Hi Caroline,

We have the same idea, and are buying a small property in Grottole, near Irsina. We go out in September to sign the contract, and then (hopefully) it will be renovated, and we should be able to take possession around next Easter.

Where is your property? Perhaps we will be neighbours!

All the best,

Karen

And we just did the same overlooking Dolceacqua in Liguria - we're building from scratch so estimate it will be ready in 18 months to 2 years - fantastico.  We're not quite retiring but will be living out in italy permanently and I'll be flying back to the UK every other week whilst my husband is going to learn how to care for our olive trees etc - can't wait! 

Welcome - like you we have put a deposit on a place in Polinago, Emilia Romagna and will be coming over for final settlement in November.  We hope to transfer in the longer term, from Australia next June. We are really excited at the prospect of working on restoring our farmhouse over the next couple of years!

Hi, Caroline and welcome.

Good luck with your plans.  You will always find friendship, help and good advice here.

Pat

Norfolk - Where are you looking in Lucania?

Karen - Grottole has a nice view of the Basento, are you in town? I think it would be easier to get to Matera than Irsina from Grottole.

We have bought a small property- an ancient wine vault- in Grottole and it is the process of being renovated. It should be finished at the end of May/beginning June, when we shall be coming out for the handover, then trying to make it habitable. It has a lovely view of the valley and hills- and the windmills! But I don't mind these. Anyone who is in the vicinity, do get in touch.

Welcome Karen

I am also from Norfolk living just outside Norwich. Some of the question that I have asked of the knowlegable members may give you a clue as to the pitfalls of renovating. By the way my place is in Abruzzi. However as you have worked in Italy you should have no problems with the language.

Renovating an old home and seeing it come back to life is part of the fun; however, careful planning is needed. This site is full of stories about the pitfalls of renovation. Also, it is not a good idea to buy the first ruin that comes along. It is most important to estimate final costs before you even buy.

We are also planning to retire to Italy when hubby retires in 3yrs. We've just had our first exciting househunting trip and have seen a possiblemodest house in Umbria and are awaiting some estimates for the renovations, however we may decide to wait and return in September for another look as it's a big step.

Hi Bruno,

Having now been to Grottole several times, we appreciate the view more than ever. We do not have a view over the valley, but of the hills. There are a few windmills, but I don't think they detract from the view.

I also now realise that it is not easy to get to Irsina at all, in fact it is not easy to get to anywhere! The road to Metera through Mig;ionico is possible, but the Miglionico road is subject to rockfalls in bad weather, and was closed last winter.

But at least the remoteness means that Grottole will never be overrun with tourists!

Where is it that you live?

All the best,

Karen

Karen,

We are in Trivigno, just up the la Basentana from Grottole.

This is a great forum. I am grateful to be learning so much from all of you about what I can expect when living in Italy.

By chance, do any of you know any DePasquales' in Basilicata? My grandmother, Rosina Delano DePasquale was born in Vietri di Potenza, Potenza, Basilicata, around 1895. Her siblings were Nicolina DePasquale, Vincenzina DePasquale and Luigi DePasquale. Her parents were Matteo DePasquale and Maria Lucia Noschese. Rosina, Nicolina, and Vincenzina raised there families in Yonkers, New York. Luigi settled in Milwaukie, Wisconsin.

I've been reading about the taxes there, and wondering how the tax rate differs for non citizens, and those with dual citizenship. I am currently researching dual citizenship for myself.

Vi auguro tutto ciò che è buono nella vita,
Ron (Roland) Merlino

Hi Ron

You should visit www.italiangenealogy.com forum.  There you will get loads of help tracing your family.

Good luck.

Joy