France’s FIRST gay active living village for over 50s gets the green light

by Georgina France

The gay community are the newest group to fuel the booming retirement housing market, which already offers developments catering to art enthusiasts, musicians, military veterans and university alumni.

•Over 1.2 million gay and lesbian adults aged over 55 in UK (Stonewall)
•Rise in demand for “gay and gray” housing projects
•The Villages Group – Rainbow is the first gay active living community for over 50s in France 

According to research by Stonewall, the UK lesbian, gay and bisexual charity, there are currently between 871,045  and 1,219,470 gay and lesbian adults aged over 55 in the UK, roughly the population of Birmingham.
But it´s more than a matter of numbers. Gay baby boomers are the first generation to come of age after the gay rights movements in the 1970s and with the gay marriage law recently passed in both England, Wales and across the channel in neighbouring France, many in the LGBT community have felt more open about their sexual orientation than previous generations.
Indeed, over the last decade, as attitudes have relaxed and more people live openly gay, there has been a wave of housing projects popping up across the globe to serve the “gay and gray” population but the idea of building such communities in Europe hadn´t progressed much beyond talk until now.
The Villages Group – Rainbow, a 7 hectare gated community of affordable one level eco-friendly/energy efficient “village-houses” with concierge services nestled in the heart of the Languedoc region of South West France, has been given the green light and will be the first active living community for over 50s from the lesbian and gay community.
Danny Silver, Founding Partner of The Villages Group, which specialises in properties for those seeking retirement homes with an active lifestyle, comments,
“Our rural French haven, The Villages Group – Rainbow, offers LGTB individuals over 50 years old, 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.”
Silver continues, “The great weather, French gastronomy and picturesque location provide perfect reasons to spend your latter years here across the Channel, coupled with increasing tolerance towards the gay community and the legalisation of gay marriage, The Villages Group – Rainbow offers the perfect opportunity to live out your days with pride.”
Attitudes are changing fast in France and it was in fact only earlier this year in May that gay marriage was legalised with the first gay couple marrying in June near the town of Montpellier, the capital of Languedoc-Roussillon and also known as the “French San Francisco” for its gay-friendly outlook.
For more information about retiring at with pride at The Villages Group – Rainbow, call +33 1 4007 8625, email info@thevillagesgroup.com or visit http://www.thevillagesgroup.com/rainbow/

“You asked and we built it!” Taylor Wimpey España generates record sales by listening to buyers’ needs

by Georgina Spain

Spain continues to draw British buyers seeking a new life or a bolthole in the sun like nowhere else.  Properties on the Costa Blanca, as well as homes on the Costa del Sol and Mallorca remain popular destinations but in terms of the actual bricks and mortar, what do buyers want?

• 31% of H1 2013 enquiries for property in Alicante, Costa Blanca (Kyero.com)
• 46% of people look for Spanish properties priced from €50 – €150k (Kyero.com)
• Taylor Wimpey España experienced increase of sales from 97 units in 2012 to 174 units in 2013 with £37 million of sales secured
Leading Spanish property portal, Kyero.com’s latest analysis of enquiries to the site reveals some insightful trends as to what buyers want. The provinces of Alicante, Malaga and Mallorca accounted for the majority of enquiries during H1 2013 with 46% seeking properties priced between €50,000 and €150,000.
Further analysis shows that across Spain, 40% of enquiries made were for apartments whilst 33% desired a 3 bedroom property. Meanwhile, unsurprisingly over half of enquiries (55%) requested a swimming pool.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager at Taylor Wimpey España comments,
“The H1 2013 Kyero report provides an interesting insight into what buyers want from Spanish property today. We at Taylor Wimpey España has seen first-hand how buyer’s desires have changed pre and post-recession and how important it is to adapt our offering to meet market demands.”
Pritchard continues,
“The findings show that by province, Alicante remains the preferred location for foreign property hunters accounting for nearly 31% of enquiries according to Kyero.com. We too have seen this geographical demand hence has focused on delivering the second phase of our ever popular Lagunas del Sol development in Cuidad Quesada with properties from only €140,880 and the off-plan 2 and 3 bedroom apartments with swimming pool of La Vila Paradis in Villajoyosa, just 20 minutes from Alicante town from €249.000.”
And it just this attention to detail and acutely listening to buyer demands that has been of benefit to Taylor Wimpey España who have seen sales increase from 97 units in 2012 to 174 units in 2013 with £37 million of sales secured.
For more information regarding Spanish property 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.

