Episode 563: How to Renovate a 17th-century Umbrian Villa (with Kaila Merrill)

How many of us dream of living in a villa in the Umbrian countryside... but how many of us would quit our jobs and move abroad (not to mention do all the work) to actually make it happen? Today we are joined by Kaila Merrill, native Vermonter and now owner of gorgeous Poggio Belvedere, a 17th-century farmhouse deep in the Umbrian countryside that she and her husband Ludovico have lovingly renovated from the ruin it had been reduced to. It's now a luxury boutique hotel and villa-for-hire. Kaila talks about the imagination it took to be able to visualize what their new home could become, and the endless Italian bureaucracy that had to be waded through to make it happen. She also shares the struggles of having a child abroad and learning how to be a mother at the very same time she was opening her boutique hotel and learning to be a business owner. Another challenge? Creating community and getting social interaction when you live in the middle of nowhere—no matter how gorgeous the surroundings are, you still need human connection. Don't miss our first intevriew with Kaila, when she was just emerging from the renovation process and at the same time going through the grief of losing her mother: Episode 523 Legacy and Loss (with Kaila Merrill) Find out more about Poggio Belvedere (or book your stay!) here. ------------------------------------- ADVERTISE WITH US: Reach expats, future expats, and travelers all over the world. Send us an email to get the conversation started. BECOME A PATRON: Pledge your monthly support of The Bittersweet Life and receive awesome prizes in return for your generosity! Visit our Patreon site to find out more. TIP YOUR PODCASTER: Say thanks with a one-time donation to the podcast hosts you know and love. Click here to send financial support via PayPal. (You can also find a Donate button on the desktop version of our website.) The show needs your support to continue. START PODCASTING: If you are planning to start your own podcast, consider Libsyn for your hosting service! Use this affliliate link to get two months free, or use our promo code SWEET when you sign up. SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe to the podcast to make sure you never miss an episode. Click here to find us on a variety of podcast apps. WRITE A REVIEW: Leave us a rating and a written review on iTunes so more listeners can find us. JOIN THE CONVERSATION: If you have a question or a topic you want us to address, send us an email here. You can also connect to us through Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Tag #thebittersweetlife with your expat story for a chance to be featured! NEW TO THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1: OUTSET BOOK: Want to read Tiffany's book, Midnight in the Piazza? Learn more here or order on Amazon. TOUR ROME: If you're traveling to Rome, don't miss the chance to tour the city with Tiffany as your guide!