How I Bought my Little House in Italy during the Pandemic - Everything You Need to Know

I had a dream to buy a house in Italy - and I did it during the pandemic in 2020. If you're dreaming about doing the same thing - minus a pandemic - then get your pen and paper ready! Here's what I learned about buying a house in Italy and all my top tops tips too! Make your dream a reality and do it - Buy your dream house in Italy!
House Finder that I used is here: www.propertyor...

[@waprile2506]

As an Italian from Parma (slightly North of Fivizzano) I would add one thing to the checklist: have a look at the place in autumn and winter. A wet autumn on the Appennines can be really cold and wet, particularly in a stone house. And some villages get regularly snowed in in January and February. Not planning to be there in cold weather? Well, let's hope you find a way to prevent the pipes from freezing. And so on. I love the mountains, but there is a reason why mountain villages are getting depopulated: the logistics frequently stink.

[@ironfistarrival]

It is not as cold as Eastern Canada !

[@ritagrechi2663]

stone hause. never cold

[@wgun88]

(Llll

[@kendallevans4079]

Sage advice. Multiple visits are wise when buying ANY property anywhere, even one town over from where you live now. Visit in the morning, mid-day, evening and even middle of the night. Visit weekdays and weekends, holidays and drive around the area, neighborhood. Go to the locals store(s). Observe everything you can.

[@mradventurer8104]

@@kendallevans4079 thanks, good advices!

[@wendynamisnik11]

Thank you for being transparent about actual costs and fees. So many people talk about doing it but don't disclose actual costs.

[@gisawslonim9716]

For many, many years my late husband and I would go twice a year to a small town in Italy, Montecatini, which is only half an hour from Florence, and stay in a lovely hotel for two weeks of fabulous food, fabulous trips all over Tuscany, incredible shopping and the warmest of warm welcomes from the owners of the hotel. We became friendly with others who also appeared twice a year during the time we were there and ended up being one big family. I believe this was way better than owning a house and gardens which would need continuous upkeep...incurring expenses and a lot of bother. In fact, I believe we had the best bargain...we were living in Tuscany with no worries except where to have our mid morning coffee break and what to buy in one of the exquisite boutiques of this little town.

[@susand484]

She has made an investment, which some of us would do for practicality's sake. She can rent it to people like me or in her old age she could move there and live very economically. Your version sounds really lovely, but for some it is more sensible to buy a house. And the process of making it your own can be lovely too.

[@annchee1329]

@@susand484 m

[@philemcd]

Spent two weeks in Montecatini Terme in a fabulous villa. Great central location

[@sallyannc3176]

That is a good option - but I think she's also seeing this as a business venture as she said in another video they'll rent it as an Air B&B too.

[@peerapoleuariyakul5419]

Name of the hoteL pLz :)

[@genevievemurray7743]

Here in Australia my good neighbour still owns her home in the Italian village where she grew up. She spends the Australian winters back there. She said she doesn’t shut off the electricity when she’s away as it takes so much time to have it reinstated when she visits. She didn’t get back for the last two winters because of COVID. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for her that 2022 will be better.

[@paulahamby9998]

so encouraging, thank you!

[@Urban_Piggy]

I go to Italy tomorrow and even before getting on the plane, I get the feeling that it’s the first of several trips. ❤

[@sheilaanderson912]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. So many people are uncomfortable about sharing costs so an extra thank you for that. It helps to put things in perspective and really know what to expect. I look forward to watching you continue this journey.

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you so much!! Xxx

[@ideallion]

I am waiting for my e mail reply

[@ramabapat]

Yeah, pointless not to mention $$

[@vivianruss4391]

@@AmericanViscountess a

[@rebecapowers]

Not sure why but knowing how much you pay for the property would really be important for any us who took the time to watch your video.

