(8) I Bought a Villa in Sicily - Is It Worth It?

[@OperationSicily]

Why I Chose Sicily! ☀ From breathtaking landscapes to affordable real estate, I’m sharing why Sicily is the perfect location for my investment. Where would you choose to start a renovation project? Let’s chat! 🌍 Stay Updated for More: 📅 New episodes every Sunday! 📷 Instagram: @Operation.Sicily 👉 Hit subscribe, like, and share your thoughts! And if you’d like to support my journey, you can ‘buy me a coffee’ here buymeacoffee.com/operationsicily - every bit of help keeps the project going!

[@DenLD]

A few years ago, I left the US for Mexico for many of the same reasons you outline. I'm so happy I did. My life is much simpler and happier. I was able to retire and just enjoy my life. The one thing I didn't tackle was a renovation, but I'm learning Spanish so I guess I'm renovating myself. Enjoy the journey!

[@carolinewalker9148]

Adding a postbox is giving the house a reason for existing again. It says 'I am owned and cared for'. Looking forward to the continuing transformation and further discoveries.

[@barryshort4203]

Best video yet, Jonathan. We seem to be getting to know you more. Best wishes

[@johnmclean1046]

You’ve certainly ticked all the boxes of your needs and the most important thing is you, yourself, your mental health and wellbeing, your health with improve immediately and the house and the garden is your ( and the viewers ) own slice of heaven. Enjoy and grow

[@paolomontalbano6549]

You have made the right choice going to sicily. The culture, the food and the climate makes the island an amazing place to live. 😊

[@irenedavo3768]

Why Prison gates?

[@neutonrenda2303]

The fact that you have water is good, it must be quite close to the normal level for them to have gone that deep in the first place. The important thing is to see how long it takes to recover if you pump water out. Your garden will definitely be transformed by a good watering.👌

[@christelklinko7683]

Good luck to you.😊😊😊😊

[@dawngano9047]

Your braver than most of us who dont follow our dreams. Im hoping yours go smoothly. Its what you make of it.

[@Beautytrends77]

Wow the UK sounds just like here in the USA. I’m planning to move to Italy in another 4 years, wish I could move sooner but I’m saving right now. Love these videos ❤good luck with the renovations

[@MarilynSharples]

Your old house is so beautiful I envy your family living there in the future! Your doing a grand job, keep doing what your doing can’t wait to see it finished.

[@Fanaticfototaker]

I like watching you bring life back to this property…

[@StuartstNZ]

We really enjoy your commentary and observations especially when talking about buying the house. We look forward to your weekly download.

[@stephaniemilano3525]

My favorite video of yours so far, nice to hear you speak more and explain things. I’m a Yorkshire gal married to an American Italian , been living in USA for 23 years but hopefully soon we will be buying a place over there too.. Thanks for your great information in this video.

[@pascalekaiser1396]

Thanx for all the insights bout buying a house in Italy 🎉

[@PeterMccabe-h3q]

You doing great ..Keep going and thanks for keeping me updated,, you my favorite

[@alanadale4299]

Hello. It takes a lot of courage to uproot, and even more to move to a foreign country. I applaud you, and fully understand your reasons to leave the UK. I wish you all the best on your new endeavours and will be watching. Cheers!

[@antoniopagani3568]

congratulations you have chosen an island Sicily which is fantastic....I am Italian and I lived for 7 months in the Trapani area and precisely in Campobello di Mazara...they are magnificent places rich in history and culture, the Sicilians are very kind and helpful people and then you can't not mention the Sicilian cuisine rich in genuine flavors...and then the fantastic climate 12 months a year.. which has nothing to do with the English one and I know it well since I lived 2 years in London in Marble Arch....you have chosen a fantastic place to spend your holidays and possibly live there if you decide to one day...congratulations again and I will definitely follow you in this adventure of yours of renovating this typical Sicilian villa and also because I am a lover of DIY... 😊

[@irenedavo3768]

Looks like Prison gates!

[@stephaningleby2352]

I have known Trapani for 40 years. Its a delight. I hope you have gone to Segesta and to Erice as they are 2 sensational locations. Water your trees please!

