Have you ever had one of those moments where you suddenly realize something has changed... and you didn’t even notice it happening?

That happened to me this week.

After spending almost two months back in Texas visiting family, catching up with friends, hosting workshops, and soaking in every moment I could, I boarded my flight back to Ita…

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As I type this, I’m officially on my way back to Italy, and I can’t tell you how ready I am to be home! There are so many things I’m looking forward to—the first morning waking up in my own bed, opening the windows and seeing those familiar Tuscan views, walking through our littl…

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Today marks another trip around the sun, and I’m feeling especially happy as I sit down to share this week’s Bonus Finds with you. Birthdays have a funny way of making you reflect on where you’ve been, where you’re going, and just how much can change when you’re willing to take a chance on the life you really want. And speaking of where I’m going… I’m heading back home to Italy later this week! After a wonderful stretch of time in Texas with family and friends, I’m ready for Tuscany, my own bed, my little routines—and yes, a really good cappuccino with that incredible view of my olive grove. ☕️

And this week’s homes are a fun collection to come back to! We’ve got a 17th-century tower surrounded by 250 olive trees, a villa with a private pool and views of the Apuan Alps, a Tuscan hilltop escape near San Gimignano, a restored Piedmont farmhouse, and even a Ligurian village home just 1.5 km from the sea. Basically, if you like Italian real estate with a little personality, this is a good week!

🎁 Since it’s my birthday, I also wanted to do a little something for those of you who have been on the fence about becoming a paid subscriber. For a limited time, I’m offering a special birthday discount to say thank you for supporting this newsletter—and this dream of mine. Your subscriptions allow me to keep searching, curating, and sharing these finds with you week after week, and I’m incredibly grateful for every person who chooses to support what I’m building. Grazie mille!

Get 45% off for the year!

So grab your coffee (or maybe a little prosecco since it is my birthday 🥂), and let’s go house hunting!

Enjoy! Andiamo! 👇

Tuscan Hilltop Escape Near San Gimignano

📍San Gimignano, Siena (province), Tuscany, Italy

💰 €238,000

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My birthday is just a few days away, and in typical fashion, I find myself reflecting on what this past year has looked like. Another year older, another year of this very unexpected life I’ve created—and next week, I’ll be packing my bags and heading back home to Italy after spending time here in Texas with family …

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Can we talk about Piedmont for a second — because I think it’s one of the most underrated region in Italy, and I say that as someone who lives two hours away and still finds new reasons to fall for it every time I visit.

Everyone knows Tuscany. Everyone’s dreaming about the Amalfi Coast. But Piedmont? Piedmont is where Italy keeps its best-kept secrets — rolling hills covered in vineyards, medieval villages that haven’t been “discovered” yet, and a food and wine culture so serious it literally birthed the Slow Food movement (yes, that started right here, in a village called Pollenzo — more on that below).

This is Barolo and Barbaresco country. Truffle country. The kind of place where a 90-year-old nonna still makes pasta by hand on Sundays, where church bells actually mean something, and where a restored barn or a 15th-century palace apartment costs a fraction of what you’d pay for a fraction of the charm back home.

I’ve pulled together a handful of properties this week that show just how much range this region has — from a smart-home-meets-historic-brickwork residence in Pollenzo, to a winemaker’s estate with room for the whole family, to a palace apartment in Casale Monferrato with actual medieval nobility in its résumé. Grab your coffee (or honestly, it’s 5pm somewhere — grab a glass of vino) and let’s take a look.

Enjoy! Andiamo! 👇

A Piedmont Barn Reborn: Character Meets Smart-Home Comfort

📍Pollentia, Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy

💰 €330,000

If you know, you know: Pollenzo is Slow Food country. This tiny corner of Piedmont — in the shadow of the Langhe wine hills — is where the whole “eat local, eat well” movement basically started. So it feels fitting that this home does the same thing with architecture: takes something old and does it right.

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Before we get to this week’s finds, I have a little news to share! After reading all of your responses to the poll I shared recently, one thing became very clear: many of you want more than just the houses. You want more of the personal stories, the behind-the-scenes of my life in Italy, the lessons I’m learning along the way, practic…

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I have some super exciting news to share!