[@saraoum91]

I'm so so so sooooo happy to find your chanel, we moved to Italy 2 years ago with my husband and 2 kids and we're struggling to buy a house and the location is a big problem for us. Our dream is to live and raise our kids in campagna. Watching videos like yours inspires me to keep dreaming until i reach my dream ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@elixues]

I am now sitting in a Starbucks near Tortona, Italy, watching this. Yes.. Simply love Italy too! Will probably need a lifetime to fully explore this beautiful region 😀

[@iammaxhammer]

0:58 those Italian tiles feel so nice when they begin to just slowly warm up from the cool morning air. Italy does things right.

[@jmcqueen7355]

Julie, thank you for being so honest, clear, and transparent. I am currently considering a house in Abruzzo, and this video tracks well with information that I've gotten. But you giving prices of things really helps put a purchase into perspective. And I love your renovation so far! Can't wait to see the rest.

[@YY-zl7ok]

Huge "Thank you" to you, Julie, for describing the home buying process and sharing the details! very informative and inspiring! Maybe my dream will come true...Because of you.

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you so much!!

[@picasso20121]

Julie you are an absolute gem 💎! Thank you so much for sharing with us in details . You won’t find people like you too often these days - honest and willing to help ❤️

[@sparkofinterest81]

So nice of you to share your journey :) Gosh from illinois to a castle and then on to a vacation home in Italy...You are living the dream~ Jeannette

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you so much Jeannette. Lovely to have you along on the journey xx

[@sallyannc3176]

Yes and no - looks like a lot of hard work to achieve both!

[@ralphstephan353]

Such a pleasure to get a clear picture of a complex process from a highly organized person with no agenda other than to inform others based on her own experience! Good job, M'lady!

[@BellaVita100]

Compliments on an excellent video and in discussing real costs. I bought in Italy about 4 years ago and it has been the adventure of a lifetime! If you are considering this, I recommend you watch this video a few times to simplify the process in your mind .Her advice is excellent and realistic.

[@sharonkinsella7435]

I appreciate how generous you are with the details. It's so nice to understand how things happen. It makes it seem more possible for others! Thank you, Julie, and congratulations on your beautiful house!

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you for watching!

[@petermurphymurphy5477]

You're right. A breakdown and honesty with figures helps other people put it into perspective, instead of just a beautiful, but random idea. And it is possible!

[@maris7223]

I loved this episode. I can relate to how excited you were to buy your little villa, Julie. I felt the same excitement and tingles when I bought my little beach house in Florida, ALL BY MYSELF☺️ Julie, I wish you so much joy in your new vacation home. May you and your family make many happy memories there!

[@AmericanViscountess]

Yay, thank you!

[@jirimondo]

It should be noted that generally the estate agents fees are paid by both buyer and seller (unlike what is generally the case in the States where the seller pays the brokers' fees). Also, the annual taxes on the house (IMU) if it is NOT a primary residence are not based on the sales price but the cadastral value which are usually much less than the sales price but it is generally nominal (our house is a little over €1000 per year). If it is a primary residence, there is no IMU tax. On the sale, there is a tax based on the cadastral value and it is significant - 4% of cadastral value for primary residence and 10% for second home. (updated with more detail).

[@Django44]

Excellent clarification; thank you.

[@ashokekumarsen7919]

In spain, the seller pays n not the buyer!

[@debbiecillo2531]

I love Italy! I keep trying to get my hubby to buy a house in Italy. I’m so glad you did this video. We’ve been to Tuscany several times and that’s my favorite place.

[@janetpattison8474]

I’m so glad I found you. I’m retired & hope to move from the US to Europe, and I hear from well traveled persons that Italy is wonderful! Your property looks awesome! Thanks so much for all the great details on buying, it’s appreciated a lot!

[@mellijelli30]

Did you need to get citizenship to move to Europe?

[@wanderawaywithsirikay3522]

I am SO grateful for your willing to share your actual numbers and the full picture here. It really helps know if this is something I can do too...all those little costs add up to be a lot! SO SO grateful you shared your real picture here Julie. 🙏🏼 Thank you! 🧡

[@lorihogue5015]

How exciting for you! Can't wait to see your little house all renovated. I lived in Southern Bavaria while I was in the Army Medical Corps. I still miss the church bells we'd always hear from our flat at the edge of the forest. We could look over the village from our huge front window and watch for deer, and the occasional hedgehog to wander through the backyard from the big slider in the back.