[@leighlaaltilio6672]

Wow what a rollercoaster ride looking for property! I like your videos and really appreciate how forthcoming you are, it makes an enjoyable watch!

[@cherriberri7161]

I’m really enjoying your channel! My family 4 generations back came to the US from Sicily for a “better life”, but I’m considering moving away out of the US “for a better life”. I’m trying to convince my husband to explore the option on purchasing a vacation property and eventually making Sicily our home. Things here in the US are a bit scary at the moment especially if we want children eventually. Best of luck to you and your family and I look forward to your next video. 💖

[@BethKing-w5q]

Yay, well done I’m glad you got the gates open.

[@lizajane6181]

This is the first video I have watched of yours. I enjoy watching other channels, that renovate, old château, and old villas. Your channel was recommended and I have found it interesting and well put together so I subscribed.

[@jdtb2520]

My grandparents on my mother's side are both from Sicily. I'm working on my Italian citizenship. I'm learning Italian and considering buying a vacation/retirement home in Italy. You're braver than me. No thanks to renovation work.

[@andersdottir1111]

Lovely home Jonathon - you should be wearing a hat outside now you are in Sicily. I’d write the depth of the well in paint on the inside of the concrete top for future owners to know.

[@HenkOomkens]

It’s great to read your story ! As a Dutchie we visit Yorkshire having friends living there we love it a lot , but can imagine you want a nice warm and sunny place to live. Good luck with you building a new life in Italy .

[@ilsecoetzee1138]

I completely understand your reason for buyng a propert abroad. Family and safety is number one. I wish you all the very best for the future and I look forward to see what you do with the property and garden. I pray that you will receive rain soon. Blessings on all that is ahead for you! 🙌👍

[@flamelily2975]

Wonderful journey. Enjoy the sun and Sicily

[@anneforster510]

I agree about Trapani. I visited in June and I thought it was so lovely. Travelled the area beford moving on to the north coast. I guess that is why i found your channel and able to watch in real time as you're at the start of your adventure. Good luck .

[@JeanLorello]

My family lives in Marineo 35k from Palermo. I just may stop by for a look at your home next year when I revisit them❣️🇮🇹❤️🇮🇹

[@JeanineG-l5z]

I totally understand the reasons for this decision, I and going through the same thinking process I am wishing you all the success in your journey Little by little you will be able to conquer your dreams 🎉 You are an inspiration, you can not even imagine how much you help Love from US

[@Lory-zb3vz]

Call the Local Agriculture water "Acqua Agricola" supplier of your area first and find out what is the water situation in your area and if they have provided last year and before. As you know many Agriculture Water come from small local lakes . This year in Sicily 4 lakes disappear and some dropped drastically.Think to plan for your house first your residential water supply ( and tanks according with your need) then separately water garden most likely with a drop system. Hope it can help

[@TimFenton-dx4xe]

Sounds like water availability is a real problem, stay positive and keep going, thanks 🎉🎉🎉

[@lucapolidori8817]

In that area San Vito Lo Capo is a very nice (but a bit too touristic) town to visit, better off season, but take care of the speed camera at the entrance of the town. Another place to visit is Marsala, where you can visit Florio and buy some liquour wine. Nicely, made famous out of Sicily by John Woodhouse, a merchant from Liverpool

[@simpsonteam]

You have done a fabulous job! My goodness it looks so much better! Hopefully someday the road out front can be cleaned! I picture 2 lovely pots with plants each side of your front gate. So happy I found you at the beginning of your new adventure. It will be a good life for your kiddos❤

[@markr16462]

Really usefull video Jonathan. We too are looking at very similar properies around that area or down to Sciacca. Very intererasting to hear your thoughts and experiences. Seems so many potential pitfalls, not least of which is orgainsed crime but the end game is still the same, a stunning and idlyic lifestyle. I was looking around Tuscany last month and whilst its beautiful, you just dont get the same vibe from the Tuscans as you do the Sicilians. Well done and keep going. Maybe catch up with you when I am next over there viewing potential properies.

