WE SHOULD NOT HAVE DONE THIS. Building an Off-Grid Homestead in the Italian Alps

We bought a historic stone house on the top of a hill in the foothills of the Italian Alps. We will now work to renovate this old stone house in Northern Italy and establish a new life here. Join us on this home renovation series.

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0:00 The problem with the way our land is designed
0:30 This might be too crazy of an idea
1:10 Building a steep zipline down the mountain
1:50 Stella comes to visit
3:30 "Life is Better with a Plan"
4:15 I made a Mess
4:40 "I wonder what grass taste like??"
5:10 Stretching the cable up the mountain
5:45 Why are we doing this??
6:23 Things aren't going according to plan
7:55 Where things start to get scary
8:35 What the girls are working on
9:30 Stella Needs a Friend
10:15 Taking a Break to Pick Mushrooms
10:45 The Problem with a Stubborn Donkey
11:35 Our favorite spot
12:00 Tightening the Zipline
13:15 Sending the first log down the mountain on our zipline
14:30 This is where we meet failure
15:00 Is this a Failure?
17:10 Dinner with our new kitchen
19:10 We start composting
20:05 Creating a watering can shelf for Chloe
20:40 Reflecting on the week
21:58 Stella is Stubborn

[bettybryson]

I concur! Stella is not/should not be a big expensive pet! She’s a working farm animal and should fulfill her purpose in life as well as being well loved.

[Jennelle]

Dude, You don't need a zip line. Stella is a PACK MULE. That's why she's coming up the path to help. She knows she's suppose to be helping. I'd bet the original owner purchased her for exactly this purpose and why they left her behind. Mules are farm workers, push, pull, carry. Get a mule pack and put her to work.

[robinbliss]

Give Stella her screen time! She knows that she is the breakout star of this sitcom. Seriously, though, load her up with the lumber and take her with you on each trip up and down the terraces. It will keep her busy and give her company, and ease the burden on you. A win-win solution!

[marymerrill]

Stella is trying to tell you she can help. They are very intelligent.

[deidrespencer]

I LOVE STELLA!!! ❤ She is such a character, and what a wonderful comment someone made about her being a pack horse! She was literally standing there waiting to be loaded up! There's your answer, Brady. 👌

[PiazzaTalkLucca]

In our part of Tuscany Donkies were used to take the wood down the hills. The perfect solution as mentioned by many. She will get company and attention. Ask a donkey sanctuary, and I am sure you will find her a friend. Our neighbor's three donkeys are a delight and talk to another group 3 km down the valley.

[hikerlily]

I think Stella's actually telling you she's there to help! Standing in your way on the path, braying at you while you're working on the zip line. She'll help you get the wood off the mountain. She's a smart mule!

[jodyprivee]

Wow! That's what Stella the pack mule is for!!! I hope you listened to the other comments about that. She's not just a pet but she IS your new best friend if you allow her to be what she was meant to be... your best helper! She would enjoy her natural purpose.

[luckygirl]

He builds, he cooks like a pro...what a wonderful husband. 👌🙌

[paulandlaurahausman]

I think Stella needs a job delivering wood down the hill. Harness her up so she can drag the wood across the hills. Or tripod the wireline half way down to raise the wood over the hump. Stella needs to be groomed and the kids can do that.

[dammlcr]

I feel so sorry for Stella. She was calling to you to let her help! This is why she was on the path. She is trying to tell you that t makes her happy to work with you! She knows her footing on those paths- please get her some baskets for each side! She could carry many poles or mushrooms! Loving spending time with you!

[zoidmo]

That first test run pully system & Stella was watching in the distance. Stella being a pack mule, I'm thinking she says ' I've been replaced by a winch zip line' 'good luck with that humans' lol. Luving how much the girls are helping with everything. So sweet.

[GJdeC]

Hey guys. My wife and I, here in South Africa - Cape Town - have been binge watching your wonderful, exciting, interesting and touch of pure excellence shows. We are truly in awe of the way that you all communicate with each other. Absolutely precious! Hugs & Kisses to you all!

[aamlam]

I am so proud of Mom. She films, edits (that is a talent, an art, and requires technology knowledge). Mom also does home schooling and helps her husband. Mom also cooks I am sure. Women need more credit for the load they carry. Also, let Stella help, you don’t have to overwork her, be kind of course, but let her help some. She is bored!

[treehousefarm]

Dang! Hubby is amazing! He cooks, he works hard, he serves his family well. ❤ What a blessed lady. You guys seem like a happy team.

[kittyrhyder]

Stella wasnt being stubborn she was trying to tell you she wanted to help!!! Shes cute!!

[Jaydaydesign]

Stella is also bored not just lonely. She is used to working around the property that’s why she follows you around. Contact the previous owner and find out what she is used to wearing. Also find out if she is trained for a cart…Get her a pack setup/harness and a bridle to lead her at least. She can drag the logs and carry bags of collected chestnuts and rocks etc for you.

[judithgrote]

It's amazing how Stella trusts you 💖 and enjoys your company 🤗

[terryrose]

I am Terry and i live in Austin, Texas. I saw an episode where you were having trouble with plants shriveling. Your dirt is too acidic, and you need to work in garden lime. That will neutralize the acidic soil and your plants will thrive. Hope you can do this and save your garden! I love watching your show! Thank you!

[krystinaz]

Loved the ending, I really think Stella would like to help you guys; she is part of the family now. Mules can carry up to 20 percent of their body weight (150 to 300 pounds) for 15 to 20 miles per day in mountains. I think she’s healthy and good to go ☺️