[@jonvolcaman9309]

I had an apartment in Sardinia, Italy during my military years. One thing I learned was that the houses there didn't have properly sealed windows. So every night it can get pretty cold in a home. Winters get very cold. So I had to get a heater in every room.

[@chezfarmer]

I am on this path to making a purchase in Italy, and I so appreciate all of this information!

[@ivancadiz.]

Congratulations Julie! Great comprehensive video...thumbs up. It also puts so many things on perspective a whole house in Italy for 150K WoW, that won't buy not even parking space in L.A

[@alv4120]

Just found this video on KZbin. I feel the same way about Italy as you feel. Lunigiana region has its own corner in my heart🤩 Congratulation to your house and the courage to make a dream come true.

[@soniatriana9091]

As always, it’s a pleasure to watch, listen, & learn from all your videos! Your genuine easy going personally is very relatable & entertaining! Plus, you pass on very useful & honest opinions! Thank you!!

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you so much!!

[@LansPacifico]

We are in the process of choosing our Italian home. Thank you for breaking this down and sharing it - many people hide this info and/or charge for it. Ti ringrazio!!

[@johnoliver2022]

I agree with all you have said in this interesting vlog. Do not forget that the notary is essential because legally the notary must carry out legal and cadastral checks on the property !

[@packageism]

Well done. You are living the dream and making the most of life. I live in SE Asia and have language barriers myself. My wife and I bought a building and purposely got a small mortgage with a bank. The reason is that we know there will be no chance of dodgyness when it comes to the documents and getting it in our name. We can pay off the mortgage anytime and then we know its in our names. If we had of paid cash I would have worried about corruption. I know its rare but it can happen anywhere especially when the seller and officials know we are outsiders. I see it as insurance.....

[@angeltravelstheworld]

This channel just popped up as a recommendation. Wonderfully unique perspective on your channel. You're living a magical dreamlike life, yet breaking down the costs, etc in a realistic way.. that makes it all seem possible to everyone ( if they dare to dream and then take action :)

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you so much!

[@laurapalomino2584]

Thank you so much for sharing this information Julie. I've been wondering the "how much" for a very long time as I'm getting ready to embark on my dream of living in Italy for a year! Thank you!!!!🙏

[@AmericanViscountess]

Wonderful!!!

[@jeankelly368]

I've visited the country of Italy and loved it. I am retired and if possible I would love to live there. Thank you for sharing the coats. Your home is beautiful. Congratulations dear lady.

[@latebloomerabroad]

Those prices are definitely worth it, but knowing how much all those fees add up to makes me think maybe buying a second home abroad isn't a great idea for me. I still have so many places I want to go that I think I'll just rent an Airbnb in different places when I want to go. But I'm sure I'll always dream of a cute little Italian house of my own!

[@loriesanchez3387]

I have watched this a few times actually. I’m trying to buy a small property and you do such a great job of explaining the costs! Love your little house.❤

[@strikedn]

You discovered Lunigiana, the hidden treasure in Tuscany. I used to have a house there too, in Licciana Nardi but I've been to Fivizzano several times.

[@jiayurhsu]

What a lifestyle from the designer's life practice, inside out shows what's integrity all about.

[@margymullins67]

Julie, your confidence and voice shine in this real estate and your yoga videos. Great agency💪👏

[@oviliasweet3229]

You just made up my mind. I was born in Venice and been thinking about going back. Your video helped me decide to go back. Thank you e Ciao a tutti

[@wildflowerwind6941]

This is great. You shared all the details of what every one would want to know to do this including the most important part, costs.

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you for watching!

[@EQ78]

Congratulations on realizing your Italian living dreams! And thank you for sharing!

