€2 Sicilian home renovated by Amanda Holden and Alan Carr is for sale

As far as renovation projects go, Amanda Holden and Alan Carr didn’t shy away from hard work in their recent TV series, Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job.

The Britain’s Got Talent judge and Chatty Man host travelled to the Sicilian town of Salemi to restore two derelict, adjoining apartments, bought by Amanda for one euro each. The beautiful hilltop town of Salemi is just an hour’s drive from Sicily’s capital, Palermo. It’s dotted with historic architecture, and famed for its breathtaking sunsets.

And it seems that Amanda and Alan aren’t the only ones captivated by Italy’s largest island. Since the TV show’s launch in January, we’ve seen searches on Rightmove for homes in Sicily more than triple compared to the same period last year.

Italy’s ‘One Euro House’ Scheme

Amanda bought the two properties under Italy’s One Euro House Scheme, which sees dilapidated buildings sold to people who can make a commitment to renovating them. Anyone who buys a property under the scheme will need to submit their renovation plans within a year, and the local municipality will then set a timeline for the work to be completed.

The buildings sold under the scheme are mostly in need of extensive works, including structural work. But Amanda saw this as an opportunity to breathe new life into an unloved, empty building, and transform it into a beautiful home.

A genuine passion project

Amanda and Alan arrived at the property in the first episode to find it was in need of more than just a bit of TLC. So, after donning their hard hats and boiler suits, and clearing the rubble and abandoned furniture, the pair got to work knocking down walls. Bricked-up windows were opened up to let the light flood in, the layout was completely reconfigured, and the new two-bedroom apartment was renovated room by room.

The pair then decorated with painstaking attention to detail. They sourced artisan tiles from a 100-year-old local tile merchant, and a dramatic four-poster bed.

‘Casa Alamanda’ awaits its new owner

Now, ‘Casa Alamanda’ is finally move-in ready. The now-famous abode has been listed for sale with Sotheby’s International Realty, for 145,000 euros (£127,825). The proceeds from the sale of the home will be donated to UK charities. And the home’s new owner will be able to enjoy those spellbinding views, a walled courtyard, and instant access to the Mediterranean sunshine.

The BBC TV show’s final episode airs this week, so be sure to tune in for the grand unveiling of ‘Casa Alamanda’.