An American couple has successfully purchased and renovated a home in the Abruzzo region of Italy for a total cost of less than $31,000. Cassandra Tresl, 33, and her husband, Alex Ninman, 34, made the move after realizing the financial burden of buying a house and raising a child in the United States was too high.
Facing a crossroads after the birth of their daughter in 2020 while living in the Czech Republic, the couple chose financial freedom and a different lifestyle in Europe over returning to their native Washington state. Their story highlights a growing trend of Americans seeking more affordable living abroad.
Key Takeaways
- An American family purchased a house in Abruzzo, Italy, for €11,500 (about $13,150).
- Renovations, largely done by the couple themselves, cost an additional €12,000 to €15,000.
- The total project cost was under $31,000, providing them with a mortgage-free home.
- The decision was driven by the high costs of housing and childcare in the United States.
The Search for an Affordable Future
While living with Tresl's grandfather in the Czech Republic, the couple began to seriously evaluate their future. The initial plan had always been to return to the U.S. after their daughter was born, but the numbers told a different story.
"I really thought that if I had a kid, I would go back to the States," Tresl explained. "And then it ended up not happening, because I realized how much more expensive it would be if we did go back."
This realization prompted them to explore alternatives. Tresl recalled stories of Italian towns selling homes for one euro to revitalize dwindling populations. Intrigued, she began researching the real costs associated with these seemingly unbelievable deals. Their budget was firm: no more than 20,000 euros for the purchase.
The couple discovered that many one-euro home programs had complex requirements, often involving auctions that drove prices up and strict renovation timelines. Instead of focusing solely on those programs, they broadened their search for affordable properties across Italy.
Finding a Home in Abruzzo
In 2021, Tresl and Ninman embarked on a house-hunting trip, viewing 15 different properties across the picturesque regions of Abruzzo and Tuscany. Their search was methodical and practical.
Why Abruzzo?
Known as the "greenest region in Europe," Abruzzo is located in central Italy, stretching from the heart of the Apennine Mountains to the Adriatic Sea. It is less tourist-heavy than Tuscany, offering more competitive property prices while still boasting stunning landscapes, medieval villages, and a rich culinary tradition.
"I’m a spreadsheet type of person, so I had all the pros and cons of all these houses and it came down to Abruzzo being a much better value in general," Tresl said. While the initial decision was based on price, she noted, "In hindsight, there are a lot of other reasons why I’m glad that we landed here."
They ultimately chose a two-floor, two-bedroom house of nearly 1,076 square feet. The property also included a basement with a potential third bedroom and an attic. Crucially, it had a terrace with a view, a feature Tresl considered a nonnegotiable.
In February 2022, they closed on the house in an all-cash deal for €11,500, which was approximately $13,150 at the time. This strategic purchase allowed them to own their home outright, a key factor in their decision.
"This financial freedom was actually one of the main factors that made this move and decision possible," Tresl shared. "If my income fluctuates or money gets tight, at least we don’t have a mortgage and our family has a secure roof over our heads."
The Renovation Project
The house had been vacant for 30 years and required significant work before it was habitable. The couple rented a nearby Airbnb for over a month while they tackled the initial, most intensive phase of the renovation.
The project involved a complete overhaul of the property. The walls needed resurfacing, the electrical systems required updates, and both the kitchen and bathroom had to be completely gutted. Alex Ninman, formerly a butcher, took on the majority of the labor himself, though they hired professionals for the plumbing.
Renovation Breakdown
- Total Cost: €12,000 - €15,000 ($14,207 - $17,758)
- Key Upgrades: Expanded terrace, new downstairs bathroom, converted basement into a guest suite.
- Timeline: Main renovation completed in fall 2022; basement and attic finished in 2023.
Tresl focused on the interior design, sourcing unique vintage pieces from local thrift stores and flea markets to create an eclectic and personal space. "I wanted natural materials and to combine both warm and cold," she said. "Everything I picked out, I have a reason for it. I wanted to set a goal for myself that everything I look at reminds me of where I got it from."
The Cost of Living in Italy
While the couple enjoys a mortgage-free life, there are still ongoing expenses associated with homeownership. Their regular monthly costs are a fraction of what they might face in a major U.S. city.
Their property-related expenses include:
- Property Taxes: Approximately €300 per year
- Utilities (Water, Electricity, Gas): Varying monthly
- Waste Tax: Roughly €150 per year
During the winter, they use a pellet stove for heating, which can add about 42 euros per week to their expenses. Despite these costs, their financial overhead remains remarkably low.
Building a New Life and Business
The move to Italy also marked a career shift for both Tresl and Ninman. Tresl left her job in the tech industry to focus on her travel blog and newsletter. She also works as an operations manager for another travel blogger. Ninman now manages a second property the couple acquired in 2024.
This second property, a single-story house in the countryside, was purchased for €17,000 (about $20,083). They now rent it out on Airbnb for up to 85 euros per night, creating an additional income stream. Tresl says they prefer living in their first home due to its central location in town. "It’s really nice just to be able to walk anywhere from our house," she added.
The family plans to remain in Italy for the foreseeable future, at least until their daughter is older. They visit the U.S. annually, but Tresl admits that each return feels more foreign. She values the "wholesome experience and a genuine childhood" her daughter is having in Italy, a lifestyle she feels is reminiscent of her own upbringing in the 1990s but increasingly rare in modern America.