I've been wanting a space for the other half of my story. Gathering Italy listings is genuinely one of my favorite things — and I love helping you find your dream place — but there's so much more to tell than just the property search. The reality of leaving a job that was quietly draining me, phy…

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Well, I’m soaking up my last little bit of time in Texas before heading back home to Italy in a couple of weeks. It’s been such a sweet visit—time with family, catching up with friends, celebrating birthdays, and yes... probably one too many tacos and margaritas. As much as I’ve loved being back, I’m starting to miss my morning cappuccinos, my little Tuscan village, and the simple rhythm of everyday life in Italy. There’s something about returning home that always gives me a fresh appreciation for the life I’ve built there. I’m also excited about some projects I want to tackle when I get back (between working and running retreats!).

Before we jump into this week’s homes, I again wanted to say thank you. I was genuinely blown away by the response to last week’s podcast episode. The messages, emails, comments, and downloads far exceeded anything I expected. Like, what?! Reading your stories and hearing how many of you felt encouraged or inspired reminded me why I love sharing this journey with you. It was one of those moments that made me realize how special this community has become.

It also got me wondering...

Quick Poll 👇

Thanks for your feedback! Now, let’s get to this week’s Bonus Finds. I’ve rounded up another collection of beautiful homes from across Italy—each with its own unique story, plenty of charm, and maybe... just maybe... the place where your own Italian chapter begins.

Find a cozy spot and maybe get an iced coffee and let’s go! Andiamo! 👇

Sophisticated Living in the Heart of Northern Italy

📍Asti, Asti (province), Piedmont, Italy

💰 €225,000

Located on one of Asti’s most prestigious streets, this remarkable residence blends timeless architectural character with sophisticated modern design. From its soaring vaulted ceilings to its elegant marble staircase, every detail reflects the grandeur of a historic Italian home while offering the comfort and functionality of contemporary living.

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Before we dive into this week’s Friday Finds, I just wanted to say thank you or grazie!!

I’ve been overwhelmed by the kind messages, comments, and emails after my podcast episode…

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This month marks three years since I signed the papers on my little stone house in Tuscany. I can hardly believe it’s been THREE years as I type this!

When I first made the move from Texas to Italy, I thought I was chasing a dream. Looking back now, I realize God was doing something much deeper than changing my address—He was changing me.

In this week’s podcast episode, I’m taking you behind the social media photos and Substack notes to share the story I haven’t fully told before. It’s an honest conversation about what these last three years have really looked like—the highs, the homesickness, the frustrations, the unexpected friendships, finding a church that finally felt like home, and the quiet ways God has worked in my life through it all.

This isn’t really a story about Italy.

It’s a story about what happens when we say “yes” to something that feels bigger than ourselves.

Whether your dream is moving abroad, starting a business, changing careers, or simply creating a life that feels more aligned with who God created you to be, I hope you’ll hear a little of your own story in mine.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is this:

The greatest transformation didn’t happen because I crossed an ocean. It happened because I finally made room for God to do what He’d been wanting to do in me all along. And I walked out in obedience.

If you’ve ever wondered if it’s too late to begin again... if you’ve questioned whether you heard God correctly... or if you’re standing at the beginning of your own Second Act, I recorded this episode for you.

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I hope you’ll grab a cup of coffee, head out for a walk, or settle into your favorite chair and listen. My prayer is that when it’s over, you’ll walk away with a little more courage, a little more hope, and a reminder that your best chapter may still be ahead.

Thank you for being part of this incredible community. Your encouragement, messages, and prayers have meant more to me than you’ll ever know, and I’m so grateful you’ve been walking this journey alongside me.

Until next time...

Ciao for now,

XX- Angie

Y’all, tomorrow is August 1st, which in Italy might as well be a starting gun. If you’re visiting or living here this month, let me give you the lay of the land — because August in Italy can be a whole different country than the one you visited in May.

The cons first, because you’ll thank me: A huge chunk of small shops, resta…

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You know, one of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that buying a home in Italy has to cost a fortune. But if you’ve been here a bit, you know that you can find incredible homes that are affordable!

This week’s Bonus Finds is proof that maybe Italy could be an option for you.

Every property I’m sharing today is priced under €100,000, proving that owning a little slice of Italy can be more attainable than many people realize. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy village apartment, a character-filled stone home, or a property with renovation potential, these listings offer an incredible opportunity to begin your Italian chapter without breaking the bank. Now that’s some great news to start your day!

As always, I encourage you to look beyond the price tag and imagine the lifestyle. Sometimes it’s the smaller homes tucked away in authentic villages that end up stealing your heart.

