A California man bought a house in rural Italy for 1 specific reason: I didnt want to be anywhere near a McDonalds or Starbucks

He wasn’t lovin’ it. For Keith Richardson, a retired educator from Southern California, the allure of a new life in Italy hinged on a specific condition: nary a McDonald’s or Starbucks in sight. These global chains, to him, represented the American commercial sprawl he sought to leave behind, he told CNN Travel in an interview. After a meticulous search, he settled on Nardò, a tranquil town in Puglia, the rural region forming the heel of Italy’s boot, where he acquired a historic home for a fraction of US prices — embracing a slower, more authentic existence.Richardson, who spent decades in the education system before retiring in 2015 as a high school district administrator, had long been captivated by Italy.His passion for languages — honed while teaching Spanish at a university — drew him to the country, where he traveled biannually, exploring its regions by rental car. By 2023, his focus narrowed to Puglia, prized for its unspoiled beaches and low-key charm. “Puglia is definitely the place to live and invest in, if you’re searching for that dolce vita coastal lifestyle,” he told CNN.An expat friend connected him with a US-based real estate consultant in Puglia, who steered him toward Nardò, a lesser-known gem in the Salento area, free of American fast-food outlets. “I gave her a list of homes I like,” Richardson said.

“She suggested including Nardò because I told her that I didn’t want to be anywhere near a McDonald’s or Starbucks.” After browsing online listings, he zeroed in on a 667-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bathroom ground-floor property, once servant quarters in the storied Palazzo Tafuri.The home, built with Puglia’s signature pinkish-golden stone, had been fully renovated — boasting limestone walls, a fireplace and ornate stellar ceilings.Listed at $153,000, Richardson made a bold move. “The house was listed for 138,000 euros ($153,000) but I negotiated and paid €100,000 ($111,000).

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