[@susanlecuirot1573]

I’m hoping for you that under all the dust and pine leaves there is a beautiful cobbled driveway

[@BDSLAYER5379]

I really enjoy the progress that you are making. I know that in the last video you indicated the amount of water that you had, and that you might be using some for the garden, to that end, have you considered some rain collection barrels, specific to the garden. I live in the US, Connecticut to be precise, and while we don’t have any issues with water, we still like to do our part to save water. Knowing that your annual rainfall will be around 20”+/- during the winter months, you might want to consider something . We use a 1000L IBC tote tank that we were able to pickup for free. It was used to transport vinegar, so it is food grade. You might find a place that has them for free or at a reasonable price. New they cost about $500. Well i wish you loads of luck on your adventure and look forward to seeing more - Rob Skeffington

[@heathermcrobert9779]

Although you have a ways to go to get the place where you want it to be for basic living, I can see what you are visualizing. It has great potential. It will be fun to follow you and see you go with this project!!

[@brianprice3193]

Best piece of advice I ever had……Time spent in reconnaissance is seldom wasted.

[@claireevans2336]

I cannot say I blame you, I hate our grey skies so depressing. It is going to look amazing there. Loved some of the products in the store

[@alaindeshaies817]

Love your history and your video. ❤❤

[@Annie-o9t]

Just love watching your progress well done .

[@arildgangs3516]

How tall must the postman be to reach the postbox hanging so high?😊

[@axpeg]

Sei rimasto a 2 generazioni fa, adesso la media è di 1,70 mt e comunque è la mano che deve arrivarci, non la testa.

[@natpaler883]

Thanks for sharing your property journey in Sicily! Did you find your villa on Idealista or through some other connections/channels? It has so much potential. Have a great Sunday!

[@yalcinyanmis5652]

Good luck, you did the best thing in your life. I will do just the same in this year.

[@colinjones7741]

Good for you mate.

[@teresaallan7759]

😊 Enjoying your journey. Hard work does pay off. Best of luck for future projects, I'll be watching 👀.

[@kellyh8347]

Great job so far! Little things can be a big help! Clearing the way to your front yard is fantastic so that you can get as close as possible to your work area. There are sometimes autumn and winter crops that can be planted and maybe figure out your favorite fruits and find out if it may be a good time of year to plant! To me, even though you have some-think of what YOU would eat everyday! You are going shopping-you seem quite handy-and I saw the chainsaw-maybe you can trim some of those long overgrown pine branches-you can use them as the pole supports to your bed and actually build your own bed. There are lots of things you can do with that wood and branches. Pinecones make great kindling. The absolute best thing you have already found, WATER!! Fabulous! Your house is clean-maybe start seeding and planting! Color will bring life to your property. Fireplace/pizza oven in the future-I will keep commenting if you like as I have years of watching many European renovations. The tiles throughout the house seem in pretty good shape, perhaps you can watch a video of the best way to paint tile. It has always been my dream to move to Italy. Unfortunately, family situations make that impossible. I will keep following you-I like you and your home! Be well!

[@girlpharm]

Love your videos and your explanations of things. I love what you are doing with the place and am looking forward to your continued renovations

[@elainelyoung]

We just love your channel! I just shared it on my Facebook, for all my Italian relatives.

[@katherine1898]

Thanks Jonathan ....you've answered most of my questions and more in this video.... Like the pace of the procedures... Appreciate your mindset.... Happy to follow your journey👍

[@fallenbarbieee]

Love following this journey!

[@andrewatkins3219]

Great to hear your story so far 👍 looking forward to watching your journey….

[@axelgs11]

You really can Live the Dream.

[@paulcliff6397]

Really enjoyed it mate thanks. Keep it real and genuine for me.

[@nitram157]

Hope your postman’s quite tall !!!😂😂😂😂

[@susanhines7994]

I was talking to the tele as he was putting up the box "they're quite short in Sicily mate" 😆😆😆

[@marcellalessard]

I think using the bottom holes for the top ones will be just perfect! You were almost on your toes when you put the top screws through the slot where they put the mail… if I’m not mistaking!

[@LHommeMultiCulti]

@@marcellalessardyeah and then the top 2 For a House number plate ☺️

[@axpeg]

@@susanhines7994 Sei rimasto alle vecchie generazioni e comunque anche se fosse 1,50 mt con la mano arriva certamente a 2 mt.

[@charliesargent6225]

@@susanhines7994 Average height of a Sicilian is just 1" shorter than Britain mate.

