Meredith Tabbone’s journey of buying and renovating a 1-euro home in Italy started as a way for her to reconnect with her family history. After learning about a town in Italy, Sambuca di Sicilia, auctioning off abandoned properties for as low as 1 euro, Tabbone saw an opportunity to explore her roots as her great-grandfather was originally from the same town. Winning the bid, she spent nearly $475,000 on her dream home in Sambuca di Sicilia, including the cost of renovations over the course of four years.
Tabbone’s experience in Italy taught her valuable lessons about work, life, friendships, and happiness. Initially coming from a fast-paced environment in Chicago, Tabbone had to adjust to the slower pace of life in Sicily. Despite setbacks caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, she found herself immersing deeply into the local community and making lasting friendships. Tabbone discovered that making friends in Sicily was easier than in the U.S. due to the culture of socializing and being around people every day.
The slower lifestyle in Sicily allowed Tabbone to rethink her work-life balance and prioritize personal fulfillment over work. As a financial advisor with a busy schedule, the experience in Italy prompted her to focus more on personal goals and saying “no” to work commitments that did not align with her values. Tabbone’s newfound perspective on work and life has translated into her time back in Chicago, where she strives to be more efficient with her time and prioritize personal growth.
Despite the challenges and setbacks faced during the renovation process, Tabbone only has one regret from her 1-euro project: not embracing slower living sooner. She acknowledges that learning to have patience and enjoy the experience from the beginning would have made the journey more fulfilling. However, Tabbone remains content with her decision to undertake the project in Sambuca di Sicilia, as she never felt that it was the wrong place for her to be or the wrong project to work on.
Overall, Tabbone’s experience in Italy has provided her with valuable insights on work, life, and relationships. The journey of buying and renovating her dream home has allowed her to appreciate the importance of personal fulfillment, building meaningful connections, and embracing a slower pace of life. While the project had its challenges, Tabbone’s decision to embark on this adventure in Sicily has left her with a newfound perspective and a sense of contentment.
