800-year-old medieval village in Tuscany goes up for sale on eBay

Tuscany: The vacation destination is almost as legendary as it is exclusive. But if you're interested in vacationing in true Italian style, you don't have to settle for a tiny Tuscan villa — if you're rich, you can buy a whole 800-year-old village on eBay for 2.5 million euro ($3.1 million).



The village, called Pratariccia, is about 22 miles east of Florence, and about 2,850 feet above sea level. Your purchase earns you all 25 buildings currently existing, plus the right to build more. Carlo Magni, the person arranging the sale, told The Telegraph, "it's a unique once in a lifetime opportunity to own your very own Tuscan hamlet — and the price is a complete bargain. Where else would you get all those buildings, land, panoramic view, plus all the history for 2.5 million euro." Far cheaper than a Hawaiian island!



There is a catch though: Time has taken its toll on the medieval hamlet since it was abandoned 50 years ago. The existing buildings are mostly in ruin, needing major restoration work. And you can't buy these historical homes individually: You either buy them in a lot, or you don't buy them at all.

Why the sale? Simply put: austerity. The Italian government is desperately trying to stem the rise of its trillion-dollar-plus public debt by selling off unneeded properties.

[Image credits: Jaklin Riegelmann Co.]
[via The Telegraph]

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