The Americans who bought bargain homes in Italy's deep south

Frank Cohen, a retired American freelance reporter, was so impressed with Latronico that he decided to buy three houses in the town's historical district, while surgeon Michael Kessler snapped up a gorgeous villa on the outskirts.

(CNN) — Buying an abandoned home in a tiny, depopulated Italian village is something that many travelers will have mulled over, especially given the vast number of bargain house schemes launched in the European country over the past few years. After CNN Travel reported earlier this year that Latronico, situated in the deep south of Italy, had launched the platform "Your House in Latronico" in an attempt to connect old owners with potential buyers, the town was flooded with foreigners, with around 90% originating from the United States. Although Covid-19 travel restrictions brought numerous challenges for buyers, some were able to visit the town more than once in order to ensure they could secure the right house, leaving Latronico's locals flabbergasted by the sudden interest in their town.