American Woman Buys €1 abandoned House in Italy – A Story of Family, History & Restoration
Table of Contents
- 1. American Woman Buys €1 abandoned House in Italy – A Story of Family, History & Restoration
- 2. Following in the Footsteps of Ancestors
- 3. From Derelict to Dream Home
- 4. A Haven for Connection & Legacy
- 5. What inspired Meredith to buy the €1 house and how did her Italian heritage play a role in her decision?
- 6. Interview with Meredith Tabbone: Unraveling the €1 italian Dream
- 7. Join us as we chat with Meredith Tabbone, the incredible American woman who bought an abandoned house in Sambuca, Sicily, for just one euro.Discover the profound impact of this seemingly simple purchase, and how it exemplifies the power of following one’s roots and the transformative nature of restoration.
- 8. Archyde: Meredith, first tell us about the moment you decided to buy the €1 house in Sambuca. What sparked your interest?
- 9. Archyde: The house was in a state of disrepair. What made you push forward with the restoration project?
- 10. Archyde: Your final masterpiece is stunning! Tell us more about the design aesthetic and how you blended modern and past elements.
- 11. Archyde: You’ve mentioned you want to spend four months each year in Sambuca. How do you plan to use your home as a gathering place?
- 12. Archyde: Meredith, your story is about more then just a house. Its about family, history, and community. What message do you hope your story conveys?
Imagine finding a piece of history for the price of a cup of coffee. That’s precisely what American citizen Meredith Tabbone did when she purchased an abandoned house in Sambuca,Sicily,Italy,for just one euro (€1) in 2019. What started as an intriguing real estate deal blossomed into a journey of family finding and a testament to the power of restoration.
Following in the Footsteps of Ancestors
Tabbone’s purchase was spurred by more than just the alluring price tag. She had traced her family history back to Sambuca,discovering that her great-grandfather once resided in the very town she now called home. The €1 house offered a tangible connection to her past.
“For me,this house really means,like my past bridge and future,” Tabbone shared. “This is an opportunity to be completely connected to my father’s lineage. However, this house also talks about my future because this house is something I created myself … where I can think more about enjoying life and having a balance between work and life.”
From Derelict to Dream Home
The house Tabbone acquired in 2019 was in a state of severe disrepair. it lacked essential utilities like electricity and water, its roof was covered in asbestos, and it was overrun with bird droppings. Undeterred, tabbone embarked on a multi-year renovation project, turning the abandoned property into a stunning and agreeable residence.
The transformation involved a total investment of US$475,000 (approximately Rp. 8.1 billion). This included the purchase price of the initial house (€1, with additional taxes and fees totaling US$6,200), the acquisition of a neighboring property for US$23,000, and comprehensive renovations estimated at US$140,000.
The final result is a 250.8 square meter masterpiece featuring two main bedrooms, two guest rooms, kitchens, dining rooms, libraries, family rooms, saunas, and expansive terraces, complete with an outdoor dining area and a pizza oven. The design aesthetic is distinctly modern,contrasting beautifully with the historical charm of the building.
A Haven for Connection & Legacy
Tabbone plans to spend four months each year in Sambuca, utilizing her restored home as a gathering place for friends and family. She envisions it as a space for connection, relaxation, and a true embodiment of work-life balance.
True to her connection to her heritage, tabbone has no intention of selling the property. When the time comes, she intends to pass it down to her cousin, and ultimately, donate it to the villagers of Sambuca. This ongoing legacy ensures the €1 house will continue to serve as a symbol of family, history, and community for generations to come.
Tabbone’s story underscores the profound impact a seemingly simple purchase can have. It’s a testament to the power of following one’s roots, the transformative nature of restoration, and the enduring value of building meaningful connections.
What inspired Meredith to buy the €1 house and how did her Italian heritage play a role in her decision?
Interview with Meredith Tabbone: Unraveling the €1 italian Dream
Join us as we chat with Meredith Tabbone, the incredible American woman who bought an abandoned house in Sambuca, Sicily, for just one euro.Discover the profound impact of this seemingly simple purchase, and how it exemplifies the power of following one’s roots and the transformative nature of restoration.
Archyde: Meredith, first tell us about the moment you decided to buy the €1 house in Sambuca. What sparked your interest?
Meredith Tabbone (MT): I had always known I had Italian heritage, but I never really explored it until a few years ago. When I discovered my great-grandfather was from Sambuca, I was intrigued. A friend told me about this initiative where the Italian government was selling abandoned houses for just one euro to repopulate rural towns. I saw it as an chance to connect with my past and create somthing meaningful.
Archyde: The house was in a state of disrepair. What made you push forward with the restoration project?
MT: The house was indeed a shell of its former glory, but I could see its potential. I had a vision,and I was resolute to bring it to life. The challenge was part of the appeal. Plus, I wanted to create a gathering place for my loved ones, a sanctuary where we could connect and enjoy each other’s company.
Archyde: Your final masterpiece is stunning! Tell us more about the design aesthetic and how you blended modern and past elements.
MT: Thank you! I worked closely with local artisans to respect the building’s history while incorporating modern conveniences. The rustic terracotta tiles,traditional wooden shutter doors,and the restoration of original ceilings pay homage to the past,while open floor plans,modern kitchens,and sleek bathrooms give it a contemporary feel. The contrast is what makes it unique and vibrant.
Archyde: You’ve mentioned you want to spend four months each year in Sambuca. How do you plan to use your home as a gathering place?
MT: I want it to be a true sanctuary for my family and friends. There’s still so much life and energy in Sambuca, and I’m excited to be a part of that.I envision hosting dinners in the outdoor dining area, enjoying the sauna after long days of exploring the town, and simply relishing the beauty and tranquility of my surroundings.
Archyde: Meredith, your story is about more then just a house. Its about family, history, and community. What message do you hope your story conveys?
MT: I hope it inspires people to explore their roots and pursue the passions that come from that exploration. It’s never to late to create a life you love, and sometimes that life might just be waiting for you in the most unexpected places.And who knows, maybe your journey will lead you to Sambuca too!