Radovići Orthodox Church taken from Milovići Village Hilltop

Everything was ready to be submitted to the Tivat planning department, and he left me his master copy so I could review everything and decide whether I wanted to make any internal changes.

I was slightly disappointed when he told me that I wouldn't be allowed to include the balconies I had envisioned. I had imagined enjoying beautiful views from those balconies, and it was disheartening to be told they weren't permitted. He explained that for now, the regulations in these historic villages only allow rebuilding what already exists, but in the future, as more old houses are developed, these rules might evolve.

It's difficult when you finish designing a house and are suddenly told that a part of your vision, sometimes you've already visualised so clearly in your mind, isn't possible.

However, over the next few days, after carefully reviewing the plans and accepting the limitations of what I'm allowed to rebuild, I felt content with everything.

All the original structures will need to be dismantled and rebuilt using the original stone, so they comply with current structural regulations. Thankfully, mains water has just been bought to Milovići, which is one less thing to worry about. I will still install a large water tank to collect rainwater for the dry summer months, as water shortage can occasionally occur due to increased tourist demands.

By the time I received planning approval, who knows what other services might become available to the village?

Every time I visit Montenegro, I fall in love with it a little more, and feel an increasing sense of longing for my new home to finally be finished.