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

Crete homes with sea views

A sea view home in Greece is a dream shared by many people around the world. In total, Greece is thought to have 13,676 kilometres (8,498 miles) of coastline, the longest in the Mediterranean Basin. That’s a lot of potential places to have a sea view home.

Discover four charming towns in Piedmont, Italy

Piedmont is the second-largest Italian region and borders France and Switzerland. You’ll find it at the foot of the Alps, surrounded by mountains, but what it’s most renowned for is its sophisticated wines from traditional Italian vineyards that date back hundreds of years.

Wake up to breathtaking views in Italian homes with balconies

Balconies in Italy can be all about enjoying the view or an eye-catching decorative feature. When you consider a balcony as a “must-have” feature, Italy is certainly the place to look. Whether the balcony looks out on rolling hills, turquoise seas, lakes and mountains or terracotta rooftops, there will be a view to charm every Italy lover.

Buying a property in Athens: 12 best neighbourhoods

Athens has recovered from a decade or so of gloom to become a thriving and exciting city in an enviable position in the central Mediterranean. But where should you look at buying property in Athens? Check out Athens’ best neighbourhoods for homebuyers.

Greek beaches among the best in Europe

Four out of twenty of the best beaches in Europe are in Greece, according to the Travelers choice Best of the Best Awards on Tripadvisor. Many of these beaches are admired for their natural beauty, and are not very close to a town. We look at these and other highly rated beaches and suggest properties for sale within driving distance or a boat trip away.

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