Luxury real estate in Italy has long been defined by opulence and grandeur in a handful of prominent places, easily recognisable on the map, yet often hidden behind a portfolio of companies and faceless conglomerates. In Southern Italy, a quieter, more thoughtful model has been growing over the last decade. Within easy reach of the Amalfi Coast but away from the madding crowds, The Pinelli Group, led by Nigel Carley and his wife Dawn, has been redefining what luxury fractional ownership homes are and maybe should be.
The Southern Italian Affair
Let’s start at the beginning, over forty years ago, when Nigel began working with Alfa Romeo, a car brand synonymous with Italy. Taking him to Rome and Naples, Nigel not only fell in love with Italian craftsmanship but, unsurprisingly, the more he travelled, the further south he explored. It was here, about an hour’s drive south from Naples, where the couple felt most at home, immersing themselves in the local culture, food, and way of life, so much so that Nigel and Dawn chose Southern Italy and, in particular, Cilento in Campania, as the location in which to bring their vision to life. Fast-forward to 2017, when The Pinelli Group was founded with a mission to become a leader in sustainable luxury fractional ownership homes in arguably the most authentic region of Italy.
Luxury Fractional Ownership Homes
Now in 2026, The Pinelli Group has been operating for nearly a decade and boasts a luxurious collection of beautifully restored properties. Each has its own unique characteristics, from country houses set on vast 10,000 m2 estates to Italian Palazzo-style apartments nestled in beautiful historic centers, to modern, Italian-designed villas with eco-friendly features. Each property is handpicked for its historical charm, exquisite location, views, and proximity to the coast or neighboring towns.
Nigel and Dawn are a complementary team in property restoration. Nigel, a successful UK property developer, and Dawn, an interior designer, both have a flair for designing and creating luxurious properties with interiors that wow yet remain comfortable and liveable, resulting in spaces that family and friends can share and create memorable moments.
Casa Tramonto: The First Chapter
The first project began with Casa Tramonto—a 500-year-old Italian farmhouse that, over two years, was transformed from a ruin into a resplendent country house. With four bedrooms and bathrooms across two floors, plus a separate annex with a 5th bedroom and bathroom. Outside, amenities include a stunning infinity pool with panoramic views of the undulating hills of Campania, unfolding endlessly across the Cilento National Park. The spectacular bathroom off the main primary enjoys an opulent chandelier over the roll-top bath and has become a “Wow” feature associated with its exquisite restorations. Following fast were the purchase and restoration of Villa Velius, a modern 4-bed villa with a pool. Palazzo Maratea—a collection of elegant apartments in a 500-year-old Italian Palazzo, and Vecchio Masseria—a stunning 4-bed country house close to sell-out Casa Tramonto.
Owning a Slice of a Luxury Italian Vacation Home
After speaking with numerous overseas, potential second-home buyers, Nigel and Dawn found that many were disillusioned by the high capital outlay for a vacation home that was realistically used for no more than a third of the year. So much so that this barrier prevented these property hunters from proceeding with their search. Additionally, the high property cost often didn’t align with their luxury requirements.
With this in mind, and on a mission to democratize luxury home ownership, The Pinelli Group went to market, selling its properties through a transparent fractional ownership model in which buyers purchase a share of the company that owns the property. Co-owners of fractional ownership vacation homes can enjoy a high-end, often more luxurious vacation home for a lower capital outlay, with running costs split equally among all co-owners, reducing the sole burden of ongoing financial commitments.
Casa Tramonto sold out in record time. Although 12 fractional shares were available, each offering four weeks of exclusive, private annual usage, fewer than 12 owners purchased the entire property, with some purchasing multiple shares.
Building Community, Not Just Property
Falling in love with Southern Italy also meant falling in love with the people and community, and the husband-and-wife team behind The Pinelli Group fondly remarks on the warm welcome they received when they first arrived in the region.
The properties are restored by teams of local artisans using local materials and managed by staff based in Southern Italy. The fractional ownership model supports local communities in a number of ways, including reducing the time vacation homes are vacant throughout the year, a growing concern in many European destinations in recent years. With up to 12 owners co-owning a property, the vacation home won’t be left empty for long periods of the year, as it often is when a single owner owns the property outright. This also means local businesses are supported year-round by the co-owners, who want to immerse themselves in the local community, building connections and a sense of belonging in the areas where they own property.
The Pinelli Family
From the initial inquiry to becoming a Pinelli co-owner, Dawn and Nigel are there every step of the way. Whether it’s a question about which properties suit a particular lifestyle or arranging a visit, the couple is on hand to answer any queries. With many happy co-owners, The Pinelli Group often feels like family to those seeking a slice of overseas ownership, but who are nervous about taking the first step.
The Pinelli Group story is not about owning more but owning better. It is about reassuring owners that they can arrive to find everything has been thoughtfully taken care of, and leaving their luxury fractional vacation home with the same sense of reassurance that their vacation home is looked after, safe, secure, ready, and waiting for their return. The property management team is discreet but always available. The Pinelli Group has created a way of ownership that feels personal, where every owner feels part of the Pinelli family.
