Woman Flees Superficial LA for Spacious 17-Room Italian Home

Kiki Leigh, 28, purchased a 17-room property in Sicily for just over $30,000 after growing tired of the fast pace and high costs of living in Los Angeles.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:33pm

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Kiki Leigh, a 28-year-old fashion public relations professional, has ditched her life in the 'superficial' city of Los Angeles and purchased a 17-room home in the medieval village of Mussomeli, Italy, for just over $30,000. Frustrated with LA's high cost of living and fast-paced lifestyle, Kiki was drawn to Italy's slower pace and lower costs. After seeing a TikTok about cheap, abandoned homes for sale in Sicily, she traveled to the region, fell in love with a spacious property with a stunning terrace view, and has since spent around $104,000 on renovations to transform the rundown home into her dream residence.

Why it matters

Kiki's story highlights a growing trend of people, especially young professionals, leaving high-cost cities like Los Angeles in search of more affordable and fulfilling lifestyles abroad. Her decision to purchase a large, historic home in Sicily for a fraction of the cost of a comparable property in LA reflects the appeal of Italy's 'one euro house' schemes and the desire for a slower-paced, community-oriented way of living.

The details

After growing tired of the 'superficial' culture and high cost of living in Los Angeles, where she was paying $3,000 per month in rent, Kiki Leigh decided to make the move to Sicily. She had previously read about Italy's one euro house program, where abandoned properties are sold for extremely low prices, and then saw a TikTok video about affordable homes available in the town of Mussomeli. In June 2024, Kiki visited Sicily and, after viewing around 30 homes, put an offer on a 17-room property for just over $31,000. The deal took seven months to close, and in January 2025, the rundown but spacious home was finally hers. Kiki then hired a team of builders to rewire the electrics, re-plaster the walls, and replace the flooring, spending an additional $104,000 on renovations. Once the work is complete, Kiki's new home will feature four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a bar, a spa, and a library.

  • In June 2024, Kiki visited Sicily and put an offer on the 17-room property.
  • The deal took seven months to close, and in January 2025, the property was finally hers.
  • Kiki hired builders a few weeks later to begin the renovation process.
  • In March 2026, Kiki was able to stay in the property for the first time.
  • Kiki plans to move to Italy permanently by the end of 2026 once the renovations are complete.

The players

Kiki Leigh

A 28-year-old fashion public relations professional who decided to leave Los Angeles and purchase a 17-room home in Sicily, Italy for just over $30,000.

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What they’re saying

“I was drawn to Italy because of the lifestyle. I love the long lunches and slower pace; it's so much more fulfilling.”

— Kiki Leigh

“I bought a 17-room home for 27,000 euros; it checked all of my boxes. It was spacious and full of natural light, but the terrace is what sold me.”

— Kiki Leigh

“The local community is so warm and kind — they've made the move here so easy.”

— Kiki Leigh

What’s next

Kiki plans to move to Italy permanently by the end of 2026 once the renovations on her new 17-room home are complete. She is currently splitting her time between Mussomeli, Sicily and Los Angeles as she waits for her visa to be approved.

The takeaway

Kiki's story highlights a growing trend of young professionals leaving high-cost, fast-paced cities like Los Angeles in search of more affordable and fulfilling lifestyles abroad. Her decision to purchase a spacious historic home in Sicily for a fraction of the cost of a comparable property in LA reflects the appeal of Italy's 'one euro house' schemes and the desire for a slower-paced, community-oriented way of living.