Imagine buying a house without even seeing it! That’s exactly what Meredith Tabbone, a financial advisor from Chicago, did in 2019. Italy was auctioning abandoned homes for as low as $1.05 (about ₹90). With her roots in the village of Sambuca di Sicilia, Meredith decided to give it a shot. Little did she know that her bid would land her a 17th-century house with no electricity, no running water, and “two feet of pigeon poop on the floor!”
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| (Photo Credit: @meredith.tabbone/Instagram) Meredith Tabbone Purchases Italian House For Just Rs 85 |
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Fast forward four years and $446,000 (around ₹3.8 crore) later, and Meredith can finally call it home.
A Journey Filled with Challenges
When Meredith first saw the house, it was in terrible condition. “The state of this property was dire at best,” she shared. Despite countless moments of frustration and exhaustion, she stayed determined. Why? Because Sambuca wasn’t just any village—it was where her great-grandfather lived before moving to the U.S. in 1908.
This picturesque hilltop town, overlooking the Mediterranean and nearby beaches, had been struggling with depopulation. To breathe life back into the community, the local government put abandoned houses on the market for just over a dollar.
Taking a Leap of Faith
Meredith didn’t even visit the property before bidding on it. In May 2019, she received the exciting news: she had won! For $6,200 (a little over ₹5 lakh), she officially became the owner of her new home. But there was a catch—the house was too small for her needs. So, she bought the one next door for $23,000 (about ₹19.5 lakh) and combined the two into a single, cozy home.
Renovating the property, however, was no easy task. While Meredith initially budgeted $40,000 (₹34 lakh), the project eventually cost close to ₹4 crore. She hired an entire team for the renovation, focusing her energy on designing her dream home.
A Home Full of Memories
Today, Meredith’s Italian home is not just a property—it’s a connection to her family’s past. Although she’s received tempting offers to sell it, Meredith has made it clear: this home is not for sale.
Sambuca’s Revival Story
Inspired by success stories like Meredith’s, Sambuca di Sicilia continues to offer properties for auction. This time, prices start at $3 (around ₹260). Since the program began, over 250 homes have been sold, bringing in a wave of new residents and generating $21.5 million for the local economy.
The town’s mayor, Giuseppe Cacioppo, couldn’t be happier. “Our town is now definitely on the map,” he said. Sambuca’s charm is attracting people from all over the world, and more sales are expected in the future.
A Dream Worth Chasing
Meredith’s story is proof that sometimes, taking a leap of faith can lead to something truly extraordinary. Sambuca di Sicilia isn’t just a place—it’s a reminder that even the most abandoned corners of the world can be filled with life, love, and dreams waiting to be realized. Wouldn’t you agree?
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