A U.S. couple purchases a home in Italy’s ‘overlooked region’: Here’s the unfolding story

After over two decades in Manhattan and five years in New Jersey, Charles “Chuck” H. Stevens and Berardino “Ben” Di Rienzo, a U.S. couple together for 37 years and married for 12, found themselves yearning for a change. Feeling the strain of maintaining their lifestyles and seeking a more fulfilling existence, they embarked on a journey that led them to the “forgotten region” of Italy.

Having spent limited time in Italy, their connection deepened after meeting Di Rienzo’s family, who hailed from the southern region of Molise. When the global pandemic struck in 2020 and they lost a friend to Covid-19, Stevens and Di Rienzo realized the importance of cherishing life. Motivated by the desire to savor the fruits of their labor, they decided to explore the possibility of purchasing property in Italy.

Despite initially considering locations throughout Italy, they narrowed their focus to Vinchiaturo Molise, the “forgotten region” where Di Rienzo’s family roots lay. A property listing in the town’s older section caught their attention, and the breathtaking views of the Apennine mountains and the valley sealed the deal. In September 2021, they acquired a two-bedroom property for just under 100,000 euros, a decision influenced by the property’s condition and the inclusion of two stone ruins they planned to restore.

Initially intending to split their time between the U.S. and Italy, the couple quickly found that their hearts leaned toward a permanent move to Italy. The realization was hastened by Stevens learning about his job relocating to the U.S. West Coast. With both parents deceased and no children, the decision to fully embrace life in Italy became evident.

Analyzing their quality of life in the U.S. versus Europe, Di Rienzo emphasized the improved lifestyle and proximity to family that Italy offered. His Italian heritage simplified the visa process, with Stevens securing a carta di soggiorno, allowing him to stay in Italy for five years as the spouse of an Italian citizen.

The couple, undeterred by the challenges, sold nearly all their possessions, quit their jobs, and booked a flight with their dog, Max. Arriving in Italy in October 2022, the initial months felt like an extended vacation, but the reality set in that Italy was now their permanent home.

Engaging wholeheartedly in the local community, they immersed themselves in Italian life, learning skills like cheese-making, olive oil pressing, and pig butchering. Welcomed warmly by the locals, particularly Di Rienzo’s family, they’ve become known as “the Americans” in Vinchiaturo.

Adjusting to the Italian way of life, the couple now values leisurely three-hour lunches, appreciates the freshness of local produce, and enjoys the culinary delights of the region. Living in the Molise, considered Italy’s least-visited region, they relish the accessibility to Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast for travel.

Their dog, Max, adapted seamlessly to the new environment, and the couple, spending more time outdoors, appreciates the healthier lifestyle. The couple’s decision to embrace “La Dolce Vita” in the “forgotten region” of Italy has not only transformed their lives but has also become a testament to the rejuvenating power of seeking new horizons.