|
|
Post by Anna on Dec 28, 2006 15:16:02 GMT 1
For those of you in the UK...
...the delight that is Channel 5 will have a programme tonight (Thursday 28th December, 9pm) that will feature Croatia, as part of their "Build a New Life in The Country" series.
According to Channel Five's listings description, "Frank and Alice from Cambridge are about to start over in Croatia. The couple are passionate nature lovers and they share a dream of being surrounded by idyllic scenery."
|
|
|
|
Post by Carol on Dec 28, 2006 23:30:33 GMT 1
I have just watched the programme. A bit surprising that people in Istria would use builders from Zagreb. I'd have thought builders from a more rural area might have been less expensive..?
Also, I wonder if they have explored whether they really need planning permission for temporary structures (i.e. only made of wood, not stone or concrete)?
Also, is the area zoned for tourism? and if not, how are they going to get a letting licence? Maybe that's why they can't get building permission? (I wonder if its actually the location permit which is in their way?).
|
|
|
|
Post by darcy on Dec 29, 2006 0:21:56 GMT 1
In Croatia, a smaller town means higher prices in the grocery shop and in the supermarket as well as higher prices for all services. It is funny, but that is how it is. I have quotes with me for some masonry work and they are absolute rip off (local builders on Makarska Riviera). I do not know the current prices in the UK as I spend most of my time in Oz, but I would be glad to find any building quotes in Makarska in the range of the current (overpriced) Australian building market rates.
|
|
|
|
Post by prkbrk on Dec 29, 2006 14:24:04 GMT 1
It was an interesting if somewhat 'shallow' programme which reflected IMO a possible lack of basic research/groundwork before they decided to proceed with their plans to renovate and build (the lack of a water supply to their location and then relying on a water diviner which ended up costing them a fair sum of money for nothing being one example!)  Also the workmen disappearing did not show Croatian workers in a good light (but i am sure there are others on this board that would indicate their lack of surprise at this!). The camera shots of the guy looking out for the workers to arrive/return was very much a 'rip off' of the John Thaw scene in a Year in Provence"........... Well I hope it works out for them as it seems a major gamble in a somewhat isolated area..... |
|
|
|
Post by Mirko on Dec 29, 2006 22:01:19 GMT 1
For mr it was harrowing to watch the problems experianced by the Brit couple. My hat off to them: they have prevailed all the difficulties. Bravo guys!
|
|
|
|
Post by Anna on Dec 30, 2006 0:50:15 GMT 1
|
|
|
|
Post by gmh on Dec 30, 2006 12:36:12 GMT 1
Oddly enough I met Frank earlier this year while he was in Zagreb.
I hope this project works out for him, he seemed like a decent chap.
As for the cabins, I think zooey once told me you didn't need planning permission if it was less than 15m2 ? and not attached to the ground .
Not sure if my memory is correct on the size though.
|
|
|
|
Post by capio on Dec 30, 2006 17:51:56 GMT 1
A chancer if ever I saw one, but I wish him well.
|
|
