Operation Sicily
I bought an abandoned villa in Sicily that everyone else gave up on!
Operation Sicily documents the real, unfiltered journey of restoring a neglected Sicilian villa from ruin to reality. No shortcuts, no fake timelines, no staged results - just hands-on renovation, problem solving, setbacks, and learning the hard way.
Follow weekly as I tackle structural repairs, off-grid systems, utilities, and long-forgotten buildings, while navigating the realities of Italian property, rural living, and life as a British expat in Sicily. I share the costs, the mistakes, the wins, and the decisions that actually matter when renovating abroad.
This channel is for people who love authentic renovation stories, Italian real estate, off-grid living, property investment, and the idea of building a different life from the ground up.
New main renovation episodes every Sunday, with additional midweek projects, deep dives, and real-world updates from Sicily.
Business enquiries: hello@operationsicily.com
Operation Sicily
You Decide: Floor Tiles or Kitchen Colour!
Which should I lock in first for the villa?
I’ve narrowed it down to these final options 👇
What do you think fits best with the Sicilian vibe?
Cast your vote - the most popular choice wins!
5 hours ago | [YT] | 112
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Operation Sicily
2026 Resolutions: Mine & Yours!
Mine: Finish the interiors (floors, kitchen, bathroom), build the 40,000 L rainwater collection tank, open the roof terrace… move in & throw a massive open party (you’re all welcome!)
And maybe… just maybe… start another renovation project 👀
Now it’s your turn 👉 What’s your 2026 goal?
Drop it in one line below 👇 Let’s kick off the year dreaming big - whatever that looks like for you!
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 883
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Operation Sicily
NAME OUR VILLA! (I’ll make a sign)
It’s time to give the villa a real name - something that captures its soul. Think Sicily, olives, citrus, the tower, off-grid living, or the whole Operation Sicily spirit.
💬 Drop your best name ideas below!
I’ll shortlist the top picks, run a final vote, paint the winning name on a sign and give the winner a shout-out in a video!
Here are a few starter ideas to get you thinking 👇
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 245
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Operation Sicily
GRAZIE & MERRY CHRISTMAS
When I started documenting this journey, my goal was simple, to show my two boys what can be achieved with determination. I wanted them to see the struggles, the wins, the repetitive days, the long nights… and how anything is possible with the right mindset.
I’m not a builder, I don’t speak Italian and I don’t have much money, but I am determined to turn this abandoned Sicilian villa into something beautiful, brick by brick, no matter how long it takes or how hard it gets.
At first, I never planned to share any of this publicly. But I thought, maybe someone out there would enjoy following along, or even feel inspired to take a similar leap. I still remember the feeling of that first subscriber, it was surreal.
Now, people from over 87 countries are watching this story unfold. The channel’s been featured in major UK newspapers and I’m even in talks with two TV production companies… honestly, I still can’t believe it sometimes.
99% of the time, I’m here working alone, early mornings, late nights, Sundays when the videos go live, but your comments, advice, encouragement and support make it feel like I’m never really on my own. You’ve become part of this journey with me, part of the Operation Sicily family.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. ❤️
For the coffees, super thanks, the kind words, the motivation and the belief.
Wishing you peace, good food and time with your loved ones.
Buon Natale from Sicily
Jonathan
3 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 1,098
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Operation Sicily
24-HOUR AMA: Move, Budget, Off-Grid - Ask Away!
It’s time for a focused 24-hour AMA (Ask Me Anything)!
I know I’m not the biggest talker, you don’t hear me chatting much in the videos! Most of the time, I’ve got my headphones in, deep in the zone, working solo here in Sicily. So this is the perfect chance to ask me anything you’ve been wondering, whether it’s something I haven’t covered yet, something you’re unsure of, or you’re just feeling a bit nosy 😄
Drop one question below about:
Moving to Sicily
Budget, costs, or planning
Off-grid systems
Family balance
Or anything else you’ve wondered this year…
I’ll pick the top questions and answer them in a special voiceover update on the channel
Fire away (don’t be shy!) 👇
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 332
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Operation Sicily
GUESS THE COST: Terrace Retaining Wall!
Let’s play a quick challenge 👇
How much do you think it cost (materials only) to build the rear terrace retaining wall?
Drop your best guess in € below!
The closest answer gets a shout-out in Sunday’s video and a pinned comment
Hint: It was a full DIY build, and I bought all the materials locally here in Sicily.
The terrace is roughly 65 sqm and the wall stands four courses high.
The photos aren’t perfect, but they’ll give you the idea 😉
Let’s see who really knows their renovation costs 😄
1 month ago | [YT] | 207
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Operation Sicily
HELP ME NAME MUM CAT!
If you’ve been following the channel for a while, you’ll know I’ve been feeding and caring for this stray mum and her kittens here at the villa
She’s been through a lot, raising her kittens outdoors, surviving the Sicilian heat and slowly learning to trust me. I’ve been feeding her 2-3 times a day and over time she’s become a real friend ❤️
She really does need a proper name though, I’ve just been calling her Mum Cat!
Drop your name ideas below, something that suits her personality, her story or life here in Sicily
I’ll pick my favourite and reveal it in an upcoming video
A small note: Any support through Buy Me a Coffee or channel memberships goes straight back into caring for the local strays. It really does help feeding them 2–3 times a day adds up fast, and your support makes a genuine difference ❤️
Let’s find the perfect name for this little legend 👇
1 month ago | [YT] | 218
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Operation Sicily
✨ BIG NEWS! ✨
I woke up this morning to find Operation Sicily featured in the Daily Mail!
It’s such an incredible feeling to see this little DIY dream reach so many people, especially thinking back to those early videos full of dust, rubble and endless clean-ups.
A huge thank you to everyone who’s followed, commented and supported the journey so far, it honestly means the world.
You can read the full article here (link below), there’s even a clickable video inside the piece that takes you straight to the channel!
I’d love to hear your thoughts, what headline would you have given the story?
Daily Mail:
www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-15260825/Dolce-…
#OperationSicily #SicilyVillaRenovation #DreamHomeInItaly #DailyMail #OffGridLiving #DIYRenovation #ItalyRenovation #SicilyLife
2 months ago | [YT] | 370
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Operation Sicily
I realise it’s been a while since I’ve shared an update on the kittens and some of you may have noticed their little faces missing from my recent videos. As much as we loved having them around, life outside wasn’t easy for them. The bigger cats started pushing them around and one even ended up with a sore scratch on his ear. With us staying in Airbnbs, it just wasn’t possible to give them the safety and care they needed and it didn’t feel right to lock them in the villa alone at night.
When our Airbnb host mentioned that his mum could give them a proper home, I knew it was the right thing to do. Saying goodbye was incredibly hard and my kids were heartbroken.
Now they’re living a new chapter with a lovely elderly lady who has renamed them Filippo and Gioia. They are utterly spoiled, showered with love and I still get updates from her son.
It was one of the saddest parts of this journey so far, but also one of the most comforting, knowing they’re safe, cared for and truly adored.
4 months ago | [YT] | 704
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