[@mikeprice4844]

Best of luck on your quest hope all goes well for you my friend

[@OperationSicily]

Cheers, appreciate your support! 👍

[@LHommeMultiCulti]

I think the well is well over 50 Meters Deep 🐰😇 And love seeing the progress you have made Already And the Transformation of The Villa Can’t Wait 🙏🏽 Love&Light ❤️✨

[@dawnbarnes8729]

Following from South Carolina, USA. I love property restoration, especially after being left to decay. Just returning from a trip to Italy. Although we didn’t make it further south than Rome, I would love to return and explore the southern areas of Italy , including Sicily! Looking forward to watching you transform your new place! ❤😊

[@annamaybeekman]

GOOD JOB

[@robinfereday6562]

Liking the content in the videos now your getting much better enjoying the journey as you go 😊😊👍👍

[@neutonrenda2303]

Hello Johnathan, good to hear your story, and definitely a good idea not to rush into anything. My family history is from Castellemmare Del Golfo, so relatively close to there, and I will definitely be looking in that area when I come over. So funny watching you hang the letterbox, I bought one when I was there and carried it all the way back to South Africa. It's now on my holiday house in the Karoo. You are looking really happy, hopefully soaking it all in. 👍

[@brendagannon8724]

You have done remarkable well and your very brave to pursue the dream! Good luck with your journey.

[@carolinellewellyn4630]

Hi Jonathan, really enjoying your videos and I look forward to coming along on the journey with you !! Would also love some sightseeing videos of the town ! See you in the next video !!

[@chrishawes5078]

I echo all your sentiments about the UK. I can't wait to find my ideal property in Italy. Great to hear your story. Good luck for the future.

[@sharonfowkes7124]

Excellent videos really interesting to see the journey of the villa & your honesty why you bought over in Sicily. Best video yet really interesting plus you have great ideas for the place .....

[@kimstclair1879]

Hello Jonathan greeting from France, Congrats on finding the water in the well, its a great news for you. Things are looking great and the are moving along nicely for you. Any news re mumma and her kitties. We are all waiting on the news. How is the watering of the trees just a little and often will be great for them. I don't have lizards here in France that come into the house instead I have toads. I usually find them in the mornings and they look like an autumn leaf at first glance, that is until they move. I usually just pick them up with a paper towel and put them outside to join the rest of their community. Look forward to next weeks instalment and keep up the fantastic work, Cheers from Brittany France.

[@01AceAlpha]

Great news for the water well!

[@davidwillettts931]

Your house has some interesting architecture. I like its mock castle style. What purpose does the tower serve? Does it access the roof? Perhaps you could make it a ventilation shaft - fit an exractor fan in it to cool the house in Summer.

[@samsmom1491]

I wish I had asked this question. I'm wondering about the tower, as well.

[@mikeylorene]

@@samsmom1491 All that you've wondered about is shown in his earlier videos- watch them all and enjoy.

[@Mar33333]

What a wonderful adventure ,great that you are getting a bit more comfortable with everything, Cheers !

[@karenmacpherson9014]

Love your little villa , you have olive trees and a nice fenced in yard

[@barbarathomas2561]

Really interesting to know the background to you buying the house. Yes, I associate Sicily with organised crime too unfortunately lol ... but also it has a long and interesting history, right back in time, Crusades and all that and beyond .... Will you get the water tested in the well - make sure its potable, no nasties in it. The land is so dry .... I hope they have some rain soon. Take care, greetings from NZ 🙂

[@axpeg]

La criminalità organizzata quella vera, è stata esportata, qui, fortunatamente è rimasto poco e niente, certamente molto meno di come è descritta ancora oggi, la Sicilia.

[@riccardomulazzani7436]

Hi Jonathan, How are you?... Having your own water available is great news! In Sicily, prolonged droughts often occur in summer which lead the local administration to ration the distribution of water... Where I live there is a Leroy Merlin nearby and I use them too, there are items for all types of DIY and for all budgets... even professional equipment! Go ahead with your Italian/Sicilian dream... Greetings From Riccione.

[@axpeg]

Non in tutta la Sicilia la situazione è la stessa, nella zona occidentale, nel Trapanese è abbastanza buona, per chi ha un pozzo profondo.