🗓️ And one more thing! In case you’ve missed it, I’ll be going LIVE right here on Substack this Saturday, and I’d love for you to join me! It’s gonna be all about this “Second Act” of life and I wanted to share some thoughts with you all and…I want to hear from YOU! Whether you’re just starting to dream or actively house hunting, come say hello—I can’t wait to see you there! I’ll send out a reminder in Friday’s newsletter.

Now, let’s take a look at this week’s Bonus Finds. It still amazes me at what you can find in Italy for not much more than a fully loaded SUV in the States. 😳

Enjoy! Andiamo! 👇

Charming Village Home in the Heart of Liguria

📍Mattarana, La Spezia, Liguria, Italy

💰 €95,000

Tucked away in the picturesque village of Mattarana, this inviting home offers the opportunity to experience authentic Italian village life surrounded by the natural beauty of the Val di Vara. 💕

Filled with natural light, the home enjoys peaceful views over the village rooftops, the charming church, and the surrounding green mountains. Inside, you’ll find a welcoming living room, a beautifully renovated modern kitchen, two spacious bedrooms, an additional flexible room that could serve as a third bedroom, home office, or artist’s studio, and two bathrooms. A convenient lower-level laundry and storage area with direct outdoor access adds even more functionality.

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First of all, a huge thank you for all the feedback y’all shared about building more community here. I heard you, loud and clear — and I’m working on it! I’ve got some ideas brewing for how we can connect beyond just this newsletter, so stay tuned. This isn’t a one-and-done “thanks for the input” — I’m genuinely taking it t…

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Y’all, I know I tend to say this often, but this week’s lineup might be one of my favorites yet! We’re skipping the big, splashy regions everyone already knows and heading into the corners of Italy that locals actually love — quiet hill towns in Umbria and Abruzzo, tucked near national parks, medieval fortresses, and wine country that hasn’t been discovered by the masses yet. And the best part? Every single home in this roundup comes in under €120K. Two are at the €50K price point! Crazy, that’s like buying a car!

From a fireplace-warmed hideaway with panoramic views to a fully renovated home a few kilometers from the Rocca di Calascio — the kind of fortress you’ve probably seen in a movie without knowing its name — this week is proof that your Italy dream doesn’t require a Tuscany-sized budget (although, my house is in Tuscany and it was only €120K). It’s a reminder that there IS something for everyone, you just need a little patience. Scroll down and I think you’ll see exactly what I mean.

So, let’s go! I hope you enjoy. Andiamo! 👇

A Gem Tucked into the Hills of Umbria

📍Cerreto di Spoleto, Perugia (province), Umbria, Italy

💰 €50,000

Y’all, this one’s got layers — literally. In the historic heart of Cerreto di Spoleto, perched in a dominant, panoramic hilltop position over the Valnerina valley, sits this ground-floor home with two separate entrances — think guest suite, rental unit, or just extra privacy for whoever’s visiting. Inside: a fireplace-anchored living room (which I love!), a kitchenette, two bedrooms, and a bath — cozy, livable, full of charm.

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I’ve offic…

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This week's Bonus Finds are for those who are ready to dream a little bigger. Not just "wouldn't it be nice" bigger — I mean actually picture-yourself-there, this-could-really-happen bigger. Is that you? Whether it's a hilltop villa with a view that stops you mid-sentence, or a property that opens the door to something even bigger (more on the Investor’s Visa for Italy below 👇), this week's collection is meant to stretch your imagination a little further than usual.

Now, let’s check out these dreamy homes this week. As one of my business coaches says, DREAM WITH THE LID OFF. You just never know what’s ahead for you. Personally, although I already have a home in Italy, I’m dreaming BIGGER for myself, too. My ultimate goal is to own a villa where I can host my women’s retreats year round and help others along the way in their journey. More details on THAT in the future. ☺️

So, let’s go! I hope you enjoy. Andiamo! Oh, and don’t miss the part at the end about the investor visa and my workshop this weekend! Hope you can join us. 👇

Umbrian Farmhouse with Boutique Hospitality Potential

📍Marsciano, Perugia, Umbria, Italy

💰 €795,000

Surrounded by the rolling hills near Marsciano, this charming farmhouse offers the perfect blend of authentic Umbrian character, peaceful countryside living, and exciting business potential.

