Happy Fourth of July.
As millions of Americans celebrate Independence Day, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on what freedom really means. For some, it’s the freedom to slow down…to spend more time with family…or to build a life somewhere that offers a different pace and perspective.
Imagine, for instance, opening your front door onto a peaceful medieval village in the beautiful region of Umbria in the heart of Italy.
Morning light spills across centuries-old stone buildings. Church bells carry through the hills as neighbors drift across the piazza for their morning espresso.
Narrow stone lanes lead through the village before giving way to the rolling Umbrian countryside beyond…
It’s an unhurried rhythm of life, where long lunches, evening walks, and conversations in the square are still part of everyday life.
And here, in the hilltop village of Macerino, you can own a beautifully preserved three-story townhouse for a price that may surprise you…
My team and I have a long history of scouting the landlocked Italian region of Umbria…
Umbria is less well-known than its neighbor, Tuscany. But just like Tuscany, this is a land of remarkable natural beauty…noted for its dense forests, rolling green hills lined with vineyards and olive groves, and charming medieval towns with incredible art, history, and architecture.
Sometimes called “The Green Heart of Italy,” Umbria is also renowned for its excellent hiking and mountain biking trails, including parts of the ancient Via Flaminia Roman Road.
Umbria is a great place to look for incredible-value real estate. It often gets overlooked in favor of Tuscany, and so real estate here is much cheaper.
This property we recently posted on our Your Overseas Dream Home Instagram account is a case in point…
This townhouse is on the market for €118,000…that’s about $134,000—less than a third of the median home price in the U.S. (which is $436,523, according to Forbes).
Here’s what $134,000 can buy in one of Italy’s most beautiful regions…
For the price, you might expect something small and poky. But this townhouse spans nearly 2,100 square feet of living space spread across three levels.
Original terracotta tiles and exposed wooden beams preserve the character of the building, which dates from 1400. Two spacious bedrooms each have their own en suite bathroom.
The main living area centers around a traditional fireplace, creating the sort of space made for long winter evenings after exploring the surrounding countryside.
Because the house opens directly onto the village square, everyday life unfolds just outside the front door. It’s the sort of setting that encourages you to slow down and become part of village life.
Perched on the slopes of the Monti Martani, Macerino commands views over the valleys to the south and stands along the old Strada delle Pecore, the historic route linking the town of Acquasparta and the city of Spoleto.
The village has a minimarket for everyday essentials, while the local restaurant specializes in Umbrian classics built around one of the region’s greatest culinary treasures—fresh truffles. During the summer months, residents can also use the restaurant’s swimming pool through a local arrangement.
When you want to explore farther afield, the elegant medieval city of Spoleto lies about 25 minutes away. It’s known for its Roman theater, magnificent cathedral, annual Festival of Two Worlds, and lively cafés that spill into beautiful piazzas.
Also nearby is the E45 highway, putting the rest of central Italy within easy reach.
This property is an example of the stunning value you can find in Umbria, and that’s why my scouts and I keep this region firmly on our radar.
You can read the full listing here.
Wishing you good real estate investing,
P.S. If you’re interested in this listing you should hire an attorney and do your own due diligence. We haven’t done any due diligence on it.
P.P.S. For more listings of affordable overseas dream homes, click here to follow our Your Overseas Dream Home Instagram account.
