Dearest Homesteading Friends,
Hoping that it'll be on-topic, this is a post about my mystical Arthouse in the heart of the medieval quarter of Guardia Sanframondi, in the Benevento region of south Italy. I'm sharing a synopsis about it here, as I feel called to move deeper into homesteading and into a smaller property with much more land, in a more rural location (possibly nearby).
This house is a potent place with all kinds of atmosphere and good vibes, as well as being an intelligent-architecture historical property in which I've been living mostly-off-grid and working nearby land which is mostly untended. The Arthouse has even more potential (than I alone have been able to glean from it) as a homesteading venture, and I am also open to possible partial purchase in BTC and/ or HIVE. I'm also keen to find someone more ecological and ethical minded, who'll be able to bring out the beauty and true value of the house, the community and the place - I'm open to offers from someone seeking a slower life, and who is robust and activated by the idea of living in a Dolce Vita situation like this.
So, the property is part of the historic facade of Guardia's old town; it has 10 rooms, three of them large and at the front of the building, several cooler ones behind and under the ground, plus a lower floor of two large cellars which may or may not be sold alongside - in which one can make a separate self-contained apartment and/ or botega/ events space.
The upper, main apartment is mostly on one floor, south-facing, with two balconies, beautiful architectural details and historic details. It has two stucco arches, one of which is in the old chapel room, and all the windows face onto the epic panorama. The house has immense stone walls and is structurally solid, built directly onto the rocks. It can stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter than a regular house, because of it having been built by natural folks in more natural-aligned times. I have lived very much in equilibrium with all its quirks and microclimates, and since coming off mains electricity have been enjoying hugely the qualities of the place - the natural light, cool and vibration of the earth that comes through the ground up through it.
The house has served as a refuge for me, since I landed somewhat chaotically in Italy in 2009: it has nourished and calmed my hectic lifestyle and creative practise. It has liberated my mind - the mind-blowing panorama takes the place of a conventional meditation practise! - my spirit and my connection with the earth and Natural Law. From here, I've been able to return to sovereignty, at the same time as being an active thread in the strong fabric of the collective here: it is like a fortress and a womb at the same time; the perfect fulcrum for an expansive creative practise, and an involvement in gardens, projects, community celebrations and seasonal festivities.. It's position is the perfect balance for someone seeking silence and solitude, but also having a bustling market town with bars, restaurants and bakeries within a couple of minutes walk up some marble steps.
The town has a very healthy and expanding international community, following my own involvement in regenerating the (previously in a state of abandonment) centro storico. Many folks in town are very incentivised to speak English (which can help a lot with navigating initial months and years) and there is superb hospitality in welcoming new guests and folks who want to live here. There is great warmth in general in south Italy, but Guardia S. in particular has a very close relationship with her stranieri, as we have collectively contributed so much to the culture, economy and community in the past 10 years. I've lived here for 15 years, and was the protagonist in putting Guardia 'on the map', by instigating major interest internationally in the old town properties. The town is on an upwards trajectory in many respects.
Because of my connectedness here, I also have access to many gardens, wild foraging and some epic local places for wild swimming, harvesting natural water and also doing cash-in-hand work. I exist in significant luxury and stability, being able to acquire all kinds of resources for either nothing, for pennies (centessimi), or through barter: there's a vibrant culture here of sharing, gifting and reciprocity, and I will be passionately happy to share all the amazing rapport that I have developed here, with whoever buys my home: I have a great love for helping folks cultivate their dream!
The house is very adaptable to all kinds of activities and possibilities: if you'd like more information about any aspect of what I'm selling, please see this listing on the Italian website for house sales. Contact me via that site initially, or directly via Italy (zero zero three nine) three three four one nine six nine three seven two - I am on Signal App: that or email is the best way to contact me.
Please feel very welcome to reach out and to pass on this post: I am so very appreciative of the power-full network of fabulous people that we have here on Hive, and know it's likely that the new owner of The Arthouse might be among us - or a friend of ours...
