About Property Care & Inspection Services

A bit about me

My name is Alastair. I’m based in Cortona, Tuscany, close to the Umbrian border and Lake Trasimeno, where I provide property care and inspection services for people who own homes in Italy but live elsewhere.

I first lived in Italy in the early 1990s, spending five years here and studying Italian at the Università per Stranieri di Perugia. During that time I worked in construction and project management, helping to restore traditional Italian casali for foreign owners in Umbria.

In 1994 I returned to the UK to attend university as a mature student and went on to run my own software engineering company for the next 25 years. During that time, I built and maintained bespoke systems for facilities management, construction and inspection-led businesses — where careful documentation, regular inspections and accountability really matter.

Alongside my professional career, I’ve always kept my practical building skills up to date by carrying out my own renovations, including house extensions, loft conversions and general property maintenance.

Why I set this up

In 2012 I purchased a property in Cortona as a summer home. Over time, I saw first-hand the challenges many overseas owners face: not knowing the condition of their property, difficulty coordinating local trades, language barriers, and uncertainty when problems arise.

In 2026 I decided to move permanently to Italy and set up Property Care & Inspection Services to provide practical, reliable support for people in exactly that situation.

How I work

I focus on regular inspections, clear photo reporting and calm, practical coordination. Where specialist or regulated work is required, I work with a network of trusted, appropriately qualified local professionals.

All communication with local trades is handled directly in Italian, with clear, straightforward reporting back to you in English — so you always know what’s been checked, what’s been done, and what (if anything) needs attention.

A personal service

This is a small, personal service. You deal directly with me, not a call centre or rotating staff. That means continuity, accountability, and someone who genuinely knows your property and your priorities.

If you’d like to discuss how I can help look after your property, you’re very welcome to get in touch.

Get in touch