Mayor Selling Sicillian Villas for 1 Euro Each

Psst! Want Sicilian villas with a spectacular view of the Mediterranean? They're yours for just one euro - as long as you restore the homes, which were abandoned after an earthquake 40 years ago:

In the picturesque hilltop town of Salemi in western Sicily, the mayor is selling old stone villas in the historic town center for one euro (approximately $1.41) apiece. The catch? These villas were damaged in the 1968 earthquake, and have stood unoccupied and deteriorating for the past 40 years. Sound appealing? Once you buy the villa, you must restore it in two years in a way that respects its original character and in accordance with the architectural standards established by the town council; you must also hire local builders, architects, decorators, and plumbers to do the work, reports Times Online, "since the aim of the scheme is to help the local economy."

Link - Thanks Marilyn! | Photo: Praecepitum [Flickr]

Previously on Neatorama: Foreclosed Home For Sale For Just $1

I recall reading a book about a couple who retired to Italy to restore a run-down villa, and it ended up completely ruining them, thanks mainly to trickery and gouging by local labour. It was fiction, but after being to Italy, I wouldn't be surprised if these $1 houses turned into a nightmare for anyone foolhardy enough to try. Especially in Sicily, where so much run by the mob.

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I had heard about this one town in Italy that was completely abandoned after an earthquake (or maybe a volcano). I wonder if this is just like that.

I wish I had the money to do so. If they caught me a year ago, back when I was searching for a place to restore (and had my friends as personal, free - as long as I fed them - labor). Bah Bah Bah!

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Cool. Not sure if I could afford the plane ride over there, though. The villa, yes. How's that for irony?

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Really nice ! I'd love to see such an opportunity in France, near Paris would be just fine ^^...but in Sicily it sadly sounds a bit too scary to me (Mafia & stuff...)