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

Travelling to Italy 2021 – Covid Update

Travelling to Italy, do I need a Covid test before or after the journey? will I be required to self-isolate? Will I be allowed to enter Italy at all? This depends where you are travelling from and the current Covid-19 restrictions. Where are you travelling from? Italy have placed each country in a lettered category relating to their Covid risk. Each letter has different rules regarding entry, testing, self-isolation etc.  “A” is considered the least risk and has no limitations. Australia and New Zealand are in D. But, the USA and UK are currently in “E” and have the highest restrictions.

A place with a view of the mountains

When your home has a view of snow-capped mountains, it adds a touch of magic to the winter season. Throughout the year mountain areas provide a great place to get out into the fresh air and be surrounded by nature and stunning scenery.

Can I buy property in Italy in 2021?

A rumour caused consternation among overseas buyers in Italy recently – especially from the UK – which said that non-residents of Italy were not allowed to buy a property there. We asked our lawyer to explain why holiday homebuyers in Italy shouldn’t be panicking!

Italy travel and quarantine update

If you’re planning to travel to Italy, it can be difficult keeping up to date with new restrictions and current travel advice. Here we outline some of the recent changes, including useful links to Government webpages, to enable you to access official updated information.

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