Many people fantasise about moving to Italy to start their own B&B business, but few manage to make that dream a reality. The Local spoke to three couples who took the plunge. For George and Linda Meyers, it happened slowly, then fast.

For years the pair travelled throughout Italy on holiday exploring small towns and villages. George, a retired American air force pilot, flew all over Tuscany in the 80s and 90s in light aircraft. They’d walk the cobbled streets and talk of moving there and starting their own cooking school.