November 20th 2024.
As the world continues to process the news of Donald Trump's re-election, one small village on the picturesque island of Sardinia has been buzzing with excitement. Ollolai, like many other rural communities in Italy, has been struggling with depopulation for decades. However, they have come up with a unique solution to revive their fortunes and it involves offering dilapidated houses for as little as one euro.
The idea of selling homes for such a low price may seem too good to be true, but for Ollolai, it's a way to entice outsiders to move in and bring new life to the village. With the recent US election results, the village has launched a website specifically targeted towards American expats. They are hoping that those who are unhappy with the outcome of the election will see this as an opportunity to start a new life in a beautiful European escape.
The village's mayor, Francesco Columbu, spoke to CNN about the website and its intentions. He expressed his love for the United States and his belief that Americans are the perfect fit to help revive their community. He stated, "We just really want, and will focus on, Americans above all. We can't of course ban people from other countries to apply, but Americans will have a fast-track procedure. We are betting on them to help us revive the village, they are our winning card."
The website is designed to appeal to those who may be feeling overwhelmed by global politics and are looking for a more balanced lifestyle. It asks, "Are you worned out by global politics? Looking to embrace a more balanced lifestyle while securing new opportunities?" It then goes on to invite potential buyers to start their European escape in the stunning paradise of Sardinia.
The village is now offering three tiers of accommodation: free temporary homes to certain digital nomads, one euro homes in need of renovations, and ready-to-occupy houses for prices up to $160,000. The mayor has even set up a special team to help guide interested buyers through the entire process, from touring the available properties to navigating the necessary paperwork.
Ollolai's population has been steadily declining over the past century, with only a handful of babies being born each year. Many families left the village in search of better opportunities, leaving behind empty homes and a shrinking community. The website mentions that the village is looking for people of all ages, pensioners, remote workers, and entrepreneurs who are interested in opening a small business in the village.
While the offer of preferential treatment to Americans may seem controversial, Columbu explains that the website was created specifically to meet the post-election relocation needs of US citizens. He also adds, "We have specifically created this website now to meet US post-elections relocation needs. The first edition of our digital nomad scheme which launched last year was already solely for Americans."
Ollolai has previously tried to attract new residents with various housing schemes, such as selling homes for one euro and renting working spaces for the same price. They have also launched a "work from Ollolai" program for digital nomads, where four Americans have been hosted in fully equipped dwellings in exchange for creating something for the community.
While the village has had some success with these initiatives, with 10 homes being sold and renovated since 2018, there are still about 100 unoccupied homes available for purchase. The village is hoping that this new website will bring in more interested buyers and help to revive their community.
Ollolai may be off the beaten track, but it offers a simpler way of life for those looking to unplug and live in a wild mountain region. The village boasts fresh air, beautiful views, and a strong sense of community. It is also well-known for its locally produced cheese and hosts events throughout the year, such as the cortes apertas in the fall and a masked carnival in February.
Overall, Ollolai's new website is a testament to the village's determination to revive their community and their belief that Americans are the perfect fit to help them achieve this goal. With its stunning location and affordable housing options, it may just be the perfect opportunity for those looking for a change of pace and a new adventure.
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