The orginal house
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After falling in love with the charms of Puglia, we turned our dream into reality by buying Villa Mimosa. Seduced by the friendliness of the people, and by their food and wine, we were inspired to build a home-from-home amongst the olive trees.
In 2005, just after the wedding of our eldest son, we visited Puglia with some young friends. We were charmed by the countryside, the people, the food and drink. Returning to England, Puglia was never far from our thoughts.
We eventually returned for a short trip towards the end of that year to look at properties. Nothing caught our eyes or imagination until the penultimate day of our visit, when the agent showed us a tiny property sitting in just over 2 acres of land, recently renovated by its owner. Off the beaten track, it was nothing more than 2 rooms and an added shower room.
We were enchanted.
We returned the following day and made a verbal offer, which was accepted. From there on things happened in a whirl! So much to do and so little time.
We sat at the airport awaiting our return flight stunned that in the space of 24 hours we had paid a deposit on the property, opened a bank account, and completed all the necessary legal procedures to go ahead. Our dream was becoming a reality.
The next couple of years were very frustrating, with everything taking longer than we had expected. Plans had to be drawn up, 2 lots of planning permission had to be obtained, and we had to find a new builder, as the first didn't have the necessary paperwork.
Finally everything was in place, and the work began.
We visited regularly, and we don't think it is unfair to say that the local builders need to be watched. Not because they are dishonest, but as soon as you are out of sight they are tempted to start work on another job.
Finally the building work was complete, the planning permission obtained for the swimming pool, and the pool began.
The first time we walked into the completed property it took our breath away. Our builder Cosimo had built beautiful sandstone ceilings for us, making the house feel like a man-made cave, and the house looked as if it had always been that way.
Several shopping trips later, the furniture was in place, and the house started to take on its character. Everything about it felt right.
We planted a garden, which grew beyond our dreams, the plants obviously content in the tranquil environment.
The process was not without its tears, but every part was worth it.
We have a house that we, and our family, love. It is a joy to know that our visitors to date have felt the same way.
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