Sun April 28, 2024
Buying a home is frequently one of the most difficult life decisions to make, involving extensive consideration on site before weeks of research for the ideal property. Locating a place in a foreign nation involves even more tough choices.
In that scenario, you arrive in Italy for the first time and, before the first day is up, you’ve purchased a stunning old home in the heart of the Basilicata area of southern Italy.
However, Millet, a television editor located in Los Angeles, was well-versed in his craft. Homes for one euro, or just more than a dollar, were the attraction that drew the 54-year-old to Italy. However, he soon discovered that there was a catch: in order to make them habitable, thousands of dollars would need to be spent.
“My interest was definitely piqued when I read an article on CNN about the one-euro properties being offered back in 2015,” the man claims. “I had traveled to several different European Union nations, but Italy was never one of them, even though it was on my list.
“It’s difficult for me to pinpoint why, but the thought of purchasing a one-euro property and remodeling it really appealed to me.”
Rather, Millet focused on other houses that were still being offered at a discount, even though they were more costly because they were practically all move-in ready.
Latronico, a gorgeous village perched on a rock in Basilicata, was the ideal location for him. The location had only sold two properties for one euro, therefore in an attempt to boost its declining population, it concentrated its efforts on dumping refurbished or livable residences at a reduced cost.
It has sold 50 properties so far, primarily to American purchasers, after offering vacant houses online via the website https://casalatronico.eu/ and facilitating communication between the previous owners and potential new ones.
According to Millet, Covid-19 prevented him from carrying out his original plans to travel to Italy in 2019 in order to purchase a home. After traveling to Ireland to attend a friend’s wedding, he was able to make a visit in 2022.
Compared to other cheap-home villages he had contacted before his trip, the residents administering the house sales program in Latronico looked to be quite attentive to his inquiries, which is why he chose it.
“The Latronico villas were generally in good condition, and the rates were very appealing, especially for someone from the Los Angeles area.
“I was not obligated to do anything with whatever house I bought, unlike the one-euro initiatives. Of course, the goal was to renovate and make the homes profitable, but since I was a foreign buyer, I could do with them as I pleased. That was nice, says Millet.
A foothold for the future
He claims he fell in love with the village after attending a specially designed property tour led by Latronico authorities. He was enthralled by the village’s natural beauty and the kind attitude of the residents.
“In the end, I bought my place and started planning for the future and renovations,” he continues.
Millet does not intend to settle down in Latronico permanently. As of right now, he can slow down and disconnect it thanks to a bolt hole.
He declares, “I want to get away from it all by coming here at least once a year.” “The location will serve as a starting point for future travel inside the EU. To maintain the property and share it with family and friends when I’m not there, I’ll probably list it as a holiday rental.
His 60-square-meter, one-bedroom home was purchased for 12,000 euros, or somewhat less than $13,000. He anticipates paying up to $35,000 to make some improvements.
According to Millet, the rooftop terrace with a “view to die for” is the “cherry on top” of the property’s features, which also include a balcony and a storage loft.
The house is little, but it has two basements that are being renovated; one has a cave in it that used to hold animals, and the other has an old bread oven carved into the wall that is still functional.
The renovation project is almost finished.
According to Millet, “the larger of the two basements needed foundation work.” “I had the electrical system entirely redone and a reinforced concrete floor installed.
“Since the bigger basement is so big, I made the decision to make it a living area with a bedroom and a small sitting room that will also have a half bathroom and the house’s laundry facilities.”
The old, rugged stone walls of the house were painted white to make the interior feel lighter. After staining and sealing the newly laid concrete floor.
It appears amazing. All I have to do is build the half-bath, finish a few minor details, and purchase some furniture, says Millet.
Sunset cocktails
Millet will update it with new contemporary accent tiles while preserving all of the original historic tiles. He intends to tile the rooftop terrace and the steps leading to the main entrance door in addition to painting the exterior of the property.
He says he is looking forward to entertaining friends with cocktails on the patio at sunset and dinner in the kitchen below.
In sharp contrast to the busyness of Los Angeles, Millet claims he was struck by Latronico’s serenity.
He remarks, “It’s just such a slower lifestyle here.” “Life in Los Angeles goes by so quickly for me. Deadlines and responsibilities at work, along with a plethora of social events. Although I really appreciate living there, it is really good to take a time to get away from that setting. Latronico will undoubtedly aid in my relaxation.
Some navigation programs don’t even display the settlement because it is so far away and off the main path. According to Millet, the map software on his phone doesn’t really know how to navigate Latronico.
“The mapping app hasn’t been able to correctly direct me to the Airbnb I’ve stayed in both times I’ve come. But clearly, I worked it out.
Locals have taken over to make him feel at home when tech fails.
“My Airbnb host picked me up at my accommodation on my first visit, and we went to one of the neighborhood bars for coffee.” After introducing me to the bartender, an elderly retired man came up to me and grinned broadly as he purchased me a coffee.
My host, Franco, said that it was his way of expressing “welcome to the house.” It was really charming. That sums up my first hour here at Latronico.
