5’s the magic number according to Dawn and Michael of Appassionata who turned their Italian dream into reality

by Georgina Italy

When it comes to numerology and the spiritual meaning of numbers, no number seems to cause quite the same excitement as the number 5. Numerologists hail it as the most energetic and dynamic of all the single digit numbers, while the spiritual meaning deals with motion, travel and adventure. 5 is the number that draws attention to the wonder of life.

  • 5 is the number of energy, travel and adventure
  • 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom Casa Leopardi attracting attention in Le Marche
  •  5-strong family team undertake stunning farmhouse renovation

It is perhaps no coincidence then that when Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, husband Michael Hobbs and their family left England in order to renovate a collection of tumbledown farm buildings in Le Marche, Italy, and turn them into two delightful fractional ownership properties, the number 5 began cropping up with noticeable regularity.

The spot that Dawn and her family settled on (“It called to me instantly, the moment I set eyes on it,” recalls Dawn), was the 5 acre Estate Giacomo Leopardi, located 5 minutes from the medieval hilltop town of Montefiore dell’Aso. 5 family members have been involved in the renovation – Dawn, Michael, their daughter India, her husband Charlie and 5 year old grandson Lucas.

Having formed their fractional ownership company, Appassionata, Dawn and family began the lengthy process of restoring the ruined farm buildings, salvaging original materials wherever possible. It was during the restoration of Casa Leopardi – the second of the two properties to be completed – that 5 tiny puppies were discovered abandoned on the estate. Dawn took a break from planting the estate’s 5 varieties of lavender in order to ensure each puppy was relocated to a loving home.

Casa Leopardi is a 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom luxury holiday home with its own 5 x 5 meter private swimming pool. Each owner’s fraction allows them 5 weeks’ exclusive use of the property per year, in addition to a share of the wine, truffles, lavender oil and olive oil produced from the estate. The property has 5 parking spaces and is perfect for large, extended family breaks or holidaying with friends. Dawn comments,

“We designed Casa Leopardi with both relaxation and luxury in mind, capturing the charm of rural Italy and creating a home away from home for our owners. We want the owners to begin enjoying the property the moment they arrive and we’ve planned it accordingly, with an emphasis on light and space throughout, plus plentiful terraces for outdoor entertaining. It’s not surprising the number 5 keeps cropping up, given the focus on enjoying the wonders of life that have been built into the property!”

5 of Casa Leopardi’s 10 shares have sold, leaving 5 for sale at the current special price of £185,000 (the other house on the estate, Casa Giacomo, is now fully sold). Those in search of dynamism, travel and adventure need look no further – Casa Leopardi has it all.

For more information contact Appassionata on 0039 073 465 8775, visit www.appassionata.com or take a video tour of Casa Leopardi.

You definitely WON’T be the only gay in this village! Enjoy your golden years without anxiety or prejudice at The Villages – Rainbow in France

by Georgina France

Getting older can be much more complex for lesbian, gay and bisexual people as this community is more likely to face the prospect alone or without as much personal support as their heterosexual counterparts. As a result, many lesbian, gay and bisexual people over 55 experience an increased sense of vulnerability and are more anxious about ageing.