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you so much!

[@vjhreeves]

Best video I have watched on this topic! Thanks, Julie!

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you so much!!

[@crazyforitaly2021]

We left 'crazy' land and moved to Italy in 2021 - no regrets here. Keep up the good work

[@jor753]

Thank you for sharing the process Ms. Montagu.

[@borkahouston9234]

Absolutely love seeing your house in Italy. Please share more videos of the renovations and surrounding areas. You are mastering the language so quickly! Thank you, Julie.

[@annachern6976]

Fantastically useful vid Julie, exactly what I was looking for.

[@AmericanViscountess]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jadoremakeup1422]

This video is truly a blessing. Thank you so very much for sharing all this information. My respect for you grows more and more with every video. Thank you again for your sharing and guidance.

[@catherinehanson-acolella6600]

I love watching your adventure in your new Italian home! Can't wait for the next video!

[@rjpearsonIV]

I loved this. Mostly because of her transparency. So glad you found a good place to live in Italy. Thank You SO MUCH for sharing.

[@carrie5387]

Julie, you inspire me to no end. Each and every time I watch a video I feel as though I can just do anything! Thank you for sharing this with us! From Ga, 🇺🇸

[@AmericanViscountess]

I'm so glad!

[@ianfraser114]

That brings back memories. We had a house in Virgoletta for 13 years and visited Fivizanno many times. Il giardino restaurant was a favourite. Happy days.

[@Eitner100]

I will retire this year and this was exactly the extra information I needed about Italy and buying a home there. Thanks so much.

[@valentinasalvati2139]

It's nice to find someone who clearify so well all these details about buying an house in Italy! As a local, I know the whole matter seems always very intricate😅 btw we must say now it's perfect timing to invest in Italy, a lot of nice properties under 50.000/60.000 € all over the country.

[@AmericanViscountess]

Glad it was helpful!

[@korenng5553]

So exciting ! Thks...

[@allsorts4041]

Lots of info and sage advice Julie! 🌷

[@karlaniday7519]

I’ve always wondered how properties are purchased in other countries. You really were quite in depth and i appreciate it. The bells are so beautiful and the views…WOW!!!Thank you! Enjoy your home!

[@lindaunderwood4446]

Thank you Julie for sharing the cost of finding, buying, mortgaging your Italian home along with taxes, etc. I've looking for my Italian home in Umbria, Spoleto is my location but will be looking at Assisi (may be too touristy for me) next May when I go back. Providing this information is helpful in understanding all the costs. I look forward to other vlogs on your process of renovating your Italian casa. Grazie Mille.

[@AmericanViscountess]

Good luck! You can do it!!!

[@jodieschlipf182]

This was so interesting! Thank you for the breakdown. As a side note, I found it a point of interest that your surname is similar to that of Romeo (Shakespeare) and you now own a house in Italy. As an English teacher across the pond in Illinois, that is precious. Best of luck on your renovations at home and abroad. I look forward to watching the progress (especially if I get to hear the church bells again).

[@AmericanViscountess]

I know right?!

[@lisacole690]

This is absolutely lovely! Love the proximity to the center of the town. TY for sharing this so transparently, especially the cost. We started building our little dream home just before the pandemic hit. We broke ground on March 12th and everything shut down on March 16th. What an adventure, though!

[@jarisuuronen1342]

Good summary. We bought a house also with same timing from North Italy. Pretty much same findings and costs. Buying house from Italy taks some time and effort, but if you really want it, you will get it.

[@claudial5514]

Thank you for showing us your beautiful house. That’d be my dream, to buy a tiny house in a quaint small town in Italy.

[@sharonscarpa6465]

This is all such valuable information, and answers so many of the questions that we have. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with your wonderful little home!

[@blondeenigma3882]

You did what I would do - buy a house right in the thick of things, with all the amenities nearby. How lovely to just shut your door, and walk down through the old streets to the market or the restaurant ! How people can buy an isolated renovation project villa in the middle of nowhere, with nothing but country views for miles in every direction baffles me.

