Julia Silk

While working as the website Manager for a radio station in Bournemouth, Julia met Marcus. After buying a house in Dorset and doing a lot of work on it themselves, they realised they both loved the idea of renovating old houses, particularly stone ones. In 2003 they bought a stone house in a village by the sea in Greece. In those two years they learnt that “If someone else is able to do something, then so could they”, and set about doing the tiling, plastering etc. themselves. They also offered holiday rental while they were preparing to sell the property. After selling the house in Greece, they found another stone house outside a village in Istria, Croatia. Once again, they did most of the renovation work themselves, except for new electrics and plumbing. Both properties had thick limestone walls that needed pointing, and stone and wood flooring that needed relaying, as well as bathrooms and kitchens.

An Italian renovation

In 2008 they set out on their biggest challenge yet, when they bought a small Masseria with an olive grove in Puglia, Italy, that had no electric or plumbing and was a total mess. They thought they would buy, renovate and sell again. However, this time they couldn’t think of anywhere else they would rather be and decided to stay. Through experience and research over the years, Julia has gained immense knowledge of buying, renovating and living in Italy, which she has been exclusively sharing with Property Guides readers, and expats starting a new life in her area of Puglia. Julia’s love of Italy’s history, architecture, culture, traditions and way of life is evident in her writing.  

Julia's home in Puglia

 

Help, my Italian home came with 400 olive trees!

 

Bougainvillea and local stone: Julia's home

   

Articles by Julia Silk

Look to Greece for sustainability, and eco-friendly homes

Sustainability, eco-friendly, and low energy costs, have become top priorities for house buyers. To own a house in Greece which both respects the environment and saves you money on energy bills, is a win-win for everyone. But which islands are leading the way on sustainability initiatives? And how can you make your house in Greece sustainable and eco-friendly?

4 Greek towns a short drive from an airport

When you step out of the airport, do you long to get to your accommodation as quickly as possible? Are you anxious to jump into your shorts and T-shirt, and relax in the sun. Then you should consider buying a home in a Greek town that is a short drive from an airport.

Italy’s most beautiful villages of 2023 (for homebuyers!)

Italy is rightly proud of its villages and determined to protect their natural appeal while encouraging more people to visit and live there. There’s a warm welcome for home buyers, including the famous one-euro homes in Italy deals. Here is our pick of the three most beautiful villages in Italy for homebuyers in 2023. 

Settling into a Greek Village

Do you have fantasies of renovating an old Greek property and turning it into a truly beautiful home? Julia and her husband Marcus renovated a property in a sleepy Greek village by the sea. When they arrived, they were the only British people in the village and the locals were kind and welcoming. She also shares her experience of renovating her Greek property, from what she was able to do herself to employing local tradespeople.

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