Editors notes
This development is a residential complex set in a beautiful rural area and located close to the heart of Ciudad Quesada in the Costa Blanca. The development is made up of townhouses designed in a natural setting and very close to the beautiful beaches that this area is famous for.
The properties have been built on two floors with 3 bedrooms, a garden and private parking. All the houses have been built to excellent specifications and enjoy outstanding views towards the swimming pools and gardens.
The brand new La Vila Paradis apartments enjoy a stunning location on the beachfront in Villajoyosa, a picturesque Spanish fishing town, world renowned for its delicious chocolate!
These unique apartments of 2 or 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, are built to the highest specification and enjoy beautiful views over the Paraíso Beach, the Mediterranean Sea, the pool and private gardens of the development all from 249.000€
For more information about investing in a beautiful Spanish property, contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit  www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information.  If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call +34 971 70 69 72.

Top 10 tips for exploring Le Marche

by Georgina Italy

Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs and her family moved from the UK to Italy in 2007, to found their luxury fractional ownership business, Appassionata. They chose to settle in the central region of Le Marche, within easy reach of both the magnificent Sibillini Mountains and the glittering Adriatic Sea.

With ancient buildings, world-class cuisine and soaring summer temperatures, Le Marche is fast becoming a popular Italian holiday destination, with the Guardian recently describing it as ‘a gorgeous and affordable region to explore.’ As someone who is familiar with the hidden gems of the area, as well as its obvious treasures, Dawn shares her top ten tips for getting the most out of the region.

        1.       A trip into the mountains is a must. In the summer months the views are incredible and in the winter, skiing and snowboarding are available in the Sibillini National Park for those of a more active nature.

        2.       The medieval hilltop town of Montefiore dell’Aso is a key place to visit for anyone wanting to experience the true essence of ancient Italy. The Portale Della Pinnova and the Church of St Francis, with its 14th century frescoes and beautiful cloisters, are essential viewing.

        3.       Food festivals abound in Le Marche throughout the summer months and it would be a crime to visit the area without participating in one. The Cupramontana grape festival in the heart of Verdicchio wine country in September is always good fun.

        4.       Tracking down and visiting the local artisans in whichever part of Le Marche you are in should definitely be a priority. One of my favourite local artisan’s makes beautiful woven leather handbags, working from a tiny workshop alongside his elderly parents. Seeking out local artisans ensures you will source some beautiful and unique products and see the best that Italian craftsmanship has to offer.

        5.       Horse riding in Le Marche is a great way to enjoy the stunning countryside. I’m lucky enough to have my own horses, but for those just visiting the area there are a number of ranches and riding schools where horses can be hired. For those who prefer an engine power, quad biking is also very popular.

        6.       If the weather is unkind, a trip to the Grotte di Frasassi is the perfect rainy day activity. It’s Italy’s largest cave complex and features Europe’s biggest single cavern – the Grotta Grande del Vento. The tour prices are very reasonable and there are some amazing stalagmites and stalactites to be seen.

        7.       For those looking to enjoy some of Italy’s famous tastes, wine and olive oil tours and tasting sessions are held regularly. The Azienda Agricola Mognon winery tour in Castel Colonna includes a generous number of tastings, as well as a trip to the nearby olive oil producer Frantoio Montedoro. Of course at Appassionata our fractional owners are able to share in the wine and olive oil produced on our own estate!

       8.       Attending the Macerata open-air festival during the summer months is essential for all opera lovers. The amphitheatre is spectacular and listening to the famous arias surrounded by candlelight, with the stars overhead, is a truly magical experience.

