Tom and Tess,a French-Australian couple, are currently restoring a dilapidated 18th-century villa on Italy's Lake Como. The property, which dates back to 1719, is being transformed through a combination of professional structural reinforcements and ambitious DIY efforts.
A Lake Como Villa Cheaper Than Sydney Apartments
The decision to purchase the 1719 property was driven by a stark disparity in real estate value. According to the source report, Tom and Tess noted that the cost of their structurally compromised estate was a fraction of what a standard apartment would cost in major hubs like Milan or Sydney. This move reflects a growing trend of "lifestyle migration," where buyers seek historic European properties that offer immense character and prestige at a lower entry price than modern urban centers, provided they are willing to endure the renovation process.
However, the transition was not seamless. The couple encountered significant hurdles regarding the acquisition, specificallly struggling to secure a mortgage as foreign nationals. Additionally, the report mentions delays regarding the completion of parking spaces that were promised as part of the original sale, highlighting the bureaucratic and logistical friction often associated with Italian real estate transactions.
Helicopter Material Drops and the Moltrasio Hillside
The geography of Lake Como presents a unique logistical nightmare for any major renovation. Because the villa is situated on a steep hill, Tom and Tess have had to employ extreme measures to transport building supplies. As reported by the source, the couple has utilized helicopters to haul massive blocks of material over the lake and lower them onto the estate grounds.
When air transport is not feasible, the couple relies on specialized tractors and the expertise of local builders who are familiar with the ancient, narrow pedestrian streets of the region. Much of the heavy lifting for the interior—including the installation of hundreds of vintage marble tiles—is being handled by Tom and Tess themselves to keep costs manageable, a journey they are documenting on their "Lake Como Project" YouTube and Instagram channels.
Uncovering 1719 Moltrasio Stone and 1970s Cover-ups
A primary goal of the restoration is the removal of dated additions from the 1970s to reveal the home's original 18th-century character. The couple discovered a porthole window overlooking the lake that had been completely walled off by a kitchen fireplace installed roughly 50 years ago. This process of "undoing" previous renovations has become a central theme of their project.
The architectural discoveries extend to the floors, where the couple uncovered original Moltrasio stone from 1719 beneath layers of rubble and laundry-room tiles. They also found cotto lombardo—a traditional local terracotta—hidden under old linoleum and glue in the bedrooms. While professional contractors handle the regulated plumbing, electrical , and structural reinforcement, Tom and Tess are personally managing the demolition and the restoration of these heritage features.
The Undisclosed Budget of the Lake Como Project
Despite the scale of the demolition and the use of aviation for logistics, a critical piece of the financial puzzle remains missing. The report indicates that Tom and Tess did not establish a fixed renovation budget, opting instead to minimize professional costs and maximize their own DIY labor. This leaves it unclear whether the "fraction of the price" saved on the initial purchase is being consumed by the ongoing costs of structural stabilization and material transport.
Furthermore, while the couple has shared the visual progress of the renovation, the exact purchase price of the 1719 villa remains undisclosed. It is also unclear if the promised parking spaces have finally been completed or if they remain a point of contention with the sellers.
Comments 0