If you had asked me back in February 2006 (when I first saw the land) whether I would have embarked on this project if I knew it would take over four years I would probably, honestly, have answered 'no'.
But here we are, in July 2010, four years and five months on and I have no regrets.
Mimi and I have just returned from a four day 'break' having driven yet another load of stuff out to Villa Benara including a dinner table and 6 matching chairs; a 'Zaida' rug (that I finally bought after two years looking at it in Fenwick's; a refurbished ornate cast iron table with polished glass top; assorted ceramic bowls and plates; more books; dvd's etc.....
After an interminable delay to further, necessary, wall building work caused by the quarry source for 'Ventimiglia' stone running dry, work resumed in the middle of June to join the 'east' wall to the wall surrounding the pool; build steps to the pool and start the west wall up the track.
We arrived late morning on the 14th July having driven through the night. We partially unloaded the car and inspected the work done.
- East wall, complete.
- Steps to the pool, complete.
- West wall, good progress.
In addition, all of the earth behind the east wall had been landscaped; the earth within the walled area levelled and most of the vegetation removed.
This picture shows the east wall complete and the corner of the steps.
I had ordered the railing for the pool edge in mid June and we had been told that it would be fitted whilst we were there.
Despite clear instructions over the style/design a mis-communication ensued and the railing is not quite how we intended it to be!
Nevertheless, the quality of the work is excellent and we are getting used to the result!
Here are the railings installed and the steps to the pool.
We are back at the beginning of August by which time the west wall should be finished, the irrigation in and maybe even the turf will have been laid.
