I've watched the video and read all the comments and for all those sceptics who think James is a fool for pitting so much into this house with no possibility of ever getting his investment back, well life isn't about getting investment back. It's about being fired up, excited, throwing yourself into something that makes you leap out of bed in the morning. It's about pushing yourself, stretching, trying new experiences and finding ways to make it work. I moved to Scotland and a tiny seaside village on a whim, created a B and B, started catering and baking for pubs and had a wild and wonderful time. Did I make money? Enough to have a good life there, yes. Mostly now that I'm back in Canada I have the best memories and I'll always cherish those. Oh and I'm back here now because I'm a new grandma otherwise I'd still be there. So James, enjoy! And all you stick in the mud people, well just stay stuck worrying about your investments.
Happy to report I have made a complete recovery from GBS. FYI to the hideouse remarks by the internet trolls: GBS is a condition that is caused as a result of a severe bacterial infection(bronchitis or food poisoning or a flu shot). GBS can effect ANYONE AT ANY AGE, 1 in 100,000 persons become effected. Also nothing regarding my renovation caused the onset of the condition. I simply ate a bad dumpling at an LA restaurant.
@@jameshigginson007Happy you made full recovery mate thought you're more likely to get shot in LA, but being taken down by a dodgy dumpling sounds hilarious. I wish I had the money to invest in one of them properties.
Well certainly this is a very unique episode. However I love it !!! That's the houses I would choose too, it has this part of ancient history with that arch full of rocks. With an open roof that can be fixed but have a great touch and awesome patio. Of course I am using a lot of imagination since the house is almost in ruins, lol. Great episode please James post pictures when you finish the reconstructions :-)
Would love to see an update on the finished product. I knew when you got excited walking thru the property with all the updates you see happening to it that you were picking this property. From the end product it had the charm and your vision starting to come together as it was close to finish. I too now look forward to buying and owning my own fixer upper in Italy one day. Stories like yours just motivate and inspire me to do it sooner.
I don't usually enjoy these types of shows, but I was drawn into this to see what a euro got you. Living in rural Spain I had a pretty good idea! It was interesting to see how similar the houses are, with their eccentric layouts and tiny baths! I think you just have to totally reshuffle the layout where possible (there is no law that says a bedroom has to stay a bedroom, it is, after all, just an empty box. It can be whatever you like, as can the rest.) But don't take on one of these projects unless you can afford to go Way over the estimated budget. I have yet to see one come in even close. James you are a lovely man and your clarity and no nonsense understanding of exactly what you were taking on was a breath of fresh air after the dreamers I have seen both on these shows and in real life here. Most of whom are doomed to grief. I loved the way that you went out for the viewing knowing no Italian; 6 months later you were doing pretty well. I wish you all happiness in your new home and adopted town
From restoring several centuries old homes in New England, I shudder watching these people buy these homes without even blinking. Yes it's beautiful, but have your checkbook and shovel ready. And the interperter is adorable.
oscarwildeghost In various videos I've seen about Gangi I asked myself why people don't choose being escorted by Carpenter who will help them esteeming the work of restoration. As from myself I can judge master walls are in good conditions but I can't judge how much it could take to restore internal walls, ceiling, rebuilt bathrooms, kitchen and bath tubes, etcetera...
I dream about doing this. I am 3rd generation Sicillian. To have a bolt hole on this glorious, historical and climatically warm island, to escape from rainy UK.
No, not at all....the 1 euro houses are is poor condition but compared to the cost if a home +renovations in all other countries it is a great deal if you have the cash to work and finish in 3 years
i am happy you did this and made a home a home again. Omg a truly amazing town and places big time. I would love to fix up a house there. I love how cute/charming everything is. so sad that everyone left soon no one will be left and a empty town for the world noooooo. it is a big town.
Thank you for a beautiful video. You are an artist of life. You look transformed from the beginning of the video to the time after you had been there for a year or so. Bravo!
Ooooh Kk, then my eyes opened real wide when I got to the end and he said the project is costing him from $90-100 grand ... dear Gangi, you can keep that house!
