Meet Vito Andrea Racanelli, a 47-year-old former US attorney who has left behind the country of his ancestors for an Italian farmhouse worth over $1 million. In August 2024, Racanelli and his family made the move from Denver to Tuscany, Italy, where they now live in a centuries-old farmhouse.
Racanelli’s decision to move was influenced by his desire for a more active, safer, and adventurous lifestyle surrounded by nature. The family had previously visited Italy together and fell in love with its landscapes, architecture, and warm people. After selling their house in Colorado and gaining Italian citizenship through Racanelli’s grandmother, the family took a leap of faith and moved to Radicondoli, a tiny village in Tuscany.
The farmhouse, named “Podere Doglio,” was purchased for 945,000 euros ($1.1 million) and comes with five hectares of land and a pool. The property has been in the same family for centuries and is thought to date back to the 1750s. Racanelli’s family currently lives in one section of the property while work continues on the rest of the estate.
Racanelli warns foreign buyers about the Italian property market, saying that buying real estate can be completely different from what they’re used to. He advises hiring a real estate attorney, accountant, and architect-surveyor to help with the process. One of the main drawbacks is that Italy’s system heavily protects the seller, meaning due diligence should be completed before making any offer.
Despite the challenges, Racanelli and his family are loving their new life in Radicondoli. The village has a lively vibe, lack of crowds, and “unsurpassed” natural surroundings. They appreciate the sense of community, lifestyle, weather, architecture, history, and food that Italy has to offer.
Racanelli’s favorite hobby is batik painting, and he hopes to one day open a vacation rental in Radicondoli and a small art gallery showcasing his own work. He says that Radicondoli is the most idyllic and unique place he has ever lived in.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/travel/american-man-1-million-new-home-italy