9 | Part Two in Italy: Searching for Houses, Finishing the Worktop & Cutting Wood

Our search for a house continues. We drive to remote places, often leaving the car behind and continuing on foot, unsure if the road ahead is passable. The walk toward each house carries a quiet sense of anticipation. What will we see for the first time? And just as important, what will we hear? In the mountains, silence is never absolute. There is the gentle sound of birds, always present, and the wind moving through the landscape. But something we had not fully expected is the sound of a mountain river. Carrying melting snow, it can be powerful and constant, so we listen carefully. We follow the sun, where it rises and where it sets. We take in the view, the surroundings, the feeling of the place. Each arrival brings new and unexpected impressions. Location matters deeply in our search, as does the feeling a house gives us. Whatever we choose, it will be a place in need of care and restoration, and that is exactly what draws us. In between, we take time to walk. We head toward the Mont Servin, where the views are wide and open, and also explore lower landscapes with more trees, water, and signs of wildlife. Each place offers its own quiet beauty. After a few days, we fly from Turin back to Belgium. From there, we return to the Netherlands and continue our work. The kitchen worktop remains our main focus. We keep sanding and polishing, slowly moving toward the final result, which we will share next time. There is also time for the garden. And because we heat with wood stoves, there is always wood to cut and prepare. Work and stillness continue to find their balance. Music: Between Vraell & Eet Bremer McCoy