[@RoseBornagain]

In Italy even the house with country view in the middle of nowhere have a small village with shops, bar, Pharmacy, postal office and a bus or train stations, Tuscany plus is so well connected!

[@Italiana911]

Agree Rose. I have spectacular views and countryside, still with bars, restaurants, P.O., shop, pharmacy, and of course 3 churches! 🤣

[@divelea]

I am extremely happy that people return to small towns/villages.

[@michelles2299]

Invaluable information, you can't buy experience 🙏

[@terrythomas2735]

Wow great info. Thank you for being so open and honest about everything. I’m happy that you have this nice warm place to go to when you need rest. Beautiful

[@jellybeanparis584]

Admiration Julie from Los Angeles, California. You are such a Go-Getter!

[@lesleyw6976]

Well its heart-warming to know you had fun during the pandemic.

[@jenjem5810]

What a nice surprise when housefinder gets mega Business through this charming glimpse! Practical question: Dimensions in square meters?

[@dottieparker7274]

Just convert on internet

[@mch979]

I bought my house in Germany, (on the Rhein near Lorch) in 2013. It is my full time residence. The process was not difficult and the Notar handled all the deeds and paper work. It was originally built in 1850, but modernized by previous owner in 1990. Three floors, small walled in yard, workshop, and even a small garage, the roof of which I use as a terrace and has great view of the Rhein. You are welcome to visit. I love Tuscany too. Maybe we can do a 2 week swap some time (summer).

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thanks for sharing!

[@kl5589]

Thanks so much for this info - very informative especially regarding the additional costs involved. Very much looking forward to following your refurbishment journey.

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you so much!!

[@carlomagno7092]

Bravissima mia cara, l'Italia ha bisogno di più persone come te. Saluti da Roma.

[@Mozarthaus2011]

THANK YOU for sharing! A very good video and advices. Your House look so cute and the location is fantastic. Enjoy Italy !! 😊🌻🌻🌻

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you so much!!

[@RandyWillcox]

Came for Mapperton, stayed for Fivizzano! Stumbled on your channel as an American anglophile and just love all of it!

[@heatherthompson8837]

That was so informative! Thank you for sharing the specifics of buying in Italy (would love to be in that market right now). I look forward to more of your renovation videos!

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you so much!!

[@kromhout99]

This honestly gave me hope , I thought you were going to say some crazy number for the price of the house but it wasn’t crazy at all , such a great home !

[@dimmacommunication]

As an Italian : Just be careful to choose your location wisely. You can live in Italy if you have a stable income, cause there you are not gonna be able to find a job,at least not a good one, not easily. The bargains are in small towns cause all the services are outside,and no jobs there.

[@Acarsfault]

This is everywhere in the world

[@lorenspagnuolo6892]

good to know.

[@kcstill3108]

This is great information! My brother bought a little apt there and was explaining some of the details. I’m so excited for your tiny house!!

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you so much!!

[@LA-jf1zn]

So exciting for you! Great to follow your dreams. 🦋

[@jeannettec9094]

A great video! Sharing $ information is so appreciated. So many people won't share the $ aspect of purchasing and I love how you laid it all out.

[@gayaa6490]

Thank you so much for such a helpful video, Julie. I have always wanted to buy a house in Italy and after watching your video I feel like I might be able to make this dream a reality one day :)

[@akakiciumi]

Thank you! I can't even begin to say how much this helps me. Enjoy your Italian adventure!

[@AmericanViscountess]

I'm so glad!

[@maureenb6095]

Such valuable information, Julie! You made it so easy to understand and so much more relatable. When I watched your original video showing your Italian home, I thought how beautiful it all was but there would be no way I could afford something like that. It was just a dream. But, you made it seem possible. Thank you so much, Julie! And I can’t wait to see another video of your beautiful home! 🌸🌸

[@AmericanViscountess]

So pleased to read this!

[@davidandrews1977]

I love that you built a plan and went and got what you wanted. Kudos.

