How long have you lived in Italy?
Ten years.

What did you do in the UK?
I was a sound engineer, working in theatre in the West End. It was poorly paid, but I loved the job.

What do you do in Italy?
I’m a writer and designer.

Tell us about your house in Italy and why you chose the area.
I bought a small flat in Pigneto, Rome. It is becoming a trendy area, with an interesting variety of restaurants. A new metro, the C
line, is under construction, which will give us even better transport links across the city. The local market is charming, and
on Sundays the market area is used for community projects, free film screenings, concerts and craft markets.

How did you find your house?
I found my house at the local estate agents. Property is becoming a lucrative business here, and estate agencies seem to be
increasing. I was glad that mine was placed with one of the most reputable firms in Italy: Tecnocasa.

Did you buy your flat while still living in the UK?
I had been living in Rome, in shared accommodation for six years before buying. I was never sure of how long I would be
staying in Rome, so buying seemed to be too big a commitment. Then, in 2000, I decided I had had enough experience with flatmates to write a book, (which I have done!) and started looking for a place just for me.

Was there any work to be done on the flat?
I was very lucky. The previous owner was a DIY enthusiast, and the apartment was perfect, apart from my whim of wanting a bath tub. My bathroom was a classic Mediterranean type with the shower and drain hole. I got a reluctant plumber to get rid of that and fill my bathroom with a tub.

What about the bureaucracy connected to the house purchase?
This was hell! However, Tecnocasa were helpful and supportive, but I found the lawyers less patient. I remember being ridiculed at one meeting for signing my name in the usual British fashion, with initials and surname. The Italian way is to write your name in full, middle name included, which for me, is not my regular signature. ‘Ah the signora doesn’t know how to sign her name,’ was the comment from the lawyer.

Why did you decide to move to Italy in the first place?
I was offered a job in Rome, and it seemed too good an opportunity to miss. My friends and family were supportive, and have all enjoyed coming over to visit.

What about the language?
I had no previous knowledge of Italian. I did a few short courses at the language schools.

What has been your general experience of the bureaucracy?
I am thankful that my company helped me get my first permesso di soggiorno. My last experience was to change the address to my newly bought home. It took eight visits to the office, each time they requested different documents, each visit involved queuing and shoving for at least three hours, and I realised that if I was blonde and slim, I would probably have got the document changed on the first visit without any hassle at all.

Are you homesick?
There are things I love and miss about both countries. I enjoy my trips to the UK, to see friends, family, theatre, shopping. But here, I love the sunsets, and the climate makes me feel well.

What advice would you give to people considering moving?
Know that bureaucracy is one of the Italians’ favourite pastimes, and they love to make things difficult. If you can ignore the stress
from this, and just accept it, then you can enjoy the dolce vita in this beautiful country with its great food and warm long days.

Would you do it again?
It has been a wonderful experience and one I will certainly do again. I have learned so much from moving to Italy, and I know that there must be adventures to be had in other countries… the next decision is which one?