       9.       Of course no trip to Le Marche would be complete without sampling the traditional dishes of Le Marche. The nearby town of Pedaso is the mussel capital of Italy, locally made salami’s and cheese’s, organic fruit and vegetables are the highlight of Le Marche’s cuisine. I love long evening meals spent at Re Squarchiò in Petritoli, with views of the town’s 15th century arches.

      10.   Finally, visiting one of Le Marche’s 29 Blue Flag beaches is a great way to relax and bask in the sun. Pedaso, Cupra Marittima and Grottamare are three of my particular favourites.

For the owners of Appassionata’s Casa Giacomo and Casa Leopardi, all this and more is opened up to them for five weeks of every year, when they stay in their luxurious Italian second home near Montefiore dell’Aso. Although Casa Giacomo is fully sold, a couple of fractions of Casa Leopardi are still available, for the special price of £185,000. Those looking to explore Le Marche in the near future can also take advantage of Appassionata’s offer of two years of free maintenance fees (worth over £7,500) for purchases completed before September 2013.

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

Come fly with me…Tourism figures soar as airlines announce new flights to the Spanish sunshine

by Georgina Spain

Spanish tourism has been given a further boost ahead of the Autumn/Winter season after a number of European airlines have added extra routes to the country.

This week Ryanair announced their 2013-14 winter schedule adding 88 new routes including Bournemouth to Alicante & Malaga and Manchester to Palma, creating their biggest ever winter schedule and ensuring that UK passengers will be able to enjoy Spanish sunshine destinations all year round.


• Ryanair launches new routes from UK to Alicante, Malaga and Palma

• Turkish Airlines, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Vueling & Austrian Airlines announce / resume extra flights this year

• Tourist spend up 7.5% from Jan – April 2013 (Spanish Ministry of Industry, Energy & Tourism)

However, they are not the only carrier which has increased the amount of flights to Spain with Turkish Airlines, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Vueling and Austrian Airlines all announcing or resuming flight links this year.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager for leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España comments,

“There’s little doubt that the increased choice and frequency of flights from regional airports both in the UK and Europe to destinations across Spain will be of benefits to second home owners.

“The introduction of new flights and steady increase in visitor numbers, coupled with our extremely positive sales figures this year, serve as a stark reminder that despite the economic situation in Spain, the country remains as popular a holiday and second home destination as ever.”

Indeed, figures published by the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Energy & Tourism revealed that the tourism industry has already got off to a positive start in 2013 with the period January – April seeing a 7.5% increase in tourists spend  compared with the same period in 2012.

So, now that you’ve got your flight to the sunshine booked, what can you get with your money in Spain to make your stay more permanent, and where?

Why not take a look at Taylor Wimpey Espana’s affordable Lagunas del Sol properties nestled in the heart of the Costa Blanca, located in Ciudad Quesada province of Alicante. These homes have been built on two floors with 3 bedrooms, a garden and private parking. Costing from just €140,880 all the properties have been built to excellent specifications and enjoy outstanding views towards the swimming pools and gardens.

Or for those looking for the exclusivity of Marbella, the brand new La Floresta Sur development near the village of Elviria and its beach, very close to Malaga, has it all.  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 are available now from €178,000.

Designed in a typical Mediterranean style, the 2 & 3 bed apartments have large terraces on which to enjoy the beautiful views, two large communal swimming pools, landscaped gardens and external private parking. With a very good road network nearby, all owners at La Floresta Sur will have easy access to the beach at Elviria and to the superb golf courses of Santa Maria and La Cala Golf Club.

Last but definitely not least, with more and more flights landing on the golden Balearic isle of Mallorca, Taylor Wimpey España are proud to present their newest frontline development Costa Beach.

Designed to reflect the natural beauty of the surrounding area and built to the highest specification with designer fixtures and fittings, air conditioning, double glazing, security doors and private underground parking, Costa Beach presents a rare opportunity to own a frontline property in Mallorca from as little as €220,000.

With spacious terraces surrounding sumptuous landscaped gardens as well as a large communal swimming pool and wonderful sunbathing area for all owners to enjoy, Costa Beach is one development not to be missed so for more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information.  If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call +34 971 70 69 72.