  • Less than half of LGBT people feel positive about getting older (YouGov)
  • 48% of LGBT people feel their sexual orientation has/will have a negative affect on getting older (YouGov)
  • First gay active living community in France seeks to abolish loneliness in the older LGBT community 
In many ways lesbian, gay, bisexual people and heterosexual people share a similar outlook on ageing; according to a YouGov report commissioned by Stonewall, the lesbian, gay and bisexual charity, less than half (45%) of lesbian, gay and bisexual people feel positive about getting older and 47% of heterosexual people feel the same.
However, the level of anxiety felt by lesbian, gay and bisexual people across a range of issues is consistently greater than that of their heterosexual peers. The lesbian, gay and bisexual charity, found that almost half (48%) of lesbian, gay and bisexual people feel that their sexual orientation has, or will have, a negative effect on getting older.
Danny Silver, Founding partner of The Villages – Rainbow, France’s first gay active living village for the over 50s, comments,
“The lack of support felt by those reaching retirement is often worse for lesbian, gay and bisexual people who see the opportunity to access formal community groups and social networks diminishing as they get older. Many find traditional groups and networks for older people to be exclusively heterosexual and the majority of social activities targeted at gay people are too focused on the younger generation.
“This is why our latest gated development, The Villages – Rainbow offers the perfect living environment for greying gays who wish to remain active, social and open about who they are. Here at Rainbow we offer a huge range of activities that are inclusive to absolutely everyone, abolishing loneliness and feelings of being an outsider or even having to hide their sexuality.”
Indeed, research shows that older gay men and lesbians often conceal their sexual orientation when entering later life accommodation, in effect ‘recloseting’ themselves during one of life’s most vulnerable times. The Village Group – Rainbow offers a safe and accepting alternative to openly grow old with gay pride.
The Village –Rainbow will comprise 107 one-level, eco friendly villas with full concierge services located on the banks of the Canal du Midi in South West France. With active living foremost in mind, the range of on-site amenities includes tennis courts, indoor pool, gymnasium and quality entertainment and cultural programmes.
For more information please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email villages@pdfparis.com or visit http://www.dressesshow.co.uk/

Recession? What recession? Highest number of tourists visit Spain in almost two decades as Taylor Wimpey España sells out latest luxury off-plan development on the Costa del Sol

by Georgina Spain

Our love affair with Spain continues unabated as UK holidaymakers accounted for nearly a quarter of all international visitors to the country this year, the highest number in almost two decades, according to the latest data from Frontur, the Spanish tourism department´s statistics agency.

  • Record 34 million foreign visitors arrived in Spain in Jan – Jul 2013 (Frontur)
  • British led the highest number of overseas arrivals in two decades (Frontur)
  • Andalucía welcomed 1 million tourists in July 2013, an 8.5% y-o-y increase (Frontur)
  • 114 Costa del Sol apartments sold off-plan in 11 months by leading house builder (TWE)

A record 34 million foreigners arrived on Spanish shores in the January-July period, an increase of 3.9% on last year, providing welcome news for property investors looking for a second home in the sun.

Frontur recorded that a whopping 7.9 million people visited in July, up 2.9% from July 2012 and despite economic uncertainty across Europe, the British led the influx with 1.8 million visitors, followed by France and Germany with 1.2 million each.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager for Taylor Wimpey España comments,

“This comes as great news for the Spanish economy as tourism plays such an important role in GDP. It is also a promising sign for the EU as a whole as evidently consumers are feeling more financially confident and are spending money on holidays abroad.

“Here at Taylor Wimpey España we have seen this confidence also extend to the property market as visitors look to make their stay more permanent in favourite holiday destinations across Spain. We have experienced a huge success in the Costa del Sol in particular, with Los Arqueros Beach, our new luxury off-plan development in Marbella consisting of 114 penthouse style apartments selling out in just under a year to buyers from 16 different nations across the world.

“Whoever says that you can’t sell off-plan in Spain is just wrong; we’ve proved it can be done!”

Indeed, according to the Frontur report, Andalucía, a region associated with sherry, tapas, whitewashed hill towns and beautiful beaches, saw the largest rise in international visitors, welcoming almost 1 million tourists in July alone, a jump of 8.5% compared to the same period last year.

This marked increase in tourists to the perennially popular region is set to rise further as more and more budget airlines introduce extra flights to their Autumn/Winter schedules flying to Malaga international airport from across Europe and beyond.

So for those looking to jet away for some late summer sun, why not check out what Taylor Wimpey has to offer on the Costa del Sol?

La Floresta Sur is a new residential development, set near the village of Elviria and its beach, very close to Marbella and Malaga.  Set in beautiful surroundings which have been declared a natural biosphere reserve by UNESCO, this development benefits from stunning views towards the oak and pine forest as well as towards the sea. These beautiful properties boast 2 or 3 bedrooms with large terraces, 2 communal swimming pools and landscaped gardens with private parking, all from just €178.000.
For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com .  If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call +34 971 70 69 72.

