David Grier turned a neglected Trullo in Puglia that he bought for €100k into a €1 million property in just 4 years. Since then he has taken on the challenge of combining high quality build standards with traditional designs, resulting in beautifully renovated properties. This is David’s story:
Being something of a workaholic, I find after the initial sleep deprivation catch up on the first couple of days of a holiday, I am looking for something in which to divert my energies.
It was my first visit to Puglia, I found myself marveling at the area and decided to explore the countryside around Ostuni. I was taken in by the beautiful landscape and the unhurried pace of life and before I realised the magnitude of my decision, I had bought an old Trullo on impulse!
As a commercial developer in the UK, I felt confident and well within my comfort zone. The property needed completely renovating throughout, with everything from designing and landscaping to electrics and plumbing requiring installing but that was nothing compared to the projects I was used to working on. I knew I had a big task ahead of me.
I had initially purchased the Trullo at a cost including fees of €100k, and had an estimated time frame of around 2 years; my daughter was a baby and I had hoped to use it before she started school.
Fairly quickly I realised the naivety of my decision. My experiences of building projects in the UK meant I had grossly underestimated the time it would take to get planning approval and to build the property itself in Italy. That laid-back, unhurried pace of life I had been so greatly taken in by meant almost 4 years of patience would be required, much longer than I estimated, but the result was worth every second.
The culture and building practices was another problem. I soon realised I was trying to get a northern European build quality in a location of predominantly small trade’s men, not the commercial builders I was used to.
But finally, after 4 years my beautiful property is finished and I am absolutely delighted with it. I was able to create a beautiful and unique 2nd home, built with my specific needs in mind, in a wonderfully picturesque location.
Overall, the project came over budget, but the estimated selling price would be around 1 million euros and the rental market in Puglia is currently very buoyant so I can attest that the investment has surpassed my expectations. I took an impulsive risk with not a totally smooth ride, but it resulted in a fantastic outcome.
A realisation followed that there is a lack of well built “keys in hand” properties and indeed that most people do not have the time, energy or propensity to take on a new build project.
Having survived one construction project and with my newly found Puglian build confidence, I set about looking for another project.
Sea view properties are now getting more difficult to come by, but the moment I saw the plot at Carovigno, I knew I had found something special. To wake up every morning and look down the escarpment to the coastline of the Adriatic, while positioned amid an ancient olive grove in a tranquil place. What utter peace!
The villa itself has been built to exacting standards of high quality build, the landscaping has incorporated lots of dry stone walls which are a feature of the local landscape, and is now ready for an immediate owner, with no need to wait for lengthy permissions.
Thinking of buying something similar? You can enjoy the rewards of renovating yourself or buy the final project direct from an expert in Pulia. Carovigno is marketed by Premier Immobiliare. Located in Ostuni, Puglia, Premier Immobiliare offers property for sale and rent and is proud of the contribution it has made to the local property market.
With over 10 years’ experience in the field, the staff at Premier Immobiliare operates with the highest standards of honesty, reliability, and professionalism, and have staff that speak Italian and English. Whatever your needs Premier Immobiliare is here to help you.
The views and comments herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Rightmove Overseas, Rightmove Group Ltd or Rightmove Plc