YouTubers Alex and Emma, who run the Travel Beans channel, bought a six-room house with an attic in Sicily for £35,000 two years ago. They originally budgeted £45,000 for renovations, but after a warning from their friends Sara and Luca, they now fear the total cost could exceed £100,000.
A Warning From Friends
Sara and Luca told the couple that the renovation quotes they received could even double. Alex joked: "The worst thing that could happen - people who know more than us peed on our dreams."
Emma added: "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 couple is now questioning whether the next £50,000 or £60,000 should go into the Italian property.
A Potential Money Pit
Alex and Emma, who have two children, are also concerned that spending money on the Sicilian house could delay their dream of buying a home in the UK. Emma said: "Every pound spent on the Sicily house delay our UK dream."
Why Sicily?
The digital nomads initially chose Sicily because it represented freedom from conventional living. 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."
Alex added: "Sicily was the next logical step to have a base in Europe now that we've got a family. It was an affordable asset that improved our life."
Renovation Plans on Hold
The couple had planned to renovate the roof terrace, which offers views over the Mediterranean, add a second bathroom, and carry out other work. Those plans are now on hold.
With their eldest child set to start school in just over a year, they concede this will be the last opportunity to travel in a straightforward way for a while.