11% increase in Alicante airport passengers reflect high demand for the Costa ‘booming’ Blanca

by Georgina Spain

Time and time again, the Costa Blanca proves to be a top destination for those visiting Spain with its mountainous interior, miles of golden sandy beaches and subtropical climate it’s no wonder it remains a top region for those wishing to purchase a holiday home in the sun.

•Alicante’s El Altet airport records 11% increase in passengers in June 2013 (AENA)
•Passenger numbers to Alicante in H1 2013 exceeded 4,250,000
•Entire airport network recorded 17 million passengers across Spain in May 2013
If the figures from Spanish Airports and Air Navigation (AENA) are anything to go by, Alicante could be a safe bet for those with their eye on the Spanish property market. In June, the regional airport recorded an 11% increase in passenger numbers with just shy of 1 million passengers traveling through El Altet airport, up from 826,248 in May 2013.
Looking back across 2013 to date, airport passenger numbers exceeded 4,250,000 in H1 representing a growth of 6.9% on the same period last year. And Spain as a whole is also enjoying higher visitor numbers with the entire airport network recording around 17 million passengers throughout the month of May alone – a rise of 1.9% year-on-year.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager for Taylor Wimpey España comments,
“With tourism numbers rising and property prices low, there is no surprise that overseas buyers are continuing to flock to Spain. The Costa Blanca in particular is experiencing a revival through foreign purchases of property with numerous nationalities choosing this fantastic region to have a permanent residence in the Spanish sunshine.”
Indeed as far as passenger numbers by nationality are concerned, AENA has reported that the UK led the way with 474,145 passengers flocking through Alicante’s airport, however countries which saw the largest growth during the month of June were Denmark with 90%, Russia with a 43% increase and Norway and Sweden which saw passenger numbers grow by a marked 40%.
Pritchard continues,
“Here at Taylor Wimpey España, in line with growing passenger numbers, we have experienced a huge increase of second home buyers from Scandinavia and Russia. The increase in sales just proves that demand for Spanish real estate shows little sign of abating anytime soon, with non-residents of the country dramatically increasing their market share month by month.”
For those thinking about making a Spanish property purchase this summer on the booming Costa Blanca, why not take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has to offer.
Lagunas del Sol, a key ready residential complex set in a beautiful rural area and located close to the heart of Ciudad Quesada, is made up of townhouses designed in a natural setting and very close to the beautiful beaches that this area is famous for.
The properties have been built on two floors with 3 bedrooms, a garden, private parking and outstanding views towards the swimming pools and gardens available now from €140,880.
The Calpesol residential complex in Calpe perfectly matches buyer’s needs. Comprised of stunning houses with gardens, this development affords communal swimming pools and three bedroom and two bathroom properties with roofed sun terraces and private parking from just €160,000.
Another beautiful bolt hole in the sun that could be yours is a private 3 bedroom townhouse in the relaxing residential complex of Las Brisas de Alenda, located in the peaceful area adjacent to the Alenda Golf Course while the wonderful beaches of the Costa Blanca are just a 15 minute drive away. The Brisas de Alenda Golf complex has generous private gardens, a communal swimming pool and a club house as well as a gym, bar and restaurant costing from just €159,999
For more information about investing in a beautiful Spanish property, contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit  www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information.  If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call +34 971 70 69 72.

From multi-generational living to running a multi-generation family business – one family does it all!

by Georgina Italy

Across the globe, multi-generational living is on the increase. Classed as more than two generations of a family living in the same household, multi-generational living is a common practice in many countries but in the western it saw a steep decline after the end of World War II, when newly affluent youngsters began to take advantage of mortgages and fly the nest earlier. Now, however, the tough economic climate is leading to a swift return to the traditional, multi-generational home.

