Our Four-Phase turnkey restoration model
Restoring a property in Italy from abroad comes with layers of complexity: acquisition procedures, feasibility studies, design coordination, permitting, sustainability requirements and construction management. Our role is to make these elements understandable and manageable, offering clarity and direction from the very first conversation.
Throughout each phase, we act as the orchestrators and facilitators of your project. Green Heart Restorations brings together trusted Italian professionals, engineers, builders and artisans who are supported, when desired, by internationally acclaimed interior designers.
Our compliance-focused business structure ensures smooth navigation of bureaucracy, secure international payments and complete peace of mind at every step.
Phase 01 of 04
Complimentary exploratory meeting
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A relaxed introductory conversation held via video call or our meeting spaces in London, to understand your starting point and answer initial questions.
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We explore your vision, lifestyle goals, timeline, budget range and expectations. This allows us to advise you on key practical elements including residency/investment routes, administrative considerations and restoration journey.
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Together, we shape a clear brief: location preferences, architectural style, ideal plot size, renovation appetite and any non-negotiable. This ensures your Scouting Package can begin with full clarity.
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We outline the overall process, explain how the four phases work, plus help you understand what to expect in terms of viability, timelines and next steps.
Phase 02 of 04
Scouting Package
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A fully personalised search carried out across our close-knit Umbrian network. Beyond public listings, we access discreet local contact and rare off-market opportunities while ensuring you see properties that truly reflect your brief. The service runs for six months with unlimited scouting.
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For each shortlisted property, we prepare in-depth feasibility studies designed to de-risk your investment. These explore what can be achieved architecturally (including volume, layout possibilities, extensions and restoration potential) alongside assessments of land characteristics, local building regulations, environmental and landscape constraints, cultural heritage considerations and preliminary legal and financial insights.
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Once promising properties are identified, we organise as part of our Package a tailored three-day visit to Umbria. This includes arranged transfers from a major national airport and carefully selected accommodation. Your viewing itinerary is curated concierge-style, allowing you to explore options with comfort.
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The key steps that connect property selection to successful acquisition are fully coordinated at this stage. This includes assistance with practical requirements such as obtaining a codice fiscale or opening a local bank account, liaising with the notaio during the purchase process, and the appointment of your architect so planning can begin seamlessly after completion.
Phase 03 of 04
Restoration project
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This sub-phase transforms feasibility insights and your vision into a complete, approved project ready for execution. The team refines the architectural concept, develop structural and sustainability strategies, and prepares detailed drawings across architecture, engineering and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing).
Interior direction begins with moodboards and coordinated palettes, while landscape concepts define outdoor structure and flow.
Compliance and permitting are managed with local authorities, supported by cost breakdowns, phasing schedules and a draft project timeline. Final materials, design decisions, energy systems and budget are confirmed with you, supported by 3D visualisation and a structured tender process for contractor selection. -
At this stage, the focus is on restoring and consolidating the property’s structural core and exterior shell, creating a watertight, technically compliant, and energy-efficient envelope ready for interior works. On-site operations include full site setup, structural consolidation, roofing reconstruction, and groundworks for drainage and essential services. External façades are repaired or rebuilt using original or compatible materials, while MEP systems are routed at rough-in stage and insulation is applied across roof, floors, and walls. Throughout the process, sustainability objectives, craftsmanship quality, and regulatory compliance are continuously monitored, supported by regular site supervision, reporting, and mid-phase inspections to ensure steady progress toward the next stage.
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This is the moment when your home comes to life, completing all interior, exterior and landscape works to Green Heart Restorations' turnkey standard. Interior construction progresses through plastering, flooring, tiling and painting, followed by the installation of windows, doors, staircases and bespoke joinery. Kitchens, bathrooms, lighting, cabinetry and all decorative elements are fitted with meticulous attention to detail. Outdoor areas take shape through terraces, pergolas, pathways and native landscaping, with pools and recreational spaces completed where required. Final styling layers—furnishings, textiles and curated accessories—create a coherent interior atmosphere, while full systems testing, certifications and property registry updates ensure technical compliance. Throughout the phase, you receive regular progress reports, remote or in-person walkthroughs and documentation as the project moves toward handover.
Phase 04 of 04
Handover
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A comprehensive walkthrough is carried out with the architect, contractors and the GHR team to confirm that all works meet the agreed specifications, project plans and quality benchmarks. Systems and finishes are tested, compliance checks are completed, and any deficiencies or outstanding items are identified and resolved before handover.
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All legal, technical and practical documentation required for full compliance and ownership is delivered in a complete handover package. This includes permits, certifications and warranties, together with user manuals for all installed systems and equipment. A financial reconciliation of the restoration phases is provided, along with clear maintenance guidelines to support the smooth operation of your new home.
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The handover is a moment of celebration, marking the formal transfer of your completed home. During an in-person walkthrough, we explore the property together, highlighting key features, craftsmanship details and the finished design. Keys and the full documentation pack are presented, and the meeting concludes with a small welcome moment that acknowledges the completion of your new Italian home and the journey that brought it to life.
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As the project concludes, our relationship continues. We remain available to support the long-term care and enjoyment of your home, offering optional property management and rental services, as well as tailored maintenance oversight packages. Advisory support is always accessible for future upgrades, extensions or administrative needs, ensuring you have a trusted point of reference long after the handover.
Meet one of our key partners
Michela Rosi is the sister of one of Green Heart Restorations’ co-founders and an independent architect who collaborates closely with our team. While we work with a range of professionals depending on each project’s needs, her deep local knowledge of building regulations, permitting processes and site supervision makes her an invaluable partner throughout many restorations.
The video below was adapted from Michela’s own promotional work produced several years ago. Even then, her focus was clear: preserving Italy’s architectural heritage, restoring rural properties by championing sustainability, craftsmanship quality and bespoke design for every client.
