The couple, who run the Travel Beans YouTube channel and have two children, bought the six-room property in Sicily two years ago, but have put their refurbishment plans on hold.
They originally estimated the renovation would cost £45,000. However, after speaking with friends Sara and Luca, who are in the middle of their own project, they fear the work could end up costing far more - potentially pushing the total, including the £35,000 purchase price, beyond £100,000.
Emma explained: “Every pound spent on the Sicily house delay our UK dream. The question is at this point in our life where do we want the next £50,000 or £60,000 to go.”
Competing Dreams
Alex, for his part, said: “Ultimate dream is to have a house in the UK. Wondering whether these dreams are competing.”
The digital nomads have big plans for the Italian property. They want to refurbish the roof terrace, which has stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, and build a second bathroom along with other bits and pieces.
A Warning From Friends
Alex joked: “The worst thing that could happen - people who know more than us peed on our dreams.”
Emma continued: “Is this becoming a money pit? Could the money be better spent elsewhere? Sara and Luca told us that it (the money they were quoted for renovations) could even double. As they have no much more experience than us it would be ridiculous not to listen to their warning.”
The €1 House Scheme
Some Italian towns and regions, including Sicily, Sardinia and Tuscany, sell properties for as little as €1. The idea is to regenerate unused buildings while revitalising ageing and dwindling local communities. As Alex and Emma are discovering, those properties often involve a lot of work.
Why Sicily
Emma said: “Sicily wasn't a completely random purchase for us. It's what we've been doing our whole adult life. Finding unconventional ways of living, prioritising freedom, and not needing a tonne of money to do it. We love Sicily. It allows us to have a slower pace of life and allows us to create family memories when our kids are young.”
Alex agreed: “It can also turn into a retirement home for us. It represents freedom from the conventional way of living.”
