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Crumbling Castles was launched by Aileen and Tom Winter after they navigated an Italian real estate purchase in 2017 without advice or assistance. After meeting with Italian realtors who didn’t listen to their wants or needs and being shown modern houses adjacent to truck stops and studio condominiums unfit for habitation, they decided to “go it alone” and ultimately purchased a 400-year old medieval tower in the historical village of Exilles. Since that purchase, they’ve helped multiple buyers navigate the Italian property market and to avoid the pitfalls they experienced during their search for a “crumbling castle” to call their own.
A licensed real estate agent in the state of Colorado, Aileen Winter at Crumbling Castles provides a full-service real estate consultancy which pairs international buyers with unique and exceptional residential properties in Italy. Focusing on the Piedmont region, Aileen provides personalized assistance with all aspects of purchasing a vacation or investment property in this overlooked region. With an intimate knowledge of the area, personal experience in purchasing and renovating her own Italian “crumbling castle” and access to thousands of listings ranging from the unusual and unique to fully renovated and modernized homes, she will walk you through all phases of the purchasing process to ensure a successful transaction.
Tom brings a decades of experience as an adventure travel journalist and extensive on-location experience and contacts throughout the Alps to your property search, from his intimate knowledge of Italy’s hidden valleys to a thorough understanding of the natural amenities that add value to a location, Tom’s expertise in researching unique locations and finding private for sale listings is a passion. For outdoor enthusiasts who want to be near hiking, biking and skiing, Tom’s intimate knowledge of the best that Piedmont offers is invaluable in finding - and purchasing - an Italian base camp ideal for outdoor adventures with friends and family.
While many of our clients have experience in purchasing a home in their native country, property transactions in Italy can often be complex and challenging. Many sellers choose to forego traditional realtors and list their homes via word of mouth. Our contacts and expertise allows the opportunity to connect with these sellers, accessing numerous properties that can’t be found online or via normal channels. Regardless of if you’re seeking a stone cottage in a medieval village or a fully restored villa, Crumbling Castles will make certain each buying experience is enjoyable and stress free, matching you with the home of your dreams.
Services include:
Counsel on Location and region.
Locate your property for purchase
Negotiate and offer for purchase Arrange for property inspection by geometra (structural engineer)
Secure legal council for transfer of deed
Communicate between buyer, seller, attorney and notary Expedite payments for purchase
Secure your personal Italian tax ID
Secure Italian bank account (necessary for property purchases)
Simplify change of ownership for all utilities (water, electric) Schedule property closing
Introduction to tradesmen and contractors, arrange architect/builder referral and initial appointment Assistance with renting and property management Assistance with local sources for building, remodeling and landscaping materials Documentation of buying process through video and photos