Let’s get physical! New Post Office survey reveals Brits want sport and adventure while abroad

by Georgina World

Far from spending their days sunning themselves on the beach in a state of almost stupor-like relaxation, it appears that British holidaymakers are demanding more and more from their holidays. The latest Post Office Travel Money Activity Barometer has revealed that an astonishing 75% of 18-64 year old adults are looking to try out a new sport or physical activity while on holiday.

  • 75% of British adults want to try out new sports or activities on holiday
  • Two thirds have already tried out new activities during past breaks
  • 40% of adults drawn to water-based activities while on holiday

The survey listed 27 activities and found that two thirds of respondents had already taken part in one or more of them while on holiday in the past. The favourite activity to try was rally car driving (58%), yet further research by Post Office Travel Money found that no overseas rally car driving activities were available for the price point set by survey respondents.

For leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España the survey results come as no surprise. Sales and Marketing Manager Marc Pritchard explains,

“We’ve found that those purchasing our La Floresta Sur holiday homes near Marbella are keen to take advantage of the plethora of activities available in the local area. Although rally car driving isn’t available locally, buggy safaris through inland Marbella are extremely popular, as is go-karting. They say that variety is the spice of life and this is certainly true for buyers in southern Spain, with activities ranging from mountain biking, to deep sea fishing, to potholing. All holidaymakers need to do is choose their desired adrenalin level!”

Other popular activities identified by the Post Office survey were adventure sports, with 40% of respondents looking to try a water-based sport, including scuba diving (49%) and white water rafting (43%). Taylor Wimpey España’s Costa Blanca properties are particularly popular with those looking to try their hand at scuba diving. From novices to qualified divers, the Mediterranean Sea offers something for everyone.

The five star Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa, nestled on the beautiful Albanian Adriatic coastline, also recognises the popularity of such activities. The resort recommends white water rafting through the magnificent canyons of the Osumi River, which opens up breath-taking scenery that is usually hidden from most tourists’ eyes. The best time to go is during the spring, when melting snow allows navigation through the entire length of the canyon and creates a series of amazing waterfalls.

For winter adventurers, snowboarding was one of the most desired activities (41%). Family-run company Appassionata, which offers fractional ownership of its two luxury holiday homes (Casa Giacomo and Casa Leopardi) in Italy’s beautiful Le Marche region, has found this to be true of its owners. Snowboarding in the nearby Sibillini Mountains is particularly popular with owners during the winter months, as is skiing.

Over in Germany, the same is true of the 4* Alpen Club, in the spectacular Bavarian Alps. The family-friendly hotel, which offers hotel room investment through Property Frontiers, provides access to an incredible natural playground during the winter months, with sledging, snowboarding, Nordic hikes, ice skating and snow-tubing all extremely popular. Skiing at one of the two ski resorts (Spitzingee and Bayrishell) within a 15 minute drive of the hotel is also a favourite activity for holidaymakers.

While adventure sports capture the imagination of many holidaymakers, mainstream activities such as fishing, cycling and golf were still picked by 27-28% of the Post Office survey respondents. The Villages Group, which offers active properties for those in the gay community aged 50+ at its Canal du Midi village in southern France, affords residents the opportunity to explore the beautiful landscape of the Languedoc through access to the 250 km long Canal du Midi cycle path. The path is one of France’s most popular cycling tours, both with those exploring just a small area of it and with more committed cyclists who intend to journey along its full length.

With so many incredible options for active holidays just a short flight away from Britain’s shores, it’s no wonder that holidaymakers are taking advantage of their free time to engage with a more active lifestyle.

For more information on the wonderful properties mentioned above, please contact:

Taylor Wimpey España: call 08000 121 020 (or +34 971 70 69 72 from outside the UK) or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com

Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa: call +44 845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com

Appassionata: 0039 073 465 8775 or visit www.appassionata.com

Property Frontiers: call +44 1865 202 700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com

The Villages Group: +33 1 4007 8625 or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com/rainbow

 

Scandinavian property buyers choose Costa del Sol & Mallorca over Costa Blanca according to Taylor Wimpey España

by Georgina Spain

Historically the Costa Blanca was the preferred place to purchase Spanish property at a bargain price but the tides have now changed and both the glamorous Costa del Sol and Mallorca are attracting not just the traditional British and German buyers but savvy Scandinavians looking for that dream home in the Spanish sun.

