The historic property was listed for €65,000 (£56k/$76.5k), which was above the couple's budget, but since it was derelict, with no electricity or water connection, they decided to put in a low offer of €44,000 (£38k/$51.8k). Amazingly, it was accepted. With taxes and other legal fees, the couple spent €53,000 on the house, which equates to just £45,700 ($62.4k).

This image shows the building when the couple first received the keys. "The house was a complete ruin," Vince says. "We don’t know the exact year it was constructed, but it's at least 100 years old. In the late 19th century, it was used for animal grazing and later as a family summer house."

'We turned an Italian ruin into our dream home'