A couple bought an abandoned house in Italy for €23k and are renovating it on a budget with items from the dump.

Kristina Knighten, 38, and Paul Cordier, 46, never expected to settle down but fell in love with Lake Iseo, Italy, after visiting on holiday six years ago.

The couple were shocked by the affordable housing market and went back a year later to buy a two-bed "fixer-up" for €23k."

Kristina and Paul have spent around €70k so far to replace the roof and flooring but will now being doing most to the work themselves to keep costs down.

Paul, originally from London, has also been able to find some gems from the dump - including a brand new sink, some butchers blocks to use as tables and materials to build a kitchen.

Kristina, a teacher, originally from Chicago, Illinois, US, said: "We want to keep a rustic look to the place."

"We'll have traditional lime wash plaster and exposed wood beams and salvaged things hodgepodge together."

"I hope it comes to life."

Kristina and Paul, a teacher, met in late 2013 while working in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

They started dating in 2014 and had a "nomadic lifestyle" and have visited over 30 countries together."

The pair had never planned to settle in one place but had been cobbling a deposit together for an investment property in Chicago.

But after a trip to Italy in 2018 they stumbled across Lake Iseo.

Kristina said: "It was super dramatic."

"It took our breath away."

After having a look at the housing prices, just to be inquisitive, they couldn't believe how cheap it was.

They could afford to use their $40k - equivalent to €35,900 - to buy in cash.

The couple went back the following summer and found an abandoned house.

Kristina said: "It needed a lot of work."

"It was left like the last time she had been there."

"There was a toothbrush in the bathroom and the beds were made."

The couple closed on their purchase in summer 2020 and had only $10k - equivalent to €8,900 - of their deposit remaining after all the legal costs.

Then living in United Arab Emirates, they decided to wait and save some more money before starting renovations.

But the pair decided to move permanently and rented an apartment in the town from summer 2023.

Work on the property started in March 2024.

Kristina said: "The roof is done."

"The sub flooring is done."

The couple are now living in Paul's sister's home - Izabella, 44 - who bought a place in the idyllic spot after visiting for their wedding in April 2024.

While the house also needs a full renovation it is habitable.

The couple hired a contractor for the first lot of structural work but after it cost €70k Paul is trying to do as much of it himself.

They are trying to stick to a budget of €100k to €110k.

Kristina said: "He [Paul] started making regular trips to the dump."

"He started dropping things off and coming back with other things."

"He came back with a sink in perfect condition."

"It was a style we really like - for free."

"He also came back with a toilet and bidet. I'm not a huge fan of that one."

Paul also built a kitchen worktop from wood from the tip for their current home.

Kristina said: "It's sturdy and lovely."

The couple also hope to use what they can from the existing home - and are keeping the previous owners bed frame.

Kristina said: "Everyone here is so kind."