The House We Rebuilt in Georgia

Some homes aren’t found on property sites—they’re found in memory. That was true for David Macharadze, a 43-year-old Brit whose Georgian surname was the only part of his heritage he’d carried since childhood. Raised in London by a single mother, he knew little about the country his grandfather once fled during the Soviet years. But when life in London began to crack—when the rent rose, the hours stretched, and the city started to feel like a stranger—David looked east. Not just for escape, but for belonging.

In 2021, with his wife Elena and their three children, David bought an abandoned stone farmhouse in western Georgia’s Imereti region for just $4,000. It had no roof, no plumbing, and no insulation. What it did have was a view of the valley, and a short walk to the church where his grandfather was baptized.

This is not a story of overnight transformation. There were visa headaches, cultural missteps, leaking pipes, and freezing winters. But it is the story of one man’s decision to take a crumbling past and turn it into a future—slowly, purposefully, and with his own two hands.

What follows is a conversation about risk, restoration, and the quiet rewards of starting over.

You were living in London with a steady job. What made you start looking abroad—and why Georgia?

It started during the pandemic. I was working in an architecture firm, doing okay, but the pace of life was relentless. My wife and I had three young children, and we were both burning out. Rent was eating half our income, and we were starting to ask ourselves: What’s the long game here? Then my grandfather passed away, and I started thinking more about Georgia. I’d never even visited. But it felt like the right time to reconnect—to root our kids somewhere real. So we booked flights and started exploring.

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How did you find the house—and why that one?

We looked at a lot of properties online, but most of what we saw was either too expensive or in very remote areas. Then we visited Imereti and met a local who showed us this place—a shell of a house, but solid. The family who owned it had moved to Tbilisi decades ago and just wanted someone to care for it. It cost $4,000, and we signed the papers two weeks later. It wasn’t livable, but it felt right.

Our children speak better Georgian than I do, have friends in the village, and know how to milk a goat. They play outside all day, help feed our chickens, and come home with muddy boots and wildflowers.

What were the biggest challenges you faced during the renovation?

Honestly, almost everything. We had no renovation experience. The roof had partially collapsed, so we lived in a rented apartment in town for the first five months while rebuilding. We learned how to install insulation from YouTube and figured out plumbing as we went. Language barriers made it hard to coordinate with local workers. Winters were brutal—one morning we woke up to frost inside the windows. But each time something went wrong, we learned and kept going.

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You mentioned your children. How did they adapt to the move and rural life?

Surprisingly well.  They were excited by the adventure at first, and then frustrated by the cold showers and lack of internet. But now? They speak better Georgian than I do, have friends in the village, and know how to milk a goat. They play outside all day, help feed our chickens, and come home with muddy boots and wildflowers. One of our neighbors has an old orange tree, and every few weeks she brings a basket over for the kids.

What did you gain—emotionally or personally—that you hadn’t expected?

Patience. I used to be obsessed with deadlines, efficiency, squeezing every drop out of the day. Here, you wait for the goat to finish crossing the road before you get to school. You learn to sit with people. There’s a rhythm here that’s ancient—and it reshapes you. Also, connecting with my family’s past. One of our neighbors remembers my grandfather from when he was a boy. That sort of thing just doesn’t happen in London.

Here, you wait for the goat to finish crossing the road before you get to school. You learn to sit with people. There’s a rhythm here that’s ancient—and it reshapes you.

And what did you give up? Do you ever miss your old life?

We miss our friends, good coffee, and a functioning train system. I don’t miss the anxiety. I don’t miss rushing. I still work remotely as an architect, which gives us a stable income—but now I do it from a room that overlooks the hills instead of a cramped office in zone two. We live on a lot less here, and that was hard at first. But we also need less. The kids go to school thirty minutes away. We grow most of our own vegetables. Life is smaller, but it’s full.

How did you handle the visa and residency process?

Because I have Georgian ancestry, it was simpler. I applied for permanent residency and got it within six months, with support from a local lawyer. My wife applied for family reunification status. It would’ve been more complicated without roots here, but Georgia is fairly open to foreigners if you can show income or invest in property. It’s worth working with someone local who knows the process.

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What advice would you give to someone considering doing the same?

Go slow. Don’t romanticize it. This is hard work—physically and emotionally. It’s not about getting a cheap house. It’s about deciding to stay, to commit to a place. And prepare for loneliness at first. But if you can stick with it, the rewards are real. Also—learn the language. It opens every door.

What’s next for you and your family?

We’re restoring the barn next. Hoping to turn it into a little guesthouse or creative space. Maybe host retreats. But no rush. For now, we’re focused on getting through another winter and showing up for the community that welcomed us. That’s more than enough.

Go slow and don’t romanticize it. This is hard work—physically and emotionally. It’s not about getting a cheap house. It’s about deciding to stay, to commit to a place.

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FAQ on Moving to Georgia

1. Is Georgia a good place to live?

Yes, Georgia is considered a great place to live for many reasons. It offers affordable living, beautiful natural landscapes, a warm climate, and a rich cultural heritage. Expats often find the people welcoming and the pace of life more relaxed.

2. What should I know about relocating to Georgia?

Relocating to Georgia requires planning. For the country, visa requirements, residency options, and healthcare access are key considerations.. Either way, researching local customs and legal requirements is crucial.

3. What are the best places to live in Georgia?

Country (Georgia): Tbilisi (urban & expat-friendly), Batumi (coastal charm), and Telavi (wine region tranquility).

4. What is the best city to live in Georgia?

Tbilisi is the most popular among expats for its blend of modern living and cultural richness.

5. What is it like living in Georgia?

Life in Georgia is a mix of old-world charm and growing modern conveniences. You’ll enjoy traditional cuisine, friendly locals, and low living costs.

About the Author

Isha Sesay is Escape Artist’s Editor-in-Chief. Born in London, she has spent the past decade living and working across the globe, and now calls Spain home.

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