Dozens of Italian towns are selling off old houses at cheap prices, attracting foreigners looking for a year-round sunshine spot, a vacation retreat, or the opportunity to live their Italian dream. However, one American family has decided to make this move to start a new life far from the United States.
In 2019, the Dawkins family purchased a charming home in the town of Latronico, located within the pristine Pollino National Park in the southern region of Basilicata. They were inspired by an article on CNN that highlighted Latronico’s initiative to sell already inhabitable houses at affordable prices, rather than ruins. The town advertises available properties on a dedicated website.
Nadine Dawkins, a retired former soldier and businesswoman, felt a deep connection to Italy due to her Italian ancestry. Her great-great-grandfather was Italian, and she always wanted to return after hearing stories from her nonna. After years of serving as a soldier in the region, she and her husband brought their children to see their ancestral roots.
The family’s decision to leave the United States in 2020 was influenced by the murder of George Floyd, which shed light on centuries of mistreatment of Black people in America. They felt that the racism, divisiveness, and hate brought to the forefront by the previous administration had caused an “exodus” of Black people who could afford to leave the country.
Nadine’s 30-year career in the military and her husband’s work for the US government paved the way for their move. They plan to first move to Panama before making the final leap to Latronico. While they don’t know the exact town their ancestor hailed from, buying a cheap home in Latronico provided them with an opportunity to reconnect with their roots.
The Dawkins family found support and assistance from the deputy mayor, Vincenzo Castellano, and his assistant, Mariangela Tortorella, who helped them navigate the sales process and find local firms to renovate and furnish their home. They trusted Castellano to handle technical issues and the translation of the purchase deed into English.
Their three-story home in Latronico’s historic quarter required minimal renovation to suit their needs. The exterior received a fresh coat of paint, but otherwise, the house was ready for them to start their new life in Italy.