Something pretty cool is happening in Castelbottaccio.

This our small village in the Molise region, with just over 200 residents, was recently featured on TGR Molise, the local Italian news, in a segment about how foreign residents—particularly from English-speaking countries—are slowly becoming part of everyday life here.

Over the past few years, people from all over Europe, the UK, and the United States have started buying homes in the village. Some are restoring old properties, some are moving in full-time, and others are building businesses—like one British entrepreneur who's converting an old palazzo into a bed and breakfast. It’s not just about real estate—it’s about becoming part of the community.

What’s really interesting is how this cultural exchange is showing up in small but meaningful ways. Locals are picking up bits of English, and the dialect is casually blending with English phrases in everyday conversations. It’s not formal or forced—just natural interaction between neighbors.

Like many small Italian towns, Castelbottaccio still faces the realities of a shrinking population and limited job opportunities. But the arrival of new residents from abroad is a positive sign—bringing a little energy, fresh ideas, and hope for the future.

Link to original article: https://www.rainews.it/tgr/molise/video/2025/03/castelbottaccio-il-paese-che-mescola-il-dialetto-allinglese-dd5133f9-b722-469c-be5d-6cbf3a38994b.html

A Personal Note

As the first Americans to buy a home in Castelbottaccio, it’s been amazing to see how this little village is growing—slowly but surely—with new life coming in from the outside. Seeing others fall in love with the same place we did, and investing in its future, is a beautiful thing—not just for us, but for the town itself.

It’s our hope that this website can help introduce more people to this special place. Whether you're just curious, planning a visit, or even thinking about making a home here, we hope you’ll find the same charm and welcome that drew us in.