Tuesday, July 31, 2012

A Farm in Italy

I spent several hours yesterday viewing farms for sale in Italy.  I asked myself with each click is now the right time?  Should I buy now and restore a farm and then have a longer-term goal of moving there?  We could spend part of our summers there and I could send Paul and Danielle over. Paul could do the restoration work while Danielle writes and homeschools.
At first when I began searching I thought the prices would be ridiculous and therefore bring be quickly back to reality.  I was wrong.  The prices are comparable to here.



Farm number one.  This one needs total restoration but it is less than $70,000 and comes with just over 1 acre.  It is close to the sea and located on a hilltop with wonderful views.



This one looks huge.  Also situated on top of a hill and close to the sea.  It needs total restoration.  It is close to two lakes and has just over 1 acre.

Italian Real Estate for sale

This one needs no work.  It is already an organic farm which is exactly what I would be looking to do.  It even has a swimming pool and is a total pipe dream because of its price.  It has several more acres than the previous two.  It however, is in a perfect location for attracting tourists and has a separate apartment.  It is close to Florence and Pisa and located in Tuscany.

Italian Real Estate for sale
When they don't even say the price you know it is too much.  Needs minor restoration but has loads of land, 50 acres or so.  It is in a great location.  Over ten acres of vineyards and includes a private lake.  Can someone say heaven?  If I learned anything while in Italy it was that you need a place to cool off, a lake would be ideal.

What I love about looking at Italian real estate is the differences between how they view things and how we would view things.  There are many barns for sale that, "could easily be converted into living space".  They realize the importance of the land surrounding and focus on that when taking pictures.  Many places I looked at are considered, "structurally sound" but I am not sure I would agree.  Sometimes if it is in really poor shape they call it a ruin but that is rare.  There are farmhouses with no roof, no doors, no windows, and no electricity that are being sold as, "a wonderful opportunity for restoration".  Strangely this hasn't deterred my looking or my desire.  I am saddened when I read, "can tear down to build dream home."  That sounds so cliche.
When there is major work required they supply ample pictures to give you a clear idea of what that means.  They don't seem to be overselling the property.  The property is what it is and the price matches the needs of the property.  Their sales tactics are not deceitful.  It is obvious when something needs serious work and when something else is in perfect condition.  They always indicate what the property is near, how close town is and how close places of interest are such as the sea, a lake, a river or a national park.
 Italian Real Estate for sale
A final picture and a final dream for now.  It is $50,000 with just about 2 acres of land.  The land already has vineyards and is partially forested.  A river runs nearby and it needs a good amount of restoration.  However, there are three levels, a huge fireplace and a large original stone sink.  Paul and Danielle, what do you think?  Are you up for the task?
Should this be my next adventure?


No comments:

Post a Comment