A couple told how they bought a Sicilian mansion at auction with a starting bid of €1 and converted it into a stunning Renaissance-style palazzo for $250,000.
In January 2019, the community in the mountain village of Sambuca di Sicilia auctioned off 16 abandoned houses at prices starting at a symbolic euro.
Massoud Ahmadi, 70, and his wife Shelley, 60, ended up buying a derelict 18th-century mansion in the village for just $10,500 at the sale and immediately set to work renovating it.
The crumbling interior walls were stained brown and the rooms were crammed with old junk, including a retro pushchair.
Massoud Ahmadi, 70, and his wife Shelley, 60, ended up buying a derelict 18th-century mansion for just $10,500 at auction in January 2019 and immediately set to work renovating it
The house was in a sorry state when the couple bought it, but thanks to their efforts it slowly took shape and now looks unrecognizable
A ladder through a hole in the ceiling on the second floor was the only access to the attic before the renovation, but now a staircase makes life easier
The crumbling interior walls were stained brown and the rooms were crammed with old junk, including a retro pushchair.
The couple completed the renovation last January and now split their time between Sambuca di Sicilia and their home in rural Montgomery County, Maryland.
They spent $200,000 on the once “uninhabitable” three-story property, with some of the bigger investments being a new staircase, installing new plumbing and repairing the roof.
Massoud did not intend to renovate the building within the city council’s three-year deadline, but thanks to the help of local architects and craftsmen, he managed to do so.
“After” photos show the 250-square-foot, two-bedroom home retains its original wood windows, majolica tile floor and double-barrel safes.
It also has three bathrooms, a living area and an open-plan marble kitchen. To top it off, there is a roof terrace with mountain views.
The couple completed the renovation last January and now split their time between Sambuca di Sicilia and their home in rural Montgomery County, Maryland, near Washington, DC
Massoud estimates her Italian property is now worth at least $250,000.
The semi-retired economist said: “The house was uninhabitable and I couldn’t really grasp the project because it was above my pay grade.
“I look at before and after pictures and it’s amazing.
“My architect did a fantastic job and when I first walked in I couldn’t believe my eyes.
“It takes a lot of patience, but the end result is something I will enjoy for years to come. This is a Renaissance house.
“I look at before and after photos and it’s incredible,” says Massoud
The 250-square-foot, two-bedroom home retains its original wooden windows, majolica tile floor, and double barrel-vaulted ceilings.
“My architect did a fantastic job and when I first walked in I couldn’t believe my eyes,” Massoud said.
The owners say that “the balance of the house is actually renovated and it gives you a mix of modern and historic.”
Everything from the kitchen cabinets to the marble floors was sourced locally from businesses in the town to maximize the economic impact
“We redesigned almost everything, but decided to keep and preserve the historical elements.
‘The property was originally built 350 years ago so we have retained much of the original stone walls, original tiled floors and double suspended ceilings.
“But the balance of the house is essentially renewed and offers you a mix of modernity and history.
“You see a glimpse of the past, but also have modern facilities, including an elevator.
“Everything from the kitchen cabinets to the marble floors was sourced locally by town businesses to maximize the economic impact.
“For the $200,000 we spent, you couldn’t find anything that could compare, the view, the tranquility of the village, all the amenities and the proximity to the sea.
“It was really painless and the only problem was Covid which basically put the project on hold for a few months.”
Massoud said they have no plans to sell their maker top, but market wise I bet someone for $250,000 will jump right in because you can’t find a property in Italy for that price that offers the views and all the amenities of the town has no comparable.
Massoud now intends to extend the house, having bought an adjoining plot which could offer four more bedrooms, a garage and a garden
When asked for his advice to others considering the same move, Massoud said: “I would definitely recommend doing what we did. Be patient, take your time and work with the locals.
The couple say they are “overwhelmed” by the quality of food and wine offered at the village’s restaurants, as well as by the “thriving community spirit”.
Massoud now intends to extend the house, having bought an adjoining plot that could offer four more bedrooms, a garage and a garden.
On what Sambuca di Sicilia has to offer, the couple say they are “overwhelmed” by the quality of the food and wine offered at the village’s restaurants, as well as by the “thriving community spirit”.
On what visitors can expect, Massoud said: “When I got there, I really loved the village. It’s a beautiful little town. I like the baroque architecture of the buildings and I loved the location.
‘It’s close to Palermo, just 20 minutes from the beach and historical sites like the Valley of the Temples are only an hour away.
“It is very easy to travel through Europe. I drive to Palermo, park my car for long term parking and then I can fly to Rome, Paris, Venice and London.
“My home in the United States has a rural feel because I live in a rural area. The buildings there are big, but I don’t really see my neighbors.
“But here I can walk down the street to a bakery and a coffee shop and get a cappuccino or an espresso. Access to restaurants and the quality of food and bars is remarkable.
“There are dozens of wineries nearby that are internationally known and they are the perfect setting for wine tasting, and they serve you delicious food that goes well with the wine.”
When asked for his advice to others considering the same move, Massoud concludes: “I would definitely recommend doing what we did. Be patient, take your time and work with the locals.
“I was very impressed by the hospitality of the villagers. They welcomed us with open arms. I made a lot of friends, literally everyone in town knows us by name.
“I’ve never really lived in a small town before, and for me this experience was exciting.
“I walk out the door and everyone says good morning or good evening and everyone wants to buy me a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. It feels like my second home.”
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