  • 150% y -o-y increase in Scandinavian buyers on the Costa del Sol (Taylor Wimpey España, Jul 2013)
  • Half of Scandinavian buyers were looking for apartments in H1 2013 (Kyero.com)
  • 225% y-o-y increase in total Norwegian buyers (Taylor Wimpey España, Jul 2013 )

 

Indeed, Spanish property portal, Kyero.com´s latest analysis of Scandinavian enquiries to the site reveals exactly what these buyers are looking for. Throughout H1 2013 51% of people were seeking properties priced between €50,000 and €150,000. Further analysis shows that across Spain, half were looking for apartments whilst 32% desired a 2 bedroom property and 55% requested a swimming pool.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey España comments,
“The market has changed dramatically compared to pre-crisis times; our buyers now come from over 20 different countries with the Scandinavians playing a much greater role this year more than ever. Here at Taylor Wimpey España we have seen an overall 125% increase in Scandinavian buyers (Jul 2013 compared to the same month last year) with a 150% y-o-y increase in buyers choosing the Costa del Sol and a further 250% increase on Mallorca.
“Our Norwegian buyer numbers have rocketed by 225% compared to last year and our Swedish buyers by 267% but interestingly in terms of locations, it seems that Scandinavian buyers are looking more to the Costa del Sol and Mallorca then the traditional favourite of the Costa Blanca.”
However, Scandinavian buyers are not just purchasing homes for holiday use; increasing number are relocating, saying goodbye to colder climes and viva España!
In recent years a number of Scandinavian supermarkets have popped up across Spain and there is a Swedish language local newspaper circulating around the Costa del Sol as well as a Swedish primary school on the Balearic island of Mallorca catering to a high demand of Scandinavian expats living in both areas.
So why not join the growing number of Scandinavians snapping up properties in the Spanish sunshine and make your stay more permanent with Taylor Wimpey España?
The Cala Magrana III development on picturesque Mallorca boasts a privileged position in a natural paradise with extraordinary sea views. The development consists of two-bedroom apartments designed to reflect the beauty of the surrounding area. There is a large swimming pool and wonderful sunbathing area for all the owners to enjoy. All the apartments come with a private outside parking space.
The area offers a wide range of amenities giving you the chance to sample the delights of the local cuisine or explore the famous caves of Drach. With a variety of local water sports, various golf courses to try and the tranquillity of the development Cala Magrana is a perfect choice from €185,000.
Or why not take a look at Los Arqueros Beach, situated in the equally as popular Costa del Sol. These brand new luxury three bed apartments are only a few minutes’ walk away from the sea front promenade and the ancient part of San Pedro de Alcantara, in the up and coming area towards Marbella beach and Puerto Banus.
The apartments boast large terraces, two swimming pools (adult and children), elevators and underground parking all included for just €250,000.
For more information on buying a home in Spain please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit http://www.dressesshow.co.uk/.  If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call +34 971 70 69 72.

Britain’s becoming an upwardly mobile nation as popularity of home parks soars

by Georgina United Kingdom
The national housing market may now be showing much-welcomed signs of recovery as house prices rise at the fastest pace for 6 years but one sector has been enjoying a less well publicized boom even in the face of the worst recession for 40 years.
The mobile or park home sector has risen in popularity in recent times attracting not only those in their golden years but also younger individuals, couples and even families keen to take advantage of the lower purchase and running costs as well as strong community feeling present on many home parks.

