Embarking on our journey towards owning a home in Lucca was initially fueled by our long-term dream of retiring in Italy and savoring the dolce vita. With visions of leisurely strolls through Lucca's cobbled streets and soaking up every minute in Tuscany and beyond, we eagerly took the plunge into home ownership. Our plan was simple: split our time as much as possible between the enchanting streets of Lucca and the hustle and bustle of the DC metro area.
Renting Our Tuscan Retreat
Initially, when we purchased our place, our intention wasn't to rent it out. We envisioned spending extended periods in Lucca, working remotely until we could eventually retire there. However, with the lockdown lifted and the return to the office looming, our plans shifted, limiting our time in Lucca for the immediate future.
As we signed the papers for our apartment in Lucca, a sense of responsibility crept in. The idea of leaving our home sitting empty from nearly 5k miles away for extended periods felt unsettling. What if a malfunctioning appliance or an overlooked plumbing issue escalated into a costly disaster if left undetected? And what if our home was overrun by critters taking up residency in our absence? Finally, while Lucca is very safe, we had security concerns and didn't feel comfortable leaving it unattended for so long. We also knew we wanted to be able to easily share our place with family and friends. Thus, the notion of renting out our little slice of Tuscan heaven took root.
Our Local Host and Property Manager
Enter Vanessa, the quintessential hostess of our early stays in Lucca. A transplant from Texas, she has lived in Italy for more than a decade, is a wealth of knowledge on all things Lucca, and was our go-to for our visits during our purchasing process.
With warmth rivaling the Tuscan sun and above-and-beyond hospitality, Vanessa shared insight into the holiday rental scene in the city over cappuccinos and pastries during one of our Lucca visits. In Vanessa, we found not just a property manager but a friend and a trusted partner for our sought-after retreat for travelers. With Vanessa at the helm, we posted our home on Airbnb and bookings flooded in, barely allowing the paint on our walls to dry before our first guest's arrival.
Thanks to her willingness to go above and beyond for our guests, five star reviews have streamed in ever since. Until we can live in Lucca full-time, our home is available for friends, family, and guests looking to experience living like a local in Lucca.
Balancing Tourism Responsibility
As the popularity of short-term vacation rentals continues to rise in picturesque towns like Lucca, a sense of responsibility weighs on our conscience. With the influx of tourists
opting for temporary accommodations through platforms like Airbnb, locals in Lucca are facing a housing shortage, exacerbating an already pressing issue. The charm of Lucca's cobblestone streets and historic architecture draws visitors from around the globe, yet the unintended consequence of this allure is the displacement of residents and the erosion of the city's authentic community fabric. This concern is not unique to Lucca; neighboring Florence has taken proactive steps by implementing new regulations that restrict the establishment of new Airbnbs in the city, a move aimed at preserving the residential character of its neighborhoods.
Our Impact
It's not lost on us that we may be part of the problem. It's essential to acknowledge the implications of our choices and to strike a balance between our desire to rent our home to travelers with our responsibility to preserve the cultural integrity and well-being of this place we love.
Taking proactive steps to engage responsibly with tourism, we aim to preserve our city's cultural heritage and community fabric for future generations. Encouraging slow travel, advocating for longer stays, and supporting local businesses help strike a balance between attracting visitors and preserving Lucca's residential character. We limit the number of guests in our home, provide a comprehensive Welcome Guide for our guests, and foster positive relationships with our neighbors to ensure a harmonious community. While this may not directly combat the long-term housing shortage, every effort contributes to a more sustainable future for Lucca.
Our guests also play a crucial role in mitigating the negative effects of short-term vacation rentals. By engaging with locals, supporting local businesses, and practicing responsible travel habits, visitors can minimize their environmental footprint and respect the natural and cultural heritage of destinations like Lucca. Through thoughtful engagement and conscientious behavior, travelers can contribute to the preservation and vitality of cherished towns like Lucca for generations to come.
As our journey towards owning a home in Lucca continues to unfold, we're filled with gratitude for the unexpected joys and discoveries that have come our way. We eagerly anticipate the day we can retire in Lucca. In the meantime, we're gratefully savoring each precious minute of our time spent there now and embrace the opportunity to share our slice of paradise with guests from around the world.
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