  • 30% increase in UK multi-generational households in past decade (ONS)
  • 10.5% increase in US multi-generational households from 2007-2009 (Pew Research Center)
  • 73% of Italian men aged 18-34 lived in their parents´ home in 2007 (K Newman)

In the US, according to the Pew Research Center, some 28 million Americans (12% of the population) lived in multi-generational households in 1980. By 2008 the figure had risen to 49 million, or 16% of the population. 2009 saw it jump further – to 51 million – a staggering increase of 10.5% from the 2007 figure.

The UK figures mirror those in the US. According to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the number of multi-generational UK households has risen 30% in the last decade. Research from the Intergenerational Foundation think tank has found that 500,000 households in the UK now contain three or more generations of family, with the figure expected to rise to 556,000 by 2019.

Across Europe, particularly in countries with less strong welfare state systems, families are stepping in to act as a buffer between their children and the forces of the global market. Katherine Newman, dean of the school of arts and sciences at Johns Hopkins University and author of “The Accordian Family: Boomerang Kids, Anxious Parents and the Private Toll of Global Competition,” observed a recent surge in the number of young adults staying with their family well into their late 20s and early 30s. Using Italy as an example, Newman found that 73% of Italian males aged 18-34 lived in their parent’s home in 2007. Of those, 37% were aged 30-34.

Having lived in the US, UK and Italy during the past two decades, Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs and husband Michael Hobbs have observed the benefits multi-generational living in all three countries. Now settled in Italy’s Le Marche region, Dawn and Michael live with their son Sebastian, while their daughter India, son-in-law Charlie and grandson Lucas live just around the corner. Dawn comments,

“The global economic situation has led to many more families choosing to live together to support each other. The social benefits are wonderful as well. While we don’t live in the same household as our grandson, we are only a few doors away, meaning we get to spend a wonderful amount of quality time with him. It’s also great for India and Charlie, as we can babysit Lucas whenever they need.”

Although they no longer live in the same household, Dawn and Michael have founded a multi-generational business with their family. Their company – Appassionata – runs two fractional ownership properties on the idyllic Estate Giacomo Leopardi in Le Marche. India and Charlie help Dawn and Michael manage the business, while grandson Lucas loves nothing more than to help with harvesting the produce from the estate’s vineyards, olive groves, lavender plantation and truffle orchard. India explains,

“Running a family business with three generations involved is a wonderful endeavour. It’s great to work together with the people you love to build something for the future. For Appassionata, it’s also lovely to see several generations of our owners’ family coming out to Italy to enjoy their holidays together.”

Casa Leopardi – the only one of Appassionata’s two houses with fractions still available – is a five bedroom/five bathroom renovated farmhouse set across three floors and with its own pool. Owners enjoy five weeks’ exclusive use of the house every year, along with a share in the estate’s produce. Five-year-old grandson Lucas has his own thoughts on the family’s multi-generational Italian enterprise,

“I like the sun and the flowers and the olives, but the olives are my best!”

A few fractions of Casa Leopardi are still available for purchase, for the special price of £185,000. Any purchases completed before September 2013 will also benefit from the promotional offer of two years’ free maintenance fees, worth over £7,500.

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

Get more bang for your buck with Taylor Wimpey España’s luxurious yet affordable properties in the Spanish sunshine!

by Georgina Spain

According to new figures from Rightmove, average UK house prices have exceeded £250,000 for the first time signalling a much welcomed pickup in the market. With an increase in average house prices of 1.2% over the past month alone, buying a home in the UK will now cost on average £252,796.

 •UK average house prices exceed £250,000 for the first time (Rightmove)

