A couple has told how they bought a Sicilian townhouse for a starting bid of €1 – and turned it into a stunning Renaissance-style palazzo for $250,000.
In January 2019, the community in the mountain village of Sambuca di Sicilia auctioned 16 abandoned houses at prices starting at a symbolic euro.
Massoud Ahmadi, 70, and his wife Shelley, 60, eventually bought an abandoned 18th-century townhouse in the village for just $10,500 at the sale and immediately set to work renovating it.
The crumbling interior walls were stained brown and the rooms were crammed with old junk, including a retro stroller.
Massoud Ahmadi, 70, and his wife Shelley, 60, eventually bought an abandoned 18th-century townhouse for just $10,500 at auction in January 2019 and immediately set to work renovating it
The house was in a sorry state when the couple bought it, but thanks to their efforts, it slowly took shape and now looks unrecognizable
A ladder through a hole in the ceiling of the second floor was the only way to get to the top floor before the renovations, but now a staircase makes life easier
The crumbling interior walls were stained brown and the rooms were crammed with old junk, including a retro stroller.
The couple completed their renovations last January and now split their time between Sambuca di Sicilia and their home in rural Montgomery County, Maryland
They spent $200,000 on the once “uninhabitable” three-story property, with some of the larger investments being a new staircase, installing new plumbing, and repairing the roof.
Initially, Massoud “couldn’t fathom” renovating the property within a three-year deadline imposed by the council – but he managed it thanks to the help of local architects and craftsmen.
“After” photos show that the 250-square-foot, two-bedroom home has retained its original wood windows, majolica tile floor, and vaulted double-barreled ceilings.
It also features three bathrooms, a living room and an open-plan marble kitchen. To top it off, there is a roof terrace with mountain views.
The couple completed renovations last January and now split their time between Sambuca di Sicilia and their home in rural Montgomery County, Maryland, near Washington, DC
Massoud believes her Italian property is now worth at least $250,000.
The semi-retired economist said: “The house was uninhabitable and I didn’t really understand the project because it was above my pay grade.
“I look at before and after photos and it’s amazing.
“My architect did a fantastic job and when I first walked in I couldn’t believe my eyes.
“It takes a lot of patience, but the end result is something I will enjoy for years to come. It’s a Renaissance house.
“I look at before and after photos and it’s amazing,” says Massoud
The 250-square-foot, two-bedroom home has retained its original wooden windows, majolica tiled floors, and vaulted double-barreled ceilings
“My architect did a fantastic job and when I first walked in I couldn’t believe my eyes,” said Massoud
The owners say that “the balance of the house has been basically re-done, giving you a mix of modern and historic.”
Everything from the kitchen cabinets to the marble floors has been sourced locally from businesses in the village to maximize economic impact
“We redesigned practically everything, but we chose to keep and preserve the historical elements.
“The property was originally built 350 years ago so we have retained many of the original stone walls, original tiled floors and double barrel ceilings.
“But the balance of the house has been fundamentally redesigned and offers you a mixture of modernity and history.
“You see a glimpse of the past but also have the modern conveniences including an elevator.
“Everything from the kitchen cabinets to the marble floors was sourced locally from village businesses to maximize economic impact.
“For the $200,000 we spent, you couldn’t find anything like it with the view, the quiet of the village, all the amenities and the proximity to the ocean.
“It was really painless and the only problem was Covid which basically shut down the project for a few months.”
Massoud said they have no plans to sell their maker upper, “but as for the market, I bet someone would go for it for $250,000 because you can’t find a similar property with the view and all the village amenities.” at this price anywhere in Italy.”
Massoud is now planning to expand the house, having bought a neighboring property that could offer four more bedrooms, a garage and a garden
Asked for his advice to others considering the same move, Massoud said: “I would definitely recommend doing what we have done. Be patient, take your time and work alongside the locals.
The couple say they were “blown away” by the quality of the food and wine on offer at the village’s restaurants, as well as by the “thriving community spirit”.
Massoud is now planning to expand the house, having bought a neighboring property that could offer four more bedrooms, a garage and a garden.
Regarding what Sambuca di Sicilia offers, the couple say they were “blown away” by the quality of the food and wine on offer at the village’s restaurants, as well as the “thriving community spirit”.
What to expect for visitors, Massoud said: “When I arrived I liked the village very much. It’s a beautiful little village. I love the baroque architecture of the buildings and I liked the location.
“It’s close to Palermo, just 20 minutes from the beach and historical sites like the Valley of the Temples are just an hour away.
“It’s really easy to travel around Europe. I drive to Palermo, park my car in the long term car park and then I can fly to Rome, Paris, Venice and London.
“My home in the States has a rural vibe because I live in a rural area. The lots there are huge, but I don’t really see my neighbors.
“But here I can walk down the street to a bakery and a coffee shop and get a cappuccino or an espresso. Access to restaurants and the quality of food and bars is remarkable.
“There are dozens of wineries nearby that are internationally renowned and they are the perfect setting for wine tasting experiences and they serve you great food with the wine.”
Asked for his advice to others considering the same move, Massoud concludes: “I would definitely recommend doing what we have done. Be patient, take your time and work alongside the locals.
“I was very impressed by how hospitable the villagers are. They welcomed us with open arms. I’ve made a lot of friends, literally everyone in the village knows us by name.
“I’ve never really lived in a small village, and for me the experience was exciting.
“I walk out my door and everyone says good morning or good evening and everyone wants to buy me a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. It feels like my second home.”