But if he decides to sell and have the most expensive house in the community he won’t get his money back. In Real Estate it happens numerous times. You never know when you might have to sell. There’s not a lot of people that would pay 40k over what a house is worth. The Realtor must do a comparison for the area and tell you the average prices. The only things that bumps up a price is space, new roof, bedrooms and baths, number of rooms in house. Custom stuff looks good but it won’t count towards the appraisal of the property.
so beautiful episode!James is so happy person and so enthusiasm!!!i love this episode and the 2ond house was amazing..This stones!!and the patio!Wowow so beautiful!well done!!I hope we can see how is finished!!Please could you do this?also i wish my best although the episode is before 2 years!
Hello James. So exciting to see you’re living in my native town of Gangi! I have many relatives still living there. My family emigrated to Philadelphia in 1968. I visited in 2019 and home to return next year. I wish you the best and hope to meet you. Keep in touch if you can I love GANGI
He is. That's the con. You pay 1 euro. They (after a while) make you an offer you can't refuse. Either pay protection money or buy back your house heavily discounted. The builders too are working for the don. You don't own a house. They own you.
Hi, James ,, I m very glad that YOU have a House in sicily,,you are very positive person,, great decision,,unfortunally you spent more Money for renovation ,,and I feel sorry for that, but as YOU know ,Money is not EVERYTHING,,LIFE IS IMPORTANT !YOU ARE A great PERSON,, i hope YOU enjoy italy every time YOU re here !! Thanks for your LOVE TOWARD italy!! AMERICANS THEY ARE ALWAYS Welcome to italy ,we LOVE YOU guys I m pretty sure OTHER people will follow your example . GOD BLESS YOU JAMES! ❤💪💪👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
That village needs plants...Lots and lots and lots of colorful flowering plants...and trees in pots....I would suffocate being denied the ability to see green growing beauty....I would throw up if all I saw was buildings, buildings buildings, buildings buildings, buildings, bricks, bricks, bricks, cement, cement, cement....That would be hell... oh God my soul would be crushed living there without living growing things around me.
From an urban planning point of view, working from aerial photos the entire area should be replanned. It has the appearance & practicality of a squatter camp in stage 2 of development,, haphazardly erected informal settlements which we in South Africa now see erupting around our cities & villages .Basically just a roof & walls with connecting alleyways. To make it truly livable & buyer friendly half of it should probably be demolished to make space for public squares & small parks. This principle was applied in Paris to clear away the Medieval clutter which made it into the city it is today.
I'm afraid you're not very familiar to the area, the climate here is torrid, if you expext to grow flowers and plants in nice potteries good luck, and what you see is not cement but stone, to keep the heat outside.
BECAUSE THERE IS A SHORTAGE OF LABOR , YOU WANT SOMETHING DONE ,NOW , YOU HAVE TO PAY GOOD MONEY FOR GOOD WORKERS ,COMMON SENSE . AND I NEVER BEEN THERE , TOO FAR FROM EVERYTHING , I RATHER STAY IN FLORIDA USA.
What began as a 1 Euro house, ended a $100, 000 dollar expense. While the old style certainly has imaginative charm, the reality is he will never recoup from this unwise investment. The balcony is tiny, the patio is also tiny and gives an impression of entrapment, imprisonment. Though the mayor may be nice and the villagers friendly, they have a ulterior motive which is to bring revenue into tbe community. This guy is now stuck with paying the 100K, across the world from family, friends and from his employment in Berlin.
It is paid in full, complete, and lovely to enjoy whenever I wish. As well as a great place to welcome friends and family. I retire within a few years and plan to live there. Though perhaps I might not get the financial return of investment, but, I was not ever interested in flipping for financial gain. It is a home to be enjoyed and passed down to someone who will also see the love and beauty of living in Sicily.
It is not just about the financial return but the quality of life. Bigger is not better. We had so much wasted space in the US. It is much better to use every space and not accumulate just stuff.
I am in shock that those places are just crumbling away, and that no one has tried to do anything improvement-wise in decades. Yikes. I admire his courage and can-do spirit. Perhaps this is his new or added calling? It would be great if he kept buying them, renovating them, and then flipping them.
I think a lot of the problems are the restrictions and planning regulations that they will force you to comply with when you renovate these houses. You will probably find that with the restrictions on materials used ,and how it is restored, will cost you more than the house is actually worth. They do the same in the UK with listed buildings, depending on the status, you will find it costs a fortune and you are not allowed to change anything, all materials have to be as the original and often you cannot even change the inside of the house. I agree what you sat, it is sad that due to these ridiculous constraints, the local government / planners would rather it fell down rather than let you change it.
