Woman Buys €1 Property in Italy, Discovers Major Catch
Meredith Tabbone, originally from Chicago, Illinois, purchased a four-bedroom house in Sambuca di Sicilia, Sicily, for just €1 as part of a scheme to revive depopulating Italian towns. However, upon arrival, she found the property in dire condition: no electricity, no running water, uneven floors, asbestos, and two feet of pigeon droppings.
Renovation Costs Skyrocket
Tabbone initially budgeted $40,000 (£30,200) for renovations but ultimately spent $446,000 (£336,800) over three and a half years. Major work included leveling all 18 rooms across two stories, adding electricity and water, and installing more windows to create an American-style home. She noted that spreading the work over time allowed her to avoid depleting her savings.
Personal Connection to the Village
Her great-grandfather left the same village for the United States in 1902, motivating her move. Despite the costs, Tabbone says she will never sell the house and plans to spend four months a year there, focusing on travel and personal life. She has already arranged to pass it to a cousin, then donate it to the village.
Speaking to CNBC Make It, Tabbone said: "The condition of this property when I first purchased it was dire at best. There was no electricity. There was no running water. Every single room had a different level of floor. There was asbestos. And there was probably two feet of pigeon poop on the floor."
Community and Future Plans
Tabbone still wants to add a closet and wine cellar but considers the home technically finished. She advises future buyers to have patience. Reflecting on her experience, she said: "I think there's a real sense of community here. I definitely think people are very happy here. If you like to be social and you like to be a part of community this is the place to be."
