Chicago Woman Spends Nearly Half a Million to Build Dream Home in Italy

Meredith Tabbone, a financial advisor living in Chicago, has spent five years and close to half a million dollars on her dream home in Italy. She discovered the town of Sambuca di Sicilia, where abandoned properties were being auctioned off for 1 euro ($1.05), while also tracing her family history to the same town. She placed a successful bid on a property and, after further investments, turned both her properties into a vacation home that she plans to use for four months a year and for hosting guests. The experience has led her to rethink her approach to work and personal fulfillment, and she has plans to preserve the homes for the community even after her passing.

Connecting Past and Future

Meredith Tabbone, a financial advisor residing in Chicago, has devoted five years and nearly half a million dollars to cultivating her dream residence in Italy. Her journey commenced when she stumbled upon the town of Sambuca di Sicilia, where a unique opportunity awaited: abandoned properties were being auctioned off for the astonishingly low price of 1 euro ($1.05). Simultaneously, in a heartwarming twist of fate, Tabbone was immersed in tracing her family history and discovered a connection to the very same town where her forebear had once lived. This confluence of events inspired her to participate in the property auction, marking the beginning of an extraordinary venture that would lead to the creation of her idyllic retreat.

Transforming Properties into a Dream Home

After successfully acquiring a property through the auction, Tabbone's aspirations took a significant turn when she made a further investment to acquire an adjacent property. This dual acquisition opened avenues for extensive renovations, resulting in the transformation of two properties into a cohesive vacation home. The completed residence now boasts a harmonious blend of modern comforts, including two primary bedrooms, two guest bedrooms, a stylish kitchen, a spacious dining area adorned with a gallery wall of photography, a library, a cozy living room, a dry-heat sauna, and two terraces, one of which features a pizza oven and outdoor dining space.

Despite the initial auction bid being a mere 1 euro for the property, Tabbone's unwavering commitment to her dream was reflected in her subsequent investments. With a goal of creating a space where friends and family could gather, she engaged in extensive structural changes to the buildings. This included breaking down walls to open up common areas, ensuring earthquake safety by adding steel beams, and adding terraces to enhance the outdoor experience. Inspired by her late architect father, Tabbone named the home Casa dell'Architetto as a tribute to his memory.

Rethinking Work and Personal Fulfillment

This ambitious undertaking has not only resulted in the realization of her dream home but has also prompted Tabbone to introspect on her approach to work and personal fulfillment. The experience has encouraged her to assess her priorities and values, steering her towards a more holistic perspective on life. Tabbone envisions her property in Italy as a bridge that connects her past and future. It serves as a means for her to reconnect with her father's lineage, while also embodying a space she has diligently crafted for herself. The home symbolizes a shift in her outlook, emphasizing the importance of enjoying life and achieving a better work-life balance.