•Average asking price of Spanish property hits £216,792 (Kyero)
As well as bolstering overall market sentiment, this news may come as reassurance for existing homeowners looking to cash in and move to sunnier climes, escaping the hustle and bustle (and rain!) for a more subdued, sun soaked Mediterranean lifestyle.
Indeed, for home-buyers looking for a place in the sun, most will find that their money stretches a long way in Spain, one of the UKs top holiday home destinations, where three-bedroom townhouses in established areas of the Costa Blanca are realistically available from just €160,000, thousands under the average asking price for a similar property in the UK.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager for leading Spanish house builder Taylor Wimpey España comments,
““Although the Spanish housing market continues to be challenging, our cautious acquisition of new outlets in outstanding locations, where clear value can be demonstrated, has led to a significant increase in sales in H1, and is anticipated to contribute positively to 2014 performance. We completed 27 homes in Spain during the first half of 2013 (H1 2012: 13) at an average selling price of €215.8k (H1 2012: €212.9k).
“For many of our buyers it’s a lifestyle choice and they’re attracted by the climate, amenities and culture. It also helps that Spain offers luxurious yet affordable properties with cheap and easy access from the UK. The country that I have lived in and loved for 20 years ticks a great many boxes that Britain simply doesn’t. Here at Taylor Wimpey España we are able to provide the discerning buyer with prices, properties and a stress free Spanish life they cannot refuse.”
You can certainly get more bang for your buck in the Spanish sunshine. According to Spanish property portal Kyero.com’s latest House Price Index (July 2013), the national average asking price across Spain is €253.000 (£216,792) considerably lower than on UK shores with many properties being sold at bargain prices.
With premium frontline locations surrounded by crystal clear turquoise waters and miles of white sandy beaches, coupled with year round sunshine and gastronomic delights that the country is famed for, there is so much more to take advantage of for a snip of the price of the British equivalent.
From just €249,000 check out the brand new La Vila Paradis apartments which enjoy a stunning location on the beachfront in Villajoyosa, a picturesque Spanish fishing town on the Costa Blanca world renowned for its delicious chocolate!
These unique apartments of 2 or 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, are built to the highest specification and enjoy beautiful views over the Paraíso Beach, the Mediterranean Sea, the pool and private gardens of the development.

Or for those looking for a bargain that you would be hard pushed to find back in the UK, why not take a look at Lagunas del Sol at just €140,880. This development is a residential complex set in a beautiful rural area and located close to the heart of Ciudad Quesada in the Costa Blanca. The development is made up of townhouses designed in a natural setting and very close to the beautiful beaches that this area is famous for.

The properties have been built on two floors with 3 bedrooms, a garden and private parking. All the houses have been built to excellent specifications and enjoy outstanding views towards the swimming pools and gardens.
For more information about investing in a beautiful Spanish property, contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information.  If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call +34 971 70 69 72.

From British holidaymakers to Asian tycoons, Italy has something to offer everyone

by Georgina Italy

British tourists have long been fans of beach holidays, whether at home or abroad. The second edition of TravelSupermarket´s Travel Trends Tracker confirmed the fact, with survey respondents classing the beach as their top holiday destination for 2013 (27% of votes). The months of June, July and August were the most popular for holidays planned in 2013, with 42% of respondents intending to take their holidays then – presumably due to the combination of better weather and school summer holidays.

  • Almost 38 million tourists visited Italy in 2011 (World Tourism Organization)
  • Italy has over 6% of the world’s Blue Flag beaches (FEE)
  • Chinese visitors to Italy nearly doubled in just 3 years (World Tourism Organization)

For those holidaying outside of the UK, Italy remains high on the list of popular countries, receiving just under 38 million visitors in 2011, according to World Tourism Organization’s latest Yearbook of Tourism Statistics. The World Bank has confirmed the country’s popularity, ranking it the world’s fifth most popular tourist destination.

So what is it that Italy has that enables it to capture the hearts of so many? It is perhaps easier to ask what it doesn’t have! Gourmet cuisine and world-class wines, incredible scenery and breath-taking buildings loaded with history, hot weather and safe, clean beaches – Italy has it all!

Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, British founder of fractional ownership company Appassionata, who moved to Italy with her family in 2007, explains the country’s draw,

“There’s just something about Italy that delights the senses. The sights, the sounds, the scents… this country has so much to offer. My family and I have settled in Le Marche, nestled between the Sibillini Mountains and the Adriatic Sea. The beaches near us are incredible – within just 10 km we have Pedaso, Cupra Marittima and Grottamare, all of which are Blue Flag beaches, so perfect for days out with the family.”