@@richardgraham65 Yeah, there are so many people from all over the world that would love to restore and care for an ancient home. But the government's always got to get their noses in there and start charging fees for everything. Then they tell you there's a crisis and bring in migrants who get the houses fixed up for free, and then they make videos about how the migrants "saved" the village. Government actually destroys everything it touches.
You heard him say his budget was $40,000.00 for renovations and it ended up to be $100,000.00 so not everyone could afford to renovate these many empty homes. Very few people at that cost for renovations. I wonder if that even included appliances and furniture, etc...I doubt it.
get in $100,000 is still incredibly cheap for a home in much of Europe. The average house price in the U.K. for example is three times that, for London and the south east its more like five times that. And remember that's just the average, for a basic, small family home.
Though the square footage of the patio may be small it is a lovely private space for breakfast or an evening conversation under the stars. The open view to the sky is lovely. Having such a space in an originally 15th century peasant building is a luxury.
@@jameshigginson007 "Old-city houses" in Greece are very similar, and those that have been turned into businesses (restaurants, bars) have this open roof design and I can definitely say it's very pretty, private and open at the same time. That said, if it were my house, I'd maybe prefer the extra living-space...but that only increases the budget...does it rain that much in that part of Sicily anyway?
Would be nice if a developer or someone with money (or even a kick starter) would set up something to draw people in, even if its seasonal. Like an artist retreat, festival, educational fair, things like that. Such wonderful history and beautiful area, its a shame we are loosing places like this all over the world so rapidly and they will be gone forever.
They're doing this now in Sambuca SICILY. I have family in Palermo, Trapani, Catania, and Calabria. I would love to do this. Maybe get a network of investors. But I'm ready to leave US. Nothing left here..
I'm a skilled tradesman and a renovation expert. Planning on moving there in 4-5 years if they're still doing this. Tired of the United States as well. Many areas of the US will be like this in 10 years (just a lot more homeless begging going on ;). Be nice living in a quiet town with character and views.
Great and inspiring story.... wonderful you are now recovered from illness. I would love to hear about your next chapter in Gangi….. is there a blossoming artist community now?
I enjoyed the show and was disappointed they didn't show us the final product. Could you please show us how your finished product looks. It has sooooo much potential!!!
I would have gone for the 1 euro house. It had the best layout, opening into the living room unlike the 2nd house that opened into a bathroom and the 3rd that opened into a bedroom. Secondly, the living room looks small but there is a hallway before the living room so the living space can be opened up a bit. I would put a kitchenette in the living space, then turn the upstairs kitchen into a bedroom making a 3 bed 2 bath. The looks of the house plus the 1 euro price means it will cost less to renovate.
I think your main concern should be the structural resistance to seismic events. These buildings don't look like they would survive a major seismic event.
Oh Awesome! Loved his outdoor space! I’d have done it to! Can’t wait for the final, so glad it’ll be posted! I’d love to do a flip there. Only problem, I’d fall in love, & won’t wanna sell it!
Congratulations and what a beautiful story @jameshigginson! Have any other Americans or artists joined you? I would love to visit and check out some houses!
sorry if I jump into this conversation I see your comment is from 1 year ago so you probably aren't interested any longer in any case I drop just a piece of information if you are still looking for a house to buy in Parma area. There is an area across 3 regions called Lunigiana, it's across North Tuscany (area of Massa Carrara, Apuane mountains, the marble caves, and Versilia beaches), East Liguria (Cinque Terre), South Emilia (Parma). Lunigiana is a low mountains green area with many villages were depopulation has brough house owners to sell for good prices. It's a good area because in 30 minutes drive you reach beautiful seaside and 45 minutes you are in Parma, approx 2 hours to Florence, 1 hour from Lucca. If you are interested you may want to check the channel of "Not useless yet", a family from Innsbruck bought a house in one of these villages and they're refurbishing it mainly by themselves, they posted videos of the village as well just to get an idea if it's something you might like. This area is were Americans Annette Joseph cook and host consultant and writer and Julie Montagu producer relocated and you can see their blog and YT channels about so. There is also another area called "Garfagnana", beautiful green area, same situation just south of Lunigiana and so farther away from Parma. Hope my comment has not bothered you, good hunt. :DDD
I've watched the video and read all the comments and for all those sceptics who think James is a fool for pitting so much into this house with no possibility of ever getting his investment back, well life isn't about getting investment back. It's about being fired up, excited, throwing yourself into something that makes you leap out of bed in the morning. It's about pushing yourself, stretching, trying new experiences and finding ways to make it work. I moved to Scotland and a tiny seaside village on a whim, created a B and B, started catering and baking for pubs and had a wild and wonderful time. Did I make money? Enough to have a good life there, yes. Mostly now that I'm back in Canada I have the best memories and I'll always cherish those. Oh and I'm back here now because I'm a new grandma otherwise I'd still be there. So James, enjoy! And all you stick in the mud people, well just stay stuck worrying about your investments.
