New project

[claire tudge]

Could anyone give me information on Santa Domenic Talao I am interested in some of the renovation properties there but know nothing of this town, if you have purchased there and have done renovation work please share some of your experiences good or bad, kind regardsx

[Doug]

Hello Claire-
Can you be a little more specific on what you want to know? We are closing in on the end of a restoration that Di shows in her "Restoration Diary", but there are at least 2 other couples that are completed and another 2 English speakers who are just a little behind us with restoration. We leave next Thursday to visit the house and we are buying a smaller unit under us that does not need as much professional work to become a rental or place to stick relatives. We'll retire there in 2 years and wouldn't mind a little Euro cash income to supplement our US dollar pensions.

We of course used Tony to search for and buy the property. Antonello is the wonderful architect in SDT that understands all the historic preservation laws and is overseeing the work. He had a gorgeous restoration example by a Belgian to show us there. He is kind, talented and patient...it took awhile to select all the bath fixtures and floor tile while he and his contractor followed thru the store Shoulda had a video of us five men following Di around looking for the right things. At least I prevailed with the shower stuff.

We vascillated between Scalea centro storico and Santa Dominico. For us the choice came down to SDT being more tranquil and the people we met were so GENUINE with their friendliness. We also are coming from a more remote, rural setting, so Scalea is a bit "bustley" and noisy for us. It's only 8km away for beaches and stores when we want. The bus service will be a challenge to learn, but it exists. The views from the hill town are killer too.

Yes, there are some good looking deals there now too. We'll know even more after our July visit if we can help.

Saluto simpatici,

[claire tudge]

Sorry Doug after posting the question i realised the ongoing renovation project i have been following on the website is in Santa Domenic Taloa, we have already bought a small apartment at Parco Flora and would have loved to buy in the Cento Storico but think it is way out of our price range, but SDT or Orsomarso look lovely and we plan to visit in October, have renovated in the uk but not in Italy so any advice particularly on SDT the area, facilities etc would be gratefully appreciated, this will be a long term venture but we are very excited at the prospect as like yourselves we would rather be away from the main tourist areas kind regards x

[Niamh]

Hi Claire,
We bought in Santa Domenica Talao last year with the help of Tony, David & Melanie at Scalea Property. We fell completely in love with the town and would agree with everything Doug says about the "genuine" nature of the people. Everyone you meet is just so lovely. The tranquility of the place would be hard to beat.
Have been to Orsomarso a couple of times. Another beautiful town, almost like the land that time forgot !
Our renovations started in February and progress is looking good. We are very excited at seeing our dream becoming a reality.
We were there in March and then in May. Next trip planned for October when the house should be finished - fingers crossed. That will be a very exciting trip and a busy one too when we will have to try to get some basic furniture in etc. No idea where to start with all that but I know there are lots of posts on the forum with information of where to buy what so that's a big help. Very best of luck with whatever you decide to do.
Regards
Niamh

[Doug]

Hi Claire,
When we return from this visit to Santa Domenica, we'll share more stuff with you. We're relying on photos from Tony (and the Cohens when they are there) to monitor progress. An in-person viewing and review will be nice. They have kept to the construction schedule pretty well. Because Antonello doesn't have the time to deal with our poor Italians skills, we're very reliant on Tony again for his liaison and translating to get our wishes across to contractors and questions from them back to us. The floor tiles ought to be going down this week, then they can install bath and kitchen fixtures. We'll be installing lighting fixtures ourselves once we pick them out at a supplier. Might be able to start doing that this trip depending on what we find and how the budget survives.

More later, Doug

[claire tudge]

Thanks for all you replies and information, now have a viewing date, cant wait, it will be a nice contrast from Scalea x