•200,000 Britons now live in park homes (BHHPA)
•95% of residents are 55 years of age or older (BHHPA)
•New Mobile Homes Act introduced to protect mobile home owners in May 2013 
According to the John Boston, spokesperson of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BHHPA), some 200,000 Britons now live in park homes and whilst the dominant demographic, some 95%, is those over 55 years of age, the proportion of younger residents is growing.
Boston comments, “Far from the negative images of ‘trailer parks’ often portrayed by the media, holiday and home parks are aspirational not desperate places offering individuals, couples, families and retirees alike good quality, affordable housing within a community in some of the most stunning parts of the country.”
Yet despite their growing popularity, the supply of new mobile homes has not kept up with demand and waiting lists are now common at many parks.
Richard Patterson, Director of leading online estate agency, My Online Estate Agent which has just listed yet another mobile home, this time located in Preston, comments,
“Mobile homes have become somewhat of a rarity in today’s marketplace. Due to planning restrictions, few new mobile homes are constructed so when a property such as the 3 bedroom home now available in Preston comes up for sale, we always see a flurry of interest with a sale often agreed quicker than traditional bricks and mortar homes.”
Indeed so fierce is the competition for park homes that a new law designed to protect mobile home residents in England has just been introduced. The Mobile Homes Act, passed in May 2013, aims to stop park owners from interfering with mobile home transactions and purchasing homes themselves at knock-down prices. As mobile home owners do not own the land upon which their property sits, they had previously been vulnerable to unscrupulous or unfair practices by park owners but ministers insists that this new Act will no longer be able to block sales.
Patterson comments,
“The new Mobile Home Act 2013 can only be a positive step forward for mobile home owners. For too long park home residents have been at the mercy of park owners but now, as numbers grow, their voices are being heard with this new government Act offering much needed legal protection.”
On the market: 3 bedroom mobile home, Preston – £85,000
My Online Estate Agent is delighted to present this lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom mobile home located in Preston. The spacious property comprises master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, two further double bedrooms, family bathroom, shower room, new kitchen and living room as well as new carpeting throughout, large decked area, private parking for up to four vehicles and storage shed.
For more information please contact My Online Estate Agent on 0845 257 1101 or visit MyOnlineEstateAgent.com 

As Italy teeters on the brink of economic recovery, holiday home buyers race to snap up bargains while they still can

by Georgina Italy

Italy has unquestionably experienced painful economic times during the last few years, suffering the longest recession that the country has known since World War II. However, a range of signs have recently pointed to the first tentative steps towards recovery, against a backdrop of the wider Eurozone finally edging out of recession with growth of 0.3% in the three months to June.

  • Industrial orders from abroad jump 9.4% in May (Industry Week)
  • Consumer confidence races ahead of expectations to 97.3 in July (ISTAT)
  • Business confidence leading Europe at 2.9 points in July (Economic Sentiment Indicator)

Although the Italian economy continued to contract during the second quarter of 2013, it shrank less than analysts were expecting, with gross domestic product falling just 0.2% from the previous quarter. Industrial production has seen growing upward momentum, with Industry Week reporting that orders have risen three months in a row, including an impressive 3.2% jump in May compared with the previous month. Industrial orders from abroad have risen most sharply, up 9.4% in May when compared with the previous year and 4% month-to-month. The shift backs EU data from June, when the Eurozone survey on manufacturing purchasing manager sentiment signalled a more positive outlook for Italian manufacturing.

Italy’s financial sector is also looking up, with chief executive of the country’s largest bank – UniCredit – observing that Italy is seeing some positive signs. UniCredit’s large corporate clients have begun to look for acquisitions, foreign companies are investing in Italy exports are holding up and deposits are rising, all of which points to the troubled Italian economy beginning to turn around. Ignazio Visco, governor of the Bank of Italy, has also shown cautious optimism.

Politically, the fledgling government is also making progress. In July Premier Enrico Letta’s coalition government won the confidence vote it needed in the Lower House to proceed with its ‘To Do’ decree – a raft of measures to be urgently put into action in order to help revive the economy.

Consumer confidence is increasing as well, and at a faster rate than expected. The headline consumer confidence index from national statistics bureau ISTAT rose to 97.3 in July, well above the 96.0 median forecast in a Reuters survey of analysts. In particular, sentiment regarding the current economic conditions improved significantly.

Business confidence has mirrored consumer confidence, with the Economic Sentiment Indicator showing a rise of 2.9 points in optimism among Italian business from June to July – more than double the Eurozone average (of 1.2 points) and the highest level of the nations surveyed.

These increasingly positive factors are combining to lead foreign investors to look very closely at Italy’s housing market. With the country on the brink of turning around its economic situation, many foreigners are looking to snap up holiday home bargains before Italy emerges from its recession and prices begin to rise again.