[@kayschwartz-pq5kx]

Have watched from the beginning and really am enjoying your videos. Are you keeping those floor tiles, I like the colours, and style, if they are in good nick, what a savings you have. And happy to see the car in the yard, makes it more homely now. Watching from Western Australia 🇦🇺 ❤❤

[@potterkelly487]

The age of your hacienda? You have done well in your home choice, needs TLC. It does not look to have structural issues, i believe you will have a gem of a place once done up. Thank you for speaking and letting us know your plan.🇨🇦

[@brendatarocardreadings9511]

Leroy Merlin is like Home Depot here in Canada 🇨🇦 and the 🇺🇸

[@joycekepic8947]

Wow, those stories are great especially the second one from New York City. That's going to be a beautiful property.! They say things happen for a reason if you hadn't lost the first two you wouldn't have bought this !

[@karenbearden6198]

Sometimes it's the little things that improve a property so much. Clearing the way to get your car in, big improvement!

[@Enzo-c5j]

565-769 liters of water may be very optimistic. You need pump some amount of water out from the well and then see how fast the water level gets restored to the initial level. In some cases it may take days and even weeks.. i hope this isn't your case.

[@lisaring2169]

Will you be able to hook into town water supply? Or is it the well only. Also do you have power supply to the house?

[@samsmom1491]

I am fairly certain he won't be connected to the town's water. I doubt the pipes go out that far. He'll need his well up and running. He also should consider a water cachement system to collect any rainwater.

[@scottsorby7966]

I count not believe my eyes I thought that was earth build up from the growing tree at the left hand (on screen) gate, then you raked it all away and it was only grass WOW!! 🤯 I really liked the measuring tool Jonathan, probably the only thing I would have added was your head torch at the top of the pole to illuminate the well on the way down and let you see how things are. Will you eventually be adding rainwater collection from the roof to help fill the well during winter & storms? And of course, how's your Sicilian coming on? Your reasons for leaving mirror my own frustrations especially regarding crime and I believe you absolutely made the right choice especially with young children safety in mind. Anyways, it's all good progress towards the greater goal of the family home and even the little improvements like the mail box add an instant visual impact and satisfaction. Stay safe, best regards from Glasgow

[@egrainger48]

If water delivery is available, I would invest in an IBC and get in filled for house use. Use the well for the garden until you can get the necessary testing done for potability.

[@axpeg]

Gran bella avventura la tua, fortunatamente hai incontrato persone oneste che ti hanno aperto gli occhi sul da farsi. Se in futuro volessi visitare un altro negozio fornito come Leroy Merlin, c'è vicino a te, circa 20 km "Keidea" sta quasi di fronte all'uscita dell'autostrada per Castelvetrano. Il pozzo, ad occhio, sembra abbastanza vecchio, scavato a mano, non ha gli anelli in cemento, la profondità stimata è tra i 15 e i 20 metri. Un qualche aiuto te lo darei volentieri dato che sto in zona, la fregatura è che non parlo Inglese.

[@ail-on3px]

C'è Google traduttore 😅

[@axpeg]

@@ail-on3px Ci avevo già pensato, del resto è così che comunico tramite i commenti, ma, tenere una conversazione di persona con il traduttore, di mezzo, seppur possibile, sarebbe poco pratico per i lunghi discorsi.

[@ail-on3px]

@@axpeg non hai nemmeno le basi per l'inglese? Io comunico anche con i gesti,e credimi che le persone mi capiscono 😁

[@axpeg]

@@ail-on3px Si le basi ci sono, conosco molte parole, se le vedo scritte le capisco meglio 😀

[@ail-on3px]

@@axpeg ciao, volevo dirti che c'è una famiglia britannica che si è trasferita a Mazara del Vallo per ristrutturare una bella villetta in centro città ma la cosa che mi dispiace è che il marito è una persona genuina e molto gentile con gli appaltatori, che gli hanno fregato un mucchio di soldi e fatto dei lavori che fanno pena. Spende soldi per avere risultati discutibili. Credo che non parli nemmeno bene l'italiano e la gente se ne approfitta. Purtroppo io non sono in Sicilia, altrimenti lo aiuterei volentieri. Tu conosci qualcuno che può aiutarlo oppure vuoi conoscerlo per dargli una mano? Il suo canale è Moving to Sicily. Credimi che mi piange il cuore a vedere questa situazione. Grazie mille se potrai fare qualcosa 🙂

[@Jonny1967]

Hi, Im from Palermo . I can confirm that the Nord-West of Sicily is the most beatifull . Trapani is near San Vito lo Capo beach’s and Erice . You Made a Great choise . Are you from Manchester United or City ? . I follow you with interest and hope to see the house renovated .

