Get Lost in Italy

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My move from California to Italy. Why Guardia Sanframondi? Perché Guardia?

The first thing the locals ask you when you tell them you have moved here permanently is “Perche?” “Why?” That’s not always an easy answer for me because I knew nothing about the Campania region or Guardia before my move. I had planned to move to Sicily or the Marche region in the North, but never Campania.

Guardia Sanframondi watercolor

Most foreigners who live here full-time or have vacation homes found Guardia through the TV show, House Hunter’s International, or friends or family who bought because of seeing the show. This little village has been featured on the program four times which is pretty amazing!   Guardia is a hilltop town of about 5,000 residents and up until recent years, it was not a place where expats were moving. Now, the historical center is being revived with the purchase of these homes by expats and Italians from other regions.  

I found Guardia by pure coincidence. While talking to my sister about wishing I knew someone who had bought a property in Italy, she told me her friend had recently purchased one in a village in Southern Italy and was traveling there soon. So long story short, I contacted the friend, met her at the Rome airport, and traveled to Guardia for the first time. Within a week, I bought a property! I was just as surprised as everyone else.

What’s special about Guardia? Here are just a few things:

  • Wine We are surrounded by a beautiful wine region known for its Falanghina, Aglianico, Greco, and Barbera wines. Guardia and four other nearby towns were awarded the European City of Wine 2019

  • Beauty The views are incredible with most homes facing the valley below and the Taburno mountains to the South To the West is the Matese mountain range which is spectacular

  • Location It’s centrally located with a train station only 15 minutes away in Telese Terme, known for its thermal waters. We are only a 1 ½ hour drive to Napoli and the Amalfi Coast and about the same distance to the Adriatic Sea to the east. You can get to Pompeii, Positano, Roma, or the Puglia region for a day or weekend trip easily by car or train

  • Slow Food The slow food movement is just a way of life here. Local fruits and veggies are available year-round at local vendors and weekend markets. Vinalia is a week-long wine festival held every August with music, food and drink stalls, chef shows in the Castello, and traditional dance performance

  • Affordable Since most of the historical center was abandoned or the homes needed major renovation, I was able to buy property at a very reasonable price and renovate. It wasn’t easy but I now have two beautiful apartments - one for me and one for family and friends

  • Exercise Guardia is your own personal stair stepper. It’s a hilltop town and there is no getting around the workout you’ll get just from running errands. You’ll need that stair workout after eating the delicious, locally made bufala mozzarella!

Fishermen - Positano, Amalfi Coast

Matese Mountains in Winter 2018

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