This US couple bought a 400-year-old Italian tower

Bargain home: US couple Tom and Aileen Winter, who are based in Colorado, bought a 400-year-old tower turned vacation home in Italy back in 2017.

Medieval village: They tracked down their Italian home after seeing it listed online and took an instant shine to Exilles, located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy.

Unique home: The couple purchased the tower, which they've named 'Torre Piccolo', for 19,000 euros (around $21,000).

Making changes: Once the sale was finalized in early 2018, they set about the process of transforming the four-story home into a suitable vacation house for the two of them.

Strong community: They quickly got to know the locals, who were surprised that they'd chosen to purchase a home in Exilles, which is close to Gran Bosco national park.

Renovation process: They spent a total of $94,000 on remodeling the house. This is what the upper level, which was previously used as guest accommodation, originally looked like.

New look: It's since been converted into a bedroom, with two single beds.

Full makeover: "It's a very small place," says Tom. "There's only so much you can do. So it's quite an easy process compared to some of the projects that people get involved in."

Home improvements: They've replaced the staircase with an open stairway in order to bring more light into the property.

Modernizations: The old kitchen on the first level, which featured a kerosene stove, has been converted into a living area.

Kitchen area: The Winters have built a new kitchen on the second level of the house.

Warm welcome: "Everyone's been incredibly kind and patient with us," says Tom. "They appreciate that we love their village because they're quite proud of their little village.

Italian dream: "This started an idea [that we thought] could be something fun to do," adds Tom. "But the thing that's really blown us away, is how it's been an investment in our soul. And how kind the people are."