The Blue Flag is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to beaches which meet strict criteria in relation to safety, water quality, environmental management and other factors. The Le Marche region has an impressive total of 29 Blue Flags, out of 248 in total across Italy. But, as Dawn comments, it’s not just the beach that attracts visitors to Italy,

“Spending time outdoors in the sunshine, engaging in healthy and fulfilling activities, is such a key part of Italian life. At Appassionata we have built this traditional lifestyle into the design of properties, to enable our owners to get the most out of their holidays here.”

Casa Giacomo and Casa Leopardi, the two dream homes that Dawn’s family have renovated, are set in five acres of land, which features olive groves, a lavender plantation, a truffle orchard and a 48 row vineyard. Owners – who have exclusive use of their chosen property for five weeks of every year – share in the estate’s organic produce and are welcomed to join in the seasonal activities related to nurturing and harvesting the crops. The vineyard, once mature, should produce around 5,000 bottles of wine per year, which will be shared between just 20 owners.

It is the availability of properties with vineyards – and the produce thereof – which has led to an interesting trend in Italy’s tourism figures. Based on the World Tourism Organization’s latest Yearbook of Tourism Statistics, Chinese visitors to Italy have increased dramatically in recent years, from just under 700,000 in 2009 to almost 1.3 million in 2011.

The steep rise may well be linked to the growing fondness across China and Hong Kong for overseas homes with vineyards, which has this year led auction house Christie’s to launch Vineyards by Christie’s International Real Estate specifically for the Asian market. The service combines Christie’s real estate and fine wines divisions in the first offering of its kind.

So from Chinese tycoons investing in vineyards to British families snatching a few weeks in the sun, it seems as if Italy has something for everyone – it is a country truly deserving of its reputation as one of the most popular places on the planet.

Appassionata currently has a few fractions available for purchase in the five bedroom/five bathroom Casa Leopardi, for the special price of just £185,000. Any purchases completed before September 2013 will benefit from the additional offer of two years’ free maintenance fees – a discount of over £7,500.

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

Spanish second home market enters new era as Taylor Wimpey España records 1400% increase in Middle Eastern buyers

by Georgina Spain

First it was the Brits, proudly displaying their Yuppie wealth with an ‘exotic’ holiday home in Spain, and then followed the North Europeans, the Germans and Scandinavians, snapping up second properties along the Costas.

•1400% y-o-y increase in Middle Eastern buyers (Taylor Wimpey España)

•Marbella in particular turning the heads of high net worth individuals 

•New residency law set to increase number of Middle Eastern buyers 

After the fall of communism, the oligarchs and Russian business elite focused their real estate attentions on the playground of Europe, the Costa del Sol but now the land of sun, sea, sand and sangria is luring buyers from further afield, the Middle East to be specific.
And they are coming in their droves with leading Spanish house builder, Taylor Wimpey España recording a massive 1400% year-on-year increase (Jan–May 2013 vs Jan-May 2012) in Middle Eastern buyers with the glamorous Costa del Sol once again proving the most popular area in which to own a second home.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager at Taylor Wimpey España comments,
“For the past 50 years, we at Taylor Wimpey España have primarily been selling high quality second homes across Spain to Europeans with the British, Germans and Scandinavians the biggest buyers. Things are changing though and fast. Over the last year we have sold properties to buyers from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan as well as Morocco in North Africa.
“In terms of location, by far the most sought after area is the Costa del Sol. Known globally as a European hotspot for glitz and glamour, it’s still the place to be seen for many and has become a real magnate for savvy Middle Eastern investors.”
The resort town of Marbella in particular, has always operated on a different plane to the rest of Spain. From the exclusive nightclubs of Puerto Banús to the Saudi Royal Family’s replica of the White House, wealthy Middle Eastern investors have been melding Marbella in their own image for years.
Indeed, Middle Eastern buyer numbers are set to increase as the new ‘golden visa’ (set to come into effect next year) will enable non-EU nationals who invest more than €500,000 to get the highly sought after automatic right to residency in the country.
Mr Pritchard continues,
“The sale of Spanish properties to Middle Eastern buyers who are able to obtain residency could bring in untold additional revenue to the country. Our neighbours in Portugal have seen a genuine lift in the property market thanks to the government initiative and we expect areas like Marbella, ideal for high end buyers, to profit from the added migration.”
So what are Middle Eastern nationals buying in the Spanish sun? Below are two developments located on the Costa del Sol from Taylor Wimpey España which have proved remarkably popular:
La Floresta Sur is a new residential development located near the charming village of Elviria and its golden beach, very close to Marbella and Malaga. Designed in a typical Mediterranean style, the apartments costing from just €178,000, have large terraces on which to enjoy the beautiful views, two large communal swimming pools, landscaped gardens and external private parking. With a very good road network nearby, all owners at La Floresta de la Mairena have easy access to the beach at Elviria and to the superb golf courses of Santa Maria and La Cala Golf Club.
Another equally desirable development nestled in the heart of the Costa del Sol is Avalon, situated in one of the best areas of Marbella, the prestigious Los Arqueros golf course and 20 minutes from Estepona. The residential complex of luxury apartments and penthouses boasts a natural charm with stunning sea and golf views, wide streets, communal swimming pool and beautiful gardens.  These properties are available now from €250,000.
For more information about investing in a beautiful Spanish property, contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information.  If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call +34 971 70 69 72.