Love Sicily... restored a 700 year old Town house over a decade ago... Love the history, food and the People ... Bedda Sicilia
do you still live there?
@@BrandiMartinbkny summers yes... didn't go last one due to China Virus 😕
Beautiful looking place.
Also the Italian lady is a stunning little cutie.
That guy's driving was on point. I love how he puts the pedal down just to get 2 metres and then comes to an abrupt stop.
James! How brave and powerful to make your island dream come true. You have created your own personal paradise!... I envy you. ☺
I just googled him and unfortunately he has had some serious health problems. I wish him a full recovery and hope to see the finished house.
I heard stories about these houses, who ever buy them gets into trouble like ghost, badluck, health issues, jobless etc
@@philmcgroin1661 WTF why are you an internet gangster talking shit!!! I hate turds like you :-(
Happy to report I have made a complete recovery from GBS. FYI to the hideouse remarks by the internet trolls: GBS is a condition that is caused as a result of a severe bacterial infection(bronchitis or food poisoning or a flu shot). GBS can effect ANYONE AT ANY AGE, 1 in 100,000 persons become effected. Also nothing regarding my renovation caused the onset of the condition. I simply ate a bad dumpling at an LA restaurant.
Happy to Nkomo you've recovered. I hope everything's going well with you're beautiful house in Gangi! Do more videos.
@@jameshigginson007Happy you made full recovery mate thought you're more likely to get shot in LA, but being taken down by a dodgy dumpling sounds hilarious. I wish I had the money to invest in one of them properties.
Well certainly this is a very unique episode. However I love it !!! That's the houses I would choose too, it has this part of ancient history with that arch full of rocks. With an open roof that can be fixed but have a great touch and awesome patio. Of course I am using a lot of imagination since the house is almost in ruins, lol. Great episode please James post pictures when you finish the reconstructions :-)
Would love to see an update on the finished product. I knew when you got excited walking thru the property with all the updates you see happening to it that you were picking this property. From the end product it had the charm and your vision starting to come together as it was close to finish. I too now look forward to buying and owning my own fixer upper in Italy one day. Stories like yours just motivate and inspire me to do it sooner.
An update is in the works.
what a beautiful story, i loved James enthusiasm and character.........so inpiring!!! lots of love james from New Zealand and Fiji..!!!
How absolutely magnificent.....that stone! Just wow! I so love a visionary. Belissimo❤️
James I just LOVE YOU
The way you call your friend for advise when she never sees these houses are priceless
i hope you are very happy
Something I’ve been considering since my dads family came to NY from Sicily! Thanks for sharing your experience ♥️🇮🇹🏡
I love him! What a cool guy. Very positive and just happy. Living life on his own terms. Love it!
I don't usually enjoy these types of shows, but I was drawn into this to see what a euro got you. Living in rural Spain I had a pretty good idea! It was interesting to see how similar the houses are, with their eccentric layouts and tiny baths! I think you just have to totally reshuffle the layout where possible (there is no law that says a bedroom has to stay a bedroom, it is, after all, just an empty box. It can be whatever you like, as can the rest.) But don't take on one of these projects unless you can afford to go Way over the estimated budget. I have yet to see one come in even close. James you are a lovely man and your clarity and no nonsense understanding of exactly what you were taking on was a breath of fresh air after the dreamers I have seen both on these shows and in real life here. Most of whom are doomed to grief. I loved the way that you went out for the viewing knowing no Italian; 6 months later you were doing pretty well. I wish you all happiness in your new home and adopted town
Hogwash McTurnip I thought it looked like rural Germany, at least rural east Germany/DDR before the wall came down.
