When Emma and Jack first walked into their €1 home in Sicily, there were no floors and barely any roof. Two years later, the house is a sunlit retreat overlooking olive groves.
Renovation Journey
They worked with local artisans to preserve vaulted ceilings and stone walls while installing modern insulation and solar water heating. Total spend: €68,000 including permits.
Lessons Learned
Plan for structural surprises, set aside a 15% contingency, and build a local team (architect, geometra, contractor). The couple now splits time between the US and Sicily, renting the property seasonally.
