Tony114's activity

Questions Asked

I usually drive to Italy with my old style UK paper drivers licence with no photo.  Back in early 2020 this was also good to show for car hire.  Have the rules changed since Brexit?  is an old style UK paper licence still valid for car hire?  The

Thu, 01/18/2024 - 11:39

Just in case it might help anyone not already aware.  My comune is discounting the costs of IMU by 37.5% for second home owners resident abroad who are in receipt of a recognized pension as proof of retired status.

Fri, 01/06/2023 - 08:57

Any recommendations on an Italian bank? I have used MPS for years and they are fine and I can manage stuff online but they seem expensive, I assume to pay for an extensive branch network.

 

Fri, 08/05/2022 - 04:17

Comments posted

Wed, 02/17/2021 - 08:17

Too often there is an understandable focus on the stunning Amalfi coast and islands. My experiences are of inland Campania which reminds me of a less tourist focused everyday Italy. For many years I would visit the towns and villages around Benevento, the ancient capital of il Sannio region, and going from one summer festa to another. The straw procession at Foglianese up in the near mountains was a highlight. The deserted roman ruins at Aeclanum that would be a major draw anywhere else in the world are worth a look if in the area.  The lovely old part of Montefusco where we asked at the comune next door for access to the castle and they willingly gave us an impromtu guided tour and history lesson that italian unification was also seen as a conquest from the north. It also has a great b&b on the edge of the small main square. Another is Montemiletto with it's preserved castle and network of alleyways. The list goes on. It is an area whose history is a mix of Roman and feudal Italy with a hint of Greek influence and Oscan tribe.

We have lots of lovely memories of a tranquil traditional italy off the beaten track with lovely scenery and great food at great prices as most places cater for locals rather than tourists. I would also add Naples as somewhere that is more than a transit point. Campania is more than the fabulous Amalfi coast. It is a place to chill and to staccare la spina.

Wed, 01/27/2021 - 15:21

Hi Steve, vent/fan? That perhaps explains why I have a power point in the wood store next to the fireplace. Ultimately I want something nice to look at that gives some heat that doesn't leave me like a smoked kipper (especially latest health advice) and justifies it's floor space in the corner of fairly small apartment. Out of curiousity in case anyone knows, does a wood burner need a steel lined flue as per,I  believe, UK regs?  Tony 

 

 

 

 

Wed, 01/27/2021 - 13:50

Thanks for the prompts.  I bought a brush set and gave it a clean. I haven't experienced that since we had a coal fire! The flue is probably 5-6 metres as we are on to first floor which is the top floor. My neighbour below has no issues.

Wed, 01/27/2021 - 13:45

Funny you should say that. When I crack open the door the chimney draws better but letting the cold in negates the whole point. I note that the previous owner had an extra vent installed.  We are on the top floor so a fairly short chimney.  I shall follow your tip and if I can't get any more ideas from someone local as well then I shall go for a bottle heater or just get rid of the fireplace and go onto mains gas with the central heating. 

I doubt I'll get a vaccine until late spring at best. As soon as I can we'll load the car and go.

Thanks for the advice.

Wed, 01/27/2021 - 11:56

Alan, thank you. I shall try it. I hope we can travel soon.

Tue, 01/26/2021 - 16:38

Alas the UK is a third country. People are aghast at sandwiches being confiscated because we took things for granted. I would never take a sandwich to say Australia or USA.

Tue, 01/26/2021 - 16:33

Ignore the Italian message. It mentions reading WhatsApp messages. I can't help with your query on heating as our problem is an open wood fire where the smoke doesn't pull up the chimney. Good luck.

Wed, 01/20/2021 - 15:15

There are obviously loads of sites. A decent italian one is immobiliare.it.  The other tool is to use TripAdvisor to get an idea of restaurants and attractions for tourism. You might want a quieter or lively place. And finally trenitalia will tell you how well connected it is for rail. All good fun.

Sat, 01/02/2021 - 14:28

I wouldn't bother with locally based webinars or be put off by the Italian buying process which may be unfamiliar but is straightforward. Obviously, you should research online using italian websites and then visit your preferred area and the local estate agents, you might need someone to help with language to be clear on what you are buying. My advice is make sure it is accessible with good transport links and understand the full costs such as second home taxes and any condominium charges. Personally I feel location and easy maintenance is more important than size so you can easily get from airport and not have to have a hire car. Finally remember that selling can take a while so choose with care but it can be great getting into a community.

 

Sat, 01/02/2021 - 13:17

I've got all of those other than a vacuum cleaner. I also have a well pump. I shall turn everything on next time just to test the limit. I've got a battery trimmer but it's a bit fiacca, I used to borrow a petrol version from my farming uncle and that was a proper job. I shall now not rest easy until I know my kWh. thank you all especially the first posting, let's hope we get a better year.