From restoring several centuries old homes in New England, I shudder watching these people buy these homes without even blinking. Yes it's beautiful, but have your checkbook and shovel ready. And the interperter is adorable.
oscarwildeghost In various videos I've seen about Gangi I asked myself why people don't choose being escorted by Carpenter who will help them esteeming the work of restoration.
As from myself I can judge master walls are in good conditions but I can't judge how much it could take to restore internal walls, ceiling, rebuilt bathrooms, kitchen and bath tubes, etcetera...
it was a wonderful experience--not always easy for sure.
What a great adventure! The hunting the reno and the amazing result.
Adore the patio!
Way to go James!!! I’m looking into these houses as well. Who knows we might become neighbors. 🙂🇹🇹
You are doing wonderful renovations! I love what you’ve done so far. I look forward to seeing more of your progress!
I dream about doing this. I am 3rd generation Sicillian. To have a bolt hole on this glorious, historical and climatically warm island, to escape from rainy UK.
Sicily is a magical place! a gem!
James, your enthusiasm is INSPIRING....we need more of you in the World.
I love what you did to the place good job. I hope more people fix up the rest. I really like house 2 but 3 is good too.
James - "Is this the state of 1 euro houses generally?"
Realtor - "Oh I'm sorry, let me show you some 5 euro houses, sir"
No, not at all....the 1 euro houses are is poor condition but compared to the cost if a home +renovations in all other countries it is a great deal if you have the cash to work and finish in 3 years
What did he expect - "turn key, full amenities?"
@@jameshigginson007 I almost did this in Salemi Sicily about 10-15 years ago. Biggest regret of my life not doing it.
i am happy you did this and made a home a home again. Omg a truly amazing town and places big time. I would love to fix up a house there. I love how cute/charming everything is. so sad that everyone left soon no one will be left and a empty town for the world noooooo. it is a big town.
Thanks.
Congrats! Your hard work and patience was worth while! Enjoy the fruits of your labour!
Thank you for a beautiful video. You are an artist of life. You look transformed from the beginning of the video to the time after you had been there for a year or so. Bravo!
This guy is an artist for real, he's seeing potential in everything
Ooooh Kk, then my eyes opened real wide when I got to the end and he said the project is costing him from $90-100 grand ... dear Gangi, you can keep that house!
@@finallyanaccount yes a lot of money!!!
But if he decides to sell and have the most expensive house in the community he won’t get his money back. In Real Estate it happens numerous times. You never know when you might have to sell. There’s not a lot of people that would pay 40k over what a house is worth. The Realtor must do a comparison for the area and tell you the average prices. The only things that bumps up a price is space, new roof, bedrooms and baths, number of rooms in house. Custom stuff looks good but it won’t count towards the appraisal of the property.
Isn't it beautiful and so uplifting when you meet such a person.
@@cl759 Oh most definitely!!
I would love to see the end result!!!!!!!!!!!
This man is AWESOME! Love his very positive outlook and vision!!! Would love to see an after follow up video ❤️
Thanks Heather!
I hope they told him about the Earthquakes. Sad to see his renovated house topple on top of him. The Girl is cute.
Yeah. How much for the girl?
@@jameshigginson007 finito? Shoe us!
I believe that when you renovate a property, by law you have to make it earthquake resistent.
BRAVO!BRAVISSIMO!!!!
You make things better, it's a gift.
Thanks so much!
I think he just fell in love with that second house lol.
I love how enthusiastic but still realistic he is about property hunting and it seems, about life in general
love your patio! good choice.
Thanks Jaimi
Wow, the patio is beautiful! You should really do more interior/exterior design for people! I'd hire ya!
Thanks bro.
I am from Canada and living this right now. Much nicer house but loving every minute of it. Ciao!
love your place! thanks for sharing!
Thanks Catherine.
so beautiful episode!James is so happy person and so enthusiasm!!!i love this episode and the 2ond house was amazing..This stones!!and the patio!Wowow so beautiful!well done!!I hope we can see how is finished!!Please could you do this?also i wish my best although the episode is before 2 years!
The view from the balcony is amazing!
Wow😊👏👏 I love your vision and enthusiasm. Great job. Fantastic
Hello James. So exciting to see you’re living in my native town of Gangi! I have many relatives still living there. My family emigrated to Philadelphia in 1968. I visited in 2019 and home to return next year. I wish you the best and hope to meet you. Keep in touch if you can I love GANGI
Bellisima! Questa e una fantastico video! Storia bene! Salute James!
