Firefly is a website for people interested in three beautiful but very different regions of Italy: Le Marche in central Italy, Puglia down in the heel, and the Mediterranean island of Sardinia.

We are an English couple living in Dorset, and having owned a second home in Italy since 2001, and a third since 2006, we believe we are well placed to help other British people thinking of doing the same.

During and after buying and renovating our house, Casa Rosa, in the Le Marche region of eastern central Italy, we learnt a great deal about the potential pitfalls of the venture, and accumulated plenty of know-how to avoid them.

So confident did we become that, five years on, we bought a second Italian property. This one, Casa Limone, is in Puglia in Italy’s deep south. It was a new-build and, unlike so many purchases made by foreigners in Italy, it proved remarkably hassle-free and exciting.

We bought Casa Rosa because we had fallen under Italy’s spell and wanted to buy into it to add a wonderful new dimension to our lives. We have certainly done that, and since the renovation was completed in the summer of 2003, we have spent roughly a week per month there.

We have made occasional improvements and additions to the property, including purchasing several hectares of surrounding land – the vineyard, olive grove and meadows are looked after by tenant farmers, who pay us their ‘rent’ in oil and wine.

Occasionally we let out the house to help with the running costs – there is never a shortage of potential tenants – and throughout the period of our ownership, the value of Casa Rosa has risen steadily.

Then in 2006 we bought Casa Limone for three principal reasons: firstly because we discovered that property values in Puglia were growing at between 25% and 30% per year, making it one of Europe’s genuine property hot-spots; secondly because Puglia’s popularity with holidaymakers meant there was a very strong letting market; and thirdly so that we could use it ourselves for winter sunshine. All our aims have been met.

Now, as a result of making many good friends and contacts in various parts of Italy – trustworthy people on whom we know we can rely – we are acting as UK agents for developers, real estate agents or private individuals looking to sell or let properties in Italy.

We see our role as informing the British about the benefits of investing in Le Marche, Puglia and Sardinia and helping to smooth the way for those who want to explore further.
Because we have ‘been there and done it’ we believe we understand the way the British approach such important matters, and are well placed to try and allay fears, solve problems, answer queries and liaise with Italians.

We are not estate agents and we are certainly not sales people. We are enablers, acting as a conduit between the Italian property market and potential purchasers in the UK.

We have been through the entire house-buying process twice. With the first property, we also endured the sometimes traumatic process of having major renovation work done – so we know from first-hand experience how stressful it can be without good communications and sympathetic support.

We also know how wonderfully rewarding it can be when you finally own a little bit of Italy.

The portfolio pages of Firefly contain a broad selection of properties but if you don’t see what you are looking for, let us know what you have in mind. Our Italian contacts will do their very best to locate exactly the right property for you.

We can steer you in the right direction should you require a mortgage on an Italian property, and can also help ensure that you get the best possible exchange rates if you are sending money overseas.

If you plan to use your new property as a holiday home, we can put you in touch with reliable people to look after it in your absence, and prepare it for tenants and for you whenever you need it.

Click on to the Le Marche, Puglia and Sardinia pages on this website to read about these wonderful regions that are among Italy’s best-kept secrets and, if the idea appeals, have a look at the portfolio pages, too.

And if you fancy the idea of sampling the pleasures and treasures of Puglia for an unforgettable holiday, have a look at our apartment, Casa Limone, on this website (go to Puglia/holiday rental).

If you want to know more, get in touch with us – we’re here to help.