La Vida Local
Since the question of affording a home in Europe is never an issue with its clients, Aston Pearl focuses first on nonfinancial strategic planning. The firm has developed what Pearl calls a lifestyle review. Working one-on-one with its clients, it explores such issues as the clients’ other real estate holdings. "We try to understand why the clients bought these homes, what they look for, which homes they prefer and why, and so on. We then look at the way they spend their leisure time, how much travel they do, and to what locations.

We also look at the makeup of their family, and the degree to which they do activities together or separately. This adds up to a picture of how and where time is spent today, and where the family wants to make changes or do things differently," she explains.

Regardless of how directly a homeowner may want to be involved with a project, almost all responsible professionals in the field advise their clients to engage a local representative. "My job is made much easier when clients based in Los Angeles, Kiev or London hire someone local, not only to oversee their banking and bookkeeping, but also to visit the site regularly and report back on the progress of the job," comments Domenico Minchilli, the author’s husband and an architect who is currently supervising a dozen such restoration projects. "Setting up a trusting relationship between client, architect and contractor is essential, and more often than not, time differences, language and cultural differences, and conflicting schedules impede this. Having someone local who works on your behalf, as your representative, is essential to the project’s success."

Natasha Pearl wholeheartedly agrees. "Once a property has been acquired, someone from our staff makes a site visit, establishing contact with a local representative who will help see the project through to completion." Aston Pearl first identifies others who already own property in the region, then debriefs them on their experiences. This interview results in a deep knowledge of the pluses, minuses and pitfalls of the process, as well as a list of the best-in-class real estate brokers, architects, interior designers and attorneys in the region. "Finding an honest and competent owner’s
representative is a key task," says Pearl. "Our deep knowledge of the clients and their preferences enables us to match them with the right resources."

Making contact with the right professional is not always easy, and finding the right experts for its clients is one of Aston Pearl’s primary services. "Our strength is our vast repertoire of professional experts, as well as sophisticated clients, worldwide," says Pearl. "Once we have a client and a project, we are able to call upon our resources to help them find the best and most qualified professional." Pearl and her staff get on the phone and start canvassing their web of contacts, finding others who have embarked—successfully and not—on similar projects. "Many of our clients have been burned in the past, and are seeking assurance that they will not be taken advantage of."

Hands-On History
While Aston Pearl’s services eliminate much of the risk, one of the attractions of such a project is being directly involved. Once an architect and local representative are retained, the creative phase can begin. The planning stages are the most important, and the architect should not only be able to ascertain the design possibilities of the property, but also should be adept at assessing the physical condition of the building, as well as at obtaining local building permits. Once a design is established and registered with the local building commission for the needed permits, contractors can submit bids. These should be as complete as possible to avoid any unpleasant surprises. For example, the main bid from the contractor may not include the work by subcontractors such as plumbers and electricians. And in turn, the plumber’s bid probably will not include such essentials as tubs, toilets and tiles. Amid the swarm of figures and items in a foreign language, the bottom line is easily overlooked. At this point, the local representative earns his fees. If the contract and bids are in a foreign language, he can make certain the quantities and items are correct. And of course, he is the one who will ensure that the work follows the original plans as much as possible.

Despite reliance on the expertise of local professionals and representatives in undertaking a foreign restoration of this sort, most owners enjoy the challenge of overseeing the project firsthand—at least to an extent. While daily visits are usually unrealistic, monthly inspections ensure that the home reflects its owner’s vision. These visits are advisable in the early stages, but they become essential in the final, finishing stages. Digital photos and even videos sent via e-mail can document the progress of the new roof or the width of a stairwell, but no electronic communication can substitute for a face-to-face meeting with a mason to discuss the finish on one’s new stone steps.

"Many of my clients are well traveled and have other homes in far-flung locations," observes Minchilli. "But I’ve found that what draws them to Europe is the joy of working with a wealth of talented artisans.
 
Stonemasons, ironmongers, plasterers and carpenters still practice crafts as their ancestors did for centuries. I believe it is this sense of craft and the handmade that is an essential element of choosing to own a home here in Europe. And the relationship with this culture and the people who embody it is certainly one of the joys of any project."

Resources
Restoring a Home in Italy
Elizabeth Helman Minchilli, Artisan, 2001

Buying a Property: Italy
Monica Larner, John Howell
Cadogan Guides Paperback, 2002
Aston Pearl, 212.254.4100, www.astonpearl.com
Domenico Minchilli, +39.06.683.2206, dminchilli@libero.it

Photography by Simon McBride