Paul Millet, a 54-year-old television editor from Los Angeles, made a spontaneous decision to buy a house in Latronico, a small village in southern Italy's Basilicata region. He was drawn to the area after reading about the one-euro house initiative, which aimed to revitalize declining towns by selling off abandoned properties. Although he didn't end up purchasing a one-euro house, he found a beautiful, renovated property for a bargain price.
Millet's journey began in 2019, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he didn't visit Italy until 2022. He was impressed by the responsiveness of the locals running the house sales program and the attractive prices of the properties. He purchased a one-bedroom, 60-square-meter house for 12,000 euros (approximately $13,000) and plans to spend up to $35,000 on renovations.
The house boasts a balcony, storage attic, and a rooftop terrace with a stunning view. Millet is renovating the property to include an additional bedroom, sitting room, and half bath. He's kept the original vintage tiles and plans to add modern accent tiles. The house exterior will receive a fresh coat of paint, and he'll tile the rooftop terrace and main entrance steps.
Millet was captivated by Latronico's peacefulness, a stark contrast to his hectic life in Los Angeles. He appreciates the slower lifestyle and is looking forward to enjoying sunset cocktails on the terrace and dinner in the kitchen below. He's also adopted local habits like languorous lunches, a departure from his usual quick salads in LA.
While there are cons to staying in a remote village, Millet finds it perfect for getting away from the hassles of daily life. He advises foreigners wishing to buy property in small villages to do their homework, visit first, and live like a local. He also stresses the importance of finding a place that speaks to you in person.
Millet's experience was made easier by the village's housing platform founder, Vincenzo Castellano, who acted as an intermediary between foreign buyers and local sellers. He signed a notarized power of attorney in the States, allowing Castellano to handle the negotiations, paperwork, and project management of the renovation.
In conclusion, Paul Millet's spontaneous decision to buy a house in Latronico, Italy, has led to a beautiful and affordable property that he can use to escape the fast pace of his life in Los Angeles. He's embraced the slower lifestyle and local habits, and his experience serves as a testament to the potential of buying property in small Italian villages.
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