Ciao, benvenuti —
From Dream to Reality:
Building a New Life in Italy
I bought and renovated a house in Le Marche, Italy. Years of sharing this on YouTube has led me to meet hundreds of like‑minded people with the same dream — your own version of this sweet Italian lifestyle. This is how I did it, and how my two channels can support you.
4M+
video views
38K+
subscribers
1,000s
of conversations
100s
of guides sold
Hi, I am
Richard
A few years ago I bought an abandoned farmhouse in Le Marche with no real plan beyond stubbornness. I've since renovated it, made every mistake in the book, and met hundreds of people chasing the same dream.
I built this site to be the honest, practical friend I wish I'd had at the start.
7
years in Italy
2
YouTube channels
honest guide
1
The reality
Why trust me before
you even say hello
Underneath the beautiful photos and the romance of it all, there are real decisions to get right — and plenty of ways to get talked into the wrong ones. I've made the mistakes, asked the awkward questions, and learned who to trust and who to be wary of. I want to pass that on.
01
Sanity Check
Is this really the life you want?
From the journal
Latest thinking, honest as ever
Before you ask
Frequently asked
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Elena from ABITOCase was very helpful and has some fantastic properties in Le Marche showcased on her website.
https://www.abitocase.com/en/home-english/
Properties like mine are not always shown online and property agents are not typically property finders to do the hunting for you. I am sure there would be people who can provide this service to you for a fee.
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I opened a bank in my local town (you will need a codice fiscale - free to obtain and can be done online) with Intesa Sanpaolo. The mobile app and website are fantastic and easy to use. All bills are paid from that account to the utility companies. I go onto the utility company websites when they email me the bill reminder and pay. Simple. All on line. All transparent on fees and rates etc.
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As I am still working full time I am looking into the digital nomad visa. I have contacted my local Italian consulate and been given links and application forms to start the process. I will journal and vlog this also as I go. I am starting the process from scratch in June 2024.
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It is big but the beauty of Italy is that I have found that most people are patient and respect that you are trying. I have struggled to be honest but am trying a new ‘immersive’ approach while I am not in Italy for a month to see how that works. Apps, books, YouTube, Movies, Podcasts, Italian Radio…I will vlog it as I go.
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The shape, style, location of my little house is quite unique to this area. There are not many single story houses in Le Marche. Trawling the property sites and being really ready to buy will help the agents take you seriously and then they will help find that gem. They get swamped with window shoppers so bear that in mind.
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