Retiring in Sicily: The Unexpected Reason We Gave Up Our Ocean View Villa

The allure of Sicily is undeniable. Images of sun-drenched coastlines, ancient ruins whispering tales of bygone eras, and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle dance in the minds of many dreaming of retiring in Sicily. 

We were no exception. Our dream home in Italy was set on a stunning 2,200-square-foot villa in Carini, a property that promised breathtaking ocean views and luxurious finishes. We envisioned a tranquil retirement immersed in the beauty and rich history of this captivating Italian island. 

However, as often happens, life took an unexpected turn. Unforeseen circumstances led us to make a more pragmatic decision, one that prioritized long-term sustainability and well-being over the initial allure of aesthetic grandeur. 

In this blog, we’ll share the key reasons behind our decision to give up the villa and embrace a simpler, more practical home.

What We’ll Explore: A Roadmap of Our Decision

• Key Factors Driving Our Decision
• Embracing Simplicity: Choosing a Ground-Floor Cottage
• Finding Positivity in Challenges
• Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Timeline

Key Factors Driving Our Decision: A Closer Look

Several critical factors converged to influence our decision to forgo the villa and embrace a simpler lifestyle. These weren’t impulsive choices; they were the result of careful consideration, prayerful reflection, and a deep focus on our long-term well-being.

1. Navigating Uncertainty:

   As we approached the anticipated date of Croce’s retirement, a new governmental agency, the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), was established. While we fully support the agency’s mission to improve government efficiency, its formation introduced a significant degree of uncertainty surrounding my remote work position. 

This position was a crucial component of our retirement income strategy. The potential instability of this income stream forced us to adopt a more fiscally conservative approach to our retirement planning. 

We realized that relying on a potentially fluctuating income while simultaneously maintaining a large, expensive property was not a sustainable long-term strategy. This realization served as the primary catalyst for re-evaluating our housing needs and seeking a more financially secure foundation for our retirement living. 

We needed a living situation that would provide stability regardless of potential changes in our income.

2. Health and Accessibility:

   A second, deeply personal factor played a significant role in our decision: my long-term health. At the age of nine, I was involved in a serious car accident that resulted in severe injuries, including a crushed hip and internal damage. Although I have led an active life, the need for a total hip replacement has become increasingly apparent. 

The villa we chose for retirement living, with its multiple levels and a particularly steep wooden staircase, presented a considerable accessibility challenge. We had to confront the reality that navigating these stairs could become progressively more difficult, potentially limiting my mobility and significantly impacting our quality of life in the long run. 

Choosing a single-level dwelling became a non-negotiable priority to ensure long-term comfort, independence, and the ability to enjoy our retirement years fully. This decision was not simply about short-term convenience; it was about proactively planning for the future and ensuring that our home would remain a sanctuary, not a source of daily struggle and potential injury.

Embracing Simplicity: Choosing a Ground-Floor Cottage

After much thoughtful deliberation and prayer, we opted for a charming ground-floor cottage located in Sopra, Carini. While it may lack the grandeur and expansive views of the villa, this two-bedroom, one-bathroom residence offers precisely what we now prioritize: practicality, comfort, and peace of mind. 

Its manageable, single-level layout ensures ease of movement and eliminates the accessibility concerns posed by the villa’s multiple floors and steep staircase. This feature alone provides us with immeasurable peace of mind and fosters a more sustainable and comfortable living arrangement for the years to come. 

The cottage represents a conscious shift in our priorities, moving away from external displays of grandeur towards a focus on internal comfort, accessibility, and long-term well-being.

Finding Positivity in Challenges

While the initial prospect of relinquishing the villa was undoubtedly disappointing, we have chosen to embrace this transition with gratitude and a positive outlook. Recent events, including a serious car accident that resulted in the total loss of our vehicle, have further reinforced the importance of prioritizing safety, health, and financial stability above all else. 

These experiences have served as powerful reminders of what truly matters in life and have solidified our conviction that this change, while unexpected, is ultimately a blessing that aligns perfectly with our long-term goals. We have learned to find strength in adversity and to appreciate the present moment, focusing on the simple joys and blessings in our lives.

Although we will no longer wake up to a panoramic ocean view each morning, the beautiful Sicilian beaches remain easily accessible. 

We can still enjoy the stunning coastline and the Mediterranean Sea on our terms without the added responsibilities and financial burdens associated with maintaining a large oceanfront property. This allows us to maintain a more conservative lifestyle, focusing our resources on what truly matters: our health, our safety, and our overall contentment.

Looking Ahead: Our Sicilian Journey Continues

As we eagerly anticipate this new chapter in our lives, we recently spent the holiday season with our family, cherishing the time together before moving to Sicily from the USA at the end of January. 

This carefully considered decision, while perhaps less glamorous than our initial plan, feels mature, practical, and ultimately far more fulfilling. It provides us with a profound sense of peace and confidence in the path we have chosen. 

We are excited to immerse ourselves fully in the rich Sicilian culture, explore the diverse region, and build a fulfilling and joyful life in our new, more manageable home.

This journey has profoundly taught us that life’s unexpected turns often lead to unforeseen blessings and better outcomes. We have learned the invaluable lesson of embracing change, prioritizing what truly matters in life, and finding deep contentment in simplicity.

We are genuinely excited about the future and confident that this transition will bring us the lasting peace of mind and true fulfillment we seek as we embark on this new and exciting life in Sicily. Thank you for following our journey.