THE MALE REALTOR HAS A VOICE LIKE A SICILIAN MAFIA BOSS...;)
Maybe hi is Godfather ..
I'll bet hes well connected
He is. That's the con. You pay 1 euro. They (after a while) make you an offer you can't refuse. Either pay protection money or buy back your house heavily discounted. The builders too are working for the don. You don't own a house. They own you.
you should write a book or make a movie or something, what a neat experience you've had.
Thanks
Watched this at 3am because I couldn't sleep - great episode! Wondering if there is an update video?
Update, coming.....
One of the best episodes!!!
I would love to see the finished project!!...what about making it into a B & B? I would love to come visit.
SICK!!! Great job mate, CHEERS and Congratulations!!
Hilarious! What a beautiful place! It would be fun to renovate one of these homes! ♥️
Hi, James ,, I m very glad that YOU have a House in sicily,,you are very positive person,, great decision,,unfortunally you spent more Money for renovation ,,and I feel sorry for that, but as YOU know ,Money is not EVERYTHING,,LIFE IS IMPORTANT !YOU ARE A great PERSON,, i hope YOU enjoy italy every time YOU re here !! Thanks for your LOVE TOWARD italy!! AMERICANS THEY ARE ALWAYS Welcome to italy ,we LOVE YOU guys I m pretty sure OTHER people will follow your example . GOD BLESS YOU JAMES! ❤💪💪👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
the realtor's voice is beautiful
The Translator or the actual Realtor?
Eh, both are pretty great XD
Haha, how many other people were thinking of the same thing?
luz vazquez the translator is gorgeous. The realtor’s voice sounds like a distant chainsaw.
I SPEAK SPANISH AND I UNDERSTOOD EVERYTHING HE WAS SAYING ..
I am happy for you, beautiful place, congratulation !
Thanks Ariel.
@@jameshigginson007 can I buy one Euro house from other country
The end result is quite nice.
Much better than i expected.
That village needs plants...Lots and lots and lots of colorful flowering plants...and trees in pots....I would suffocate being denied the ability to see green growing beauty....I would throw up if all I saw was buildings, buildings buildings, buildings buildings, buildings, bricks, bricks, bricks, cement, cement, cement....That would be hell... oh God my soul would be crushed living there without living growing things around me.
It probably needs water, if you watched carefully they were installing a cistern for water! That tells me there's a drought.
From an urban planning point of view, working from aerial photos the entire area should be replanned. It has the appearance & practicality of a squatter camp in stage 2 of development,, haphazardly erected informal settlements which we in South Africa now see erupting around our cities & villages .Basically just a roof & walls with connecting alleyways. To make it truly livable & buyer friendly half of it should probably be demolished to make space for public squares & small parks. This principle was applied in Paris to clear away the Medieval clutter which made it into the city it is today.
I'm afraid you're not very familiar to the area, the climate here is torrid, if you expext to grow flowers and plants in nice potteries good luck, and what you see is not cement but stone, to keep the heat outside.
♥️♥️♥️ wish I threw my name into the lottery. Great piece. Beautiful island
Is there a home depot nearby?
No and labor is expensive
🤣🤣🤣
BECAUSE THERE IS A SHORTAGE OF LABOR , YOU WANT SOMETHING DONE ,NOW , YOU HAVE TO PAY GOOD MONEY FOR GOOD WORKERS ,COMMON SENSE . AND I NEVER BEEN THERE , TOO FAR FROM EVERYTHING , I RATHER STAY IN FLORIDA USA.
@@hardcandy7112 .. You can have Florida.. we sold and left that racial mess
omg that house with the tiny tub lol...congratulations!!!
ahhaha was funny yes..what ppl live here ???ahahah was so funny!
Jennifer Kindle these are sit-up baths, very common in Europe.
@@mediolanumhibernicus3353 yes exactly i had rent in my country like this house with this bath!!but is so funny is like for kids!!!!
James is so funny and so excited like a child 🤩
What began as a 1 Euro house, ended a $100, 000 dollar expense. While the old style certainly has imaginative charm, the reality is he will never recoup from this unwise investment. The balcony is tiny, the patio is also tiny and gives an impression of entrapment, imprisonment. Though the mayor may be nice and the villagers friendly, they have a ulterior motive which is to bring revenue into tbe community. This guy is now stuck with paying the 100K, across the world from family, friends and from his employment in Berlin.
