Why Italy?
Even if you've never been there, Italy is one of those places that tugs at the heartstrings. And once you have been there, you're always looking for reasons to go back. Imagine being able to spend every springtime in Rome or Venice or Florence…can't you just picture yourself meandering beside the Arno river on a perfect May evening when all the terracotta roofs and ancient palaces are bathed in that special Florentine glow? But you don't have to spend all your time in Florence or any of the other great art cities to experience the magic. Italy's landscapes are as gorgeous as they are diverse. Historic walled towns, timeless villages crowning dozens of little hilltops like tiaras, and fields covered with bright yellow sunflowers. Gnarled olive groves and lemon, orange, and almond trees…golden beaches and jewel-like Alpine lakes…romantic, mysterious islands…smoldering Mount Etna…the glittering peaks of the snow-covered Alps and the Dolomites. The Italian Lake district is admittedly well trodden, but what do you know about the islands of Sardinia and Sicily? Or of Le Marché, an exquisite region on the eastern coast that shares the same luscious Renaissance landscapes as Tuscany and Umbria, but where properties are much more sensibly priced? Or of Apulia in the deep south, a languid land of olive trees fringed by the turquoise Adriatic sea, and noted for its curious dome-shaped trulli houses? When you're considering relocating to another country, one of the main questions is "What kind of properties are available and how much do they cost?" Although Italy is not generally perceived as being a bargain location for property buyers, there's something for everybody. Dreaming of a 3,000-square-foot restored farmhouse with space enough for all your family and friends…or an unconverted farmhouse or villa that you can do up and then run as a B&B? Or perhaps you picture yourself in a cozy village house just big enough for two…or a home overlooking the piazza (square) in a small historic hilltown. A villa beside the looking glass Northern Lakes? An apartment on the Mediterranean or Adriatic coast…or in a major city such as Rome, Florence, or Venice? Rolling fields and hillsides crowned with castles? The excitement of the city? Whatever your dream, Italy can make it come true. Although the best areas of Rome, Florence, and Milan are admittedly expensive, not all regions are as unaffordable as you might expect. In rural areas and small towns, plenty of homes are on offer for less than $100,000. Often a lot less… |
