When Tony Grimshaw found himself starting a new chapter in life after separation, he made a bold and inspiring choice – to buy and renovate a house in Italy.
Tony Grimshaw had long toyed with the idea of owning a place in Italy. A seasoned visitor to the country, he knew the charm it held, but it wasn’t until later in life that he decided to turn the dream into something real.
Having separated from his wife, Tony set on the path to something different: a new life and a new home, in Italy.
His destination was the lesser-known western stretch of Liguria, that slice of Italy tucked between Genoa and the French border. “It’s between the big resorts, so it’s quieter and less touristy. For me, that’s nicer.”
Finding the right village
Tony didn’t rush into anything. Over the course of a year or more, he visited Liguria regularly, gradually narrowing down where he might want to live. He eventually settled on Ceriana, pictured above, a hilltop village above Sanremo with a strong sense of community.
Find your own properties for sale in Sanremo and Liguria.
“There are only a thousand people but it has three bars, two restaurants, three grocery shops, two butchers. It’s unbelievable, but it works. Everyone from kids to ancients uses the bars. It’s the culture.”
Spending time in the village before buying turned out to be essential. “Don’t buy blind or from a brochure,” he says. “Spend a week there, see how it all works, where you’ll park, how you’ll shop, how the streets are laid out. That’s not always obvious at first.”
A home with potential and purpose
Initially, Tony had his eye on a rustic country property, a classic rustico surrounded by land and olives. “I quite fancied one of those, a little plot to fix up,” he says. “Luckily, my brain kicked in and said, ‘Not at your age, that’d be stupid.’”
Instead, he bought a solid village house with structure and promise. It cost just €60,000 and came with multiple floors, a garage and views of the river. “The upper floor was completely empty, but the roof had been done. I could imagine three or four bedrooms up there. I can live in it while the work’s happening. It’s a proper project, but a doable one.”
Working with a local geometra and a team of trusted tradespeople, Tony is overseeing a gradual renovation.
Despite its low cost the property is large and has a good-sized garden overlooking the river. Tony also wants to buy a patch of land next door: “It’s the kind of thing you could never do in England, but in Italy it’s possible. If anything it’s too cheap – being only worth €1,000 or so the landowner isn’t motivated to sell it.”
Creating a family base
The house isn’t just for Tony. It’s also meant as a base for his children and grandchildren, somewhere for family and friends to visit. Though he and his wife are separated, they remain close, and she has visited several times. “It’s going to be a family home for the grandkids, for after me,” he says.
He’s already planning extra bedrooms upstairs to make the home more accommodating for visits.
Tony’s perfect Italian renovation also involves his hope to buy a plot of land behind the house to create a proper garden. “It’s only worth about €1,000, so the landowner doesn’t see the point in selling. I’m working on persuading him.”
Managing the practicalities
Tony has applied for Italian residency to make day-to-day life easier. “You even need to be a resident to buy a car,” he says. Though he’s not applying for citizenship, residency gives him freedom to spend extended periods without worrying about visas.
Tony uses Smart Currency Exchange for transfers. “I’ve found them very efficient”, he says
He also set up an Italian bank account and uses Smart Currency Exchange for transfers. “I’ve found them very efficient,” he says. “It’s been beneficial. I’m funding this from the sale of the family home, so I’ve had the capital available.”
Living the Italian lifestyle
Life in Liguria suits Tony. “The weather’s better. It’s a short drive to the beach, you can get a boat, go cycling. It’s freedom.”
He’s an avid cyclist, and the surrounding hills provide the perfect terrain. “The ride from Sanremo to the village is about 300 metres uphill. I haven’t done it yet. It’s not that I can’t, I just don’t want to pedal uphill all that way.”
He’s also been eyeing the boats in Sanremo harbour and debating whether to try sailing.
Tony has also made new friends. “There are a few English, Polish, Dutch, but it’s mostly Italians, which is great.” His Italian is improving too, though he admits it’s a work in progress. “I understand most things, but speaking’s harder. I already speak some French, so I get a bit mixed up. But it’s not a barrier.”
Property and practical thinking
Ceriana, like many Italian villages, has its quirks. “Some houses don’t have vehicle access, which might not be obvious when you first visit. I bought a place with a garage and access from the road; that made all the difference.”
And while Liguria isn’t as hot as parts of the south, climate still factored into his decision. “I’m up at about 300 metres, so even in summer, it’s five or six degrees cooler than the coast. That really helps.”
The final word: just go for it
Tony is clear about his advice to others considering a move like his. “You’ve got to do it. Don’t be afraid. The problems are solvable.”
But he’s just as clear about the importance of research. “Get to know the area first. Walk the streets. Sit in the cafés. Figure out how life actually works. Then, if it feels right, go for it.”
He doesn’t worry about resale value. “It probably won’t be worth what I spend. But who cares? If the family enjoy it and it becomes what they need, that’s what matters.”
Thinking of buying in Italy? If you’re feeling inspired by Tony’s story, you’re not alone. Whether you’re ready to explore properties or just starting to consider your options, Your Overseas Home is here to help.
The property for Tony’s Italian renovation only cost €60,000. If you’re looking for affordable properties for sale in Italy, check out these Italian property options all for under €100,000.
