Ep 36. Rediscovering Roots in Vienna

In this episode of House Hunters International, we follow a young couple named Emily and James as they seek out a new home in the city of Vienna, Austria. Both have recently retired from their respective jobs in New York and are looking for a change of pace. This search is particularly special to Emily, as her grandparents originally came from Vienna before moving the United States. Emily hopes to rediscover her family roots and start anew in her ancestral home.

As the couple begins their search for the perfect Vienna home, they quickly realize the challenges that come with house hunting in a city known for its opulent architecture and rich history. With a budget of $1.2 million, Emily and James hope to find a spacious and elegant home with plenty of traditional features. They want a home that is both luxurious and steeped in history, but also has a modern touch.

Their first viewing takes them to a grand, three-floor apartment in the heart of Vienna's historic district. The apartment is opulent and spacious, with marble floors and ornate moldings. However, the couple is surprised to find that despite the grandeur of the apartment, it lacks modern amenities such as a dishwasher and air conditioning. It's a stunning property, but Emily and James realize that it may not be practical to their needs.

The couple's next viewing is a modern, two-bedroom apartment with a sleek open-floor plan and stunning floor-to-ceiling windows with a great view of the city. The apartment boasts top-of-the-line kitchen appliances and state-of-the-art media systems, which Emily and James appreciate. However, they feel that the apartment lacks the warmth and character of the older properties.

Their third and final viewing is a stunning, renovated townhouse with a lot of character and old-world charm. The townhouse features high ceilings, beautiful parquet flooring, and vintage features including a working fireplace. However, the townhouse is smaller than their previous options and requires a little bit of work to be completely renovated.

After much deliberation, Emily and James finally make their decision. They choose to purchase the townhouse, impressed by its character and potential. They plan to renovate the space to their own tastes and add modern amenities such as air conditioning. Emily is finally able to connect with her roots and rediscover her family's history in the city of Vienna.

Overall, this episode of House Hunters International takes us through the ups and downs of house hunting in a city filled with rich history and architecture. Emily and James's focus on connecting with their roots adds an extra layer of meaning to the otherwise daunting process of finding the perfect home. Their journey teaches us about the importance of character and history, but also emphasizes the value of modern amenities and practicality.