After such a long recession, there are certainly some incredible bargains to be had in Italy at the moment. Casa Leopardi, a five bedroom/five bathroom luxury property set in a five acre estate is an excellent example. With its own private pool and grounds that include olive groves, vineyards, a lavender plantation and a truffle orchard, the fractional ownership holiday home is attracting considerable attention, with each fraction costing just £185,000 for five weeks’ exclusive use of the property per year. Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, founder of family-run Appassionata which has renovated the property, comments:

“Many people are viewing now as the perfect time to buy in Italy. With economic recovery on the horizon, house prices are sure to rise, so we are seeing a considerable surge in interest as foreigners look to buy a holiday home here before that happens.”

Returning to a growth state may still be some way off, but with so many positive indications present, it is hard to dispute the fact that Italy seems to be on the brink of a turnaround in its fortunes, causing savvy buyers to act fast while they still have time.

For more information contact Appassionata on 0039 073 465 8775, visit www.appassionata.com or take a video tour of Casa Leopardi.

Economic growth boosts investor confidence and surge in French property buyers

by Georgina France

According to the national statistics agency, (INSEE) France’s economy expanded 0.5% during Q2 2013, pulling out of a shallow recession to post its strongest quarterly growth since early 2011.

This positive economic growth has translated into the nation’s property market as an enviable combination of relative price stability and readily available mortgage finance (unlike in the UK) makes French property an attractive proposition for investors who are focussed on return as well as lifestyle.

  • France’s economy grew 0.5% in Q2 2013 (INSEE )
  • Foreign investors made up 37% of all investments in France H1 2013 (INSEE)
  • France’s first gay active living village reports enquiry surge in first few weeks of launching

Foreign investors made up 37% of the volume invested in France throughout H1 2013 report INSEE, confirming their continued appetite for the French market.

Danny Silver, Founding Partner of The Villages Group Rainbow, France’s first gay active living village nestled in the heart of the South Westerly region of Languedoc comments,

“Here at The Villages Group Rainbow we have experienced an overwhelming number of enquiries from across the globe since launching the new project just a few weeks ago with over 10,000 hits on the website – a significant increase in demand compared to last year.

“The overall improvement of the French economy is great news for us here at The Villages, boosting property investor confidence and bringing with it a positive outlook for H2 2013 and beyond.”

Indeed, in addition to investors and second home buyers, France is once again becoming a relocation destination due to low interest rates, easy access from the UK, better weather and quality of life.

One previously marginalised group in particular, the LGBT community, has tapped into the joie de vivre and increasing accepting attitudes towards the “gay and grey” available in France with buyers keen to snap up one of the one level, eco-friendly villas at the new The Villages Group – Rainbow development.

The Villages Group –Rainbow will comprise 107 such villas with full 24-7 hotel concierge services located on the banks of the Canal du Midi in South West France. With active living foremost in mind, the range of on-site amenities includes tennis courts, indoor pool, gymnasium and quality entertainment and cultural programmes.

For more information please contact The Villages Group Rainbow on + 33 1 4007 8625, email villages@pdfparis.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com/rainbow.

First Gay-LGBT “Active Lifestyle” Retirement Village in France welcomes inaugural US investors

by Georgina France

For many years now the world’s top tourism destination, France, which attracted a staggering 83 million people in 2012, more than its own resident population, has also been the top vacation choice for US citizens travelling overseas.

 

