electricity and the challenges of working in a remote area.

Water Connection Issues

• There is a water connection from a nearby aqueduct, but the previous owner’s plumbing was poorly done, leading to potential freezing issues in winter.
• Martijn plans to dig a trench to install new plumbing to prevent future problems.

Daily Life and Cooking

• He describes the chaos of setting up his living space and cooking for the first time in the new environment.
• Martijn mentions the need to be cautious about food storage due to potential mice.

Community Interaction

• He meets a neighbor, an Austrian priest, who offers assistance and shares insights about living in the area.