[@mariadegan1029]

I love how enthusiastic you are❤️ very happy for you!!

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you for watching!

[@1m2rich]

Thank you for telling us of your journey to buy property in Italy.

[@backslash68]

6:26 "what is a notary?" it is a little piece of medieval bureaucracy that somehow survived until the age of computers. And for a good (for them) reason: a notary will charge you 2000$ for a document 2 to 6 pages long, in most cases written by their secretary anyway. To buy a house you must use their services, and there is no competition among them, they are a cartel.

[@gowiththeflo8742]

Well put. I would add that this 'notary cartel' is prevalent in many other countries as well. Canada being one of them.

[@acsody]

Look at it like this: the notary is the one who has the responsibility that all the laws are respected and both parts to the deal are treated fairly. He is essentially the representative of the state who makes sure you really own what you buy and that it is registered on the cataster accordingly. BTW the fees are negotiable - most of the times.

[@backslash68]

@@acsody All good, but are they really accountable if they make a mistake or an omission? if I buy a house which turns out to be completely irregular, can I take the notary to court and get compensation? and why are they a closed-number guild? but most of all, why are they allowed to be a closed guild? the parliament made a law: 1 notary every 5000 citizens. Uh-oh.... but in the parliament there is 1 notary every 150 MPs. I guess that explains it.

[@acsody]

@@backslash68 Well, everything can be questioned and mistrusted, right? To be clear, i am no notary and I have no relation whatsoever. But my dealings with four different notaries found them very professional, impartial and down to buisiness as it gets. And of course, as it was my money on the line, i kept focused nonetheless. If you buy a house in Italy the seller must state in the contract - among other things -that it is compliant with all the regulations. If anything stated in the contract is not factual the contract is void and false statements can be prosecuted. The notary will be very clear to all parties on that too.

[@dimmacommunication]

You have been very wise to choose a finder ,to avoid scams.

[@hillsideurbangarden1380]

Very good information and advice! We will be completing our Holiday Home purchase in France at the end of this month. I agree, hiring the experts familiar with the area and process has been invaluable. Thank goodness for video calls too, we are able to plan projects to be done before we fly over next spring. Your Italian Home is lovely, with an outstanding location. Enjoy🌻👩🏼‍🌾

[@elianafleck7507]

Wow! Full of information. Thanks for breaking down how you bought the house and fees and expenses. Yes, this most definitely helps!! Love your house.

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you so much!!!

[@jamesmaduabuchi6100]

The market crash prediction has been going for months now, imagine if you've invested heavy then. The truth is no one actually knows if the crash is gonna happen. some said it will happen immediately after the election, hello we're done with the election now. You just have to invest smartly . I'm glad it worked for me with the help of an investment advisor, I recently added my $350,000 profits to my portfolio.

[@lucythompson5841]

I heavily missed out on going into the market during the lockdown.

[@jamesmaduabuchi6100]

The real secret of building wealth is by having multiple streams of income. That includes both online and offline investments.

[@henryclinton9317]

I'm new to the stock market, learned so much already online and obsessing atm, i need monitoring and guidance as i'm desperate to get into investing now, please can you share more info about your investment advisor?

[@jamesmaduabuchi6100]

@@henryclinton9317 I trade with Tamara Diane Hagan

[@jessicamamikina7648]

I know of Tamara Diane Hagan , i came across her in one of the seminars and i have been working with her for about a year now. Her consistency is top notch. You can search her name online to get to her Website.

[@chewar7537]

I Love your stove area!!! Sounds so complicated and costly, but it is beautiful there.

[@pennywilliams2429]

So very helpful to see this. I really appreciate your transparency and sharing. I want to do this in England. I know the process would be different, but I love seeing that it’s possible to do in another country from afar. Cheers! It’s fun to see your journey.

[@Kitiwake]

Can you get residence?

[@lanawebster2078]

Way to go! Just like the movie! Amazing that you made your dream happen! I also love Italy....thank you for sharing and being detailed about the cost....

