From Dream Homes to Property Empire: Their Unbelievable Journey in Italy

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Purchasing an old home in an unconventional area has proven to be a transformative experience for certain individuals. In 2021, Jeffrey Pfefferle acquired two neglected residences situated in the charming town of Mussomeli in Sicily. One of these properties came at the astonishingly low price of one euro, equivalent to just a little over a dollar. The second property was considered a "premium" option, as it was already habitable with only minor repairs required.

Pfefferle and his British partner, Leon McNaught, were both in their late 50s when they relocated to Mussomeli. Little did they know that their lives would be profoundly transformed by their purchases.

"Our decision allowed us to truly examine our lives and we soon discovered that the very things we hold dear in life are plentiful in Mussomeli," Pfefferle expresses.

It is a place that prioritizes people over money, emphasizing quality of life. This place embraces a slower pace and values the important things. We are part of a caring and kind community that has shown us tremendous support. This place has taught us the value of time as our most precious possession, meant for fully experiencing life with loved ones.

In 2019, upon reading a CNN article about the incredible offers on properties for sale in Mussomelis, the couple's initial thoughts were skepticism and suspicion of a possible scam. Nevertheless, despite their concerns, they resolved to investigate further. Unfortunately, their plans were thwarted by the pandemic, forcing them to postpone and patiently await better circumstances.

"We finally made our trip in July 2021. We had agreed that, in the worst-case scenario, we would at least enjoy a vacation if the whole thing turned out to be mere hype," shares Pfefferle.

Ending up in Sicily

Mussomeli instantly captured the couple's hearts.

Jeffrey Pfefferle

The couple had initially planned to visit Zungoli, a town in Campania, Italy, which offers similar housing schemes to attract expats. However, they encountered complications as they had to schedule an appointment to view the homes. As a result, they decided to settle for Mussomeli. However, reaching their destination proved to be challenging.

"We fought relentlessly from the beginning, and it had a profound impact on our lives. At the airport in Rome, I experienced a moment of panic when we failed to make it to the gate for the Palermo flight. Fortunately, we managed to catch another plane later on the very same day," recounts Pfefferle.

Upon arrival in Mussomeli, the duo was fortunate enough to receive a personal tour of the properties that were up for grabs, as other potential international buyers had canceled their plans due to the ongoing pandemic.

US couple transforms abandoned Italian house into dream home with an elevator

They eventually decided to buy a turnkey home requiring a minimal makeover, for less than 30,000 euros ($32,000).

While walking along Mussomeli's charming cobbled alleys and ascending stone steps, they stumbled upon an attractive house priced at just one euro ($1.07), which was conveniently located near the one they had already purchased. To their delight, this bargain also included a rare find in the town's historical center - a garage. Captivated by the hospitality and warmth of the locals, who would often approach them on the street, they found themselves irresistibly drawn to Mussomeli. The genuine kindness of the people ultimately convinced them to seize the opportunity and acquire both houses.

Pfefferle, a retired entertainment manager in his late 50s, expresses his desire to live his dream now, acknowledging that time cannot be purchased.

The main house, which has a rich history spanning centuries, spans across four floors and covers an area of 1,100 square feet. Traditionally, families housed their donkeys on the ground level while reserving the higher floors for kitchens, bathrooms, and storage rooms. Additionally, the house boasts two entrances, one at the front and another at the back, both accessible from different streets.

Apart from some light restyling, the home is ready to move into.

The couple purchased the property with all the furnishings included - including antique furniture, glass chandeliers, plates, and blankets that were left behind by the previous owners. The floors are adorned with travertine stone and beautifully decorated with majolica tiles.

The two bedrooms are being transformed into three smaller ones, and the kitchen is being renovated. The one euro home, although smaller, is spread across four floors. They purchased it without personally inspecting it. "The previous owners have completely stripped it, and our architect assures us that it can be easily restored as a blank slate. The electrical wiring is in good condition, and the plumbing has already been taken care of. Once the renovation is complete, it will be suitable for living."

The couple last visited Mussomeli in February to oversee the renovation progress. While the cost of the renovation is reasonable, supervising the project from thousands of miles away in the US presents its challenges, according to Pfefferle. "We have hired an architect and a contractor, but communicating through WhatsApp is not ideal, and the time difference between Sicily and Southern California only adds to the complexity."

Nevertheless, the distance, time, and language barriers do not deter the team. When a floor was found to be missing tiles with no clear replacements, the local team went to great lengths to search for suitable alternatives - and eventually achieved success.

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I cant believe theres community

The pair bought a turnkey property, and then a one-euro home.

Jeffrey Pfefferle

The Italian working style pleasantly surprised the couple and made them further appreciate Sicilys laid-back vibe.

According to Pfefferle, things tend to move at a slower pace compared to the US timeline. So, it should not be expected that repairs will be done overnight. However, if there is a critical issue like heating, the locals are highly efficient and readily available.

Pfefferle remembers a chilly night when the windows of the main home were not fully closing. He contacted the real estate agent who, two days later, arranged for a team of seven locals to come and fix them.

"Thats the people, the community: If somebody needs help, theyre there. I cant believe it," says Pfefferle.

Mussomeli is in the hilly heart of Sicily.

Stephan Knodler/imageBROKER/Shutterstock

Neighbors in the US also offer assistance to one another, but in Mussomeli, there is a distinct approach to caring for others, reminiscent of a bygone era. Despite purchasing their houses based on the residents rather than the location, he acknowledges that the view from their exquisite kitchen on the top floor is truly priceless, encompassing vast sheep-grazing fields and rolling hills.

The couple may consider moving to Mussomeli in the future by applying for an elective residency visa. This visa requires a specific amount of passive income and prohibits work. While Pfefferle is currently researching this option, his partner is still employed and they also have pets in the US, so they plan to wait before making a final decision.

Regarding the paperwork, Pfefferle mentions that Agenzia Immobiliare Siciliana, Mussomeli's real estate agency, provided valuable assistance throughout the entire process.