Table talk

I would just give it to him with good grace - I'm surprised you need to ask.

How much is this table worth to you?is it worth loosing his friendship, that of his brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, children, grandchildren and friends?keep the table and you sit at it alone!

I couldn't agree more with the past 2 posts.  The cost of a new table and the trip involved to procure it, is nothing compared to losing his friendship.  You really aren't out any money anyway, as you would have had to purchase one initially if it hadn't been left to you. 

Actually..i'm rather suprised at the replies.Would you feel like this if you had bought this house in the UK,U.S.A.,Germany,France...etc?...if you don't care about the table...let him take it away...if you like it..keep ittoday it's the table..tomorrow maybe he'll fancy something else..it is not a "cultural" story and if your "friendship" depends on the ease with which you can be "blackmailed".. you did yourself point out that if he liked the table why didn't he take it away when he sold you the house.We had a slightly similar situation years ago in Milano when we bought an appartment which contained a few pieces of very interesting furniture which were left.Then, a year later the previous owner had decided he'd quite like them again! we did not give him the furniture.

'Actually..i'm rather suprised at the replies.Would you feel like this if you had bought this house in the UK,U.S.A.,Germany,France...etc?..." Why would it make any difference? Petty squabbles are the same in any language.

Only the Italians eh!! would you know anyone who would do this in the Uk. 

Give him the table - I can't understand why you hesitated for a second. I would do the same in any country if the previous owner was coming to do the vines, but especially in Italy. This is rural Italy - personal relationships are everything. And you'll never have to ask him a favour - ever? Need to find some water pipes - oh, let's ask the previous owner who still lives in the area. Think about it.

As a newcomer you'll need all the help and goodwill you can get which is why I've given lifts to the elderly neighbours and brought out presents for other neighbours as I never know when i will need their help!I would give him the table perhaps making a joke out of it and asking for some of his wine/olive oil as an exchange!