For many, the idea of buying a home in Italy is a dream—one filled with cobblestone streets, slow afternoons in piazzas, and a life embraced by la dolce vita. But what does it really take to make that move, especially as a solo woman? For sisters Lorrah and Lisa of The Amateurs Abroad, that dream became reality, but not without its share of surprises, challenges, and unexpected joys.
Listen to the full interview on our podcast “Italy Answered”.
Originally from Northern California and Arizona, Lorrah made the leap first, purchasing a home in Mussomeli, Sicily, after extensive research, an intuitive decision, and perhaps, a bit of spontaneous adventure. Lisa, a special education teacher, spends her summers in Italy, balancing her U.S. career with long stretches of time abroad. Together, they document their journey on social media, growing an audience of over 150,000 followers across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, offering an unfiltered look at life as foreigners in Italy.
In this Chat with an Expat, they share the realities of buying a home in Italy as a solo woman, the truth behind 1 Euro homes, why Mussomeli stood out, and how their journey became an unexpected online success. Their story, timed perfectly for International Women’s Day (Festa della Donna) on March 8, serves as an empowering message for women looking to embrace change, adventure, and a new life abroad.
What led you to move to Italy? (02:16)
Lorrah: I had been traveling internationally every year, and every time I visited Italy, it felt like home. The moment that solidified it for me was when I took my nephew to Italy for his high school graduation trip. We were walking down the street, and I told him, “We need to make this happen.” I’d always look at real estate listings, thinking, I could buy that one, I could make this work. At first, I had a ridiculous plan to start a kettle corn business in Florence—because they don’t have kettle corn here! But then, after COVID, I realized how much I valued the ability to travel freely. I thought, What if I buy something inexpensive as a home base? So, I started researching. When I finally came to Mussomeli, I bought a house the next day.
Lisa: We all thought she was crazy at first! When she told us she found a place in Mussomeli, we were like, Okay, Aunt Lorrah has lost her mind. But when I visited, I saw it was legit.
Why did you choose Mussomeli? (11:47)
Lorrah: Mussomeli was getting a lot of publicity because of the 1 Euro Home Program, so it was much easier to find information about it compared to other towns. But what really convinced me was the expat community and the town’s commitment to revitalization.
A lot of the 1 Euro towns in Italy are just trying to sell off abandoned homes and pay off debts, but Mussomeli is reinvesting in itself. The mayor secured over 7 million euros in grants to renovate the town—fiber optic internet, solar streetlights, new piazzas, improved infrastructure. It wasn’t just about attracting foreigners to buy homes; they were building a thriving town for both locals and expats. And you can see the difference—more restaurants, more young people staying, a vibrant community. That’s what made Mussomeli special.
Did you actually buy a 1 Euro home? (14:23)
Lorrah: No. And I’m so glad I didn’t!
The reality is that 1 Euro homes need extensive renovations. When you do the math, most need at least 30,000 to 50,000 euros to become livable. Plus, the time investment is huge. Construction moves slowly here—things can take years.
For me, I didn’t want to spend two years waiting to start my life. I wanted to buy something already livable. There are plenty of houses in Mussomeli for around 30,000 euros that only need cosmetic updates. That was the smarter choice for me.
How did The Amateurs Abroad start? (20:09)
Lorrah: At first, it was just for family. Lisa, our mom, our brother—we were all spread out across different states. I would send them pictures and updates about the house, and then they’d start sharing with friends. Eventually, we realized, Okay, people are interested in this!
We needed a name, and I wanted something that made it clear we had no idea what we were doing—so we called it The Amateurs Abroad.
Lisa: And then it just took off! I remember turning on the TV one day and seeing our faces pop up on YouTube—I freaked out! It’s incredible how much our audience has grown since we started sharing our journey.
What is life like as a solo woman in Italy? (49:18)
Lorrah: I have never felt safer in my life. That was something I didn’t expect. Here, when people say hello, it’s just “Hello.” There’s no sizing you up, no ulterior motives. It’s so different from the U.S.
People always ask, “Aren’t you afraid of squatters?” No! Because my neighbors watch out for me like family. If something is off, they notice before I do. Italian nonnas make better security than any alarm system.
How is Festa della Donna celebrated in Sicily? (46:05)
Lorrah: I didn’t even know it was a thing until I was here! Everywhere I went, people were giving each other yellow mimosa flowers and saying congratulations. I was like, Did I win something? Turns out, it’s a huge deal. It’s almost like Valentine’s Day, but for all women—mothers, daughters, sisters, friends. It’s a really beautiful celebration of women.
What advice would you give women considering this move? (49:18)
Lorrah: Just do it. If it doesn’t work out, you can always go back—but at least you tried.
For me, I looked at my life and thought, How many good summers do I have left? I didn’t want to waste time waiting for “someday.” The buy-in was affordable. Even if it only lasted five years, that would have been five years of adventure, new experiences, and living my dream.
And honestly? I can’t see myself ever going back.
Take the Leap!
Lorrah and Lisa’s journey is more than just a home-buying story; it’s about embracing adventure, overcoming fears, and redefining life on their own terms. Their success on social media is proof of how much people crave real, unfiltered experiences about moving to Italy.
As they continue to share their journey, they encourage other women to take the leap—whether that means buying a home in Italy, traveling solo, or simply stepping outside their comfort zone. Because as they’ve learned, the only real mistake is never trying at all.
Follow The Amateurs Abroad on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook for more insights into life in Italy.
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