From the romance of Paris to the rolling hills of the wine regions, the gastronomic delights, the rich culture and glitz and glamour of the French Riviera, France has it all with many in their Third Age now turning that dream vacation into daily life by retiring to this European nation.
Indeed AARP The Magazine ranked France one of the best places to retire in the world with the Mediterranean seaside region of Languedoc-Roussillon particularly noted due to its “arts and culture, medieval towns and castles”.
And it is in this region, just a 3 hour high-speed train journey from Paris which boasts numerous direct air connections to various cities across the US, where a previously maligned group, the LGBT community, can retire with pride at The Villages Group – Rainbow.
For the first time the “gay and gray” retirement community model, which has proved popular in Florida, has been replicated outside the US offering the growing LGBT baby boomer generation a safe environment to live out their golden years openly gay.
Danny Silver, Founding Partner of The Villages Group, which specializes in properties for those seeking retirement homes with an active lifestyle, comments,
“Our rural French haven, The Villages Group – Rainbow, offers LGTB individuals from the US the opportunity to live an active life together with like-minded people in France for the first time.
“It is due to demand from this growing community that we have launched this new Village; indeed other European developers have explored the new potential niche market however one proposal after another has died on the vine. But I am delighted to say that here at The Villages Group – Rainbow we have the green light to commence construction and the properties will be ready for occupation by early 2015.”
And with up to 3 million LGBT adults in the US over 50 years of age, interest is expected to be high. In fact Danny and his team have already welcomed investors from the US keen to snap up one of the 107 eco villas with full concierge services which occupy the 7 hectare gated site in south west France.
Media interest in this pioneering project is also vast with the Huffington Post announcing that “Gay retirees in France will now have an entire village to call home” and one local resident commenting to the Global Post that “…for village business, it can only be a good thing.”
For more information on retiring to France and the first gay retirement community, The Villages Group – Rainbow contact Danny and his team on +33 1 4007 8625, email info@thevillagesgroup.com or visit http://www.thevillagesgroup.com/rainbow.

A sunny outlook for Spain? Signs of market recovery begin to show as asking prices increase & Taylor Wimpey España records increase in sales across Spain

by Georgina Spain

The Bank of Spain recently estimated that the Spanish economy contracted by just 0.1% in the second quarter of 2013, down from 0.5% in the previous quarter, raising hopes that a return to growth is imminent.

  • Spanish economy contracted by just 0.1% in Q2 2013 (Bank of Spain)
  • Average property asking prices across Spain increased in last year (Kyero.com)
  • Taylor Wimpey España reports great increase in sales across Spain to date in 2013 
 Indeed, according to leading Spanish property portal Kyero.com, the average asking price for homes across Spain has seen an increase of over €7,000 in the last year up from €245,200 last June to €252,500 in June 2013, indicating the return of confidence in the Spanish property market and good news for those looking to make that dream home in the sun a reality.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager for Taylor Wimpey España comments,
“In contrast to the economy, demand for second homes in Spain has definitely not waned. Properties in prime locations are readily available to potential buyers due to price corrections and, considering the unfaltering love for Spain as a holiday destination and retirement hotspot; Spanish property owners will still be able to obtain a solid return on a relatively low-cost investment.
“For anyone dubious about how the market is performing, here at Taylor Wimpey de España, the only developer building and selling new developments in Mallorca, we have experienced great success with a significant increase this year on the ‘Golden Isle’ in comparison with 2012. These positive results highlight that in spite of what is going on in Spain right now, buyer interest still remains high.”
For savvy property hunters looking to take advantage of Spain’s unbeatable prices, Taylor Wimpey de España have some excellent properties on offer with an all-important 10 year warranty, not available on older or existing properties in Spain – so what are you waiting for?
Los Altos del Golf in Andratx is a fabulous choice, nestled in the heart of a golf course close to the glistening Mallorcan coast. Phase III consists of eleven large semi-detached 2 and 3 bedroom houses and the high quality development is only 800 meters from the famous Camp de Mar beach. Designed in the style of a small Mediterranean village with coloured façades, verandas, spacious terraces, gardens and 3 communal swimming pools, these properties are priced from €515,000.
Or why not take a look at the new Aires de Pollensa development located in the residential area of Gotmar, Mallorca, where you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, only 5 minutes walking distance from the beach and promenade which offers a wide range of restaurants, bars and supermarkets.
This luxurious modern three storey development has nine 2 and 3 bedroom apartments in a gated community. The ground floor apartments provide spacious terraces and luscious private garden while first floor apartments have equally generous-sized terraces. The stunning penthouses boast private roof terraces with private access from the apartment and the complex also offers convenient underground parking spaces, a dazzling communal swimming pool and elegant garden.
Prices start from €275,000. For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com.  If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call +34 971 70 69 72