[@MG-ot2yr]

Great video, I have been considering purchasing property in Italy, same type of vision, a small town or village where you can walk to restaurants. Though not sure the attraction for Tuscany, yes its very nice, but more expensive. Been to Italy many, many times, in fact spent 2 months traveling through parts I had not been before and found lovely areas in Abruzzo, Molise, Puglia, Basilicata and Calabria, so a picturesque town in one of those regions would be my pick. You also have to consider earthquake zones, most of Italy is, though some areas higher than others, and if you're refurbishing an old village home add'l costs can also be for earthquake proofing the structure.

[@shaunbava1801]

Northern Italy generally "works" better. The South is more dysfunctional in all areas from public works to the medical system. Generally speaking the Italian government is dicey but it gets worse once you get south of Rome. Many very nice places and great people in the south but it can be a challenging place to live. Also the weather tends to be less hot and arid in Tuscany vs. regions like Puglia. I think this is the reason expats prefer Tuscany. The quality of the infrastructure falls off a cliff once you get south of Naples.

[@MG-ot2yr]

@@shaunbava1801 I didn't add that I wouldn't be moving to Italy, just using the property a few months a year, rent it out at other times. I wouldn't even apply for residency since my stays would be within Schengen tourist visa limitations, up to 3 months every 6 months, but probably less than that, a month or two at a time, twice a year, but not summer months, just before and just after. But yes on areas of the south having dysfunctional public works, you can see it even in the quality of roads, particularly Molise, worst roads in Italy! But I'm pretty adaptable, as long as the power grid, water and internet services are somewhat reliable, I can deal with occasional outages. For routine medical, I will stick with my doctors at home, for emergencies I travel with insurance that includes airlift to a major hospital, if necessary. I also wasn't specific on locations within the regions I mentioned, Puglia for example, it wouldn't be down in the heel, but instead in the NW region, in the mountains, a town like Bovino. So the climate is of course different from the flatter terrain and hotter climate down in the heel. Thanks for the input, its very helpful in deciding.

[@antoniettadisabatino4442]

Hi! My family owns houses in Abruzzo region, both in the mountain (eg Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga) and in the seaside (Martinsicuro, Pineto). We have always rented them but we would also be ok with selling one of them... if you are interested in some pics or want to visit them when you come back to Italy let me know😊 From some of the villages in the mountains in which the houses are located you can literally see the sea, which is only a bit more than 1 hour away... one house is close to a little river, so whenever you get out the first thing you are going to hear is water flowing. I am deeply deeply deeply in love with my region, especially with the mountains, so I am always enthusiastic when I tell the stories of our traditions

[@27Spiritgirl]

WOW! Thank you for the wonderful detail ( I would not have anticipated translation fees etc) - many vloggers don't like to share things related to costs so it was very much appreciated!

[@AuntieDarling]

Thank you Julie! I missed Ladies of London...So sorry to hear about Annabelle. It is so good to see you doing a Vlog and sharing your experience. I have always loved how open and honest you are. I hope to see more of you.

[@maurom9654]

I'm italian, And I'm planning To go living in the England countryside after work retirement. I love England.

[@m1kcan1]

Bring lots of unbrellas.

[@lacmeadows4092]

Thank you Julie for the breakdown of the costs. How did you find the contractor to do your renovations? And you mentioned the taxes for the vacation/ holiday home. Are those paid annually? Thank you again.

[@AmericanViscountess]

I found a local one and that’s what every twin will have. Those taxes are a one off. Phew!

[@Italiana911]

There’s an annual IMU tax for holiday homes, applicable to people under pension age. JULIE - the Comune won’t send a bill, so please go and see them about this. x

[@RobertSJHu]

So interesting what you did Julie !!!! Hope your ultimate dream house works well for you. Take care. Robert

[@dottieparker7274]

Methinks that it's more interesting to watch your little Italian house than the marvelous Mapperton estate. Just sayin'.