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

Film locations with amazing Italian properties

Are you dreaming about moving to a galaxy far, far away? Well you don’t actually need to go that far, as 4 Star Wars film locations are here in Italy, and they are all in great areas to buy a property.

Italians take pride in the best roofs in the world

From the dome of the Pantheon to the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, the trulli of Puglia to the terracotta roofs of Florence, Italians craft the most beautiful ceilings and roofs in the world. In their more every day residences too, Italian builders take pride in a well-crafted rafter and a nice bit of slate. Just look upwards at the amazing roofs and ceilings of Italian character properties.

Venice property owners benefit from “locals first” policy

We all fell in love with Italy when we were tourists, so we can hardly blame other tourists for coming too. But with some Italian authorities limiting numbers, there are clear advantages for home owners. What does that mean for property buyers in Venice?

Lake Garda by bike

Millions of euros are being invested into a cycle path around Lake Garda that will promote sustainable tourism to the area.

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