Ivan Gillis

Rugged Beauty and Traditional Stone Cottages and Farmhouses for Less than $85,000 Make Abruzzo, Italy Worth a Look

Traditional Stone Cottages and Farmhouses

Abruzzo, Italy

Abruzzo is a mountainous region of Italy located between Rome and the Adriatic Sea, across the water from Croatia, and although it is in the central part of the country, it is officially considered part of southern Italy.   The area was essentially abandoned by local residents after WWII and today is still rural, rugged, unspoiled and essentially undiscovered .  With Rome just 90 minutes to the west and the sparkling Adriatic coastline half an hour to the east, this is almost a perfect location.   The summers are hot; the food is hearty and delicious, and the people are welcoming.

Most foreigners seeking property in Italy opt for Tuscany, with its vineyards and hilltop towns, or Umbria, full of fertile valleys and classic, walled hill towns.  But real estate in these areas is expensive and deals are hard to find.  Not so in Abruzzo thanks to the number of abandoned cottages, farmhouses and even castles left behind by the locals after the War.  Many of these need to be renovated, but that is half the fun!  Some, though, have been beautifully restored and are for sale.   Properties can be found in the countryside, along the coast or in the many small hilltop villages that dot the region.

Traditional stone cottages and farmhouses can easily be had for less than $85,000 USD.  These may have two to three bedrooms, acreage, and most come with either valley or mountain views (some may also have views of the Adriatic).  While structurally sound, the walls, floors and roof will probably need repair, and plumbing and heating brought up to modern standards.  Keep in mind that the charm of properties in need of renovation is their age and location.

On the side of a hill we found a stone cottage dating from 1060; with jaw-dropping mountain views and several acres of land the price is $72,000 USD.  The cottage would need a complete restoration, but the land itself is worth the $72,000.   In one village we discovered a wonderful small house with two stories, two bedrooms, an outside staircase and a hidden garden for $56,000 USD.  We also found a 3,500 sq. ft. villa (main house and two wings) in need of restoration on the top of a hill four miles from the coast (with beautiful views of the Adriatic) for $393,000 USD.  Restored homes in the country start in the $225,000 USD range.

Abruzzo is off the beaten path; tourists do not flock here as they do to other parts of Italy, partly because it is somewhat inaccessible.   The Appennines Mountains cover much of the area, and the roads are winding, narrow and steep (a sturdy car is necessary).  Those ready for an adventure, though, will discover wonderful hermitages tucked away in the hillsides, uncrowded beaches along the coast, twenty-two ski resorts and outstanding cuisine throughout the region.  Access to Abruzzo is getting better thanks to the airport in Pescara on the Adriatic (Ryan Air services it), and delightful L'Aquila is the main city and is an excellent base for exploring the region.

Foreigners may purchase real estate in Italy as long as Italian citizens may buy property in the purchaser's home country (reciprocity).  American may, therefore, buy real estate in Italy.