It is paid in full, complete, and lovely to enjoy whenever I wish. As well as a great place to welcome friends and family. I retire within a few years and plan to live there. Though perhaps I might not get the financial return of investment, but, I was not ever interested in flipping for financial gain. It is a home to be enjoyed and passed down to someone who will also see the love and beauty of living in Sicily.
It is not just about the financial return but the quality of life. Bigger is not better. We had so much wasted space in the US. It is much better to use every space and not accumulate just stuff.
A very happy mayor indeed.
I am in shock that those places are just crumbling away, and that no one has tried to do anything improvement-wise in decades. Yikes. I admire his courage and can-do spirit. Perhaps this is his new or added calling? It would be great if he kept buying them, renovating them, and then flipping them.
Same thing is happening in Spain. So many wonderful villages are being abandoned while people are paying top $$$ for ugly, poor built flats. Sad...
I think a lot of the problems are the restrictions and planning regulations that they will force you to comply with when you renovate these houses. You will probably find that with the restrictions on materials used ,and how it is restored, will cost you more than the house is actually worth. They do the same in the UK with listed buildings, depending on the status, you will find it costs a fortune and you are not allowed to change anything, all materials have to be as the original and often you cannot even change the inside of the house. I agree what you sat, it is sad that due to these ridiculous constraints, the local government / planners would rather it fell down rather than let you change it.
@@richardgraham65 Yeah, there are so many people from all over the world that would love to restore and care for an ancient home. But the government's always got to get their noses in there and start charging fees for everything. Then they tell you there's a crisis and bring in migrants who get the houses fixed up for free, and then they make videos about how the migrants "saved" the village. Government actually destroys everything it touches.
You heard him say his budget was $40,000.00 for renovations and it ended up to be $100,000.00 so not everyone could afford to renovate these many empty homes. Very few people at that cost for renovations. I wonder if that even included appliances and furniture, etc...I doubt it.
get in $100,000 is still incredibly cheap for a home in much of Europe. The average house price in the U.K. for example is three times that, for London and the south east its more like five times that. And remember that's just the average, for a basic, small family home.
Where are the updates? ?????????? : ) Hope you've documented everything, you should make a documentary on your revo and new life.
All was documented and completed and an update video is being discussed.
The patio is like a beautiful jail cell.
Ha,ha,ha.. funny yet astutely good observation.
I wonder what happens when it rains and floods.
@@diane9247 I have built in a good drainage system so there is no flooding.
Though the square footage of the patio may be small it is a lovely private space for breakfast or an evening conversation under the stars. The open view to the sky is lovely. Having such a space in an originally 15th century peasant building is a luxury.
@@jameshigginson007 "Old-city houses" in Greece are very similar, and those that have been turned into businesses (restaurants, bars) have this open roof design and I can definitely say it's very pretty, private and open at the same time.
That said, if it were my house, I'd maybe prefer the extra living-space...but that only increases the budget...does it rain that much in that part of Sicily anyway?
It's always fun to see Americans visit european houses and comparing size.
AUS, USA & CAN have the largest average home sizes. So pretty much everywhere else is going to be smaller.
Wow it looks like he learned some Italian.
For that budget you can buy amazing places in Bulgaria...in saying that, Sicily is an amazing place also and well worth living in.
Yay! So glad you chose #2 !!
Thanks Michelle.
Beauty of ahouse! You did a great job!!!
What a blessing! I wish I could do the same. All the best.
Would be nice if a developer or someone with money (or even a kick starter) would set up something to draw people in, even if its seasonal. Like an artist retreat, festival, educational fair, things like that. Such wonderful history and beautiful area, its a shame we are loosing places like this all over the world so rapidly and they will be gone forever.
I hope to create an artist/writer in residence program in a few years
You can buy houses in country side of Italy, Spain and Portugal for 30k-40k that dont require renovations.
They are not Gangi.
I want to do this, I want out of the USA 🇺🇸
I’m thinking Mexico 🇲🇽
Go you won’t regret it .
ENJOYED THIS VIDEO...MY DREAM PLACE TO LIVE,,,
He reminds me of John Malkovich, especially the way he talks.
I loved your episode, James!
Thanks!!!
What an interesting episode.
Thanks Evelyn.
Love it!!!
They're doing this now in Sambuca SICILY. I have family in Palermo, Trapani, Catania, and Calabria. I would love to do this. Maybe get a network of investors.
