Maybe he can consider looking at AirBnb (or similar site) and see if any have longer term rentals. If not a huge hassle, could even move once in a while to another rental?
Its good to rent the first year to get a feel for things but maybe down the road he would buy. Its always a good investment.
Here's one in Umbria that might be easier to fix up because the exterior has been strengthened: https://www.homesandvillasabroad.com/opProperty_Detail.aspx?PropKey=HAVA1SL19P5004. I reckon that the possibility of earthquakes would make strengthening the structure a priority. There are probably government regulations covering that as well as energy rating guidelines. The one in the link has a garden so more suitable for dogs. Strange that there are no photos of the garden. The asking price of €45,000 seems high in comparison to other properties in the region but it's listed on a website aimed at English speaking buyers. Renting for a year or so seems the better option. Some of those old villages can be busy in summer and deserted in winter. Only by being there in the off season can Padraig learn whether facilities like shops, etc. are year round or seasonal. Miker's suggestion to check out AirBnB for long term rentals is a good one, not least because there will be reviews from previous tenants and some info about the landlord.
But look at it this way: the Adriatic Sea is not far away, and directly across from there is Dubrovnik and Medjugorje. Soon the signs will be unveiled there. I bet Padraig could be to the coast in an hour, take a boat across the sea in 3 hours, and up to Medjugorje in 2 hours (a total of 6 hours)! O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!
FYI to Padraig….. https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/18151652/bought-house-85p-italy-turned-complete-nightmare/
After thinking about it, Padraig has decided to move his anticipated retirement back two more years to his original plan to retire, so he won’t be moving to Italy till 2024.
