Solving the Italian Dream Home Dilemma: This Couple Shares Their Success Story

Maybe you've always wanted to purchase a home in a peaceful village or coastal location in Calabria, Italy's southern region, but felt overwhelmed by the process, paperwork, and renovations.

That's where Bruno Mongiardo and his wife Ginevra dell'Orso can help.

Mongiardo, a 56-year-old architect, and dell’Orso, a 51-year-old interior designer and real estate broker, have been running a successful business since 2015. They buy properties, renovate them, and sell them to foreign buyers who want move-in ready homes. Their office-home is located in the charming town of Isca sullo Ionio, on the Ionian coast of Calabria in southern Italy.

They search for old houses in charming historical villages that are in need of a little TLC. Once these homes are renovated, they become the ideal spot for a summer escape.

Their company, Calabria Sea Side, provides personalized services such as custom renovations and guided tours of the region located at the toe of Italy's boot. These tours highlight the untouched beauty and natural landscapes of the area.

The couple is familiar with the area. Mongiardo is originally from Isca sullo Ionio and returned home after 25 years of working in Venice because he found it "too crowded."

Dell'Orso, who is originally from Milan, used to visit Calabria as a child and 15 years ago purchased a home in the picturesque medieval village of Badolato. This village is also one of the properties in their real estate portfolio.

"In those years, many villages halfway up the mountains were experiencing a significant decrease in population, resulting in affordable housing opportunities. Dell’Orso was drawn to the idea of owning a piece of history, with a home that overlooked the sea and was surrounded by untouched nature-rich mountains, away from the effects of mass tourism."

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‘Ideal place to live’

The couple showcases properties along the Ionian coast, which they consider to be the most genuine and unspoiled part of Calabria, unlike the busier Tyrrhenian coast.

According to Dell'Orso, "The nature here is stunning, the villages are picturesque, and the sea is incredibly clear. It's a perfect location for living and raising a family."

The concept of starting a real estate agency that buys and renovates homes initially began as a joke, according to them. The journey began with purchasing a small house, fixing it up, and renting it out for the summer. To their surprise, many foreign guests staying at their property inquired about purchasing similar vacation homes.

"It felt like a natural progression to reach out to foreigners - including Europeans and Americans - who seem to value this setting more than Italians, who may not fully appreciate it," explains Mongiardo.

We started by buying some properties that required complete renovation and later sold them. Nowadays, the majority of the properties we sell are owned by our local clients, and we serve as intermediaries.

According to Dell’Orso, purchasing a house in a different country can be challenging for buyers due to their lack of familiarity with the laws, notary procedures, and other aspects of the Italian real estate market.

But the real challenge is how and in what time frame customers can adapt to and feel at home in a culture that is very different from their own.

The BEFORE picture: The couple find old houses in need of a makeover.

The BEFORE picture: The couple find old houses in need of a makeover.

Bruno Mongiardo

Pizzas and paperwork

“When we sell a house, we are actually selling a real-life project, which may begin as a [vacation home], but can turn into a radical change,” she says.

Many of their American and European clients have chosen to make Calabria their permanent home after purchasing a property in the region.

The duo assists clients in adapting to their new environment by organizing gatherings for pizza and sunset drinks, and guiding them to local stores, supermarkets, restaurants, and tourist attractions. They also help with practical matters such as locating a plumber or selecting plants for the terrace.

Their range of services includes legal assistance, renovation works, property management, and property insurance. They are also able to assist in renting out the property for clients who are overseas.

According to Mongiardo, "We carefully select the properties we put up for sale and personally know each of the owners. They take pride in their homes and are looking to sell to individuals who will value their neighbors and maintain their house well."

By selling these homes, their goal is also to promote the beauties of the Calabrian Ionian Coast, with stunning seaside landscapes complemented by views of the towering mountains adorned with ancient Greek ruins. In the past, this area was known as part of Greece’s overseas kingdom called “Magna Graecia.”

The duo aims to assist depopulated towns in reclaiming their former glory and transforming them into vibrant communities.

The AFTER picture: A perfect Italian getaway.

The AFTER picture: A perfect Italian getaway.

Bruno Mongiardo

Southern hospitality

Locals in this area are known for their warmth and charming hospitality, which they have maintained over the years. They are open to new changes but also value the traditions that have given them a sense of security and stability.

According to Mongiardo, the community may seem old-fashioned, but it is filled with rich values and a strong sense of humanity.

Living in small villages where life is slower-paced and everyone knows each other, newcomers often find the ancient vibe fascinating and are pleasantly impressed, according to Mongiardo.

"It's like stepping back into the past here. Foreigners show more passion because they appreciate traditions like celebrating religious events, which Italians, especially those in the south, may take for granted in their daily lives."

Mongiardo notes that a rising number of Americans are purchasing vacation homes in lesser-known areas, with some choosing to reside in these spots all year round.

The old properties managed by the pair are situated in quaint towns where ancient traditions still thrive. These hidden gems include Isca sullo Ionio, Sant’Andrea Apostolo dello Ionio, Badolato, Davoli, San Sostene, Santa Caterina dello Ionio, Montepaone, and Soverato.

Most of the houses they sell are stand-alone properties with multiple floors, designed in the local medieval “tower house” style. They are fully furnished and come with modern amenities, ready to move in.

Despite being renovated, the couple ensures that each building maintains its “original soul” and boasts a distinct architecture - no two are alike.

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Second chances and new challenges

Most houses on their books are located halfway between the sea and the mountains, with the beaches just a few minutes away by car.

Dell’Orso mentions that some individuals choose to live in the mountains for the breathtaking sea view even at higher altitudes.

They specialize in selling houses ranging from 300 square feet to spacious properties of 3,000 square feet, some even come with gardens.

"Prices can vary significantly, allowing us to provide various options based on individual preferences," Mongiardo explains.

For example, a typical beach house designed for two to four people, covering an average of 700 square feet, is priced at around $35,000. Renovation costs add up to approximately $55,000. By investing a total of $90,000, one can enjoy a charming beach house located in a historic village. This cozy retreat features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open-plan kitchen and living room.

For Dell’Orso, every “home project” is like entering a new world. She enjoys meeting new people and captivating them with stories about the region. On the other hand, Mongiardo focuses more on the technical aspects of real estate such as construction sites, workers, and permit requests.

“We work as a team, my wife and I, and we spend most of our time together. I have a passion for old houses and the idea of restoring them to their former glory, especially when they are abandoned buildings full of history. Each project presents a new challenge, but the satisfaction we feel in the end makes it all worth it,” he explains.

Editor's P/S:

Bruno Mongiardo and Ginevra dell’Orso, the founders of Calabria Sea Side, are doing more than selling homes—they're revitalizing communities. By purchasing and renovating historic properties in charming villages along the Ionian coast of Calabria, they are not only providing foreign buyers with idyllic vacation homes but also contributing to the local economy. Their efforts are attracting new residents, preserving the area's rich cultural heritage, and creating a vibrant future for these often-overlooked villages.

Mongiardo and dell'Orso have a deep understanding of the region and its people. They are passionate about sharing the beauty of Calabria with the world, and they go above and beyond to ensure that their clients feel at home in their new surroundings. Their personalized services, such as custom renovations, guided tours, and assistance with practical matters, make the transition to a new country smooth and enjoyable. Their work is not just about selling houses; it's about fostering a sense of community and creating a lasting impact on the region.