[@katbar6066]

Looking at how sparking clean your front windows are made me realize I maybe should get off my lazy backside and clean mine!! 😄😄 It's amazing the difference a few small jobs can make such as raking in front of the gates and putting up a letterbox. That front wall is lovely by the way- very stylish.

[@jennymcgraw855]

Are there any old photos of your property before it was abandoned? I would love to see pictures of the property when it was in its glory.

[@fenno-viking9217]

Big project ahead, I wish you luck and a lot of elbow grease. I will not miss a single episode👍

[@miafranic8097]

Good luck 👍

[@wandamanetti]

Hi..I am Wanda. Did you take the well water to be analyzed? Maybe you can drink it and wash yourself, without asking the Municipality for it. I live in Tuscany, Firenze. Here the water is very expensive. I don't know what is the price i Sicilia. Life is not so expensive in Sicilia: food etc...but there is not so much water...Maybe you can find out...Welcome in Italia

[@lindawoods6950]

Jonathan, congratulations on your patience in finding such a great second home. I will definitely be following your channel. I hope you didn’t place your mail box too high for the mail carrier to reach, haha.

[@fhulkster]

its all coming along nicely, and enjoy watching the process, do you know if the well supplied by an underground spring , i live in Donegal west coast of Ireland , we had to have a well bored it was 180 ft before they hit water and then carried on another 20ft to make sure there was a good supply and it is fed by an underground spring,

[@annbottelli5682]

While I'm watching this I'm thinking you should have had quite a lot of rain yesterday. Hoping it hasn't done any damage but instead got rid of all the dust and helped the new grass to come up. All the best.

[@22NL22NL]

Hi I saw on the news a story about water shortages on the island,is it as bad as they are saying? Best wishes and love your videos 🙏

[@axpeg]

Nella zona centrale della sicilia hanno problemi seri, ma nel Trapanese va ancora abbastanza bene, per chi ha un pozzo profondo.

[@benthomas8290]

You'll have more water than your estimation as the well is likely sunk into some kind of an aquifer / perched groundwater body which will extend over a much larger area. When you pump it, the water level in the well should recover over time (maybe hours or days depending on permeability). Depending on the size of the groundwater body, just pumping 100 litres may barely impact the depth after recovery. You should invest in a water level logger / meter and then measure the recovery time and extent after pumping, together with any response to rainfall (whenever you're lucky enough to get some), which will give you a much clearer understanding of the extent of the resource

[@MandyHassell-zc3rf]

Don’t blame you Johnathan 💙

[@MandyHassell-zc3rf]

30 ft ?

[@MandyHassell-zc3rf]

Love your little letter box ❤ as you you can probably tell I’m commenting as I watch 😂

[@MandyHassell-zc3rf]

I love gardening 🪴 I’d have a field day in yours 😊. I would definitely recommend getting a drip system for the garden for when you start adding new plants 🌱. Good luck Johnathan if you need any help give me a shout x

[@samsmom1491]

​@@MandyHassell-zc3rf A drip irrigation system is an excellent idea, especially in such a dry climate.

[@MandyHassell-zc3rf]

@@samsmom1491 it is isn’t it x

[@perfectscotty]

interesting project, Subscribed.

[@susanamann1806]

We attach something heavy to a line and lower the line. Then measure the line and how much of it is wet.

[@wendywalsh-pardey9439]

Sicily has regional dialects and all are very different from mainland Italian. Babel is a good online language course. You will need it. Sicily is a very ancient and historical place with deep roots in Arabic and other language. It's my favourite country.

[@davidwillettts931]

How much rain did you get in the storms this weekend?