A Dutch couple, Roger (49) and Mirella (54), have set out on an exciting venture to restore an abandoned villa in Italy, untouched for the last 25 years.
The duo, who belong to Generation X, have been documenting their journey on TikTok (@renovation.palazzo.puro) and YouTube (@RenovationPalazzoPuro). Their journey is garnering attention, especially with a TikTok video that has already surpassed 635,000 views, highlighting their dream of turning an old, neglected house into a stunning living space.
The villa, nestled in the scenic Le Marche region, captivated them during a spontaneous 1,600-kilometer (994 miles) trip after finding it online. “We had never been to this region before, but the villa’s charm in a valley with a glimpse of the sea was incredible,” Roger mentioned.
Mirella has harbored a dream of living in a coastal Italian home since her teenage years. Even though the villa was in disrepair—complete with overgrown plants and broken fixtures—the couple couldn’t resist. “We saw trash and treasures all at once. We shocked everyone with our decision, but we didn’t even consider other options,” Roger reflected.
Interestingly, as they embark on this renovation, the National Association of Realtors anticipates a 13.5% increase in home sales this year, reaching nearly 4.71 million transactions.
A Dream Realized in Italy’s Le Marche Region
The couple bought the villa for around €150,000 ($164,414), which spans 350 square meters (3,767 square feet) and boasts high ceilings ranging from 3.5 to 5.5 meters (11.5 to 18 feet). Along with the villa, they acquired 20,000 square meters (about 215,278 square feet) of farmland, including 20 olive trees for an additional €50,000 ($54,808).
While the exact age of the villa is unclear, it is believed to date back to the 1920s, with possible additions from the 1950s. The property remained dormant after being passed down through two sisters who were uninterested in its upkeep.
A Forgotten Home and Piece of History
Although left empty for years, the villa boasts historical significance. Traditionally, the ground floor housed animals, the family’s living quarter was on the first floor, and storage occupied the attic.
The couple envisions remodeling the space into a five-bedroom, four-bath sanctuary and plans to convert the attic into additional bedrooms while building a pool. They aim to complete most renovations themselves and have recently dedicated three weeks to the initial preparations. Long-term, they hope to settle in Italy full-time, possibly renting the villa when not in residence.
Despite the challenges ahead, Mirella is excited. “We fell in love with this house. It’s a huge task, but we believe it will turn out amazing,” she shared, reflecting the enthusiasm and determination that fuels their renovation project.