Live for less in the Languedoc as regular pension income expected to fall by 38.95% in the UK

by Georgina France

New analysis from Partnership, one of the UK´s enhanced annuity providers, has revealed that when a person retires they can expect their regular income to fall by a significant 38.95% suggesting that those relying primarily on their pension to fund their lifestyle are likely to suffer a nasty shock when they retire so it is imperative that people have back up plans ahead of retirement.

• Pension income expected to fall by 38.95% in the UK (Partnership)

• Cost of living in France 25% cheaper than UK

• Life at Le Village, Canal du Midi, costs just £30 per week for maintenance and all activities (The Villages Group) 

One way to get more for your money is to retire to a country where the cost of living is genuinely lower, and the good news is, living in France really costs less than living in the UK.  So, if you want to live the same life for less, France could just be the perfect place for you.
Danny Silver, Managing Partner of The Villages Group, an English-speaking active living community for over 50’s nestled in the heart of the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France comments,
“While people in retirement are likely to have fewer outgoings, it is still hard to imagine that anyone would not feel the pinch if they lost over a third of their income overnight.  Even if their pension is topped up by savings and investments or part-time work, it is still likely to be quite a shock.
“This is where living at “Le Village–Canal du Midi” would benefit any retirees looking for a way to enjoy their golden years without money worries. For just £30 a week per person for all management, maintenance and all on-site activities, you can live in the heart of the Languedoc-Roussillon region of South West France, where village life is tranquil and a great day out can be had in the seemingly endless countryside with many a fete, art exhibition or concert in the summer months which will cost you precisely nothing!”
When it comes to the day-to-day cost of living in France, it’s a well-known fact that food and wine can be bought so much cheaper than in the UK.  When shoppers make use of locally grown produce and shop at individual suppliers and markets, the euros go far further than the pounds do when we Brits stock up at the weekly Sainsburys or Tesco shop.
But what about taxes and utilities, medical or care bills etc? The continuous list of expenses that push up the cost of living so significantly in the UK?  Well, again the news is in Frances’s favour.
The Languedoc region boasts the world´s best health care (at no cost if you´re a legal resident/investor or an EU visitor) so no need to worry about having a heart attack over the price of cheese ever again, with over 125 doctors close to “Le Village, Canal du Midi” – every ache and pain can be seen to within a few minutes from your door.
In fact “Le Village-Canal du Midi” is a surprisingly affordable place to call home. Danny Silver explains that a couple could live here on 25% less than the living costs of the UK, allowing over 50s living at Le Village to enjoy the gastronomic delights the region has to offer, excellent weather and a full and exciting lifestyle for a lot less!
So what are you waiting for? Take a look at Le Village-Canal du Midi today, the answer to a costly retirement. For more information contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email info@thevillagesgroup.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com.