But I'm ready to leave US. Nothing left here..
Gia Love Bella Child me too! My famiglia is in Napoli though 😁
take me with you:") i have the money honey. ha ha
CODIS 1 A network of investors ???
I'm a skilled tradesman and a renovation expert. Planning on moving there in 4-5 years if they're still doing this. Tired of the United States as well. Many areas of the US will be like this in 10 years (just a lot more homeless begging going on ;). Be nice living in a quiet town with character and views.
I feel ya! If you have Italian lineage you can become a citizen I hear. My husband and would love to do this. Good thing I married an Italian
LOVE THIS! His enthusiasm and positivity is fantastic. Does he have a RUclips channel that documents the reconstruction etc?
Wow that was really neat
Great and inspiring story.... wonderful you are now recovered from illness. I would love to hear about your next chapter in Gangi….. is there a blossoming artist community now?
An update would be nice. Beautiful place though
update is in the works. thanks.
I enjoyed the show and was disappointed they didn't show us the final product. Could you please show us how your finished product looks. It has sooooo much potential!!!
Yes, it is AMAZING and will share pics and final video by summer.
I would have gone for the 1 euro house. It had the best layout, opening into the living room unlike the 2nd house that opened into a bathroom and the 3rd that opened into a bedroom. Secondly, the living room looks small but there is a hallway before the living room so the living space can be opened up a bit. I would put a kitchenette in the living space, then turn the upstairs kitchen into a bedroom making a 3 bed 2 bath. The looks of the house plus the 1 euro price means it will cost less to renovate.
I think your main concern should be the structural resistance to seismic events. These buildings don't look like they would survive a major seismic event.
Love it!!!! :}
Good fun. Sounds very doable. second half of video mute though?
Beautiful tour guide...
I really liked the 1 Euro one. I would've reno it with 50k at the most.
Thanks for sharing ! 🧐🇬🇧🤔🤝👍🏻💪🏻❤️😍
I love it! Do you have a blog or will post videos on the renos? I feel so invested in this, I need to know what the final reno looks like!
Yes, i will begin posting updates soon
james higginson
Oh Awesome! Loved his outdoor space! I’d have done it to! Can’t wait for the final, so glad it’ll be posted! I’d love to do a flip there. Only problem, I’d fall in love, & won’t wanna sell it!
Thanks Chris, and yes it is so easy to fall in love with the quiet life, amazing food, and wonderful people.
This comment way posted two years ago as of July, 2019.
Congratulations and what a beautiful story @jameshigginson! Have any other Americans or artists joined you? I would love to visit and check out some houses!
Your house is beautiful but we just saw the Patio 😔 please show us the whole house 🙏🏽
Bellissimo!
Coolest HHI Ever !
Congratulations! Auguri.
I think it was a great choice it's like a villa.
Well done. Beautiful.
Maybe buy 3x apt’s together & breakdown the walls to make it larger £3 to start + renovation money + airfare + temporary stay place rent.
This is wonderful and I think it is well worth the time and money if you have it. I have been looking for something in Parma.
sorry if I jump into this conversation I see your comment is from 1 year ago so you probably aren't interested any longer in any case I drop just a piece of information if you are still looking for a house to buy in Parma area. There is an area across 3 regions called Lunigiana, it's across North Tuscany (area of Massa Carrara, Apuane mountains, the marble caves, and Versilia beaches), East Liguria (Cinque Terre), South Emilia (Parma). Lunigiana is a low mountains green area with many villages were depopulation has brough house owners to sell for good prices. It's a good area because in 30 minutes drive you reach beautiful seaside and 45 minutes you are in Parma, approx 2 hours to Florence, 1 hour from Lucca. If you are interested you may want to check the channel of "Not useless yet", a family from Innsbruck bought a house in one of these villages and they're refurbishing it mainly by themselves, they posted videos of the village as well just to get an idea if it's something you might like. This area is were Americans Annette Joseph cook and host consultant and writer and Julie Montagu producer relocated and you can see their blog and YT channels about so. There is also another area called "Garfagnana", beautiful green area, same situation just south of Lunigiana and so farther away from Parma. Hope my comment has not bothered you, good hunt. :DDD
Beauty of life is in its challenges.. Hehehe life itself belongs to dreamers.. Hehehe just saying thx for video good luck.. Hehehe