Debbie Thorpe’s spa centre closed down in 2023. She got a digital nomad visa and moved to a small village by Lake Como with her husband
A former spa centre owner who was forced to close her business due to issues related to Brexit, applied for an Italian digital nomad visa in 2024 and moved to a tiny village on Lake Como.
Debbie Thorpe, 40, from Nuneaton, and her husband David Greene, 49, were caught out by changes caused by the UK leaving the European Union.
“Brexit had a huge impact on our spa business,” Thorpe told The i Paper. “Supply chains of specialist products virtually halted due to all of the issues and extra cost of importing from Europe, as well as pushing up the cost of the few items that were produced in the UK.”
“People’s habits also changed, they were traveling to Europe less which meant less pre-holiday treatments which had a huge financial impact,” she added.
By the time the UK left the EU on 31 January, 2020, the couple had been running their business for over 10 years, and, in Thorpe’s words, had developed strong client relationships and had adapted to seasonal patterns. “But Brexit affected all of this in ways we couldn’t foresee,” she said.
In 2023 they had to close up shop. “Shutting my business was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I started it from nothing and grew it into a business that served thousands of clients a year,” Thorpe said.
Debbie Thorpe and David Greene in Lake Como (Photo: Debbie Thorpe)
In the aftermath, they weren’t sure what they wanted to do. Thorpe had previously trained as a counsellor, working with organisations such as the NSPCC and Dartmoor Prison, so began doing psychotherapy online, while Greene continued to work as a wellness clinic manager.
In March 2024, Thorpe found out that the rules for Italy’s digital nomad visa had been released and that she qualified, working online as a highly qualified professional, meeting the minimum income requirements, and having health insurance.
The couple had already considered moving to Italy following the 2016 Brexit referendum. Initially they had dreamed of a vineyard in Tuscany, but after spending time around Lake Como, they felt it was the place for them.
They initially searched for the cheapest property rental near the tiny mountain village of Grandola ed Uniti, which they chose because of its proximity to friends, the lakes and mountains. They had no real requirements beyond needing a registered lease in order to apply for Thorpe’s visa.
But with no guarantee she would get it, they didn’t want to be stuck with a long rental they could only visit for 90 days at a time.
The village of Velzo, overlooking Lake Como (Photo: Debbie Thorpe)
They now live in a small rented one-bedroom apartment in an old stone house, in Velzo, a hamlet of approximately 25 houses, with a courtyard overlooking Mount Crocione. They pay €500 (£439) per month.
It’s been brilliant getting the visa, said Thorpe, adding that the consulate in London was one of the first to publish the guidelines, which made the process clear and straightforward.
“I know Italy is renowned for its bureaucracy, but I haven’t experienced any problems navigating it,” she said.
Her husband has had a harder time getting residency and has had to abide by the restrictions on Brits and other non-EU citizens only being in the EU for 90 days out of every 180. However, he will soon be getting a long-stay permit for non-EU residents.
The property in Naggio the couple is in the process of buying (Photo: Debbie Thorpe)
The couple are in the process of buying a four-bedroom refurbished stone house in the next village along, Naggio, which has views over Lake Como, a private courtyard and land. It is costing them €110,000 (£96,000).
After experiencing burn-out in her first business, Thorpe said that “Italy has helped heal me. It is where my heart feels at home. The pace of life, the warmth, kindness and generosity of every Italian we meet, the culture, it’s all helped expand my heart and I am forever indebted to Italy for what it has given me.
“As someone who used to work 100-hour weeks, I never thought I’d be able to embrace this slower pace of life where work isn’t the sole focus.”
Outside of her online work, she spends her time exploring Lake Como, cycling, hiking, meeting friends and baking cakes.
She said her life on Lake Como is simpler, but so “much richer and fuller than it’s ever been”.
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