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

Your healthy home and lifestyle by Italy’s Lakes

Italy’s northern lakes offer more than just outstanding views and an easy accessibility. The range of healthy and adventurous outdoor activities seems endless, while homes are probably more affordable than you imagine. Here is what you could do doing and what you’ll pay for a property by Lake Como and Lake Garda. 

Italian stone houses with character

Italian stone houses aren’t always a farmhouse in the Tuscan hills; their features can vary to reflect the landscape and local building materials.

Beautiful Italian villages you can reach by train

There is no shortage of beautiful Italian villages. You can find them in the countryside, by the lakes and on the coast. To help you find the perfect “borgo” for you, here are six that you can reach by car or train.

A holiday home in Puglia, Italy

When you own a holiday home in Puglia, you can escape to your own feel-good space surrounded by trees, sea and sunshine. Where else can you find countryside villas, townhouses and apartments, a short distance from the sea, at such great prices?

7 Seaside villages in Tuscany

The coast of Tuscany offers hill top views, glistening blue waters, and sandy beaches to explore. You will find glamorous towns and quaint seaside villages, as well as natural and rugged scenery.

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