The International Success of the 1 Euro Homes: Amanda & Alan in Salemi
The "1 Euro Homes" initiative of the Municipality of Salemi has reached a global stage thanks to the BBC One docuseries, "Amanda & Alan's Italian Job". This testimony is not only the story of a renovation, but also the most shining example of how the project can attract investment, celebrity, and a profound charitable purpose.
The protagonists of this adventure are the actress and presenter Amanda Holden and the comedian Alan Carr, two beloved stars of British television. In an act of passion for Italy and the regeneration of villages, they purchased and combined two dilapidated properties in Salemi for the symbolic price of 1 euro each.
From Ruins to "Casa Alamanda"
The docuseries, which aired in 8 episodes, recounted with humor and realism all the challenges and joys of renovation in Sicily.
Field Work: Amanda and Alan personally tried their hand at the jobs, from painting to plumbing, working side by side with local artisans and professionals. This allowed us to showcase and highlight Sicily's artisanal excellence, from the Salemi marble used for the kitchen countertop to the typical design elements.
The Transformation: What was a pile of rubble and junk was transformed into "Casa Alamanda" (a combination of their names), a splendid and welcoming fully furnished holiday home of approximately 130 square meters, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, equipped with all modern comforts.
A Renovation with a Charitable Heart
Amanda and Alan's project was a non-profit. Once the renovation was completed, the luxurious "Casa Alamanda" was put on sale for 145,000 euros.
The entire proceeds from the sale were donated to two important British charities, Comic Relief and Children in Need.
This crucial detail elevated the project to a model of urban regeneration combined with solidarity, demonstrating that the "Case a l Euro" initiative can be a driver of social change and not just real estate.
International Showcase for Salemi
The series was a ratings success on BBC One, one of the most important networks in the United Kingdom, catalyzing the attention of millions of viewers to the small village of Salemi.
The impact on our Municipality was immediate: the unprecedented visibility led to a sharp increase in requests to purchase homes at l Euro, especially from British buyers, who fell in love with the history, culture and lifestyle featured in the docuseries.
Amanda and Alan's experience is the most tangible proof that in Salemi, with the right commitment, every 1 euro house can become a charming home and a bridge between our tradition and an international future.
