Emily Pilloton, the Managing Editor of Inhabitat, wrote the article. This was after I submitted my materials through the Green Homes call for submissions.

It is indeed the case that there are very strict restoration codes throughout most of Tuscany. We spend a lot of time submitting proposals/paperwork for lengthy review and certification. We prefer to work with local builders as this creates jobs for those with outstanding skills in our immediate community, and they typically understand how to reincorporate reclaimed materials better than anyone else. (We have also done a lot of hard work and manual labor ourselves.)

And you are correct in that we do NOT have a lot of latitude to create new design solutions or layout overhauls as this is a historic structure, and we want to (have to) honor this.

Thanks for your inquiry and comments!

Dear “Ignacio Gonzalez”:

My recommendation for finding your ideal locale in Italy is to try to spend time there traveling and getting to know the specifics of various communities. We did not set out to find something in this part of the world (We actually have family in the vicinity), but it is my belief that the best possibilities come from visiting a place and discovering what lies within. I would also recommend exploring off the beaten regions of Italy, as you will not be treated like a tourist looking for a fixer-upper or an “Under the Tuscan Sun” candidate.

Best of luck with fulfilling your dream and finding a nice green spot and project!

Thanks for reading,

Abigail @ Inhabitat

From my knowledge of Tuscany you’re forced to use local tradesmen and materials as you have to keep pretty much faithfully to a complete restoration of these existing buildings to their original appearance and design?

Maybe one day, I’ll own something similar. And just as green.

Thanks for your comments. I just wanted to clarify that we do not fly to our “second home” several times a year.
As the article states, we are there for a long stretch of time so that we can meaningfully participate in the community that surrounds us and the labor-intensive restoration efforts. We also have close family in Europe, so it is vitally important that we spend significant periods of time there. Coincidentally we are also currently fighting the expansion of a local airport near our home so that we do not have folks flying into the region for the weekend or for brief holidays.

Thanks for reading!

Abigail @ Inhabitat

However, flying to a second home several times a year is not at all “green.” I’m not saying don’t do what you’re doing but I am saying don’t pat yourselves on the back too hard for “going green” in this instance.