Benvenuti to Piedi Lunghi, created via my love affair with Italy, one that began in the 90’s and became a reality in 2017 when I chose to make Italy my home.
Settling in the heart of northern Lazio, I was drawn by it’s all important central location, the allure an authentic Italian lifestyle, and it’s unlimited breathtaking natural beauty.
From Lazio’s beaches and ancient Etruscan towns to the stunning landscapes of nearby Tuscany and Umbria my journey has been one of discovery and passion - a passion I now wish to share with you.
My first trip to Italy was purely for business. Flying from Paris to Milan, unexpectedly landing in Rome as Malpensa airport was snowed in, I was given the gift of an unplanned night in Rome.
Staying at the Hassler Hotel atop the Spanish Steps with all of Rome laid out before me, I began to experience a country, culture and lifestyle that spoke to my heart. By the end of that one week business trip I made a promise that one day I would call Italy my home.
Embracing History, Culture, and Authentic Living
Choosing Italy
My attraction to Italy started as a young adult, fascinated with the history of the Etruscan and Roman civilizations, the birth of the Renaissance and all of Italy’s cultural diversity. Even then I dreamt of a life in this magical land.
Logistically I chose the area of northern Lazio as it benefits from several important factors. Proximity the eternal city of ROMA and it’s international airport for direct flights to USA was an important factor for myself (prior to living full-time in Italy I flew back and forth to Los Angeles 3-4 times a year) and convenience for visiting friends. Putting practicality aside I found this area of Lazio reminded me of an authentic Italy of decades past, less influenced by the inevitable changes of tourism found in other Italian regions.
Exploring Italy Beyond the Tourist Trails
The Story Behind Piedi Lunghi
The name Piedi Lunghi, meaning “Long Feet”, was bestowed upon me by an Italian friend who was constantly amazed at my passion for exploring Italy. Having visited the major historic cities many times in my early visits to Italy, I’ve begun exploring less known areas and towns. The Italy I have found is mostly free from the endless lines of tourist, streets packed with tour buses, and the shops and restaurants that cater to them. Just by venturing away from the perimeter of the “tourist zones” one can easily find an authentic Italy in less know but magical areas and towns that still offer a glimpses of the life and traditions that have shaped Italy for centuries. Each area has it’s own rhythms, from the planting of crops and harvests, local festivals and open air markets, all providing a constantly changing feast for your eyes and imagination. And not a STARBUCKS in sight!
My Path to Living the Italian Dream
Finding My Italian Home
Living full-time in Italy since 2017 I have made friends with people from all over the world that have chosen to create a life in Italy. Listening to them relive their experiences on finding their life in Italy I began to see how my experiences in finding my home, my town, my area could benefit others.
When choosing my first home, I had to balance the absolute beauty of the properties location, with the practicality of living there. Perched atop an ancient escarpment, it had its challenges, but I found a way to embrace the absolute uniqueness of it! The views outside my windows overlooked sheep grazing in the valley below, with the magical Lago di Bolsena in distance.
Not as romantic but something I felt very important was the towns easy access to Rome’s Fiumicino International Airport, as I was still commuting 3 - 4 times a year to Los Angeles. Just over one hour and fifteen minutes away it’s a convenience one will never grow tired of benefiting from, for you, friends and visitors…
Your Personal Guide to Italian Properties
Piedi Lunghi's Mission
Consider Piedi Lunghi as your “feet on the ground” in Italy, helping you edit and define your search even before get on an airplane.
Let us preview properties of your choice, delivering detailed and informative onsite videos of not only the property but the immediate surrounding areas.
Does your potential dream home have endless views over olive groves and vineyards or does it face an abandoned “zona industriale” oddly not mentioned in the online listing? I have experienced this personally, arriving at a property just to find half a dozen huge unsightly electric towers / power lines stretched across the valley with one such tower directly at entrance to the property I was there to inspect.
Bert has been great to work with. He introduced me to a couple of properties and sent video’s and pictures to tell the story. His experience in Italy is very helpful and can shed light on the different areas. I’m continuing my search for the perfect Italian property this summer and look forward to his assistance.
Michiel
New York, USA
Where your journey to owning a piece of Italy's Dolce Vita begins.