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I hope everyone in the States had a wonderful Fourth of July weekend filled with family, friends, and a little time to slow down. I’m officially back in Texas for a few weeks, and I can happily report that I’ve already checked a few important things off my list: Mexican food? ✔️ Margaritas? ✔️ Sweet tea? ✔️ Texas BBQ? ✔️ Pool time in the Texas heat? ✔️ I’d say this trip is off to a pretty great start! 😄

As much as I love my life in Tuscany, there’s something special about coming home for a visit... and something equally special about knowing I’ll soon be heading back to Italy. I feel incredibly grateful to have two places that feel like home.

Before we jump into this week’s Bonus Finds, I just want to say thank you for all the lovely notes and messages from my newsletter last week where I shared more about my personal journey to Italy. I always appreciate every comment and message I get from you and I try hard to respond to them all!

From peaceful Tuscan farmhouses and panoramic hilltop retreats to beautiful lakeside apartments and hidden gems tucked away in charming villages, the properties this week showcase just how diverse—and attainable—the Italian dream can be. All of the homes are under €400k and don’t miss the last one…it’s a stunner!

So grab a cup of coffee (or maybe some sweet tea if you’re celebrating summer like I am!), and let’s take another virtual trip across Italy together. You never know... your dream home might be waiting in this week’s collection.

Andiamo! 👇

A Tuscan Farmhouse Ready for Your Personal Touch

📍Casole d`Elsa, Siena, Tuscany, Italy

💰 €230,000

Set among the rolling hills near Casole d’Elsa, this charming farmhouse offers the opportunity to create your own slice of Tuscany in one of the region’s most picturesque settings.

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After a long travel day, I officially landed in Texas this morning! It feels good to be back for a few days to spend time with family and friends, celebrate the holiday weekend, and soak up a little bit of home before heading back to Tuscany in a few weeks. I’ll definitely be enjoying some barbecue, fireworks, and a little Tex…

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I hope you’re having a wonderful week!

If you’ve been following along on social media, you know Tuscany (well all of Europe!) has been experiencing an incredible heat wave lately. Let’s just say...these 100°+ days have reminded me that centuries-old stone houses without air conditioning have plenty of charm—but they’re not exactly built for modern heat waves!

Note to self: Get a split AC unit installed ASAP. 😅

The villages are also overflowing with summer travelers right now. Every café seems a little busier, every piazza a little livelier, and every scenic overlook has a few more people admiring the same breathtaking views. It’s a wonderful reminder that I get to call a place so many people dream of visiting “home”—even if I occasionally find myself waiting a little longer for my morning cappuccino or have to wiggle my way through crowds in the city.

Thankfully, in just a few days I’ll be escaping the heat and crowds here for a bit as I head back to Texas (for more heat and crowds- but at least there is AC!) to spend some much-needed time with family and friends. I’m looking forward to hugs, catching up over dinner, and yes...probably enjoying a margarita and some tacos. 😊

I’m also hoping to put together a casual meetup while I’m home. If you’re in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, keep an eye on your inbox and my social channels. I’d love the opportunity to meet some of you face-to-face and hear about your own dreams of Italy.

As I was packing this week, I found myself thinking about how different my life looks today compared to just a few years ago. It reminded me that many of you know me as “the Texas woman who moved to Italy,” but you may not know much about the journey that brought me here.

So this week, instead of sharing beautiful properties or hidden villages, I thought I’d share something a little more personal.

It’s a glimpse of the story behind Olive & Pine. I hope you enjoy…

Before Olive & Pine

Long before there was a newsletter, retreats, workshops, or consultations, I was simply a woman living what many people would have called a successful life. I had built a career in technology sales, owned a nice home in Texas, and had all the things we’re often told we’re supposed to want. Money in the bank. I could travel whenever I wanted. I drove a BMW. On paper, everything looked great.

But internally, something felt...off.

I wasn’t unhappy every day. I wasn’t running away from my life. I just couldn’t shake the feeling that I was created for something more meaningful than simply making it to the weekend.

I was dreading Monday mornings and often filled with anxiety and I was even on medication for my anxiety at one point. I was struggling badly with migraine headaches, inflammation in my body which was leading to severe joint pain, busted eye vessels (blood eye) from what I think was high blood pressure and I wasn’t sleeping well. I was even in and out of a doctor’s office pretty often because I always seemed to be getting sick. Hello…low immune system! It was a tsunami of symptoms that all came to head at the end of 2022.

I knew by the time the holidays came around, I needed to go into the new year seeking out what I needed to do next because even my sister told me “Angie, if you don’t change something, you’re going to have a heart attack”.

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