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

3 Natural Wonders on the Greek Islands

On the Greek islands you will find many amazing rock formations, around the coastlines and in the mountains and gorges. Here are three natural wonders, that demonstrate just how amazing the Greek landscape is, and how you could live in a town with all this amazing nature on your doorstep.

Lesser-known locations to buy a home in Italy

Italy has so many more beautiful sights to see than the whistle-stop tour of the Pantheon, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Colosseum. Plus, in your hunt for a home in Italy, you might not be keen for heaps of tourists to descend on your abode every summer. So, we’ve complied a list of places that still benefit from captivating Italian charm and landmarks, but are a little less well-known. We also look at what kind of property, at what price, you can find nearby.   

Three towns in East Crete and homes nearby!

East Crete has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with towns that have an authentic Greek feel.  This is the quietest side of the island, yet it is thought to have the most beautiful beaches and the most luxurious resorts on Crete. Plus, we look at homes in East Crete: prices and property types, with examples – scroll down, you might just find your ideal home in East Crete! 

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