Tranquility in Sicily: How a businesswoman found her second home in Italy

The tale of Stephanie SinclairThe 41-year-old business owner from Atlanta is inspired and determined.

Sinclair, leader of the tea company Larue 1680, I recently achieved my dream of buying a house in Sicily, Italy for $62,000.

This acquisition was an important milestone in her life, allowing her to divide her time between the hustle and bustle of the United States and the serene landscapes of Italy.

Her path to owning property abroad began with a search for affordable living space, which led her to the charming Sicilian town of Mussomeli. CNBC reports that Sinclair first encountered Sicily 10 years ago, which ignited her love for the region.

“When I got tired of people telling me when to take my lunch break, I decided it was time to leave corporate America,” she told CNBC. “I wish it was deeper.”

As an entrepreneur, Sinclair was able to work remotely and developed an interest in exploring the world. Her first trip abroad, her search for economical flights, took her to Palermo, Sicily.

She was deeply moved by the warm welcome she received from the locals and planted the seeds for her future home in Sicily.

“I’ve always said I could see myself living here, but it was more like a dream,” she added. “I never really saw myself buying a house here. I don’t know if I really thought it was possible at the time.”

With U.S. home prices soaring during the pandemic, Sinclair’s attention turned to international markets. This her search led her to discover attractively priced real estate in Sicily.

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She connected with a local real estate company known for offering affordable properties that require minimal renovation.

In March 2022, Sinclair completed the purchase of her dream home. He bought the spacious three-bedroom, two-bathroom property for 59,000 euros (about $62,000). She allocated approximately 20,000 euros ($21,000) and embarked on a renovation project to enhance her home while preserving its historic essence.

Life in Sicily offered Sinclair a more relaxed pace than life in America. She enjoys the low cost of living, the abundance of fresh, affordable local produce, and the community’s laid-back lifestyle.

Her main expense in Sicily is car rental, which is essential for exploring the local area.

I had very little savings in my 20s, but it wasn’t until my 30s that I started my savings journey. Initially, she established weekly automatic transfers from checking to savings, adjusting her amounts if she exceeded her business goals. She realized that she needed to make up for lost time, and she took proactive steps.

As of October, Sinclair had about $14,000 in savings, $33,000 in a Roth IRA and $950,000 in a brokerage account.

Looking to the future, Sinclair envisions retiring to Sicily, attracted by the possibility of a comfortable lifestyle on a modest budget. She plans to spend more time in Italy after her son graduates from high school and eventually make Sicily her permanent home.

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Photo: Shutterstock

This story is part of a series of features on success. Benzinga Inspire.

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